OCA NEWSLETTER NO 278

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

The Quarterly 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]

We will again be holding a Christmas Draw this year to raise funds for ongoing improvements around the Ground and Clubhouse and enclosed you will find 10 tickets at £1.00 each. Following the ongoing success of giving cheques as ‘Travel Vouchers’ we have again decided to offer 4 prizes totalling £1000 as a thank you for your ongoing support of the Association. Roger Gaffney will again be organising the draw and has asked that every counterfoil be completed as the books are split with the individual counterfoils being entered into the draw. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Old Chelmsfordians Association’ please. If anyone would like extra tickets or wish to donate towards the prizes they should contact Roger on 01245 269388. Please make every effort to support the draw as this really does make a difference to what we can continue to do at Lawford Lane. The Draw will take place in the Clubhouse on Sunday, December 9th at 1.00pm and we would be delighted to see you there. For those who receive the newsletter electronically you will not miss out as the tickets will be sent to you by post but, should you be aware that your postal address has changed in the last year, please advise us! [email protected]

LEONARD MENHINICK

As we go to press we have learned with sadness of the death of Leonard on October 24th and have received this tribute from Martin Rogers (1954-1960) who lives in Queensland, and the second one from Ken Wilder (1939-1944) of Bowral, NSW, Australia. which he had sent to Minny’s wife Vera.

“So many people have so much for which to thank Len, and I’m one of them. He encouraged my youthful interest in sport, urged my parents to send me to King Edward VI, ferried me to matches, bought my first drink of cider, supported my early journalistic endeavours, was influential in getting me a commission reporting on Chelmsford City matches for the Essex Chronicle and Newsman-Herald, and took a long-- running interest in my various career moves. I also had plenty of dealings with him in both the professional and local sporting arena, served on management committees with him, and never forgot his refereeing which relied upon the application of football’s unwritten rule ... ‘the rule of common sense’. When we last met, two or three years ago when I was from Australia, he was a welcoming host and still the knowledgeable, aware and delightful character of old. Truly a great man whose influence touched so many people and a personality very widely respected and loved”. Martin Rogers

“I never knew Leonard by that name. From the time we first met at Chelmsford Grammar School in 1939 when we began our war years there, he was always ‘Minnie’. Our friendship which began then flourished until now, in spite of long intervals following my departure with my late wife Jean for Australia in 1961 when I had been sent there by William Collins to run their Australian subsidiary company.

1 Dear old Minnie, always faithful to Chelmsford and the Old School while my life was centred on the London and Australian literary world. My wife Jean and I had strong links to Chelmsford. Many of our family were there and Jean and I were born there. We lived there through the terrible war years when the Luftwaffe bombed us relentlessly. Minnie and I were great friends. Each of us were rebels and loved to poke at the status quo. We shared a similar sense of humour. There was something hard to explain which served as a link which never broke. Not long after my wife and I settled in Australia we often managed to get to Chelmsford and got in touch with Minnie. Our lives had taken very different pathways but the essential us had not changed. I was astonished when after some years of loss of contact, suddenly Minnie was Chairman of the Board of Governors of our old school and I was a governor of a leading girls boarding school, Frensham, in Australia. We had become rather respectable in our middle years! As my career flourished Jean and I were in London and Glasgow at least once each year on business and never missed a chance to visit Minnie and Vera. We visited Paris together and I recall how amazed Minnie was that I was fluent in French but as I explained that this was little to do with our school days, perhaps some bits of grammar, but because during the Fifties I had worked on and off in Paris where few French people in those days spoke English. In recent years it was sad to see that Minnie’s health was in decline. He still loved to take me to a pub on Galleywood Common to drink warm beer while I naughtily explained that in Australia we had cold beer and warm pies while in Chelmsford it was the other way around. I think that Minnie felt that by adopting the Australian way of life and values I had let the side down until I explained that for me to do otherwise would mean I was a failed Australian. Actually, I am a bit of both, half Brit, half Oz. Just to be clear, neither of us were gay of course but I am not ashamed to say that I loved Minnie and his departure means that I have lost an important part of my own life. Bless you Minnie. You made the world in your way a better place. You will live in my memory so long as I remain in this world”. Ken Wilder

A DAY IN THE SUN

We briefly reported on Presidents Day in our last issue and Mark Bowerman has now given us these details of the day.

On a bright summer’s day in July, the President’s Eleven won the toss and, in a break from tradition, put the KEGS team into bat. It was a decision that didn’t bring any immediate benefits, with the opening attack of Alice Green and Hollie Lodge unable to take advantage of the new ball.

With the score racing past the 70-mark and the temperature rising past the 80-mark, a change in the brought a reward in the fourteenth over, with John Hodges taking the of KEGS opener Sandhu for 55. There were no further before lunch, and it was certainly ‘advantage KEGS’ as the players left the field for some well-earned refreshment. After lunch, the President’s team stuck manfully to their task. The bowling attack was rotated with the hope of finding a breakthrough, and although Hodges and Grainger kept the scoring rate down at one end, the runs flowed freely at the other. Green and Lodge came back on and took a wicket apiece but, with opener Odedra still steadily, Matt Bowerman arrived at the crease and cut loose, scoring 61 from 41 balls. (I’d like to point out though that he only got one run from the five balls I bowled at him, although I think that was more to do with the fear of getting out to his dad far outweighing the prospect of easy runs). Odedra was eventually dismissed for 74 but no further wickets were taken before the KEGS declaration, which came with their score on 278 for four.

The President’s team negotiated a tricky few overs before tea without losing a wicket and then set about the run chase once suitably revitalised. However, with opener Sam Robertson anchoring one end, a succession of partners came and went far too regularly than was ideal, succumbing to the pressure of trying to meet an ever- 2 increasing run rate. Sam’s eventual dismissal for 70 effectively brought an end to the hopes of a win for the President’s team, and the game then became more about KEGS trying to get the wickets necessary to deliver them a famous victory. However, the President’s team held firm, and at stumps their score was 177-7. With the match drawn, KEGS retained the shield. As always this was a fantastic day to be part of for both spectators and players - thanks are warmly extended to everyone involved in the preparation for the day and for the day itself. In particular I would like to give special thanks to David Kitchiner for providing much-needed supplies of Captain Bob (3.8% A.B.V, Champion Bitter of East Anglia 2015). After experiencing more than thirty years of orange or blackcurrant squash for a mid- drink, the sight of a jug of premium bitter also being brought on to the field for those in need of it was most welcome. Finally, congratulations to the schoolboys, who more than played their part in an excellent day’s cricket and, rest assured, we are already looking forward to next July and attempting to take the shield back from them!

KEGS XI: 278-4 from 50 overs : President’s XI: 177-7 from 38 overs : Match drawn – KEGS retain the shield.

KEGS XI innings Batting: Sanjeevan Sandhu 55, Odedra 74, Jeyarooban 35, Mudalige 29, Matt Bowerman 61*, Mahir 17* Hicks, Arnav, Gupta, Fuller and Asabiaro did not bat. Bowling: Green 12-1-68-1, Lodge 8-1-61-1, Hodges 10-0-42-1, Robson 6-0-39-0, Grainger 7-1-26-0, Cranfield 6-0-41-1, Bowerman snr 1-0-2-0

President’s XI innings Batting: Sam Robertson 70, Les Grey 4, Dom Norman 25, Mark Bowerman 12, Jez Crook 3, Matt Cranfield 5, Dave Grainger 22, Matt Robson 16*, John Hodges 0*. Hollie Lodge and Alice Green did not bat. Bowling: Fuller 6-2-25-1, Asabiaro 6-0-27-0, Gupta 8-1-24-1, Arnav 4-0-26-0, Hicks 9-0-64-3, Mudalidge 5-0-7-1

THE HEADMASTER, TOM CARTER, WRITES

The new school year began at the start of September, and we welcomed various new members of the teaching staff following the retirements of Steve Brewington, Steve Ham, Jean Campbell, and Jim Lawrence and the departure of David Kail. Oliver Cole joined us as our new Head of Science, with Katherine Coates and Claire Pearce also joining Science, and Tony Chumbley covering the maternity absence of Jana Kelf. Matthew Wagstaff joined the PE department, Nicola Thompson the Economics department, and Daniel Sims became our very first Head of Computer Science. Tributes to departing colleagues, as well as a range of articles and reports can be found in the 2017/18 Chelmsfordian. Meanwhile, our increased intake of 150 is moving up the school, and has now reached Year 10. With the slowly increasing school roll, at the time of writing we have 1102 students at KEGS.

The Summer of 2018 turned out to be possibly the busiest on record for staff in the site team and IT team. The new Sports Hall, dedicated to the memory of Nigel Fanshawe, was finished just in time for lessons at the start of term, and the new Science Lab was also completed. The new Theatre (taking the space vacated by PE in what was the “new gym”) was slightly behind schedule, but is now in use as a teaching space, although there is more work to do on it. I was delighted that so many friends and supporters of the school were able to join us for the opening ceremony for the Sports Hall on the 28th September, when Isabel Josey (daughter of Nigel Fanshawe) and Lord Bourne (who kindly agreed to be patron of the appeal) cut the ribbon. The new building represents a culmination of the efforts of very many people, but perhaps chief of all, our Business Manager, Lorraine Purkiss.

The Summer also brought exam results and departures to university – we were delighted with another strong set of results, reflecting much hard work – with the GCSEs being particularly impressive, again setting new records with 67% of grades being at A* (or 8/9 in the new GCSEs) and 90% at A*/A. We expect to do very well in official Government measures (such as “Attainment 8” and “Progress 8”) – in fact, early indications 3 are that these figures will be exceptionally strong this year, reflecting not just the ability of our students but the progress that they make whilst at KEGS. As another school year gets underway at KEGS, many of our departing Year 13 students are now starting at universities up and down the country, with 24 students this year beginning at Oxford or Cambridge and 23 students beginning their studies in Medicine.

School, though, is about much more than exams – there will be a concert to look forward to this term, and a production of Westside Story next term. And we hope that our sports teams will be inspired by the new facilities now available. I look forward very much to all the events that help to make KEGS such a special place, and also look forward to conversations with OCs from many different eras. Tom Carter

We were delighted to receive three photographs from Isabel that she and her husband David had digitally transferred from the original glass negatives discovered amongst some of Nigel’s possessions in a box that had been priced at 3 shillings and eightpence! These featured the front door to the Headmaster’s house to the left of the Victorian building, Westfields House and a view of the School taken from the top of the canteen field. It is thought they were taken at the time of Nigel’s arrival at the School in the summer of 1949 when the School and Westfields would have looked like this.

As mentioned above the Nigel Fanshawe Sports Hall was opened on Friday September 28th and our photo shows Isabel Josey and Lord Bourne poised ready with scissors to cut the ribbon. Also pictured are the Chairman of Essex County Council, Cllr John Jowers and Mrs Celia Edey, OBE, DL who was representing the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Jennifer Tolhurst,…….alongside a very pleased looking Headmaster, Tom Carter!.

The multi-million-pound facility had been kickstarted by a government grant but the final scope and scale of the building was made possible by a major fundraising campaign, the KEGS 1551 Appeal, which raised almost £600,000. The main part of the building is a huge sports hall the size of 5 badminton courts which is also marked out for basketball, netball, volleyball, tennis, cricket and football and is overlooked by a first-floor viewing balcony. Alongside this are two additional classrooms, a large gymnastics studio and table tennis facility and a fitness suite complete with static bikes, treadmills, cross trainers, rowing machines and weights. On the ground floor are changing rooms which along with staff, medical and kit rooms make this a completely self-contained centre. Amongst those present were many Old Chelmsfordians whose donations had enabled the completion of this project and who remembered with fondness the simple facilities afforded them in the ‘old gym’ sited halfway down the carpark with access off the middle pound!

4 Following the last newsletter Colin Beeton wrote regarding the Headmaster’s report for the end of the School year:- “ It makes good reading and in it he asks for further help to that freely given by Edward Turner, an Old Boy himself of the School, in connection with the School’s building projects and maintenance of the School premises. Edward has embraced the three professions of Quantity Surveyor, Structural Engineer and Architect and as you will have read the latest building project, the Sports Hall, was completed for the official opening on September 28th.

To now further the Headmaster’s request for help I would comment as a qualified Quantity Surveyor myself, now long retired however. It was often necessary to work with the other professions as part of a project team. Since my working life the role of a qualified Building Surveyor has increased in importance for middle range projects as are the Schools; he could be an answer now and he may well have had experience of all three professions. Having commented thus it is possible a retired builder with much experience could help also on the lines of those doughty chaps, the Clerks of Work who used to set, and maybe still do, high standards of quality for their clients. They weren’t always popular with the builders! It would be interesting to know if they are still retained. We have been extremely fortunate in Edward Turner’s advice and as Tom Carter said in appreciation this ‘has saved the School a huge amount of money’. My own comment is that this could indeed be a hidden contribution to the School in excess of six figures over the many years. I am sure Tom Carter who has much else to concern himself as a Headmaster would be a much relieved man if there was a volunteer OC with some time available. However, I am sure that Edward Turner would not wish to be simply remembered in terms of saving money for the School. In himself he will, I believe, have satisfaction in what he has achieved on our behalf now that he is retiring. Having attended the opening ceremony for the new Sports Hall there should be no excuses now for school teams seeking to keep fit in the middle of winter!

OTHER SCHOOL RELATED NEWS

We heard during the summer from Stephen Foakes, 1961-1967, with an enquiry as to “whether anyone had researched the background and war service of the Old Chelmsfordians listed on the School’s War Memorial board?”

Stephen has already researched the Drapers’ Company War Memorial and also the Memorial in St Mary’s Church, Great Baddow and thought it appropriate to do so now for those on the KEGs Memorial to mark the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War 1.

Having contacted Barbara Gray at the School details of ‘The Fallen’ have been researched within School with articles featuring some of these appearing in copies of The Chelmsfordian which can be read on line on the School’s website http://www.kegs.org.uk.

Stephen, who is Regimental President of the Essex Yeomanry is now concentrating his research into members of the regiment and will additionally use the school research to help with this. So far he has discovered that Private Wilfred Randall, Sergeant Douglas Ledger and Private Basil Hurst were all killed in the Battle of Frezenberg near Ypres on 13th and 14th May 1915 whilst serving in the Essex Yeomanry and that Corporal Valentine Eales was also killed in the same battle whilst serving with the Royal Horse Guards as his regiment was in the same brigade as the Essex Yeomanry.

Earlier this year, on May 13th, Stephen was involved in erecting a Memorial to the men of the Essex Yeomanry who were killed in the Battle of Frezenberg and this was unveiled by Lord Petre who is the Honorary Colonel of the Essex Yeomanry.

5 The photograph of Stephen riding Goldflake during arduous training on Dartmoor in 1967 in the last newsletter prompted John Aldridge to send this photo of himself and Rodney Bass with the suggestion that ‘Of course, in our day (March 1963) we were made of sterner stuff and relied on shank's pony - not some nag from the moors!!’.

Rodney himself added that John not only relied on Shank’s Pony but also his map reading skills and confessed that they had “dodged the column” on this tour by taking a well-earned rest in a pub instead of going up Yar Tor in a snow storm! Apparently on their return to camp when asked why they were not freezing and covered in snow and what they had seen up Yar Tor, John replied some cows and when further challenged by Officers as to the colour of these he replied “Black with white faces”.

However, John himself countered that some clarification to this account was necessary as the “black with white faces” story described the non-existent cows on Rhinog Fach west of Trawsfynydd which they were ordered to climb at the summer ‘63’ camp but declined…whilst ‘Blinman’ burnt down the cooks tent! ‘The pub on Dartmoor was called the Angler’s Rest and we should have been looking for a Roman encampment! However, I don’t think we had any excuse for being dry and warm and a few hours overdue at our rendezvous with Lt Hunter later that evening’!

HOW PATHOLOGY ATTRACTED A VET

Professor Donald Kelly (1944-1951) forwarded us a copy of this article he wrote for the July 2018 Bulletin of The Royal College of Pathologists to celebrate the first 70 years of the NHS. He suggested we share this with the headmaster, which we did, and reproduce this here for the wider OCA audience:-

“I wonder if you might be interested in my school-boy introduction to NHS pathology in the 1950s? I was a grammar school sixth former with sights on entry to veterinary school when I studied zoology and botany at my local technical college as my school didn’t then offer biology. One of the volunteer part-time staff was a local Polish pathologist and a friend of the college lecturer. At evening classes he demonstrated in histology and asked if I would be interested in coming to his lab near Chelmsford to see for myself what pathology involved. He was a general pathologist, working in the areas that we now recognise as specialities – clinical chemistry, haematology, microbiology and anatomic pathology. As a schoolboy I was amazed at the breadth of his skills, and it gave me my first insight into the contribution pathology makes to diagnosis, clinical practice and patient care. That early experience played a part in my eventual move from veterinary clinical practice to anatomic veterinary pathology- thank you NHS! Later, via National Service and in an army horse transport unit, I studied veterinary science at the University of Bristol. Pathology teaching there at that time was limited, involving both medical and veterinary pathologists. After qualifying in Bristol, I worked as a locum in mixed veterinary practice, and then took Part II Tripos in pathology at Cambridge, followed by a PhD based on viral infection of pigs. During the Cambridge years, I was a demonstrator in pathology in both the medical and veterinary schools, and did veterinary locum work in and Scotland. I then spent a few years at the University of Pennsylvania before returning to Bristol to do diagnostic work, teaching and research. From 1979-2000 I was Professor of Veterinary Pathology at the University of Liverpool, Chairman of the College’s SAC in Veterinary Pathology, Foundation President of the European College of Veterinary Pathologists and was involved in promoting the development of residency training in veterinary pathology. Throughout an 6 academic career in the UK and USA, I was able to cope with the realities of university salaries by ‘moonlighting’ for toxicological and private pathology laboratories, providing a welcome contrast to the limitations of life within the ‘ivory towers’. The interplay between veterinary and human medicine has developed strongly in the recent past, fostered by the ‘one health’ concept that was notably championed by the late Lord Soulsby, a distinguished veterinary colleague both in Cambridge and Philadelphia. I was also lucky to have been taught in Cambridge by Robin Coombs, a veterinarian who developed his eponymous test for transfusion compatibility, and by Austin Gresham, a notable morbid anatomist and forensic pathologist with a great interest in comparative pathology. I remain grateful to many other medical and veterinary mentors who have initiated and stimulated my career in the biology of disease and the practice of anatomic pathology.

Emeritus Professor Donald F Kelly, European Specialist in Veterinary Pathology.

FOLLOWING ON FROM OUR LAST ISSUES

Ian Wiseman (1968-1975), father of Katharine (2009-2011) wrote: - “I was fascinated to read Peter Ward's recollections of visiting April Cantelo, especially as it solved a forty-year-old mystery for me. When my parents bought Richmond House, Writtle in 1977 (mentioned by Peter in his article in Newsletter 275) one of the fuse box circuits was labelled "Tilly's room" which turned out to be an attic bedroom. We wondered who Tilly might have been and forever after, until the house was sold in 2017, we referred to it as "Tilly's room". It seems that Tilly must have been April's friend, the Jewish refugee from Germany. So many thanks to Peter for providing the solution!”.

David Saltmarsh (1941-1946/1947-1948) wrote on receipt of the last issue:-

“David Pierpoint (1941-1948 and 88 tomorrow) recently mentioned that a note he had written regarding our revered school friend John Stock who sadly died on 31st March was included in the last Newsletter. I’ve searched my inbox etc but cannot find it – possibly my heavy-handedness deleted that issue by accident – but is it possible please for you to send me another copy? I would be most grateful.

My life in North Yorkshire continues to be busy, not least giving our rottweiler dog his daily 2 miles walk which ensures my continuing fitness! (I’m also 88 next month).

You do a splendid job with the Newsletter. Interestingly, I also receive a past pupils’ newsletter from Moulsham Junior School which both David P and myself, along with several other OCs, attended from its first day of opening in 1938. Seems a long time ago now but the memories are still vivid.

Some OCs of our era may be interested to know that my sister Janet died as a result of a stroke on 26th October 2017 in New Zealand where she had lived for the previous 10 years. She had numerous friends in Chelmsford after leaving the High School in 1952 through her work as a physiotherapist and a member of Chelmsford Hockey Club. We sometimes see her school friend Shirley Sanders (Everingham) and her husband David who live in Sheffield”.

Frank Easton, (1949-1954) responded to our request as to the possible location of “Brooklands Avenue”: -

“I read John Lines' enquiry in the July Newsletter. As you will know the government had offices in Beeches Road but like you I have never come across a Brooklands Avenue in Chelmsford. A possibility is that the letter was intended for the Government's offices at Brooklands Avenue, Cambridge, which had been a Regional Centre for government for many years and quite possible that a matter such as mobility cars etc was handled regionally rather than locally. If I get the opportunity I will try to look further into this”.

We also received a phone call from Peter Ward suggesting the same Cambridge connection and passed on this news to John who replied that this ‘had jogged the old grey cells and I now vaguely recall the occasional reference to Cambridge although not the context. It is many years ago now of course but regional oversight of such matters certainly sounds feasible. I really appreciate the interest that you, Frank and Peter have shown in 7 this matter and trust that in making these enquiries I am not really the nuisance that most family historians inevitably become!’

Having assured him that he was no nuisance and enquired of John how he came to end up in Australia he replied: - “No George - I was not a £10 pom! We came to Oz on three months 'end-of-tour' leave with the British Empire collapsing like dominoes all around us. An opportunity to stay arose literally a week before we were due to depart so we took it. Probably the second most sensible decision of my life - the first was obviously marrying my wife although she mistakenly believed the resettlement was just another three-year tour! She certainly got that one wrong. Migration rules were very different at the time and any Pom was simply allowed to settle - you did not even need to apply! And moreover, you just told someone you had decided to become an Australian and you were given a little piece of paper virtually saying 'Good onya mate you are one'. Current Migration Officers have never even heard of the process and inevitably believe I must be illegal. (It must be the Fez). Sadly, it took a couple of years before Her Majesty, God Bless Her, was prepared to fund a trip to the UK so I missed my father's passing. Sadly, this is one of the penalties of migration but my parents had not seen much of me over nearly twenty years anyway. There was no Facetiming in those days either - International calls were operator connected and often less than reliable. Mind you, airmail letters were several days quicker than they are today! Three weeks to get an in-print book airmailed from the UK!

While aforesaid Queen has been exceedingly generous travel-wise throughout my working life, God Bless Her again, her wishes did not always coincide with mine and it was not always possible to fashion an itinerary to include the Old Country. When I retired (at 76) after more than fifty years of travel, I decided enough was enough and now try desperately, but largely unsuccessfully, to limit my perambulations to our small garden with high walls. Not even by being a thorough nuisance in always engaging local shopkeepers in deep and meaningful conversations can I deter my wife from insisting we go out. I definitely avoid ‘Out Out’.

You are most kind to tell me I am no trouble and that is one email that will be framed and displayed for the benefit of my family….who doubt this daily!!’

OCA WILDLIFE JULY-SEPTEMBER 2018

Nick Green reports:-

In July the hot weather continued from late June with consistent temperatures at 30C (90F) with the long spell being compared to the summer of 1976 and later by the BBC “…since records began 57 years ago”!

After 9 weeks of almost no rainfall, with the cricket and football pitches parched brown, there was finally rain on 27th July and then from mid-August onwards. However, the Lavender continues to thrive at the south side of the clubhouse, planted by the Friday crowd (and never forgetting the indomitable Callum Mclean who’s never mentioned!) attracting a multitude of bees plus butterflies including: Red Admiral, Peacock, Great and Little Whites whilst firsts for me for the site were Small Skipper, then Painted Lady and Brown Argus. Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle by the eastern stream; Migrant Hawker in SW corner on 24/7. The three bat boxes are still occupied, based on fresh guano observation! Badger and Fox activity is still apparent with scuff marks and occasional “messages”!

Late Summer bird migrants included: Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat. Local birds: Coal Tit, Skylark, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon and Collared Dove.

I was very flattered to receive an email from Colin Beeton requesting a Nature Walk at the next (16th August) Coffee Morning. I liaised with Secretary George Heseltine and set up a few things; however the weather was rather wet and unsatisfactory, so we talked about insect-friendly plants instead indoors! For the September meeting I was ill and in October I will be on the Isles of Scilly, so perhaps November may be a possibility…..

Meanwhile, Nick would love to hear your ‘wildlife’ snippets - [email protected]. 8 CLASSES FROM THE PAST

We were delighted to welcome Nigel Angold (1968 to 1975) to the Sunday bar on July 15th and spent a couple of happy hours reminiscing of KEGs and his past footballing days at the club with the likes of Pat Layton and Keith Hough. Nigel was visiting the UK from his home in America and was given a copy of the Autumn ‘68 Chelmsfordian magazine for him to reflect upon the names in the ‘Salvete’ records of his first form colleagues on the long flight home.

We have also heard from Richard Evers who appeared on the 1958 Transitus photo we have recently been putting names to which he received from Roger Bird. He confirms the naming of Dick Hickman and Bob Chapman and his own position next to Clive Foskett but believes that the blonde head belongs to Keith (Beefy) Dearn (who had previously been named Bruce) and that one of the ‘Can’t Remembers’ two places to the left of him is Andy Boud.

Following up on the entry last time from Chris Watling, 1956-1963, and publication of this photo that he believed was of 2T Transitus from 1958 he has heard from others including Mike Weston and Colin (Wal) Tant and believes those featured have now all been recognised as:-

Back Row: 1 Mike Pearce, 2 Roger Page, 3 Peter Davis, 4 Glyn Eastman, 5 Paul Mann, 6 Malcolm Smith, 7 Martin Bridge, 8 Dave Lagden, 9 Joe Kerley.

Middle Row: 1 Peter Grisdale, 2 John Pattenden, 3 Bob May, 4 Dave Murray, 5 Mike Weston, 6 Stan Porter, 7 Chris Watling, 8 Brian Bainbridge, 9 Dave Hill, 10 Ian Wilson.

Front Row: 1 Dave Risby, 2 Roger Perry, 3 Dave Gardner, 4 Paul Budd, 5 Robert Little, 6 Dave Ward, 7 Roy Harding.

We have also received these two photographs complete with names from Julian Kelsey, 1946-1953, who adds that his year in 1951 were the first to take the new GCSE ‘O’ level examinations (which this year is all change again with the new marking system!).

9 Julian hopes that despite the quality of these that their inclusion will prompt a few memories from his former year-mates and asks of this DIY Class Photo - Which Year? 47-48 or 48-49? 2R or 3R? (Clues: Short trousers, cadet uniform, outside Westfields)

Back Row: G. Piper, C. Judd, B..Smith, R.Higgins, K.Cowley, J.Watson(?), M.Parsons, J.Kelsey, R. Cox, D.Canfield, C.Nash and J Gowers.

Midle Row: Seated R.Williams, L.Wisbey, N.Debenham, R.Norton and G.Stunt

Front Row: J. Ackerman, G.Caton, G.West, J.Moore, B. Richards and S.Willett.

Form VR 1950-1951.

Back Row: J. Kelsey, K. Cowley, R.Higgins, J. Gowers, C. Judd, R.Wood, V.Barker, D. Canfield and M. Parsons.

Middle Row: B.Smith, C.Nash, G. Caton, G.Stunt, G. Piper, R.Williams and S.Willett

Front Row: N. Cridland, N. Debenham, G.West, J.Moore, B. Richards and R. Norton.

COFFEE MORNINGS

The continuing glorious summer weather graced the coffee mornings in July and September but, inevitably it seemed, August saw rain. On 16th of that month our wildlife expert Nick Green had arranged to be present to conduct those able on a short tour of the nests, bat boxes and anything else of interest. It was far too wet for outdoor activities so instead Nick gave us an interesting and enjoyable talk in the comfort of the club room.

On that occasion we also welcomed our President Chris Beach and regular attenders Barry and Gill Godden had added to the number by bringing along their daughter Ruth from Milton Keynes.

The weather on the 19th July had been hot and it was surprising how well the sports field was standing up to the heat. Perhaps Brian Terry and Peter Gillott have some magic potion in their boots? Barry and Gill had 10 again added to the numbers by bringing with them OC John Cable and his wife from somewhere south of the Thames.

On 20th September Bryan Clark made one of his rare but welcome appearances bringing the total attendance up to 16 – the highest for a while.

May we make our regular appeal for some new faces at our gatherings? Very informal, from 10am on the third Thursday of each month; only £1 for coffee (or tea) and biscuits and with the chance of winning one of the bottles or other goodies as may be brought along by members for us to raffle.

Again, we would add that we would be delighted to see some fresh, younger faces during the coming year – all are welcome and those requiring additional information should contact Ted Caton on 01245 256790 or by email at [email protected].

OBITUARIES

We have heard of the deaths of Terry Baldwin, Bert Collis and Gerald Iliffe since our last newsletter.

Terry Baldwin was at school from 1952 -1957 and we now learn that he died on Christmas Day 2015. Terry, known to all as TIP from his initials was a founding director of Baldwin Boxall, a company manufacturing and installing public address, communications and alarm systems. He had originally worked for Trusound at Witham from whom we hired our PA caravan for use at our annual fetes. His brother was Major General Peter Baldwin who died in September 2015.

Bert Collis, 1939-1944, was the son of a policeman based at Great Baddow during the war and had hoped to become a policeman himself. However, poor eyesight ruled this out and he had a succession of jobs including as a surveyor to the River authority, a registrar, somewhat ironically a police finger prints expert, a teacher and university lecturer. He had always had a love for calligraphy and at 50 took up glass engraving as a full- time job. He did occasional presentation pieces for the Association and engraved the crests on the glass entrance doors and was also asked to engrave the glass doors to the new music block at the School. Having considered himself a bit of a failure there academically he was proud to finally leave his mark by engraving ‘Collis’ as the trade mark on one of the guitars amongst the featured musical instruments and finally completed an open university degree in his 80s making him, in his own mind, one of the oldest and longest-learning graduates! He had always enjoyed sketching and writing poems, most of which were themed to his various careers, and one of these, from his surveying days on the rivers, Marshland Seasons, was read at his funeral in Danbury on August 8th.

Spring Summer The parent peewit does its best The water of the creek is still as glass To hoax the harrier from the nest And mid-day sun slow cooks the samphire grass. And on the marsh, among the reeds, I climb the concrete faced seawall The bunting builds a home and breeds, And hear the rasping corncrake’s call. While cormorant sentries see for miles, I walk with care, for grasses mask Standing on redundant piles Where zigzag venomous vipers bask.

Autumn Winter The River Crouch is deep and wide The winter snow blows from the east, But I’m just here to mark the tide. The frozen breath of Russian beast. The Autumn evening darkness falls A Ural winter hits the marsh As plaintive lovelorn curlew calls. There is no wind that’s quite so harsh. The water strokes the seawall stone, I try to keep the level still. But I am sitting here, alone. I’m sure this icy cold can kill!!

11 Gerald Iliffe was at KEGs from 1935-1937 and again from 1940-1943. Murray Brazier informs us that Gerry, whose brothers Roy, Frank and Ken also attended KEGs, was married to Audrey who had been a BOAC stewardess on the first Comet airliners. Many of her friends had been killed in the crashes that the Comets had in the early years. They first lived in one of the cottages next to Little Baddow Church while the rest of the family lived in Little Baddow Hall where Gerry ran the orchards that went with the Hall. Gerry and Audrey moved on to live in Kent where their first children were born. He did his military service in the army and, I think, served in Palestine for a time.

We also heard from Ken Newman of the death of John Marven who taught physics at the School from 1958- 1968. Not unsurprisingly known as ‘Hank’ by his pupils at KEGs he had been a member of the Cadet Force and left behind a thriving Radio Society when he went on to join the Cambridge County Council as an Inspector of Schools. He subsequently went on to head a failing school in Sawston.

ADDRESS CHANGES

Tim Petts (1984-1991) wrote “Thanks for the latest newsletter, which reminds me to let you know of my news and new contact details. After spending over 20 years as a barrister, I was appointed as a circuit judge on the Wales Circuit in March, split between Caernarfon Crown Court in the north and Cardiff County Court in the south. We live in Anglesey, so one of my base courts is very close and the other is very far away... I was sworn in as a judge by the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnett of Maldon - and it turns out that his sixth- form history teacher was a pre-KEGS Anthony Tuckwell! One of the guests at my farewell drinks was Nick O'Brien (1990), whose chambers were very close to mine and who I used to meet regularly in the Inner Temple car park between cases”.

James Redman (1997-2004) “Just a quick email to let you know I am moving from Danbury to St Albans and wonder if it would it be possible to get email copies of the OC's newsletter in the future instead of a postal one please?”

Simon Reynolds (1974-1981) has written “On 2nd September I shall be moving to Delaware from West Sussex, with my American wife who has gamely done eight years in the UK. Is it possible to receive the newsletter by email only please, as we don't have a permanent address there yet and the postage is horribly expensive"

Dave Hiscock (1990-1997) “Many years ago when I left school I received regular newsletters via the post that kept me informed about the goings on at Lawford Lane. I have since moved several times and am aware that digital media etc is now the way forward and would like to re-establish my contact with the club. Would you be able to advise me as to how I can register for this as this function appears to be disabled on the website at the moment”?

200 CLUB/DEVELOPMENT FUND

200 Club winners in July were Roy Moore, John Swinney and Nick Wright. August; David Bardell, Selwyn Wheeler and Maurice Lakin; September: Ron Barnard, Brian Terry and Nick Green and October: Roger Brooker, Spencer Wilcox and John Wallis.

A roll-over of Development Fund draws saw £120.00 going to Jason Steadman, £75.00 to Chris Flint and Paul Swinney, £60.00 to James Hasler, Adam Dessouki, Simon Moore, Rob Terry, Peter Gillott Jnr, Ben Sanders and Andrew Murray, £30.00 to Mark Allison, Peter Cash, Danny Vale, Stuart Watson, Mark Bowerman, Gerry McCabe, Alan Ball, Paul Taylor and Eileen Terry and £15.00 to Andy Cook, Len Menhinick, Terry Vale, David Kitchiner, Pete Ellwood and Alan Friend.

As they say ‘You have to be in it to win it’ so for more information regarding the 200 Club please contact the organiser, Adam Dessouki, at [email protected] or regarding the Development Fund contact Mark Allison at [email protected]. 12 FOOTBALL

SATURDAY FIRST TEAM SATURDAY SECOND TEAM ESSEX OLYMPIAN LEAGUE ESSEX OLYMPIAN LEAGUE SENIOR DIVISION 1 SENIOR DIVISION 3

25/08/18 A White Ensign Reserves Lost 2-1 01/09/18 No Fixture No Fixture 08/09/18 H Galleywood Senior League Cup Lost 2-0 No Fixture 15/09/18 H Basildon Town Lost 1-0 A Buckhurst Hill Reserve Cup Lost 2-0 22/09/18 H Snaresbrook Ex County Premier Cup Won 4-2 A Leigh Town Lost 4-1 29/09/18 A Rayleigh Town Drew 1-1 H Wakering Sports Won 2-1 06/10/18 A Herongate Won 5-0 H Old Southendians Won 2-1 13/10/18 No Fixture H Shenfield AFC Res Ex Sat Junior Cup Won 4-3aet 20/10/18 Fixture Postponed H Academy Soccer Lost 4-1

SATURDAY THIRD TEAM ‘A’ SATURDAY FOURTH TEAM ‘B’ MID ESSEX LEAGUE MID ESSEX LEAGUE DIVISION 2 DIVISION 4

01/09/18 No Fixture A Broomfield Lost 1-0 08/09/18 A Beacon Hill Rovers Dave Strachan Cup Lost 6-4 H Writtle FC [A] Lost 2-1 15/09/18 A Notley FC Lost 2-1 A Writtle FC Patrons Plate Won 3-2 22/09/18 A Benfleet Res Lost 2-0 H Beaulieu Park Lost 3-2 29/09/18 H Notley FC Won 3-1 A Kelvedon Social Won 5-2 06/10/18 H Writtle Div 2 League Cup Lost 2-1 A Broomfield Res League Cup Won 4-3 on Penalties after 2-2 draw 13/10/18 A Durning First Ex Sat Junior Trophy Won 6-2aet A Laindon Orient FC Lost 3-2 20/10/18 H Flitch United Drew 0-0 A Silver End United (2-2) Lost 4-2 Pens Patrons Plate

VETS 1 ESSEX VETERANS LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION

01/09/18 No Fixture 08/09/18 No Fixture 15/09/18 H Sporting Club Woodham Lost 2-1 22/09/18 No Fixture 29/09/18 H Parsloe Athletic Lost 2-1 06/10/18 A Manford Way Won 3-2 13/10/18 H Rayleigh Town Lost 5-1 20/10/18 No Fixture

SUNDAY FIRSTS SUNDAY SECONDS (Playing as Chelmsfordians United POPE AND SMITH LEAGUE POPE AND SMITH LEAGUE PREMIER DIV PREMIER DIV

02/09/18 H Priory Sports Lost 7-3 A Redstones Lost 7-2 09/09/18 A Chelmsfordians United Won 7-3 H Old Chelmsfordians Lost 7-3 16/09/18 H William De Ferrers Lost 3-1 No Fixture 23/09/18 A Hatfield Swan Inn Won 5-0 H Daen Ingas 30/09/18 No Fixture H Priory Sports Lost 8-2 07/10/18 H Daen Ingas A Stones Drew 5-5 14/10/18 A CMS Won 7-2 No Fixture 21/10/18 A Stones League Cup Lost 5-2 H Hatfield Swan Inn Lost 6-3 13 CRICKET

The summer may be behind us, but it was one to remember, and not just because of the high temperatures, writes Baz Bowerman.

Both the second eleven and the third eleven finished as runners-up in their respective divisions, earning a promotion that their collective performances fully deserved.

For the first eleven it was a season that showed periodic glimpses of what they are capable of when everything goes their way but, too often, this wasn’t the case. This resulted in more losses than wins and they ended the season in seventh place, with seven wins out of 18 matches.

The second eleven kept us on tenterhooks until the evening of the last Saturday of the season. They went into their last match level on points with Rankins, in joint second position, with only two teams to be promoted. Having lost the toss in their deciding game against old foes Purleigh, the twos were forced to bat second, reducing their chances of securing maximum points. They did successfully chase the runs down, but could only amass 21 points out of a possible 26. The twos then had to await news of the Rankins result to see if they had won and bettered our tally of bonus points. At 8pm news came through, Rankins had won, but in similar circumstances to us. This meant we were still level on points and promotion was ours due to our 13 wins in the season, which was one more than Rankins had achieved.

Stand-out performers for the twos were Stuart McNeill, with 719 runs at an average of 79.9 and Dom Norman, who amassed over 500 runs at an average of 46. Youngster Alex Critchell led the way with the ball with 22 wickets and experienced senior pro Will Davis chipped in with 18 wickets.

The third eleven’s promotion was not as dramatic as that of the second eleven. Nine consecutive wins from the end of June meant that promotion was secured by mid-August. It was a pleasure (as captain and player) to be part of this team. Seeing the mix of senior players, women players and juniors come together to form an efficient and effective cricketing ‘win-machine’ was very satisfying. I was able to play a part too and led the way with the bat with 580 runs at an average of 96.7, including back-to-back centuries over two very hot Saturdays in July. Trevor Edwards, dad of Jake, was also a revelation with the bat once promoted to opener, and he scored 292 runs over the season. His improvement was staggering, when considering he only scored 29 runs over the whole of the season before. Matt Cranfield also impressed with the bat, scoring 279 runs at an average of 46.5. Our star with the ball was Jake Edwards, son of Trevor, who took 22 wickets at an average of 11, which was only bettered by Mark Shelley’s haul of 25 wickets.

The fifth eleven also had a great season, winning more matches than they lost and also benefitting from an influx of youngsters from the under-15s. In fact, three of those youngsters led the way in the bowling department, with Dom Boutilier taking 18 wickets, Finlay Baines 17 wickets and Jonny Alderton 15 wickets. With the bat, Aditya Rajasekar scored 394 runs at an average of 65.7 and Fin Baines showed his all-round ability by scoring 289 runs at an average of 36.

The women’s team did fantastically well, winning all but one of their league games, finishing top of their league in the process, and only losing by 21 runs to a strong Mistley team in their subsequent regional semi- final. Their top performer with the bat was Hollie Lodge who amassed 141 runs over the course of the season. Hollie was only out once in seven innings so recorded an average of 141. Wow! Alice Green was the best performer with the ball, taking eight wickets at an average of 9.9.

Of the youth teams the under-15s fared better than the under-13s, but both sets of boys were in their first year of two in their respective leagues so will undoubtedly be turning in stronger performances next year. The under-13s played ten matches and won two of them, but still managed to finish seventh out of ten in their league. KEGS boys Liam Gibney scored 105 runs at an average of 13 and Tom Bowerman took seven wickets at an average of 14.

14 At one stage the under-15s were in with a chance of winning their league, but they ended up in third place, which was a fantastic achievement. Matt Bowerman led the way with the bat, scoring 189 runs at an average of 47.3. In the bowling, the wickets were shared around; Toby Wallis, Jake Edwards and Fin Baines all took four wickets, with Toby having the best average at 12.3.

Our under-11 team were still learning their trade and played only one game during the summer, but they made it a winning one – by five runs against Broomfield, with Adam and Niall Kelly and Lucas Blackburne all playing with great maturity to help secure the victory.

All in all it was an exceptional season, with a succession of fantastic team performances being produced week after week. Thanks go to all those men, women and juniors who played their part in a great season, and we would all like to express our gratitude to all those people who do so much behind the scenes to keep the cricket section, and the club as a whole, functioning at the excellent level that it does. Thank you all.

Match results and contributions of note during the second half of the season were as follows:

First eleven

7 July OCs 210-8 lost to Goresbrook 212-6 by 4 wickets 14 July OCs 182-2 beat Canvey Island 181 all out by 8 wickets 21 July OCs 243-7 beat Rayleigh 241 all out by 3 wickets 28 July OCs 206-6 beat Rettendon 202 all out by 4 wickets 4 Aug OCs 94 all out lost to Bentley 97-2 by 8 wickets 11 Aug OCs 237-6 drew with Brookweald 255-8 (rained off) 18 Aug OCs 98 all out lost to Aythorpe Roding 99-2 by 8 wickets 25 Aug OCs 56 all out lost to Rainham 58-2 by 8 wickets 1 Sept OCs 94 all out lost to Springfield 96-0 by 10 wickets

Second eleven

7 July OCs 101 all out lost to SW Ferrers 102-3 by 7 wickets 14 July OCs 260-6 (Tom Bird 65, Dave Grainger 63, Andy Cook 50*) beat East Hanningfield 155 all out (Matt Robson 4-36) by 105 runs 21 July OCs 180 all out beat Gt Waltham II 153-7 by 27 runs 28 July OCs 181-2 (Stuart McNeill 81*) beat Rettendon II 180-9 by 8 wickets 4 Aug OCs 254-6 (Clive Barnstone 99*, Will Davis 50) beat Gt Wakering 215 all out by 39 runs 11 Aug OCs 203-6 (Clive Barnstone 70, Stuart McNeill 51) beat Gt Totham II 200-7 (Will Davis 4-32) by 4 wickets 18 Aug OCs 139 all out (Stuart McNeill 67) lost to Navestock 193-6 by 54 runs 25 Aug OCs 286-9 (Duncan Bucknell 108) beat Rankins 149-7 by 137 runs 1 Sept OCs 207-2 (Stuart McNeill 71) beat Purleigh 203-5 by 8 wickets

Third eleven

7 July OCs 229-2 (Baz Bowerman 102*, Matt Bowerrman 62*) beat Navestock 227-8 by 8 wickets 14 July OCs 204-8 (Baz Bowerman 109) beat Gt Totham II 96-8 by 108 runs 21 July OCs 136-1 (Richard Paton 62) beat Rankins 135 all out (Jake Edwards 6-41) by 9 wickets 28 July OCs 252-5 (Matt Cranfield 90, James Brown 87) beat St John’s Billericay II 118 all out (Faisal Rehman 3-11) by 134 runs 4 Aug OCs 47-2 beat Writtle II 46 all out (Pippa Cass 5-8) by 8 wickets 11 Aug OCs beat Willow Herbs II by a walkover 18 Aug OCs 223-8 (Trevor Edwards 80) beat Hornchurch III 174-6 (Mark Shelley 4-25) by 49 runs 25 Aug OCs 163-7 (Baz Bowerman 72*) lost to Eastwood III 167-3 by 7 wickets 1 Sept OCs beat Goresbrook IV by a walkover

15 Fifth eleven

14 July OCs 158-3 (Finlay Baines 52*) beat Galleywood IV 156 all out (Finlay Baines 4-15) by 7 wickets 21 July OCs 202-6 (Alan Ball 62) beat Westcliff IV 177 all out (Alex Robertson 4-16) by 25 runs 4 Aug OCs 187-8 (Aditya Rajasekar 67) lost to Belhus V 188-6 by 4 wickets 12 Aug OCs 138 all out (Matt Bowerman 76) lost to Paul Taylor XI 140-4 by 6 wickets 18 Aug OCs 189-6 (Aditya Rajasekar 55*) lost to Benfleet III 211-6 by 22 runs 1 Sept OCs 198 all out (Finlay Baines 91) beat Chelmsford VI 196-8 (Finlay Baines 4-13) by 2 runs 8 Sept OCs 238 all out (Aditya Rajasekar 103*) beat Belhus V 201 all out by 37 runs

Under-13s

8 July OCs 91-9 (Liam Gibney 32) beat Gt Waltham 89-5 by 1 wicket 15 July OCs 92-8 (Toby Wallis 22) lost to Writtle 126-3 by 34 runs 22 July OCs 129-7 (Toby Wallis 50*) lost to Chelmsford Willow 190-2 by 61 runs 26 Aug OCs 70-3 (Nathaniel Lamb 20*) beat Galleywood 69-4 by 7 wickets

Under-15s

4 July OCs 111-7 (Matt Bowerman 36, Finlay Baines 25*) beat Broomfield 77-6 by 34 runs 13 July OCs 114-5 (Matt Bowerman 51*) lost to Hatfield Peverel 115-2 by 8 wickets

TENNIS

Jane Gray, [email protected], has sent us this report:-

Many thanks to Old Chelmsfordians President, Chris Beach, who performed the Official Opening ceremony for our new pavilion at our Club Tournament Finals day in September. It’s been a great addition to the club’s facilities and I would like to thank tennis section members, Alan Coulthard (pictured below with Chris) and Paul Scott, who were instrumental in developing the idea from theory to practice. Also, many thanks to the main OCA committee for their support and encouragement through the many phases of the project.

The opening ceremony was followed by several hard-fought finals, in perfect tennis weather, and played in good spirit. It was good to see some new names appear on the Honours Board and all participants will receive their hard-earned trophies at our presentation evening in November.

The summer leagues concluded at the end of September and our teams have enjoyed some great matches. Final league tables have not yet been published but we are optimistic that the Ladies 2nd team will be promoted to Division 3 and that no teams will be relegated.

If you are not currently a member of the tennis section but have always fancied trying it out then please visit our website www.chelmsfordianstennis.co.uk for more information and an online application form. If your tennis is a little rusty, Alan and Derek Rogers (Head Club Coach) can organise coaching sessions to individuals and small groups.

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Central Essex Summer League 2018

The Summer League concluded in mid-July 2018, with our teams’ performance being as follows:-

• A Team – Division 1 (7th of 7) – the team of Dan Berry, Peter Windley and Richard Baxter found the going tough against some of the best players in Essex. • B Team – Division 2 (3rd of 7) – some creditable performances by Robbie Burton (75% win record) and Charles Yeung (42%) contributed to a top-half finish. • C Team – Division 2 (6th of 7) – of particular note was Frank Hodge’s 50% win record having missed the whole of the 2017/18 Winter Season through injury. • D Team – Division 3 (2nd of 7) – excellent campaign from Tom Barker (70%) and Mick Hayes (50%). • E Team – Division 3 (3rd of 7) – just one point and one place behind their D Team colleagues with Nat Ravlic (60%) and Dave Newman (50%) both performing well. • F Team – Division 4 (6th of 7) – led by Farooq Ahmed (50%) with the youthful Harry Rogers gaining good experience at this level for the first time. • G Team – Division 5 (2nd of 7) – the father / son combination of Mick & Luke Richardson finished level on points with the champions, Danbury E, but were placed behind them as they won a game less. It doesn’t come closer than that! • H Team – Click Division 6 (6th out of 7) – despite the relatively lowly position this was a good performance from our juniors – Josh Peasgood (75%), Cameron North (33%) and Tom Bird (25%).

More details about the OCA team’s performance in the Central Essex Summer League can be found at :- https://www.tabletennis365.com/centralessex

2018/19 Chemsford & District Table Tennis League

The main Winter League is now underway with most of our teams having completed their first 5 fixtures.

In Division 1 our A Team currently sit in 3rd position and have made an excellent start to the season. This year sees Terry Dowsett returning to the top division along with Dan Berry and new recruit Paul Lucas.

In Division 2 our B Team have opened up a 3 point lead at the top of the table. The very experienced squad of Stephen Northcott, Kevin Worthington, Trevor Carter and Robbie Burton have been further strengthened by the recruitment of David Cole, a former multiple winner of the Chelmsford League Individual Tournament to their ranks and they have every prospect of joining our A Team in Division 1 next season.

By contrast our C Team currently lie bottom of the 10 team Division 2 but are level on points with the team above them and five points adrift of safety. Improvements can be expected from this team as the season progresses and we are hopeful that relegation can be avoided.

The most surprising start to the season has come from annual relegation candidates – the OCA D Team – in Division 3, who currently sit in 2nd place having won 4 and drawn 1 of their opening 5 games. New recruit Gareth Joice has started exceptionally well and has been backed up by stalwart, Mick Hayes. The author has so far defied advancing age and limited ability with an unheard of win percentage (for him at least) which is only going in one direction in the rest of the season.

Our other two teams in Division 3 (E & F) currently occupy the two relegation places but are surely too talented to stay there for much longer.

In Division 4 our G Team sit 7th out of 10 with David Bishop and Sue Hickman both boasting 60% plus win rates. This team should also be looking upwards rather than downwards for the rest of the season. 17

In Division 5, the H Team are currently in second spot and with the ever-reliable Stuart Wintle having had an excellent start to the season should be a contender for promotion come April 2019.

Last but not least are our Junior Team in Division Click 1B who currently sit in 2nd place just two points behind the leaders with a game in hand. The squad of Josh Peasgood, Jake Iliffe and Tom Bird have all enjoyed storming starts to the season.

More details about the OCA team’s performance in the Chelmsford League can be found at :- https://www.tabletennis365.com/chelmsford

Practice sessions

All those interested in playing table tennis are reminded that Tuesday evening sessions continue throughout the Winter from 6pm to approx. 7.20pm. Our coach, Mick Parkhurst, is available at most sessions if individual or group coaching is required.

New Players

We are always 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] or phoning on 07885 467935.

CHRISTMAS DRAW 2018

Please make every effort to support the draw as this really does make a difference to what we can continue to do at Lawford Lane. Roger Gaffney will again be organising the draw and has asked that every counterfoil be completed as the books are split with the individual counterfoils being entered into the draw. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Old Chelmsfordians Association’ please. If anyone would like extra tickets or wish to donate towards the prizes they should contact Roger on 01245 269388.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

The Christmas Draw will take place in the Clubhouse at 1pm on Sunday December 9th The 2019 Annual Dinner will be held at Lawford Lane on Saturday March 30th.

AND FINALLY

As always, thank you to all contributors to this issue which we trust has again made for an enjoyable read. We invite everyone to send their news and views for the next issue which should be available during January 2019. Any members wishing and willing to receive the newsletter by email or wanting to advise us of any change to either their home or email address should contact:-

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

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