OPA Newsletter July 1994
OLD PHAROSIANS’ ASSOCIATION
NEWSLETTER
New Series No. 66
July 1994
LIST OF CONTENTS
EDITORIAL
* Officers and Committee 1993-94
* The Achievement of Grant Maintained Status
* Verse in Response to George Curry’s article
on Mr. Whitehouse
* Mr. J.C. Booth, Headmaster 1937-59
* Some Thoughts of Mr. R.C. Colman, Headmaster 1969-92
NEWS OF THE ASSOCIATION
* Old Boys’ Day –
Notice of AGM on 17th September 1994
Annual Reunion Dinner
Soccer – School v Old Boys
* Reports of Committee Meetings –
17th March 1994
5th May 1994
* The Powell Cup
NEWS OF THE SCHOOL
* News Gathered from the School’s “First Thursday”
Newsletters
* School Concert and other news of music
* Last Day of the Easter Term
* Where Have All The Fellows Gone?
NEWS OF OLD BOYS
* Correspondence Exchanged
* Obituaries
* News of Individuals
LATE EXTRA
* Further News of School and Old Boys
beginning page 3
OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE 1993-94
President: B.D. Crush
39 Eythorne Road, Shepherdswell,
Dover, CT15 7PG. 0304-830528
Vice-President: G.L. Tutthill
21 Orchard Drive, River,
Dover, CT17 OND. 0304-822121
Past President: R.C. Colman
Ivy House, Great Mongeham,
Deal. 0304-375137
Secretary: P.J. Harding
6 Chestnut Road, Elms Vale,
Dover. 0304-205007
Assistant C.J. Henry
Secretary: 40 Crabble Road, River,
Dover, CT17 OQE. 0304-823764
Treasurer: I.D. Pascall
‘Karibu’, 45A Bewsbury Cross Lane,
Whitfield, Dover, CT16 3EZ.
0304-821187
Membership R. Gabriel
Secretary: 229 St.Richards Road, Deal,
CT14 9LF. 0304-366110
Newsletter K.H. Ruffell
Editor: 193 The Gateway, Dover,
CT16 1LL. 0304-202172
Archivist: S.J. Wenborn
88 Minnis Lane, River,
Dover, CT17 OPT. 0304-823943
beginning page 4
Committee: M.J. Palmer (to retire 1995)
12 Hazeldown Close, River,
Dover, CT17 ONJ 0304-825472
P.J. Burville (to retire 1995)
Seagate, Goodwin Road,
St.Margarets Bay,
Dover, CT15 6ED. 0304-853267
M.H. Smith (to retire 1994)
68 Minnis Lane, River,
Dover, CT17 OPT. 0304-822429
T. Sutton (to retire 1996)
17 Bewsbury Cross Lane, Whitfield,
Dover, CT16 3HB. 0304-820122
C.P. Gill
Paros, St.James Road, Kingsdown,
Deal, CT14 8BQ. 0304-372675
K. Tolputt
1 Lyndhurst Road, River,
Dover, CT17 OLU. 0304-823314
Auditor: V.J. Alcock
Maycroft, Manor Avenue,
Deal, CT14 9PN. 0304-367453
Headmaster: N. Slater
Staff D. Murray
Representatives: S. Callacher
M.R. Grant
Head Prefect: Matthew Wilkinson
Deputy Head Mark Tillyard
Prefect:
beginning page 5
THE ACHIEVEMENT OF GRANT MAINTAINED STATUS
by The Chairman of the Governors
On 1st April 1994, the Dover Grammar School for Boys became Grant-Maintained.
Ironically, after all the frantic activity to get things ready for the big day, 1st April was the first day of the Easter Holidays – Good Friday – and there was no-one at the school!
You will all be aware of the years of uncertainty that have caused great anxiety, with re-organisation proposals and counter-proposals. Would the school close? Would it move to the former Castlemount site? Would there be a brand new merged grammar school on a greenfield site? The answer to all these questions in the end was “No”, and it became clear that it was time for the governors to take the future of the school into their own hands.
Parents were ballotted and gave overwhelming support to the submission of an application for Grant-Maintained status. The staff, too, gave their support. The application was submitted, the County Council was the sole objector, and in mid-March we received the news that the application had been granted.
Much preparatory work had, of course, already been done. But there was still much to do to ensure a smooth change-over on the day itself. Banking facilities had to be arranged, insurance had to be in place, and plans had to be drawn up to deal with all the administrative matters that now become the responsibility of the school, rather than the local education authority.
Much of this work has fallen on the head teacher, Neil Slater, and the deputy head, Dr. Alan Jackson, who have found their way through the mass of documentation with great efficiency.
There are five new governors, too. Norman Gilliland has been elected by the parents as their additional representative, and former pupil Robin Terry, parent David Spink, former parent and governor Bob Joslin, and Dover District Council personnel officer Paul Wyles have also been appointed to the board. We are delighted to welcome them, and we know that the expertise they bring in various fields will be invaluable to the school.
We pay tribute to those governors who have now left us, some after many years’ service. Denis Weaver, Philip Buss, Don Soppitt and Professor Anne Stevens have given unstintingly of their time and effort, and we are grateful to them for all they have done.
The new governing body met within days of the G.M. decision being received, and immediately set about establishing the new committees. The Finance Committee, under the chairmanship of David Spink, has already held several meetings, and the other committees are also now setting about their business.
The Governors have planned a training day so that they are better equipped to cope with their new responsibilities.
With G.M. comes a new “feel” to the school. There is a more positive atmosphere about the place, with the realisation that we have much more control over what happens, and we can make a difference in so many ways.
A painting weekend was held at the school in March, when governors, staff, parents, pupils and old boys gave up some of their time to help decorate some of the areas which have been neglected for so long. The inside of the tower looks better already! Another similar weekend will probably be held in the future, and in November we expect to organise a planting weekend, when we tackle some of the plants, shrubs, hedges and trees that need attention around the site.
On the last day of March, the new school mini-bus arrived, complete with the school name and badge.
Work went on throughout the Easter holiday to create a new reception area next to the main entrance, and to make the office area bigger to accommodate the new administrative staff we have taken on.
Among the projects being considered by the Premises Committee will be adaptations to the dining hall and workshop areas to create additional technology space.
And we have many other plans, too!
We all have a part to play in this exciting new chapter of the school’s history, and I am sure former pupils will want to be a part of it. It is not possible to give dates of some of the events currently being organised, such as future painting or planting weekends, but if you would like to be involved, just give the school a ring, and we will let you know as soon as dates have been finalised.
We look forward to the future with excitement ….. and great confidence!
GRAHAM TUTTHILL
Chairman of the Governors (and Old Pharosian, 1960-65)
beginning page 7
SIXTY YEARS ON
I do not wish to seem in hurry
To bandy words with one George Curry
(Is that the Curry once I knew
Of Cherry Tree, the Avenue?)
Now George, I think you should admit
That you did leave out a little bit
When writing with a hand so steady
The plaudits of our late Head, Freddie.
Perchance it may, you never knew
For ’twas vouchsafed to but a few
Those reckless wights who cared no rap
For rules demanding they wear a cap.
To the culprits of this heinous crime
Our Head applied himself in time
With might and main and some say zest
To give our persons some of the Best.
Now I do not seek to whinge or whine
For the fault was truly mine
But the purpose of this ancient rite
Was quite clearly lost to sight
For the lesson we were taught
Was, If in error, do not be caught
And so with spirit still unbroken
I thro’ life have found this token,
Do what is right as best one can
For that is all we can ask of Man.
(Visions of boyhood)
P W D
beginning page 8
MR. J.C. BOOTH, M.A.(Oxon)
1937-1959
After the long life’s work of the school’s founder, who brought the school to its present buildings and fields in 1931 and established then a period of excellence in achievements academic and sporting, the health of Mr. Whitehouse was in decline and he resigned at the end of 1936.
He was replaced by Mr. J.C. Booth, aged 42, at that time headmaster of Faversham County School. He had previously been a housemaster at Wolverhampton Grammar School. Mr. Booth had been educated at Queen Mary’s Grammar School in Walsall, from which he gained an Exhibition to Worcester College, Oxford, where he read history, though his studies were interrupted by army service in France during the 1914-18 war.
The Dover staff room at this time was richly blessed with some excellent men and Miss Rookwood. Mr. Booth, by his gentle manner and thoughtful acts of kindness, brought cohesion while seeing that traditional characteristics were maintained.
Two of Mr. Booth’s strengths were soon recognised. It is reported that on his appointment by the governors, news reached the staff-room with the cry “The man’s a Methodist”. What a departure this must have been from the Anglican traditions of Canon Elnor and Mr. Whitehouse. The other much appreciated quality of strength was seen in the early staff meetings. Mr. Booth would preside behind his desk faced by a semi-circle of the teaching staff.
In his gentle, tentative way Mr. Booth would suggest “I think, gentlemen, we might try ….” On our return to the staff-room after my first meeting I recall Mr. Tomlinson declaring “This new man is a gentleman”.
During his first term Mr. Booth had to replace Mr. Darby; and I was the fortunate one to be chosen. I shall never forget being taken round by Mr. Booth and seeing the splendour of the great hall where the organ enriched morning assemblies. The senior boys were so smartly dressed, some of them sporting ribboned boaters in the summer term: while at the end of the Christmas term there was a dance to be remembered. Nor shall I forget the little boys, aged from 8 to 11, under the devoted care from Miss Rookwood who gave them no option but to learn.
Mr. Booth’s Christianity was self-evident in his carefully prepared morning assemblies. For a very short time he arranged an additional assembly at end of afternoon school to send us away with his blessing. He and his family were members of the London Road Methodist Church, as is Mrs. Booth to this day. He was involved in Toc H and other good causes.
He made the school time-table each year by the “pencil and rubber” method that preceded today’s computer. His desk was never cluttered with untended papers. He frequently went to his study during vacations to deal with correspondence.
His annual address at Speech Days was a reading of clear, scholarly English. His secretary typed and re-typed his record of a year in the school’s life.
In 1939 the shadows of war crept across our lives and Mr. Booth would ask even this most junior fellow what I thought about Czecho-slovakia. At this time the school and Mr. Booth were fortunate to have as deputy head Mr. W.E. Pearce, famous teacher of science, commanding officer of the cadet corps and a firm but quiet administrator. Mr. Booth and Mr. Pearce made a fine team for the war that was to come.
After the British retreat from Dunkirk in June 1940, the school’s hurried departure to Wales has been frequently chronicled. Those travelling were assembled on the playground by Mr. Pearce: each person allowed to carry only one bag. Mr. Booth was at the head of the march to Priory Station, he carrying two bags, his own and that of the smallest boy.
The war years in Wales were for Mr. and Mrs. Booth, assisted by Mr. Pearce and the teaching staff, the school’s most difficult years. Mr. and Mrs. Booth obtained a house larger than they needed and took in boys displaced from their lodgings. In so many ways relationships with the host school and Ebbw Vale community were maintained in friendship that survived the war into years of post-war peace.
At Christmas 1944 Mr. Booth was able to return to Dover where he found the school buildings virtually intact, the laboratories still showing the experiments set up and hurriedly abandoned in 1940. The school was able to restart and gather momentum. The title was no longer Dover County School; it was now a grammar school of which excellent standards were expected and achieved during the fifteen post-war years of Mr. Booth’s headship. The honours boards testify to academic achievement; and in Mr. Booth’s last year in the school five State scholarships were won. The school’s recovery was aided by the headmaster’s close friendship with Mr. David Bradley, chairman of governors.
The writer of this story took over the general responsibility for school games. Mr. Booth was very fond of soccer and cricket: and in pre-war years he played once or twice in staff soccer teams and Old Pharosian cricket elevens. In the post-war years it was rare for him not to come to see the school games on Saturdays. If on any Saturday he could not come he would apologise in advance. It was his way of expressing his appreciation of what was being done for sport: he, no doubt, similarly appreciated what was done in sailing, music, drama and other aspects of life in a busy school.
His job and its responsibilities were very demanding, at a time when so much was new in education, introducing films, TV, computers, field trips and administrative regulations. He decided to retire at the age of 65 years.
His going was marked with admiration, respect and affection. An Old Pharosian recently wrote of Mr. Booth “He was a headmaster who could sometimes change his role and talk to you like a dad”. Mr. Booth would have liked that.
K.H.R.
beginning page 11
SOME THOUGHTS OF MR. R.C. COLMAN
HEADMASTER 1969-1992
The first time I saw Dover Grammar School was late on an afternoon in 1968 from Astor Avenue. I was immensely impressed by those remarkable buildings which so clearly convey dignity, security and command. By inspiration, Fred Whitehouse made his School part of Dover’s community. A few weeks later, after my appointment, I was courteously invited by the Prefects to come down from Dulwich to join them at supper at the Hope Inn at Lydden. Enjoying the company of those mature young men, I made my first decision as a Head. I would set rule books, courses, and educational doctrine second equal to the civilized growth of young men to be honest, vigorous, reliable and considerate, – to be optimistic leaders, sound friends and, if appropriate, good husbands and parents.
Boys learn from those who teach them rather than from what they are taught. Therefore, the calibre and enthusiastic confidence of the staff was vital and here I was exceptionally lucky. I was only the fourth Head in over 60 years and the stability created by my predecessors produced a tradition of good behaviour and work which was accepted by virtually all the boys. Within this stable environment, staff and boys could grow and experiment, happy to move into the unknown and to find themselves.
Looking forward into life beyond school, right from the age of 11, meant that all was preparation for what was to come. Knowledge was acquired and skills practised but to anticipate leaving and moving into the real world was the exciting challenge. In this atmosphere, the staff did so much more than to “deliver the curriculum”. Each man and woman had their own hobbies beyond professional competence and they produced opportunities in work, games and societies which made it a very rich and inspiring society largely free from considerations of time or money.
The range offered was very wide and reflected my belief that Art, Music, Drama, Technology and Games of all sorts were as likely to inspire responsible and disciplined growth as the academic subjects. The Ancient Greeks, in fact, had it right.
Perhaps, this would now be called a “whole person” approach. In this respect, I have always believed that parents know their own children best even though they may always look for the best, which must be good. Therefore, I had to be ready to talk to parents at any time and anywhere except in their own homes, which would have been intrusive. The staff came to see it in the same way.
Similarly, the Old Boys who were out there living, gave freely of their time and one of my better decisions was to invite the “Old Pharosians” to appoint an Archivist to preserve this fund of support.
We were indeed a family with all its delights and sorrows. I believe that the customs and habits which we encouraged are strong enough to take what is valuable from all these new ideas and systems and to use them wisely to turn boys into men.
beginning page 13
NEWS OF THE ASSOCIATION
OLD BOYS DAY
Notice is hereby given that the ANNUAL GNERAL MEETING of the Association will be held at the school on SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 1994 commencing at 11.00am; coffee from 10.30am.
AGENDA
1. To read the notice convening the meeting
2. Apologies for absence
3. Minutes of the previous AGM
4. Matters arising
5. Secretary’s Report
6. Treasurer’s Report and recommendations on Finance
7. Election of Officers and Committee
– President: the committee will propose that Mr. Graham Tutthill
shall be in office for 1994-95
– Vice-president:
– Secretary:
– Membership Secretary:
– Newsletter editor:
– Archivist:
– Auditor:
– Committee members (the two retiring members are M.H. Smith and C.P. Gill)
8. Any Other Business
THE ANNUAL REUNION DINNER
SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 1994
6.45PM FOR 7.30PM
A separate sheet of paper giving details accompanies this Newsletter. Most age groups of Old Pharosians are represented and ladies are very welcome, usually forming about one third of the company. You may make requests about the seating plan. The earlier you reply, the more helpful you will be to the organisation of the evening.
Soccer match School v Old Boys
Saturday 17th September at 2.30pm
Any Old Boy wishing to play should write to, or phone:
Mick Palmer, 12 Hazeldown Close, River, Dover, CT16 ONJ.
Phone: 0304 825472
beginning page 14
COMMITTEE MEETING
at School, Thursday 17th March 1994 at 7.00pm
Barry Crush presided. Others present were Graham Tutthill, Vice President, and R.C. Colman, C.J. Henry, R. Gabriel, K.H. Ruffell, S.J. Wenborn, M.J. Palmer, P.J. Burville, M.H. Smith, T. Sutton, M.R. Grant.
Apologies were received from the Headmaster, the Treasurer and Chris Gill. Secretary P. Harding was unable to attend because of duties at Harvey Grammar School.
Secretary had sent Minutes of the previous meeting. These were accepted with the one important amendment that the money at Lloyds Bank was £1,784, not £784.
The Treasurer, Ian Pascall, sent a written report.
The previous balances were:-
Charities Investment Account £5600 Unchanged
Lloyd’s Bank’s ‘Treasurer’s Account’ £1569 Previously
£1784
This Lloyd’s account pays interest and there are no charges.
Treasurer’s analysis of Newsletter costs:-
Jan.1994 July 1993 Jan.1993
£ £ £
Envelopes 21.98 22.39 16.95
Word Processing 60.00 60.00 60.00
Postages 210.39 127.36 127.15
Printing 100.00 No charge 100.00
Artist 5.00
______ ______ ______
397.37 209.75 304.10
______ ______ ______
Treasurer estimated that two Newsletters per annum would cost a little over £1 per member.
Malcolm Grant, the master in charge of PE and games, made a request for £200 to purchase weight lifting equipment. A lot of boys would benefit and the request was regarded favourably. However, there was also under consideration the request for castors to move the school piano, a matter of at least £600 and some uncertainty. Both matters were held over until next meeting.
Newsletter editor had a good deal to report. The school secretary, Mrs. Cheryl Woods, who has word processed the Newsletter for at least 15 years, is retiring. Headmaster was reorganising the school’s secretarial services and one secretary will support staff, pupils, parents and Old Pharosians. Our payment of £60 for each Newsletter, never more than a token gesture of thanks for work so splendidly done, would now cease.
At end of term on 31st March there would be a gathering when appreciation of Cheryl’s services would be expressed by staff, governors and Old Pharosians.
Newsletter editor reported that 691 envelopes containing the January Newsletter and sundry papers had been posted and surcharged by 10p per packet for exceeding 60 grams. Editor explained the difficulties of estimating in advance what the weight would eventually be. The problem would be less likely to arise in summer when less material came to hand: but could recur in January. The editor’s problem was viewed with much sympathy by members of the committee and, in general, it was felt that quality of Newsletter was more important than occasional increase of cost.
Newsletter editor was given approval for suggestions he made in regard to future content of newsletters.
Membership secretary’s work in maintaining accuracy of our lists was fully appreciated. He said that as he was no longer a member of the staff of this school he felt somewhat out of touch. News of members, including changes of address, would always be welcome, whether it came to school, Association secretary, membership secretary, treasurer or newsletter editor. Some centralisation was considered but eventually it was felt that this would lose the personal nature of correspondence. Eventually Roger Gabriel came up with the computer expertise which would enable the packages addressed in July to bear a request for return to editor from any deadletter addresses.
The value of David Murray and other staff members of committee in recommending to school leavers the membership of the Association at £5 for five years was fully appreciated.
The AGM and Dinner on 17th September were discussed. Maurice Smith has booked the same caterer who has raised his prices, as a result of which a dinner ticket was fixed at £12, with £7 for school prefects. The intention is to arrange tables for various year groups.
The archivists reported continuation of their work in setting up a data base which not only provided information for inquiring Old Pharosians but also provided opportunity for Advanced Level projects.
The late J.A.J. Binks had, in his will, left to the school some classical books, beautifully bound, which were at present with the archivists.
The archives would also hold copies of a school Newsletter to appear on the “First Thursday” of every month. This was a further enterprise of the indefatigable chairman of governors, Graham Tutthill. The first copy had appeared in October and number six was now in the hands of boys, parents and governors.
Item 9 on the Agenda was to update news of the future of the school. On 15th March the school had been given GRANT MAINTAINED STATUS with effect from 1st April, subject to agreement on minor matters which had been readily accepted. Several governors had resigned and had been immediately replaced. A transitional grant had been received, some to be spent on computer equipment, some on building projects. A reception area and office accommodation were being planned and would be implemented in the Easter holidays. Application would be made for capital grants to get done work that had been neglected in recent years. A working party of governors and parents was to come into school on the Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm to paint and brighten some areas of the school. Requests for boys’ admission to the school for next September were already over subscribed.
Under Any Other Business action was taken over invitation to future Presidencies of the Association. The President wished to be kept informed of developments.
The next meeting was fixed for 5th May at 7.00pm.
K.H.R.
Committee Meeting Thursday 05MAY94 entry is missing (page 17)
beginning page 18
THE POWELL CUP
Many of you will remember the cross-country race at the end of each Spring term.
The Powell Cup has always been awarded to the winning House team.
Now there is a ROSS ARNOLD MEMORIAL CUP to be awarded and inscribed each year with the name of the individual winner.
Mr. Malcolm Grant would like to inscribe the names of past winners.
So he has asked that if your name and year could be inscribed on the cup he would like you to write to the Newsletter editor who will collect names and forward them to Mr. Grant.
You could also, if you wished, add any news about yourself for printing in the Newsletter.
THE POWELL CUP CROSS-COUNTRY RACE
Mrs. Martine Hargrave is responsible for first year (Year 7) boys: and when the annual Powell Cup race was linked with raising money for charity she told her class that if they would all run so would she.
The length of the course was varied for age and the lady finished 59th in her event.
Kelvin Carter and Malcolm Grant also finished their distance, helping to fund the school’s Lent appeal.
beginning page 19
NEWS gathered from the School’s
“FIRST THURSDAY” NEWSLETTERS
commenced in October 1993
These newsletters, generally single sheets of paper covered on both sides with information about the school, are taken home by all boys to their parents on the first Thursday of each month.
It is a creation of the Parents and Friends Association, master-minded, printed and issued by Graham Tutthill, chairman of the school governors. He has left a memory from his days in the school that he had an enthusiasm for journalism, spending Saturday mornings in the Dover Express premises. He is now editor of the paper EXTRA that comes through Dover doors each week. He is Vice President of the Old Pharosians and will be President for 1994-5. He is chairman of the school governors and this year’s publicity officer for Christian Aid in Dover. On Sundays he prepares printed material for his church and plays the organ. The rest of the time is his own. It has been said that if you want a job well done you should get a busy man to take it on.
As chairman of the governors he has been in the forefront of our application for Grant Maintained status; and he signed the application that went to the Ministry of Education. Mrs. Suzanne Dawson is vice-chairman of the governors and has given splendid service to the school.
Much of the news of the school in the October “First Thursday” has been reported in the January Old Pharosian Newsletter. There is detailed news of school soccer and golf, both games that owe much to the enthusiasm of Mr. Steve Bailey. There is report of fund raising, including a monthly draw: of governors and old boys: and finally of “working together to ensure that the school continues to be so successful”.
In the November issue progress was reported in our application to become a GM school. We have been in communication with the Department of Education and are encouraged by their advice. As expected, Kent County Council lodged the only objection to our application. The Association of Parents and Friends had a jumble sale, a Wine and Wisdom evening and a Christmas bazaar. There was a Christmas draw and a sale of the school’s own Christmas card. There is a school shop that opens once each week. News of other activities included sponsored abseiling by some senior boys to raise money for the handicapped. Head teacher went along to watch but was persuaded to “have a go”. Being headmaster always had its dangers.
December’s Newsletter noted with admiration the new red velvet curtains in the hall. There has been much varnishing and painting in the hall and lower corridor.
The Combined Cadet Force earned special report of its many activities, including a night exercise firing blank ammunition, orienteering, flying at Manston and a parade at the town’s Remembrance Sunday observance at the war memorial.
The January Newsletter spoke of the school musical department’s business over the Christmas period, most notably in the school carol service. A lady named Sue Barham has been appointed Personal Assistant to the head teacher and she is based in his study.
Mr. Michael Thomas, head of English and Theatre Studies, has gained his MA degree in Theatre Studies after studying at London University on a part time basis for two years. He has been responsible for notable productions in the school as well as giving much help to the school’s music.
Mr. Graham Lodder is another accomplished musician. He has passed his practical examination to add to a Musical Knowledge paper and will now receive a Diploma as Licentiate (Performer) of Trinity College, London.
The Parents and Friends raised £730 by a Christmas draw. The Association hopes to buy a new mini-bus. It arrived on the last day of term.
It was noted that many of the fathers of present and prospective members of the school were themselves Old Pharosians.
A report of school soccer spoke of a sad and frustrating end to an excellent season. Next season’s team will again be strong. Rugby and cross-country running are major sporting interests for the Spring term.
Progress has been made toward GM status. Questions from the Department of Education have been answered and the Dover MP has been interested in our progress.
The February Newsletter reported that our school party that had visited the Dover White Cliffs Experience was commended and awarded prizes for good behaviour and keen interest.
The CCF took part in a 20 mile sponsored walk that raised £260 for CCF funds.
The rugby season had started well: and cross country runners are training for the Powell Cup inter-house race near the end of term.
In March the programme of voluntary work in painting areas of the school culminated in a busy weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm. The school caretaker, Mr. Peter Chatfield, has been giving valuable help in these operations to redecorate the school.
There was a school concert on 24th March and Mr. Richard Davies will give an organ recital on 23rd April.
There was a ski trip to Switzerland at half term and a report spoke of “inevitable cultural and social clashes”.
On 29th March a whole school photo was taken, the first since 1989.
The early retirement of Mrs. Cheryl Woods is noted with regret. “We are very grateful to Cheryl for all she has done for the school over many years and we wish her well”.
Photographs on page 19
beginning page 20
DAVID ELLERAY
David refereed the Cup Final at Wembley, the tenth time he has refereed there. To referee the Cup Final was the culminating honour to his career as a referee that began when he was at school, aged 14.
Now a housemaster at Harrow he is able to referee soccer at the highest level in this country and in Europe.
TWO RAF CADETS
Two members of the school combined cadet force, Mark Tillyard, aged 17, on the right-hand side of the photo, and Anthony Downing, aged 16, have won sixth form scholarships after attending the RAF Officers and Aircrew selection centre. They will receive financial help with their studies and then have places for officer training at Cranwell. They will also spend two weeks on an outdoor activities course in the Cairngorms as well as an 18-day flying course.
beginning page 22
SCHOOL CONCERT, 24TH MARCH
It was pleasing to see that two rows of chairs arranged in semi-circular fashion were completely filled. The quality of concerts arranged by Mr. Davies is now more widely appreciated.
There are now a number of boys in the sixth forms who entered the school aged 11 with evident musical talents that have now blossomed with tuition and experience. In addition to instruction from Mr. Davies and visiting specialist teachers, it is immensely helpful that Mr. Lodder and Mr. Thomas take part in the programmes together with boy performers.
The programme ranged from classical to jazz; from vocal to instrumental groups: all enjoyed and appreciated.
An open violin case at the door, after the manner of buskers, must have done something for music department funds. Music in the school is now very strong.
K.H.R.
MORE MUSIC
The last week of the Easter term was memorable for several musical evenings in which our skilled performers played their part.
On the evening of Palm Sunday in the London Road Methodist Church there was a deeply moving performance of Stainer’s Crucifixion in which Matthew Wilkinson used his bass voice in a main solo role; with Graham Tutthill at the organ.
On Monday at the Girls Grammar School there was a Spring concert with contributions from young learners and expert senior girls and our boys, including Peter Futcher, the Wilkinson brothers and the Dover Grammar Schools Jazz Group.
The continued alliance between the two grammar schools in matters musical and dramatic is to everyone’s advantage.
PETER FUTCHER
Peter is still at school completing his A level studies.
He recently achieved a Grade 8 award for singing from the Trinity College of Music. He sings in the St. Mary’s choir and the choirmaster says that Peter’s voice can range from tenor to baritone.
He is still waiting to decide which university to accept among offers that are open.
beginning page 23
LAST DAY OF THE EASTER TERM
ON MAUNDY THURSDAY
Not a lot of work was attempted. In the morning there was a soccer match: teachers v prefects. The masters scored 3 goals, 2 of them by the new young PE master: the prefects did not score at all but several masters were limping in the afternoon.
Assembly at 1.45 heard of soccer successes in local competitions. Rugby was the main sport for all ages but there were only two interschool matches for each of the school years. The 1st XV won 7 of their 9 matches.
Cross country running led to the Powell Cup race, with distances varied for different age groups.
Headmaster told the school that this was the last day of control by Kent County Council: and more boys were wishing to join the school next September than had applied in recent years.
Headmaster spoke of the departure of Mrs. Cheryl Woods who had served the school so well since 1979.
Following the departure of the boys there was a gathering in the school library with tea, coffee or wine to notice the retirement from this school of Cheryl Woods. She has been so much more than a very good secretary. She and other ladies are at the reception point where visitors gain their first impression of the school.
The same ladies in the school office were the link with home for any boy feeling unwell; or with first aid or perhaps hospital in any case of injury. Presentations were made to Cheryl by the teaching staff, by parents, by the Old Pharosians Association and their Newsletter editor who has received so much skilled help in preparing material for the printer.
There was also a gift to Mike Thomas, head of English and Theatre Studies. He is getting married in the holidays.
beginning page 24
WHERE HAVE ALL THE FELLOWS GONE?
The following have this year gained places at University:-
S. Burns Bristol Law
D. Cork Buckinghamshire Engineering (general)
A. Dale Exeter History and Archaeology
L. Dawes Kent Accountancy
P. Dawson Kingston Medical subject
C. Dyer Buckinghamshire HND Operational
Research
S. Edwards Aberdeen Civil Engineering
P. Eyles Leeds Computer Studies
P. Friend Leeds Mathematics
J. Gee Oxford History
D. Gibbs Bradford Electronic Engineering
G. Goodfellow University Coll. London Astronomy
K. Goodwin Leeds, Bretton Hall Drama
J. Gunne Christ Church, Canterbury Mathematics &
Computer Studies
C. Howe Salford Electronic Engineering
C. Hyde Bournemouth Computer Studies
A. Johns Queen Mary & Westfield Geography
College, London
G. Joisce Leeds Mechanical Engineering
D. McArdle Warwick Physics
J. McDonnell Oxford Brookes Engineering (general)
B. Middleton Royal Holloway, London History
L. Mortimer Leeds Mathematics
M. Niblett Sheffield Mathematics
P. O’Brien Christ Church, Canterbury Inst. Management and
Physical Education
N. Olivari Keele French and European
Language
J. Olivari Keele French and European
Language
M. Osborne Southampton Mechanical Engineering
J. Pitchford Cambridge Physics
B. Prade Southampton Bus/Management Studies
and Accountancy
M. Robinson Leeds Fuel and Combustion
Sciences
A. Slade Humberside European Business Studies
G. Smith Southampton Medicine
T. Spence Oxford Mathematics
M. Storey Kings College, London Physics
D. Thomas Warwick Triple Combination
J. Thomson Roehampton Institute of Mathematics and
Higher Education Physical Education
J. Waller South Bank Computing
A. Whittaker Dundee Inst. Management
M. Williams Roehampton Institute of Geography (Phys.Sci &
Higher Education Bus/Manage. Studies)
B. Williams St.Marys, Twickenham Geography (Phys.Sci &
Physical Education)
A. Wood Leeds Biochemistry with
Molecular Biology/
Biophysics
beginning page 26
NEWS OF OLD BOYS
CORRESPONDENCE
has been exchanged with:
Colin Bailey, E.H. Baker, Phil Bradley,
Mrs. Anne Booth, John Booth, Dr. P.J. Clapham,
Clive Cottingham, Dr. George Curry, Dom Kenneth OSB,
Allan Ellender, David Elleray, Dr. E.J. Ewell,
Rex Fletcher, Michael McDonnell, Ian McInnes,
Keith McInnes, John Newman, Mrs. Rosemary Sanders,
Brian Saunders, Tony Simmonds, Richard Spear,
Major P.J. Stroud, Terry Sutton, Fred Thomas
and Sid Willcocks
beginning page 27
OBITUARIES
Derick Beck (1943-46)
died suddenly on 2nd May. He was a Methodist lay preacher who had conducted a service in the London Road church on the previous day.
As a sound engineer he had worked for several Dover firms and more recently had been self-employed. He had a strong bass voice and was a member of the church choir and Dover Choral Society. He had been interested in cricket and more recently played golf. He leaves a widow, two married children and three grandchildren, to all of whom we offer our sympathy.
Bernard Friend, CBE (1935-40)
died of cancer at his home in Bray, near Maidenhead, on 23rd December 1993, aged 69.
He was a much respected and well liked figure in the British Oil and Aviation industries. From 1972 to 1988 he was Finance Director of British Aerospace. After wartime service with the RAF he made his name as an astute member of the accountancy profession. From 1960 to 1966 he was comptroller to Esso Petroleum and in the 1970’s he was Vice-President of Esso Chemicals in Brussels. In 1977 he joined the Board of British Aerospace, retiring in 1988, aged 64, to become chairman of the Graham Rintoul Investment Trust.
Colin Henbrey (1940-46)
died in April at Buckland Hospital a few days short of his retirement. He was 64.
Colin left school to join the Weights and Measures Department (then run by Dover Corporation), left there to work in the transport department of Fremlins at Dover and when they closed that depot joined the National Westminster Bank and spent most of his time working at the branch at Dover’s Eastern Docks dealing with foreign exchange. His brother Ray, who is a few years older, was at the funeral at St.Paul’s Catholic Church.
David Moore (1946-48)
came into the school sixth form on the science side. He went on to Imperial College where he read physics and maths. He later gained a PhD in meteorology and after forecasting for some years he turned to research in the field of atmospheric pollution and did some work on wind power.
He and his wife were able to visit Mr. Kendall and found him, as ever, a patient, kindly man. David died suddenly on 15th October 1989.
Dudley G.A. Sanders (1918-27)
died on 30th January aged 84. He had been suffering from cancer for the last three years. He had fond memories of his schooldays, especially of Miss Rookwood who laid foundations for so many careers, and he kept in touch with Rosemary Sandiford.
His university career reading Physics was at Clare College, Cambridge, having gained his place by the award of a Kitchener scholarship. He subsequently became involved in the Lord Kitchener National Memorial Fund and ultimately became chairman of the committee which awarded the scholarships.
His main working life was to be in charge of the education and training of the workforce in the Metal Box Company where he worked for over forty years. This led to his chairmanship of a European team to visit the USA in the 1950’s to learn of their ideas on Training in Industry.
During the second world war he was involved in the evacuation from Dunkirk and in the battle for Cassino. He became military governor of Arezzo and later the Governor of Alessandria Province. He campaigned vigorously on behalf of The United Nations Association, having determined at the end of the second world war to do all he could to prevent another war.
The school is proud to have launched such a man and we offer our most sincere sympathy to Rosemary Sanders in her great loss.
beginning page 29
NEWS OF INDIVIDUALS
Colin Bailey (1941-48)
Colin was at Ebbw Vale in the war years and then returned to the school on the hill where he became head prefect, captain of rugby football and a sergeant in the CCF. After National Service in the RAMC he became a trainee papermaking foreman at Buckland Paper Mill. Here he learned colour matching and, after HNC Chemistry at Borough Road, became a Chief Colourist. On the firm’s business he visited Austria, Spain, France, Sweden and Israel.
In 1989 came redundancy and early retirement. He had always been interested in painting and he attended many evening classes. He continued as consultant to paper mills in Spain and Germany: and at the same time developed his artistic potential and the business side of selling his works. He is always pleased to consider commissions – water colours, drawings, oils, notelets and prints. His phone number is 0304-852890. His works on flowers and other aspects of local scenery are quite outstanding.
Danny Beard (1980-87)
obtained a 2.2 Degree in Engineering at Oxford. He joined the RAF and is now a Flight Lieutenant stationed in Gibraltar.
Clyde Binfield (1951-58)
Head of History Department of Sheffield University, has been on secondment during the past year “all over the world”, visiting at least 16 countries.
We hear, not from him, that he has a doctorate and an OBE and is also F.S.A. We do congratulate him on these honours.
Phil Bradley (1974-79)
wrote expressing full support in our search for Grant Maintained status.
He has successfully qualified as an accountant and is Head of Performance Management for the Milton Keynes General NHS Trust and he would be glad to help any school leaver interested in this kind of important and valuable work.
He asked to be remembered to Dave Murray and Steve Bailey.
Malcolm Campbell
has, since leaving school, been a business man in the north of England and in France. Work in England has suffered from recession and he is now a director who, with his wife, lives on a boat running tourist travel on the River Rhone.
Jeremy Carter (1978-85)
obtained a Doctorate at Southampton University last summer. Following a post-graduate course at Durham University he has just begun teaching Physics at the Durham Johnston school.
Ian Carter (1974-81)
is Lt.R.N. currently serving on HMS Sheffield in the Adriatic as part of the U.N. presence stationed off Yugoslavia. His home is at Ferndown, near Bournemouth.
John Corless (1979-86)
has taught at St.Edmunds school in Dover, but is now teaching at an International school in Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands where the climate is much more favourable.
The Ellender Family
The Editor regrets that there was some confusion in the previous issue of the Newsletter.
R.A. Ellender (1905-12)
Qualified as a teacher in Sandwich where he played soccer until he moved to Folkestone where he became the senior assistant at St.Mary’s Higher Grade School. In 1915 he volunteered for service in the first world war and was awarded the Military Medal for valour. He was badly gassed but on release from hospital he went on an expedition to Russia where he died and was buried in the British War Cemetery in Murmansk. His name is on the school War Memorial window.
Alan R. Ellender (1924-35)
is a life member of the Association and was the first boy to follow his father into the school. He qualified as a teacher and joined the staff at Sutton Valence Primary School in 1938. War service followed in 1940 and he was commissioned and involved in the anti-aircraft defence of London. He also went to India and returned to teaching. But in 1956 he rejoined the army as a member of the Education Corps until 1963 when he became head of modern languages in civilian schools until retirement in 1976.
When in Calcutta he met Percy Stroud who became a Major in REME: and he was at OCTU in 1940-41 with John Le Prevost.
Peter Ellender,
younger brother to Alan, was also in the school and was followed by his own son, Reggie. Peter was in Liverpool doing rescue work during the blitz: then served in the Middle East and France and Germany, including the bridge too far at Arnhem. He now lives in retirement at 41 Glenfield Road, Dover.
Jeremy Hermer (1980-86)
is in the 45 Commando, Royal Marines and has been posted to Sarajevo as one of the United Nation’s observers.
Michael McDonnell (1950-55)
went through the school from first form to lower sixth and remembers winning the Gymnastics competition. He later became a part-time National Ladies Gymnastics coach. He was also in the army section of the CCF: and he left school in the sixth form to complete his ‘A’ levels at Welbeck College, ending with 12 ‘O’ levels and 3 ‘A’ levels.
He proceeded to Sandhurst and was commissioned in 1959. He served with the REME in UK, Germany and Kenya before transfering to the Army Air Corps in UK, Singapore, Borneo and Nepal.
In 1971 he left the army to take up a career as a commercial flying instructor until 1988 when he became part-time and is now a CAA Examiner of Flying Instructors. He expects to get to the OP Dinner on 17th September.
Ian McInnes (1936-43)
wrote in February and enclosed a cheque “in appreciation for a school that did me proud from 1936-43”.
Readers are sure to remember the article he contributed to the previous Newsletter.
Paul Morris (1978-85)
now lives in Yeovil, is married and flies helicopters for the Royal Marines.
Jonathan Parry (1968-75),
Fellow of Pembroke College, Cambridge, has published “The Rise and Fall of Liberal Government in Victorian Britain”, Yale University Press, £30. The Times reviewer enjoyed a study of the way Liberalism was able to dominate Victorian politics for 50 years.
Edward Smith,
who left school in 1985 spent some time in New Zealand and is now back in this country as a locum optician.
Richard Spear (1941-46)
was in Dover recently visiting his friend Terry Sutton. After a life-time of business experience he has been in Egypt giving support and advice on business management, working voluntarily with other executives from USA.
Richard and his wife are now back at home in Peachland, British Columbia.
Tim Spence (1986-94),
aged 18, has been awarded the James A. Johnson scholarship to help him through Oxford University.
He gained 5 ‘A’ levels and is to read Maths at Wadham College. The scholarship, worth £3,000, is awarded annually by the Dubris Trust to an exceptional student living within the old Dover boundary.
P.R.G. Stone (1974-80)
says he has never been busier, having completed the writing of a course in piano technology for the Thames Valley University. He certainly looked healthy and cheerful.
Major P.J. Stroud (1931-36)
wrote in December and again in March. Some recent Newsletters had come into his possession and he has now renewed his membership of the Association. He joined the army at the age of 15 after passing the Apprentices’ exam. His basic maths and physics taught by Mr. Archer and Mr. Coulson helped both for educational and technical qualifications. During his service career he met a number of Old Boys in different parts of the world, sometimes on cricket fields. He was always grateful to Mr. F. Allin for his games coaching. He still plays three games of golf per week.
Living at 17 Whitefields Drive, Richmond, North Yorkshire he often meets another Old Boy, Lt.Col.(Retired) G.B. Donald. They were both in the school cadet corps and can well remember the camps at Sandwich Bay.
Terry Sutton MBE (1940-47)
On reaching his 65th birthday on 25th March Terry retired from the Dover Express. His father, Norman, had worked for the paper for 47 years, including 15 as editor. Norman was in the school in its earliest years and in the 1930’s he captained the Old Pharosian cricket team that made an annual pre-war tour to play in the Isle of Wight. He was President of the Association in 1948-9.
Terry was President in 1979-80 and had been secretary for the preceding five years. More recently Terry has been a valuable committee man and intends to continue in retirement, to our great pleasure.
During National Service Terry served with the 13th/18th Hussars in North Africa; and then entered Dover journalism as a cub reporter; and went on to become chief reporter, news editor, deputy editor and finally associate editor. “Terry’s Talk” has been a column that everyone reads for its knowledge, good humour and good sense. Perhaps, like his father, Terry knew more than anyone else about the people of Dover. He has been closely associated with so many Dover societies.
Many in the newspaper business have reason to be grateful for Terry’s example and training.
He will continue to work in the community and he hopes to travel with his French-born wife Danielle and his daughter Josephine. He will continue with some freelance writing and radio and TV work, reporting on activities in this town that links Britain with Europe.
His departure from local journalism did not pass unnoticed. He received a colour print of historic interest at a formal meeting of Dover District Council and was guest of honour at a lunch in Calais given by their Chamber of Commerce. His press colleagues arranged for a tree planting in Kearsney Abbey, with a plaque to record the occasion.
I hope we shall still see Terry in St.Mary’s Church on Sunday mornings. He looks far too young to retire altogether from the life of Dover that he has recorded so well for so long.
Robin Terry B.Sc. (1964-72)
graduated in Economics and Sociology at Loughborough and then returned to Dover and found employment with the London Fancy Box Company, for whom he is now a Director. He has recently become one of the school’s governors. He lives at Lyminge with his wife and three daughters. He is a life member of the Old Pharosians’ Association.
David Thomas (1970-77)
is now a Senior Lecturer in the Geography Department of Sheffield University.
The Vice-Chancellor has granted him £250,000 for research during the next three years. He is now the Director of the Sheffield Centre for International Dryland Research which involves people from Geography and Archaeology departments.
The contemporary word is “Desertification”, meaning that the world’s deserts are believed to be enlarging and so increasing the suffering of people on the desert margins.
beginning page 35
LATE EXTRA
FUND RAISING AND FUN
Grand Ball and Cabaret
“Revels for a Summer Night”
Saturday 23rd July from 7.00pm to 2.00am
Dinner at 7.30pm Licensed Bars Black tie or Lounge suit
Tickets £18.50
Book through the school
Write or phone 0304-206117
200 Club
The Parents and Friends Association runs a 200 Club for the school. Members pay £1 per month, and their names are put into a monthly draw where the prizes are £25, £15 and £10. Twice a year (in June and December) there is an additional prize of £100. Membership of the 200 Club is not limited to members of the P.F.A., so if any old boys would like to join, please contact the organizer, Jill Tutthill, at 21 Orchard Drive, River, Dover, Kent, CT17 OND, phone 0304-822121.
MUSIC
Choral Concert
on 19th May at 8.00pm in Charlton Church
Five Mystical Songs by Vaughan Williams were sung by Neil Richards (Baritone) with all the talent and experience of a lay-clerk in the choir of Canterbury Cathedral.
These songs were followed by Haydn’s Nelson Mass with four soloists of the highest standards and an augmented school choir not suffering a wit by comparison.
Throughout the evening the organ was played by David Hobourn, for two years an organ scholar at Canterbury Cathedral and now teaching at the Duke of York’s school.
Richard Davies, our Director of Music, arranged the concert, trained the choir and conducted throughout the evening.
beginning page 36
Christmas
This may be the moment to remind everyone that our
SERVICE OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS by candlelight in Charlton Church is on THURSDAY 15TH DECEMBER at 8.00pm.
Make an entry in your diary now.
FOOTBALL
After the Cup Final
David Elleray did not have the unobtrusive experience for which he had hoped. You will probably recall that he awarded two penalties to Manchester United within five minutes at the start of the second half, virtually determining the outcome of the match.
The first penalty award won David unanimous praise for being on the spot at the right time and being instantly decisive. The second award was controversial, at least for TV commentators and Chelsea supporters. Some opinions were no doubt coloured by sympathy for the team that had hitherto done so unexpectedly well against the acknowledged best team in the country.
More mature consideration showed that the second penalty, in the opinion of the Observer, “television tended to support”. Likewise the Times on Monday had headlines – “Courage helps Elleray make right decision”: and elaborated this view over two columns. “Elleray, 39, a housemaster and geography teacher at Harrow, deserves praise for correctly awarding the penalty which helped seal United’s victory”.
It must be nice to be so justly appreciated.
Paul O’Brien
The Dover F.C. finished their first season in the middle of the Conference League with 48 goals for them and 49 against.
Paul O’Brien has often been on the substitutes’ bench but earned high praise in the local press when he played throughout the last game of the season.
“University of Kent student and former England schoolboy international, Paul O’Brien, in an over-lapping left back role provided much of the inspiration”.
“O’Brien magic sends fans away happy; stunning performance by teenage mid-fielder; not afraid to take players on, former England Schools International had undoubtedly his best senior game so far. Express man of the match; Paul O’Brien; stunning stuff”.
beginning page 37
THE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Our sister school has come through a time of tribulation and now has a new headmistress, Miss Elizabeth Lewis.
There are 35 teachers and 585 pupils with a splendid record of academic attainment. We hope that in drama, music and in other ways there will be continuation of a link between two similar schools working with a common purpose.
THE REV. DR. MICHAEL HINTON’S NEW BOOK
Dr. Michael Hinton was headmaster of our school from 1960 to 1968. Virtually the rest of his career in education was as headmaster at a very large and successful comprehensive school at Weston-super-Mare. Ordained in 1985, he returned to East Kent as vicar at Shepherdswell. It will surprise none who know him that he has written and is publishing a book entitled “The Anglican Parochial Clergy”, examining their past, present and future.
Dr. Hinton is a life member of this Association.
——————-
TO CONCLUDE THIS NEWSLETTER
It is a pleasure to report two pieces of good news, one from the school and one from an Old Pharosian.
MARK EADE, in year 10, was among the 86 boys in our middle school who took part in the UK Schools Intermediate Maths Challenge, an hour-long test. He scored marks which placed him in the top one per cent of the 100,000 entrants from the UK. Of the 86 boys of our school who took this maths test, 26 received gold certificates, 20 received silver and 28 bronze. Mark is now taking part in an international maths challenge.
The school has recently received a letter from PHILIP CLAPHAM (1967-74). With due modesty he says he was not a model pupil but did enough to get to London University and graduate. He then travelled widely and eventually settled and married in the USA. There he studied and gained a PH.D. in biology. He has specialized in marine life, particularly whales, and is this year working in Copenhagen University and at Cambridge. His letter says “I retain fond memories of some teachers at DGSB. I hope the school continues to thrive and I should be glad of any news”. He is now a member of the Association.
KHR