1995 July

OPA Newsletter July 1995

OLD PHAROSIANS’ ASSOCIATION

NEWSLETTER

    New Series No. 68

July 1995

L I S T O F C O N T E N T S

Officers and Committee 1994-95

EDITORIAL
* Grammar Schools by the Editor
* Letter from Mrs. Godden
* Bruce Lock and his Travels
* Forty Years On by S.A. Willcocks

NEWS OF THE ASSOCIATION
* Old Boys Day 16th September 1995 –
Notice of AGM
Soccer Match, School v Old Boys
Annual Reunion Dinner
* Reports of Association Committee Meetings: 16th March 1995
18th May 1995

NEWS OF THE SCHOOL
* News Gathered from the School’s “First Thursday Newsletters” –
January, February, March, May, June
* School Assemblies at end of Christmas Term 1994
and EasterTerm 1995
* School Production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
* Choral Concert, 2nd May

NEWS OF OLD BOYS

* Obituaries
* Still Living and Learning
* In Memories Long

Financial Statement

“FIAT LUX”

Thou whose almighty word
Chaos and darkness heard.
And took their flight;
Hear us, we humbly pray
And where the Gospel-day
Sheds not its glorious ray
Let there be light!

Thou who didst come to bring
On thy redeeming wing
Healing and sight.
Health to the sick in mind
Sight to the inly blind
Ah! Now to all mankind
Let there be light!

Spirit of truth and love
Life-giving, holy dove
Speed forth thy flight:
Move on the water’s face
Bearing the lamp of grace
And in earth’s darkest place
Let there be light!

Blessed and holy Three
Glorious Trinity
Wisdom, love, might!
Boundless as ocean tide
Rolling in fullest pride
Through the world far and wide
Let there be light!

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE 1994-95

President: G.L. Tutthill
21 Orchard Drive, River, Dover, CT17 OND
01304 822121

Vice-President: J.R. Booth
641C Loose Road, Maidstone, ME15 6UT
01622 846271

Past President: B.D. Crush
39 Eythorne Road, Shepherdswell, Dover, CT15 7PG
01304 830528

Secretary: P.J. Harding
6 Chestnut Road, Elms Vale, Dover, CT17 9PY
01304 205007

Assistant Secretary: C.J. Henry
40 Crabble Road, River, Dover, CT17 OQE
01304 823764

Treasurer: I.D. Pascall
‘Karibu’, 45A Bewsbury Cross Lane, Whitfield,
Dover, CT16 3EZ
01304 821187

Membership R. Gabriel
Secretary: 229 St.Richards Road, Deal, CT14 9LF
01304 366110

Newsletter Editor: K.H. Ruffell
193 The Gateway, Dover, CT16 1LL
01304 202172

Archivist: Vacant

Committee: M.J. Palmer (to retire 1995)
12 Hazeldown Close, River, Dover, CT17 ONJ
01304 825472

P.J. Burville (to retire 1995)
Seagate, Goodwin Road, St.Margarets Bay,
Dover, CT15 6ED
01304 853267

M.H. Smith (to retire 1997)
68 Minnis Lane, River, Dover, CT17 OPT
01304 822429

T. Sutton (to retire 1996)
17 Bewsbury Cross Lane, Whitfield, Dover, CT16 3HB

J.D.B. Borrett (to retire 1997)
115 Dover Road, Walmer, Deal, CT14 7JH
01304 375572

R.C. Colman (to retire 1996)
Ivy House, Great Mongeham, Deal
01304 375137

Auditor: Neil Beverton is to be nominated at the AGM

Headmaster: N. Slater

Staff D. Murray
Representatives: S. Callagher
M.R. Grant

Head Prefect: Kenan Deniz

EDITORIAL

GRAMMAR SCHOOLS

The British grammar school, like the Lycée of France and the Gymnasium of Germany, is often an ancient endowed establishment with a reputation for education appropriate to students of above average ability.

Some grammar schools include reference to Tudor Queen Elizabeth in their title. Tudor times were perhaps the first when men without land or title might make money and leave in their wills enough for foundation of schools.

The first reference to a school in Dover appears in 1616 in the minutes of the Common Council, recording that the “Mayor and Jurats held fit that £8 per annum should be paid to a schoolmaster and that in respect thereof he should gratis teach six poor children of the town”. The schoolmaster’s name was Robert Udney, an assistant to the vicar of St. Mary’s: and in the present post-war windows of that church we can see the teacher in a long black robe instructing boys, no girls. Subjects taught would have inclined to the needs of the church so Christian doctrine, English language, perhaps music and Latin may allow us to regard the foundation as a grammar school.

Elementary schooling is recorded first in 1789 in a Queen Street Charity School, later increased by government provision in Queen Victoria’s time. Dover College was founded in 1876 as a fee-paying public school, i.e. one open to members of the public who could pay the fees.

Our own school rose from Victorian respect for education when in 1884 buildings were added to the rear of the Town Hall, opening onto Ladywell. Here was offered technical training and art: and here student teachers were given instruction which can certainly be called secondary, if not quite grammar. Some of our present Old Pharosian readers were schooled in Ladywell after 1905 when the Dover County School for Boys and Girls was established under Mr. Fred Whitehouse, M.A.(Oxon).

I still have books from my own school days, 1925 to ‘32, in Hampton Grammar School, Middlesex: and on the covers are imprinted “AD 1556, Praestat opes sapientia”, which may be translated as “Wisdom is worth more than wealth”. At that time a man who had made money in London arranged endowment for a “Free grammar school of Queen Elizabeth”: and on his death bed made bequests for a Hampton school “with seates in it and for ever more”. His benefactions gained value through the centuries and when I decided to go to university with a view to teaching, the school helped my father to meet the cost.

One can only decide to become a teacher if school life has been enjoyed. In my sixth form years I was taught English literature, French literature and Latin. In the hands of scholarly gentlemen this was surely grammar school education. On that foundation I went to university and chose to read Geography and Economics, one of my tuturs being Hugh Gaitskell.

It may interest my readers if I tell them that in the post-war drive for comprehensive schooling, Middlesex Education Committee told Hampton Grammar School it was to become a comprehensive school. The governors, who included men with legal and financial experience, refused and decided to be an independent school, relying in part on their endowments to offer free scholarship places for suitable boys. The school is oversubscribed by fee-paying boys from the leafy outer suburbs of south west London; and is successful in academic, sporting, artistic, adventuring and other aspects of modern schooling.

In East Kent the grammar schools whose teams we meet on the playing fields like to give notice of their ancient foundations, sometimes endowed, as was Harvey Grammar School in 1674, Simon Langton at Canterbury and Manwoods at Sandwich. The historian who wrote of the origins of Hampton school regarded 300 as a moderate estimate of the number of public grammar schools established in Britain by 1535. The name “grammar” indicated the teaching of Latin, usually by a priest, for the word “grammar” up to about 1700 always referred to the study of Latin and not to that of the mother tongue.

Our Dover County School became Dover Grammar School under Mr. Butler’s Education Act of 1944 before the second world war was to end in victory. He divided state secondary schools into grammar, technical and modern schools. Technical schools have not been numerous though in the country’s main industrial areas some City Technical Colleges are richly equipped, particularly for this computer age. Modern schools have become comprehensives, colleges, high schools, usually co-educational, often very large, dealing with a wide range of interests and abilities.

How are selections made among primary school children to send some to grammar schools? There are two main factors: parental choice and primary school head teachers’ opinions. Parents come to open evenings at secondary schools to aid their judgments. Our own school registers show a wish among fathers to enter their sons through grammar school. One local primary school headteacher draws up each year a rank order for 11 year old boys and girls, headed by those most suited to grammar school places. The higher places on the list tend to go to girls: but we men are naturally of opinion that we soon catch up.

In our own school at this time of writing in the spring of the year, we have offered places to 91 boys for next September. Some disappointed parents have lodged appeals and there is a waiting list.

We set our own tests, in English and arithmetic as well as reasoning tests, verbal and non-verbal. You have probably heard of intelligence tests in which an average score is 100 and grammar schools tended to look for scores of at least 120. These tests, of which one hears less these days, may reflect inherited strengths: but we have to recognise the environmental advantages of homes with books, music, conversation, travel and similar influences. Good home and good school = good education. By good home I mean one where parents give children all the help and encouragement that is in their power. By good school I mean one where the processes of teaching and learning proceed efficiently in an atmosphere of good human relationships.

Across England there are many famous grammar schools that would satisfy these criteria and are outstanding centres of excellence. Bristol, Manchester, Bradford and Newcastle come to mind.

When I look at the Honours Boards in our grammar school I see that many of the most distinguished achievers came from modest but totally supportive homes. Perhaps, in each year’s intake, we have one or two outstandingly gifted boys. To teach them is a humbling experience: to follow their careers is to justify belief that indeed “praestat opes sapientia”. I cannot think of any who have made a lot of money: but many have had fulfilling careers and achievements. A guided glance through Who’s Who can find names of our men honoured in education, the church, Civil Service, the armed forces, medicine, the law, diplomacy, sciences and the arts. We trust that the majority not named in Who’s Who have been good citizens husbands and fathers. It is reassuring that over 700 have chosen to maintain a link with this their grammar school.

Even the Old Testament book of Proverbs, written several centuries before Christ, has views on the points of good education.

“Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding, for the gain from it is better than gain from silver and its profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.”

KHR

LETTER FROM MRS. PAT GODDEN

Dear Mr. Ruffell,

I am enclosing a photograph which you might like to keep in your archives.

My connection with the school is this:

I grew up in Noah’s Ark Road below the then Isolation Hospital. My father was a signwriter working for Ray Signs and used to attend the Grammar School to write the boys’ names on the honours board. Between the ages of ten and fifteen I watched the twice daily parade of boys passing our house going to and from the school, either walking or on their bikes. I thought they were wonderful, so smart in their uniforms, quieter and more polite than other boys. I determined to marry one.

At Easter 1964 I did just that and married Peter Godden from the school. We subsequently had two boys Martin and Mark both of whom from the age of four said they were going to go to Daddy’s school on the hill. Luckily they did – leaving in 1989 and 1990 both going to university. Martin obtained a B.Sc in Geography and after a world trip is now working for B.T. in Reading. Mark gained a B.A. in Geography and after working for Leicester City Council for two years is now in New Zealand halfway through his world trip.

My role? Supportive of course, but I was also on the PTA for several years during which time Martin told me his class were unable to have slides during lessons as there weren’t any curtains. My husband remembered there used to be black-out curtains in the basement which were still there. Ann Abbott, Adrien’s mother, set about washing the curtains and then between us we made them to size and fitted them in the mobiles.

Later during a Parents Evening I noticed the stage curtains were torn at the bottom. To replace them was out of the question so I approached Reg Coleman and said I could mend them joining the torn strips on the back with tape. He gratefully agreed. I then spent several afternoons on the stage behind the drawn curtains happily mending them. Apart from Mr. Coleman no-one knew I was there. I heard all sorts of things from my secret workplace. My worst moment was one Friday afternoon when I heard lots of tramping feet, scraping of chairs and boys chatting and I realised the hall was filling up for assembly. Suddenly the hall fell silent and there was a unanimous scraping of chairs when the whole assembly rose to its feet. I was praying no-one would open the curtains. Mr. Coleman had obviously entered the hall. The Headmaster then proceeded to address the boys and it was lovely to hear grammatically correct English delivered in a speech.

Peter (1951-58) sends his regards and hopes you are well.

Yours sincerely,

Pat Godden
BRUCE LOCK (1981 – 88) AND HIS TRAVELS

Went to Southampton University where he gained a degree in Accountancy.

Thereafter he decided he wanted to see some other parts of the world and he is at present in Sydney, Australia, having back-packed for much of the journey.

One of his letters home says that “If Nepal was the jewel in the crown, Indonesia would be the crown. With 18,000 islands there is anything a traveller could want to see and do. I have always been amazed by volcanoes so Java was tremendous. I did a lot of snorkelling off Bali. Sumatra was really beautiful. The Dieng plateau was full of geysers, old Hindu temples, beautiful lakes and volcanoes. Borubuder, a huge Buddhist temple, is the most impressive man-made sight I’ve seen so far. It was covered in grey ash from a volcano which erupted while I was there, killing 50 local people. To see this volcano you start to climb at 4.00am to see the sunrise. You can see red flame from the crater and fluorescent green glowing round the edge”.

He found people very friendly, particularly on Sumatra but he flew on to Sydney where he joined a few young people in renting a house; great fun if you don’t mind cockroaches.

With his British qualifications he has found a job that pays and after accumulating some savings he has ideas for further travel.

FORTY YEARS ON

Sid Willcocks B.Ed (1955-62), Headteacher of a school in Bournemouth, achieved his 40th year since entering the school and was moved to send some of his memories.

He recalls, as a new boy, being impressed by assemblies in the great hall with Mr. Booth gazing down, always stern yet never angry when unpleasant things had to be said. Singing the school song on Speech Day in the Town Hall, he was unable to imagine that he and his friends would ever be far and asunder.

What were you like in your work and your play?

In class there were varying degrees of concentration and application, dependent largely on the quality of teacher and teaching. School trips were the highlight of my days: the French exchange to Douai; Les Marecottes in Switzerland; and a wonderful visit to the Rome Olympics in 1960. I suppose I was about average in my work but I did manage to obtain enough precious pieces of paper to enable me to go to a teacher training college.

Then it may be there will often come o’er you
Glimpses of notes like the catches of a song

I remember KHR drawing his simplified map of Britain – just a triangle. It must have worked because I studied geography at college. I remember the coming of Dr. Hinton, then a mere 33 years old, with abundant energy and boundless enthusiasm, manifested in his memorable school productions. When additional spotlights were required Dizzy Denham and I crawled along rafters dragging yards of cable. In 1955, as part of the fiftieth birthday celebrations, a special steam train took the whole school on a visit to London.

Visions of boyhood shall float them before you
Echoes of dreamland shall bear them along

Were they really the best days of our lives? Life at Dover Grammar School for Boys was never dull: it was certainly rigorous – and the staff were dedicated people who set very high standards.

For the first few years after leaving I wanted nothing to do with the place. Later in life, memories have remained of a disciplined, yet caring environment: of a group of teachers who had seen war service and evacuation, and were adapting to a rapidly changing world.

During a recent fleeting visit to Kent I visited the school on the hill and saw that little had changed to the outside. I hope very much to attend the Old Pharosians dinner this year. Dare I hope that some of my friends from 1955-62 will be there? I do hope so.

and will we forgetfully wonder?

Sid Willcocks
NEWS OF THE ASSOCIATION

OLD BOYS DAY

Notice is hereby given that the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Association will be held at the school on Saturday 16th September 1995 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. John Booth shall be in office for 1995-96
– Vice-president:
– Secretary:
– Membership Secretary:
– Newsletter editor:
– Archivist:
– Auditor:
– Committee members: (The two retiring members are
P.J. Burville and M.J. Palmer)
8. Any Other Business

THE ANNUAL REUNION DINNER
SATURDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 1995. 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 16TH 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: 01304 825472
COMMITTEE MEETING – 16TH MARCH 1995

This meeting was very well attended. In addition to the President, all but one member, who sent his apology, were present. The one absent member was suggested as auditor, due to his known competence rather than his absence.

Before the meeting President had sent a letter to members suggesting a major donation to the school from our resources, perhaps as much as £1000. Treasurer produced a Summary of Income and Expenditure Accounts over the years 1976-94, printed in this Newsletter. There was much discussion of possibilities with no firm outcome. There was every willingness to help the school financially but no target for our giving was agreed. The PE Department has been given money in excess of £200 for body-building equipment; and to purchase a soccer ball and cricket ball for Old Boys v School matches.

Newsletter editor spoke of progress in production, hoping that more members would send him their NEWS. He gratefully acknowledged the efficient and willing help received from Jean Luckhurst and Roger Gabriel. Roger produced the latest membership list with 714 names and addresses.

Preliminary arrangements were made for Old Boys Day, Saturday 16th September, with the AGM assembling at 10.30 for an 11 o’clock start; soccer at 2.30; and Dinner in the evening, costing £9.35 for sherry and five courses.

The archivists were meeting once each month to work on their data base.

Headmaster was asked to speak about the school’s development. The government’s financial cuts could be borne. Money for building repairs amounted to £70,000 but the quad still needed considerable repairs. After pressure from applicants wishing to enter the school, tests in English, Maths and Reasoning had been taken by 115 boys, from whom 95 had been selected. The school might be moving to a four-form entry. This year there were 483 on the roll, a number that would increase to 520 next year. There were three new teachers and Latin was being re-introduced. A new 6th form common room had been provided and there were improved security arrangements for school buildings and grounds.

The meeting had lasted two hours with unanimous, continuous intent to be of service. Much is due to the relaxed conduct of the meeting by our highly experienced President.

COMMITTEE MEETING – 18TH MAY 1995

With our President Graham Tutthill, were Vice-President John Booth, Headmaster Neil Slater and almost all other officers and committee members.

Before the meeting, all present stood in silent remembrance of Sydney Wenborn.

Arising from minutes of the previous meeting was discussion of the possibility of naming every boy in a recent photograph of the whole school. This would be of great value to the archivists. There followed discussion of the school videos, one of which had been given to Beryl Harrison, Bernard’s widow. Copies are available from school at a cost of £7.50; and a further 20 will be ordered for sale on Old Boys’ Day.

The meeting was pleased that Neil Beverton had agreed to be the Association’s auditor.

Treasurer reported that balances in a Charities Official Investment Fund earning 5.9% stood at £6,600: and in Lloyd’s Bank Treasurer’s account earning 3.3% was £1,073. We should continue to offer to school leavers Association membership for 5 years at £5.

Treasurer had a list of Association members on which our very efficient membership secretary had indicated the means by which members had subscribed. There may be a need to write to many or all members.

Newsletter editor reported good progress with the July issue. The school photo from the air, kindly supplied by Squadron Leader Tony Norman was circulated and appreciated.

Discussion of preparations for Old Boys’ Day on Saturday 16th September turned mainly to the year 1995 as both the 90th anniversary of the school’s foundation and the 50th anniversary of the return from Wales.

Work of the Archivists was reported by Peter Burville. An Advanced Level 6th form boy had worked on a database and should get a good grade for his submission. The need to replace the loss of Sydney Wenborn gave opportunity for someone to join in the work, which, it was explained, did not require computer experience.

In preparation for the AGM, the committee was glad to know that Mick Palmer was willing to continue, as was Peter Burville; and Barry Crush would be glad to continue as a committee member. John Booth is, of course, nominated as President and the Rev.Dr. Michael Hinton has accepted an invitation to be our Vice-president.

Committee meetings always end by asking Headmaster to report on current developments. New entrants number 112, which brought the school total to 530 and initiated a four stream organisation with a steady future increase in numbers. £70,000 had been received for repairs. In addition to more cricket, athletics, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, music and dramatic activities there is to be revival of the school magazine, assembled by boys under guidance by Mr. Richard Sewell. The meeting wished to help this venture by offering £200 to launch the first issue.

The committee will meet again on Thursday 2nd November at 7.00pm.

NEWS OF THE SCHOOL

NEWS GATHERED FROM ‘FIRST THURSDAY’ NEWSLETTERS
sent home by the Parents’ Association by every boy

JANUARY

Three new members of staff:-

New Senior Teacher: Mr. Giles Falconer, M.A. (Cantab)
educated at Sevenoaks School and returning to Kent after teaching history at two schools and being Head of Humanities and Director of Studies at a school in Gloucestershire. He is a keen cricketer and a member of the Kent County Cricket Club.

New Head of Upper School: Rev.Dr. Charles Hill, B.A., Ph.D.
comes to us from Dover College and other schools where he has taught French and German. He was ordained a Deacon last October and will become a Priest next October.

New Head of Art Department: Mr. Stephen Almond, B.A., M.A.
is our new Head of Art and Design. He has taught at Hereford Cathedral School and as Head of Art and Design in Gloucestershire, Ethiopia and Spain.

Fund raising reached a climax in the Christmas Draw which gathered over £500.

FEBRUARY

The school has been allocated £70,000 which is less than we had hoped for but more than was expected had the school not become Grant Maintained. The school has suffered from lack of maintenance in recent years so there is plenty to be done. Governors and architects are deciding which projects can proceed. A further £20,000 has been allocated for a room which has dual purposes as 6th form common room and accommodation where staff and parents can discuss an individual student’s progress.

On Saturday 28th January more than 100 boys wishing to enter the school came to tackle various papers. These tests are optional additions to the tests taken in local primary schools.

The Governors’ annual report to parents is being prepared and will be sent out before the annual parents’ meeting in mid-March.

MARCH

Parents have all received a copy of the Governors’ Annual Report and invitation to this annual meeting, which will be followed by the Spring Concert.

As a result of various tests, 150 boys who put grammar school as their first choice have been reduced to 91 and a waiting list has been formed.

Some cadets will be visiting an RAF camp in Germany from 29th March to 5th April and others will be on Dartmoor for venture training from 7th to 14th April.

Year 7, young pupils, are exchanging short visits with their penfriends in Calais.

Soccer, rugby, table tennis and cross country running are reported: and for participants there is now a “Dover Grammar” track suit costing £27.

MAY

After a long and careful selection process we expect about 110 boys to enter the school in September: and we shall become a 4-form entry school.

The governors have arranged a new contractor to maintain the school grounds.

Caretaker Peter Chatfield is now entitled Premises Officer.

Work is to start soon on £70,000 work of repair and maintenance.

The Parents’ Association is extremely active in raising funds by Wine and Wisdom evenings, a Spring Draw and Boot Fair.

Sixth Form (Year 12) computer students made a trip to Calais to compare their hardware, software and literature.

Advanced level students of French spent four days in Paris. It is intended to make such visits a regular part of the course.

The cricket fixture list is more full than in recent summers: and there are athletic matches and golf championships in the summer term calendar.

The end of term summer Grand Ball is on Saturday 15th July from 7.00pm to 3.00am. Tickets are £19.50 per person and are available from the school.

JUNE

Sports Day on Wednesday 28th was a whole day affair from 9.30am to 3.15pm.

A total reservation of 77 seats has been made to an Athletics meeting at Crystal Palace where many world champions were competing. There were several Inter-School athletics meetings during the term as well as cricket against traditional school opponents. The golf team competed in a championship at Tonbridge.

An art competition that attracted 572 entries from Kent schools offered four prizes, of which two were won by boys of this school.

The Combined Cadet Force members have been flying at Manston; and twelve took part in a 25 mile march: some cadets have been firing on the Hythe ranges.

A number of Year 7 and Year 8 boys entered the UK Mathematical Challenge that attracted 105,000 pupils from 1,400 schools. Nine of our boys obtained gold certificates, nineteen gained silver and thirteen gained bronze awards. The highest mark within this school was gained by Christopher Tutthill. In a similar competition in the previous term for boys aged 9 to 11, bronze certificates were won by 32 boys of this school, 20 gaining silver and 8 winning gold awards.

Jon Evett is taking part in a television programme for the BBC Lifeschool series concerned with education. Filming took place during the half term holiday.

The school raised £500 for the Romanian Orphanage Trust: and the Parents Association continues its fund-raising efforts to help the school.

The usual Music for a Summer Evening will provide a very pleasing concert on 19th July at 7.30pm.

YOU MAY BE ABLE TO HELP. The school Honours Board needs information about Colleges attended in 1984 by A.T. Broan (Oxford) and N.P. Farrell (Oxford; in 1987 by D. Beard (Oxford) and I.G. Coaker (Cambridge; in 1989 by B. Luckhurst (Oxford), B. Mann (Cambridge) and L.M. Woodford (Cambridge). Please write to the school if you can supply information.

SCHOOL ASSEMBLY
AT THE END OF THE CHRISTMAS TERM

20th December, or thereabouts, is one of the three really happy days in the school boys’ year. So the music master had to call the meeting to order before he could play the organ and prepare for entrance of headmaster.

A lot of soccer has been played as team records show.

Teams Played Won Drawn Lost

Year 7 8 6 1 1
Year 8 6 2 2 2
Year 9 The speaker was scarcely audible, though I heard
the words “winning streak”
Year 10 9 6 0 3
Year 11 No statistics available
3rd XI 3 1 0 2
2nd XI 11 4 1 6
1st XI 17 15 0 2

The 1st XI have had an exceptionally good season, beginning with wins over the Old Pharosians and Harvey GS: and in the end winning the Kent Schools League.

There was reference to music and the award of Performing Arts ties.

A sixth form boy named Stevan Riley had gained a place at Wadham College, Oxford.

Staff Changes
Mr. Sewell had chosen to step down from his duties as head of Upper School. The warmth of applause was indicative of the respect and popularity that this master deserves.

Mr. Manners was leaving after teaching in the school since 1973. He was a scholarly historian who had also given magnificent service as Examinations Secretary, a job in which there must be no error.

Mr. Kelvin Carter came to us from Reading University in 1960. He had an exceptional academic record with enthusiasm for the many aspects of the Fine Arts. He had been a school governor, as had Mr. Manners. Mr. Carter had seen his four sons pass through the school, all now members, with father, of the Old Pharosians Association. Kelvin had been Head of Upper School and had managed the school’s public occasions with admirable skill.

Like a family, the school has to win some and lose some. The family was to come together again on 4th January when some new members of staff would be added.
SCHOOL ASSEMBLY
AT THE END OF THE EASTER TERM

I was impressed. A young master clearly had the duty to prepare the hall, so he drew the velvet curtains across the stage, checked the disposition of rows of seats and controlled the early arrivals. When the organist began to play, silence was required of the boys, utterly reasonably, if only out of courtesy to the organist. Then the Deputy Head came in to see that all was well for entry of Headmaster in his academic gown.

Mr. Grant had been arranging his cups and certificates. Then captains of school rugby teams read their reports.,

Year 7 A very competent 11 year old captain gave a clear and interesting account. Most boys had not played rugby before. In his words “the Duke of York’s team had clearly been engaged in boxing lessons”. The last match of the term was won 28 – 27.
Played 4 Won 3 Lost 1

Year 8 Played 3 Won 1 Lost 2

Year 9 Played 2 Won 2 Over 100 points had been scored

Year 10 Played 3 Lost 3

1st XV Played 5 Won 3 Lost 2

Colours were awarded. The Ebbw Vale cup was awarded for House rugby.

The annual cross-country race had been won by Castle House.

Soccer teams had competed in a local schools competition and all four teams had been winners. District competition cups were presented to the four captains.

The school play was recognised as a great success and was warmly applauded.

The musicians had given a concert and were performing a choral concert on 2nd May in Charlton Church.

The CCF had been active and Cadet Warrant Officer Downing came up to receive a certificate of excellence.

Technological skills had enabled a group of talented boys to make a model glider which won first place in a local competition for inventions.

Information technology enabled some senior boys to work on a national network and there had been successful development in the use of spreadsheets.

Headmaster Neil Slater told the boys that the school would continue to expand. The intake of new boys next September was likely to be at least 110 which would require a fourth 1st year form, for which two new extra teachers would be appointed. Older boys facing public exams in the coming summer needed to maintain some attention to their studies during this Easter break. He looked forward to seeing them all again on Monday 24th April.

KHR

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

Act I. “The course of true love never did run smooth”. Herein lies the essence of the story.

“And in the wood a league without the town”. This quotation well describes the setting for this production, for at the headmaster’s end of the hall some modern art depicted a wood, while at the organist’s end was Athens with its courtiers: between the two on a vast expanse of staged platform was the play performed with us, the audience, closely involved in all the action.

Enter Quince, Bottom and other rude mechanicals “where we may rehearse most obscenely and courageously”. Bully Bottom did indeed play his part as thus described.

Act II. “I am that merry wanderer of the night”. A young fellow, aged about twelve, looked so well and knew what was required of him as he added to the confused troubles in the wood near Athens.

Act III. Even Bottom says “—— and yet, to say the truth, reason and love keep little company together nowadays” : and in summary “Lord, what fools these mortals be”.

Act IV. Confusion begins to settle down. “Now thou and I are new in amity” and “How comes this gentle concord in the world?”

Bottom has news to tell. “Our play is preferred …… it is a sweet comedy”.

Act V. “…….. a tedious brief scene, very tragical mirth”.

All the pairs are happily coupled and the play ends with these lovely lines:
“If we shadows have offended
Think but this and all is mended.
So goodnight unto you all
Give me your hands, if we be friends
And Robin shall restore amends.”

This production will be long remembered, in part for the originality of its presentation. The actors and actresses knew what was needed and they did not in any way let down their director, Mr. Mike Thomas. He, in his turn, would acknowledge the support given by so many colleagues and boys. Above all, I feel sure, he would have valued the help given by Mr. Richard Sewell.

A lot of people saw this production and learned much of the magic of William Shakespeare.

KHR
CHORAL CONCERT
on 2nd May at 8.00pm in Charlton Church

Handel : Zadok the Priest
Bach : Sleepers Awake
Vivaldi : Gloria

Solo singers – Marie Kelly-Thomas Soprano
Belinda Colman Soprano
Patricia Vella-Burrows Soprano
Mary Anthony Alto
Peter Futcher Tenor
Neil Richards Bass

At the organ: David Hobourn

Arranged and conducted by the school’s master of music, Richard Davies

A brass ensemble, almost entirely consisting of schoolboys, skilfully played during intervals between the choral works.

The three well loved major choral works were admirably sung by all the soloists named above: while a couple of masters, one retired lady teacher, one senior boy and one Old Pharosian, Peter Futcher, strove mightily to support the young choristers.

There was quite a numerous and appreciative audience, which must have pleased Mr. Richard Davies whose arrangements for the evening and conducting of the music deserved every praise and appreciative reward.

The next concert will be the traditional “Concert of Music for a Summer’s Evening” in the great hall of the school at 7.30pm on Wednesday 19th July.

KHR

NEWS OF OLD BOYS

OBITUARIES

SYDNEY JOHN WENBORN (1928-36)

He was born in 1920 so he was 75 years old when death came suddenly on 24th April as he was playing golf at Kingsdown.

Most of us knew him as an Old Pharosian who had unfailingly attended Annual General Meetings, Dinners and Committee meetings for more years than we care to remember. He did not waste words but would report that the archivists were continuing to labour at their interesting and valuable tasks. Characteristically he never referred to his war record which, as we learned at the crematorium service, had involved him in the Burmah campaign and four years as a prisoner working on the infamous railway.

After the war he returned to the Postal Service for technical work and then for management. He was no doubt pleased that his son Mark passed through the school and proceeded to university and a successful career in tourism.

Freemasonry meant much to Syd and very many men at the crematorium were members of the Pharos and other Lodges. Syd had been present in good form at a Lodge meeting on his last Saturday evening.

To Mrs. Wenborn, son Mark, daughter Monica and other members of the family we express our sadness in the loss of a man we shall always remember.

MAJOR WILLIAM SANGSTER BORTHWICK, GM, RE (1927-32)

Major Borthwick died on 26th February at his home in Hampshire aged 78. He was born in Mintlaw, Scotland and the family moved to 99 Buckland Avenue, Dover in 1922.

He attended both Barton Road School and Dover County School for Boys 1927-32 and then served an apprenticeship at Dover Engineering Works.

He joined the Royal Engineers as a Draughtsman in 1937 and was an instructor in AA Defence during the war. He was commissioned in 1943 and, while on Bomb Disposal, clearing mines in Scotland in 1945, he was awarded the George Medal for rescuing German POWs injured on a live minefield. Later he was responsible for installing all the plant on Christmas Island in preparation for the Atom Bomb Test.

Retiring from the Army in 1958 he joined the Atomic Energy Authority at Aldermaston as an engineer and was involved in trials on rocketry in Australia, Norway and Scotland.

He finally retired in 1981 to live at “Redtiles”, Bishopswood Road, Baughurst, near Aldermaston, where he spent much of his time with his wife, Patricia, at the British Legion and in the Aldermaston Players.

DAVID BROOSHOOFT (1945-53)

died suddenly on 27th July in London where he was an official at a swimming event. He had recently retired from his work as teacher and house master at the Duke of York’s school.

OLIVER KILLICK (1931-38)

died after a heart attack on 13th September 1994.

FRED RHODES (1926-32)

died on 18th May 1995. He and his wife were actively involved in campaigns to help the aged. Their son passed through the school. Fred often attended the Old Pharosian AGM.

VICTOR FRANK WEST (1924-30)

died on 21st August 1994. He had suffered from angina for several years and a heart attack was the cause of death. He had enjoyed a happy married life for almost 58 years and his wife survives him in the Falmouth area. His daughter, Mrs. Miriam Jefferd, wrote in most loving terms from 20 Bay Road, Bracknell, Berks, RG2 2NH. Victor was at school at the same time as Rev. William Kemp.

LESLIE FRANK WHELTON (1941-46)

died on 7th January 1995 after a long illness.

As a Dover primary school boy he was evacuated to Wales but on returning to Dover joined our school. After leaving he joined The Royal Navy as a “Ship’s Writer” but later he wished to become a teacher and after successfully passing through training college he taught at St. Wilfrid’s RC School in Featherstone, West Yorkshire. He took early retirement three years ago. Mrs. Whelton, to whom we offer our deepest sympathy, writes that he always looked forward to the Old Pharosian magazine.
STILL LIVING AND LEARNING

DEREK ASLETT (1969-76)

has been giving hospitality in Perth, West Australia to a Dover boy who has shown a lot of promise in games for the Dover Cricket Club and is exchanging a Dover winter for an Australian cricket season. Mark Turner, the Dover boy, scored 74 in a century partnership with Derek, who at one point scored six for one over the pavilion.

HAROLD BOND (1930-38)

now lives at Bicester and visited Dom Kenneth OSB (1931-40) in his monastery near Newbury. They last met as boys in the choir of St. James’ Church which has been kept as a tidy ruin to show young people today of damage done by war.

PETER HAYWARD (1967-72)

is researching the Evacuation of Dover schoolchildren during the Second World War. He has corresponded with Mr. Mostyn Phillips, headteacher of Ebbw Vale comprehensive school and with the editor of this Newsletter who was able to loan copies of our Newsletters when we were observing the 50th anniversary of the departure from Wales. Anyone who would like to supply stories and memories could write to Peter at 4 St. Alban’s Downs, Nonington, Dover, CT15 4HN.

PHILIP JANAWAY (1943-52)

went to a teacher training college and returned to teach for two years at Elvington and then 38 years at our neighbouring Astor school. After a while he again returned to college for a year to qualify as a teacher of mathematics. He became deputy head under Mr. Farmer and then under the present head, Mr. Russell. In total he was deputy head for twenty years during which the size of the school rose from 800 to 1400. He found time and energy to produce musical shows at school and in Dover Town Hall for the Operatic Society, of which he is now President. In his younger days he played rugby and cricket in Dover: he has been a member of the RCP Yacht Club and also a Rotarian.

He celebrated his retirement by giving a farewell dinner at Webbs Hotel for teachers and many other guests. He received various farewell gifts from the school.

Mr. and Mrs. Janaway have a daughter who is a teacher and a son Mark who went through Dover Grammar School and now works for Reed International publishing.

MARTIN LUFF (1969-76)

wrote in January enclosing payment for a copy of the video ‘The School on the Hill’. Martin works for Reuters in London and had just returned from an interesting visit to their Moscow office. He still watches Dover Athletic in the winter and follows the fortunes of the Kent C.C.C. in the summer. He lives at 5 Lyndhurst Avenue, Rainham, ME8 OHE.

KEITH MEDGETT

wrote in March. He has worked for General Accident Insurance since leaving school and he now finds himself at Head Office in Perth as Project Controller, UK Operations.

His father is remembered at school as a good cricketer, later being a member of the Nonington club.

RUDI MERCER (1935-38)

wrote in February. He had lunched in London with Will Watkins who was with Rudi at school and at Imperial College. Will Watkins has kept contact with John Constable, son of the school’s pre-war chemistry master.

Rudi added to our knowledge of the late Jack Ravensdale, reminding us that he was head of Homerton College, from which he retired at the age limit.

Rudi and his wife are planning to move to the Brighton area. Their present garden is “becoming a bit too much for us”.

DOM KENNETH NEWING (1931-40)

has been having trouble with his knees but after treatment is regaining mobility with the aid of a zimmer. We trust he has made a good recovery. When he last wrote he had a major piece of work in hand and felt pressed for time.

SQN.LEADER TONY NORMAN (1944-51)

generously agreed to the editor’s request for the photograph of the school that is published in this Newsletter. The photo was taken in 1973 or 1974 just before his RAF unit was posted to Germany. A flight home involved only a slight detour and fuel consumption to fly over the school. He looks forward to retirement next year.

W.P. “BILL” PARSONS (1959-66)

called at school in March and got in touch with the editor. He has now lived in Finland for eighteen years and his comments on winters there support the theories of global warming.

After leaving school he spent several years sailing in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. He hitch-hiked across North Africa and went to visit a missionary near Mount Egmont in Kenya. He also went to Lake Tanganyika to work for a Swedish charity.

He has very pleasant memories of his time at school, mentioning several masters whose teaching had influenced him. “I should like, of course, to say a thank you to every master who taught me at Dover Grammar”.

His work in Finland has involved designing and building boats and caravans. He and his wife are now engaged in importing Christian books while looking for a further career.

He has joined the Old Pharosians and his letter ends with “Best wishes and God bless”.

THE SOPPITT BROTHERS

Andrew has a registrar’s post as an anaesthetist at Poole in Dorset;

Richard is also a registrar: a psychiatrist in Birmingham; and

Mark is a policeman at Witney, near Oxford.

TERENCE VANDON (1959-65)

headmaster of King Henry VIII school in Coventry, gave a private musical recital in Dover during the Christmas holiday and raised a profit of £70 for the East Kent Hospice Project.

SID WILLCOCKS, B.ED. (1955-62)

sent to the editor some of his thoughts on achieving his 40th year since leaving the school.

He is a Council Member of the National Association of Head Teachers: and spent his Easter vacation in Cape Town on an educational study visit.

STEPHEN WOOD

is a free-lance English tutor now living in London. On Sunday 26th June 1994 he won his heat in the BBC’s Mastermind and has reached the last 12 in the present contest. Ian Potts, a member of this Association, did well in a previous contest some years ago.

MAJOR J.K.T. WRAIGHT

wrote from Swanage recalling that when at school the boys sang “40 years on”. That period of time seemed an eternity but now, at 60 years on one could still recall companions and “those legendary members of the Staff to whom we owe so much”. He is still organist to several churches in that lovely and interesting part of Dorset.

IN MEMORIES LONG

On Saturday 13th May 1995 as part of Dover’s Festival of Remembrances, a train, this time only from Deal, arrived in Dover Priory Station.

On this train were Keith Dadds, Bob Cain and Terry Sutton who represented our school’s “vacuees” among about fifty former wartime-in-Wales evacuees.

Entertainers were provided by Dover District Council but Bob Cain succeeded in entertaining them all with his songs and castanets.

A few days later Roy Kemp joined a group, led by Terry, around the town. Terry told the walking group about ways in which Dover had celebrated peace; and Roy told the crowd that one of his memories of VE Day involved Terry ruining Tony Norman’s saddle-bag by placing an exploding firework in it.

We were all so much younger then.