OPA Newsletter January 1972
New Series No. 21
January 1972
THE OLD PHAROSIANS’
NEWS LETTER
President: R. RUSSELL, Esq.
Secretary :
H. R. Slater, Esq., Meadow Cottage, Beauxfield, Whitfield, Dover
Treasurer:
Rev. W. F. Kemp, The Rectory, Denton, Canterbury.
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
During the last fifty years since leaving the Dover County School for Boys at Frith Road, I have been fortuna:te to live mainly in the Dover area and able to have personal contact with the School from time to time, and 11:0 have news of Old Boys and the School, originally through the Pharos and of more recent years through the News Letter.
The duties of office as President this year have given me more direct contact with the Headmaster, Staff, School and many more Old Boys. As a result of my visits and talks with the Headmaster, we feel there is a great scope for many Old Boys to participate in school extra-curricular activities. The School has various tours, journeys and camps planned, and any Old Boy with the time and interest to assist should contact the School for details. These activities include geographical and biological expeditions, outdoor pursuits and C.C.F. Camps.
Any Old Boy who could visit the School and give a talk on his work or career in Industry, Town Planning, Technology, or even an interesting hobby would be welcomed by the Headmaster, Staff and boys. Contact Mr. Colman at the School.
I deem it a great honour to represent you and to be asked to speak to the Assembly all Guest Evening.
I feel that whatever changes transpire in the Educational field in the future, “Our School” will still uphold the ‘traditions of the past.
R. RUSSELL.
W. E. PEARCE MEMORIAL FUND
The Fund now stands at £229.93 and a list of contributors is given below. It is hoped that further contributions will be received so that the Appeal may reach the target of £1000 and thus provide an income sufficient to make a significant contribution to Project Technology.
Dr. J. W. Menter, R Mercer, B. A Bilby, E. C. Mantle, J. Le Provost, H. C. Newman, F. G. West-Oram, J. C. Booth, H. J. Smith, Sir C. Jarrett, Rev. J. Dilnot, R. Russell, E. R. S. Winter, H. C. Blackford, M. S. Harrow, P. J. McVey, D. Sanders, C. G. Blackford, D. F. Crouch, D. E. Relf, G. Curry, L. R. Phillips, L. R J. Ovenden, Dr. R A Pelham, Dr. E. J. Ewell, Dr. R. G. Thorp, E. W. Bishop, D. C. W. T. Sharp, Brigadier W. M. E. White.
R.C.
WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE?
There is something moving about a School War Memorial, for it underlines the poignant tragedy of war, the wastage of life and the countless tales of human sorrow and personal tragedy.
It is not possible to agree that the young should be kept away from Remembrance Services or that these Services should be allowed to perish as things that have outlived their day. We must all ensure that rising generations are aware of the ageless warning that war is the wound humanity inflicts upon itself.
“At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.”
PARTICIPATION
No man is an island. Not one of us withdraws from his fellow men to live the life of a hermit in a cave or a desert.
We want to have friends so we join clubs or societies. You the reader of these notes, joined the Old Pharosians’ Association and it might be a good idea if you considered why you joined and why you would like the Association to continue.
The main answer must be that you have an interest in your school. You feel grateful for education received, opportunities offered, pleasures remembered. In some cases, son follows father through the same school and the bonds are further strengthened. You want to know how the place is getting on, you are willing to help in its development and possibly voice opposition to changes that you regard as detrimental.
This is what an Old Boys’ Association is for, this is what the Officers of the Association try to do, in your name. We appreciate that Old Pharosians are scattered throughout this country and across the world, and that Dover is very much at the end of the line. But there are times when you could come back to the grassroots, when you could “turn up out of the blue” and by your presence contribute something to the continuing life of the School.
You might, as we certainly hope, enjoy the experience. The Association and your School would be glad to see you.
DIAMOND JUBILEE TRUST FUND
The trust was set up in 1966, the objects of which are to provide funds for the benefit of pupils at the School in matters for which ‘the Education Authorities make no or insufficient provision.
Arnold Stanway was the prime mover in establishing and getting the Trust “off the ground” during his Presidential Year and was strongly supported by the late Eric Pudney, Maurice Sayers, Mr. Booth and myself. Hundreds of Old Boys were written to and very favourable response was forthcoming by way of donations in the early days. Our aim was to establish a capital sum of £5000, but I regret that only 28 covenanters offered regular income and we will be lucky to reach £1500 by 1973/4. If any Old Boy is interested in making a single donation or entering into a covenant, I shall be pleased to hear from him. Please give us your support, there is still much that we can do for the School and its pupils.
W. J. Ratcliffe (Hon. Secretary and Treasurer to the Fund),
17 Risebridge Road, Gidea. Park, Romford, Essex.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Thursday, 11th May
School Concert at 7.30 p.m.
Friday, 19th May
May Ball at 8.0 p.m.
Wednesday, 24th May,
Senior School Sports at 2.0 p.m.
Saturday, 15th July
Junior School Sports at 2.0 p.m.
Old Boys’ Cricket Match at 2.30 p.m.
Saturday, 23rd September,
Old Boys’ Soccer Match at 2.30 p.m.
Annual General Meeting at 6.30 p.m.
Annual Dinner at 8.0 p.m. Ladies are invited.
(Guest Speaker, Mr. A E. Coulson)
REV. CANON J. A. M. CLAYSON (1917-22)
Alec Clayson was of our most distinguished Old Boys for he was appointed Chaplain to Her Majesty the Queen in 1965, After service in the R.A.F. he trained at King’s College, London, where he obtained his A.K.C. and at Bishop’s College, Cheshunt. He was ordained deacon in 1934 and priest in 1935. He was appointed assistant curate at St. Stephen, Norbury and returned there as Vicar in 1940. After a short spell in the Royal Navy, he was Vicar of Holy Trinity, Dover 1938-40. In 1951 he became a Canon Of Canterbury Cathedral, and from 1945-67 he was the last of a long line of Clerical Secretaries of the Diocesan Board of Finance. In 1957 he was appointed Archdeacon of Croyden. In 1967 when failing health compelled him to resign his arduous duties, he became Vicar of Bisley, Glos. In 1969 his health worsened and he retired to live in Sussex. He was taken to Kearsney Nursing Home where he was visited by the Rev. R: H. Sandiford and his wife whom Alec recognised as the daughter Of his Old Headmaster. A few days before his death on the 21st August, 1971, he returned to his home where his wife and his two daughters attended him. I remember him well for, having taught him at School, I followed his career with great interest and pride.
O.M.R.
NEW MEMBERS
P. J. King, 16 Victoria Park, Dover.
P. J. H. White, 134 Markland Read, Dover.
J. R. Wheeler, 42 Lower Road, Temple Ewe11.
J. Webb,16 Palmerstone Avenue, Walmer.
T. Wade, 58 Canterbury Road, Lydden.
R. V. Ray, 91 Lewisham Road, Dover.
P. L. Wheeler, 51 Archers Court Road, Whitfield.
G. L. Bodell, 15 Whitfield Hill, Dover. (Paid subscription but returned to School, Autumn Term, 1971),
J. V. Hopkins, 66 Lower Road, River.
R. Gill, 82 Minnis Lane, Dover.
R D. Andrews, 53 Monins Read, Dover.
R J. Wilson, 61 Markland Road, Dover.
N. M. Leonard, Roman Way, Reach Road, St. Margaret’s.
C. G. Oarke, The Lodge, Connaught Park, Dover.
D. E. T. Presoott, Sunningdale, South Alkham.
T. W. Davies, 41 Coxhill Gardens, Dover.
J. R. Philpott, 58 Archer Road, Folkestone.
G. Lusted, 150 St. David’s Avenue, Dover.
J. Dean, 50 The Linces, Dover.
T. W. Harrison, 25 Salisbury Road, Carshalton.
NEWS OF OLD BOYS
E. W. Bishop (1928-36) writes from 78 Bassett Green Read, Southampton ‘502’ 3DZ. At University College, Southampton 1936-40 Obtaining B.A Hons. French (Londen Ext) followed by Dip.Bd. Course. In 1940 he joined the R.A.M.C. and in 1942 transferred to the Intelligence Corps and reached the rank of Captain. After service in Austria, Cyprus, Egypt and Aden, he left the Army and turned to the teaching profession and is Head of languages in a Secondary School. He is Hon. Secretary Of Alliance Francaise de Southampton. He intended to be present at the Luncheon and in fact came to the Soccer Match.
J. R. E. White (1927-35) left Singapore in July to return via the Pacific to his next Civil Service appointment in Taunton.
R. Mercer (1935-38) 18 Carnaby Read, Brexbourne, Herts., has been appointed Technical Director of Delta Metals Overseas, Enfield.
I. Batt (1952-57) is a S/Sgt. Tech. Instructor in Survey Trades at Chepstow R.E. Army Apprentices College. He called at the School with D. Greig (1954-58) who is S/Sgt. Tech. Trade Instructor (Ammunition) at Chepstow.
S. Riley (1954-62) was Ordained deacon on 27th June, 1971 by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
R. Blackburn (1961-63) is a District Officer, P.O. Box 216, Wewak, New Guinea.
E. O. Woodland (1920-26) retired after 28 years as Clerk to Guston Parish Council.
L. Ovenden (1930-33) 1 Ninesprings, Hitchen, was in the R.A.F. He is new Administrator of Precision Castings and Mouldings Division of International Computers Ltd.
M. Sayers (1939-42) well-known local solicitor is now a Governor of the School.
T. Vardon (1959-67) has been awarded the London University Storey Miller Prize with double distinction. He is engaged on research at Oxford leading to his Doctor Of Philosophy Degree.
J. M. Davidson (1956-64) is teaching in Montreal. His reported salary caused the Staff to think they are underpaid.
J. Dedman (1949-56) is Head of Geography at Stanney Comprehensive School, Ellesmere Pert, where G. Russell (1959-67) did a week’s teaching observation. Graham has secured a post at Tattenhall, Chester, but hopes to move south after his probationary year.
M. Warman (1960-67) has gained his B.Sc. Degree in Electrical Engineering and is now with Marconi Radar Systems.
P. Hearn (1945-51) has been appointed C.O. of the R.A.F. No. 1 Parachute Training School, Abingdon.
R. G. Dixon (1963-68) is a member of the R.A.F. Central Band. He has completed three years training as an electronics engineer and has recently announced his engagement to Miss C. Herd, leader of Telford New Town Drum Majorettes.
A. Johnson (1916-19) is Manager of Lloyds Bank, Bromley.
B. S. Jell (1934-42) is new First Secretary to the Embassy at Leopoldsville.
D. K. Lott (1945-53) teaches Chemistry at Brunei University and is to speak to the Sixth Forms.
I. Clark (1962-68) has obtained an Upper Second Class Geography Degree, London.
C. Blaskett (1965-70). We regret to record his tragic death in a road accident at Lydden on the 20th September, 1971.
F. K. E. Imrie (1941-51). Head of Department of Microbiology at Tate & Lyle’s Research Centre, Keston, has been awarded the first Leverhulme Visiting Fellowship for Industrial Biology in this country at the University of Aston, Birmingham, where he proposes to research into ways of producing proteins for animal feeds. He is married with four children. He recently visited Russia.
A. Diack (1919-23) Seamist, Lighthouse Road, St. Margaret’s, was Manager of Austin Reed when he retired in 1969. During the war he served with Fighter Command and Allied Intelligence 83 Group.
A. Callender (1947-55) B.Sc.(Econ) Hull, has been appointed Headmaster of Kirton Secondary School, Lincs. He is married with a daughter (10) and a son (5).
R. G. Spear (1941-46) has been appointed President and General Manager of Helena Rubenstein (Canada) Ltd. His brother Philip (1937-42) has recently visited him in Canada whilst on leave from Nigeria.
J. Hammond (1961-67) is a senior aircraftsman with a tactical helicopter unit, R.A.F. Wildenrath.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
At the A.G.M. held in the Geography Room on the 18th September, 1971, owing to the absence of the President, the Headmaster opened the proceedings and the meeting requested Ray Russell to take the Chair. The business was mainly of a formal nature, reading of minutes, Treasurer’s Report, Secretary’s Report, and election of Officers. On the proposal of Norman Sutton, Ray Russell was unanimously elected President. Ray requested all O.Ps to endeavour to show an active interest in the Association. Bernard Harrison was elected Vice-President, and all other Officers were re-elected unanimously. The main discussion took place on “Any Other Business”. The Headmaster and the President referred to the decision to cancel the Luncheon and to the lack of interest shown by O.Ps. It was decided that in 1972 the Association will revert to an Evening function on the 29th September and O.Ps will be invited to bring their ladies. Bill Ratcliffe referred to the Diamond Jubilee Trust Fund. Due to the endeavours of Ken Ruffell we were able to quench our thirst before and after the meeting. Those present: The Headmaster, R. Russell (1917-21), N. V. Sutton (1908-12), G. R Plater (1912-16), E. H. Baker (1922-30), W. F. Kemp (1923-30.), S. J. Wenborn (1928-36), D. C. Sharp (1932-37), A A Tolpuft (1934-40), H. R. Slater (1935-43), D. G. Weaver (1939-50), J. D. Pascall (1940-46), W. J. Ratcliffe (1947-53), K. Hollett (1956-63), M. J. Palmer (1959-66), G. L. Tutthill (1960-65), R. D. Andrews (1964-71), and Messrs. J. C. Booth, T. E. Archer, K. H. Ruffell, T. Walker, A. E. Coulson, W. H. Jacques, B. W. Denham, M. H. Smith and the Head Prefect (W. R. Fittall).
E.H.B.
10th JULY, 1971
For Old Boys the main event was the Cricket Match on the lower field, where amongst the spectators we were pleased to see Mr. Booth. Before play Starts in these matches, the bats and batting gloves are put in the Old Boy’s changing-room and the wicket-keeping gloves in the School team’s room. This clears up any misunderstandings about the toss which has become a ceremonial ritual.
During the afternoon the Old Boys gave a display of the art of batting. Tea was taken early, after which Morgan made Leneys a dangerous way home for departing visitors.
The School in their turn batted with ability, and though the game continued until 7.15 there was never any prospect that tradition would be broken and either side would go home defeated.
Old Boys’ team: W. Kemp, R. Winter, W. Ratcliffe, A Edginton, G. Carroll, J. Morgan, J. Ellis, R Durrant, J. Lemar, M. Palmer, M. Pickering. Umpires in rotation: W. Jacques, R Winter, R. Russell, K. Ruffell.
The Junior Sports and Open Day drew large crowds who enjoyed relaxing in the sunshine while the young were active in a great variety of ways. A fair number of Old Boys came to see what the place is like these days. I wonder if it was fair comment on the displays in the School by a local O.P. reporter, “Do you remember when you used to be able to understand what the work was all about?” Perhaps he should return for a refresher course although he must have enjoyed the excellent concert given by the School Choir and Orchestra.
Make sure you are there on 15th July, 1972.
E.H.B.
SOCCER 1971
The Old Boys’ team: C. Clewlow, I. Clark, R Hall, G. Millar, G. Carroll, M. Durrant, I. Elder, K. Hollett, J. Dean, A Knowles and M. Palmer.
These gentlemen began with confidence in their own senior status and scored twice in five minutes, after which their standard of living began to tell. Half-time found the School leading 4-3 and then three further goals were added by the School.
Sixth Former Elleray again refereed with a discretion and good sense beyond what one would expect of his years.
R. W. S. HAINES (1932-39)
We regret to learn from Denis Gibb of the death of R. W. S. Haines on the 17th October, 1971. He joined the Inland Revenue on leaving School and held the rank of Principal. He was a keen Salvationist and was for many years Treasurer of the Kingston-upon-Thames Corps. He leaves a widow and two sons, the elder recently qualified as a doctor, and the younger is studying medicine.
GUEST EVENING, 12th NOVEMBER, 1971
A most congenial and welcome innovation was a sherry party to which the Old Pharosians’ Officers and Committee and their ladies were invited.
The evening proved extremely interesting and enjoyable. The Headmaster abandoned the time-honoured list of successes in matters academic and sporting, choosing instead to speak formally of the youth of today, for whom he prescribed the following treatment:
- A recognition of the potential talent latent somewhere in every individual.
- The encouragement of pride in achievement.
- The awakening and fostering of intellectual curiosity.
He suggested that Old Boys would remember men who taught them. long after their subject matter had been forgotten and he expressed appreciation of the support the Association gives to the School.
A pleasing innovation was the speech by the President some fifty years on from the time he left School.
The musical and Other items of entertainment maintained the exceptionally high standard for which the School had always been renowned.
K.H.R.