CRESCAT IN HORAS DOCTRINA The Old Lennensian

Newsletter of the Old Lennensians Association

Spring Edition April 2020

“All hail! Lennensian, the first of your kind Let your pages be ever the best; And in scanning them o’er let nobody mind Not to find himself there with the rest.” (October 1907)

A Word from the Editor When I was writing the Spring newsletter, I was optimistic that the Coronavirus pandemic would be over, that the endless Zoom meetings would be a thing of the past and that the Association would be able to get much more involved in the life of the school. Hindsight is a wonderful thing and the threat to our lifestyle is as powerful and insidious as ever. We have been in regular contact with the school and have offered what support we can in these troubling times. I am delighted to say that Peter Riches has now joined me as a Trustee and that I have become a governor of the school. I say this, not to be boastful or to suggest a tilt at world dominance, but because I believe such appointments give us a better chance to serve the school in ways which the school determine rather than us. I have been impressed with the commitment of the staff and the caring attitude of the pupils in the last weeks and months. Discipline hasn’t been as issue. Young people are often unfairly criticised but they have clearly risen to the occasion during this awful year which will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. 1

I would also like to pay tribute to my committee who work tirelessly for the Association and the school, despite the fact that we only meet on Zoom. The website is a credit to the Association which is desperate to preserve and extend our archive material. When you look at the list of new members (since the Spring newsletter) you will be amazed at the numbers. How many organisations have continued to expand like this during Lockdown? Many would be envious. The Friends of KES group on Facebook continues to increase its membership as well. We have a marvellous school at the heart of our fellowship. As always, I am proud to be an Old Lennensian, Andrew

Andrew Stephen, Chairman (1964-71 School House)

Now compare mine with the Editorial from 1945 which follows:

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A Word from the Headteacher

Dear Old Lennensians, I could not have imagined that my first year as the Principal of KES would have had such 'curious' times to overcome. As we start the new academic year, the 5 months of remote learning and provision for key workers and vulnerable students, seems but as distant memory. I look back fondly on the many bright moments of Lockdown, the fund raising for our local Samaritans, Joe Wicks in the Hall, the Easter eggs for the NHS, the letters to the care homes. The online learning, the home visits with food or printed work, the 200 phone calls a day to safeguard our most vulnerable. The extended summer camp with our "KES family" of children, how they grew in confidence and character as we took advantage of the time we had in school. The baking of bread, the making of jewellery and even a bird box one week. It was a strange but special time. All frozen in time as pictures on a memory board in the corridor. Another part of the great history of KES. As we prepared to widen our doors to the rest of our students this September, our first priority had shifted from our usual purpose. Education was not at the forefront of our minds, but safety, for both our staff and our students. The creation of "bubbles" became the aim, different entrances and exits of each year group, staggered lunches, blocks dedicated to each year. No more were we hearing the clattering of feet on the stone steps as students move on the corridors; but if you are quick you will be able to glance the swiftly moving member of staff as they move from room to room as our students wait patiently for their arrival. With hand gel on the gates and masks in the corridors, it is a strange sight for all. But as I sit here writing this, in what has been probably the most stressful year of my career, I am smiling. I have a school full of children, who are happy and learning. I have a staff body who are eager and ready to fill the gaps of knowledge they have missed, a staff who are ready to ease the worry of those who are anxious or to comfort those who may have lost loved ones. A staff ready to support each other in managing the "new normal". I may not know what this year holds, but I do know that I have a calm, focussed and determined school that is ready for its next 'giant' leap to greatness.

We are very grateful for the support provided by the Old Lennensians. They have given us strong financial support for our Celebration Evening but their encouragement also makes a real difference to me and my staff.

Sarah Hartshorn | Principal

"Doctrina in Horas Crescat"

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Salvete A warm welcome is extended to:

William Brodie Keene 1973 – 80 Stuart Bradnam York 1973 – 80 Stephen Roberts Keene and School 1970 – 73 Philip Jones Glouc/Win 2004 – 06 Michael Cordery Keene 1955 – 60 Gary Compton Lancaster 1970 – 76 Stephen Parish Keene 1976 – 81 Gordon McCalmont Thoresby 1971 – 78 Philip Kerrison York and School 1961 – 68 Malcolm Fry Edinburgh/York 1977 - 80 Vic George Keene 1958 – 64 Toby Wilson Windsor 1978 – 85 Alan Donald York 1968 – 75 Chris Hood School 1956 – 63 Wayne Simpson Windsor 1969 – 74 Chris Cramp School 1962 – 69 Jeff Link Edinburgh 1957 – 65 Graham Smith School 1956 – 62 Ted Le Grice Lancaster 1934 – 40 Shane Hall Thoresby 1978 – 85 Graeme Parr Edinburgh 1967 – 73 Denis Smith York 1950 – 57 Chris Smallwood Glouc/Win 1987 - 94 Jon Edwards Gloucester 1976 – 83 Ian Grady Windsor 1972 – 78 Thomas Chapman Keene/Thors 1988 – 94 Antony Birkett Edinburgh 1971 – 78 Nick Manning Windsor 1962 – 69 Adam Franklin School 1976 – 83 Annie Reed Ed/York 1984 – 91

We would like to trace any other surviving Grammar School staff (initially) and then any long serving staff from KES post 1979. Finding contact details isn’t always easy so we would appreciate your help with this. Expanding our Honorary Membership will take time but we will do it. We are happy to receive nominations of worthy candidates.

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Valete With sadness we record the deaths of the following former pupils and staff and we offer our condolences to their families:

BLY Terry 1955-63 Gloucester CLARKE William 1951-56 Windsor CURZONS Alan 1957-64 FUKES Steven 1990-97 GARSIDE David 1950-57 Keene GIRDLESTONE Granville KNOWLES Bill 1944-50 Thoresby LINFORD Pat 1942-53 Windsor ROBINSON Harold STANLEY Mike

Terry Bly My brother, Terry Bly, played regularly for KES’s under-15 football and cricket teams between 1953-55 before an eye accident in an inter-school football match at Dersingham ended his playing days. Still, both sports remained his dominant passion all his life, marred right to the end by further physical accidents. He died of COVID-19. He was a regular supporter of King’s Lynn Town and Ipswich Town football clubs, but most—surprisingly?— not of Norwich City, where his namesake and cousin was a star of the famous 1959 F.A. Cup team and still holds the EFL post- WW II record for most goals in one season, achieved when he played for Peterborough United. Terry worked first for Morgan’s Brewery and then the British Sugar Corporation in Lynn before retiring to run his own gardening business.

Peter Bly, KES (1955-63) School Vice-Captain 1961-63, Gloucester House Captain 1961-63.

William Clarke Dear Andrew, I don’t know if you include items in the newsletter for non association members, however, I thought I would advise you that an old friend of mine, William (Bill) Clarke,1951/56 Windsor house has recently passed away. Bill was a founder member of the OL’s football club in the late 50’s. He moved to London in 1961 working for the Customs and Excise on the East and West India docks until 1972 when he transferred to the newly formed VAT dept until he was head hunted by a merchant bank to head their VAT dept. In retirement he was an active member of their retirement club, the aptly named Vat rats.

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Kind regards, Graham Lawson 1951-57 Thoresby

Alan David Curzons

Alan was born in King’s Lynn in Norfolk where he attended both Primary school and KES Grammar school (1957 – 1964). He was a bright and willing pupil who enjoyed both academic work and sport.

On a starting salary of £1,150 a year, Alan joined Beecham Pharmaceuticals in 1967 as a laboratory chemist having obtained a First in Chemistry from Birmingham University. He progressed through the ranks finally becoming Director of Applied Sustainability, Chemistries, within EHS (Environmental Health and Safety) at Worthing. His salary had improved somewhat during that time!

In these early years, at Beecham Pharmaceutical, Alan’s work involved solving problems in the production of Penicillin based antibiotics, amongst which was Amoxicillin. Many of the products, over which Alan had an enormous responsibility, eventually became a great commercial success for Beechams and GSK. Colleagues said that Alan had the ability to see the whole picture, but also had an intense ability to find the fine detail, which others had missed.

In his latter working years, at what eventually became Glaxo Smith Kline, as well as being required to be an Expert Witness, Alan was asked to lecture at many prestigious scientific gatherings around the world. He always insisted that Jenny his wife, accompany him. They had great fun together on these trips, which included America, Japan and other locations around Europe.

Alan was a modest man and seldom spoke of his work, but his achievements included the structure of tools and guidance to help scientists develop life-saving medicines with smaller and therefore ‘greener’ environmental impacts, something of which we are rightly

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far more conscious these days. Alan became an internationally recognised practitioner in green chemistry, with many contributions published in scientific journals.

Alan and Jenny, who have lived in Walberton for over 25 years, had both been on the Parish Council for a short period and had helped the church by being members of the Gardening and Cleaning teams for many years. They also belonged to and appreciated many of Walberton’s local societies.

Alan and Jenny, who both loved nature and archaeology, enjoyed many happy walks in and around the village and events with some wonderful local friends who have been amazingly supportive before and after Alan’s untimely death due to Parkinson’s Disease.

Alan’s Parkinson’s Disease sadly took a greater hold on him more recently, preventing him from playing his winning game of tennis and the occasional game of golf. Prior to Alan’s illness, he and Jenny had enjoyed many wonderful holidays all over the world including much of Europe, South Africa, Australia, USA, Near and Far East and beyond.

Alan, described as being kind and a real gentleman, also had a great sense of humour and was a great fan of Monty Python and the Blues Brothers. Alan leaves behind two daughters, a step-son and step-daughter and Jenny his wife.

Jenny Curzons

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Steven Fukes

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Captain David Ware Garside

Passed away peacefully at Wrexham Maelor Hospital on 26th June aged 81 years. Beloved husband of Christine, much loved father to Nicholas and Gail and grandpa to Eleanor, Ben and Alicia. Former Harbour Master and Chief Executive at King's Lynn (KLCB) from 1967 - 1999.

Granville Girdlestone

Granville was born in Terrington St Clement in 1946. When he was a young boy he started his business career by selling his Uncles tomatoes, door to door, before moving on to the Automotive Industry building Soap Box Go Karts with his friends, always on the look out for old pram wheels, lots of skinned knees in those days!

It was in 1958 he started his Grammar School education after he passed the 12 plus exam. He made some very good friends there , some he lost touch with, but was really pleased to be able to reconnect with them again on Facebook groups.

His first employment locally was at Courts Furniture, then he moved to work in the Accounts department at Campbells Soups where he met Marsha his beloved wife.

His career then took him to Dynatron and Multitone in Kings Lynn, where he worked in Purchasing at both companies. He then joined Gestetner Manufacturing at Wellingborough as Senior Buyer, before being promoted to Purchasing Manager. This prompted him to move the family from Downham Market to Thrapston. 10

He had a very successful career which took him to many places all over Europe, and many trips to China. He was also a Private Consultant for train manufacturer Bombardier. Throughout his career he saved companies Millions of pounds with his sourcing knowledge and experience. Metalbox, yet another company he worked for! He also sourced for Ericsson, the phone company and Presstech Engineering.

Although he had lived in Northants for 34 years, he still considered himself a Norfolk Boy at heart. In his youth he played football for local teams like Terrington A, Gt Bircham, Kings Lynn A and Metalbox. Someone described him recently as a Tiger on the Pitch but a very gentle man off it. . In the 100's and 100's of tributes that have been made about him, there has been a common theme saying what a funny, kind, caring and supportive man he was, but very few knew that he had been fighting cancer for 19 years prior to his passing, whilst also caring for his wife through her ill health until she passed away 4 years ago. He was always more interested in other people than talking about himself.

He will be greatly missed by friends, his family and partner of the last two years, for a very long time.

His sister Helen.

Bill Knowles

It was with great sadness that we heard of the death of Bill Knowles. Bill was a farmer at Eau Brink Farm, Eau Brink Wisbech and had a lovely dry sense of humour. He was a gentle man and a true gentleman. In his latter years he played bowls for the OLA group with wife Marion at Hunstanton. He always spoke lovingly of his time at KES.

Malcolm Whittley 1948-53 Windsor

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Pat Linford

Marc Starling, membership secretary writes… Just after the last newsletter was published, I heard from Pat Linford’s wife Jean, who told us the sad news of Pat’s death. He was a very long-standing member and I am pleased to have had the opportunity of a small correspondence with him at renewal time.

Thanks to David Wright (Pat’s lifelong friend), David’s son Tim, and the Linford family we have the following tribute along with two wonderful photos:

Patrick Linford (Pat) was born in rural Dersingham in September 1934. He was a friend from birth with fellow KES schoolboy David Wright. Pat was a bright lad. He was awarded the Royal Gold Medal which was presented to him by Her Majesty The Queen, the first of Her reign, and rewarded Pat’s particular aptitude in maths and physics. The medal remained on show in Pat’s marital house. After three years studying Natural Sciences at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, it was a natural fit for Pat to spend the whole of his working life as a research physicist where, during a royal visit to the research labs at Aldermaston, he met the Queen once more! Pat was married to Jean for over 50 years and they have two sons. They first met on a skiing holiday in Scotland, Jean attended with girlfriends and Pat attended with his great friend David who recalled this first encounter between Pat and Jean most warmly in his recent memoirs. Pat was a practising Christian and was the churchwarden at a church near Basingstoke for many years. He was also a governor of the local Church of England primary school, which both the boys attended, serving in a number of roles until he finally “retired” after his 80th birthday.

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Pat was also Godfather to David’s son and also maintained a good friendship with school friend Peter Hooks.

Pat enjoyed a few days down memory lane last year, staying with Jean in King’s Lynn while attending a family gathering in Dersingham. They stayed at The Globe and went to the Riverside restaurant for an evening meal where Pat remembered past OL reunion lunch gatherings taking place.

Mike Stanley

Mike died on July 3rd. He was living in Lingwood, near Norwich and was involved with the Nancy Oldfield Trust, a charity which took disabled and handicapped people out onto the Broads. Mike loved the Broads and retired there after working for Co-op Insurance most of his working life, in Lynn, Boston and Manchester. He lived in Buxton for several years where he met his second wife Grace. They were married for 23 years. Michael Fillenham 1957-63 Keene

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Officials of the Association COMMITTEE

President: His Honour Judge Peter Jacobs Vice Presidents: The Venerable David Fleming, QHC, R. Booth, R. Carter, David Cobbold, D. Oliver, Dr J.B Marsters, M.J. Tagg, T. Valentine Honorary Life Member: W.O. Lancaster Chairman: A.C. Stephen Vice Chairman: M. Whittley Honorary Secretary: N. Fickling Honorary Treasurer: P. Riches Membership Secretary: M. Starling Newsletter Editor: A.C Stephen Website & Media Officer: D. Phillips Ex Officio: Sarah Hartshorn, Headteacher Without Porfolio: B. Childs, M. Fillenham, C. Prior, M. Walker

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From the Membership Secretary

Few Old Lennensians can have lived through times as peculiar as the last few months – apart, of course, from those old enough to have memories of wartime. As always, I never fail to be heartened by correspondence from members (of all eras), which is invariably cheerful and positive.

We continue to enrol new members – how gladdening it is to be part of a growing and successful association! The list in Salvete, showing some thirty new people spanning many decades, is good news indeed. As well as those joining via the website, we continue to receive applications by paper forms (satisfyingly reassuring for those of us who are more technologically challenged). On which note, I must record my thanks to Paul Long, our website designer, who in unfailingly helpful in the face of every dim-witted query.

Restrictions on social gatherings made our AGM impossible, as well as other planned events. Committee meetings via Zoom are better than nothing but fail to warm the heart like a face-to- face gathering. I am conscious that a good proportion of our members will have been particularly affected due to age or medical conditions; we hope 2021 brings renewed opportunities for the warmth of real and meaningful human interaction.

The highlight of the summer for me has been corresponding with Australian descendants of Edgar Hall, recipient of the Royal Gold Medal in 1876. Thanks to Edgar’s great-granddaughter, Alison Armstrong, here is a flavour of the interesting life of this distinguished OL. 15

Edgar was born in Queenborough on the Isle of Sheppey in 1860. The family were well- known in the town and its maritime commerce. From 1872 to 1876 they lived King’s Lynn, first in North Everard Street and then Friars Street, and Edgar enrolled as a day boy at Lynn Grammar School, winning the Gold Medal in his final year. From the school he went to Owen’s College, Manchester, a forerunner of the current university.

The first photograph shows Edgar in 1879, the second in 1890 (photos from the album of Edgar emigrated to Australia in 1886, aged 26, to look after his mother and seven sisters after his father died on a visit there. He worked variously as a silver mining company manager, at Sydney University, as a government metallurgist and as an analytical chemist. His most significant work was at the Silverspur mine from 1895. This was for many years a prosperous enterprise but, like many small mines, eventually failed. Edgar and the family remained in the town long afterwards. It is thought that he was very committed to finding a solution to the mine’s technical issues, but he was also greatly affected by the death while on military service of his eldest son Edgar Cullen ‘Garry’ Hall in 1917 at Ypres.

Edgar died in 1935, his widow Rose living until 1961. His son Robert came to England as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, later becoming Chief Economic Adviser to successive Chancellors of the Exchequer from 1953 – 61. He was later Principal of Hertford College, Oxford from 1964 – 67 and awarded both the KCMG and CB, as well as a life peerage as Lord Roberthall of Silverspur and Trenance.

Of course, as OLs, we immediately wonder about the whereabouts of Edgar’s Royal Gold Medal (one of those awarded by Edward VII while still Prince of Wales). I am delighted to say that it is still proudly owned by the family and courtesy of Alison and her cousin Barbara Martin we have some photos.

My best wishes to all members – I hope many of us will meet at 2021 gatherings.

With very best wishes to you all, Marc Starling 1975-82 Windsor

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ARCHIVES ‘R US......

Slowly but surely our labours continue! The remarkable expansion of the website has produced its own problems and we have plans to make the Archives section more coherent as soon as possible. Apart from resolving some technical glitches it is to be hoped that we can make the placement of articles and content as well as the ability to find them easier. The scope for content is almost unlimited as evidenced today by receiving some fascinating images from the Head of KES as well as help from members with current articles in the pipeline!

In terms of events for 2021 I shall just give my own perspective based on what we hoped to hold this year, marking 75 years since the end of the war and the departure of Hackney Downs. Depending on levels of help with archives in London and local sources a Reunion and Reception around the paintings of Walter Dexter and other archive material, as well as invited guests connected to these aspects could make a very memorable occasion. Spring and/or Autumn lunches may also feature in 2021 but all depends on several variables including what we are allowed to do.

Finally any member with potential copy or suggestions is encouraged to make contact with us. I do or will have a dedicated email address for OLA matter which I check at least once a week : [email protected] .In the short term there are things you may be able to help me with: 1. Loan of a 1964 Lennensian magazine which I can then copy and return. This would then complete my post war set of magazines that I have at home and therefore helps enormously while Public facilities are still shut. 2. An article called “Meat the Butchers” is in preparation with excellent help from messrs Riches (of Watton), Bowers (of Gaywood) and Priors of Dersingham and West Lynn. If you know of any other family butcher connected to KES since 1906 please let me know.

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3. I am still looking for my embroidered Keene House badge....does anyone else have any that we might scan etc.....? 4. A project on Who actually did the building of KES between 1903 and 1906 and Where the materials were sourced is also in progress. Bawsey brickworks has been mentioned...... can anyone help or suggest sources of information?

THANKS to all who have helped so far in either composing articles or sending in photographs or memorabilia etc and for your patience!

Bob Childs 1966 -72 Keene

Forthcoming Events Who can say what these will be? However, I would like to see a ‘real’ AGM next year, the Dexter event, lunches, and to be invited to school events when they become possible. A reminder, if I may, that all events organised under the Association’s umbrella must be open to all members. Unofficial events, involving former pupils, are fine but the Association and its Events Committee are adamant about the principle that all members are welcome at our official events. May I commend the following email from Graham Ramm, who is keen to attract golfers. I know of many who would be happy to join in the fun:

Hello Andrew,

You may not know of me but I am introducing myself as the person who organises the O.L's Golf Society. I recently took over the task from Don Oliver. As time marches on, with age and infirmity issues our numbers are gradually decreasing. With this in mind, in an attempt to bolster numbers and rejuvenate interest in our gatherings, I wondered if you would kindly find a slot in the up-coming newsletter to advertise the Old Boys' Golf Society thus reaching as many OL's as possible, some of whom may not be aware that golfing exists among us. We meet monthly from May to September, usually playing at Ryston, Diss, Bungay, Sutton Bridge and one other course. If you could please include this information in the next issue along with my email address ([email protected]) and my telephone number (01379 687681) asking any interested parties to get in touch with me so that I can include them on my contacts list for future events (Covid allowing!!) Many thanks,

Graham Ramm. 1957-65 Edinburgh

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P.S. I left KES in 1965, attended Leeds Univ., spent 40 years teaching and am now retired living at Bressingham, Diss.

Reports of Events Of course, I can’t report on any, in this edition, but I believe that the website and social media have kept us alive. Many of the contributors to the Correspondence section have been encouraged to write because their interest and awareness have been stimulated by them. We would have had an AGM, a meal at Marriotts, a Heritage Day and a celebration of Walter Dexter, among other things, to celebrate. I hope to be writing about these next year.

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Correspondence and Articles

John Smallwood I first met John Smallwood in September 1964 when I began my career as a boarder at KES. To an eleven year old, he was a strange mixture of gruff ferocity and obvious kindness. He had an interest in children, which was quite unusual then. We had three housemasters. Mr Beament was very much in charge, distant and aloof, and DESmith, who was full of enthusiasm and energy but, being based at 141, Gaywood Road, had less to do with us. JPS was interesting when crossed. Once, when I was abusing an opponent after a House football match, he accused me of poor sportsmanship and sent me to his room, after a long lecture about fair play and character.

His room was on the top floor and, as I remember, cluttered to the point where it was dangerous to move very much. I waited for an hour or so for what I expected to be a caning. It was obvious when he arrived that he’d forgotten all about me and my misdemeanour and, when I explained, he laughed and said that since I was already there I might as well fill his coal scuttle. This wasn’t a bad punishment but it did involve three flights of stairs and a possible encounter with Jones the Headmaster’s psychotic corgi. I returned, unscathed, to a room full of Gauloise smoke and some dreadful music, apparently being sung by a lady called Joan Baez, who I thought must have toothache.

Sport was obviously very important to him. Sometimes he would take some of us out in the evening for net practice. It didn’t do me much good but I remember he would often put a half crown on a length and tell us to bowl at it. Andy Lawrence hit it sometimes and sometimes got to keep the coin. The rest of us were satisfied to keep the ball within the netting. He never despaired of us, amazingly. He has always been devoted to cricket and has missed watching it dreadfully during Lockdown. In his “Long-Serving Teacher’s Tale” in Michael Walker’s marvellous book ‘KES Tales’, he recalls meeting the Headmaster, 20

AH Sleigh, who was watching cricket on a pitch near the East Door of the Boarding House. Talk of cricket ensued and John attributes his interview success to that conversation.

He realised that at weekends many of the younger boarders, who weren’t allowed to go home, were likely to be bored with all the time they had on their hands. Often, we would use it up by walking to Wootton Woods, a treacherously boggy place, along disused railway lines and, when old enough, to Hunstanton and back. Because of this, he would take some of us in his ancient Morris Minor to football matches at Peterborough, where Derek Dougan was helping the Posh to make a name for themselves. They had a bit of a cup run, I remember. Sometimes, he would stop the car by interesting buildings, such as the Customs House, make us get out and tell us all about it. I often smile about it now when I walk past the Customs House, disgracefully abandoned as it has been in recent times.

He also took us to Wells next the Sea and we ended up in a coffee bar. Eventually he seemed impatient to leave when some large leather jacketed gentlemen with huge quiffs started to take an interest in us.

He hated the very idea of bullying and was very happy to publicly humiliate those guilty of it, shaming them for taking advantage of their superior age and size. He taught me , and many others, that bullying was the last resort of the coward and that only the pathetic and inadequate ever indulged in it. I remembered those words throughout my own teaching career and made sure that all the children I taught understood that, far from showing dominance and superiority, it was an admission of failure. 21

Boarders who saw a lot of John knew that at heart he was a real softie and I don’t say that in a critical way. We thought the world of him, as an unusually kind and sensitive man in a system which, in those days, wasn’t either of those things. He could, however, be a strict disciplinarian and woe betide you if you crossed him when he was on the rampage. I remember one day when a pitched battle was taking place between KES pupils and those from Gaywood Park on the railway line which separated us. Teachers on both sides of the track were urging us, without much success, to desist. John was in the middle of the railway line waving an umbrella, looking almost imperious. No one ignored him.

We were all hugely shocked in School House when he opted to leave us in 1967 to marry Elisabeth, a fellow teacher. We were mystified. Apart from matron and Miss Howard, women were never seen at KES. We didn’t know how he’d managed to find one! As we all know, they made a marvellous and very happy couple for many, many years, until Elisabeth’s death a few years ago. He seemed transformed by marriage. How little we knew! She persuaded him to give up his beloved Benson and Hedges and to throw himself into community life in South Wootton, where he certainly made his mark. He continues to make his presence felt on the Parish Council and to patrol the common as Common Reeve. An elder statesman if ever there was one.

He taught me a few times in later years and I remember his disappointment at being passed over by a Mr Grinham for the post of Head of History. Often he would mutter, “I had better consult Princips Facultatum before I make a decision.” He was never quite unprofessional but he was clearly not going to start a fan club.

I was a member of his A Level History Group, where we all flourished under his guidance, even if I wasn’t particularly interested in the Thirty Years War. I found myself in trouble with Mr Sleigh – and other staff – when I began writing ‘subversive’ tracts called “Onan’s Lump” and “Ratz Alley” which I used to drop onto the playground from the print room 22

window. I know that, more than once, he attempted to plead my case on the basis that all young people have to develop a voice and act out various roles until they find one that fits – but orthodoxy was a very powerful ingredient in Grammar School life.

I stayed in touch with John after I left and wrote to him when I had begun my first teaching job in Nottingham. He sent me a very encouraging letter, ending with the advice to “always smile in the face of the enemy because sometimes that is what they are”.

Nowadays, when he has been watching cricket at Stoke Ferry, he calls in on me at Barton Bendish – or he did before Lockdown! He often talks about the transition from Grammar School to Comprehensive and it is clear that,, unlike some, he would have flourished in any kind of school. He is delighted that pupils from the post Grammar School era are joining the OLA in ever greater numbers. He believes that pupils of all abilities are of equal worth. Who could ever have doubted it?

Unsurprisingly, he has revealed that he, Ken Gregory, Roger Hubbard and others were regarded as rebels because they weren’t afraid to express views that were at odds with the establishment. In many ways they were ahead of their time.

He tells me that he chose to go to Colchester Grammar School, which wasn’t particularly local, because it was the best. After that he went to Wadham College, Oxford to read History before his fateful interview with Mr Sleigh in 1959. He remained at KES for 41 years, ending his career as Deputy Head and respected by all. At the end of this article I have added a number of comments from those who knew him. The word ‘legend’ is often mentioned and , in his case, it is fully justified. He was loved by many.

He is full of surprises. He took many youngsters on archaeological digs because he believed that everyone needs an active interest and they needed to increase their repertoire of experience. As the only Umpire I have ever seen to use a shooting stick (which he still has) he was utterly oblivious and indifferent to the opinions of others. He could never have enough of cricket and watches it regularly still. He has had a variety of eccentric cars and dogs, and has an obvious set of eclectic tastes.

Last year, having come back from Nottingham where I had seen David Gray in concert, I was trying to explain to John what kind of music it was. I expected nothing more that a polite acknowledgment when he said, “Yes, I know David Gray. He lived next door to me 23

in Stiffkey.” Until recently, John had a holiday cottage in Stiffkey and would often hear new songs being practised next door. I shouldn’t have been surprised. David Gray was a good neighbour and, even then, a fine singer , it appears.

I was delighted when we at last persuaded John to come to our reunion in 2019. Dave Phillips presented him with a copy of his new book as a token of his gratitude. Selfishly I will end with another true story. In 2018 I was asked to be the guest speaker at the KES Celebration Evening. One of the pictures I showed was of the history group of 1971. I explained that, without knowing it, my time at KES had prepared me for a career in teaching. “Not only that,” I said, “Often when faced with a difficult class I would find myself thinking what would Mr Smallwood do?” It turned out that he was in the audience. I had the chance to tell him how he had affected my whole working life. There are hundreds of others who would love to do the same.

Andrew Stephen

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Quite simply he had a bigger impact on my life than any other single individual.

I have very fond memories of his school Archaeology Club and Sunday field walking in many parts of West Norfolk. The blue ?Morris Minor was our chariot. I recall an occasion when a couple of us were helping him fix something on it (I lived in South Wootton too). The bolt in question wouldn’t come loose -- primarily because we were turning it the wrong way. Once we'd figured that out, I remember Mr. Smallwood explaining that the best way to loosen a seized bolt was to tighten it further. I believed him at the time. I'm not so sure 40 years later.

Anyway, his commitment to the Archaeology "A" Level led to an undeserved Gold Medal and a place at Cambridge where--ultimately--my most important "find" was the young American woman, a student on a one- year exchange program, to whom I have now been married to for 30 years. living for most of that time in New Mexico.

And you can't overlook Elizabeth -- who always seemed to have immense patience for her husband's many time-consuming pursuits and the many students he would bring home. Nigel Holman

OK, Andrew - it was at a re-union in, I think, 1989, (I'm equating it with the release of a Bob Dylan album "Time Out of Mind" !). I attended with contemporaries of mine, Graham Bradfield, Ray Hook, and Charlie Hammond, (actually all a year, maybe two behind me, but from the same village of Heacham ). We bumped into JPS and he told us quite a story. I'll put it in his words.... "I was sitting in the staff room one afternoon, looking out of the window when I spotted Dave (Perry) carrying a boy across the South Field by his hair !..... When he returned to the staff-room, I said " Dave ... What on earth happened there ?" It transpired that the boy, on being ordered by Dave to do a dozen press-ups for something or other had called Dave a FAT --- - " !!!! .... !!!...., Andrew - apologies for the language , but I am quoting JPS verbatim. Perhaps you could somehow water it down in your characterisation of JPS, but, please, without ruining the classic humorous vernacular of the story-teller !! Iain Christie 25

I was going out with Clive Dodds and he invited me to watch him play in a cricket match at KES. So I turned up in my summer frock, heeled shoes, make-up etc. Not being familiar with cricket, I walked straight in front of the sight screen, thereby managing to halt the game. John Smallwood was not happy and suggested to Clive that if he invited “floozies” to cricket matches in the future, he should at least teach them the rudiments of the game. I had no idea what a floozy was and when I recounted the tale to my parents they were not impressed with Mr Smallwood! However, I did go on to learn the rudiments of the game and even became a scorer when my husband, Mike Harcourt, played village cricket several years later. Maureen Harcourt

Facebook thread:

David Barber He taught me how to spell "Parliament" correctly.

Keith Rudd A special man in my school life!!

Jon Moorhouse

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A 3 word school report of 'able but idle' lives long in my family's memory and still causes amusement to this day.

Keith Rudd

Jon I took stick from John on many occasions, but it was warranted and I respected his influence!

Andrew Stephen When he shouted, we all listened!

Keith Rudd

Andrew didn't shout often; had that look!!

Andrew Stephen

Keith Rudd he was and is a mentor to me.

John Roycroft Not a memory I am proud of but I will never forget the sight of Mr Smallwood running around the back of the canteen - a gaggle of prefects in his wake- to apprehend myself and some fellow reprobates as we enjoyed a smoke break. We stood in the main hall for a week at breaks as a consequence.…

Duncan Kendal I have many! When Myself and a few others were seated in the Morris Minor on the way to cricket once and asked him how many the car seated he replied ‘4 in comfort and 5 in ecstasy!’

Duncan Kendal He also wrote a classic school report for me with the immortal....’further deterioration would require effort’ - an absolute legend.

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Alan Firth I seem to recall he was pretty accurate with the blackboard rubber.

Bonks Burge A genuine old school (no pun intended) legend. A great teacher, solid as a rock, took no tomfoolery, but so well educated & interested in people who cared to be taught.

Toby Wilson On a sixth form archaeology trip. Four of us being driven by JPS. Hit a pheasant. Shame to waste it (rightly). Instructed one of us to pick it up. Put it in the back of the estate car. 10 minutes down the road chaos ensues as the pheasant came round...Pheasant lived to fly another day!…

Toby Wilson He also told me that my Saturday job at Sainsbury’s would damage my A level prospects. He was absolutely right. I should have listened. Turned out all right in the end but would have been easier if I had listened...

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Steve Webster A wonderful man. Stood side on whilst umpiring our cricket fixtures. His Morris Minor was known as “The Chariot” as it was so old. It went from pale blue to yellow one weekend after he painted it at home. Had an uncontrollable dog called Magnus who would regularly enter the field of play at Grimston CC. Absolute legend of a teacher…

Ann Wells A unique, eccentric teacher and a great colleague, kind and supportive

Neil Mitchell Whilst I was a first year, he called me out of a Bernie Phillips English class to ask why I wasn't available for the cricket team on F. A. Cup weekend. I politely told him I was more interested in the football. He said he understood but told me if I wasn’t there I would never play any sport for the whole 5 years I was to be at the school. Needless to say I played and was out for a duck….then listened to the footie on the radio.…

Andrew Stephen Very grateful for these. The word legend is used often. What a contribution he has made and continues to make as a Trustee of the school.

Sarah Utteridge He is indeed a legend! A fantastic History and Archaeology teacher in my time at KES.

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I have several stories, non KES related, more to do with Grimston CC where he played with my Dad for many years.

Robert Fletcher When he first came to KES he had a very old car (ford ?) and l used to travel with him to an Archaeological dig near Denver . Travelled by all the back roads to avoid the traffic and using the dodgy brakes. I used to steer from the passenger seat while he lit his cigarettes!…

Karen Nudds Used to talk all the through the history lesson but would frequently go out the door mid sentence, bellow at someone running past and then come back in and carry on his monologue! Classic! Definitely a legend!

Amanda Brown

Karen Nudds 30

I so remember that . Or he would be on break duty and stand chatting with one eye on the rest of the kids. He would then see some one across the other side of the field and would yell so loudly that everyone around the whole field would look guilty! Great man. He fostered my love of History and Archaeology!…

Nigel Link I know on sports trip to other schools a song was sung about him being born under a shooting stick (which he used to sit on whilst umpiring) sung to the tune of I was born under a wandering star, from the film Paint your Wagon.

Robert Castle You need to speak to Richard Waite and ask him about the connection between laxative chocolate, a certain dog and a certain car...

Karen Nudds Happy days!!

Steve Thompson While umpiring he was notorious for never giving any lbw decisions, even when plumb, and particularly for his own team!

Keith Rudd Apparently, in my time John was waxing lyrical to 6th formers in a porta cabin. In doing so he leant on the safety door rail. Opening he fell out. He got up, brushed himself down and climbed back in and carried on reciting!! Not a word from the lads!!…

Keith Rudd My son Martin was walking home, after school one day towards Gaywood Clock. John drove up beside him, and said, going to an archaeological field. Martin said the walk was across that field!!

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Steve Childs adds:

When I arrived in 6th form and pointed out that the syllabus was covering the same ground we had covered at O Level in Kettering, he responded that it would be far more interesting here at KES.JPS could share his own, unique insight into events. “ If you understand history’s relevance to the present, it will stand you in good stead long after you have forgotten your A Levels.”

Cricket Advice- “Don’t ever try to copy my bowling action and try to follow the textbooks instead.”

My A Level set did not always believe that John read or marked their essays, except for the start and the conclusion…so, for one essay they agreed to include a paragraph full of Disney characters. This was ticked without comment. When they asked him about this, he said that it was no different to much of the drivel they normally produced.

There is so much more one could say about the career of John Proctor Smallwood, or Japes or Big Twig, as he was sometimes known. He Stage Managed plays and musicals. He is a Foundation Trustee to this day. He remains outspoken, fearless and full of insight. We are all privileged to have come under his influence.

KEN GREGORY an appreciation

Tony Blair once invoked the maxim when he said there is always one schoolteacher who is a major influence in one’s life. Many people might expect me to name my father but putting him aside it is KBG that is the name I think of first.

This might come as a surprise to anyone who knew the relationship that he had with my father as his headmaster but beneath the coolness that sometimes existed there was a more than grudging respect. Any coolness was centred on political differences, both national and staff room, and Ken was occasionally referred to as the Leader of the Opposition. This did not prevent my father arranging the timetable to accommodate Ken’s midweek sporting commitments or from promoting him to Head of English. He knew that Ken Gregory was one of the very best teaching members of staff. He was once referred to as the ‘evergreen Ken Gregory’ in the local press – another name that stuck with him as he was still playing club cricket and hockey well in to and probably beyond his 40s.

I have my suspicions as to why I was never in a Ken Gregory set until my last year. However, in that year Ken enlightened me. I learned to enjoy Shakespeare, I came to appreciate poetry and above all, I gained an appetite for reading good literature and a love of books – all of which I have retained since that year in 1965. I credit Ken with giving me the insight to learn to enjoy two of my greatest pleasures – the theatre and literature.

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He also played a part in another great pleasure of my life -cricket and sport. I played for some school sides that he managed, not with any great success and when he ran the Old Lennensians cricket club that had merged with the Nomads (a Sunday side for staff members) I was always able to get a game when I returned to Lynn for a weekend. At my stag night someone pointed out that there were 11 of us that could make a reasonable cricket team. So it came to pass that London Occasionals was formed and to play an annual fixture. What better opposition than the OLs? Who better to ask to help but Ken? It took three visits over five years to Lynn before we were victorious and then only with the help of a few ringers as wives and babies reduced our numbers. Once, after I was out first ball of our innings our last man in was hit in the face and had to retire. Ken did not want the match to end on such a note and so said to me, ‘John, I don’t think we noticed you batting earlier so come in at No 12. I was out first ball again – so bagging a double golden pair in a single innings!

Move on to the late 1990s and I have heard that Ken is living in Sussex near his son, Tim. A letter appeared in the press about schools hockey from one KB Gregory of Seaford in Sussex. I found his telephone number and called him. His wife told me he was recovering from a serious illness and could only talk for a few minutes. Being ‘evergreen’, we talked for nearer 30 and I was able to tell him how much he meant to my education. Through Tim and his connection on the sports field with our sons’ school he had heard of their cricketing careers and so when we had to say our goodbyes he said he was going to look up their records in Wisden. I’m sure did even though I heard a few weeks later that he had passed away.

What a lovely man and what a privilege to have known him. john Sleigh 1959-65 School

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This article first appeared in The Cricketer, the oldest and best-selling cricket magazine. Now in its 100th year, you can subscribe at: https://shop.thecricketer.com/subscriptions

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO – PETER PARFITT Interview: Simon Hughes

Peter Parfitt, an attacking left-hand batsman and brilliant slip fielder, was a pivotal member of the Middlesex team between 1958 and 1972, scoring 26,924 runs at an average of 36.33, with 58 hundreds, and taking 565 catches. He also played 37 Tests (1882 at 40.91), scoring seven hundreds and having one of the best conversion rates from fifties to hundreds in the history of Test cricket. He captained Middlesex from 1968–70 and has also been the club president. With a deep, resonant voice and a wicked sense of humour, ‘Parf’ is probably as famous on the after- dinner circuit as he was on the cricket field.

You were from Norfolk. How did you end up at Middlesex? As an 18-year-old I scored a hundred for Norfolk against Kent 2nds and then I got a few runs in a charity match against the Edrich XI and Bill Edrich was playing. He was Middlesex captain and he asked me if I was interested in turning pro. Each county was allowed one special registration of a player born outside the county and they offered me that and I signed a three-year contract.

Who was your best mate in the team? Undoubtedly JT Murray. We were contemporaries, growing up at Middlesex through the late 1950s and early 60s, and we also went on four England tours together and we always roomed together. He was a fantastic team man – he would do anything for anyone. And of course as he was keeper and I was usually first slip we stood next to each other all day and kept each other going with general chat, sometimes to the slight annoyance of the batsman. Kenny Barrington once stood in the middle of the pitch and said: “Look will you guys just say what you’ve got to say now and then shut up! I want to concentrate on batting.” He was out two balls later!

What was the highlight of your career? 34

Getting a hundred for England against South Africa at the Wanderers in 1964/65 [in an England batting order that also included Geoff Boycott, Ted Dexter and Barrington.] It was a quick wicket with plenty of bounce and Peter Pollock’s fast bowling was pretty formidable. It brought the only compliment I ever got from Gubby Allen, chairman of selectors. “Parfitt that’s the best I’ve seen you bat,” he said.

What was your greatest regret? Getting out for 80 in my first Test against Australia at Brisbane in 1962/63. I batted at No.7 and I ended up left with the tail of Brian Statham and Fred Trueman. I got caught at deep mid-on off Richie Benaud. If I’d have gone on to a century that would have made it five hundreds in my first 10 Tests. I was dropped after that Test and then when I was later recalled I got nought and had to keep wicket because of an injury to JT. I had never kept in my life. I was dropped again after that. It went on like that through my career, in and out of the team. Even when I got 100 against India in Kanpur (1963/64) I wasn’t picked for the first Test of the summer. It is not generally known, but of batsmen who have played 30 Tests I have the third best conversion rate from 50 to 100 in history (52 per cent) behind Don Bradman and George Headley.

You were renowned as a fine player of fast bowling. Who was the quickest? Charlie Griffith. He played for West Indies against Middlesex in 1963. He was very irritated at having to play as he wanted to have the game off as Wes Hall had. He was the quickest I’ve faced by a mile. One bouncer whacked me on the left shoulder. I went down and thought I’d broken it. Frank Worrell came over and said “Are you OK Peter?” and then Griffith stood over me and he said “I am going to kill you white man!” [Parfitt made 72 and 63 in that match but wasn’t picked for the Tests against West Indies.]

Why did you retire aged 35? I was still batting well and made over 1,000 runs in 1972 and I had got back in the England side. But Fred Trueman’s solicitor had become a good friend and he found me a pub to buy in Yorkshire at very low cost and said it was a good plan for the future. I had lost the

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Middlesex captaincy to Mike Brearley and wasn’t really enjoying playing under him so I retired and bought the pub.

How did you get onto the after-dinner circuit? I’d had a fair bit of speaking experience going around the pubs and clubs with autographed bats in my benefit year. Then when I bought the Tempest Arms, it was four miles from where Fred Trueman lived and he was out speaking all the time and I used to come on and introduce him. Soon I was being hired to speak in my own right, and my wife Jilly set up an agency – Select Speaker – to manage people like Fred, Geoff Miller and me. One year I spoke at well over 100 dinners and company golf days.

What’s the best advice you could give to a speaker? Have genuine stories that you can tell, even if they are slightly embellished. It needs personal authenticity. Compo [Denis Compton] really did turn up at 11.20 on a morning – though not actually wearing his dinner jacket - and say “Twelthy, are we batting or bowling?” and then if we were batting he’d ask “Who’s got a bat I could borrow?” When Fred Titmus said: “You can’t use that, it’s a plank!” Compo replied, “If you can play you can use the leg of a chair.” Bob Monkhouse also said to me once “You haven’t lived till you’ve died.”

And have you? Oh god yes! One was at a boxing night at the Rank Centre in Reading. I didn’t get on till after 11pm just as a load of inebriated guests arrived in the mezzanine bar to watch the fight and one leaned over and shouted “Get off you boring ****!” and after three minutes I did. Another was at the annual gathering of the Isuzu tractor company in Newport. The man introducing me said: “The amount of money we’re paying you I hope you’re good. We don’t like cricket here – we like rugby!” I didn’t last long that night either.

How do you keep active now? Apart from being president of the West Norfolk Cricket Society which meets once a month, I’m on the Royal West Norfolk Golf Club sea-defence committee. When its high tide the sea comes right onto the course and the precious sand dunes that are part of it are gradually being destroyed. We are trying to install geo-techno groynes at the bottom of the dunes to protect them but it’s probably only sticking plaster against nature really. I collect flags – it started at the pub when I used to fly three at the same time – MCC, Middlesex and Yorkshire – and MCC complained that I wasn’t allowed to. But the MCC flag is the same as the national constitution of Spain flag so I told them it was that and they gave in. I fly different flags according to if England are playing or who I’ve got staying. People driving past often stop and ask about them.

I am grateful to the Cricketer for giving me permission to print this article. I thought it would be interesting to include this article from our website.

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Peter Parfitt – 1936

Peter Parfitt was born in Billingford near Fakenham on December 8, 1936. He came from a cricketing family. His father Alec was renowned in Norfolk cricket club circles. He had three sons John, Peter and Richard. He was so keen to coach them that he set up a practice net on his garden lawn. The village sign in tribute to the family bears a set of cricket stumps and a cricket bat.

In those days KES had a prep school which could be attended from the age of eight. The headmaster of the preparatory school George Martin was a remarkable cricket coach. All three Parfitt’s attended the prep school. John played cricket for the school first 11, football for the school second 11 and won the Dennick Cup for gymnastics. After leaving KES he went on to play for Norfolk

The youngest Richard Parfitt represented School House at under 14 cricket.

Peter however was the real star. On entering the main school he played under 13 cricket when still only 11 and scored a century in one match against Kings Lynn Scouts following 37

this up by taking five for 15 with his leg break bowling. In another match against Wisbech he took 8 for 23 in the home match and 8 for 15 in the away match. He also won throwing the cricket ball at sports day. He was coached not only by George Martin but also by “Lofty” Williams who spent hours in the nets with him after school. He left KES at the latest in 1950 and attended Fakenham Grammar School representing the Junior Colts of Norfolk and then the Senior Colts and finally the Young Gentleman of Norfolk. He made his Minor Counties debut for Norfolk in 1953 when just 16. He was also a good enough footballer to be taken on by Norwich city as an amateur.

By the time he was 18 he had made 131 against Kent II and was awarded his county cap. As he grew taller he was unable to bowl leg breaks and switched to off breaks taking 7 for 43 against Hertfordshire. At this time he hoped to become a games master and had an interview at Loughborough College but finally signed a contract with Middlesex Cricket Club. National service then intervened and he scored heavily for the Combined Services and occasionally for Middlesex. In 1961 he scored 2007 runs including eight centuries and was then selected to tour India and Pakistan with the MCC.

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He made his test debut on December 30 against India at Calcutta scoring well in a very low scoring match. His first century came in the third test match at Karachi. In the following summer season he scored centuries against Pakistan in the first third and fourth tests. He was subsequently selected for the tour of Australia and New Zealand.

In the test at Brisbane batting with the tail he made 80 before being caught at deep mid- on. He subsequently played in a test match against India in 1963 scoring 100. His problem was that he was playing at the same time as Boycott, Dexter and Barrington and it was difficult to establish a regular place in the test team. However in 1964/65 he scored 100 against South Africa at the Wanderers on a quick wicket with plenty of bounce.

He became captain of Middlesex for two seasons following Fred Titmus but was then replaced by Mike Brearley. In 1972 now aged 35 he was still batting well and made over 1000 runs and even got back in the England side. However having lost the captaincy of Middlesex to Mike Brearley he found that he was not enjoying playing cricket under him and retired and bought a public house in Yorkshire.

In total he played in 37 tests scoring 1882 runs at an average of 40.91 including 7 centuries and in first-class cricket he played 498 matches scoring 26,924 runs at an average of 36.33 including 58 centuries. His top score was 200 not out.

He then joined the after-dinner speaking circuit. Fred Trueman was speaking regularly and Peter Parfitt introduced him. Then he was hired to speak in his own right and set up his own speaking agency. He still lives in Norfolk and is currently president of West Norfolk Cricket Society and a member of the Royal West Norfolk Golf Club sea defence committee.

Peter Jacobs 1954-61

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for posting the Spring edition of The OLA newsletter and all the work you put in preparing it, lots of interesting reading.

The item about Michael Caine reminded me that I may be one of the few OL's still alive who witnessed the incendiary bombing of the School on 30th June 1942. I googled the date but it is my earliest memory. Our family slept in a Morrison’s shelter in the lounge of our house in Vancouver Avenue during air-raids. One night my father, who was an ARP warden having been rejected for military service on health grounds, woke us up and said the Grammar School had been bombed. He lifted me onto his shoulders on the doorstep and through a gap in the houses to the north-east about a mile away (?) above the treeline was a huge fire burning. I don't have many other memories of the war, except I remember a few months 39

later walking to St James Infants School, near the railway station, to start my not very distinguished school career.

Best wishes Bob Hubbard 1949-1956 York

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Reminiscences

Hi Andrew, Reading about the 2006 cricket match with Spalding GS brought back some memories. I played for the OL's cricket team in a Match against Spalding Old boys in the late fifties. I was a junior bank clerk with the TSB in Kings Lynn and we worked Saturday mornings until 12 noon. The match was at Spalding and started at 2 or 2.30 and it was agreed that Jim Lindsey would pick me up outside the bank on his 500cc Matchless, we got there on time but by the time we arrived I was a shivering wreck. It was a stinking hot day and we fielded first and one if not both their openers scored centuries, Johnny Johnson went off with sun stroke. We replied with Robin Barker getting a ton and Douglas Clitheroe 80+ and I think the match finished as a draw. Other players of that era were Geoff Attlesey, Jack Eagle, Barry Rackham, Micky Boon, Mick Staines, John Allen and Barry Cartledge. I think Alan Middleton also played a few times. As I am 80 and one of the youngest players I expect some of them are at that great cricket pitch in the sky!!!

I was also pleased to see the article from Pat Crowfoot ,I was in the same year and remember him well also his brother ABC. I also saw a photo of T.H.B (Tim) Riley and have vivid memories of him as an under officer in the cadet force accompanying her majesty the Queen when she inspected the force. It was when she visited the school to present the gold medal, I was a young sprog in the guard of honour and remember my rifle shaking whilst we were at the present arms.

If any of this is of any use to you feel free to print or disregard as you wish. Kind regards, Graham Lawson 1951-57 Thoresby

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Per Ardua ad Apicem: Roaming the School Roof.

I don’t recollect seeing any article about night-time explorations of the KES roof and wonder if this tradition has survived. I was a denizen of School House between 1946 and 1953 and one of the evening entertainments available to us boarders were secret rooftop adventures. Regrettably my recollection of the details are rather sketchy, but on moonless nights in the summer months the ‘Roofers’ – a small band of fearless mountaineers (including, if memory serves, Jim Bankes, Michael Evans, John Turtle, George Tribe, Bob Bower and a few others) climbed up over the bicycle shed at the back of School House and gained access to the school roof. There were a number of possible routes available, some more hazardous than others, and we sometimes ventured as far as the edge of the Science Block facing onto the Gaywood Road where we were dangerously visible. Here we risked alerting the resident caretaker (an athletic man whose name I cannot now recall) who often patrolled the grounds with a large torch. The pinnacle of achievement on these nocturnal outings was to climb up the iron steps to enter the small circular door that gave entry into the wooden vault of the roof spanning the Great Hall. In this chamber we examined the many dated messages left by previous conquerors of the school roof and we left various notes and memorabilia of our own. I often wonder if anyone in more recent times has discovered this elevated museum.

Patrick Riley 1946-54 School

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Hi Andrew Is this of interest ? I am the lance corporal nearest the camera. I recall the front row. Not sure of those in rear ranks.

Re your email mentioning David Garside, I was friend of his younger brother Roy . They both lived in West Lynn near me and both were keen scouts. Roy moved to NZ but passed away a couple of years ago. I am in touch with John Allsop (same year as us) . He lives in Australia on the Gold Coast. I was very interested reading about Ken Sims in the last issue. I did know Colin Muncaster who left the school in 1945 !! He played tennis until last year when he passed away. I believe it was notified although I have not seen mention of him in the magazine.

All the best , you are doing a great job. The photo was a jpeg, hope it is clear.

Roger Draper 1957-63 Keene

Hello Andrew,

Many Old Lennensians will remember 'Bunny' Bayfield (a former pupil) who taught mathematics and became Deputy Head in 1969 until 1973. He 43

was the last of the Deputy Heads to be appointed internally by Mr. Sleigh.

In 1926, C. M. Bayfield was in his last year at KES and the year of the General Strike. Young Bayfield (School House) was an outstanding sportsman and while the strike lasted it" brought confusion to the fixture card owing to the impossibility of visiting teams reaching the School ground or the School Team keeping its engagements away, and blanks thus caused can never be filled" (The Lennensian 1926) Bayfield held the position of Victor Ludorum for three years in succession relinquishing it to R. H. Lamb, To commemorate this remarkable feat, he was presented with a cup. He succeeded in breaking his own and the school's throwing-the-cricket-ball record in addition to coming first in the 120 yards open hurdles and the open long jump.

I had no idea when I was at KES that CMB was such an accomplished sportsman in his youth which brings to mind the old adage "You should never judge a book by its cover!"

Michael Fillenham 1957-63 Keene

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Dear Andrew I hope you are well and enjoying your bike rides.I have emailed Mike Walker with details of an article I wrote in the Spring 2012 Newsletter about Lennensians Magazine covers which clears up the discrepancy about the missing 1974/1975 issue. Unfortunately I cannot help with the 1978/9 issue as there is not a copy in my collection. I’ve still got the complete archive in my possession. All the best Tim Valentine 1954-62

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Dear O.L. Member,

Please find below the answers to the KES quiz.

Keep safe,

Michael Fillenham

1. In which street was KES prior to moving to Gaywood Road? ST. JAMES 2. Who presented the first gold medal at Sandringham House? PRINCE OF WALES 3. Who was the first Head when the School became comprehensive? R. GREAVES 4. Who unveiled the statue of King Edward V11 at the opening of the new School in 1906? QUEEN ALEXANDRA 5. How many years did Mr. Sleigh serve as Headmaster? 25 6. Which of these is the odd one out? Hatton Vernon Bayfield Griffiths GRIFFITHS 7. In which year did Saturday morning school cease? 1972 8. In which year did Queen Elizabeth visit KES to celebrate the centenary of the opening of the School in Gaywood Road in 1906? 2007 9. What post did John Smallwood hold when he retired? DEPUTY HEAD 10. In which year did KES become an academy? 2014 11. What initiation ceremony involving new boys did Mr. Sleigh bring to an end in the 1950s. THROWING THEM INTO A HOLLY BUSH 12. In which year was the Boarding House roof destroyed by fire? 1942 13. How old was Mr. Wagstaff (Head from 1920-39) when he died in 1981? 106 14. Who became Head in April, 1990? MICHAEL WALKER 15. What was unusual about the gold medal presentation by the Queen in 1956? IT WAS PRESENTED IN SCHOOL TO COLIN SMITH

DETENTION FOR ANYONE WHO OBTAINED LESS THAN 10 MARKS!

Michael Fillenham

SPECIAL MEMORIES FROM THE CENTENARY JULY 1st 2006……

David Cobbold (KES 1945-53) was one of the group of OL’s who enabled the defunct Association to be reborn in 2005. As Treasurer he played a major part in masterminding the two Reunion Dinners held in 2006 as well as the centenary reunion itself held at the school. The photographs are just the beginning of a series of images to share amongst all members such a milestone in our history. The Archives section will be enriched by them and we thank David for his assistance in getting this thread started…

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1. The great grandson of Sir William Lancaster, W O Lancaster arrives at KES for the 2006 reunion.

2. Presentation of a picture to the school by the oldest OLA member to the youngest pupil as part of the Centenary Reunion.

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3. OL’s in conversation and renewing friendships at the Reunion. Look out for the next instalments…….

CAPTION COMPETITION

1. “Are you sure he can’t see us?” 2. “You go first. No you. Ok then.” 3. “Wait for the music to start.” Winner is Mike Trundle!

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Hello Andrew,

I have just been looking again at the OLs website and re-read the account of Sir Trevor Brooking’s visit to KES. The name nudged a few ancient brain cells and made a link. I remember meeting Trevor Brooking and his son in the autumn of 1988 when we were both VIPs at an American Football game played between two Essex teams at Colchester. I was there in my role of the Chairman of the CAT Scanner Appeal [details on the OL website] as a proportion of the proceeds were to be donated to the appeal. I think Trevor was due to present the Trophy.

I recall an amusing conversation about the comparison between ‘our sort of football’ and the American version. We both agreed that the latter went on for a long time and it was not too exciting on a cold, wet, windy October afternoon. Trevor was too polite to make a remark, but I know that he envied my having to leave at half-time for another appointment.

Best wishes, Ray Woodcock 1951-58 Thoresby 49

Becoming a Novelist

Lots of people feel they have a novel in them but thinking about it and doing it are two different things and one of the biggest hurdles to fulfilling such a dream is time. Have no doubt about it, writing a novel is very time consuming. I know several people who have made a start and got no further than a chapter or two. I was much the same. I had a full time job and a family to support with many other interests to keep me occupied. That was until 2003.

I had been working for a Facilities Management company who made their money by providing IT services to other organisations and charging a lot of money for it. In 2003, I was transferred to a new project which was still in the specification stage. Unfortunately, the project was not ready for my skills and so I was asked to bide my time. During the next six months, I did less than a week’s work and I was crawling up the wall. I was not allowed to read or play games nor even engage in conversation with my colleagues most of whom were actually busy. My employer didn’t mind me being idle because they were charging the client for my time. My terms and conditions forbid me from naming the client, but suffice to say it was a government agency. I will leave the reader to judge the ethics of this, but it is not an unusual situation, I assure you.

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My wife Yvonne, in sympathy for my predicament, suggested that I write a novel. Of course, it made perfect sense. I had the use of a computer on my desk and I would look busy. Three months later, I had written a novel. It was never intended for publication, but when I read it back, I found myself enjoying it. I won’t go into all the details about getting it published because that is a lengthy story, but now in 2020, when I’ve been retired for over six years, I have five novels behind me. Writing is now my hobby and I enjoy it. People actually call me an author, which I’m sure would amuse Ken Gregory, my English teacher at K.E.S. because he was always critical of my essay work, but then I have never seen myself as a classic writer, just someone who can entertain readers who don’t demand anything too taxing.

So a little about my subject matter for that first novel. They say you should write about what you know or be prepared to carry out lots of research. I chose the former, but using the internet to verify certain facts and dates. I had often compared my life in 2003 at the time of writing that first book with that when I left school in 1965. So much had changed and that in a nutshell was the basis for my story. I’ve been accused of writing an autobiography. Well, I don’t believe my life has ever been interesting enough to warrant that, but the character in that first book does mirror much of my career path. I do vividly recall my first years working in a 1960s office environment. There were no computers; not even a pocket calculator and we were still working in pounds, shillings and pence. I remember suffering blisters on my fingers from having to write hard enough to penetrate two layers of carbon paper through a top layer of card. I also remember using a Ready Reckoner to calculate employees’ wages in pounds, shillings and pence. I wonder how many readers of this article know what a Ready Reckoner is. Read Off the Mark to find out.

And, of course, for a shy ex-pupil of the Grammar School when it was exclusively for boys, to be thrust into an environment where members of the opposite sex shared offices with you, was quite an experience, especially at a time when mini-skirts were fashionable.

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Then there were the cars - completely different from today’s efficient motors that start first time with no need to tinker with a choke. I wrote about two of the vehicles that I possessed in the sixties – a Standard Eight and a Ford Anglia 100E, both with their own eccentricities and no modern conveniences such as washers, reversing lights, heated rear windows, power steering and certainly no music centre. The Standard didn’t even have a parcel shelf and rear passengers could look into the boot from within the car. The Ford had a side valve engine that hissed when it was cold. The wipers were powered by a vacuum from the engine which meant if you were struggling up a steep hill in the rain, the wipers would stop working.

You can’t write about the sixties without mentioning the music of the day. For me, it wasn’t the popular guitar groups. It was soul music which was often plagiarised by those same guitar groups. I had to cover my ears when I heard the Hollies murder Just One Look. They had replaced the subtle shuffling beat and tinkling piano with thumping drums and twangy guitars. Similarly, the popular version of Um,Um,Um,Um,Um,Um didn’t bother with the brass instruments and bongos of Major Lance’s version. In both cases, the vocals pale when compared to the original singers. And here’s an interesting fact. The world went mad for the Mersey Sound, insisting that there was a certain quality of the music from that city. In fact, The Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers and Cilla Black all recorded their hits in London.

Despite living in Rutland since 1983, I decided to set my novel in Norfolk as that was where I was living in the sixties and there are some wonderful locations that could only enhance my work. My central character lived in a fictional town as that gave me free reign to my writing without some smart Alec wanting to correct me if made a mistake, but wherever relevant, I chose real locations such as King’s Lynn, Hunstanton and Thornham.

To save the narrative from sounding too dry, I peppered the text with jokes and witticisms and deliberately wrote in a style that made it easy to ready. I hate huge paragraphs when I’m reading so that was another consideration.

As I said earlier, I had written for my own pleasure but did eventually obtain a publishing deal and the novel was released (or escaped?) in 2012, nine years after my first draft. Publishing a 52

book is a bit like putting your head above a parapet. You must expect people to take pot shots at you and some of my colleagues thought it was very amusing until I overheard another colleague angrily defending my work. ‘Have you read it?’ he said to the comedians. ‘You should. It’s very good.’

From the other end of the office, I wanted to go and hug this man, but I didn’t. I hardly knew him, but in the next few days, he bought four more copies for his friends. That’s when I knew I had been successful. Success for some writers is measured in sales figures. With others, it is awards, but for me, it’s knowing that someone has enjoyed my work – not that everyone does, but most people seem to.

The story charts the progress of Mark Barker, who leaves an all boys’ Grammar School in 1965, having absolutely no experience of girls or, indeed, the world as a whole. The scene is set in the first chapter by his amusing recollections of the time he spent at school where the staff were a curious mixture of sadists and perverts. We also get an insight into life in the sixties for a working class family in a small Norfolk town. Mark's first day in his first job is fraught with uncomfortable experiences. Every mistake is taken to heart, but he is a quick learner and soon establishes himself. His unusual encounter with the mini-skirted Blodwyn forces him to question his own sexuality and desires. He meets the lovely Pauline, whom he considers to be the most beautiful girl he has ever met, yet he falls for the plain and waspish Karen, who breaks his heart by her total lack of compassion. He tries to look beyond Karen to find a girlfriend, but every time he gets close to getting a date, something goes wrong and his thoughts return to Karen. Unsuccessful blind dates and foursomes only serve to exacerbate the loneliness of this sensitive teenager, as he scrapes through to manhood and attempts to get 'off the mark.'

Now that I’m retired, I have so much of that valuable commodity – time, and I have, to date, published five novels and am busy writing my sixth. In chronological order of publication, they are Off the Mark (2012), Further Off the Mark (2013), Tess of the Dormobiles (2015), Mark’s Out of Eleven (2018) and Completely Off the Mark (2020). They are all in print format as well as being available to download as e-books 53

Mark’s Out of Eleven should be most of interest to OL members as it charts the progress of Mark Barker through an all boys’ Grammar School in the 1960s. It is based on my experiences at our hallowed School, but it is a work of fiction and any resemblance to real people is – well, up to the reader to decide.

I want to finish with a story about one of my readers. Rod Gribble is a mate of mine. He briefly attended the Grammar School at the same time as me. Out of friendship, he purchased a copy of my first novel. His wife told him it was a waste of money as he never bothered with reading books and she predicted that he would give up after two chapters. Rod took the book on holiday with him and sat in a lounger to make a start on it. He finished the next day and to quote him ‘I really missed it when I’d finished.’ He urged me (like a few others) to continue with the story of Mark Barker which I did a year later. It’s that sort of feedback that encourages me when I feel frustrated whenever sales dry up. Happy reading.

Will Stebbings 1960-65 Keene

OLD LENNENSIAN RAY WOODOCK THORESBY HOUSE 1950-58 I stand in awe when I read about what people did after they left KES and wonder what I have done that is of interest and perhaps more to the point what was productive I had some fascinating times during my 21 years as an army officer; I can bore for England with tales of desert and jungle. However, it was during 1988 and 1989 that I carried out one of the most useful times of my life. In 1963 I married Jane Riches [ ex KLHS and swimming star]. We lived in Libya, Singapore and Cyprus and I spent time in Jordan as part of my long Arabic language course. Our daughter was born in Libya but sadly our 5 year old son died in Singapore from a rare form of cancer. In 1983 Jane underwent a massive breast cancer operation and was given 6 months to live. I am happy to say that she, as a glamorous 77 year old, is still with me today. During my posting in Colchester in 1986 I decided that was time to resign my commission. I needed a new hat, a new pair of shoes and a haircut! My time in the army had been as an instructor, an intelligence officer and a resettlement officer. My CV showed that I had a few O levels, a couple of A levels, a Teachers Certificate, an OU degree and a

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qualification in Arabic as well as some good references. So essentially, I was good administrator, an instructor and was trained to kill people. I found a job in Colchester as an assistant training officer with the Eastern Examinations Board on an 18 month contract. I was fortunate in that the contract extended to 14 years. After a couple of years, the board amalgamated with others and became London based so I moved to the University of London. Within a year I had transferred to the business side of the organisation where I survived a variety of promotions, job changes and takeovers. I took early retirement and redundancy from what was then Edexel in December 2000. Soon after I began civilian work in Colchester in 1986, I was invited to join the Community Health Council. I had no idea what it involved but I learned quickly and soon became the chairman of a sub- committee. In 1987 I attended an open meeting at Colchester Town Hall where the staff of the X-ray Department gave a presentation on the need to raise funds for a CAT Scanner [Computed Axial Tomography] for the Colchester and District General Hospital. It would be used in the early identification of cancerous growths. I imagined that it could prevent the suffering of other families. It was too late for mine. The overall cost of the machine together with its running costs for 10 years would amount to about £1.2 million. It sounded like a long term fund raising project, especially as The Wishing Well Appeal for Great Ormond Street was in full swing and fund raising for a local hospice was an ongoing project. The Colchester League of Hospital Friends had raised £3,000 towards the purchase and had arranged a meeting for people who would be prepared to help with the project and possibly to form a fund raising committee. At the meeting there was considerable discussion about how to proceed. It seemed that the local politicians were trying to score points even though they had some sound ideas. I was almost nodding off when I heard a voice say, ‘..and we would like you to be the chairman of the appeal’. I realised that it was me that had the bombshell dropped in my lap. During a round of applause I did some very quick thinking. I agreed, but I wanted an steering group, not a committee, with people prepared to work and I suggested we have the straightforward aims of raising awareness of the need for a CAT scanner and to raise the funds for its purchase and running costs. I reminded them that any of my activities would be outside working hours. I did not want to lose my job. 55

I was extremely fortunate with the members of the steering group which was composed of individuals from the X-ray department of the hospital, local politics together with local businessmen who between them also represented Rotary, 2 Masonic Lodges and the Lions. They had local knowledge and contacts. In fact, we rarely met as I acted as coordinator. I gained the support of the local paper that soon let me have a weekly half page news and progress sheet. A parallel and equally enthusiastic team was established in Clacton but suffered from a bit of political infighting. Local councils and the Health Authority gave big money. The local Coop staff and customers raised £56,000. A Frinton philanthropist offered £400,000 if local donations matched this by Christmas. He later told me that the money would have been forthcoming at any rate. There were pledges from many other large institutions. Nevertheless, the money that I was excited to receive was from the children who raised £15.63 from a garage sale, from the two ladies who raised £87 from selling homemade jam and from the stern old lady who was prepared to donate £10,000 as long I helped her write a letter to complain about her telephone bill! The whole of North East Essex went ‘Scanner Mad’. We sold badges, hats and sweatshirts. I used simple slogans such as, ‘I am Cat Scan Fan’ and ‘There is no such thing as a small donation’. Nevertheless, we needed more big money. After a discussion in depth with our Frinton philanthropist I realised that we would need to employ a professional fund raiser at a cost of £30,000. It was a difficult decision to make but I was able to convince the steering group members together with our Clacton associates. A local businessman agreed to look after this side of the fund raising whilst I concentrated on the lesser, but no less important fund raising. I was aware from the outset that there was no time or resources for the steering group to arrange fund raising events other than finding outlets for selling tickets to win the VW Polo that a local dealer had donated. Therefore, we linked in with other ongoing, planned events to raise funds. A useful tip that the professional fund raiser gave me was that people like to give to a person. I became a figurehead! I judged vehicles at a Steam Engine Rally, I ran Number 1 in the local half marathon, I collected donations, I presented prizes at raffles, I judged a fancy dress competition and I was interviewed on the local radio. I was made Colchester Man of the Year in 1988 by the local paper which helped to raise the profile of the cause. Much later I was made a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow for my scanner efforts.

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The fund raising project was expected to take 3 to 5 years. Thanks to the people of NE Essex it only took 18 months! The actual target figure of £1.16 was achieved in December 1988. The scanner was installed on 29 March 1989. We arranged an open day at the hospital; there was no dignitary to declare it open. All along I had called it the People’s Scanner, so it was the wonderful, generous folk of NE Essex who were invited to come to see their scanner. In February I had moved from Colchester to work in London. I felt that I had helped to achieve the aims of the steering group and stood down. The money was to be managed by a Trust Fund. It was very comforting during the next few years to be stopped in the street or to receive letters from people who said that the scanner had helped save the lives of a family member. I understand that the original scanner was sold some years ago and has been replaced by more modern equipment. Since moving to Louth in Lincolnshire in 2011 I have been active in local organisations and have held responsible posts in the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and the U3A but I kept very quiet when I learned that that was a need for need for someone to take over the fund raising to provide a scanner for the local hospital. Ray

Dear Andrew,

Re My Father, Tom Bromhead April 2020

My Father volunteered for Army Service not long after leaving Oakham School, where he was School Captain. He served his initial training on Salisbury Plain and was soon on his way to France with the 19th London Rifles. He travelled to the front near Nouvelle St Vaast in the Pas de Calais, by rail. On arrival at the Front he was very soon seeing action from a front line trench less than 100 yards from the enemy.

When I visited the twisting and turning preserved trench line in 1966, I was staggered at how close the trenches were and could understand why, how when he arrived in the trenches by night and was very soon ordered to fire grenades at the enemy, all the troop realised in the morning, that

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they had been firing at their own lines. In daylight hours the trick was to spot and fire at German periscopes.

I remember seeing the vast numbers of graves in the area of Nouvelle St Vaast. My father had told me that he remembered the ruins of the Monastry of Mont St. Eloi being directly behind his trench and that was what led me easily to within yards of what was his position where only a few days after going to the front he found himself firing a grenade from a rifle adapted to do this. This was known to be a risky process and so it proved when the grenade exploded and he was badly injured by shrapnel in his arm, chest and eye.

He was taken by stretcher, to a forward casualty clearing station and then to a field hospital where I believe his left arm was amputated about 6” below the shoulder. He was repatriated to England and underwent further surgery to remove shrapnel from chest and eye. Whether this was at Brighton Pavilion Repatriation Hospital, I am not sure but I know that he did spend time there and admired the pretty young , nurses !

I visited this Pavilion about three years ago ( built for George, Prince of Wales in 1815,to a very Oriental design by John Nash} Many injured Indian Army soldiers also rehabilitated there. It was there my father attended the attached Queen Mary Workshops and was fitted with a false arm, which he found too heavy and cumbersome to be of much use .

It was not long after that he attended Sidney Sussex College Cambridge and graduated with a degree in History. His first appointment was as Housemaster to School House at KES and there he remained at the School, until his retirement in the Seventies. And the rest is History !

He was remembered as a sincere and very conscientious and tenacious Christian believer who practised what he taught.

! remember that at the time of the UK voting to join the Common Market he felt for the Australians and Canadians because he remembered their troops as great Allies in both World Wars

In his earlier years he would take groups of boys to School Camps on the Isle of Wight and In his seventies still managed to walk about 35 miles with boys doing the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in spite of blisters! He was well remembered by many Old Boys and would regularly attend the OLs cricket games at the School.

He was a keen walker and gardener and a father to be proud of!

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Paul Bromhead 1943-54 Windsor/Edinburgh

“The optimist looks at the horizon and sees an Andopportunity; finally…...... the pessimist peers into the distance and fears a problem.” Arthur Ward

As always, I would like to thank all my contributors who make this newsletter what it is. I thought that the advent of the website might be sounding the death knell for the newsletter but, as long as members are happy to write to me, I can guarantee something worth reading. It is a privilege to be in touch with the Old Lennensians of every generation. In particular, I am grateful to founder member David Cobbold for his contributions to the newsletter and the website. I know that he is delighted to see the influx of younger members. He hasn’t been well lately but his efforts have been unstinting. He is an example to us all.

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The Trustees and the Association are happy to provide prizes for the next Celebration Evening, whenever it may be, and we are looking closely at how we might be able to help further during these troubling times. I would like to end by congratulating Sarah, her staff and the pupils of KES for their outstanding response to unprecedented difficulties. They are worthy successors of our history and traditions. Stay safe. One day things will be better, Andrew [email protected] If you would like to contribute to the next edition, or comment on any of the issues raised in this one, please contact me. Deadline for contributions to the next edition is March 25th, 2021

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