OPA Newsletter February 1977
New Series No. 31
February 1977
THE OLD PHAROSIANS’
NEWS LETTER
President:
LESTER BORLEY, 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.
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
How many Old Pharosians stop to ask themselves how best they can help the School which first helped them? We joined the Old Pharosians in that euphoric moment of transition between schoolboy and young manhood. We left the area to develop our careers, or we stayed in business locally, but became absorbed with growing families and all the other pressures of making our way in life.
In my case, a quarter of a century passed before I was able to re-establish contact. Recently, I attended a Guest Evening at the School. The prizes were won by boys who seemed to have achieved a great deal, academically or personally. The masters (they really are ageless) impressed me by their memory of events a quarter of a century ago, and I was made more aware of the pleasure they obviously derived from the success of boys they had helped.
There are thousands of men throughout the fabric of our society-whether they are Old Pharosians or not-who, as old boys of our School, have reason to be grateful. How does one show one’s gratitude? I am not asking you to put your hands in your pockets. Instead, I want to ask you if you would be prepared to offer careers advice about your own profession or business to any boy at the School whom the Headmaster wished to benefit from your experience?
All who read this have something to offer. Would you like to write to me if you think you could help us to take this idea forward? I think it is the sort of continuing service which old boys should be prepared to give to their School.
In the meantime, may I wish you all happiness and success in 1977, and hope that we may meet at one or other of the social events which your Committee has arranged for your pleasure.
Lester Borley.
GLEANINGS
N.B. Annual General Meeting, Saturday, 17th SEPTEMBER, 1977. Further details in next issue.
Can anyone please supply information regarding M. C. Wilson (1935-43) at one time employed in the Westminster Bank, Bayswater, and also G. F. Medhurst (1947-51) employed by Post Office?
We congratulate Major Donald HENDERSON (1934-38) on the award of the George Medal for “outstanding gallantry”. He was the first explosives officer employed by Scotland Yard. He is married with four children and lives at Croydon.
Recently we learnt with regret of the death on 31st December, 1974, of life-member Martin E. HEARN (1926-31) in Florida. We also regret to record the passing of Leslie N. GREEN (1914-19) on 30th October, 1975; Frank D. NEECH (1926-31) on 25th June; Barry SHINFIELD (1957-63) on 6th June; Paul FERRIS (1971-76) on 24th May; Edward J. BINFIELD (1923-26) on 11th November; William RANSOM (1908-10) on 23rd November, 1976.
The Royal Hunt of the Sun by Peter Shaffer will be presented in the School Hall on 17th, 18th and 19th March, 1977. Tickets price 40p or 50p may be obtained from the School Secretary.
To the “Few” who have written to us, the “Many” owe this Newsletter. It is a pleasure to be able to thank some correspondents and to print extracts in this issue. Your contemporaries can only receive your news from YOU.
An audience of over 400 at a Miscellany of music, drama and verse on 16th July were given value plus Miss Rookwood is now in Haine Hospital, Ramsgate. She is unable to walk or stand, but a recent letter still showed a lively interest in the doings of Old Boys.
We understand there was a profit of £145 on the May Ball to benefit the School and the Association well done!
The Annual Cricket Match resulted in the honourable draw. Old Boys’ XI: P. Fox, R. Gill, J. Kremer, D. Towe, D. Hudson, J. Booth, J. Morgan, R. Hill, P. Gretton, M. Grant, R. Gretton.
Owing to the poor condition of the Crabble square, the match with Somerset provisionally fixed for Dover in August, 1977 has been transferred to Canterbury. It is hoped 1978 will see County Cricket at Dover again.
REQUEST. Please inform the Editor of changes of address or inaccuracies on Newsletter envelopes.
The Pharos was published in September, 1976. A few copies, price 25p, may be obtained from the School.
We hope the Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev. E. A. MERCER (1929-36), has made a complete recovery from his recent illness.
Old Boys who have recently left the School will learn with regret of the sudden death of Mr. David Jenkins (Caretaker).
In view of some criticism, the Committee are to consider the question of the price and quality of the O.P’s tie.
The Annual Cricket Match with the School will be played on Saturday, 16th July, 1977, and the Annual Soccer Match on Saturday, 17th September, 1977. If you wish to play in either game, please contact Ken Ruffell at the School as soon as possible.
The Association’s Honours Boards at the School have been written up-to-date.
We congratulate the undermentioned on examination successes:
N. J. BALL (1966-73) 1st Class Honours B.Sc. Biology at Exeter. N. KING (1967-73) and J. N. TOWNING (1966-73) B.Sc. Hons. at Leeds. D. R. ELLERAY (1965-73) and R. GRETTON (1965-73) Final Degrees Class II in Geography at Oxford. P. HARDING (1967-75) first year Tripos in Geography. Class I at Oxford. D. SUTTON (1965-72) 1st Class Honours B.A. Historical Studies at Portsmouth Polytechnic.
The Annual Soccer MatchSchool 6, Old Boys 2. Old Boys’ XI: D. Hudson, M. Robbins, M. Palmer, N. Hopkinson, 1. Blaskett, R. Friend, P. Fox, K. Norton and two School 2nd XI players. The failure of Old Boys to reply to invitations to play, plus the failure to turn up after agreeing to play with no subsequent apology, must dampen the enthusiasm of those who attempt to ensure the continuance of these annual matches. The touchline support was pathetic, especially as one local referee said recently “You never see a bad Grammar School team”.
It has been suggested that where the postal address of two or more members is the same, copies of the Newsletter should be included in one envelope to save postage. If this causes inconvenience please let the Editor know.
CAROL SERVICE
The Carol Service at Charlton Church on 20th December was as beautiful and as greatly appreciated as in all Christmastides of recent years.
Mr. Best raises the standard of the Choir each year to the peak of performance. This year William Fittall came from London to play the organ and our Secretary, Bernard Harrison, read a lesson.
K.H.R.
JUBILEE DINNER AND MAY BALL, 1977
To celebrate Jubilee Year, it has been decided in conjunction with the Parents’ Association, to hold the Annual May Ball, on Saturday, 21st May, preceded by a Dinner.
Sherry will be served at 7.00 p.m. followed by dinner at 7.30 p.m. sharp, in the Dining Hall, with dancing from approximately 9.00 p.m. to 1.00 a.m. in the Great Hall.
Tickets are £2.50 each inclusive of sherry and tickets will also be available at £1.00 each for the Dance only, for those who do not wish to eat. Dinner and Dance drinks are on American Supper lines and dress is optional.
Bookings open on the 21st March your ticket applications, accompanied by cash or cheque, should be sent to Ken Ruffell at the School as soon as possible after this date. Tickets will be sold in strict rotation and since there is a limit of 200, your early application is advised.
B.A.H.
LETTERS FROM OLD PHAROSIANS
Major-General G. A. BOND, C.B., C.B.E. (1912-18), The Three Horseshoes, Kirdford, Sussex, writes suggesting that given enough support a special function (e.g. snack bar with time to chat, an invitation to wives included) be organised for the more senior members. He also gives details of his own career:
Joined the Army in 1918 and retired in 1958, with further service (retired and honorary) as Colonel Commandant of two Corps until 1966. While serving he became in turn Schoolmaster, Infantry Officer, Horsemaster, food and forage expert, Mechanical Engineer (A.M.I.Mech.E.), parachutist, air despatch authority, marine navigator and ship-master, petroleum technologist, etc., saw service in many parts of the globe with 15th Scottish and 6th Airborne Divisions, 21st Army Group, Director of Petroleum Middle East and War Office, Inspector R.A.S.C., and Hon. Colonel 56 London Armoured Division.
Mentioned in despatches 1940 and 1944, O.B.E. 1941, C.B.E. 1952, C.B. 1956. Since leaving the Army: transport manager, gas board, car sales manager, tutor in Maths and French, now earning modest income as portrait and landscape painter. (Some O.P’s will remember his father as Chief Constable of Dover, and his uncle (Roland) an Old Boy and Headmaster of St. James’s and St. Martin’s Schools.)
David WELLARD (1952-59) writes “I am still at Pfizer Asia Management Centre visiting the plants in Japan, Korea and India mainly. With home leave every year we have visited Kashmir, Seychelles, Nairobi, Greece, Italy and Spain. One of my most interesting visits was to China on the A.B.P.I. mission. We visited Peking, Hangchow, Shanghai and Canton, and saw hospitals (including acupuncture operations which were extremely interesting), research institutes and some of the wonderful sights of China including the Great Wall. In April, 1975, I was elected a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chemistry.
“After 120 years, in 1975 The Hong Kong Cricket Club had to move from their famous Central ground. To celebrate we played against the M.C.C. on their way back from Australia, and also an Australian All Star XI comprising such as Lindwall, Simpson, Harvey, Craig, Archer, Davidson, Burke, Meckiff and Rod Marsh-players I saw when at School, so you can imagine the thrill of playing against them. In addition Larwood, Grimmett and Oldfield were in the partya fantastic trio with whom to talk cricket, and they donated some of their famous trophies to the new H.K.C.C.”
He concludes by appreciating all the School Staff did for him, and by regretting the lack of news concerning “people from my years”.
News has just been received that David has moved to Pfizer International, 235 East 42nd Street, New York, N.Y., U.S.A.10017.
Bill MOORE (1921-26), 36 Gardeners Road, Debenham, Stowmarket, Suffolk, writes “I made a pilgrimage last week. First we tracked down Mr. Frank OCKENDEN who lives in Wenhaston, a tucked-away little village, where he has a very old house in a delightful setting, and is a ‘live wire’ in the community, seeming to be the village ‘handyman’.
“Reggie CROFTS (1920-29) was next but we found he had moved to 6 Hill House Gardens, Lowestoft and now works for World Banks. His brother-in-law, V. F. KENWARD (1928-37), lives in Leiston.
“After a nostalgic half-hour we passed on to Thorpe Ness and found the domicile of R. J. (Bob) UNSTEAD (1926-34), a truly beautiful house with a lawn running down to the Minsmere, a lovely stretch of water. Once again we were received with open arms, and stories of Ladywell, Frith Road, Astor Avenue, the Deal train, Longhill, School parties, ‘Freddie’ and the staff, etc. We were made most welcome and our visit was only shortened as Bob had to go to Norwich for treatment to a niggling back.”
(If any O.P. would like names and addresses of any members in their neighbourhood, write to me and I will do my best to assist. Editor.)
H. R. W. (Will) WATKINS (1930-38), Caenwood, Wellmeade Drive, Grassy Lane, Sevenoaks, writes “I retired from British Petroleum, where I was Head of the Operational Research Division, in 1975, and since then have been a Visiting Fellow to the Operational Research Department of Sussex University. My work there is with an M.Sc. Course in Operational Research. I shall be happy to help the School with advice to any boys who are thinking of taking up Operational Research or Management Science. I keep in touch with John Constable and Rudolph Mercer.”
NEWS OF OLD BOYS
Harold SNELLER (1926-33) has sold the haulage side of the family business established in 1878 but is extending the heavy vehicle maintenance side.
Colin PARRETT (1968-73) is a scientific officer at the Manston Airport Metereological Office. His brother, STEPHEN (1966-71) is a security clerk at Lloyds Bank, Brighton, and recently was elected an Associate of the Inst. of Bankers.
Bryan ANDERSON (1961-66) obtained his B.A. in social history and is now studying anthropology at Durham University, whose quiz team he recently captained on T.V.
R. A. (Bert) POTT (1923-28) is retiring as Assistant to the Technical Manager at Buckland Mill after 48 years’ service.
R. (Dick) GRETTON (1965-73) is training for management with British Rail.
D. G. ASLETT (1969-76) played for the Senior Kent Schools’ XI, the South of England Schools’ XI and Kent 2nd XI. He was also 12th man for the County 1st XI. For Kent Schools he scored a century and twice took five wickets. He is now at Leicester University reading history.
Colin NEWBY (1945-49) has been promoted Lieut.-Colonel in the R.A.O.C. and is army liaison officer with the Iranian Government. He is now in Iran with his wife, Christine.
Philip HARDING (1967-75) has been awarded a scholarship at Hertford College, Oxford.
Richard MARSHALL (1966-72) after working as a bond clerk with B.R. Hovercraft, has been commissioned in the R.A.F. and is training in navigation at Finningley, Yorks.
Richard ARMSTRONG (1956-63) obtained a B.A. in Fine Arts at Newcastle University. He is now actor, producer and set designer with the Roy Hart Theatre Group based in a converted chateau in S. France.
Alan SMITH (1963-70) has joined the Staff of Bourneville School, Birmingham.
Stephen SILK (1963-70) is teaching craft at a Sidcup Boys’ School and recently married Julie Dennis who plays netball for England.
Nicholas WHITEOAK (1960-65) has ‘been awarded his Master’s Certificate for oil tankers by the Dept. of Trade. He is a second officer with the Shell Co.
Michael CLEMENTS (1962-70) after graduating at King’s College, London, has been appointed house physician at Westminster Hospital.
Sir James MENTER (1932-39) has been appointed a non-executive Director of RP. He is Treasurer and Vice-President of the Royal Society.
Jonathan WYATT (1969-76) is doing a year as a Community Service Volunteer in Scotland, working in a home for battered wives. He hopes to enter the Police Force.
Neil ELLIS (1960-67) is teaching Geography at a Sixth Form College, Eastbourne.
Tom WALDER (1950-56) came into School in September because his son was joining. Tom went into the Army for a short time and then into the motor business in the Birmingham area. He now has a business in Dover dealing in car components.
Graham RUSSELL (1959-67), 24 Main Road, Norton-in-Halts, Market Dray ton, Salop, is Head of the Geography and Social Studies Department at Heber County High School, Malpas, Cheshire, and has recently taken a party of students on a camping expedition to Northern Sweden.
Stephen MUMMERY (1966-73) obtained Hons. Degree in Geography and Geology at London and is now taking a one year postgraduate course for the Certificate of Education at St. Paul’s, Cheltenham.
His brother, Andrew MUMMERY (1967-74), is reading Geography at London.
W. Robin HAYDON (1929-37) is congratulated on his appointment and we wish him every success as Ambassador at the British Embassy, Dublin.
David ELLERAY (1965-73) has moved to 9 Chart Close, St. Anne’s Park, Faversham. He is now a Class I referee and has obtained an appointment on the line for a F.A. cup-tie. Now taking Certificate of Education at Oxford.
Gary NYE (1965-72), 256 Totteridge Road, High Wycombe, gained an Upper Second Degree in Maths at Brunel and is now working at the Chesham Branch of the Midland Bank.
Ross STAFFORD (1965-72) has obtained a 2nd class degree in Humanities, specialising in English Literature and History. He is now doing an Education year in London. His brother, DUNCAN (1967-74), is studying Geology at Kingston Polytechnic.
Robert HARRISON (1924-27), 18 The Ridgeway, River, is Personnel and Welfare Officer, Dover Harbour Board, and has retired after 16 years’ service with the Board. On leaving School he joined the R.AF. Associated with the King’s Flight during the 1947/48 Royal Tour of South Africa, he left after 30 years’ service with the rank of Squadron-Leader. He has been actively engaged with the local A.T.C. in recent years.
Lynn SANGSTER (1945-50). After 20 years as a travel firm courier, he founded the Dover firm, Historex Agents, specialising in plastic French model soldiers, at 3 Castle Street. He is often to be seen exhibiting at modelling and craft exhibitions and exports his wares world-wide.
Keith THOMPSON (1959-64). A script-writer in Australia, he has been named Best Writer of the Year in the Australian T.V. Awards.
Clive LEWIS (1954-61), an Inspector in the Kent Police at Canterbury, recently obtained a second class B.A at the University of Kent.
Lawrence SMYE-RUMSBY (1969-75) is doing Geography and P.E. at the City of Leeds Carnegie College.
Denis DOBLE (1948-55) drove 6000 miles in a month with his wife via Iran and Afghanistan, to take up a post at the British Embassy, Islamabad. Since then they “have done a fair bit of touring to Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, also Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Murree and Kabul. At present the monsoon is upon us, which has at least helped to mitigate temperatures of 115°F in the shade”.
W. (Bill) RATCLIFFE (1947-53) has accepted a three years’ appointment with the International Westminster Bank Ltd., Paris Codex 01. He sends best wishes to members and regrets missing our functions. Bill has been a “regular” for many years, especially at cricket and soccer. We thank him for his keen, active and invaluable advice and interest in the Diamond Jubilee Trust.
E. (Ted) MAYNARD (1942-47) is supply engineer at the Dover Waterworks Pumping Station and was responsible for the installation of the new electrical machinery. He has mixed feelings about the change from steam. One son recently became a Life Member and another is still at the School.
Norman WOOLHOUSE (1946-52), a senior research scientist at Sandwich, has obtained a post in Ghana. A keen athlete he has represented Kent in triple jump events. His wife and three of their six children will travel with him to Accra. His son JULIAN (1968-75) is continuing his studies at Cambridge.
Simon BANNISTER (1970-73) married a girl who went with him on geography tripsbound to happen some time. The honeymoon was spent in Swanage. He recently gained an upper second degree in Geography at London Polytechnic.
David SMITH (1961-68) is a qualified veterinary surgeon in Dover, and his brother, PATRICK (1963-70), has now qualified as a “vet”.
Mike WEBB (1957-65) is a marketing controller for an Ash Firm. Recently in the Far East he met Bertram (Fred) SEDGWICK-JELL (1934-42) who is first commercial secretary at the British High Commissioner’s Office in Bangladesh.
Richard BOND (1940-41) has taught for ten years at the Saudi Arabian Air Force Training College, Jedda. He is planning to retire soon to a villa in Ibiza.
Douglas FENN (1929-36), a Superintendent in the Kent Police at Canterbury, retired in November.
John PEVERLEY (1945-50) studied architecture, town planning and landscape design at London and Havard. He has worked on plans for the third London Airport and on schemes in Australia, Canada and U.S.A. He is now in the Department of Planning and Communications and recently spoke at a one-day W.E.A. School in Dover.
Andrew MYLETT (1953-55) works for a London publishing firm and lives with his family in Brighton.
AN EVENING WITH DR. WICKS15th JUNE, 1976
in celebration of the renovation of the School Organ.
Perhaps the Hall has never heard such music. Dr. Wicks played some items that were solemn and slow, and others that were extravagant fantasias. He brought some boys from Canterbury who sang with tenderness that bore testimony to their training.
We live most of our lives in the presence of the ordinary. On this hot summer evening we were touched by genius presented with personality and character.
Any Old Boys present, and there were many, must have felt glad that their money had been spent to such good purpose.
K.H.R.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, 1976
On the 18th September at the Dover Stage the business was mainly of a formal nature. Lester BORLEY (1944-49) was elected President, and Archie COULSON (1928-71) Vice-President. Messrs.
Winter, Wenborn and Palmer were re-elected to the Committee. The Auditor, Treasurer and Secretary were re-elected although Bernard Harrison gave notice of his intention to retire in 1977. The financial balances remain fairly static. Matters discussed and referred to the Committee included a Seminar for Old Boys at the School, a get-together for senior O.P’s, a proposal that all Old Boys shall be Old Pharosians, the Diamond Jubilee Trust Fund (a warm vote of thanks was recorded to Bill Ratcliffe for past services). The time for reminiscing at the bar was the most popular feature of the evening.
E.H.B.
FORTY YEARS ON
Back in 1936 Arthur YOUDEN, now senior partner in a firm of Dover estate agents, was a member of the O.P. cricket team touring the Isle of Wight. One night two members of the teamthey remain namelessreturned late to the London Hotel, Ryde. They climbed up a drainpipe which came away from the building, and as they fell, one grabbed a decorative concrete ball above the entrance porchway.
Twenty years later Arthur re-visited the hotel and noticed the decorative ball was still missing whilst its twin remained in position.
Now, forty years on, Arthur paid another visit to Ryde and foundrather to his disgustthat the second ball has been removed during redecorations.
Others on the Tour included N. V. Sutton, G. Cook, J. Slater, G. Magub, W. M. E. White and E. Pelham.
T.S.
THE HALLOWEEN BALL
The President liked the look of the May Ball and asked for something similar in the autumn, During the autumn many dances and other social occasions are available so response was sufficient rather , than overwhelming. Some 160 people came along and made a cheerful evening with room to dance.
The supper was, as always, on generous lines, and Bernard Harrison had done a splendid job in preparing Halloween decorations. Our President can feel that his enterprise was an undoubted social and financial success.
K.H.R.
GUEST EVENING
Another annual event which maintains the high standards set over seven decades was held on 12th November, 1976. The School Hall was filled to capacity with Governors, local dignitaries, staff, parents, Old Boys and pupils. The music (vocal and instrumental) was excellent. The prizes were graciously presented by Mrs. Templeman, and it was pleasing to note that frequently she said a few kindly words to the recipients. The first award of the new O.P’s Prize for Outdoor Activities was made to Jason Hunisett.
Dr. Templeman, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kent, in a short address, gave a few well-chosen words of advice regarding the need to face up to problems and difficulties and not to expect a life of ease.
Maybe the report and reading were a little lengthy but they detracted little from the appreciation of a most enjoyable evening.
E.H.B.
FIFTY YEARS ON
1926, the year of the General Strike. A reality to some, to others a faint memory, to the majority a year they cannot have known. To those at D.C.S. it was the year of coming-of-age. There were 23 Staff (only Miss Rookwood is still with us) and 424 pupils. H. B. Garland was Head Prefect, C. G. Jarrett in Upper VI Arts, F. A. Cockfield in Upper Trans and E. Crush in Prep. The Thanksgiving Service at St. Mary’s Church on the 25th September and the ensuing feasting and merriment in the Town Hall will always linger in our memories, especially to the group of Old Boys who seized the “Great little man” and bore him shoulder high down the long Hall. A Junior boy wrote “I felt a thrill that I was in the School and one of the School”; a Senior “We must continue our work in all branches that the place may be the better for the life of each of its members”.
With pride and humility I say “I was there”.
“Pharosian ”
LEAVERS PARTY
I don’t suppose we’ll ever know why one particular function goes like a bomb and a similar one fizzles out like a damp squib. This year’s party on Friday, 17th December for recent School-leavers and younger members was a roaring success. Well over 50 people packed the Rugby Pavilion bar for an evening of reminiscences, beer and food, and everyone voted it a highly successful evening.
Grateful thanks are due to Colin Henry and Maurice Sayers who organised everything and ran the bar, together with their wives who, with Mrs. Harrison, cooked endless supplies of steak pies, bangers and beans.
Bernard Harrison.
* * *
John DIXON, a member of the School Staff 1938-40 (Physical Education) and 1952-55 (Mathematics and Science) has retired from his post as senior translator with the E.E.C. in Brussels. He is now Hon. Secretary of the Kent Historical Buildings Committee and lives in Cowper Road, River. He is looking for veterans in the area to “jog” on early morning runs.
* * *
You will have noted on Page 1 the bravery of Donald Henderson. The merit of this award has been much emphasised by the evidence and frequent references to his dangerous work during the current trial at the Old Bailey.
* * *
In response to requests we give the addresses of former masters who are Life Members of the Association:-
Mr. J. C. Booth, 20 Godwyne Close, Dover.
Mr. A. E. Coulson, 154 Lower Road, River.
Mr. A. A. Coveney, 7 Meadway, River.
Dr. M. Hinton, 53 Old Church Road, Uphill, Weston-super-Mare.
Mr. W. H. Jacques, 11 Chisnall Road, River.
Mr. F. L. Kendall, 216 The Gateway, Dover.
Mr. J. P. Marriott, 107 Cheriton Road, Folkestone.
Mr. R. W. Murphy, 96 Markland Road, Dover.
Mr. F. W. Ockenden, Sunnymede, Blyford Lane, Wenhaston, Halesworth, Suffolk.
Mr. C. Rowlands, 1 Meadway, River.
Mr. T. H. Walker, 64 Minnis Lane, River.
DOVER
Old Boys who have not visited the “Old Town” in recent years would have difficulty in recognising many parts. The Sea Front is kept in very good order (thanks mainly to D.H.B.) but in addition to the imposing Gateway Flats (where Guilford and Clarence Lawns and much of Marine Parade were pre 1939) there is now at the eastern end the new elevated M2 motorway, and to the west by the Clock Tower a massive mound of sand from the Goodwins for the new Hoverport. Near the Marine Station the Viaduct has been reconstructed. Inland York Street runs parallel to the south of the main streets from the old Dover Express office in Snargate Street to the previous site of the “Red Cow” in Folkestone Road. The Market Square and Pencester Road are still used as bus termini. The main street, particularly from the Town Hall westwards, is no credit to “The Gateway of England” and gives the impression of a Town that has lost impetus. Pleasure can best be obtained by taking the bus to River and walking through Kearsney Abbey and the Russell Gardens to Bushy, places of beauty the entire year. Here at least one can hear one’s native tongue which is often difficult in the shopping centre.
E.H.B
* * *
The address of our President is 26 Blandy Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon RG9 1PH.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Sincere thanks are due to Bernard Harrison, Ken Ruffell and Denis Weaver, without whose unstinted co-operation this Newsletter would not have been produced.Editor.
STOP PRESS
Your President feels that apart from our title, we have little association with the Pharos and its environs.
To remedy this in some small way, it is hoped to follow the Old Boys’ cricket match on the 16th July, with a cocktail party to be held in the Castle grounds, followed by dinner and seats for Son et Lumière which is running all the summer.
As I imagine most of us will be going to Son et Lumière anyway, this is an ideal opportunity to join a large party. Full details will be published in the next Newsletter.
B.A.H.