OPA Newsletter January 1983
New Series No. 43
January 1983
THE OLD PHAROSIANS’
NEWS LETTER
President:
W. E. Collard, Esq.
Secretary:
Philip Harding, Esq., 6 Monins Road, Dover
Treasurer:
Ian Pascall, Esq., 36 Willow Waye, Eythorne, Dover
Editor:
K. H. Ruffell, Esq., 193 The Gateway, Dover CT16 1 LL
The Editor would like to thank those Old Pharosians who write to him and thereby add to his pleasure in putting together the Newsletter.
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Fellow Old Pharosians, After the great events at the end of 1981, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the opening of the building at Astor Avenue, 1982 was almost bound to be something of an anti-climax. Those events have been most aptly commemorated by the successful publication of Fifty Years On1931-1981 by a committee of Old Pharosians, which captures much of the spirit of our School and has something of interest to all of you.
I was most honoured to take my place as your President at the Annual General Meeting, though without the benefit of an anticipated year as Vice President. Tom Beer was prevented by illness from succeeding as President as planned, but you will all be delighted to know that Tom is well enough to continue as Vice President for another year, and looks forward to his term as President a year late.
My predecessor made great efforts to ensure that our School organ received the essential maintenance required to keep it working and we can now confirm that the Association, together with the Parents Association, has obtained the loan necessary to put the work In hand. The life of the School organ will thus be extended significantly beyond its present fifty years.
I have two main hopes for the year ahead. Firstly, that we can find ways of widening the circle of Old Pharosians, preferably by increasing the formal membership of the Association. But there must also be opportunities for encouraging groups, large or small, here, there and everywhere to get together for no better reason than that they were at school together.
Secondly, I would hope In the course of the year to help encourage and develop Improved links between the School and Industry and Commerce to build on the very successful contacts already made. They help, both In giving boys an insight into life in the working world and In getting worthwhile practical support for school projects.
I would be pleased to hear from any Old Pharosian who is prepared to co-operate in such a link-up with the School.
Best wishes for 1983.
BILL COLLARD.
RATHER SPECIAL LONDON REUNION
In the week following Easter the School Choir Is to sing Evensong in Westminster Abbey on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Old Pharosians able to get to the Abbey for the service at 5 p.m. on Friday, 8th April may wish to meet one another afterwards.
If sufficient Old Pharosians express Interest In this Idea by writing to the editor as early as possible, our headmaster will write to the head of Westminster School to ask if we could use his Great Hall for a reception at 6.15. Boys, parents, old boys and their ladies would all be welcome. Sherry and soft drinks could be covered by about £1 per head for adults. Send no money, but reach for your pen now if the idea appeals to you.
K.H.R.
THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
At School on the morning of Old Boys’ Day, Saturday, 25th September, 1982.
There were about thirty members present, some having made long journeys to be in Dover.
In a review of the past year, the Secretary reported on the special celebrations on 9th December and the publication of the book Fifty Years On1931-1981. Under the presidency of Sir Robin Haydon, progress has bean made toward restoration of the school organ. £1,500 is being sat aside from the Jubilee Trust Fund and an interest free loan, repayable over seven years, has been obtained from County Authority. Previous estimates of the total cost of restoration have been greatly reduced and work can now proceed.
Treasurer presented a most expert and clear financial statement. Subscriptions during the year, mainly for Life Membership, exceeded £600. This will be invested to yield income to meet future costs. The main item of expenditure is the Newsletter. Three issues were paid for in the past year at a total cost of £444.
When the meeting proceeded to elect officers, Sir Robin Haydon handed over the Presidency to Bill Collard who had agreed to step in to the vacancy caused by the illness of Tom Beer. Tom’s name was unanimously agreed as Vice President with the intention that he shall be President in a year’s time. Virtually all the present officers were voted to continue in office. Special pleasure was recorded that Sydney Wenborn had undertaken to be school archivist.
One member drew attention to the sad state of the garden outside the School’s main entrance. He suggested that Association funds be used to improve matters. Headmaster spoke of the damage done by vandalism. The committee will consider sending a letter to County asking for action.
Next year’s Annual General Meeting and Dinner are to be on 17th September.
Later developments in the repair of School organ
£270 has been paid from the O.P. Trust Fund as a down payment to the repairers. The balance of £1,600 set aside for organ repair will remain in the bank to earn interest and six annual withdrawals will discharge our promise. The Parents Association and Friends of Music at D.B.G.S. will find the other £1,500 by equal payments over seven years to repay the £3,000 interest free loan from County Authority.
Attention to school garden in front of main entrance
The damaged condition of this garden was referred to at the Old Pharoslans’ A.G.M.
Our President took the matter up with County Authority with the result that the Estates Officer has been asked to clean up the garden. If he requires finance for fresh shrubs and plants he has been told that the Old Pharosians will be glad to be helpful.
THE ANNUAL DINNER
Ninety-nine ladies and gentlemen sat down to dinner and found the food and wine and comradeship extremely pleasant. Colin Henry and his wife arrange the dinner most effectively every year.
Among the company were representatives of the Parents’ Association and of the prefects’ room. The Head Prefect proposed the Loyal Toast.
Adrian Boynton, the School’s Director of Music, proposed the toast to the Association. He thanked the Association for all that had been done to sustain the organ and assist music in the school. He was able to announce further successes at Cambridge for the school’s most able musicians.
The President replied to this toast and John Russell Taylor proposed the toast to the school. He is at present Art Critic to The Times, with a wealth of experience from which to draw anecdotes and philosophic comment. Headmaster replied very briefly for the hour was late and many wish to circulate afterwards. Forty Years On was sung with fervour by those who maybe rheumatic of shoulder. The song was sung again at the Junior Prize Giving with no less appreciation of a good rousing tune but with less understanding of the sentiments.
Among those who attended the Dinner were the President, Mr. W. Collard, The Headmaster, Mr. R. Colman, The Chairman of Dover District Council, Mr. W. Robertson and the new Chairman of Governors, Mr. D. Weaver. G. Bailey, E. H. Baker, I. W. Bird, L. Borley, A. Boynton, Dr. P. Burville, R. Cain, G. Curry, B. Denham, R. Eades, D. A. Gibb, J. Golding, D. Gough, D. Grinstead, D. Gunn, P. Harding, L. Harris, G. Harrison, Sir Robin Haydon, P. Henneker, C. Henry, Rev. W. Kemp, F. Kendall, W. G. King, D. Lawrenson, J. Le Prevost, J. McNeil, J. Pain, W. Ratcliffe, J. Ravensdale, J. Rhodes, K. H. Ruffell, M. Sayers, M. Sharp, N. Slater, M. H. Smith, L. Steggles, A. Stone, T. Sutton, J. Russell Taylor, J. Thomas, T. S. Walker, G. L. Watt, A. Webber, D. Wells, S. Wenborn, P. Weston, F. West-Oram.
Forty ladies were present to add to the pleasure of the evening; and the Association was delighted to see five members of the Prefects’ Room.
ALL BEER AND SKITTLES
Never before in the history of former students of the Dover Girls and Boys Grammar Schools, a history that includes romantic encounter, matrimony and mixed hockey, has there been a skittles match.
But on the evening of 22nd September, 1982, there was indeed a skittles match at the back of “The Red Lion,” Charlton Green. The ladies had the tremendous advantage of playing a home match, for the proximity of skittles to school makes the bowling alley virtually an extra-mural department of their school.
There were husbands and wives present in the teams but little disputation except in the matter of scores and infringement of rules. It does not matter who won. It was a very pleasant, enjoyable, sociable event, and thanks are due to Diane and David Gunn for raising the idea and arranging the evening.
OLD BOYS v. SCHOOL SOCCER MATCH. 18th September, 1982. School 7, Old Boys 2.
It was a very warm afternoon in the Indian summer weather that almost always arrives with the return to school for the autumn term. The older gentlemen found it rather exhausting and the school team were young, lively and skilled.
The result reflects the upturn in school games that will give so much pleasure to old boys.
Mick Palmer overcame the difficulties of assembling an old boys’ team which included Pete Norris, John Allingham (father), John Allingham (son), Gavin Shopland, Andy Kremer, John Morgan, John Dowle, Dave Palmer, Graham Hutchinson, Nick Syrett and Mick Palmer.
OLD BOYS v. SCHOOL RUGBY MATCH. Played at the end of March. Old Boys 16, School 10.
In 1983 the Old Boys v. School rugby match will be played at Crabble on Wednesday afternoon, 23rd March, at 4 p.m. The school will have two XV’s and would like the old boys to find thirty players. Please write in the first Instance to the editor if you are interested.
OLD BOYS v. SCHOOL CRICKET MATCH. Saturday, 10th July, 1982.
The day was perfect, sunshine with a gentle breeze, and the match ended in a tie. Could anyone arrange things better?
The Old Boys scored 90, of which John Booth contributed 30 not out. Richard Pepper, on whose great ability the school side rely, was stumped by David Hudson, standing up to the medium pace of Jeremy Weaver. He and John Booth bowled with steady success until the last man arrived with two runs wanted for a win. A top edge over the slips provided one but a catch levelled the scores and no one went home a loser. Almost everyone must have felt they had enjoyed their afternoon on a cricket field in the sun.
TWO SCHOLARS. On the school staff in 1905 and for many years afterwards.
Professor G. W. Coop land taught history and English literature. He started the Pharos Magazine in 1910 and then worked on a thesis for a D.Litt. degree of Liverpool University where he became a lecturer and finally Professor of Medieval History. In his obituary in The Times he was referred to as “The Grand Old Man of English Medieval History”. A book entitled War, Literature and Politics in the Late Middle Ages was compiled by his colleagues and was to be presented to him on his hundredth birthday, which he failed to reach by about three months.
J. Tomlinson in 1894 won an open scholarship to Manchester University where he studied maths and physics, gaining an M.Sc. in 1898. He then turned his attention to the arts, studied French at the Sorbonne and in 1910 gained a B.A. in Greek, French and Maths. He began teaching in 1900 and came to Dover in 1904 to teach maths, French, English, electricity and magnetism. During the 1914-18 war he was a radiographer in an Aldershot hospital. In 1924 he took a further degree in maths with some French and German. For pleasure he read Greek, Latin and Hebrew, but he will be remembered by Old Pharosians as a master of mathematics and as Deputy Headmaster. The school now has a prize for mathematics endowed in his memory.
SCHOLARSHIP
Arises from an early interest in some area or areas of knowledge, an interest that grows in the search to the end of one’s days for the truth that lies in that knowledge, usually coupled with some desire to pass on pleasure and purpose to a rising generation.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
24th February. O.P. committee meets. Please note change of date.
4th to 8th April. 5 p.m. School choir sings Evensong in Westminster Abbey. Old Pharosians are specially invited to attend on Friday, 8th and foregather afterwards.
14th May. The May Ball.
17th May. Dr. Wicks and members of the Canterbury Choir give a recital in School.
Late June. Next issue of Newsletter.
10th August. School choir sings Evensong in St. Paul’s Cathedral.
17th September. Old Pharosians Annual General Meeting, soccer match and Dinner.
NEWS FROM SCHOOL GUEST EVENING
In his opening remarks, welcoming the visitors, the Headmaster made reference to the Docherty family who had presented a hand-carved notice-board for use by the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme in memory of Mark Docherty, a sixth former, who was killed in a road accident.
The Headmaster proceeded to congratulate Denis Weaver, O.P. upon his election as Chairman of the Governors of the school and referred to all he had done in the past. The separation of the Governors of the two Grammar Schools had meant that we had lost the services of Mt. Philip Haffenden, the previous Chairman, and Mr. Colman thanked him for his great service to the school in many waysnot least in digging the swimming pool!
In his report the Headmaster stated that exam results had been very encouragingan 80% pass rate in the core subjects and up to 100% in some other. He mentioned the many societies and activities, including the number of members of the National Youth Theatre that we now have (16), the recent successes of the chess team and the fact that after much discussion, the emphasis was to be placed on soccer in the Autumn and rugby in the Spring Term.
Turning to County policy, Mr. Colman referred to some aspects that it is their intention to preserve end encourage.
1. The Careers Service whose ready assistance we find invaluable.
2. To balance traditional subjects with modern developments, e.g.
(a) All 4th forms have time-tabled computer studies periods. The school possesses seven microprocessors in a well-equipped computer room.
(b) In electronics, where for the new laboratory the County had paid £3000 to add to the £2000 given by the Parents’ Association, whom he thanked most warmly. Up to £10,000 worth of equipment would be needed and he was pleased to say that some was already coming In from Industry.
3. In-service training-Staff changes being less frequent, the opportunity to keep up-to-date is given, e.g. more staff learning the use of computers.
4. School Mealsthe system would continue and parents were invited to sample the delights of the menu.
In general, the Headmaster concluded, it was our object to deploy all our resources to the full.
Following the Report, the 4th and 5th Year Prize and Certificate winners were Introduced by Mr. M. H. Smith and the presentations were made by Mrs. Weaver.
After a musical interlude, Mr. N. S. Home outlined the philosophy of the Sixth Form before reading out the names of the Sixth Form recipients, the Bishop of Plymouth doing the distributing.
Bishop Kenneth Newing, O.P. said, in his address, that if you asked a bishop to speak you must expect him to stick to his last and, therefore, he gave a text from Joshua, “What do these stones mean?”. The stones he had particularly in mind were those of the school which he had joined at its opening in 1931. His only previous experience of looking out from the stage (the steps of which, he noted, still creaked) had been in dramatic productions under the direction of Miss Rookwood and Mr. Watt and in the choir under Mr. Willis, all of whose expertise he acknowledged.
The Bishop recalled further memories of the evacuation to Ebbw Vale and of various events associated with it. However, an overriding memory was of J. C. Booth caring for the boys in his charge and, indeed, of the Christian lead given throughout his time at the school, firstly by Mr. Fred Whitehouse and then by Mr. Booth. No matter how good the leadership, though, the family was of the utmost importance in support and guidance.
In concluding, Bishop Newing referred to the Gospel story for the previous Sundaythe feeding of the five thousandwhere the boy with the loaves and fishes did not hold anything back but was prepared to give his all and, returning to his text, these stones mean that they assured everyone that the traditions of the school were being maintained.
In thanking the Bishop, the Head Prefect, Barry Cook, presented him with a desk-tidy made of gilding metal in the school workshops.
Musical items began and closed the evening, all the music being of the usual high standard.
B.W.D.
ADMISSIONS TO UNIVERSITIES, October, 1982
J. P. Allingham, London, Medicine.
D. Bannett, New University of Ulster. Physics.
M. Baker. London, Q.M.C., English.
L D. Campbell, Kent, Law.
N. A. Cox, St. Andrew’s, English.
G. P. Dale, Manchester, Geography.
M. C. Deal, Reading, History.
J. P. J. Dicks, Reading, Chemistry.
I. R. Dunford, Surrey, Mechanical Engineering.
W. Halfpenny, London, K.C.H., Dentistry.
T. S. Jasper, Exeter, Chemistry.
A. Kremer, Reading, English.
R. C. Laken, Royal College of Music.
J. Miller, Warwick, Chemistry.
M. P. Newman, London. Imperial College, Zoology.
D. V. Norris, Salford, Contemporary History.
D. P. O’Brien, East Anglia, English History.
S. Pearson, Warwick, History.
S. G. Phillips, Bath. Economics and Politics.
N. S. Solomon, Sheffield, Accountancy.
A. J. Soppitt, Birmingham, Medicine.
A. M. Stuart. London, Maths and Computing.
ADMISSIONS TO OTHER CENTRES OF HIGHER EDUCATION
P. J. Goj, North London Polytechnic, Accountancy.
S. D. Howard, Coventry Polytechnic, Computers.
T. Hunnisett. West London Institute, Geography and History.
D. King, Bristol Polytechnic, Mechanical Engineering.
M. Ladbrook, London College, Business Studies.
G. S. Read, South Kent College, Business Studies.
J. P. Smith, Thames Polytechnic, Maths, Statistics, Computers.
D. A. Thomas, Polytechnic of Wales. Building.
J. Walder, Southampton College, Business Studies.
D. Woodcock, West London Institute, American Studies and History.
JUNIOR PRIZE GIVING, 29th September, 1982.
A separate prize giving for Forms One, Two and Three was begun last year and is proving a great success. Junior boys played musical items and read poetry of their own composition. They also read reports on the year’s activities both inside and outside the school curriculum.
Prizes and merit certificates were presented by Mrs. Haffenden, wife of the Chairman of Governors. The youngest boys beamed with happiness and sometimes handed their certificates to proud parents on their way back from the platform.
The musical items made clear that this school will be renowned for its music in years to come; and Old Boys of senior status will be delighted to know that Forty Years On was sung as well as the School Hymn.
RECITAL BY ROSALINDE RUNCIE, WITH SINGERS, CHOIR AND INSTRUMENTALISTS OF THE SCHOOL. Saturday. 9th October, 1982
This concert in the School Hall was distinguished by the piano playing of Mrs. Runcie, wife of the Archbishop of Canterbury. She spends much of her time giving recitals for charitable causes, on this occasion for the Kent Hospice.
Solos by a tenor and counter-tenor of Canterbury Cathedral choir were admirably chosen and beautifully performed. Contributions by the school choir and Instrumentalists certainly added variety to a most enjoyable musical evening. About £500 was sent to the Kent Hospice.
SCHOOL MUSIC DURING THE AUTUMN
A brass ensemble from the school played a part in the town’s Remembrance Day service.
Two concerts were arranged by the Friends of Music at the School. The first in Charlton Church, was mainly by the Snowdown Male Voice choir with items contributed by school instrumentalists. The second was by the Betteshanger Colliery Band in the School Hall. Both concerts were enjoyed and helped the funds available for school music.
Future engagements for the school choir: 26th January, Evensong In Chichester Cathedral. 4th to 8th April, 5 p.m., Evensong in Westminster Abbey. 10th August, Evensong in St. Paul’s Cathedral.
SERVICE OF CAROLS AND READINGS
Semper aliquid novithere is always something newto add to what is rightly traditional. The choir processed into a darkened, very full church bearing candles, a light coming to the people that sat in darkness.
This is the record of John was sung by Paul Taylor, counter-tenor of Canterbury Cathedral choir and a master an the school staff. He was also largely responsible for the readings. Those by a lady teacher on the school staff and by an old boy were quite outstanding. So, of course, was the singing by Adrian Boynton’s choir. It was not easy to refrain from applause. The carol It came upon the midnight clear with its message, “When peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendour fling” was richer in meaning in the year of Falkland war. Miss Rookwood would have stood up and cheered, or wept.
SCHOOL HISTORY: AMENDMENTS AND ADDITIONS
Mr. George Devenish Thomas was in charge of the Junior School on Priory Hill and later in Ladywell. He retired through ill-health in 1926.
Mr. Llewellyn Langley came to the school in 1920 and took over responsibility for the Junior School.
The earliest masters when the school was established were Messrs. Tomlinson, Coopland and Thomas, soon to be joined by Messrs. Derby, Smith and Standring.
The master named on page 16 of the book Fifty Years On as A. N. Other is Mr. H. M. Jacques.
MR. N. S. HORNE
Mr. N. S. Horne. head of the school’s English Department and senior Tutor to the Sixth Form, has completed thirty years and has become a Life Member of the Association. When term ended on 17th December, Tom Beer, on behalf of the Old Pharosians, presented Mr. Home with a tie and welcomed him into life membership.
NEWS OF OLD BOYS IN MEMORIAM
I. C. Austin, who was at school in the 1920s died in July at Lympne. He was for many years a major in the Royal Army Educational Corps.
Richard Barwick (1916-21), O.B.E., collapsed and died in Bushy Ruff park in July. He was seventy-five years old and had been with the family building firm fifty-seven years. He was churchwarden at River, a magistrate, chairman of governors of South Kent College of Technology, formerly an independent member of the Dover Council and associated with many community and sporting bodies.
Harold Castle (1928-30) spent a lifetime In the family business in Dover and was a strong supporter of Dover Football Club.
Leonard J. Hampshire (1922-261 died in October at Eythorne, aged seventy-two years.
Christopher Hogg (1972-79) had gained eleven ‘0’ levels and two ‘A’ levels before proceeding to Kingston Polytechnic where he was studying for a degree in geography. He was an enthusiastic musician with many friends who joined with the family in mourning his early death. The Headmaster and many representatives of the school attended the funeral service.
Leslie Leckie died in October, aged seventy-three years. He was a deputy head of Aylesham Secondary School and head of Southlands School, New Romney. For fifty years he was actively involved in soccer as a class one referee, administrator and vice-president of Kent County F.A.
At school before 1940
Bertram Ashman, at school in the nineteen-thirties, is a retired policeman who is now a Civil Servant, living in Folkestone. His brother, Fred, died in action with the R.A.F. over Berlin.
Ronald Bowles (1926-35) was in St. Mary’s Church in August. When at school he performed in The Admirable Crichton, alongside George Curry, Ian Watt and Frank West-Oram. He has been in the army and the Australian Civil Service. For a time he was the Australian Consul General in Karachi. He now lives in Port Maquarle, New South Wales.
Bernard Bechet (formerly Harrison) wrote after twenty years to express thanks for the training he received at school in the craft department. He is now head of his own craft department in a Melbourne school after graduating at Monash University.
Lord Cockfield (1924-33) has been to New York and Washington in his capacity as Trade Secretary. He went to discuss with senior members of the U.S. administration such issues as steel, the Siberian gas pipeline, protectionism, Japan, shipping and aviation. He gave an address to the Institute of International Economics.
Frank Davies (1935-42) wrote from the Royal Hospital School at Ipswich where he is Director of Music. He recalls being taught to play the school organ by Mr. Willis until he was removed with the school to Ebbw Vale. In October, 1982, he gave an organ recital in St. Paul’s Cathedral and at a later date conducted his school choir in St. Paul’s at an Annual Seafarers’ Service. His choir have made several recordings. Frank would be glad to hear from old boys of his time.
Philip Ewer (1932-38) was awarded the Imperial Service Order. He lives in Southampton and works in the Department of Health and Social Security. During the second world war he was a lieutenant, R.N.
John Hampden (1909-14) was eighteen when the first world war broke out. He joined up, survived and went to Oxford. He became influential in the Arts Council and did editorial work for Nelson. He died about four years ago and always acknowledged his debt to Mr. Coopland and Mr. Tomlinson in the early days of the school’s history.
Leslie Hogben (1925-32) has retired after fifty years of service with a Dover firm of solicitors. He is treasurer of Dover Lions and clerk to the commissioners of the local income tax office.
Dr. Arthur Makey (1930-40), consultant at Charing Cross Hospital, has developed a technique whereby patients recovering from surgery, especially chest operations, are relieved of pain by freezing nerves, thus obviating the need for drugs.
C. P. O’Brien (1939-40) went from Dover at the end of the war to Chichester High School. His National Service was with the Palestine Police Force in Nazareth. After demobilization at the formation of Israel he joined British Rail and is now with Sealink in their accounts office and has frequent contacts with Dover.
Colin Paddock (1928-38) wrote from Arabia with many reminiscences of his time at school. He also recalled being present at Calais when the Germans surrendered and Dover’s four years of shelling came to an end.
Andrew Thomas, at Sunderland Polytechnic, has gained the Polytechnic Diploma in Naval Architecture.
Major R. Eric Rowe (1921-29), who lives in Canterbury, was a visitor to St. Mary’s Church, Dover, during August.
J. M. (Mike) Saunders, lives in Melbourne, Australia, but has recently travelled to America and expects to come to England in 1983.
The Nineteen-Forties
Lester Borley (1942-49), chief executive of the English Tourist Board, is to become Director of the National Trust for Scotland in July, 1983. He and his wife came to the School Guest Evening in November. Lester has done so much for the Association, notably in promoting the London Reunions.
Roger Burbridge (1945-49) is lecturing at the university at Berkley, California.
Rev. Raymond Efemy went to Oxford from Dover in 1945 and became a Relief Worker oversees. He returned to Theological College and was ordained, eventually working in the West Midlands. He is now taking a parish in Manchester where he will work in co-operation with the Social Services.
Patrick Hughes (1945-49) is with the Thompson Products Division of the T.R.W. Canada company in Toronto.
Rev. John Philpott (1955-63) is appealing for money to help pay for repairs to the 10th century church at Church Whitfield, where he is the vicar. The church’s turret houses an ancient bell, cast 800 years ago.
Bill Ratcliffe (1947-53) has returned to England after spending several years at his bank’s Paris office in the Place Vendome.
L. R. Steggles (1945-48) was at one time mayor of Abingdon and is a member of the Oxfordshire County Council and of the Association of County Councils.
The Nineteen-Fifties
Alan Callender (1947-55) is an H.M.I. based at Croydon.
Waiter Nadin (1955-63), a prominent games player when at school, is now a golf enthusiast but comes to Dover most week-ends in summer to play cricket. He is an accountant living at Biggin Hill.
Rev. Sidney Riley (1954-62) left Aylesham in October. He has been vicar of St. Paul’s Church and is moving to Tudely cum Capel, near Tonbridge.
John Redman (1961-69), B.A., has been appointed Headmaster of an Infants’ School in Bishop Auckland, County Durham.
Graham Russell (1957-67) gained a London degree in geography in 1970 and is now Senior Teacher at the Heber High School, Malpass, Cheshire. He has recently added a Master of Education degree to his qualifications. He tells me that, of his contemporaries, Malcolm Campbell lives in an old weaver’s cottage at Outlane, near Huddersfield. After teaching in Coventry, Oxford and Barcelona he is now marketing director for a firm of educational suppliers. Colin Lawrence lives in Banbury, employed in the works study department of a North Oxfordshire District Council. Kim Knight was in government service in Nigeria.
Keith Shinfield (1965-61) wrote in November. He is operations manager for Esso at Heathrow Airport.
Keith Tutthill (1956-63) is divisional superintendent of the St. John Ambulance Brigade in Dover.
Tony Williams (1959-67) is a microbiologist who has been seconded to lecture at Sydney University.
The Nineteen-Sixties
Jonathan Aylen (1962-69) is undertaking a research project to compare steel production in various countries, including Japan. He is a lecturer in economics at the University of Salford.
John King (1965-71) is now manager and director of Patmar Import Services.
J. R. Latter (1962-67) joined the army when he left school but transferred to Systems Analysis with E.M.I.
Lieutenant Martin Linsley (1962-69), Royal Australian Navy, is engaged in administration, lecturing and other training processes. In leisure time he travels and engages in skiing and sailing as well as a general keep-fit programme.
Stephen Silk (1963-70) lives in the Dartford area and is Head of Department of Technical Drawing at Sidcup Secondary School. He is at the stage where soccer gives way to golf.
Martin Smith (1965-69) is a bombardier in the Royal Artillery, at present serving with the B.A.O.R.
David Smith (1966-73) is a physiotherapist and a sergeant in the R.A.M.C., recently posted to Hong Kong.
Robert Sneddon (1965-72) has been ordained into the Methodist ministry.
Peter Wheeler (1963-71) is organist and choirmaster at Ashford Parish Church.
The Nineteen-Seventies and onwards
Bruce Barrett (1971-78) is employed on the computing staff of the Honda firm and he lives in Bracknell.
Ian Carter (1974-81), son of art master Kelvin Carter, has been presented with an award by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent for services to the naval section of the school cadet corps. The officer-in-charge left the school and Ian took over his responsibilities and duties for 2½ years. He is now midshipman, R.N., training at Dartmouth.
John Conway (1975-82) is going via Hendon College into the Metropolitan Police.
Mervyn Cooke (1974-81), scholar of King’s College, Cambridge, has written a Nunc Dimittis and Magnificat that have been sung by the College Choir.
Dean Webb (1972-76) obtained a degree in geology.
Ian Dunford (1975-82) has gone to the University of Surrey at Guildford to study mechanical engineering.
Martin Gill (1971-78) is doing research in the banking business.
Christopher Gill (1968-75) is studying medicine.
Leonard Howell (1970-77) is President of Dover Rotaract Club and one of the several Old Pharosians who give such cheerful service to customers at the National Westminster Bank in Market Square.
David Lawrenson (1974-80) spent part of his summer vacation from Cardiff University on a visit to Sri Lanka, Bangkok and Hong Kong.
Stephen Lawrenson (1974-78) has a new job within the BM organisation, selling facsimile transmission business communication systems.
Stephen Marples (1972-79), a third year drama student at Nonington, produced Tom Sheppard’s play Enter a Free Man at the college at the end of November. His training was self-evident in his reading of the lesson in the school carol service.
W. Marshall, last year’s Head Prefect, who played the organ at the service in St. Mary’s Church on 9th December, has won an organ scholarship to Selwyn College, Cambridge. He seems to spend most of his time at present being tremendously helpful in the school music department.
Stephen Mitchell (1964-74) is manager of the Woolwlch Building Society at Farnham.
Stephen Pettifer (1970-77) has gained a B.A. degree in sociology at Warwick University.
Mark Smith (1971-78) obtained a Cambridge B.A. degree in chemical engineering. In his last year he rowed for Jesus College and is now taking a short service commission in the army.
David Thomas (1970-77) has been engaged in geographical research work in Zimbabwe. In October he flew back to Heathrow and then on to Canada to do some lecturing. He has been appointed President of the Middle Common Room at Hertford College, Oxford.
Keith Tolputt (1973-79), who is a Civil Servant, is to work in the British Embassy in Vienna for three years.
OUR TWO KENT CRICKETERS
Derek Aslett has played in at least half of the Kent 1st team county matches, his best Innings being against Kapil Dav and other Northants bowlers. He is again wintering in West Australia.
Chris Penn is one of four young English players chosen for cricket scholarships to Australia this winter.
He will be required to assist in practice for the MCC party. He has played seven 3-day matches for Kent and thirteen 1-day games, in one of which he gained the man-of-the-match award. The Times correspondent, describing Kent’s match against Surrey, wrote: “The better known bowlers were upstaged by Christopher Penn from Dover Grammar School, who took the wickets of Butcher, Clinton, Knight and lynch for 34 runs.”
One Old Pharosian wrote to the editor as follows: “On 2nd August, 1982, at lord’s, at 1.10 pm. D. G. Aslett was put on to bowl the penultimate over before lunch; C. Penn, already on at the Nursery end, bowled the last over. Thus, in company with my grandson, I witnessed Kent’s bowling. entirely in the hands of Old Pharosians, and I could scarce forbear to cheer.”