Alfredians A newsletter for King Alfred School Alumni Autumn 2012 Concert Going am going to a concert. Come with me. On second thoughts, don’t. There are not two Ipeople in the world that I would invite to a concert with me, although I might endure the presence of perhaps half a dozen. It is Monday. Staff-meeting. Long agenda – permits, stages, roofs, afternoon time tables, and, slight consolation, tea. Tea till five; then minutes of the last meeting; at last we begin on the real business. Time draws on. Six, half past six, seven. I must go. I do. Down the hill, home. Taking my ticket and the Times, I make for the Underground and board the first Charing Cross train. Hampstead – the deepest underground. The Queen's Hall in 1911 (Sir Edward Elgar and the London Symphony Orchestra) Belsize Park, for board-residence. Chalk Farm, sadly changed. Camden Town, for the been there some time, hard at work. Now movement, just a calm, steady gaze. Now it Zoo (and Camden Town). Euston. Warren they come in groups, the ‘cellos, violas, is his turn. From the first note all doubt is Street. Goodge Street. second violins, first violins. The leader comes gone; here is the master; all will be well. A I get out. Left out of the station, left in last to take his little round of applause. perfect first movement. The second, with its again, down Tottenham Street. Pawn brokers The stage is set. The curtains on the left are accompaniment of horns and muted strings, and dress agencies. The Scala. A few parted. The conductor steps up to his place. a thing of infinite beauty. A short cadenza children let off fireworks in the street. On past He bows left, right, little still bows. The leads into the irresistible Rondo which takes the Middlesex Hospital, past the home of deeper ones later, when the audience have its triumphant course to the tremendous Amami, past “Pussy’s Butcher,” a wretched earned them. A volley of coughs, a last rush finish. little shop, about eight feet by three, with a of late-corners, an imploring left hand A lull, then thunderous applause. Again disgusting selection of meat calmly upraised; the overture is launched. Leonora, and again he is recalled; always he comes displayed. Through Union Street, across No. 3. Perfectly played. grave and modest; no boastfulness, no Great Titchfield Street (they are holding a There is a short interval. Much scorn shows in his face. At last he is market here), along Ridinghouse Street. Not conversation. I am aware of the green of the allowed to leave. After all, even Kreisler far now. A door marked “Private – Artists hall with the contrasting colours of the must not be allowed to shorten the time Only.” The great man is leaving his taxi. audience. Only five unshaded lights below available for a smoke and a drink. Crowds Well do I know that kindly face. A smile, the organ to irritate one. Even they will be swarm out. and he is gone. Door No. 6, Block D. forgotten after ten bars. I remember the I too. I must go back. I cannot hear any I am in the area to-night, in the cheap, great ones I have heard there, the singers, more with that music still in my ears, that but not too nasty seats. Luckily I find a place ‘cellists, pianists; the noblest orchestras and sight still in my eyes. Back at a great rate. I in the front row. Before me are the stalls, the choirs, the most famous violinists. Yet none see little. A heap of paper where late the back row, where late corners will be least of them more wonderful than the one I am market was held, still there are children in frequent. Firmly I occupy the whole of my soon to hear. None to compare with Kreisler the street, figures in the shadows, and that allotted space. It is no joke sharing a seat all playing Beethoven. night-attraction, the fish saloon. The the evening. Not long ago a man fell asleep A tremendous reception awaits him. It is Hampstead train. on my shoulder and ever since I have been good to see him again, good to know that The journey is short. Out and up that careful to avoid somnolent neighbours. To- the feast I have promised myself for the last long, long lift. One must have air; the cool night my companions seem pretty safe; six months is actually at hand. breeze on the hill is always fresh. Up a side neither is unaccompanied, and, heaven be The orchestra begins well. This is not the street to miss the traffic, through the shadows, praised, neither has a programme. I go on night for slackness. With all the confidence past inviting steps and alleys. A flower falls with the Times. I have nearly got to the news in the world one can but hope that he will at my feet, blood-red. From some window now, but I must put it by and look about me. surmount the difficulties of his opening box, doubtless. No time for that now. On to No one that I know. Many familiar faces, but passage in octaves, the ruin of all comers. the pond; then down the hill, home. no one likely to come across and say There he stands, biding his time; his left R. something unnecessary. hand holds his coat; the matchless fiddle The players filter in; the drummer has hangs down from his right. Not a From The Alfredian 1931 advantage of much of what it had to offer. Joyce Rathbone Joyce was an independent, self-reliant, formidable woman who came from a line of 9 Feburary 1929 – strong, feisty left-wing women. Both her 19 December 2010 mother Nellie and her aunt, Rose Cohen, were members of the British Communist Party. Nellie also worked at one stage as Joyce Rathbone, talented musician and secretary to Sylvia Pankhurst. When Joyce extraordinarily gifted teacher, died at the discovered that her Aunt Rose, along with Highgate Nursing Home at the age of 81. her husband, had been executed by Stalin The following commemoration is an edited in one of his purges in 1938, Joyce text from the humanist funeral conducted by decided to track down their son, her first Jill Satin and is published with the permission cousin. The boy had been put in a of Joyce’s goddaughter, Pippa Harris. orphanage after his mother's execution and Nellie had lost touch with him. With Literature, music, left wing politics, art, and characteristic determination and only a theatre had a huge influencing role in, and smattering of Russian, Joyce travelled to became lifelong interests for Joyce. Music Moscow in the 1990s and found him, his was her abiding passion and around this children and grandchildren. Pippa Harris remembers, “Joyce was she built her professional career. She played Joyce went on to be a Communist, one of those life-enhancing people whose both the piano and violin. Following her reading the Morning Star and the Islip intellect and passion influences everything training at the Royal Academy of Music, she Newsletter, was a member of CND and and everyone around them...” She had a became a successful concert pianist, probably went on some of the Aldermaston vast book collection, including a collection including solo concerts at the Wigmore Hall marches. There is an amusing story of when of Jane Austen, who was her almost and a solo BBC Haydn recording. She also the census was taken in 2001, when the favourite author. Joyce also wrote herself played in a celebrated duo (piano and interviewer asked Joyce what paper she and had a children’s book, Martin Bosey, cello) with Joan Dickson and later, the two read, she replied “the Morning Star.” Not published in 1979. women set up a summer music school at finding it on the long list, the census officer In the late 1960s she met the cellist Joan Westonbirt. suggested ticking the Daily Star instead… Dickson and recognised a kindred spirit. you can imagine Joyce’s firm and clear They became firm friends, taught, played oyce was born on Feb 9th 1929 in response to that outrageous and ignorant and worked together. Joan maintained that London. Her then (unmarried) mother suggestion. In fact she stood firm until it was Joyce made her rethink almost everything JNellie had had an affair with the written in. she did. She once said of Joyce, “Her renowned Irish novelist Liam O'Flaherty. Liam Joyce was a woman of many complex extraordinary intellectual grasp of music has was married at the time and Joyce sides; she could be private about her been most beneficial, not only to me – discovered many years later that she had a innermost thoughts, although she formed and because I'm more intuitive – but also to my half sister, Pegeen. held strong opinions and was at times teaching.” Joyce's step father, Mr Hugo Rathbone, outspoken in her views. When one got past Joyce’s relationship with Joan, both was by all accounts a gentle, and kind man her direct speech and more than occasional personal and professional, was without and it was his financial support which rudeness she was a great and loyal friend. doubt the most significant in her life. They allowed Joyce to buy her own house, No. Her greatest asset was that she was great spent many happy summers together at 31 Chepstow Place, in Notting Hill, in the company, often irreverent, outspoken but full Dartington Summer School of Music. late 1950s. She lived in bohemian chaos in of humour and wit, and not above a Whether it was coaching chamber music, the house for the rest of her life, until her practical joke or two. Because Joyce had no playing concerts themselves, or simply as a dementia forced the move into a nursing physical vanity she was in many ways non- formidable duo on the croquet lawn, they home in 2006. She had no interest in threatening and had no interest in fashion, clearly gained enormous pleasure from creature comforts – never bothering to install make-up or trends. She did have the most being together. Their professional central heating – though she did put down a beautiful and piercing blue eyes. She lost collaboration reached its height when they kind of attempted sound proofing in her her hair through alopecia in her 40s and set up the summer school at Westonbirt. music room, as it held two grand pianos thereafter wore the same style brown, But one word also springs to mind when and her much-loved, 18th-century fortepiano pudding bowl wig. She had a total lack of thinking of Joyce – uncompromising. for teaching on. vanity, and wouldn't care if her wig slipped Whether it was as a friend, a teacher or Joyce's schooling was at King Alfred's slightly in the heat of an argument or while musician, she refused to be swayed from and her education certainly helped to shape playing golf. what she thought – no, knew – was the right her own views on teaching, and the As a gifted musician herself and then way of doing things. She even took the importance of allowing children to develop mentor and teacher…. though she was same sensibility to golf which she took up in at their own pace. She loved King Alfred's, capable of being rather stern, and her sixties. Pity the poor lady member who and even when she was getting very ill with frightening, as well as a hard task master, suggested one day that slacks and a dementia, could point herself out on the she was also hugely inspiring. She fisherman’s smock weren’t suitable attire for school photo taken in June 1938. This expected hard work from her students, and the clubhouse. combined home and school background hated the cult of the child musical prodigy, But along with the fiery determination helped to forge Joyce’s strongly independent young musician of the year competitions. was a great generosity and kindness – spirit and enduring loyalty for her work and Young musicians thrived under her tutorage which is why she inspired such tremendous for her close friends. She was a woman and her plain speaking, always tempered loyalty in her pupils and friends. with great close friendships, and she lived to with her sense of humour, worked brilliantly. Uncompromising and generous – it wasn’t a the full; she loved London, and took Of course she wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea. bad combination, was it? 2 Music over the Years

The reporting of music over the years at rs. Boulter has increased the King Alfred School has been patchy at best. number of her piping classes to It has definitely improved. Here are some Maccommodate the applicants for samples… this popular and successful branch of music… e had a wonderful series of … In the Spring Term a performance of Sunday concerts, generously scenes from Gluck‘s Orpheus was given by Wgiven by busy and celebrated the combined activity of Singing, Piping, artists, in order that the children might get Orchestra and Dancing classes. It was a the benefit of some first class music and in most ambitious effort, and the highly support of our piano fund. The artists creditable result was, we think, a sufficient included Mark Raphael, Karl Ulrich answer to those who believe that our stress Schnabel, Adila Fachiri and Vera Moore, on the individual side in education Rose Keen, Grace Thynne and Norma disqualifies K.A.S. pupils for successful co- here was another impressive concert on Semino. The series was concluded by the operation. March 11th. The programme included concert on May 8th by our own Solomon (From the Head’s Report, 1934-35) Ta Beethoven piano concerto with on our own Steinway grand piano (which Thorunn Tryggvason as the soloist, a Mozart he chose for us). He always makes his symphony by the school orchestra, songs by concerts delightful, not only by his beautiful the school choir and violin solos by the and interesting programme, exquisitely leader of the orchestra. For the first time the interpreted, but by his very genial presence concert was recorded—by the kindness of and obvious delight in being an Old the parent of a junior school child, from Alfredian. The success of the concerts and whom copies of the records can be other activities for raising the funds was so obtained. great that we closed the account not only Our first violinist who has for three years with the piano paid for but with a margin been a member of the National Youth which has enabled us to procure a first class Orchestra of Great Britain went on a wireless with gramophone attached. The concert tour with that orchestra to the school is in consequence far better Continent and to the North of England. equipped musically than ever, and it is a (from the Head’s Report, 1955) pleasure to make mention of the admirable voluntary work done by Mrs. Boulter in organizing a small orchestra after school hours, which has already performed successfully at end of term concerts. (From the Headmaster’s Report to Council, 1932) he interest in music has increased in every part of the school including the TNursery. That the standard of work has been raised considerably was evident from the enjoyable concert given on 8th March by about forty children from Mr. Tryggvason‘s classes. The development of the Orchestra which now has fifteen players has been an outstanding feature of the year’s work. In the Lower School interest in singing has been stimulated by Miss John’s entry of a group of children at the Festival of Choirs. (From the Heads’ Report, 1950-51) n March was the school concert in which a high standard was reached both in solo Iand orchestral playing. On this occasion for the first time one of the works played by the Orchestra was conducted by one of the boys. This was the last concert in which our First Violin would lead the orchestra, which he had done ever since it was formed. We record with pleasure that he was chosen to lead the National Youth Orchestra in its concert at the Edinburgh Festival in September. (From the Head’s Report, 1956) 3 playing by Christopher Bunting. The school Orchestra and Andy Hampton’s wind Music Concert gave us a pleasant evening ensemble combined in a variety of although the school orchestra’s small ensembles. numbers needed considerable augmenting The Band Method was begun four years with outside help. ago in middle school with a pilot string class (From the Head’s Report, 1965) (violins, violas, cellos and basses). Pupils play in ensemble in their class lesson and chool music continues to flourish and go to a back-up lesson in small groups. The the concert with the Young Music Band Method has now been extended to all SMakers was well attended. The Music first formers. The school has purchased a Society numbers wet lower than last year large quantity of orchestral instruments and which was disappointing for the organisers. every pupil plays in ensemble for a year in (From the 1966 Annual Report, either a string or wind class. Thereafter they now under Music and Drama) may continue privately and join orchestra or one of the ensemble groups. The school now has a keyboard MUSIC DEPARTMENT laboratory equipped with 24 electric keyboards, synthesisers and organ which he music department has had a busy are used in second and third form class and eventful year. Early birds passing lessons. This enables pupils to work SCHOOL FUNCTIONS Tby the music room on Thursday individually on performance and mornings will have heard Roger Pascoe’s composition he usual school functions have Baroque Orchestra rehearsing. They gave The music department supplied original continued of course throughout the year their first concert in March playing music for the Lower School productions of Tand it is difficult to know which to movements from concertos by Vivaldi and “Alice in Wonderland” in December and select for mention. Omission of any must not other Baroque composers. Lower School “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” in imply that they are less important As always Choir also participated, singing five songs June. those functions put on for public in popular style. Middle School pupils continued their performance tend to steal the limelight, and Jean Mercer’s Brass Group also tradition of performing at an old people’s it is true that the drama this year has been of rehearsed regularly before school. In home just before Christmas under the a high standard… December they went on their annual trip direction of Roger Pascoe and Denise The Music Society put on three recitals through the’ streets of Hampstead and Gibbs. during the year. In the first, William and Highgate playing carols for charity. Even the There have also been a number of Tony Pleeth and Margaret Good performed youngest pupils from Lower Family Group informal music circle concerts presented by a programme of ‘cello solos and trios. It joined in. In the summer term they presented the violin, brass and piano pupils of our was a great pleasure to have both Wiliiam a successful music circle concert. peripatetic staff. In fact, wherever the Pleeth and his wife again (they were the first In July Ivor Goldberg’s guitar pupils from opportunity has presented itself the music to give a recital for us about five years ago), lower and upper school presented an department has been there looking for a and Tony who left the school about two evening of popular music entitled “Night of chance to take part. years ago. In the Spring we had a the Axe Monsters.” By popular request these (From the Annual Report, 1988 – notice that programme by Sebastian Bell and Steuart concerts have since become a termly event. Music now has its own Department – ed.) Bedford, Sebastian Bell being an Old In the summer term Jaffa Galbinski’s Alfredian who left the school in 1959 and piano pupils, ranging in age from five to MUSIC REPORT now plays the flute in the B.B.C. Welsh sixteen, presented their annual piano concert Orchestra. The Summer Recital was a to a packed hall. 992 – 93 has seen an expansion programme by some of the Hampstead Middle School presented a Concert in and consolidation of music within Young Music Makers, conducted by Joyce March organised by Anne Elliott in which 1the school. Several new Riddell, together with wonderful ‘cello the Band Method class, Middle School appointments have been made in the peripatetic music staff: Hannah Lang (flute),Helen Jenkins (voice), Dinah Beamish (cello) and Scott Bywater (percussion). Ken Reay (percussion) and Jamie Moore (guitar) leave K.A.S. to pursue their careers as professional musicians. With a team of 3 full-time members of staff (Liz Mellor, Rob Hersey and Mary-Lu Hurley) and 12 specialist instrumental teachers the quality of provision of music education has developed with over 50% of pupils receiving individual lessons and a range of performance opportunities increasing likewise. Performance landmarks throughout the year have included several successful workshop performances organised by Andy (woodwind), Sue (strings), Jaffa (piano) and Jean (brass). Feature concerts have included the Parent/Staff/Upper School “Xmas” 4 choir, “Jazzworks” and the Valentine’s made magnetic. K.A.S. can look forward to with such passion and commitment that it Concert – ”The Language of Love” which many more successful ventures. Many thanks was a very moving occasion. also involved staff/pupils reading poetry to the “team” and those who wholeheartedly The Choirs have been as busy as and singing in a range of languages. Other gave their support this year. always with Middle School Choir preparing collaborative ventures included (From the Annual Report, 1993) for their performances at Disneyland Paris video/shadow play and music composition and the 90-strong collaboration of Jazz and with visiting Creative Arts Lecturer Fritz his has been a blockbuster year for the Middle School Choir that performed at the Reinhardt from Germany, and Art/Music TPerforming Arts! Royal Festival Hall in the regional rounds of composition as part of the Xmas Lower The department has remained busy, the National Festival of Music for Youth. The School production. ensuring the full Concert Programme and students are now having an uncharacter- The performance year culminated in variety of Musical events held over the istically busy Summer Term as they sang so Music Week (May 19 – 27). Items in the academic year allow as many students as convincingly, they were picked to go week included (Wed) a Parents’ Evening for possible to demonstrate their talents. through to the next round. They will be those receiving instrumental tuition; (Thurs) We heard some fantastic singing and performing in the Adrian Boult Concert Hall Baroque Concert featuring solo violinist developing bands performing in Unplugged in Birmingham in July, where we hope to David Chivers; (Mon) Axe Monsters and Axemonsters, while the Soloist Concerts raise the roof King Alfred style! featuring Rock Bands throughout the school each term, remain a great opportunity for Jazzworks was also successful in the and original compositions by Tom Kenyatta; those students preparing for their Grade above mentioned competition and will be (Tues) The Friends of the Earth Concert Examinations to perform in public. performing in Birmingham as part of the featuring Environmentally Friendly songs The Christmas and Summer Concerts Jazz Festival also in early July. We are composed by Middle School pupils and reflected the variety of Music that goes on in extremely proud of the achievements of both G.C.S.E. and A-level compositions; (Wed) the department with performances that of these groups, as it is the first time two Lower School Concert featuring Lower ranged from Handel to Jimi Hendrix! A groups from KAS have got through to the School Strings, Windband, Orchestra and highlight for many was the collaboration next stage of this prestigious national Choir, Recorder Groups and Class between the Orchestra and Chamber Choir competition. Compositions; (Wed) Jazz Piano recital who performed Zadok the Priest by Handel For many, the all singing, all dancing featuring Oliver Rockberger, (Thurs) “Strawberry Fair”: a selection of English part songs and poetry featuring Upper School string quartet joined by clarinettist Louisa Ranpe, Middle School Choir, Upper School Chamber Choir, Parent/Staff Choir and Jazzworks. All venues were full to overflowing and as Music Week culminated in the “final concert” it seemed like music had come alive at K.A.S. for the school as a community. One of the reasons why the year was particularly successful was not so much in the quality of the leadership but in the quality of the team committed to raising standards both in the classroom and in the “public” eye. Whilst the department creates an atmosphere to encourage musicianship at all levels of ability it also recognises that musical development can be fun and learning through disciplined rehearsal worthwhile. In this way its value is enhanced, its authenticity authorised by the participants and audience and its energy 5 Are you in the photo? We’d love to hear from you. 1988 Please drop us a line.

6 7 production of Grease that was put on in which really resonated was the importance engaged with the students, understood their December will be one of the highlights of of being able to stand up in front of people individual needs, and really made a the Performing Arts’ year. The dedication and present yourself with confidence. difference to the sound they made! and commitment of the cast was the main Whatever the students choose to do in their I know the singers who performed and reason for the success of this production. It is future they will at some point have to present watched were excited and inspired by the always so special to see students from a themselves, whether in an interview, in the work that took place. The Phoenix Theatre variety of year groups bonding and working boardroom, on a stage, in a classroom. As is such a great venue for Masterclasses together so effectively. Friendships are a singer you have no instrument to hide such as these, and this is an area the formed and the sense of ensemble is behind and seeing young students Performing Arts Department hopes to something that students who take part in commanding the stage with such authority expand upon next year, not only for extra- curricular activities never forget. and confidence was a real reflection of the singers, but instrumentalists and Drama Other notable occasions over the year work that goes on throughout the school. students too. have included the Watford Singing Festival, The singers at King Alfred were Every year I wonder if we can top the where several KAS solo singers performed. fortunate enough to have worked with and last as the highly skilled Upper Sixth Despite facing some stiff competition, the watched the soprano Lesley Garrett, who students move on to the next stage of their KAS students really shone and I was so came into school and gave a Masterclass. lives. However, I was inspired by the proud of their achievements. Some singers It was such an entertaining and informative Lower School Callover I saw recently, were very experienced, having sung for evening. Everyone who was there came where several young students performed many years, while for others this was their away with a greater understanding of the with the confidence and talent to reassure first public performance. Once again the physical nature of singing and the me that there are budding musicians students represented King Alfred in such a importance of performance skills. There developing throughout the school and positive light and their confidence and was incredibly positive feedback from the waiting for their opportunities to shine! communication skills were remarked upon. audience and students alike. Particularly (From The Alfredian, 2012, article written One of the things the adjudicator said impressive was the way in which Lesley by Anna Broad, Head of Performing Arts)

8 And Barbara Richmond, née Bolton, who composed (KAS 1931-1936) wrote as a follow-up: works for her. “Richard Adeney. The Greatest flautist I She and her have ever heard, but I had no idea he went husband, Alan to KAS. I still have the bamboo pipe I made, Richardson, as he did. It seemed a good thing to be gave concerts doing at the time and perhaps in his case it for the school, was the starting inspiration for all that the last of followed.” which took place in July Janet Craxton 1978, and she “We were sad to hear of the death of Janet always retained Craxton in July this year. An Old Alfredian, a kindly interest she had studied at the Royal Academy of in our activities.” Music where she held a Chair and also at From the Head’s Report in the Annual the Paris Conservatoire. She was principal Report, December 1981 Oboe at the Halle Richard Adeney (KAS – 1932-34), the Orchestra and with renowned flautist wrote that KAS was “...a the London Mozart civilised school in North London, where I still Players and the managed to avoid being educated, but did BBC Symphony learn how to make recorder-like instruments Orchestra, and out of bamboo.” At King Alfred’s he became since 1970, with obsessed with tuning his little instruments and the London trying to make them sound sweet. “The usual Sinfonietta. Sir tensions of family life and worries about Lennox Berkeley, growing up disappeared when I played— Alan Rawsthorne, and last I’d found something I could do Elisabeth Lutyens well.” (from Richard Bigio’s obituary, and Oliver Knussen published in the Summer 2011 Alfredians) were among those

A word… Deaths

Dorothy Kothari – born 1940 and also acted as Honorary …from the Editor 27.10.1919, died 12.02.2012 Treasurer of the King Alfred School Society A nursery school assistant. Mother of from 1951 to 1963, giving his final, 14th short word of apology for not Raj and Shanta Kothari. Grandmother of report, at the December 1963 AGM. producing a Spring edition of Merlin Kothari (Raj’s son at KAS) (A fuller tribute will appear in a later AAlfredians this year. I’m afraid Dorothy left in 1952 and returned in edition – ed.) that family and health concerns (too 1953 as a Nursery School helper. She Siobhan Morris – born uninteresting to go into here) made it left in 1955 and returned in 1956 to 12.01.1988, died 24.09.2012 difficult for me to work on the replace Miss Smithells in Nursery School. A student at the school from 1996 to magazine. I hope we are now back She left in 1963. 2004 on track and can look forward to the Nicholas Bullock – born Sophie Coleman – born usual two editions per year. 22.12.1938, died 17.11.2011 I hope you all have a festive end to 10.08.1987, died 18.11.2012 2012 and a Happy New Year 2013. Gerry [Gerd] Weiss – born A student at the school from 1996 to 31.05.1923, died 28.05.2012 2005 Peter Palliser Gerry was at KAS between 1936 and

Alfredians Autumn 2012. Alfredians is a biannual newsletter Diary distributed in May/June and November/December. We always welcome news and memories from Old Alfredians for publication. All copy should be sent to: Open Day/Summer Fair Bonfire Night Alumni Coordinator, King Alfred School, Manor Wood, In 2013, Open Day will probably Saturday 9 November 2013 149 North End Road, London NW11 7HY become a Summer Fair. Whatever it 4:30-8.00 pm Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)20 8457 5282 is, the day will be on Saturday 29 Reception 6 to 7:15 pm Fax: +44 (0)20 8457 5249 June, 2013 – from 12 noon to 4pm. PLEASE KEEP US INFORMED OF ANY CHANGES OF Bring a picnic, if you want, but there ADDRESS.

will be food for sale on site. The King Alfred School Society is a Company Limited by Guarantee No. 57854. Registered Charity No. 312590. Registered in England.

9 OA News & Correspondence

(I had promised to publish the following taller! Still also in touch with Tom Pollak was a weekly boarder. I was walking, three letters in the Autumn 2011 edition, but Anyway, I was working for the Clinton homesick and tearful, past the stables failed to do so. Many apologies – ed.) Foundation HIV/AIDs Initiative last year in towards the barns, when I heard piano the Caribbean as a regional analyst, and music coming from one of the stables. I have now come back to London and entered the room, and saw two of the Hello, working with Absolute Return for Kids, a older girls playing the piano, an It was lovely to children's charity, in their UK education arrangement for four hands one piano of spot my son, Buster arm. Living in Highgate, all is well, the first movement of Mozart's 40th Turner, in the school although after a year in eternal sunshine the Symphony. Joyce was playing the bass photo, in your last snow is taking some getting used to! part, and the upper part was being played issue (it was the by Janet Craxton - the late sister of Autumn 2010 issue – Michael Mann Michael, whose obituary appears next to a long time ago now Joyce's. This affected me greatly, and to and apologies, ed.). this day whenever I hear that symphony I'm He is the cheeky blonde, second row from Dear KAS Friends, reminded of that episode. I look forward front right with a grey sweatshirt on it I am writing for a few reasons: very much to the next issue, and to reading marked with a W. 1. Please update my records. Currently you more about Joyce. On a sadder note, my brother Simon have : Joanne Steinbeck, 3801 N Swan, Turner, another cheeky KAS boy from way Tucson, AZ 85718. My new address is: Paul Davis (1937 - 1951) back, died on October 13th after a long 6569 E Ghost Flower, Tucson, AZ 85750 illness. He was a wonderfully warm USA. (Paul is referring to Joyce Rathbone – please hearted rebel, who, on being hauled up 2. The name Joanne is fine as that's how see her obituary in this issue and the small before Nikki Archer for a misdemeanour, people know me: Joanne Warner. memorial to Janet Craxton as well – ed.) ate a raw onion beforehand and However, for the last 20 years, I have used proceeded to blow gently at her throughout my Hebrew name, Batsheva (I lived in the telling off. Israel for many years). Steinbeck was my Esmond Harris (KAS 1937-1939) He is truly missed. A wonderful man married name. sends us his new address: and an avid Chelsea supporter - King 3. I would like to respond to the recent Alfred at that time turned out a lot of article and conference, "What does it The Old Police House Chelsea supporters. I think that Simon had mean to be well educated?". My family left Main Road something to do with that! London (and I sadly left KAS) when I was Sutton, Woodbridge, 13.We moved back to NYC, our original Suffolk IP12 3DU Carol-Anne Turner (ex-KAS from way home, and I went to the Calhoun School. I back as well) notice that Steve Nelson was at your conference and spoke of nurturing, not Retirements murdering, free thought in education. I Just saw the recent have had the great honor of being newsletter, is great. Brian Rance – KAS 1983-2012 educated at open-minded and erudite Would have loved to Caretaker, Goatherd and Archivist schools such as KAS and Calhoun (and have come to that then went on to Grinnell College, a conference in fact, Nora Evans – KAS 1987-2012 similarly minded institution). I have chosen as I work in English Teacher a life of educating people using the tools of education myself Head of Sixth Form yoga; not your typical path, and yet these days. Head of English something so rewarding and fulfilling for Anyway, my Head of English and Curriculum Support me. I am truly blessed to have attended name is Michael Mann, am in the photo Acting Deputy Head (Pastoral) schools that allowed me to find my highest, from 1992 second from top row, below unique expression of myself. Many thanks. the kid 7 from the left. In fact, that kid is Dermot Allen – KAS 1990-2012 Samuel Potter, who I met again for the first Batsheva Head of History time the other day in the National Theatre - Head of History and Government and which was amazing. Am also now sharing Politics a flat with Matthew Gretton from KAS (who And more recently: Director of Studies is the photo somewhere too), and am still Head of Upper School good friends with his brother Jamie Gretton, Thanks to all concerned for the latest Deputy Head (Academic) and recently met up with Simon Kirk in Alfredians. Always such an interesting and New York, when I was passing through, so nostalgic read. Final Retirement the KAS spirit lives on even though I left I was very sorry to learn of Joyce's when I was 9 after Beth's class. Ollie passing. This reminded me of one of my Mike Young – KAS 1982-2012 Lockett is two down from me in the photo earliest memories of Royston, where I was Head of Lower School (retired 2006) too, and is business partner with Jamie and throughout the war. My mother had Ivy Wood Coordinator (2006-2012) saw him too at the national theatre, and he delivered me to school one Monday looks the same now too - although a lot morning, during the early period when I

10 Obituaries...

advanced level GCE. Peter Raymond Upon leaving school, Peter attended the Art College and later the London College of 1 June 1941 – Printing. Having worked in industry for several years, he decided to teach Art, 8 November 2011 training at Bristol. His first job was in Dagenham, at Hunters Hall Junior School. eter died a few days after suffering a Later, he became class teacher there, where severe heart attack not long after he had he met Margaret. They were married in Preceived applause for a well-received 1975 dwelling at first at Lymm. When Peter piece of prose he had read to the members became qualified to teach the new subject, of his creative writing club... He leaves his Design and Technology, in secondary wife Margaret and two daughters, Catherine schools, they moved to Ashton in 1981. and Helen. He also leaves behind a Peter taught the subject in Skelmersdale, until the local Art Club, and was its Chairman for granddaughter, Isla, who was born in August his early retirement at Our Lady Queen of several years. He would sometimes say, “I hope I will see Peace RC High School, in 1993. However, Shortly after his retirement from Catherine’s baby.” He did, and what joy his until he reached 60, he worked as a supply Skelmersdale, Peter joined the team at the granddaughter brought to him. teacher at St Edmund Arrowsmith’s, teaching Craft Gallery in Haigh Hall. In his retirement, He became a pupil of KAS in 1945 at mainly Design. In the following years after he enjoyed walking, visiting places and the age of four, attending kindergarten at the they moved, Peter and Margaret were touring abroad. school’s wartime premises at Branch Hill on blessed with their two daughters. The family Peter will be sadly missed by his family, the edge of Hampstead Heath. During his regularly attended St Thomas’ Church (Peter is colleagues and his closer classmates from years at school he developed a talent for buried in the churchyard). He gradually KAS, including, among others, Diana drawing and writing, with a taste for English became involved in many ways in the Kabadi, Julie Mitchell, Hugh Sheridan, Nicky Literature and History, but an aversion to church’s works, in particular, in hospital Rubashow and Paul Papadopoulos. Mathematics. He finished school in the visiting and the designing of church banners. summer of 1959 after completing his Soon after their arrival in Ashton, Peter joined ● Paul Papadopoulos

approach that I personally treasured about Joan Morris her. Her love and commitment to her own 2 July 1952 – children was absolute, as was her 22 February 2012 dedication to and affection for the students she taught. I have no doubt that there are KAS: 1993–2012 countless current and former pupils of this school who, like me, will be forever grateful or 11 years Joannie was my boss, my for her patient guidance and geographical mentor and my friend. I fear I am not a expertise. Fsufficiently talented wordsmith to do her Our department and our staffroom have many attributes justice but the ones that lost a kind and consummate professional, a spring readily to mind are wise, supremely reliable source of common sense considerate, honest and strong. and clear thinking, and a genuinely good Joan loved to laugh but, unlike many of she would listen, and when she spoke you person. Her family have lost much more. us, mostly chose to do so only when things could be assured that she meant what she Thank you Joannie; gone but never were actually funny. When you took a said. She didn’t bother too much with false forgotten. problem to her you could be assured that niceties and trivial banter; an honesty of ● Bob Stephens Diane (Rawling) Davies 1 May 1964 – 30 December 2011

iane started teaching Geography at funeral. Diane took me to the end of year KAS in January 1990. Over the next party in July of 1990. The outgoing Head of Dtwenty odd years she was involved in History described the school as a the school in every capacity imaginable – 'community'. Diane believed passionately in teacher, friend, parent, member of Council that idea. In recent times it has, to me, felt and, at the end, Chair of Parent Staff. The exactly like that – a community. On behalf school has been, and still is, an incredibly of my family I want to thank everyone at the few months in particular. A really heartfelt important part of our lives. That was school for the love and support they have thank you. reflected in the wonderful turnout at Diane's shown us over the years and over the past ● Alan Davies 11 Ducks over the years This really is about the DUCKS here can’t be many people at KAS who now remember a most marvellous man Tcalled Tom Bond or “Bomber” Bond as I Finally into the pond... remember him (don’t ask!). Tom was the Accountant who dealt with the manual payroll I can remember talking to him about my as well as lots of other financial stuff and had being totally doolally at times and he asked the ordeal of training me up to take over from me if I knew what the real meaning of the word was, and then proceeded to tell me that it came from the 1900s when there was a Sanatorium called the Deolali Sanatorium in Making their way out of the bushes towards the Marashtra where British Army serving in India pond... were sent, when they suffered madness from boys’ public school and said it was the only the harsh life in India, before being sent back two years of school that he had enjoyed. to England. Whilst Rob was in the 6th form, Alex was I digress again… now onto the real joining up to Reception at the other end of the reason of the story… DUCKS! school! Alex completed his studies last year Tom’s stories included one about the and has taken a gap year before going to ducks and Squirrel Hall, both close to my Sussex (King-Alfred’s-by-the-sea) in October. heart. He told me that every spring the female I am sorry, I digress – duck would lay her eggs in the tree in Squirrel Hall and when they hatched he would watch mum very carefully flutter down with her babies in her wings one by one. Tom never knew how the ducklings got back up there but every morning at 7.00 am he would watch them flutter down until they were Ducklings hatching in the tree... old enough to leave home. It was a wonderful story and I would have loved to him when KAS was dragged kicking and have seen it happen and I have often repeated it to people who would listen to me. screaming into yet another computerised They nearly ended up in the Green Building !!! system in 1990. Imagine my amazement when Becky I had initially come to install the new Tom helped me understand what KAS was Barker (Estates) came up to me yesterday computers at KAS and train staff on the really about – not a school but a family. Tom (25.4.12) and told me that she had seen the software that the school had bought and, like had come to KAS when he retired from his ducks fluttering down from the tree once many others before me, and indeed since, “proper” job as a Bank Manager at 65. I again. Presumably this is because the KAS became a major part of my life. In fact I don’t believe he ever thought he would be at cladding around squirrel hall has been taken found it so amazing that I stayed (now 22 KAS until he was 82, but he was, and in down and mum has been able to lay her years). The proof of KAS’ pull was that I fact had to be told to stop shifting all the files eggs in the tree once again! Becky has happily travelled all the way up here from the over from the “old” bursary by Francis Moran depths of Surrey every day. in 1994, when the new bursary was built. The “old” bursary is now where David and Meg have their offices. Tom was a mine of information both financial and otherwise. He had lived a varied and interesting life and I loved to hear his stories from around the world and at KAS which were amazing. I admired the way in which he supported his wife Dolly when she developed Alzheimer’s. Happy Endings… After falling from the tree by Squirrel Hall the managed to get some wonderful photographs mother duck and ducklings hid in bushes until the coast was clear. of the ducks. I am just so glad that Becky came up the Bursary yesterday and told me, My love for KAS also meant dragging my she has taken some of the most amazing two children out of bed at 6.00 am when photographs of the ducks who, I believe, are they joined the school in 1997 because, as now residing in the duck pond in Lower far as I was concerned, nothing could match School. KAS and its ethos – it would allow them to Talk about history repeating itself – isn’t “fly.” Robert (now 31 and a Financial life wonderful? ● Tricia Still, Bursary Analyst) went into the L6 after attending a Onto the Field... 12