OCA NEWSLETTER NO 247

MAY 2012

The Journal of The Old Chelmsfordians Association. Memorial Sports Field, Lawford Lane, Roxwell Road, Chelmsford, Essex. CM1 2NS Phone: 01245 420442 Website: www.oldchelmsfordians.com Secretary and Newsletter Editor: George Heseltine 01245 265962 : [email protected]

LORD FOWLER at LAWFORD LANE

Having first appeared together at KEGs in 1949 the double act of Norman Fowler and Malcolm Dewar teamed up again at Lawford Lane for the Annual Dinner on March 24th alongside Tom Sherrington, the current Headteacher, and three of the senior prefects. We were delighted to welcome amongst others Barry Davey, Frank Easton, Rex Hobbs, Roger Leigh and John Sachs who were all contemporaries of Norman and Malcolm at School, Wally Tant and his party 50 years on and John Swinney and his school colleagues 40 years on since leaving KEGS. The highly enjoyable evening concluded with the investiture of John Watts as the incoming President and for those who do not know him we present John’s own pen picture below.

JOHN WATTS - OUR NEW PRESIDENT INTRODUCES HIMSELF

“It was a proud and privileged moment for me at the recent Annual Dinner where, in the company of Lord Fowler, Tom Sherrington et al, I was inaugurated as OC’s President. Not only was this a great honour but I was particularly pleased to have followed Malcolm Dewar as an extension of his new-found youth policy! I was born in 1943 in Wembley, two stones’ throw away from the old stadium, when it was part of Middlesex and before it became part of North West London. I was born the fourth of five children and in 1944 my family was evacuated to Walsall in the West Midlands to avoid the flying bombs targeted on the local power station at nearby Stonebridge Park. Remarkably, my family to this day remain good friends with the family to whom we were evacuated. Can many people beat that? One advantage of this connection is that I can easily be provided with tickets at Aston Villa should I want them. It was playing on the dining table at home with my two older brothers (three and six years older than I) that first forged a keen interest in table tennis. A line of Birds Custard packets served as a net as I continually thrashed all comers. It was no surprise to anyone when I was eventually selected to represent Wembley at youth level. Unlike my older brothers and sister I did not attend the nearby Wembley Grammar School which doubled as the “village” for the athletes at the 1948 London Olympics. Instead, I went to Alperton School whose famous past pupils included Ron Greenwood, the former West Ham and England Football Manager. Contemporaries of mine included Keith Moon, the drummer with The Who and Bob Cottam the Hampshire and England fast bowler. Academically, however, I was to surpass Malcolm Dewar’s two “O” level passes by gaining three GCE “O” Level passes and I ended up as the school’s first Head Boy. The telling of the story behind this appointment will be for another occasion. Joking aside, my “O” Levels were attained after being invited by the school to stay on for an additional year to take them, the first GCE’s to be taken in the school’s history. Previously, only RSA Group Course examinations were taken by pupils aged fifteen. I left school in 1960 and joined Barclays Bank, sited on the corner of London’s Haymarket and Pall Mall East. This branch was extraordinary in that it majored in all aspects of Foreign 1 and Domestic Banking making me a knowledgable generalist in most spheres of Banking. Most people joining a bank today will specialise in just one aspect thus restricting their understanding of the bigger picture. The branch had also recently embarked on the electrification of customer ledger and statement production.The accounts in foreign currency and the leather-bound Impersonal and General Ledgers were still hand written and my involvement with these were to form the basis for my developing attention to detail, organising and numeracy skills. In 1969 I joined First National City Bank of New York, later to become Citibank NA and the first foreign bank to be set up in London. I started as a Foreign Exchange Teller at their 17 Bruton Street, Berkeley Square Branch, the site on which our current Queen was born. In the same year I married my wife Carol and in 1970 we moved to Chelmsford. Moving home meant missing out on playing table tennis competitively for a year, but, in 1971 a playing partner from Wembley introduced me to his then Daily Mirror colleague George Gale who in turn introduced me to the table tennis playing hierarchy in Chelmsford. George and I have been friends ever since. It was not until 1979, however, that I was introduced to OC’s for the first time, my sponsor at the time being Ray Mitchell. The rest as they say is history. I had two spells totalling twenty eight years with Citibank and another four with Chase Manhattan Bank but it was from Citibank that I retired in 2002. It was shortly after this time that Ray Mitchell retired as OCA Table Tennis Section Chairman and I took over the reins. Members of the then OCA Management Committee will recall my gate-crashing a Committee Meeting protesting that Table Tennis was not represented at that level and as a result I have been on the Management Committee ever since. The year of 2012 will be remembered as special because of the Olympic Games and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. I intend also that 2012 be remembered as a special year in the annals of the Old Chelmsfordians.”

FROM TODAY’S HEADTEACHER – TOM SHERRINGTON

“As we enter the last leg of the annual examination circuit, students and teachers are all fully focused on final preparation and revision. That said, it always impresses me how well our students take examinations in their stride and still manage to engage in other activities even though so much rides on securing the necessary grades. Hopefully they stay just the right side of ‘confident’ and don’t stray into ‘complacency’! Always a danger area. Looking at our Twitter feed gives a good sense of recent activities – I do urge you to follow us @KEGS_Chelmsford if you are now among the tweeting fraternity. From Twitter you would learn that recently we’ve had a changing of the guard with a new prefect team elected and new School and House Captains selected; a student-led production of Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead is being produced in the open air this week; former KEGS student and thought- provoking artist Grayson Perry has visited as has writer Charlie Higson (Ralph from Ralph and Ted); we have held another successful Band Night and an A level recital evening and students have achieved great success in the Chemistry Olympiad. PE teacher Sean Perrotton completed the London Marathon in 3 hours 20 minutes raising money for SCOPE; we’ve recently said goodbye to our French exchange students and, perhaps most importantly, Holland House won the House Cup! This followed the closest competition in many years, with all four Houses in the running until the final fortnight. As you can see – it is all go! During the summer term we have firm plans for the boys in each of the lower school years to take a games lesson at the OC’s instead of going to Bedford Fields. If we can sustain this over the years ahead, it will mean that all KEGS students pass through the doors of the OCs several times and will develop a better appreciation of what is on offer. I thoroughly enjoyed the OC’s dinner in March and I look forward to working with John Watts in his role as President this year. Thanks as always to George for his boundless support for the school. Following a number of requests from members, I am planning to hold an OC’s Open Morning, some time in June, when any member of the OCs will be welcome to visit the school for a tour. Look out for further details via email.”

OBITUARIES

We have heard from family members of the recent deaths of Cyril Little 1933-1944, who was an active correspondent to our KEGs at War feature and Felix Parish, 1931-1936, who was a former Superintendent Registrar in the County of Essex.

2 DORIS MOTH - SCHOOL SECRETARY - 1949-1977

We also learned of the recent death of Doris Moth and attended her funeral on March 23rd on behalf of all Old Boys who would have passed through her office door at the School be it for anything from an early pass to a sticking plaster. Known to us all as ‘Miss Moth’ she was appointed in May 1949 just a month after Nigel Fanshawe had joined the School as Headmaster and remained in this post until 1977, retiring at the same time as both Nigel and Tom Bromwich, the Deputy Headmaster. The tribute at the funeral was given by Beryl Whiteside who with her husband Ian have remained friends with Doris from the days when Ian’s mother, Gwen, was assistant to Doris in the School office. They have kindly let us have a copy of this tribute which we are sure you will find of interest:-

“Doris was born on 25th January 1916 in Great Waltham to Conrad, one of four siblings, and Maud Moth, one of ten Hart siblings. Sadly the marriage ended in 1919 and Doris had virtually no further contact with her father but links were maintained with some of the Aunts and Uncles of the Moth family. Doris spent her schooldays at Trinity Road School and on leaving, probably at the age of fourteen, she worked at Rankins shop next to the Regent Cinema in Chelmsford. Most of her time was spent in the ladies clothing and hosiery department but she also served in the household linen section of the shop. The staff earned commission on all their sales and if a customer came into the shop to purchase sheets, blankets, towels etc when setting up a new home there was quite a lot of competition to be the salesperson. Doris also worked for Foreman’s, the timber merchants on Roxwell Road, and as a clerk attached to the Royal Engineers during the war. The job that Doris most enjoyed was that of secretary to the Headmaster, who she held in high esteem, at King Edward VI Grammar School a post she held for more than twenty- five years until her retirement. Doris organised and ran a club for pensioners on the Woodhall Estate for many years until numbers attending declined and the club closed down. Doris had enjoyed many holidays in various parts of the U.K. often with her friend Eileen, who had a car, but the one holiday that remained a firm favourite was a trip to Italy and up to the time of her death she could still tell many stories about that holiday. Doris remained independent in her own home, with support from her neighbours, especially Tom Porter, until she was over ninety but then with declining physical health she moved to Kilkee Lodge where she spent the last four and a half years of her life. Doris was an avid crossword solver and was always pleased when someone would help her to fill in the clues when she became less able to hold a pen and write. Doris was delighted to receive news from her half sisters, Jenny and Cherry who live in Australia who kept Doris up to date with news of their families. I always enjoyed listening to Doris recounting stories of Chelmsford right from her earliest memories of school, having her tonsils out on her Aunt’s dining room table in Park Avenue, the Second World War and her work at the Grammar School. Doris remained a very forthright person with firm views on many subjects and she will be fondly remembered by many people. May she rest in peace.”

Quite fittingly the final reading at the funeral service was that from Pauls first epistle to the Corinthians, 13, 1-13, which all will remember fondly as the ‘Faith, Hope and Charity’ reading that was central to our final term assemblies before breaking up for School holidays.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY

Our former treasurer, Bryan ‘Ricky’Richmond, another of the Barclays Bank Boys variously mentioned in this issue, recently received notification from the Bank of the withdrawal of their Barclaysafe Premium Service with the request that we collect ‘our items’ held by them. Even Ricky who had worked in the branch was unaware of anything being held by the bank and went to collect these with great expectations. He left with a black tin deed box signwritten ‘Old Chelmsfordians Association’ and with labels attached showing this had been lodged by J.H. ‘Pussy’ Johnson and probably last opened in 1955. The bad news was that this was locked and that despite our best endeavours to find a key we needed the assistance of our own club ‘locksmith’ to gain access. Grand thoughts of bundles of white fivers were soon dispelled but the box did contain paperwork from the Eastern Electricity Board for the 1953 Wayleave Consent for the 3 overhead electric line crossing the field and the annual policy, at two guineas, for our insurance cover for 1952 arranged by L. M Linn and marked with the endorsement that ‘it is understood and agreed that the buildings described by this Policy are occasionally lighted by Tilley lamps and Calor gas is used therein for heating water’. More importantly the box held the original lease of the Memorial Sports Field at Roxwell Road, Writtle in the County of Essex dated 21st May 1952 between Barclays Bank and the then Trustees of the Old Chelmsfordians Association Sports and Social Club and the later Assignment of this lease dated 20th June 1955 between Stanley Bragg, Eddie Gardner and John Henry Johnson to the newly appointed Trustees. These latter papers had been sent to ‘Pussy’ at the School by Registered Post in June 1955 at a cost of 9 old pence! These documents are a welcome addition to our archive and also serve to remind us just how important ‘Pussy’ was in holding the Association together both during the war and the following years and as to how times have changed with a first class stamp now costing twelve shillings and our insurance cover budget being £5000 per annum!

50 YEARS OF LOCAL CRICKET

Continuing our ’50 Years On’ theme we are indebted to Colin Tant, for this article which stirs many a happy memory of a multitude of much loved and respected names from the past.

“After playing in Stock 2nd XI’s pre-season friendly in 2010 my body informed me in no uncertain terms that, after 50 years of bowling in a style that would not be found in any coaching manual, it was time to call League cricket a day - a decision confirmed as being correct when playing for Peter Woodward’s Stock President’s XI in July. I’m pleased to say that I continue to turn out for Stock’s Vet’s XI mid-week and have even resumed opening the bowling.

My weekend career started and finished with Stock but I enjoyed a very successful spell with the Old Boys from 1964 - 72 (plus one season for the 2nds in the 1990’s following a disagreement at Stock). Many Old Boys have played for Stock in my time - Quentin Macmorland, John, Phil and Matt Cottee, Roger Brooker, Mervyn Day, Peter Woodward, Mick Everitt, Phil Gane, my own son, David and the ‘adopted’ OC, Nobby Clark. In fact even Uncle Harold Glynn played once for Stock as a teenager!

John Roulston recruited me to the Old Boys as Stock was not allowed to play on the Sabbath on their ground until about 1970! Consequently I played for Stock on Saturdays and the Old Boys on Sundays initially before being persuaded by John to convert to both days. The main impulse for this came because, in those pre-league days, a side’s best bowlers were likely to bowl unchanged all afternoon giving little chance to the aspiring youngster that I then was - Stock had Colin Porter and Fred Dixon - I had people ahead of me at the Old Boys but I was taking wickets on a Sunday bowling medium pace. Although I was initially seen as an off spinner on Saturdays, my big chance came at Hatfield Peverel thanks to Bryan Clark forgetting to pack his boots so I was drafted in to open the bowling while he roared home to retrieve them. I managed to take 5 wickets and my role as opening bowler was secured. Soon after I was joined by my great mate, the late Tony “Nobby” Clark (an Old Maldonian) to form an opening attack that took marginally more wickets than it sank pints after the game (no breathalysers back then!).

There were some great characters in the First XI - dear old ‘Uncle’ Harold Glynn was a mainstay of the batting and always ready to point out from his position at first slip where the mini-skirted girls of the day were providing the best displays from their deck-chairs! A.S. ‘Sherbie’ Young for whom we once had to sign an affidavit to the effect that he had run a 5 at Crompton Parkinson’s (where Wood Street Tesco’s now is) and whose exuberant piano playing single handedly maintained our “plum fixture” at Halstead. Barry Crowe who worked hard to recruit new players to rebuild a side fallen on difficult times. John Lowing, whose catching in the gully was brilliant, Neville Sprake, skipper, who once left Harold momentarily speechless when he left his wife to go into bat with the words “I won’t be long darling”, His younger brother Brian who scored 50’s for fun (in the days when 150 was a big team score and 5 wicket hauls for bowlers were far more frequent than 50s, let alone 100s). Roger Wale and Brian Poole joined later to pile on the runs. Pete Beesley (The Beast) provided an imposing presence behind the stumps. Dave Matthews whose slow spin, often delivered from 23 or 24 yards frequently captured wickets when us front-liners had failed. John Roulston whose bravely aggressive batting was always entertaining. 4 Slightly younger stars appeared later such as Terry Ketley (whose ability to take wickets always baffled dear old Nobby), Steve Little with some welcome athletic fielding, Ian Wilson, a great all rounder, Brian Dawbarn a motivational skipper and wicketkeeper, Jim Macdonald a superb left arm quick bowler and Chris Flint who further strengthened the batting.

In those days we had a fixture list that was pretty well just that - a fixture! No League, tea between innings and draws possible. Indeed 20 overs in the last hour was only a late 60’s innovation to prevent time wasting by the side bowling second that was trying to avoid defeat - amazingly, if seeking victory I witnessed up to 25 overs being completed in the last hour! Consequently we got to know the individual characters playing for the opposition very well and invariably shared many jugs with them after the game leading to the formation of lasting friendships - I seldom got home after cricket until well past closing time, whether spent in a Club’s bar or the local hostelry. It was a truly sociable game yet fiercely competitive with the vast majority of participants belonging to the community or organisation for whom they played.

Nobby and I celebrated bowling out Burnham for 10 (7-7 and 3-3 respectively) until 10 pm or so before I drove us back to the Lane for a Ricky Richmond Social, beating Uncle Harold back by 5 minutes even though he had left 10 minutes before us! Returning from a rare win at Halstead and passing a quart bottle of Cook’s golden ale from me (driving my Morris Minor) to Nobby ( passenger) to Sherbie (driving his Morris Minor) to John Roulston (passenger)and back as we negotiated the main road to Braintree! Nobby and I arriving very drunk at Dave Salmon’s party at Writtle after being rained off at tea at Hoffman’s and being stupid enough to believe Pete Beesley’s recommendation - “That new stuff Stella Artois tastes ok but its as weak as gnat’s pee” - some gnat!! Ken Illife’s barnacle style batting (from whom did Tom get his cavalier approach?) and inimitably inept fielding - in a game at Ongar Ken astonished everyone, himself included, by catching a skier at deep mid-off. The next ball a similar skier was launched by the other batsman - we all turned to see how Ken would cope with that only to see a vacant space - Ken was still regaling the spectators with the brilliance of his catch!!

The first two tours to be based at the Red Lion at Cromer - why we weren’t ejected from that hostelry beggars belief - the first year we discovered that the bar shutter was faulty so were apparently very abstemious and encouraged the barman to close up early so we could enjoy free drinks until the early hours - as a direct result the youthful Flinty fell asleep on the beach the next day and was soaked when the tide came in. The second year the shutter was repaired but Nobby realised that the more exotic spirits were accessible over the top of the shutter - we won’t go into the details of how he disguised the deficit in the Napoleon Brandy! Needless to say the cricket on tour was largely coincidental.

I’ve played many league games since but the old non-league friendlies still loom large in the memory, no doubt predominately because of the sociability after the games - in the bars at Broomfield, Halstead, Writtle and Hatfield Peverel, in “The Monkey” at Terling, The Hoop at Stock and so on. Fierce rivalry on the field was soon forgotten in the conviviality of the bar after the game - sadly something that has largely but not totally vanished with the impact of the breathalyser, the changing fixture lists and the availability of far more to do in the evenings in the Chelmsford area.

Mention should also be made of the teas, Arthur Poney supplied ours and Mrs Griffiths prepared them. With the best will in the world gourmet they were not (meat paste sandwiches!) and unlike most of our away games then, no home made cakes either. Still we did have showers unlike most of our opponents. Sunday fixtures became particularly convivial in the late sixties. With the exception of John Roulston, Nobby and occasionally Ken Illiffe we were all in our twenties, post match drinks were followed by curries in the Taj Mahal in Wells Street. Happy days indeed”.

5 IS IT REALLY FORTY YEARS ON SINCE THAT TARTAN BITTER NIGHT?

Following the article in the last newsletter Kevin Menhinick has written of this and other things.

“Strange that Steve Little should write about the ‘Tartan Bitter Night’ in the last OCA Newsletter as I was only very recently reminiscing about that infamous night forty years ago. I was 17 at the time, in the sixth form at KEGS, and went with my father, Len, and my brother Steve, who was only 15 at the time. Memories are rather hazy, for obvious reasons, but I do remember that we somehow lost Steve and I think we found him wandering up Chignal Road in a rather inebriated state! God knows what my mother said when we finally arrived home? I am also pretty sure that John Swinney was there and that the following day at school he vowed to never drink alcohol again! JS recently e mailed a number of people to remind us about the OCA Dinner and that for him, Colin Burgess and I – the class of 1972 - it really is ‘40 Years On’ since we left school. Where have all the years gone?

It was also sad to hear about the death of John Roulston. John was playing for the 2nd X1 in my first ever cricket season with the OCs. Other regulars included Harold Glynn, Tony Hempstead, Barry Haldane, ‘Ricky’ Richmond, Selwyn Wheeler, Nobby Clark, Ken Iliffe and Charlie Woodeson; the best but craziest goalkeeper I ever played with. (Why is it that goalkeepers, much like wicket-keepers, are often touched with a sprinkling of madness?). The highlights of that cricket season for me were: ‘Ricky’ running Harold out on 99 at, I think, Halstead (Harold was not best pleased and expressed himself as only Harold could); Nobby throwing up at the end of his run-up having imbibed with far too much enthusiasm at lunchtime; Ken Iliffe disappearing behind the sight screen at Galleywood when he should have been fielding and returning some time later waving a bra in the air and swimming in the North Sea at Cromer at around 1 am with Keith Pepperell (while on cricket tour) and then streaking from the beach to the hotel dripping with blood where we had cut ourselves on the rocks!. In my defence, I was young and impressionable. (I could write a complete book about the eccentric exploits of Pepps).

On a separate issue, a few lines on coincidences. While on holiday recently in Dominica, I met a woman (the cousin of my wife’s cousin’s girlfriend – a bit tenuous but stay with it) who was born in Dominica but had lived most of her life in St. Lucia. On hearing my accent she said:

“You must be English. I lived in England 30 odd years ago for a couple of years when my father was transferred there with Geest.” - “Where abouts?” I asked. - “Chelmsford.” - “Wow,” I replied. “I’m originally from Chelmsford, Where did you live?” - “On a main road heading towards London near a big park. But I do remember that I went to Moulsham High School.” - “Amazing,” I said. “I went to Moulsham Junior School and lived in Wood Street!”

A quick call to her mother in St. Lucia confirmed that they lived in Rose Cottage, next to the Rose café, opposite Hylands Park, on the A12!!

I also experienced a couple of strange coincidences while I was on business in New Zealand last year. While talking to a nurse at Auckland City Hospital, I noticed she had a rather strong northern accent.

“Where are you originally from?” I asked. - “West Yorkshire.” - “I lived in West Yorkshire for about four years during the early 1980s. Where abouts in West Yorkshire?” - “Pontefract.” - “Amazing. I lived near Pontefract, in Ackworth.”

To cut a long story short, it transpired that we both lived in the same street in Ackworth at the same time, although she was about 10 years younger than me. Although I didn’t remember her we knew many of the same people and I played cricket with some of the lads she was at school with!

I also had a similar experience in the Bay of Plenty. I was talking to a woman called Antoinette who described her heritage as Italian, Scottish, English with ‘half a teaspoon of Maori’. She asked me where I was from in England. When I mentioned ‘Chelmsford’ she immediately rang her sister who lived a mile up the road and handed the phone to me. Her sister was called Margarita and she had lived in Skreen’s 6 Court, opposite Lawford Lane. She was once married to Hugh Watt, who was subsequently KEGS’ site manager and whose uncle was Jim Hodge who played such an important role in the acquisition and the preparation of the land at Lawford Lane that became the OCA sportsground and headquarters. As they say, it is a small world”.

THE CHELMER CANAL TRUST

As reported later in this issue Dudley Courtman (1945-52) was a recent visitor to the Coffee Morning and in the ensuing conversations it emerged that he is actively involved with the Chelmer Canal Trust and has subsequently written this article for us. Any support our members can give would be warmly appreciated.

“The Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation has been a unique feature of the local landscape for over 200 years. Originally it was used by horse-drawn barges to deliver goods for the expansion and industrial development of Chelmsford. The Navigation Company was still fulfilling this role in 1972 before it succumbed to the forces of modernity and changed its character from a cargo carrier to a recreational provider. A large “trip boat” was commissioned and facilities were provided for pleasure boats. This change failed to deliver the revenues that maintaining 14 miles of waterway and 12 locks required, and the navigation’s infra structure started to deteriorate. Eventually, despite the best efforts of the Company’s directors, and the financial assistance of council and government grants, the Company went into administration and most of its assets were sold. The Navigation is currently managed for the directors by the Inland Waterways Association.

While all this was going on a group of local people, who valued the navigation and its wilderness landscape as a priceless community asset, joined together to form “The Friends of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation” which subsequently became a charity, The Chelmer Canal Trust. The Trust is an activist organisation whose aim is to ensure that the unique character of the waterway and its environs are protected and nurtured for public enjoyment.

Trying to encourage leisure activities on the navigation without impinging upon its unique character requires a delicate balancing act, one of which the Trust is acutely aware. It has to be accepted, for example, that the locks have to be used regularly or the gates will dry out and decay. The Trust was launched in 1996 at Moulsham Mill where its new president, Lord Petre, opened the proceedings with his rendition of “Messing about on the river”. Accomplishments since then include: the siting of public information boards, picnic tables and seats along the length of the navigation, the construction of landing stages and canoe portages, the holding of evening talks on historical and environmental topics and the organisation of boat rallies, exhibitions and conservation conferences. Currently the Trust is focusing on the conservation of the natural landscape and the eradication of foreign invaders: mostly litter and water plants. The Trust has received national recognition for its efforts in removing a sub-tropical weed from the navigation, floating pennywort.

More information about the Trust and its activities can be found on its website; www.chelmercanaltrust.co.uk Back copies of the Trust’s newsletter, Coates Cuttings, are posted there; they contain an impressive account of the Trust’s accomplishments to date. All support is very welcome. Joining forms are available online or from our secretary at: Windmill Pasture, Little Waltham Road, Chelmsford, CMI 7TG”.

FROM OUR MAIL BOX

David Pierpoint, 1941-1948, [email protected], has written:- “I was sorry to read about Johnny Roulston in the last newsletter. It brought back memories to me of '56 and '57 when the OCs used to play tennis at Oaklands Park on Sunday mornings, in the pre-Lawford Lane days, with Ken Brewer a regular as well. John was a better player than I ever was, and I fancy his face used to fall a bit when he saw me turning up clutching my ancient racquet. I saw in the obituary column of the Times recently a 95 year old man, surname Roper, educated at KEGS and with a very distinguished career, had recently died. He must

7 have been a bit too far ahead of me at school for me to remember him and maybe he never joined the OCs but there may be some who remember him.”

We informed David that we would make mention of this in the next newsletter to see if this brought any response from members. Our own records showed a Jack Roper (1925-29) who died in 2004 and who from memory was related to Brian Turner. We also had a Ronald Roper (1916-22) with an address in Kenya at the time of joining the OCs in 1946 and these are the only 2 listed in the 1951 School Commemoration book but these dates don't seem to tie up with a 95 year old dying recently.

Philip Mizon, 1943-1948, [email protected], reported that he was back at home in Derbyshire for the start of British Summer Time following the Annual Dinner having travelled well and safely and had managed to alter most of the clocks - so far! “Many thanks for a really splendid evening on Saturday. I thoroughly enjoyed the speeches, and, of course, the turkey dinner. Chicken & turkey are compulsory in our family as my pension depends on the poultry trade. I also enjoyed the company of Alan Hunter, whose family I have known about since 1948 from my time at Hasler & Co, Corn & Seed Merchants of Ingatestone. I knew of his father, J.C.Hunter of Forest Lodge, Stock, although I don’t think I ever met him. John was above me at school although I think his younger brother was in my year but not in my form. I am looking forward to next year's dinner already, which I presume will also be on the night we put the clocks forward? I have two more recent volunteers to my project with the 1947 photo - John Fairhead and Donald Kelly, to whom I have sent all the necessary forms and am eagerly awaiting their contributions which I hope will be considerable. I still need more and I am sure there are many more people out there who have the knowledge and, perhaps, the memory to assist me”.

Mike Poole, 1949-1957, [email protected], also contacted us regarding the Annual Dinner - “Unfortunately a congested diary makes it impossible for me to attend this year. It is particularly unfortunate as our President - Malcolm - and the guest speaker- Peter Fowler - were contemporaries of mine. Have a good night and remember me to them”

We have had a change of address for David Hunt, 1947-1950, who has returned from France to Devon and who is delighted to hear that his friend Don Kelly has decided to re-emerge on the OCA scene.

We heard from Alan Dixon, [email protected], advising us that his father in law, Cecil John Austen, 1934-1939 and now 88, had moved from Chislehurst to be nearer his family and was now a resident in the Chelmsford Nursing Home, East Hanningfield Road, Howe Green, Chelmsford, CM2 7TP. Perhaps there are former school colleagues who might care to visit him there to remember those far off days?

Ian Sumter, 1984-1991, [email protected], has updated us with his whereabouts:- “I hope things are going well for the start of 2012 - and the OCs continue to flourish on the sports field. This is just a quick note to update other OCs of my current activities. Having been unable to find finance work in London after the crisis I retrained as an English teacher and last year went to Moscow to work for a company called Wall Street. After one year, I had the opportunity to do some work on a Russian radio station, called the Voice of Russia. I am now working as a journalist and radio broadcaster in English at this station - the third largest international station in the world. I have a 25 minute programme 5 days a week looking at various financial, political and international relations stories in Europe, the UK and the Middle East, as well as UK-Russian relations. The programme is broadcast on digital in the UK and all the news items can be found on the internet. The link to the show is: http://english.ruvr.ru/radio_broadcast/48765558/

Dave Vickery 1968-75: “I have recently moved to Sheringham on the North Norfolk coast. I am still doing some IT and Project Management consultancy work but my main objective for this year is to acquire a respectable golf handicap. Anyone who wishes to contact me can e-mail [email protected]

8 2051 miles and 44 years later!

“Having chosen to go to Cyprus, I remembered that a former Classmate, Les Jamieson (1962-69), had left the UK to become Head of a Forces school in Cyprus. We re-established contact via a social network site and Les and his wife arranged to drive the 170km from their home in Larnaca to our hotel in Paphos. Les and I shared many similarities: we attended the same Junior School; both had lost our fathers when young; played in many sports teams together; left Chelmsford in 1969, only returning to visit family; and lastly retired within 6 months of each other. We had a great time, reminiscing over dinner in an authentic Cypriot restaurant. Les had brought along some school photos to share – and new photos were taken, before waving them goodbye the following lunchtime Mode of dress showed the difference in the climates we are now used to. Les in long trousers and long sleeved shirt – me in shorts and teeshirt. Temperature was approx. 21C. His blood has thinned but not his hair!” John Bell (1962-67)

We subsequently also heard from Les:- “ I attended KEGS from 1962 - 69. Played 1st XI hockey, 2nd XI soccer and cricket, played for Lions rugby, was house captain for Mildmay, appeared in school plays, edited the school magazine and generally got involved in most aspects of school life - occasionally remembering to do some work! I left for Nottingham in 1969 and lost contact with the OCA organisation - I think being a full prefect gave automatic membership but that was many years ago. I became a teacher and stayed in the East Midlands, becoming Head of a city comp in Derby. In 1998 I moved to Cyprus to become Head of a Service Children's secondary school out here. I've retired and live here permanently. Murray Batley and John Bell have both been in contact and we've met out here. Steve Little has also managed to sell me both his books - his KEGS book covers many of the events and people I remember well. When John returned from his holiday here he emailed me the Christmas edition of the OCA newsletter, which included your contact details. Could you add me to your mailing list, and possibly mail an old copy if that's not too difficult?”

John can be contacted at [email protected] and Les at [email protected]

E-MAIL CONVERSIONS

Rex Hobbs 1949-1955, [email protected], contacted us “Hello George, I submit a missive from a very inactive OC where the OCA is concerned! However the art of Emailing has come as a late addition to my numerous activities so may I straightaway help to save on paper/postage costs by asking you to send the Newsletter to me by way of Email. Your name jogs my failing memory as I am sure I attended school with a Heseltine, possibly a Michael who may be a relative of yours. My years were 1949/1955. Yes Nigel Fanshawe and Norman Fowler were new boys with me!! Another purpose of this communication is that I attended an Annual Dinner, though embarrassingly some 20 years ago, and they are not really my thing. However as Malcolm Dewar (a classmate) is President and you mention that others of the Class of ‘49 will be present I am wondering if you could let me know their names so that I could sit with contemporaries this year”.

Having advised Rex that yes, Michael Heseltine is my brother and that others attending from the Dewar/Fowler era were Barry Davey, Frank Easton, Roger Leigh and John Sachs, Rex duly booked a ticket and advised us that he and Barry Davey had started at Barclays, Chelmsford on the same day in 1955 and that for some inexplicable reason he would still be happy to have me seated next to him!

9 Andy Bell, [email protected], Chris Durham (1982-1989), [email protected], David Harvey, [email protected], Stuart McNeill, [email protected] and Ray Walls, 1941- 1946, [email protected], have all requested a change to the electronic newsletter.

Peter Glynn, [email protected] “I have been meaning for some time to suggest that you email the newsletter to me. It is 5 years since dad passed and I find fewer and fewer people I know mentioned in the newsletter but it is always good to spot a familiar name! Best wishes to you and all at Lawford Lane.

With the recent increase in postage rates we would be delighted to hear from all members who are able and willing to receive the newsletter by email to save this cost.

Please contact George Heseltine at [email protected] to arrange this.

COFFEE MORNINGS

Ted Caton was in charge of events on March 15th and reported that despite a foggy start to the day in Chelmsford and the absence of several regulars, the 1950’s Form VA attracted a satisfying 24 to the March coffee morning and were delighted to welcome for the first time one of their own from 1945-1952, Dudley Courtman, twin brother of Donald, as well as four second-timers – John and Liz Cable and John and Nancy King – and another first-timer Ralph Archer (1942-1947). Liz was asked to draw the first ticket in the raffle, as long as she didn’t draw one of her own, and what did she do? – drew one of her own! As the early fog gave way to glorious sunshine, the numbers increased and what had begun as a quiet morning became quite a lively occasion.

Hugh Piper was in charge for the April 19th gathering which again attracted 24 members who, Hugh suggested, not only enjoyed their coffee but conversation so intense and interminable that no one dared interrupt to introduce any form of diversion - even the raffle was delayed because of inattention from those present!! Despite several regulars being missing numbers were again encouraging but new and younger faces would always be welcome. The next meeting is planned for May 17th so put the date in your diaries.

CRICKET

The league season is, at the time of writing, less than one week away notes Baz Bowerman. However, if the rain continues to fall in the way that it has done for the past two weeks then it may be some time yet before the desperate cry of a batsman calling 'yes' and setting off for a single that isn't really there, and watching in horror as his batting partner refuses to budge from his crease, is heard at Lawford Lane.

However, when the sun does finally re-emerge, it will find the OC's First Eleven still in the Premier League, the Second Eleven in Division Four, the Third Eleven in Division Eight and the Fourths in Division Ten. We are hopeful of a season full of runs, wickets and amazing one-handed catches, and any supporters are always welcome to come and cheer us on, either at Lawford Lane or at the Bedford Fields. For information on which teams are playing where, and when, please check at http://oldchelmsfordians.hitscricket.com. A mid-season report, with brief match statistics, will appear in the next issue.

TENNIS

Teams: The winter season ended on 31/3/12 and was generally successful. The highlight was the performance of the Men’s 1 team who finished second in Division 1. Men’s 2 finished 3rd in Division 4 and missed out on promotion by 1 point. Men’s 3 finished 7th in Division 6 but provided good playing opportunities to both new members and emerging juniors. Ladies 1 finished 5th in Division 2 and Ladies 2 and 3 finished 3rd and 5th respectively in Division 5. The Mixed 1 finished 7th out of 8 in Division 2 and this may well

10 result in relegation. This was a tough Division with two very strong teams who finished well clear of the other six who were contained in a 12 point spread. Mixed 1 actually won more games than two teams above them but these were narrow victories that generated few points. The Mixed 2 team finished 5th in Division 5 and we said farewell to the Captain, Nigel Grant. He and his wife Lynda have moved to Ipswich to be nearer to their family and Nigel has been succeeded by Karen Gillam

Annual Dinner: Our annual dinner took place on Thursday March 22nd at The Punchbowl Restaurant at High Easter. 62 members and friends attended and a good time was had by all with the food and service up to the usual high standard.

Court Maintenance The new courts continue to provide a high quality experience and we have just arranged for a second top- up of sand to be applied in May. For those interested in the technical details, the surface has a 10mm pile and it is important to keep the sand at an optimum level around 1mm below the surface. More than this would mean that it would be slippery and less than this creates the potential for the pile to begin to bend and, eventually, break. Regular brushing is also important to keep the pile straight.

Social Events We are trying to raise the profile of the Tennis Section within the association so we were pleased that we managed to field four teams in the recent quiz. We also held an inaugural ‘Touch Tennis’ tournament at the end of March where 18 members played. I guess that this is to normal tennis what 5-a-side football is to the full game. It is a doubles tournament just played in the service boxes with slower softer balls. Two other differences are that serves are underarm and no volleying is allowed. It was great fun and some games produced huge rallies.

Wimbledon Tickets We have been allocated 12 pairs of tickets for the 2012 Championships and these will be balloted to tennis section members in the clubhouse on Tuesday 1/5/12 following our club night.

Membership If you are not currently a member of the tennis section but have always fancied trying out the great courts, particularly with the new surface, contact Alan Coulthard on 07795 105328. If your tennis is a little rusty, Alan and Derek Rogers (Head Club Coach) can organise coaching sessions to individuals and small groups. Also, our website at www.chelmsfordianstennis.co.uk is a good source of information about the section.

TABLE TENNIS

The 2011/2012 Chelmsford and District League has come to its conclusion with mixed fortunes for Old Chelmsfordians teams.

In the first division, both the A and B teams avoided relegation thanks to some strong late-season form from the A team. Having been in the bottom two in the division with four games to go they won three of their last four matches including a 7-3 win away to Elmtree/Excalibur in the last game of the season. Peter Hayden was the standout performer during the season with an 87% singles win record. Brandon Crouchman (52%) and Terry Dowsett (48%) were also strong performers. The majority of the B team’s wins came in the first half of the season and although they won only 3 of their last 10 matches that did include an 8-2 win over Chelmsford A in late February. David Cole and Martin Cole both won more than 75% of their singles games. In Division Three, the C team finished comfortably in mid-table after drawing seven of their 20 matches through the course of the season. John Watts (58%), Adrian North (40%) and Jack Crook (38%) all contributed to the cause.

11 But the D team suffered poorer fortunes in the same division. Although they won their first and last matches of the season they failed to win at all in the 18 matches in between. A 6-4 win over their OCA club-mates on the last day of the season was small consolation as the team finished bottom of the table. In Division 5, it was the F team who impressed most winning the division comfortably with 16 wins from their 18 matches. Frank Hodge (85%) and Tom Barker (79%) were ever-present during the season and Nat Ravlic maintained a perfect record in the singles games he played. Although the E team started strongly with four wins to open the season their form tailed off in the latter stages as they finished fourth in the table. The G team had a difficult season winning only once and finishing bottom of the division but it was the H team who impressed in their first season at this level. Daniel Berry (42%), Charlie Mariner (35%) and Shane Bliss (17%) all showed strong signs of improvement as the year progressed. In the introductory CLICK league, the J team had a strong season, winning 13 of their 20 matches to finish in third place. It was in the second half of the season that Harvey Russell (60%) and Steven Turner (73%) really shone, winning 13 of their last 15 matches.

New Players We are looking to recruit players to supplement all of our teams. If you are interested in playing or know someone who may be then contact David Porter by emailing [email protected]

Practice sessions and contact details All those interested in playing table tennis are reminded that Tuesday evening sessions continue throughout the summer from 6pm to 7.15pm (juniors and seniors) and from 7.15pm for senior members only (unless there are home League matches taking place).

GOLF

THE ALEX SWAN TROPHY 2012

Howard Swan has written:-

“I am pleased to let you know that this year’s tournament, the 28th in memory of my father, will take place at: Bentley Golf Club, Ongar Road, Brentwood, Essex, on Tuesday 3rd July.

The plan for the day is: 09.00 onwards Tea, coffee and bacon rolls

10.00 9 holes TEXAS SCRAMBLE (in pairs) 12.00 onwards Lunch - ham, egg and chips

13.30 18 holes BETTER BALL STABLEFORD (in pairs) competition for the Alex Swan Trophy and the David Salmon Trophy – for parent and offspring. 19.00/19.30 Carvery dinner and prizegiving

The cost of the day will be £54 per person, with the cost of the golf as last year but with a contribution per player of £5 being made for SNAP, a local charity for underprivileged children nominated by Liz Potter, the Captain of the Club.

It is a family day ... fathers, sons, mothers, daughters, grandparents and grandchildren ... and the whole family of Old Chelmsfordians ... with whom I spent much time at school on and off the playing field and later with the Association at Lawford Lane ……..together with the many others whom I ... with my son William .. have worked with over the past years in designing courses all over the world.

I do hope that you might be able to be there with us for the competition and I can be contacted on [email protected], +44 7778 970496, +44 1277 896229 or at Telfords Farm, Willingale, Ongar, Essex CM50QF.

12

FOOTBALL

Graham King has sent us his latest Match Reports to round of the 2011/2012 season:-

Week 25 Saturday 4th February 2012

LAKESIDE v OCs 1st XI Postponed - Frozen Pitch EOL DIV 1

OCs 2nd XI 2 v GALLEYWOOD RESERVES 2 EOL RESERVE DIV 2 The local derby at Lawford Lane finished even with the final score at 2 – 2. Young Ben Mason scored a class goal with James Derham scoring the second for Old Boys. OCs were twice ahead but the visitors pulled back level following two pieces of slack defending, although centre half Rob Slack once again had an excellent game at the heart of the defence for OCs This game was one of only seven EOL fixtures that survived the arctic conditions, a great credit to all at the Lane who made it possible.

OCs Vets 2nd XI 1 v SPARTANS 3 FRIENDLY Manager Eddie O`Neill said “Following our victory earlier in the season Spartans asked to play us again and once again they thanked us for our hospitality”. This very youthful Spartans eleven were unsurprisingly quick to close OCs down. OCs boosted their squad with a number of the Vets first XI which made for an even contest. With four substitutes and freezing temperatures, rotating the team was a must. OCs adapted to the constant change well and this did not affect their performance. In fact the 2nd XI had greater possession and more scoring opportunities. The result hinged on who netted more of their scoring opportunities. Motty, fresh from his glaring miss in his last outing opened his OCs account in this fixture. Like many of the team he is being introduced back into football after years of child rearing. Overall a sporting and entertaining game in difficult conditions. Eddie wishes to compliment both sets of players saying “We managed to keep the referee warm by supplying him with gloves and a hat during the game and a warm cup of tea at half time” .

BRENDANS v OCs 3rd XI Postponed - Frozen Pitch MEL DIV 2

Sunday 5th February 2012

OCs 1st XI v REDSTONES P&S DIV 2 This and all Week 26 matches postponed – snow on the pitches.

Week 27 Saturday 18th February 2012

OCs 1st XI 4 v HERONGATE ATHLETIC 3 EOL DIV 1 After the enforced winter break OCs got back into action with this fine match against promotion contenders Herongate Athletic at Lawford Lane. The game had everything, goals, a fair amount of good attacking football and one of the best referring displays seen at the Lane for a long while. Herongate dominated the opening minutes of the game but slowly OCs started to dominate the game and as is often the way they conceded against the run of play but on 25 minutes Ben Sanders equalised for the Old Boys following a cross by Will King and an assist from James Ward. After the break with the wind and rain getting stronger, both teams continued to entertain the Lane stalwarts with a splendid game. OCs continued to attack and they were rewarded with two goals, one from Josh Goodey via good work by Ryan Sutton and another from the busy James Ward. Then followed three penalties, two for Herongate and one for OCs, all successfully despatched. OCs penalty was taken and driven home by goalkeeper Jordan Sole, his success gave his team a 4-3 lead which gave the Old Boys three valuable points in their push for a top three league place.

BASILDON TOWN RESERVES 0 v OCs 2nd XI 3 EOL RESERVE DIV 2 OCs secured all three points away to bottom club Basildon Town with goals from centre half Rob Spratt and two from James Derham

13 STAGS HEAD 3 v OCs 3rd XI 1 (Played at Lawford Lane) MEL DIV 2 OCs were pleased to be able to assist in allowing this game to be played at Lawford Lane as Stags Head were unable to play at their regular venue Hendersons in Romford. Unfortunately the home advantage did not benefit OCs as they lost 3-1 to the lowly Stags Head, who are in the bottom half of the division two table. Elliot Armstrong scored the consolation goal for the Old Boys.

Sunday 19th February 2012

OCs 1st XI 1 v GOLDHANGER ARGYLE 4 P&S DIV 2 League Cup Semi Final Facing second placed Goldhanger in the division two cup semi final was always going to be a difficult task for OCs who are just starting to assert themselves in the division. However, despite a valiant effort they failed in their bid to reach the final, losing 4-1. OCs goal came from Mike Forman.

Week 28 Saturday 25th February 2012

OCs 1st XI 2 v ALDBOROUGH ATHLETIC 4 EOL DIV 1 OCs dominated most of the first half restricting Aldborough to the occasional break away - however with the chances created in the opening half both teams could and should have scored at least twice. OCs opened the scoring on 30 minutes when skipper Craig Ewing broke free from the back and scored following some smart approach from his colleagues. With the half almost complete there was a harmless looking coming together of two players and sadly the Aldborough player, Sam Hoskyn, knew immediately he had broken a bone in his leg. The referee, Mr David Campbell, took the sensible decision and drew the half to an end with only seconds remaining. The ambulance crew arrived within minutes of being called but the second half restart was delayed for approximately 30 minutes to allow the injured player to be correctly prepared for entry to hospital for treatment. Aldborough reacted positively to their sad loss, while OCs seemed to have it on their minds and within 5 minutes of the restart Aldborough went 3-1 up. OCs got their heads back on soon afterwards and Ryan Fleming gave his team a fighting chance of a recovery but it was not to be. Aldbrough scored a further goal, a victory they dedicated to their injured colleague.

SANDON ROYALS RESERVES 1 v OCs 2nd XI 0 EOL RESERVE DIV 2 The local reserve derby saw Royals snatch a win with a single goal.

BRENDANS 1 v OCs 3rd XI 1 MEL DIV 2 A goal from Ben Bailey gave the 3rd XI a point away at lowly Brendans. Alp`s team maintain a comfortable mid- table position.

OCs Vets XI 5 v HERONGATE RESERVES 1 EVL DIV 2 EAST The Vets took pride of place at the Lane on Saturday. After their cup exploits two weeks ago it was back to keeping their promotion hopes alive with the visit of table topping Herongate Reserves. Victory for them would give them automatic promotion but a win for OCs would see the Old Boys a point behind them with two games left to play. The Old Boys were soon into their stride with two good chances squandered before a loose ball was latched onto by David Tant who slotted home. More drama followed with another OCs attack forcing a Herongate defender to handle on the line and Martin Smith, the referee, had no option but to send him off. Alex Wilson coolly slotted home from the spot. Then some sloppy marking saw Herongate get back into the game from a free kick. This gave them some hope and they began to rally and finished the half strongly. But with more determination not to let the game slip away and having the extra man advantage Nick Wright was first to react in the box and slammed home OCs third. But Herongate still tried to press although Spencer Dudman did not have a real save to make. Then from an OCs corner the keeper dropped the ball and Phil Kerridge flicked the ball into the net for the OCs fourth. By now Herongate began to lose heart. A good run down the right by Phil Kerridge and a fine cross was met by Brett Lattimore who dispatched the fifth goal for the Old Boys, to make the last two games of the season very interesting!.

Sunday 26th February 2012

OCs 2nd XI 1 v SPRINGFIELD RESERVES 2 P&S DIV 4 Top versus second in Division 4 on Sunday at the Lane. The honours in this local derby went to second placed Springfield who take over at the top. OCs goal came from J.Kemp.

Week 29 14 Saturday 3rd March 2012

OCs 1st XI 3 v SOUTHMINSTER ST.LEONARDS 4 EOL DIV 1 There is no doubt that the OCs 1st XI are a collection of talented footballers that produce some excellent attacking football but they do have the frustrating habit of conceding goals at vital times through some naïve defending. Saturday`s game at the Lane against runaway league leaders Southminster was an example. A super game for the neutral, OCs went behind on 5 minutes with an own goal then pulled back to take a deserved 2-1 lead on 30 minutes, with two outstanding strikes one from Josh Brown and the first of his double from Ryan Sutton. A defensive error allowed Southminster to draw level. Before the end of the half the Lane faithful saw two more goals, another spectacular individual effort from Man of the Match Ryan Sutton gave the lead back to OCs but that defensive frailty of the Old Boys allowed Southminster to equalise yet again, courtesy of another error of judgement at the back. Was the second half going to be as open as the first? The answer was yes but only one more goal would be scored. A reckless tackle inside the box gave the opportunity for the league leaders to take home all three points via the penalty spot. Perhaps the fairest result would have been a draw, especially as OCs pushed their visitors all the way with some fine second half attacking football, but they paid the price of their generosity at the back during the opening 45 minutes.

WHITE ENSIGN RESERVES 2 v OCs 2nd XI 0 EOL RES DIV 2 A trip to the seaside for the 2nd XI, against second place White Ensign Reserves, proved difficult for them. OCs conceded twice without reply and returned home pointless.

OCs 3rd XI 1 v DEBDEN SPORTS 5 MEL DIV 2 Despite taking the lead against league leaders Debden Sports in the early kick off at the Lane, the 3rd XI fell foul of their more senior opponents going down by 5 goals to one. Dan Pettit scored that early goal for the Old Boys.

HORDON VETS 2 v OCs Vets 2nd XI 2 FRIENDLY The Vets second eleven played a friendly against Horndon, a Divison three team. With a little help from Dave’s first team OCs managed to get a reasonable side out. Manager Eddie O`Neill said “Once again a mixed bag of players unfamiliar to each other meant we caused ourselves problems in the early stages with the result that Horndon scored the opening first half goal”. OCs created and squandered many goal scoring opportunities but eventually equalised via Mick Kilbey whose hold up and link play merited a goal. The second half continued with OCs having the bulk of play but one of the new incumbents learning the Vets way gave away an unnecessary penalty - all part of the learning curve. At 2-1 down OCs pressed and from a corner Jez Riches bent low to head home. Manager Eddie O,Neill`s comment “You can just imagine how low the ball was if Jez had to bend to head it”. OCs continued to drive for a deserved winner but with all the player changes the team became fractured. It is hoped that along with the over 45’s, to have a few more 2nd XI games before the summer break.

Sunday 4th March 2012

OCs 1st XI 2 v BROOKHOUSE 2 P&S DIV 2 The 1st XI continue to hold their own in Division Two, this point maintains their mid-table position. OCs goals came from Bruce and Booth.

ONGAR UNITED RESERVES 2 v OCs 2nd XI 0 P&S DIV 4 A slight set back for the 2nd XI losing away at Ongar but hopefully their promotion place is still on track.

Week 30 Saturday 10th March 2012

OCs 2nd XI 3 v SOUTHMINSTER ST LEONARDS RES. 0 EOL RES DIV 2 A strong 2nd XI team welcomed Southminster Reserves to the Lane on Saturday and all present witnessed a very good game of football. OCs dominated the midfield with Dan Griffin controlling the game with help from Paul Ellis and the rest of the team. On six minutes Trevor Pyner broke down the right and his excellent centre was slotted home by Ryan Matthams, then continued pressure saw OCs take a two nil advantage when Stuart Gleed smashed home a penalty after James Ward was taken out by the visiting `keeper. The second half saw the balance of the game change with Southminster looking for a way back, but the best chance of the half fell to OC’s Ryan Matthams who crashed an unstoppable shot against the bar and then OCs collected all three points when Trevor Pyner scored the second penalty of the day after the referee awarded the kick for hand ball.

OCs 3rd XI 1 v ST. MARGARETS 2 MEL DIV 2 15 OCs dropped valuable points at home to lowly St.Margarets with this two one defeat. Pashley scored the OCs goal.

Sunday 11th March 2012

OCs 1st XI 2 v PRIORY SPORTS 2 P&S DIV 2 OCs secured a point at home to Priory with goals from Paul Tiffen and Grant Kirkby.

GREAT BADDOW Vets 0 v OCs Vets XI 6 EVL DIV 2 EAST OCs went into this game knowing that a win would give them a very realistic chance of winning the title. The attitude was correct going into the match and this showed in the opening exchanges with OCs pressuring Great Baddow and hitting the crossbar within 2 minutes. Despite this early pressure OCs could not seem to get the early opening, indeed it took a period of sustained pressure to break the opposition. Joint manager Mark Allison said “Great Baddow were fielding several players who had not played much of a part in their season so far...they always seem to be able to get a side out against us however!” On twenty five minutes a semi clearance fell to Nick Wright 25 yards out who unleashed a half volley that the keeper could not deal with, 1-0. Five minutes later saw the moment of the match....no, the season! A Brett Lattimore corner was floated into the far post area beyond the reach of the keeper and time stood still for a moment as Paul "PT" Taylor rose majestically at the far post, reminiscent of a migrating salmon leaping from a freshwater stream, to powerfully head past the keeper, 2-0. Scenes of jubilation ensued as a 5 year itch was finally scratched for PT! Five minutes later it was 3, Alex Wilson with a similarly sublime strike to `Wrighty` from 25 yards beating the keeper all ends up. On 40 minutes Darren Barnard waltzed down the left flank from left back, cut in and with just the keeper to beat woefully trundled the ball past the post...... Barnard was involved again 4 minutes later with his first successful pass completion to a player on his own team! Half time 3-0. The second half saw OCs slacken off for 15 minutes.... despite a half time team talk warning against this. On sixty five minutes the pressure was off with a Phil Kerridge volley beating the keeper on his front post and Baddow visibly wilting. Managers Allison & Irwin began to look towards next week's fixture by withdrawing some players with Matt Groom making his seasonal debut... 2 minutes later he scored with a fine diving header. Alex Wilson notched a second with another volley from the edge of the box to kill of Baddow completely with just under 15 minutes to go allowing Eddie O'Neill a 10 minute run out up front, his sole contribution being a "mounting" of the opposition keeper. News after the game showed that White Ensign had lost virtually assuring OCs promotion with one game to go, which if won assures them of the title.

Week 31 Saturday 17th March 2012

LAKESIDE 2 v OCs 1st XI 3 EOL DIV 1 This was a game no one was looking forward to, on the worst pitch in the league and against a side that although bottom never give in or allow you any time on the ball. OCs started very well and took control of the game right from the off and on a difficult surface played some very attractive one touch football. The break-through came on the half hour from leading goal scorer Ryan Sutton and he again linked with Josh Brown to create the second with a fine header from James Ward. The second half saw the home side have a real go and with OCs switching off at the back, two poor goals where quickly conceded. This finally got OCs interest back in the game, the winner came from another good header from Ben Sanders, to earn three very good points.

OCs 2nd XI 0 v CASTLE UTD RESERVES 0 EOL RESERVE DIV 2 Last week`s performance was good but this week`s was its equal but for different reasons. Although the game was played in the middle of the pitch, OCs controlled it with the back four in superb form supported by stand in `keeper Steve Cooke. Midfield worked hard as did the two front men. With the season coming to an end, the 2nd XI have proved that with the addition of a couple of players they could have been promotion material.

OCs Vets XI 4 v WHITE ENSIGN 0 EVL DIV 2 EAST After results going their way the previous week and having won 6-0 OCs knew that a win would guarantee them the title. A run of five consecutive league wins since Christmas had put OCs in this position with others failing around them and gave the Vets the chance of a title they thought they had no chance of winning at Christmas when they were 4th in the table. White Ensign who where top at Christmas were on a run of 5 games without a win and turned up late with only 11 men! Manager Mark “Turbo” Allison took sole charge of this important game with co-manager Irwin fleeing to the hills of Portugal with the added pressure on his little arachnid shoulders! OCs applied all of the early pressure and went close several times but, as last week, could not find an early breakthrough despite the opposition offering very little in attack. However, on half an hour, Alex Wilson had a run on goal yet managed to tread on the ball and push it ten yards wider than where he originally was! He somehow used this to his advantage by cutting inside the defender and scoring with his right boot beating the keeper at the front post on the turn, 1-0. 16 The next fifteen minutes saw OCs drop to their level and saw manager Turbo getting increasingly agitated on the line, mainly as he wanted to be on the pitch! A few frank words were exchanged at half time but everyone knew what was expected of them in the second half and five minutes in it was 2-0. An Alex Wilson corner beat the keeper and hit a flying Pete Bowyer fully in the midrift as he bundled the ball home from two yards. OCs were not playing their best football of the season but were winning the war of attrition in midfield with the tireless Nick Wright and the guile of Brett Lattimore. Then came the third, a goal we had all been waiting for from Mick Kilbey….. he reacted in the 6 yard box to hit a shot that hit the keeper, quickly rebounded back to him where he “adjusted his body to knock the ball home”….. from the line it hit his knee! White Ensign were offering nothing with keeper Dudman bored at the other end with an occasional touch of the ball and with four minutes to go OCs scored their fourth and best goal of the game. Nick Wright picking the ball up on the right of midfield running towards the box, playing a one two with Phil Kerridge and hitting a half volley across the keeper through a crowd of players into the far corner. The last three minutes saw Phil Kerridge shoot from angles that became more and more acute…..no change there! With the final whistle OCs were champions and subsequently found that their closest challengers had capitulated 4-1 on the final day so ended up winning the title by 4 points and with a +26 goal difference. Managers Dave Irwin and Mark Allison said “Special thanks to Kevin Neil who covered for us this week and other weeks during the season when others were not available and for all of those players who had a bit part throughout the year but were very important to the squad”. The management already have the chequebook out for next season. WELL DONE ALL!.. CHAMPIONS !

OCs Vets 2nd XI 4 v FOBS 5 FRIENDLY Scot Robinson opened the scoring for OCs, the first of his hat trick. His third came in the last minute when as goalkeeper at five three down he came up for a corner. Well done Scot, your commitment alone to the 2nd eleven cause is much appreciated. Manager Eddie O`Neill said “FOBS were the highest placed team we have met this season and with just eleven players available we acquitted ourselves well. Some of our team completed their first full game of the season”. OCs created many openings and were never out of contention. A number of second team players can take pride in helping OCs become champions of Division Two East. A real club effort. Although the first eleven have completed their schedule, the Vets do still have a number of remaining fixtures including games in the over 45’s League Management Trophy and The Tiptree Charity Cup coming up.

Week 32 Saturday 24th March 2012

OCs 1st XI 0 v BENFLEET 1 EOL DIV 1 Once again this week OCs failed to capitalize on their domination of the football match. Throughout this replayed fixture versus Benfleet, OCs played some quite exceptional football creating chance upon chance but failing to find the back of the visitors net, through a combination of poor finishing and a superb display from the Benfleet `keeper. The script was written early on, OCs missing chances to take the lead and the opposition `nicking` a goal in the last minute and so it was to be. With almost the last attack of the game Benfleet snatched the single goal win. On a positive note OCs to man gave their all and on the day did not deserve to be beaten especially by such a poor side as the visitors Benfleet.

OCs 3rd XI 1 v WHITE HART UTD 2 MEL DIV 2 After taking the lead against mid-table opponents White Hart United, through Aaron Redman, the 3rd XI failed to win the game, conceding two goals in the second half.

BENFLEET Vets 4 v OCs Vets 2nd XI 3 FRIENDLY OCs Vets second eleven went away to Division 3 promotion chasing Benfleet and came away with a creditable 4-3 defeat. Two goals from Craig Shelley and one from Jez Riches were the least OCs deserved. Benfleet sat back in the early stages to allow OCs to get a grip on the game, however once again individual errors were punished by goals. Benfleet’s top scorer with 22 goals this season was a handful as OCs struggled to come to terms with his movement and pace. Changes in the second half gave the Old Boys a more stable back four while the midfield enjoyed the majority of possession. A penalty miss and a golden opportunity passed up cost OCs dearly as having worked hard to draw level they surrendered to a penalty in the dying stages. Manager Eddie O`Neill said “I am learning a lot about my team and individuals being asked to play in different positions. We are developing as a unit and I am where I expected to be at this stage”.

Sunday 25th March 2012

17 DIRECTA HOTSPUR 4 v OCs 1st XI 3 P&S DIV 2

OCs 2nd XI 3 v MARGARETTING S AND S RESERVES 1 P&S DIV 4 The 2nd XI are fighting for promotion and a 3-1 win over visitors Margaretting Reserves means they stand a good chance going into their final game. Substitute Ross Lamb scored all three of the Old Boys goals to secure the win.

Week 33 Saturday 31st March 2012

BISHOPS STORTFORD SWIFTS 3 v OCs 1st XI 1 EOL DIV 1 This game summed up OCs whole season in 90 minutes play, a game that was totally dominated for the first 70 minutes with some fine flowing football and rewarded in the 30th minute with a goal from Will King. However too many chances where missed and as the second half progressed a dreadful refereeing decision, one of many, gave the home side a penalty and saw Ryan Fleming sent off. This made it one-all and the sides where soon even on numbers by a poor tackle from a Stortford player, but again poor refereeing. As much as OCs created chances none where taken and as in so many weeks another mistake allowed the home side to take the lead and a late long range shot made it 3-1. Manager Peter Gillott says “last home game this week, let`s hope we can put on a show”.

GALLEYWOOD RESERVES 0 v OCs 2nd XI 2 EOL RESERVE DIV 2 The 2nd XI finished their league campaign on Saturday with another satisfactory display with thoughts of what might have been if standards in recent weeks could have been maintained throughout the season. OCs goals came from Chris Smith and Matt Fisher.

OCs 3rd XI 2 v BATTLESBRIDGE 1 MEL DIV 2 The 3rd XI took centre stage at the Lane on Saturday as they welcomed back top three team Battlesbridge in the replay of the abandoned game earlier in the year. The young injured Battlesbridge player came to the game, he sustained a triple break in the original game and unfortunately is unlikely to play again. OCs played some good attractive football and dominated their more senior opponents for long periods. They deservedly took the lead mid- way through the first half with a tremendous strike from Chris Andrews. The second half saw OCs more on the back foot but a fine breakaway led to Ben Bailey chipping the advancing `keeper to give OCs the two goal advantage. Battlesbridge scored a consolation goal in the last minute when stand in `keeper Ashley Kircher was beaten from close range. The future of OCs football looks in safe hands with Alphonso`s youngsters!

DODDINGHURST OLYMPIC OVER 45`s 2 v OCs OVER 45`s 5 L.M.TROPHY For over 45’s playing on a G7 artificial pitch for the first time it was like supporters walking on to their favourite teams pitch. Manager Eddie O`Neill said “We all wandered around in awe of our surroundings discussing the pros and cons of these strange conditions. A complete new experience, which showed itself in the early stages, with some passes over hit and others not reaching their intended targets”. Once OCs settled they took control of the game with fine work from the front line who closed down the nervous Doddinghurst defence at every opportunity. Combination passing and good running off the ball opened up Doddinghurst time and again. Mick Kilbey scored three really good to watch goals. A deserved hat trick for the effort he put in. Mick should take it as a compliment the overzealous challenges he received towards the end of the game. OCs dominated in midfield which allowed the back four to start forward movements with controlled passing. With numerous changes the flow of the game changed very little as OCs continued to attack and create scoring chances. A special mention must go to Clive Pyner who appeared in an OCs shirt for the first time this season. He almost scored with his first touch and then went on to hit the bar.

Sunday 1st April 2012

OCs 1st XI 3 v GOLDHANGER ARGYLE 3 P&S DIV 2 Goals from Paul Tiffen and Shane Bone secured a point against league leaders Argyle.

OCs 2nd XI 4 v HOWBRIDGE SWIFTS RESERVES 2 P&S DIV 4 The 2nd XI moved nearer to promotion with this 4-2 victory over third placed Howbridge Reserves.

WEEK 34 Saturday 7th April 2012 18 OCs 1st XI 2 v SANDON ROYALS 0 EOL DIV 1 The local derby at Old Chelmsfordians finished 2 – 0 after goals by James Ward and Ben Sanders secured the Old Boys the points against Sandon Royals.

SOCCER ACADEMY 0 v OCs 3rd XI 4 MEL DIV 2 The 3rd XI completed their league fixtures on Saturday with a convincing 4-0 victory away to Soccer Academy. OCs goals came from Kieron Foster with two, one from the penalty spot and one each from Jack Harris and Jon Kemp.

OCs Vets 2nd XI 3 v WHITE RODING Vets 1 FRIENDLY A mix of White Roding`s Vets and Sunday team came to play Old Chelmsfordians Vets second eleven for the second time this season. OCs created many chances throughout the game but poor finishing kept the score down. OCs could have had four goals in the first half with a further two in the second. Keith Allen recovering from injury played in goal. Jez Riches and Scott Robinson were solid in central defence. Kevin Neil (Captain) was the glue in central midfield that held everything together while Mike Kilbey once again worked tirelessly up front and deserved his brace of goals as time ticked towards a draw. New boys Jon Lacey and Graham Prayel fitted in well.

Sunday 8th April 2012

OCs 1st XI 0 v REDSTONES 3 P&S DIV 2 Redstones are finishing off their season strongly and a fine 3-0 win over a decent Old Chelmsfordians outfit gives them a chance of avoiding the drop going into their final two games.

Tuesday 10th April 2012

ONGAR TOWN 3 v OCs 1st XI 2 EOL DIV 1 The 1st XI travelled to Ongar Town where two goals from Nicky Evans and a Ben Polley singleton gave the home side a 3 – 2 win. Josh Goodey and James Ward scored for OCs.

Week 35 Saturday 14th April 2012

OCs 0 v RUNWELL HOSPITAL 6 Bill Spurgeon Charity Cup 1st rd An OCs XI entertained a Runwell Hospital XI in this prestigious charity competition, however the strength of the visitors was there to be seen in the first 45 minutes when they went into a 5-0 lead. All credit to OCs they continued to try and play their football and the second half saw them show an improvement and only concede one further goal in the dying minutes.

SPRINGFIELD OVER 45`s 4 v OCs OVER 45`s 2 LM TROPHY With OCs requiring to win by 3 clear goals to qualify for the next round of the League Management Trophy, it was always going to be tough for the Over 45`s at Arun Close on Saturday. It took OCs the first 45 minutes to settle and by that time the game was all but over, however strikes from the superb Mick Kilbey and ever reliable Steve Summers gave OCs some satisfaction in the end.

Sunday 15th April 2012

OCs 1st XI 2 v DIRECTA HOTSPUR 4 P&S DIV 2 Directa Hotspur signed off their season with a class performance beating OCs 4-2. Paul Tiffen and Shane Bone scored for the home team.

Summary of the 2011-12 Season.

As we go to press there are just a couple of games outstanding. The Vets having won 3-0 at Beacon Hill in the Tiptree Charity Cup quarter final now meet either Peveral or Witham in the semi final and if successful the final itself to complete the season for all sides.

The two outstanding teams this season have been the Vets XI, who finished as champions of Division Two East and the Sunday 2nd XI who just missed out on promotion from Division Four finishing in the top four. All the other

19 teams have had an average season all finishing mid-table, with not enough victories, despite some excellent football played by them all at times, to make an impact on the league positions.

AND FINALLY…DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Presidents Day Cricket against a School XI, Sunday, July 8th from 11.30am.

Annual Dinner 2013. A later date than normal has been set, Saturday April 20th.

Please contact George Heseltine as below to advise us of any change to your home or email address and also with any requests to convert to the email version of the newsletter. Thank you to all contributors for this issue and we invite everyone to send their news and views for the next which should be available during July.

George Heseltine : 30 Trinity Road : Chelmsford : Essex : CM2 6HS Phone : 01245 265962 or email : [email protected]

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