Raine’s Foundation School Sandra Johnson Tony Fuller Bill Richards Gwynneth Jackson Approach Road 9 Goddington Lane 81 Rosewood Avenue 26 Shandy Street Glevum Bethnal Green Orpington Elm Park Stepney Kirkby Malzeard London Kent Essex London Nr Ripon E2 9LY BR6 9DR RM12 5LD E1 4LX North Yorks Tel: 020 8981 1231 Tel: 01689 826854 Tel: 01708 473821 Tel: 020 7790 9235 HG4 3RS Fax: 020 8983 0153 Fax: 01689 873115 Tel: 01765 658825

FEBRUARY 2000

e weren’t sure how the Old Raineians’ Association be in Dominican Monasteries. Duncan Potts wonders too! would be able to reflect on the death of Wallie. In the The Wareing Trophy and the other trophies given for sport Wend it was thought that it was best left to the members etc. should be in the trophy cabinet at the present school. Mr of the Association, a number of whom had a great affinity with Cain, a jeweller round the corner from the school, inscribed them. Wallie as a teacher not only during their days at Raine’s, but also I remember having them all photographed for insurance purposes. after they left the School. Terry Hemmings (50-57) recalled the field trips with Lee It is hoped to publish a special edition of the Newsletter with Matthews etc. Terry and Val’s parents were active in the Parents’ your memories of Wallie Spooner. Please write to me as soon as Association. This was another good form, especially at making possible to enable us to begin. smoke bombs e.g. Alan Pratt and Mr Goode’s end-of-term The following is the last article I received from Wallie, just greeting!

WALTER MARSHALL SPOONER

13TH MAY 1914 - 1ST JANUARY 2000

RAINE’S FOUNDATION SCHOOL

1946 - 1979 after he had read the last Newsletter and I felt Wallie would like Frank Clarke’s (31-35) comments were evocative of my early it to be published. days at the school, immediately after the war. Many of the staff “Read Geoff Gillon’s piece about ‘gifted’ people at Raine’s Frank knew were my colleagues and in due course I succeeded A and I believe that, during my time at the school, 1946 to 1979, all W Davies as the last Senior Master. Does he (or anyone else – the pupils were gifted otherwise they would not have been at ed.) remember Archie Dagger (Head); Arthur Davies (Maths); Raine’s! If I had to name the two outstanding academically then Wilfred Davies (Physics); Frank Luton (Physics); ‘Fussy’ it would be Gillian Malpas from the girls and Gareth Moore from Browning (Chemistry); Henry Wilkins (Chemistry); George Ty- the boys. ler (Maths); Alec Aldridge (French); Don Lyons (German); Gareth’s contemporaries were the best form it was my ‘Nobby’ Clark (Music); Jim Shivas (English); ‘Biffer’ Brough- privilege to teach, starting with the Adlington twins, Alan and ton; Teddy Horne (English / History); Bob Turnage (PE); Charlie John. A number of them went on to Oxbridge and most to Nay (Woodwork). Just pre-war, Engledow (French); Fred Phil- universities, many gaining PhDs. Barford, Barlow, Harris lips (Maths); Wilson (History). Also there was Jim Russell (Lab (English Universities Swimming Captain – Cambridge), O’Sul- Technician) and Albert T?? (Secretary).” livan – a grand bunch. But where are they now? They cannot all TRS NEWS SEPTEMBER 2000 PAGE 2

NEW MEMBERS their pasts! I am also still in contact with Thomas He was also asking if anyone knew the Faye (Head Boy, 94-95) who is working whereabouts of Tony Ashford, Ivor Ward, for HSBC and enjoying being in the world obert Cox (62-68) is the brother of Martin Gregory, and Alan and Ken of business. Rosemary Cox (59-66) who went Perkins? I have very fond memories of my time Ron to Oxford. Robert is still in at Raine’s and would love to hear from any contact with Andree Chambers. · Victoria Harper (88-95), who was others who were at Raine’s at the same School Sacristan, 93-95, was an Associate time as me.” · Anthony Fitzpatrick (56-63) was Member (free membership for four years unable to send any news as he was very after leaving school) and took up our offer · Victor Jarvis (38-45) was put up for busy at the time but promised to send of discounted life membership. membership by Rosemary and Jack Jarvis something at a later date. “In May I finished my Teacher Train- (30-38). Victor later sent the following: ing Degree and I am now qualified to teach “Your letter was a surprise, though I · Martin Frith (56-62) became an ap- Key Stage 1 (scary!). I am now living in knew that Jack had been in contact. This is prentice organ builder after leaving school Bacup in Lancashire (about 20 miles north a rewrite job since I made two good and then, from 1968 until 1971 was at the of Manchester) doing a Careforce year. resolutions at the time of reading it, Guildhall School of Music and Drama. This is a voluntary year out for young namely to respond now, before it all gets From there he becane a post graduate at the Christians between 18 and 25. I work on swept away in the confusion of Christmas, College of St Mark and St John. Martin an estate befriending and helping people in and to do so on the computer, which I use has taught at Eton College and Bradfield the area. all too rarely. Force majeure did the College and was a founder member of the I am still in contact with Evonne second one in shamefully short order, but National Youth jazz Orchestra. He has Markham (Head Girl, 94-95) and Andrea having written it all out longhand in il- also played in many West End shows and Robinson (Deputy Head Girl, 94-95). legible script here I am again in full spate, worked for TV, radio, record companies, They now both live in Manchester (ad- courtesy of my wife-who-is-always-right. etc. dresses please - ed.) where they went to My siblings all went to Raine’s in their Martin was another who is asking for study their degrees. They both gained day: any information on Richard Sinton, music degrees with Andrea training as a secon- George Harry (b 1916) master during his time at Raine’s, as he dary school teacher and now works at Percival John (1919) would love to get in touch with him. Trinity School Manchester. Evonne mar- Annie Barbara May (1925) Martin was at the Reunion where he ried last February and is working in Man- Victor Lucien (1927) - ME met Tony Fitzpatrick (above) who was in chester as a P.A. She is looking for a Pauline Ethel J (1929) Martin’s class through most of his school career change and hopes to break in to the Myself, Victor Lucien, was born in life. They had a good chat and laugh about world of computers (hacker? - ed.). 1927 and we are all still on our feet except George, who died just after the war. SCHOOL SONG On the first day of my first term, all the new entrants were left in the hall until they Many members of the ORA will remember the School Song, which were identified and borne off - except me. began with: I was left and it became apparent that my mother thought that she could dispense Since upon the throne of England with the stupid formalities by now. The First was hailed the name of George School didn’t know or had forgotten that However, few will know that the song was written by a pupil of the there were any more of the breed in the pipeline (let alone two), but still, they school, who went on to be one the country’s foremost dance band- didn’t load me up with any more stress leaders, who was recently featured in National Heritage’s magazine. than necessary. I started classes in IC Henry (later Harry) Bidgood was born on 18 November 1894, the under Mr Loughborough, I think, a ginger, son of George Grant Bidgood, a schoolmaster. At the time he entered raw-boned, very clean Christian whom I Raine’s on 5 May 1908, the family lived at 12 Clifton Road, Asylum quite liked. He taught RI and French and arranged a trip to Canterbury Cathedral in Road, South East London. Harry had previously attended the pres- the cherry season. I got a free seat, so had tigious Aske’s Hatcham School. a little pocket money, to pig cherries with, He was obviously talented early in his life as he wrote the school because I came top at scripture (it was all song when he was in the 6th Form, shortly before he left Raine’s on 31 new to me, and therefore very interesting). July 1912. He went on into what we would now call Higher Education, I offer this tip free to the teaching fraternity! obtaining an Exhibition to East London College to study Music. I remember very little of this pre-war year save that both my brothers spoke very After leaving the College he played in a number of bands before he well of ‘Juggins’ Andrews, but that started his own band, which he lead until shortly before his death in 1957. summer, evacuation swept ordered exis- tence away and memory was a more dif- Tony Fuller ficult thing. TRS NEWS SEPTEMBER 2000 PAGE 3

THIRTY YEARS ON - OGGI, OGGI, OGGI trip. If we girls were not interested in rugby and the nicer of the associated songs and the wonderful team spirit, we soon were. To arch 1999. My son was packing for his geography field the metronome beat of Gwynneth Jackson’s knitting needles as trip ‘Upnorth’. What was the matter with geography she dashed off another dozen or so pairs of walking socks, we Mteachers, he hissed through clenched teeth, that they sang the well-known hits from Twickenham and Cardiff Arms had to organise these trips to clash with the Five Nations rugby! Park as well as a few Raine’s modified, coach-journey favourites. Nobody tells you that by opting for A level geography you can We each got a dedicated verse. seriously damage your chances of enjoying good sport. Field trips are all about team work and our success and As I was trying to convince the rugby fan that the missed progress was only as good as the weakest in our group. I have a match would be just as exciting watched on video a week later strong, and grateful memory of our esteemed editor who helped (no, it didn’t convince me either), a letter from Wallie arrived. the girls scale a rock face taller than the average female and March 1999 marked the thirtieth anniversary of Raine’s geog- another of being sustained by a lunch prepared by two boys who raphers’ ascent of Ben Nevis during our field trip in Scotland. did not understand the effects of rain on a jam sandwich and Twenty-two Raineians stood at the trig point and were photo- tinned salmon sandwich wrapped together. The sandwiches were graphed. (incidentally whilst we were climbing Ben Nevis, Wales such a pretty colour, soaking wet and gritty, but consumed none drew with France 8-8 the less by a very and went on to win soggy and ravenous the Five Nations group of geologists Championship). Wal- sitting on the beach lie felt that someone using hands covered ought to mark the in mud and sand. thirtieth anniversary Best team effort of this achievement ever award 1969 (the climb not goes to the whole Wales’s win) with an group at the top of article for the News- Ben Nevis, at 4,406 letter. feet the highest July 1999. I re- mountain in Great ceived a copy of the Britain. For the last Viv Nicholas video thirty years I have featuring field trips in dined out on the Snowdon and Arran story of having 1967 and 1968 and a climbed this moun- Fairlop school sports tain and the tale still day. Wouldn’t it be impresses my sons! nice, wrote our edi- Having walked over tor, after you have fifty miles in the viewed the video, to three days prior to write an article for our ascent we were the Newsletter. I got The Ben Nevis Summit Party well prepared or our the message! (and I feet were so numb it thank you - ed.) would not matter. There was something very special about our field trips. The We started the day in Glen Nevis, it was warm and dry (quite highlight of the school year. The reputation of Raine’s field trips remarkable). The going was steep to begin with but I suppose we grew as the uninitiated heard tales of what happened in previous were forced into a pace which was considerably slower than it had years and were lured onto A level geography courses. Stories like started, ensuring that we reached the top. From the start the party Gary Parry’s belief that he had died and gone to heaven when he was led by Martin, a quiet pianist who smoked, avoided games saw knights in shining white armour riding horses through the like the plague and probably had not met Humph Long since the mist at the top of Snowdon in 1967 (he had stumbled upon a King first year. He just carried on until he reached the top, out pacing Arthur film set!). There was the same teacher’s uninvited ad- us all. We walked through the clouds and snow, it became colder. mirer, Shirley from Arran, who made sure his clothes and boots When we reached the top the sun was blazing and we looked were dry and made him early morning cups of tea. And the down on the clouds below! Never before had we seen such a sight. answer to the silent prayer as drenched we watched Viv chip at yet We were all there at the top, Wallie, Viv and Sue Gregory and another dyke on the Corrie foreshore when his (y)’ammer head twenty-two grinning Raineians. I am sure that there were a couple shot off and was drowned by the rough sea! Then there was the of Japanese there with cameras, perhaps not, but there were males discrete extinguishing of the forest fire in 1969. strangers who quietly left us to enjoy our moment of glory and There was an air of adventure as we piled onto the coaches in elation. Wallie had his camera, someone produced a school scarf the evening to begin the overnight drive to Scotland - another which was tied to its own flag pole walking stick. Everest - world. As soon as the door of the coach was shut and the wheels nothing! Raine’s school had conquered Ben Nevis! Donald East turning we became one, a team. Arran, 1968, was my first field took off his jumper (photographed in vest and red braces), Nourye TRS NEWS SEPTEMBER 2000 PAGE 4 stood at the very peak proudly acting as standard bearer and we on the mountain sides, my noisy pair of bri-nylon over-trousers sang the school song which was followed by a few rugby tackles, frightened them away. a resounding series of Oggis from the roof of the British isles, Over the layers of heavy woollen jumpers we wore plastic more photographs and then we were off! For many of us the Macs or parkas or anoraks (which made you sweat so you were as coming down was considerably faster than going up. Remember wet inside as you were outside . Sheepskin jackets are great for how mountain paths zig zag across a map? If one takes the route highland sheep but not too good for climbing mountains and where zig turns to zag, sits down and slides... Needless to say Viv taking the obligatory dip in the sea or river, in the sea in North was not very impressed. Wales and Rosa Burn in Arran - but they were worn anyway. I had not seen the film of the field trip for thirty years and apart Why was it that field trips always included a team dip, is it just to from thinking how young we all looked, the most striking image sell the film? was the expression of bliss on ‘Dilly’ Linda Bellamy’s face, Headgear was important and the Army surplus stores did a standing on the ferry, hooded against the Scottish weather, roaring trade. My tartan Tam-o’-shanter was worn by our Scot- clutching a bunch of daffodils. Her smile stretched from ear to tish dancing display team caught on film on the ferry back to the ear. This picture says a great deal about field trips. mainland after the Arran trip! We girls also sported ear warmers Having seen the 1967/8 groups captured on film, I am struck (as modelled on top of Ben Nevis). We used Gwynneth’s award by the differences in clothing worn then and now for field trips. winning knitting pattern designed to use up that odd half ball of Our clothes were very much ‘make-do’, compromise or totally wool. inappropriate. Boots were essential said Sir. Our new lady ge- Our accommodation was H. F. style. Huge draughty houses, ography teacher, Sue Gregory, had her own rules and wore shared bedrooms, few bathrooms with old, limited hot water plimsolls lined with plastic bags, a jumper and jeans and no coat systems. (Sorry to all those who chose not to run for the ferry and to climb Ben Nevis. In 1968 I had a pair of second-hand boots. so got back to Altshalloch House after me and therefore suffered On their first outing, a six mile gentle stroll around Lamlash in the lukewarm water or worse). Our food was wonderful and Arran, they proved a dead weight and I strained a very embar- filling: Cooked breakfasts (porridge included); packed lunches rassing muscle. For several days I was very careful how I moved (bizarre colours and often tasting of mud and sand); huge evening and winced when I put a step wrong but I kept very quiet about my meals; we all ate Haggis with relish (what no tomato sauce?! - injury. As our first aid box contained bits of fire wood (splints) ed.); drank cocoa and devoured rich tea biscuits before bed. and a large bottle of Savlon which was produced as a cure for a Frankly we would have eaten anything we were so hungry! We multitude of ailments, I am sure none of these could have helped worked hard, got exhausted, wet, muddy, battered and bruised. me. I bought a new pair of boots for the Ben Nevis trip - about a They were wonderful experiences and I would not have missed ton lighter! the geography field trips for the world! And yes, I would do the We were told dreadful stories about the effect of wearing wet Saga version tomorrow... jeans and suffering exposure in the highlands. We saw no haggis Leslie Jensen (Tear)

We were accompanied by a small Stanley, who composed music which left decided to slipper a boy called Shaw, then group of - as I now see it - truly devoted me totally nonplussed; Les Dennis; Alan aged about 17. All proceeded normally for teachers, including ‘Zich’ Chivas (Eng- Liddiard; Jackie Goldstein; Basil and the first whack, but then Shaw returned to lish), Mr Loughborough, Mr Browne? Neville Shoop; Coleman Glasman; Rocky his desk. “Come back, I haven’t finished (maths, “Any myopes in this class?”), Hilsum, whom I can quote verbatim over yet”. Said Shaw, remaining seated, “But ‘Slogger’ Luton, Mr Barnes? (woodwork), some 60 years: “Morning Rocky, how’s Sir! It hurts!” I think he had been hu- Mr Broughton (PE - even his muscles had your valve rubber?”, “Oh, hello, Les, mouring a teacher who had done some- muscles on them). Mr Aldridge sounds how’s your coalsack?” Contact with the thing silly. The whole class were ready to familiar but I can’t place him after 60 rest of us had coarsened him by then! back him up, on principle, and not because years. There was a Miss Freeman, I think There were also Lou Muscovich; Victor he was popular or Wilkins unpopular. who taught French after Mr Loughbor- Witkoski; Sidney Langdorf; Leslie Shaw; Glasman taught a group of us a Yid- ough left. Ronald Isaacs; Bobby Singer. dish dance, Kadema, a wedding ceremo- The boys I recall were about 50% of After a year in Brighton, the fall of nial, I think, and a tune to go with it, the them Jewish, because of the flood of France ousted us to Camberley for about words to be extemporised. It seems odd to refugees from Hitler. It was probably a five years gradually dwindling as a school, me now, but raised no question in my very great benefit to be introduced to their before we returned to a sadly battered mind then, though I recall a slightly fizzing exuberant and enterprising at- London and Arbour Square. shamefaced request to “respect it as part of mosphere. Apart from them there were No doubt among others Messrs Luton, a ceremony”. hardly two boys who seemed as enter- Wllkins, Browning, and Taylor(?) held I think, looking back, that though it prising, though there were more, (myself sway. Luton, who was unfairly disliked by wasn’t a happy time anyway, the good included), who were every bit as bright. the smaller boys, turned out to be one of aspects of a - to boys - stimulating war and I recall Wally Field, who knew Ran- the most sterling of a sterling bunch of a fresh culture probably just about bal- dom as the place stray bombers were teachers. Browning, ‘The bock’, no doubt anced the deprivation of an absolutely always attacking; Mike Clarke; with meant well but was despised. He would shattered home life and the loss of my whom I held half shares in a polecat ferret; be tormented by an undertone of “Bock, father in 1940. Eddie Edwards; John Hems; Douglas Bock, Bockerdiddy Bock” from a whole The effort of bringing it all to the George Hansford; Ces Yipp; Gerald class. Wilkins, a little chap, once rashly forefront of my mind has been quite great TRS NEWS SEPTEMBER 2000 PAGE 5 and I expect that I will now seek to make to see me get to work to support myself! but not strong on class control!). thinking about it more comfortable!” For some unknown reason I had decided by I would be very happy to hear from any the age of 14 that working in a bank was of my former classmates including Charles · Michael Lee (60-64) recognised a the job for me. I say unknown because I Lawrence, who I did meet again after he number of the names from the last News- didn’t even know anybody who had a bank graduated. I was very pleased to read letter, none of whom he has had any con- account let alone anyone who worked for about many of my former classmates in- tact with since leaving Raine’s. It was a such an organisation. However, during my cluding Ernie Tarling and those listed by chance meeting with Paul Hollingum, last year, a party of us (arranged by Mr Carlos Goumal, Geoff Gillon and Duncan Headteacher at Raine’s, that gave Michael Harrison, history and careers) visited the Pott and was particularly interested to read a chance to renew his links with the past. local Barclays branch where the manager of the brilliant Gareth Moore. In the fifth “I originally joined the Association in painted a particularly romantic and, as I form I recall that he appeared to spend just 1964 and initially went to a couple of later found, totally misleading vision of a few minutes, while the morning register functions but lost touch - no doubt a fa- life behind the counter screens. was being marked, in producing perfect miliar story (very true - ed.) To cut a long and probably boring story translations into French or German. This I was one of the ‘Essex’ boys (not that short, both David Tucker and I joined the was much to the chagrin of some of us who you would admit that nowadays!) who, as a then Midland Bank on the same day, no had been struggling for hours the previous result of grammar school places in our doubt partially lured by the adverts offer- night producing pathetically inferior area, travelled daily by steam train from ing £1,000 a year at age 31! Anyway, 35 works. Barking to Stepney East to attend Raine’s. years later I am still working for them - I am happy for my address or my work Among my travelling, or more accurately, shame on me for not knowing what David phone number to be passed to any Old fighting companions were Peter Martin is doing now. Raineians. (September Newsletter, 59-66), Nigel Having seen the light I moved from Philpott (58-65), Alan Candy (58-65) and Essex and live south off the river in Car- · Roderick Rees (55-62), after receiving David Tucker (58-64). shalton, Surrey. My wife (an English a letter, sent the following: I left Raine's at the end of the fifth form teacher) and I have six children between us “Last summer we were on holiday in a despite pleas from Wallie Spooner (what although, fortunately, most of them have tiny hotel in a very remote part of France. an excellent teacher), at the time both our finished university and left the nest! Amongst the (four only) other guests was a geography and form master, to stay on for As regards teachers I remember many teacher in his fifties from the Bristol area. A-levels and university. Although I had of those mentioned in the September 1999 Late one evening the conversation enjoyed my time at school (I guess you Newsletter plus a couple more including turned to schools. I recalled that, although either loved it or hated it) and gained Basil Dowling (English - his nephew was I had attended an all-boys school it had reasonable GCE results, my parents made the New Zealand cricket captain at the been divided top to bottom from the girls’ it very clear that they were only too pleased time), ‘Harry’ Fowler (German, a nice man school by an ‘iron curtain’ extending up

LSE REUNION - PART ONE Striebig who donated to the School library) and last but not least was an extravagant box of biscuits. The hard job of selling the he 1999 Annual Christmas reunion was held at the LSE raffle tickets was given to Rose Sewell, who with an amazing and was attended by numerous former teachers, former selling technique managed to sell so many tickets that she ran out Tpupils and special guests; Wallie Spooner and the current and the committee were desperately tearing up any available bits head teacher, Paul Hollingum. of paper and writing numbers on them to manage the shortfall. Although ticket sales were initially slow, committee members Almost £250 was raised so Rose could be asked to offer her eventually managed to interest more members in coming along services again!!! Thank you to those people who donated the which generated a turn out of nearly one hundred people. wonderful raffle prizes. There was a large display of Raines memorabilia kindly or- Wallie made an interesting, funny and emotional speech, and ganised and set up by Tony Fuller, with something of interest for generally ‘held court’ after which we sang the school song, with all ages plus a selection of photo’s that were available to order. Gwynneth Jackson and Barbara Page leading us in which eve- The food was excellent and the drink flowed which culmi- ryone sang with fervour. nated in a lot of ‘merry members’ at the end of the evening. So It was a wonderful evening with many members meeting much so that when a fire alarm was raised we were evacuated into contemporaries they hadn’t seen since leaving school, and the the street where the party mood continued. It was quite an event atmosphere buzzed. for Wallie who was eventually carried in his wheelchair from the Wallie reflected afterwards that the culmination of being 5th floor to an adjoining building. He saw the funny side of the surrounded by Old Raineians at the LSE where he had studied had event and did not let it spoil his evening. made 1999 one of the best years of his life. This years raffle was especially good with a sumptuous Our thanks go to all those who made the effort to attend and Christmas Hamper as first prize (won by Ronnie Bender who help the Association make a profit of £180 on the evening. immediately gave it to Wallie who was quite overwhelmed and Special thanks go to Tony Fuller’s partner Jenny for arranging the apparently had great joy in sharing it with his family and friends), use of the LSE. second prize was a bottle of ‘bubbly’ and a pair of crystal champagne flutes, third prize Tony Fuller’s excellent and in- Claire Burrows (Whiteman) formative book ‘Raine’s School in World War 1’ (Won by Ron TRS NEWS SEPTEMBER 2000 PAGE 6 five floors. I added that, for us boys, the those days and looking was all we did. · Robert Grimstead (57-61). occasional furtive glance through locked How I remember those awful romper screens meant girls had acquired an air of suits we had to wear for PE, long before · Barrie Sharp (59-64). mystery and the unattainable (not all of there were leotards. It had a zip up the them going by the number of ‘inter-school’ back and dug in you if you lay on the floor. · Jodie Stuart-Evans (90-95) was an- marriages! - ed.) Have any survived? My favourite teacher other who took advantage of becoming a Suddenly my fellow guest cried “was was Miss Gosman - her way of laying a life member after associate membership. that Raine’s Foundation School in Stepney proper tea tray has never left me!! I also - I was there 30 years ago!” I was amazed. proudly tell people I have a cookery O- – It seems the school was unique. Appar- level, which served me well in the lean OTHER NEWS 1 ently whole generations of East-end years on my own with two youngsters. schoolboys had grown up with a similar Does the school still sing the school From Gwynneth Jackson view of girls. song? (Only at Prize Giving. We do oc- Whether the girls felt the same we casionally sing it at reunions - ed.) I used wo round trips of 550 miles in two couldn’t guess. They always seemed so to love to hear it on Founders Day but months, to attend the Reunion at much more mature - women still do, come cannot remember a word now. TLSE and then, sadly to be present at to think of it.” I often feel I wasted my years aca- Wallie Spooner’s funeral – but I am really demically but the life skills and respect for glad that I made both journeys. · Jackie Stern (Oakley, 59-64) returned other people I learned along with Christian The LSE venue was a good choice and her application form the day after receiving values and tolerance have never left me.” the buffet was excellent. The evening was adding the below: marred by the fire alarm and evacuation of I was so pleased to finally get in touch. · Nik Waller (55-63) was Head Boy in the building with the usual situation of not I have often wondered what happened to 1963 and another I traced through the knowing what to do. It was great to see the many talented girls I shared my time CD-ROM. Wallie there and thanks must go to Chris- with at Raine’s. I have remembered a list "During my time in the fifth/sixth form tine and John Smith for transporting him to of about 30 and I am so disappointed that we convinced the Head that ballroom and from the function. Wallie was obvi- so few belong to the Association. There dancing lessons belonged to our broader ously delighted to be among so many must be a way of tracing them even if they education. This resulted in a joint-school former pupils and a few colleagues and his have changed their names (come on you ‘ball’, for which soft drinks, crisps, etc., reminiscences were a delight. The card I internet experts send me web sites that may were purchased (through Richard Mans- received from him a few days later said be of use in tracing Old Raineians - ed.). field?). Leftovers were then used to es- how much he had enjoyed the occasion. I was pleased to see Jean Jacques name tablish a tuck-shop in the following weeks. as she was a friend of mine. If she would This resulted in complaints from the local · I had a long conversation with Rose- like to contact me I have some photos of sweet shop about undercutting them. This mary Cox, who keeps in touch with Mi- her on the annual outing when the whole was my first involvement in selling - now I chelle Phillips living in Israel, who had school would invade some quiet spot for sell banknote paper all over the world for told her about the ORA. She produced an the day. I see we share a love of gardening slightly higher prices! old address book and wonders if anyone and would love to make contact with her. Mr Simmonds tried to teach me Ger- knows the whereabouts of Pat Trueman I cannot compete with the exciting man, with mediocre results. The chemistry (Basil Dowling used to hear from her), lives of other Old Girls. I worked at master, Dr ‘Zonk’ Lambert recommended Gillian Curtis, Ruth Frieze, Barbara Lloyds Bank for eight years until having German to read the original text of ref- Goltman, Janet Hayter, Jennifer Triance, my two daughters, who are now career erence works. I went to Germany with this Ruth Jones, Elaine Worsley, Linda Levy, women in Bristol, which means no in mind, forgot university and did a Ruth Munday, Andrea Simmonds, Bernice grandchildren. After a divorce and a few sandwich course in engineering there. I Wisniak (who also went to Israel), Pat lean years, when the girls were young, I met my present wife and became fluent in Dixon (I told her Geoff Gillon had traced remarried and now have two sons who are German before returning to England where her)? She also asked about Ann North both working. I suppose that is an I got involved in selling technical products. who taught history and Rosemary Lawton, achievement. I am now a lady of leisure Initially this was electronic components, geography department – she is now Mrs and cannot wait for spring, to start gar- then banking machinery, such as Stoggall now living in Plymouth and since dening again, when my two dogs let me. through-the-wall money machines. For the retiring last July has done quite a bit of I worked in Living Store in Romford for last six years it has been banknote paper sailing. seven years, but it is now closed and for Portals Ltd, based in Overton, Hants. nothing else came up. I spend much time travelling around · Angela Fitzgerald has three children I sat for ages reading the Newsletters the world and was in Southern Africa on and lives in Basildon. Pat McCoughlin and remember well Tony Fuller, Eddy the day of the November Reunion.” lives on the Isle of Dogs with her two Dodwell and Ernie Tarling. I think the children. Both Angela and Pat remember partition did not discourage us (told you!! - · John Cavanagh (64-68). going with me to a schools performance at ed.), it only increased our curiosity espe- the London Coliseum when there was a cially as the boys’ gym was overlooked by · Jeremy Pledger (59-61). bomb scare. We all had to leave the theatre our playground. We were very innocent in and wait outside until it was declared safe. TRS NEWS SEPTEMBER 2000 PAGE 7

WALLIE AND THE LSE continuing the tradition from the 1930s which Wallie remem- bered so well. etween 1935 and 1937, Wallie Spooner was a student at Lunch was followed by a tour of the School, including what is the London School of Economics (LSE), where he read known as the Founder’s Room, with its portrait of Sidney and BGeography and Economics. He was there at the time that Beatrice Webb. Wallie remembered so much about his time there William Beveridge, who was arguably the founder of the Welfare – being lectured to by Harold Laski and Beveridge and attending State, was the Director and he was taught by many people that are a talk by Otto Kerensky, who was the leader of the Menshevik now regarded as the fathers of modern social policy and economic Party and Prime Minister of Russia between the revolution and theory. the rise of the Bolsheviks. Wallie last visited LSE about 40 years ago when he attended Looking around the LSE obviously brought back many an event to mark the peerage awarded to one of his contempo- memories for Wallie who still vividly described some of the raries. So Sandra Johnson, Tony Fuller and Tony’s partner, Jenny characters he was at the School with. Over lunch, we looked at Law, who is manager at LSE, decided to tempt Wallie out of some old Raine’s rugby photographs and Wallie recognised an hibernation for lunch at LSE. Old Raineian who was one of his contemporaries at LSE, both of After a good deal of plotting to ensure that LSE would help them playing rugby for LSE at the School’s sports ground in New with the visit, on 8th September Wallie was picked up by car and Malden. Julius Ginswick married another Old Raineian, Amy driven to Central London via Docklands, Arbour Square, Cannon Kahan and prior to his retirement, he was Professor of Social Street Road and St George’s in the East. Policy at a University in New South Wales in Australia. After arriving at LSE Wallie was met by a member of the LSE Wallie arrived back at his home late in the afternoon and Alumni liaison staff and presented with a copy of the LSE’s of- looked very tired. However, he had obviously enjoyed himself ficial history, followed by the presentation of a new LSE tie (from immensely and had a day which allowed him to see another the ORA) Wallie having lost his old one!!! Having been joined School which was an important part of his life and share his by Alan Thorogood and after having his photograph taken for the memories with some of his friends. (international) LSE magazine, the group had lunch in the senior Dining Room, surrounded by the current staff of academics, Tony Fuller

· Henrietta Levy was very surprised · Mr Stanney wishes to be remembered · Bob Philpotts (yet another historian) that I remembered her! She is now a to any former colleagues. He is enjoying a is working on his next book, about the Biochemist working at Barts and the Royal busy and happy retirement, but thinks he coastline of Cambodia. London Hospital. will avoid the Dome! · Two ladies from Bedford, whose · Steve Johnson (English) is still badges I forgot to look at, know Peter · Roger Beck (German dept.) loves teaching in Watford and keeps promising Protheroe who taught in the RE depart- living in “leafy Surrey” and escapes with to call when he visits relatives in York! ment. He is now at the John Bunyan his wife to their Normandy ‘refuge’ Zippy Auerbach is also teaching in Wat- chapel in Bedford and had also helped with whenever possible. ford; across the road from Steve! the John Bunyan museum. · Viv Nicholas (geology) is retiring in · Anita Merker (Smith, Head Girl 68) · It was good to see Laurie Dalton who July and looking forward to having time to bought one of the field trip videos and was has been ill and having treatment since devote to music, painting, travelling and amused to see the ‘old faces’ (thank you May, but hoped to be back at work early skiing. His wife Ros Berrill is making Anita, where’s my Grecian 2000! – ed.). this year. We all wish you a good recovery good progress after a spell of ill-health. So was I when I watched Lesley Jensen’s and return to your former level of fitness. copy recently – but, oh dear!, trying to put His friend, David Lloyd was also there and · Reff Reffold is still enjoying Thailand names to faces. Wallie would have been he sees the Rossis. He told me the sad and is fine again after a spell of illness. able to do so. news that Jimmy Selway had died of cancer. · Janis Fuller and Graham Willett are · Hazel Fosbraey (Paul) asked if I re- still teaching in Oaklands, Bethnal Green alised that ‘her’ year hit 40 years of age in · Clive Baugh related that he had and Tiffins, Kingston respectively. They 1999. She is in her final year of her degree worked for BP for 20 years! David De’ath missed their Yorkshire visit with young course and had completed her last teaching manages to time his visits to England to daughter last year, so I hope to see them practice. She and her middle daughter coincide with ORA functions and was this coming August. both sing in Salisbury Festival Choirs. flying back to South Africa the following day. · Barry Jones (history) is well and sent · Margaret Paish now has twin news that Ray Hart (also history) had granddaughters and Jack Lowe’s two sons · Barbara Page’s two sons are showing broken his leg badly when his cycle are fast growing up. He bumped into Janis some musical talent and her sister Marga- skidded on oil in the centre of Norwich. and Graham in Bromley. ret also has two children. Barbara re- We wish him a good recovery. Barry had marked that she had known some of the bumped (his word) into Caroline Halloran · Barbara Collins (Newton) says her folk at the Reunion for a quarter of a (English) who has gained PhD in Social family is all well. She went to Eileen century. Sciences. Gurney’s Silver Wedding in August and TRS NEWS SEPTEMBER 2000 PAGE 8 saw some Old Raineians there. Hamilton, who sang in the choir; Winnie is when graffiti was found in the girls' Wilkinson and George Canning. toilet in our beautiful Arbour Square · Charmaine Simon (Kerridge) is kept building. We were in the fourth year and busy with teaching and her two young · David Spencer’s sojourn of working everyone knew it had to be girls from our children. for an oil company in Norway has ended, year. Girls spent ages sitting around the although his next ‘port of call’ is, as yet, hall waiting to be interviewed (I only heard · Joanne Kay (Marshall) has been unknown. He was in London for the New about this as I was off sick the whole time married for a year now and saving up for a Year’s Eve celebrations and in March it was going on. It wasn’t me, I promise! house means no skiing this winter. She leaves for Nepal to join an expedition to Again I would have been too scared, es- completed a half-marathon in aid of St climb Everest. pecially if Mr Spillett or ‘Reffold’ would Joseph’s Hospice. have been dealing with it!! · Richard Tillbrook is settling in as a Myself and Michelle Steel spent many · Jackie and Robert Connolly are also parish priest in rural Essex and experi- pleasant lunch times chatting to Mr foregoing ‘groovy holidays’ (e.g., Nepal) enced his first Animal Service in October. Blundell in the Art Room. It was such a whilst getting their new house organised. haven up there. · He delivered a wonderful tribute at I was a good girl at school, but useless · Vivienne and Martin Durne find Wallie’s funeral. The whole service had at so many subjects. I was at my happiest countryside life great, but Vivienne plans been planned by Wallie, so Lesley Jensen during my last two years. You felt so to retire early in 2002! Her cousin Mar- (Tear) and Clive Baugh both read chosen grown up having a special room in the garet (Bell) is happily settled near York. passages. I am sure Wallie would have Lower VI and you didn’t have to be approved of the entire proceedings and ‘chucked out’, at playtime, by the prefects. · John Chappell’s children are showing been delighted to see so many people Do you know Miss Jackson, I had two musical talent and John is singing in a present. detentions during my whole time as a couple of choirs. Raineian and one of them was for leaving · Finally the following is a letter I re- my music book at home? Of course I’m · Miss Ione Hoskins, living in Cam- ceived from Lyn Warner (Baker, 74-80). not saying who gave the detention, but berley, is no longer mobile, but does a “I wonder if you remember me - I was please don’t feel guilty! great deal of reading and keeps in touch in the same year as Lesley Cox, Karen I also loved your piano playing in the with several former Secretarial Sixth girls, Gray, Jane Durrell, Karen Davis and we mornings as it made me feel peaceful and John Blundell and Tom Billington. are all still good friends now. We were all proud to be a member of such a school. I (Maths). at Raine’s from 1974 to 1980/81/82. I feel all of us are decent human beings for know all of us have fond memories of life our experiences with you all." · Gavin and Peggy Adlington are at the school from that first week when Miss Lowes showed all the girls how to currently resident in Essex. Gavin is di- OTHER NEWS – 2 rector of a small British company and ‘sit’ properly with our legs to the side. spends much time travelling abroad and This was so the staff on the stage wouldn’t Peggy joined him in Sri Lanka for a week. have to look at our navy knickers (that we From Bill Richards Well earned, I’m sure, after coping with always wore EVERY day - I know I did. I various sad family traumas and teaching was always scared of being found out and nfortunately I start this section full time. sent home; God I was such a ‘goody- with sad news of Old Raineians goody’). Uwho have died. · Alan Waters has been in India again A brief (you sure you want to use this helping in an Anchorage Shelter for street word?! - ed.) spell of bullying was soon Firstly Gwynneth passed on the news of children. He will shortly be going again sorted out in my second year by Miss the death of Pat Miller, who was Head of and may be able to visit Reff. Johnson and Miss Gilchrist. It was a Languages at the Girls’ School in the early horrendous experience to go through, al- 60s, last November. If anyone has any · James Doherty has become a proud though I think it’s made me sensitive to memories of Pat please do write to me. father to a baby daughter. children in my care at a nursery I run. There are 50 six week to four year olds and We next heard about Frank Battes · Ann Lowes (PE) has suffered an the nursery is in Bedworth, Warwickshire. (54-59), who, at the age of 57 died of a ‘Annus Horribilus’, so hopes the coming I discovered I wanted to be a nursery nurse heart attack on Wednesday 19 January. Jo of the New Millennium will bring a hap- after Child Development. Roberts attended the creamation and sent pier one. Thankfully there has been an Although we all wanted to go ‘on the following: improvement in her own health. strike’ when we discovered we were to “An Old Raineian and former Old join St Judes and go Comprehensive Raineians’ Association committee mem- · Mike Hazell and family are still living (‘ghastly’ we thought - we were such little ber, ex-policeman Frank worked as a in Bristol and his son has now started snobs!), we would never have covered private detective in Southwark before his school. Child Development at Grammar School death. and I wouldn’t be doing something I love. It was standing room only as over 150 · Where are you now requests: Marie Another event that has stayed with me people packed the North Chapel, City of TRS NEWS SEPTEMBER 2000 PAGE 9

London, for the cremation of Frank Battes. children, Sarah and Michael, and I am sure able to attend many of the meetings or A trad jazz band led the black plumed all your thought are with them at this sad other functions, due to pressure of work as horses that drew the hearse. They later time. well as the geographical distance. As you played ‘Georgia’ and ‘Saints’ in the chapel. might recall I live in Germany, not very far A good gathering celebrated the life of · Again Colin Biggs (50-55) has put from Heidelberg. I do come to the UK but this colourful character in the Lord Clyde ‘pen to paper’ and sent the following: at irregular intervals. Perhaps I shall retire pub afterwards.” “I was delighted to read Terry Hem- early and make a long expedition to the We would like to express our sympathy mings response to my first effort as he was UK. to Frank’s family. one of the four or five, in my class, who lived like me in East Ham. The last time I Class 5A Richard Tillbrook wrote to tell us of the saw him was probably when I visited the death of his mother, Violet, on Monday 7 school, when I was about 18 which is In the following text I have put together February. I mention this sad passing as a about four decades ago, so we will have a some fairly random recollections about the number of Old Raineians, especially ex- number of things to relate. As I will be teachers and pupils. I am not, in every scouts, enjoyed Violet’s cups of tea over going to Johannesburg, some time next case, sure about the spelling of the names the years and would wish to send their year, to visit an old friend from my student and particularly those for the masters; I can condolences to Richard and his family. days, I will try to do more than write. only write down those which I can re- Perhaps we will meet there or somewhere member using for them and these may be Lastly a death that ‘hits a bit closer to else. So Bill, please let me have the ad- nicknames or just spurious ones. home’ to Alan and Sandra Johnson and dress, I can’t wait to write to him. Alnock Hornsby was our art master myself. Roy Powney (60-68) died sud- Here is my next creation. I think that when I was 14 to 16 year old - this would denly on Wednesday 16 February at the you've probably all guessed, that I have have been about 1952 to 1954. He was also age of 50. Roy was a year older than me been yearning for years for a captive one of our reluctant Religious Instruction and a contemporary of Alan’s. He was audience to which I can spill the beans teachers, for about two years. He made the also a close friend of Alan and Sandra’s about these very important matters. Thank two hour classes for this, on Friday af- and the Godfather of their daughter Gayle. you all very much for taking the trouble to ternoon, more bearable for some of us. In Roy leaves a wife and two young publish all these things. I have not been the first such lesson, he assigned us to

LSE REUNION - PART TWO out of knotted together tights and petticoats and always carry handy items like hairpins, tissues and plasters, and can always nd do you remember what you were doing on that Friday rustle up a cup of tea in a crisis; lastly we had the star of the early evening, that cold, wet November when the Old evening - Wallie, who remained calm, after all he once told 4A ARaineians’ Association had its last reunion of the cen- that nothing any pupil tried as a prank would surprise him, he had tury? I spent a considerable time with Christine Smith, Wallie seen it all before. and my husband, Rohan, in a poorly lit stairwell in Connaught As the smell of burning paper and plastic drifted up the lift House, adjacent to the Old Building where the London School of shaft from the basement, fire-woman reappeared and led us Economics Senior Common Room is located. through to the adjoining Connaught House where we could use Of course nobody could have imagined that the joke, Arbour the lifts (definitely better than five flights of stairs). The evening Square lesson bell (oh no it’s Latin/French/Maths and I have not grew more like a disaster movie as we reached the locked solid done the homework), was a real fire alarm and not those dreadful oak doors out of the building. Rohan looked for items to break fifth-formers doing the well-worn end of term prank again. The down the door, fire-woman used the walkie-talkie to call the key reality of the situation only sank in when the LSE hostess dis- holder! appeared into a telephone booth and reappeared as ‘fire-woman’, Outside the thought of the ORA reassembled party in the local clothed in a becoming orange jacket and carrying a walkie-talkie pub lured away John and Clive. Fire-man mark II, who really did half her size, ordered us to evacuate. ‘Chef-man’ (i/c evacuation think he was called Arnie, let the remaining four stay in the warm on the fifth floor) emerged from the kitchen some time later in the stair well “I’ll be back”, he said over his shoulder... He continuing the colour scheme in his stylish orange floral chefs’ wasn’t. Never trust a film star. After some time the thought of the trousers and asked my permission to abandon the Senior Common comfort of the Senior Common Room decided us - we were going Room and ran leaving six of us: Clive Baugh (ORA committee back to the fifth floor... somehow. member and skiing expert - if anyone could get us + Wallie’s With the use of a load lifter, then a lift which was working, we wheelchair down five flights of stairs he could); John Smith arrived back at the fifth floor. As the doors slid back we emerged (architect and fire escape expert - he looked very worried as he into a group of little children dressed in white, practising karate in cast his eyes about the room); Rohan, the optimist who has the lobby... had we been burnt and was this what Heaven was watched too many disaster movies which always have happy like? We ploughed through the karate angels and doors and endings and rather fancying himself as Arnie Schwarzenegger, corridors to where we started. looked positively at the fire stairs and balcony and the remaining And there was the ORA party, back in the SCR wining and food and beer abandoned by the rest of the group. His only fear dining, completely unaware that its special guest was missing! was that a bloke called Bruce, wearing a dirty vest, would jump What an evening. What are we going to do as an encore next year? through a window and join us; Christine Smith and I were useful of course - women always have the potential to make escape ropes Leslie Jensen (Tear) TRS NEWS SEPTEMBER 2000 PAGE 10

THE BOYS’ OWN HERO? fairly soon that, if we did not keep quiet, he would make us take part in the R I class, ll of the older, former male pupils at the School would have been familiar with again. We were not stupid, so he did not the tales of daring-do which surrounded Alec Aldridge, who taught at the School have to warn us often. Abetween 1921 and his retirement in 1961. These almost perfect conditions, of Stories abounded about his war record in BOTH world wars – from flying Camels course, could not last; given the reasons for (like Biggles) to his exploits in France during World War II as an RAF intelligence our sitting at the back, it might even be officer. As one of his pupils – he was my first form master, form 1A, in one of the rooms argued that some sort of divine retribution off the Hall – I was, like many other boys, fascinated by the tales which came from was inevitable. I am, however, very everybody else but not Alec. The crux of the stories was, however, whether they were doubtful that this is what it was, partly true or not. because of my inborn scepticism which I So, a trip to the Public Record Office at Kew generated a copy of his World War I still have, but also because we knew that service record. the changes were dictated by the head- Alec Lancelot (he kept that quiet from the boys!) Aldridge was born 12 August 1898, master exercising his right of veto. at I Eastbourne, the son of Frank and Edith Aldridge. Thereafter, we all had to take part in the On 4 July 1917 he was conscripted into the Royal Flying Corps, aged 19. He went lesson, again. Within a short time, it straight in as a Pilot without going through an army regiment as many of his contem- changed however into Architecture of poraries had to do. His training consisted of flying a number of aircraft of various Churches. Even this subject was more designs, listed on his record as Maringdale, BE2c, BE2d, BE2e and BE12, Avro, interesting than learning dozens of Psalms Sopwith Pup and Sopwith Camel and the SE5, names which will prod the memory of with Joe Swain. Whether the rein- many older former pupils. It was during his training that he was commissioned as a statement of the religion class and its mu- Second Lieutenant in the RFC and placed on the General List prior to posting to an active tation into church architecture were ex- unit. changed shot by shot, with the headmaster, On 21 November 1917, after being stationed at a number of UK air training fields, he or whether it was done as retaliation, with was promoted to Lieutenant and was confirmed as a Pilot, prior to being posted to 74 the deliberate intention of further flouting Squadron. In December 1917 he moved on to 110 Squadron and almost immediately on his or the school’s rules, I don’t know. to 86 Squadron. On 7 March 1918, 86 Squadron was back in England, providing the But, whatever method was used, I think it Scout Pool at Manston. On 18 March, Alec Aldridge was transferred again, to 46 must have been rather difficult, in those Squadron, where he flew Sopwith Camels. days, especially at a Church of England On 29 August 1918 he was wounded and when he crashed the plane, he was impaled school. For this reason, I admired Alnock, in the joystick. By the end of September he was in a hospital in Minehead where he as we called him, very much. He was also remained until the end of the War. On 25 January 1919 he relinquished his commission not one of the masters who practised because his injuries, although healing, were making flying impossible. He was awarded corporal punishment except for the fol- the usual list of medals for his service. lowing lapse which - as it was not I who When he joined the RFC his records show that he was fluent in French, even at that was punished - I have had no difficulty at early age. He joined Raine’s in the 1920’s and features prominently in some of the all in forgiving, especially after more than photographs of the dinners held by the ORA in the 1920s and 1930s. When WWII came forty years. round, he immediately rejoined the RAF with the rank of Flight Lieutenant and was He boxed Alan Bence’s ears twice. posted to the RAF Intelligence Unit, where he was a liaison officer with the French Alan had been talking or joking with Underground, the Marquais. However, his health continued to be a problem and by the someone and was. I was going to give a end of the war he had returned to his teaching post at Raine’s but not until he had been blow by blow account of this but this awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French Government. would be intensely boring to everyone who Alec Aldridge continued to teach both French and English at the School until he was not there or who did not know them. retired in the 1961. He died the following year and was buried in East Sheen Cemetery. So I will just say that there was a warning The School Governors, teachers and many Old Raineians attended the service. to be quiet, a denial and then the action described. As I wrote above, Hornsby Tony Fuller wasnt one of the masters I found difficult to get on with. Nevertheless, I still saw write essays on what we really thought temptation which we did not fail to men- this from the standpoint of the pupil and about it all. I and two or three others wrote tion to the others and which not everyone underdog. As far I can recall, the others in that we were really atheists and, from then could resist. At the next opportunity, some the class had similar opinions and we, of on, he recognised us as what I now call more of them declared themselves to be course, all sided with Bence, who was to us conscientious objectors; he let us sit down objectors as well and they were then al- recognisably another toad beneath the at the back of the class to do our homework lowed to sit at the back, with us. This same harrow. It would be interesting to or look at art books. We couldn’t believe happened several times, until there were hear either of their versions of this story, our good luck! There were really only two just as many sitting at the back of the class after such a long time, if they are within or three of us to start with but more became as at the front. We were a large class of reach and can be asked. converted, when the others noticed how perhaps thirty pupils, made up of two Charley Nay was our Carpentry Mas- enviable our position was. The art books classes of the same age to take advantage ter; he seemed good natured enough contained, among other interesting things, of the size of the art studio, so we took up normally, but he was often a bit eccentric nude forms of art - these were an additional quite a lot of room, at the back. He told us and lost his cool a number of times. He TRS NEWS SEPTEMBER 2000 PAGE 11 lisped and addressed us together as centrate on science subjects. tification parade hanging over us. I can “Ladth”; this was imitated quite a lot. He Donnie Lyons was an Old Raineian remember Malcolm Boyce (China), John flipped out once with Harry Roberts. and very strict with corporal punishment. Matthews, Harry Roberts, Brian Nou- Harry and another were turning the large He beat us when he thought we made silly droum and I. I believe we had a half day handle of the stone grinding wheel and mistakes, in German - he had his own off and went there to enjoy ourselves - I Charlie was leaning over it to show us how peculiar system of marking certain mis- don’t remember why we disliked the bath to grind a carpenter’s chisel. His tie caught takes with blue crosses. He awarded such attendants but recall that there was an in the grinding stone, between its surface crosses if you failed to write a German exchange of insults with them for some and that of the chisel, which was fixed in a noun with a capital letter, or chose the unknown reason. But they called us a clamp. The large stone wheel had a lot of wrong gender - there are three different number of things as well - so we had to momentum and could not be stopped very ones in German. The more such crosses a parade before the Headmaster. To his quickly. He ended up with his nose, quite person had the more they were beaten. In credit, Brian (Chicken) Nodroum said that literally to the grindstone and I think he a way, I must argue that it worked with me, the version of the attendants had been thought that it was done on purpose - and because I was not someone, at that age, greatly exaggerated. I wouldn’t have had perhaps it was. He recovered himself, with who was very studious, and hardly did the nerve to speak up like this! a hammer in his hand, leaning over Harry, homework for other subjects. German was Apologising to the Station Master at who was stretched over backwards across an exception because I was afraid of being New Cross on the way back from Eltham the stone. I was going to ring Harry up, in beaten and when a test was planned, I tried which was where the playing fields were: I Toronto, to hear his version of this because to prepare it, not always successfully. Still, was advised to do this, by Wallie I was a little unsure of some of the detail, it worked through fear and I dont have a Spooner, for opening the train door while but I have refrained from this because it is good feeling about it and he was, because it was in motion. John Matthews and Fred not important. Perhaps I will go to make a of this, not one of the teachers I admired. It Curl were in the same carriage. We very raid on Canada and he can tell me the worked also for me in another way, as unintelligently called out John’s name, details in person. well. I was always interested in German, loudly and in chorus. The masters were in Our Form Mistress, Miss Ringer pro- both as a country and as a language, even the next carriage and could easily identify tected us like a mother hen. Some of the after I left school. It is not surprising that us afterwards. They put them under other members of the staff clearly didn’t I ended up there, after working a little more pressure until they confessed and then we like this but did not want to be disagreeable than a year in the town of Zürich in the all had to confess as well. The instruction towards her. This meant that for the first German speaking part of Switzerland. to apologise to the station master held me couple of years, no one received any Teachers are not allowed to beat in its spell each time I passed through New conduct entries; however, the first ink children in Germany, where I live; I know Cross to travel to and from Eltham; indeed, conduct entry in the class was given to me, this in some detail because both my kids once I found myself hovering outside the which she regarded as a major let down for went to school here. Even the prefects station porter’s room where I expected to the whole class. I received it for talking in were allowed then to beat the younger find the Station Master. But I never raised Bill Lea’s maths class. She was also our boys, with the slipper, which I think was the courage to go in, so nothing came of it Biology Teacher. This was one of my impossible to justify, morally even then. - and there was no further questions from better subjects. It was the sort of subject For this and other reasons, I never regretted Wallie which I also dreaded for a while. which one did not have to do much more not staying on into the sixth form. Come back John Matthews and Fred Curl, than read the book and pay a little atten- Bill Lea was our maths teacher. He all is forgiven! tion, in class. The biology laboratory was came from Stepney and was also an Old You can see that I experienced quite an quite well equipped and there were often Raineian. He lost his temper sometimes unusual number of line ups and threatened dissected animals, worms, frogs and but only became loud and was never vio- identity parades - one such was really held, rabbits. Once, even a human skeleton lent. He was very clean and tidy, smelled but it did not involve anyone in my class! I appeared for quite a while (another one strongly of coal tar soap (you notice this think, even to this day, I have certain who wouldn’t eat the school dinners?! - when you sit next to someone when he is standard excuses ready, although I hardly ed.). showing the way a parabola should be ever use them. Sometimes I think that I Alec Aldridge was our French Teacher drawn). He took us through an alternative could have joined the army or some similar - another one of my better subjects. He had O-level maths which included differential service and survived quite well. I find eccentric but humane forms of punishment and integral calculus. This was unusual in myself forming such phrases as: We wus like making the culprit stand in the waste those days. framed or no speakee dee lingo! Dusty paper basket for half an hour. He was also At the Mile End Municipal Baths Traile: At the John Benn swimming baths, quite good at throwing things, particularly which we used to call the Muni. we did a quite near the school, they forgot to turn on the blackboard duster and pieces of chalk lot of bombing from the top board. In case the heating for the water. This was in the which of course did not hurt much and was someone does not understand this, it middle of winter and we had to protest also quite humane. He wanted me to stay means jumping in the water and holding loudly and refuse to dive in again before on at school to do A-level French. I wasn’t your body in such a position that as much we could convince the baths attendant. bad at it but still not one of the best ones. I water as possible is splashed over some When he finally went to check it he found think he was a little bit disappointed that third parties, which in this case were the that we were right and we were sent back the best ones in his subject, Malcolm bath attendants. A group of us had to to school early. we were sent back to Boyce, for instance were going to con- confess to this with the threat of an iden- school early. TRS NEWS SEPTEMBER 2000 PAGE 12

Ironmonger: He replaced Dusty his sister, details. He plans to visit that film wouldn’t wind on or bits of the Traile who left Raines to be Olympic country in the near future and would love equipment fell on the floor and trying to Coach, for Nigeria. We were playing some to meet with Terry. If he or his sister reads find them in a darkened room nor daring to sort of improvised ball game, in the gym this please contact me - ed. put the light on in case you completely and we were in two small teams Iron- exposed the film. monger refereeing to start with. When he · Congratulations to Tony Groves There were lots of experiments to do tried to join in and took the ball, probably (64-72 as a pupil and since then, more or but in reality it was good fun doing them. to help the weaker side, we all jumped on less, as a Laboratory Technician and I’ve been to two summer schools which him, even those of us who were really then Head Laboratory Technician) for were both great. It was like being a supposed to be on his side. He had to fight attaining his BSc. Tony e-mailed the teenager again painting the town red in the very hard, lying on the floor, to reach his following: students’ bar on very cheap beer. Drinking whistle which was on a long string around “Since 1996 I have been studying for five pints of Old Speckled Hen the night his neck. I can remember leaning over an Open University Science Degree. This before doing various experiments, in- him, very closely, eyeball to eyeball, while is a modular course the choice of the volving high concentration and using he was struggling to reach it. I remember modules being yours.I have taken eight smelly chemicals, the next morning may thinking: this must be against the rules! courses as follows: not have been the wisest thing to do but For all I knew the others might have been Science a Foundation Course who cares it was really good fun and I’m kicking him somewhere delicate. Perhaps Astronomy and Planetary Science sure the social life was more important we would have been able to plead igno- Images and Information than the practical work. rance of the rules, but there was no ret- Science Matters I have now got my BSc (nothing to do ribution - full marks to him wherever he Physical Resources and Environment with beef) and it was worth while doing. may be. Environmental Control and Public In fact I have two more courses to do to I was not good at any sports involving Health ‘convert’ it to a BSc (hons) degree. Also a ball, so I was not really someone who Our Chemical Environment along the way I have obtained a Diploma in spent a lot of time playing such games, in Environmental Modelling, Monitoring Pollution Control so I could probably be a fact I have avoided them to this day. But I and Control pollutant investigator or PI for short (so was not completely unsporting, because I The courses have been challenging and that’s what they mean in American mov- was quite a good swimmer and could do fun especially with the home experiments ies). cross country or other long distance run- you have to do with some courses and the The courses have been great fun and ning. I can run even now for more than an summer schools with others. challenging and I’m glad that I have done hour, usually alone - I have even entered Did you know that you could measure them. If you have the time I would rec- for two 18 km races (just less than a half the distance of the moon from the earth ommend anyone to obtain an Open Uni- marathon) a few years ago; one of them using high tech equipment such as a long versity degree; it gives you a great sense of was very steep, in the hills near to where I stick with a small disc attached to it? I achievement.” live, in Germany. I am tempted to enter for don’t know what the neighbours opposite a full marathon, as I feel fairly sure that I thought I doing when I stuck this pole out Well there you go . That’s the end of would be able to finish it but I would of the bedroom window at night. I’m glad another Newsletter. As usual there are a certainly be one of the last to finish. The that the house was not surrounded by po- number of people mentioned who are not longest time I ran for was three hours, in lice shouting put your weapon down! Or members. If you are one of these people the tropics and it was just as hilly as here. the time in the garden in the middle of May who receive the Newsletter without being I think I mentioned in my last letter that at midday with a table lamp in the middle a member please join. After all it is only I also ski – I taught my wife, my son and of the lawn and a piece of white paper in £20 for Life Membership!! If you know of daughter all to ski, although they all had front of it (they didn’t know I was trying to anyone who wishes to join please ask them lessons in ski schools as well. We never measure the sun’s intensity). I’m surprised to contact me. stopped skiing, when they were very I wasn’t carted away (there’s still time - young. They usually went with us and we ed.). Bill Richards put them into a ski school, in the mornings Other experiments included measuring and then they skied together with us in the river pollution by taking samples from the afternoon. So we used to have them with local river, weighing household and gar- us a lot of the time. Nowadays, both den waste of different categories in sepa- children have switched to snow boarding rate bags, the results of which were used in and are both rather good at both disci- a national survey on waste production in plines, so they don’t come with us much the UK. I’m glad this survey took place in now, mainly because they want to go spring as I wouldn’t know how to weigh where there are more and louder disco- that tree I took down in October! theques.” I’ve produced photographs of light passing through slits developing the film in Colin has asked me for Terry Hemming’s a long thin black plastic bag and even address in South Africa but, unfortunately managed to produce a hologram. The I have mislaid both Terry’s and Valerie’s, language at times was ripe when either the TRS NEWS SEPTEMBER 2000 PAGE 13

PHOTOGRAPHS OF RAINE’S SCHOOL

PHO- TOGRAPHS OF RAINE’S SCHOOL

For the past few months the ORA has been collecting copies of engravings and photographs of the various school buildings from 1719 to 1980s. We have had photographic copies made of all those we have and we are now able to offer modern copies of those engravings and photographs for sale, either in sets or singly. Taken from various copies of the school prospectus from the turn of the century we have: The original building in Raine Street, Wapping The Raine’s Asylum for Girls (not a hospital, a post-school training establishment for girls going into service) Raine’s in Arbour Square (believed to be taken in the 1950s) From a copper printing block we have: Raine’s in Arbour Square (a slightly different view which also shows the old pub where the dining rooms subsequently stood. This picture may be an architectural impression of the building) From an original photograph we have: Cannon Street Road, c.1890 All images are in black and white and will be printed to order. The image from the copper block will be printed on white A4 card and is suitable for framing. The photographs are £3.50 each. A set of five is £15.00 plus packing and postage of £2.00. Cheques made payable to the ORA please. We also have other photographs, which have also been copied and printed. For a full list please send an SSAE (A4) to: Tony Fuller, 81 Rosewood Avenue, Elm Park, Hornchurch, Essex RM12 5LD