OPA Newsletter February 1976
New Series No. 29
February 1976
THE OLD PHAROSIANS’
NEWS LETTER
President:
M. G. SAYERS, Esq.
Secretary:
B. A. Harrison, Esq., 50 Valley Road, River, Dover. (Kearsney 3066).
Treasurer:
Rev. W. F. Kemp, The Rectory, Denton, Canterbury.
Editor:
E. H. Baker, Esq., 24 Downs Road, Maidstone.
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Although there is no doubt that my feelings were of pride and honour when I was elected Vice President, and these feelings returned at the A.G.M. in September when I was adopted President, I am bound to say that I have had other feelings sincesome mixed and some decidedly pessimistic.
After telephoning, with Bemard Harrison’s and Colin Henry’s help, every Old Boy we could think of within 100 miles of Dover, and we had sent out all kinds of written reminders earlier, we still reached only a total of about 35 for the dance arranged in September. It was very disappointing when we had to cancel the band, the food and everything else.
By the time the A.G.M. came along I walked into the meeting feeling a certain amount of pride coming back and I went home feeling happy, having arranged an informal dinner after the meeting with about sixteen of the “die hards”.
My confidence was also running fairly high at the Committee Meeting in November, which is always somewhat of a riot, only to have my low feelings return when the rather poor numbers of young “Old Boys” turned up at the pre-Christmas reunion at the Eagle. At the end of the evening, however, I was decidedly high again.
Faith was more than restored, even though it was really in the School and not the Old Boys, when I was asked to read a Lesson at the School Carol Service in Charlton Church on 11th Decembereasily the best Carol Service I have ever attended.
As I write this note and think of the small impact it is likely to have on anyone who reads it, I feel a little down in the doldrums again as I contemplate the future of our Association. I am normally an optimist, but reading back my notes so far, I sound like one of those “Crazy Mixed-up Kids” the media are always talking aboutdespite my greying temples, stoop, and paunch.
My year has only one quarter gone and perhaps I shall end on a triumphant notewho knows, but, like all the old foundations, ours does seem to be suffering a bit of a knock at the moment. It is difficult to know what to do to encourage people to attend the three functions we arrangethe A.G.M., the Xmas Get-together, and the May Ball, but I shall continue to do my utmost for the rest of the year and perhaps someone reading my pathetic message might attendif only in sympathy.
I should add that my visit with Bob Winter to Miss Rookwood just before Christmasshe is 90 in Februarycheered me up again no end.
Maurice Sayers,
Malmains Manor, Alkham, Dover.
GLEANINGS
We convey our sincere condolences to former President, Sir Clifford Jarrett and his family on the recent passing of Lady Jarrett.
Old Boys’ Day will be on Saturday, 18th September, 1976. Please see our next issue for complete details.
We understand “The Rook” is to undergo an eye operation and we wish her a speedy recovery.
The Pharos was published in October. A request has been made to the H.M. to endeavour to include more factual information in the next issue.
Comments have been generally favourable on the new format.
The H.M. has promised to bring up-to-date the entries on the Honours Boards for 1970-5.
Sir Clifford Jarrett will be speaking to the Sixth on 24th February on “Government”.
We regret to record the deaths of P. E. Robinson (1909-14) on 22nd February, 1975; D. Hampshire (1918-22) on 22nd August; L. Waterhouse (1922-31) on 30th October; Glyn Flood (1960-8) on 6th June during tribal warfare in Ethiopia. To all their families we tender our sincere sympathy.
The Guest Speaker who presented the Prizes on 14th November was Mr. Roy Griffiths, Deputy Chairman Of Sainsburys. The audience were able to enjoy hearing the renovated organ and another fine performance by the Choir and Orchestra. The recent additions and adjustments to the organ have greatly added to its quality and capacity.
If you would like to play against the School at cricket on 17th July and/or soccer on 18th September, please contact Ken Ruffell as soon as possible.
We understand that George Lock, Biggin Street, have a plentiful supply of the new O.P. tie.
Can you supply current addresses of: M. W. A. Moore (1951-9); J. J. Lyon (1910-5); J. R. Cook (1952-5).
K. Raine, a member of the Staff, was Dover’s goalkeeper during their recent successful F.A. Cup run.
The Editor informed the A.G.M. of his desire to relinquish the post as soon as possible.
MAY BALL 1976
The perennially successful May Ball will be held at the School on Friday., 21st May, 1976, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dress is optional and the popular Martin Brown Band will be providing the music.
Inflation has forced the tickets up to £2.00 each, inclusive of buffet supper, served promptly at 9.15 p.m., but the wonderful spread provided by Mrs. Parfitt and her staff will guarantee extraordinary value for money. Drinks are on American Supper lines, which means for the uninformed, that you bring your own.
This function is always over-subscribed and because tickets are strictly limited to 200 and sold on a first come, first served basis, you are advised to make early reservations to Ken Ruffell at the School, accompanied by cash or cheque, as soon as possible after the Easter holidays. B.H.
CRICKET
In the game with the School on 12th July, 1975, everyone batted (except one Old Boy who was run out without receiving a ball) and most bowled. Aslett bowled very well for the School. The Old Boys’ XI was very strong (Dover C.C. having no match). It is nice to know that these experienced players preferred to play at School rather than watch the county game at Crabble.
William Kemp stood as umpire throughout the match. During the afternoon we heard the Junior Sports activities on the upper field, and the Old Boys also played the School in a tennis match. The weather could have been kinder but the day, as a social occasion, had its merits and its pleasures.
Old Boys’ XI: R. Lewry, J. Kremer, M. Palmer, R. Durrant, P. Janaway, J. Morgan, R. Herrett, L. Willcox, R. Welch, M. Grant, R. Winter.
K.H.R.
OLD BOYS’ DAY
The day commenced with the annual soccer match played in a Force 9 gale. The Old Boys, alas, only mustered nine men plus the School reserve but they gave a very fine display. The Old Boys were one up at the interval, blown in by the gale from the foot of Alan Freeman. When the School scored two in the second half there seemed little chance of a rescue operation but late in the game John Singleton made it two all. Both O.P. linesmen signalled to the O.P. referee that time was up and everyone agreed to adjourn for tea. David Elleray refereed for the seventh consecutive year and he is not yet 21.
O.P. XI: P. Norris, B. Henson, M. Palmer, M. Durrant, B. Taylor, L. Briggs, A. Freeman, P. Fox, J. Singleton, and the schoolboy Scott.
The A.G.M. was held in the evening of 27th September at Dover Stage. The President and 24 members were present. A record number (17) apologised for absence. The Treasurer presented a favourable statement showing credit balances totalling over £500 on the General, Deposit and Register accounts.
Maurice Sayers (1939-42), a local solicitor, was elected President and Lester Borley (1944-9), Chief executive of the English Tourist Board, was elected Vice-President. All other officers were re-elected including Committeemen Ken Ruffell, Colin Henry and Bob Slater. A plea was made for younger members to volunteer to serve on the Committee. The Hon. Secretary reported that due to lack of support the buffet dance had been cancelled. However, those present enjoyed themselves at the bar before and after the meeting in nostalgic memories. It is a great pleasure to meet old friends at least once a year and it is a matter for regret that more do not attend a very enjoyable function. The President kindly ensured that all present did not depart thirsty.
E.H.B.
THE ENTHRONEMENT OF ARCHBISHOP COGGAN
Fifty years ago the School made a pilgrimage to the Cathedral at Canterbury, an event to stir the imagination of at least one small boy, especially when J.S., Form-master, suggested that one of the Archbishops buried there might be the ancestor of one member of the Form. The vision remained and decades afterwards that small boy, now ordained, began showing other pilgrims the glories of the ancient church. So did the mysteries of the centuries which the succeeding generations of builders enshrined in their workmanship begin to reveal themselves “To the glory of God”.
Never were those mysteries more gloriously unfolded than on the occasion of the enthronement of the 101st Archbishop of Canterbury. The pageantry and ceremonial explained the building, a standing witness to the capacity of man to let himself go; the colour, the music, the patterns of the architecture enveloping the dedication of one man to his God-given task lifted us all to the realms of the Spirit. Yet it was personal. I was there, as has been many a priest of this and other enthronements; an Old Pharosian was one of the Diocesan Bishops assisting at the ceremony; my elder son, as crucifer, led the solemn processions which accompanied the Archbishop. A moment of a lifetime.
W.F.K.
NEWS OF OLD BOYS
John LE PREVOST (1927-36) St. Michael’s School, 198 Whitecross Road, Hereford. After 6 years’ war service, he served in the Education Branch, Colonial Service, from 1946-57, mainly in Singapore. After teaching in Sussex, John was Education Officer with Spastics Society 1962-8. His present private school has 116 children aged 4½ to 16½. Later he and his wife hope to retire to the south-east.
W. G. GOODWIN (1921-6) 21 Eskdale Road, Bexleyheath. After becoming a qualified carpenter, he was a wood and metalwork teacher, and retired as Head of Woodwork, Erith Technical School. He and his wife have been on a world cruise, and we are pleased to learn that treatment for his eye trouble has been successful.
Douglas WREN (1919-23) 102 Manor Way, Bernehurst, will be remembered as an excellent cricketer. After retirement from a firm of American Engineers in London, he has recently had two operations and we understand his recovery is steady.
Bill MOORE (1921-6) sends good wishes to all O.Ps and says H. C. NEWMAN (1922-32) has retired to 6 Glebelands, Sidmouth. Bill was on holiday in Minorca in the company of former Kent cricketers Dick Mayes and Brian Edrich. His daughter recently obtained her degree at Open University. (Thanks Bill for your frequent aid.Editor).
Roland GRIMER (1945-6) has been appointed Harbour Master by Dover Harbour Board with whom he has served since 1970.
Kenneth A. NEWING (1931-40) has been appointed a Prebendary of Exeter Cathedral.
William S. BORTHWICK, G.M. (1927-33) Flat 12, Halstead House, Bishopwood Road, Tadley, Basingstoke, served in the Royal Engineers 1937-58. Since returning from Australia to Aldermaston where he is a trials engineer, we regret to learn Bill has lost his wife.
Robert G. BORTHWICK (1926-34) Mellstock, 1 Clevelands, Abingdon, Oxon., served in the Royal Engineers 1934-60, retiring as Captain (Elect. & Mech. Officer). A B.Sc.(Eng.), M.I.Mech.E., M.I.E.D., he was appointed Senior Mech. Engineer U.K.A.E.A. at Winfrith. In 1968 he became Senior Planning Engineer at Culham Laboratory.
Alan HILL (1935-40) was in Dover on holiday and visited the Flower Festival at St. Mary’s Church. He lives in Nottinghamshire where he maintains his interest in church music and cricket.
R. A. BOLTON (1948-55) H.Q.R.A., 2 Division, BFPO 22, has been appointed Brigade Major R.A.
Denis DOBLE (1948-55) has been appointed First Secretary Economic Aid at the British Embassy, Islamabad, after service in West Africa where he met his wife, Miss Pamela Robinson, whom he recently married at Netherthong, Huddersfield, when John BOOTH (1948-56) was a groomsman.
Leonard and Reginald HAMPSHIRE (1922-6) have recently retired from the family transport business at Eythorne.
Michael BODIAM (1944-9) Dover Road, Guston, is the Master of the B.R. Ferry Anderida. He has recently written a book on Guston Church (40p plus 10p postage) all proceeds to Guston Church.
Robin HAYDON (1929-37) writes that as High Commissioner, Malta, he has recently met Surgeon Rear-Admiral A. E. CADMAN (1929-37) and also David THOMAS who was a pre-war English Master at the School. Robin recently received the full media treatment by his refusal to indulge in excessive expenditure on social entertainment in Malta. It is a pleasure to record that his actions met with approval in official circles.
A. D. DEWAR (1923-34) was recently presented by H.M. The Queen Mother with an award in connection with European Heritage Year for his work in restoring the old kirk at Weem, the resting place of many former members of the Menzies Clan. “Bill” and his wife are also busy working and stimulating others to restore the Castle Menzies nearby so that it may become a place of historic interest to visitors and a centre of Clan activity.
Roy HOWARD (1933-40) is Headmaster of the Hugh Christie School, Tonbridge (1500 pupils).
Geoffrey BIDE (1922-7) lives at Redwood, Chiddingfold, Surrey, where he is a Churchwarden. He spent 25 years in the Diplomatic Service and is now a Banker. Twice married, he has 5 daughters.
Peter W. BIDE (1922-7) 22 Cunliffe Road, Oxford, served in the Royal Marines during the war and later at the Foreign Office. He went to Wells Theological College and was ordained in 1949. Since 1968 he has been Chaplain at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, and recently preached in Westminster Abbey.
Roger CUFF (1950-5) Captain of Dover Rowing Club, dislocated his shoulder while sculling in the harbour. We hope he will be fully recovered for the 1976 season. Roger is a public health inspector at Canterbury.
Frank CONLEY (1957-64) was the pianist at an organ and oboe recital in Dover Town Hall on the 6th July.
Graham SMITH (1953-8) has been commissioned in the R.A.F. and posted to Cranwell.
John MITCHINSON (1961-8) has been awarded a M.A. degree in Painting at the Royal College of Arts and his works have been hung in the Royal Academy and other art galleries.
Mark ELLIS (1965-72) has been awarded a Bachelor of Music (First Class Honours) degree at Birmingham.
V. C. SPAIN (1909-13) now lives at The Rise, Kingsdown. Contemporaries will remember him as our first Secretary when he lived at the White Horse Inn.
Paul KNOTT (1965-72) has been awarded a 1st Class B.Sc. degree in Geography at University College, London, where he is staying on to do research.
Francis PHILPOTT (1958-63) is head groundsman at Crabble and has received many congratulations on the condition of the ground for county matches. He lives at Friars Way.
Robin TERRY (1964-72) has been awarded his B.Sc. (Hons.) with an Upper Second Degree in Social Sciences and Economics at Loughborough.
George CURRY (1925-36) is serving temporarily as Executive Assistant to the President of the University of South Carolina, where there are 32,000 students and 2,000 staff.
Brian ABBOTT (1944-50) is Assistant Manager of the Nat.West. Bank, Dover and he spoke to the Sixth on 2nd December about Banking as a career.
C. W. LARKINS (1956-63) is now a qualified solicitor with a London practice. He travels frequently to France and Switzerland.
EAGLE EVENING
This was as big a flop as the previous year’s evening was a success. About ten recent school-leavers turned up and were outnumbered by really Old Boys (anyone over 30), the Headmaster and members of the Staff. Even so a good few pints were downed and another famine in Bangladesh was averted by sending out the surplus sandwiches. No doubt an inquest will be held in due course and your Committee’s deliberations published in the next Newsletter.
B.H.
TENNIS
Played on courts, brilliantly conceived in the form of a wind tunnel for testing prototype jets, that will be a lasting tribute to the perspicacity of the planners, the match was a farce from start to finish. It was eventually won 5-4 by the Old Boys simply because, being heavier, they were able to stand up straight for longer periods.
B.H.
LATE NEWS
MISS O. M. ROOKWOOD. We regret to report that “The Rook” recently had a fall and damaged her thigh-bone. She was admitted to St. Augustine’s Ward, Hill House Hospital, Minster, Thanet, Ramsgate, Kent. On the 13th February she was transferred temporarily to Dame Janet Ward, Margate Hospital, for medical treatment. It is understood she will be returning to the Hill House Hospital in about ten days. The sincere good wishes of all O.Ps are extended to her at this time.
KEN RUFFELL. We are pleased to tell you that Ken had a successful operation in Buckland Hospital on 12th February. He is making a good recovery and looking forward to taking a party of geographers to Dorset in April.
IAN KILBERRY, Head of the School Economics Dept., has been selected as Labour Parliamentary candidate for Thanet East.
CHARLES CLEMENTS lives at Whitfield and is a dental surgeon at Dover Health Centre.
JOHN P. SUTTON (1945-52) recently returned home after three years in Malaysia. A civil engineer, he is going to the Sudan on a £10 million bridge building contract across the Nile.
SIR JAMES MENTER (1932-9) has been appointed Principal of Queen Mary College, London University.
P. LIDDELL (1960-7) and J. BARRETT (1960-7) are at Oakmead School, Burgess Hill, Sussex, where they share the teaching of Geography, Economics, History and Sociology.
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GLYNN FLOOD was awarded a generous grant by the Leverhulme Trust shortly before his death (see page 2). The following are extracts from the many tributes paid to him.
“For his uncompromising self, Glynn will be remembered as a very exceptional person both by his friends in Ethiopia and all who knew him here.”
“We all acknowledge the benefit we derived from his brilliance. It is hard to imagine that a person so alive is now dead.”
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Food for thought. “The person who does not pull his weight is not asked to pull, while the one who does, pulls for two.”