THE OLD WREKINIAN RECORD
OCTOBER 2015 NO. 98 WHAT’S INSIDE Dates for your diary 2015-16 n P3 Letter from the Headmaster SUNDAY, 8TH NOVEMBER 2015 n P5 New bosses Remembrance Sunday Service – School Chapel n P6 News of members 10.30am n P8 Sport n P16 OWA news THURSDAY, 12TH NOVEMBER 2015 n P18 Annual dinners London Branch Dinner – The East India Club, St James’ Square n P24 From the archives n P26 Computing at Wrekin College WEDNESDAY, 3RD FEBRUARY 2016 n P30 Births, deaths and marriages Manchester Branch Dinner – Francs Restaurant, n P35 Coming back to Wrekin Altrincham n P36 Wrekin College Foundation SATURDAY, 7TH MAY 2016 n P40 Fallen but not forgotten Old Windsorians Dinner – Willington Hall, n P42 Coming Back to Wrekin Tarporley n P44 Wrekin College Foundation SATURDAY, 14TH MAY 2016 n P52 Ellie’s School Blazer Reunion Day for the Leavers of 1991 to 2005 n P54 Available for Sale n P56 Contacts THURSDAY, 9TH JUNE 2016 London Branch Tavern Trot
The front cover shows reunion dinner guests – Tim Naik (Y.83-88), Jenny Stringer (nee Gillison) (C.86-88), James Parsons (W.84-88), Alastair Houston (W.83-88), Middle: Kate Thomas (C.86-88), Back: Tim Bulley (T.84-88), Emma Paskett (C.86-88), Justin Mallinson The Old Wrekinian Lodge is always looking (W.83-88), Birgit Roelink-Assink for new young members. If you are interested, (nee Assink) (C.86-88), Melinda Wotton (nee Brown) (C.86-88). please contact the Lodge Secretary.
For further details, contact the appropriate secretary (see contacts on back cover). Editor: Serena Kyle T. 01952 265609 DEADLINES
Would all contributors please keep to the following deadlines: Produced by Emerge Design Limited Telephone: 01952 632750 January 1st for the Spring publication. www.emergedesign.co.uk August 1st for the Autumn publication. Letter from the Headmaster
Another Wrekin year is underway and we are already rocketing towards Christmas.
October 2015
We started the year with 113 new pupils, very friendly, welcoming, warm community over a quarter of the school, and they have we have today. settled in very well. On the first Sunday of The examination results this summer were very term, as always, we had our traditional good with all but 5 upper sixth students gaining their chosen place at university and those very start of year service followed by the quickly found suitable courses. Pride of place ascent of the Wrekin. The Chapel choir went to Matthew Boyce who gained 4 A* grades was resplendent in its new blue robes and in mathematics, further mathematics, physics and chemistry at A level plus A grades in biology and the magnificence of its appearance was computing at AS level. He has secured a matched by the standard of its singing. place at Selwyn College, Cambridge to read What made the service more special than computer science. ever was the unveiling, in Chapel mounted Georgie Hockenhull who won two bronze on the gallery, of bosses representing medals for Wales in gymnastics at the Clarkson, Roslyn and Lancaster Houses Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 had to complete her A level examinations in Baku in as we celebrated the 40th anniversary of Azerbaijan where she was competing for Great admitting girls into Wrekin College. Britain in the European Games. She reached the final of the beam competition and also gained 2 A Geoffrey Hadden championed the arts, music levels – superb performances. and drama but his major piece in the jigsaw of There were excellent performances at both AS modernising Wrekin College and its thinking, was and GCSE level. Nothing pleases the teachers more the introduction of girls. I can’t comment upon than pupils, of all abilities, doing their best and whether they did have a direct impact on the rugby being successful. as many complained at the time, but they did soften Wrekin initially at the edges and gradually This term has started very positively. The new that influence spread to the very heart of the pupils quickly realised that lusty singing in Chapel school. They broke down the boundaries between was a priority. On the first weekend of term, the the Houses and the year groups as more socialising girls’ netball team won a tournament at King’s took place and the school has evolved into the School, Worcester and the 1st XV opened its
3 Letter from the Headmaster account with a victories over KES Birmingham and Michael de Weymarn, the OWA’s new honorary Shrewsbury. secretary, ex-Housemaster of Bayley and teacher of history, hits 70 not out this year. As many recent This year, the Foundation, to which many OWs have old boys know, his great passion at Wrekin was donated, supports even more talented pupils who cricket, having run the 1st XI for a period of about otherwise would not be able to attend the school. 20 years. At his birthday bash, held fittingly in the They will add greatly to the Wrekin community and cricket pavilion, I realised that there are lists of its success academically and in areas such as music the 1st XIs over the years, but it struck me that, and games. In return, Wrekin will change their fittingly, we also should recognise those masters who spent hours of their time dedicated to the teams. Hamish Kerr, Clive Gower and Michael are three who I know spent many years in charge of the eleven. I have presented Mervyn Joyner, OWA archivist, with the task of delving back through the annals to produce a comprehensive list, with dates, which we can commemorate in the pavilion. I am sure Mervyn would appreciate any help you can give him ensuring he gets the details spot on and, indeed, any tales of when you starred in the team. On a personal note, you will probably have heard that this season will be my last as Headmaster of lives. Wrekin, as always, is forward-thinking and this wonderful school. It has been a great honour has unveiled its plans for a new Business School, to have the opportunity to lead Wrekin for the last for completion in early 2017, and is looking beyond couple of years of my long, but most enjoyable, that to developing facilities which will enable it to association with the place and around 40 years increase its ever-growing reputation for excellence seems to be the right number to retire on. When in music and the performing arts. We wish to I arrived in 1976, for what I thought would be a strengthen links with businesses which may be couple of years, I never dreamt I would still be able to provide speakers for our lecture series or here! I am sure that during the year there will be work experience placements. The Foundation will numerous opportunities for me to thank everyone support the school with these projects and would for their support and encouragement and, no doubt, be pleased to hear from any OWs who are able my going will be commented upon ‘at my last Carol to contribute financially, with expertise or with Service’, ‘my last concert’, etc. My spies tell me that materials. We are particularly seeking support from even the House Singing may be themed around an companies which might donate to the building of aspect of my life: ‘Songs from Dr G’s youth, 1950- the Business School over a two year period and 1968.’ No doubt the losing Houses will blame me then continue to sponsor pupils through the school. for being born in the wrong musical genre.
Best wishes
Dr Haydn Griffiths, Headmaster
4 NEW BOSSES On Sunday, 13th September during the Whole School Service, we celebrated not only the 40th anniversary of girls being admitted into the school in 1975, but also the unveiling of the three new House bosses. The pictures show Claire Campion (R.99-04) unveiling the Roslyn Boss, Serena Kyle (nee Howard) (C.75-77) the Clarkson Boss and Neil Griffiths (Y.93-00) unveiling the Lancaster Boss. Neil was one of the first boys in Lancaster House when it opened in 1993.
This photo was taken on Sunday, 13th September by Simon Platford, the Director of Music, showing the School Choir in its new gowns which were paid for in the main by the OWA and also by donations from the Headmaster and parents.
5 News of members
1960s Richard Jones (S.61-66) was in Sales and Marketing of Inorganic Chemicals at Bayer UK from 1940s 1970-03, this included a two year secondment to Julian Jeffs (S.44-49) writes that at the age of 83 Company HQ in Germany. He spent his final few he has just published a sixth edition of his book years before retirement at Kerridge/ADP Dealer ‘Sherry’. It comes from a small specialist publisher Services from 2004-08 as Occupational Safety Infinite Ideas in Oxford. The first edition was Adviser. He was Head of House as was his brother published by Faber and Faber in 1961. Michael Jones (S.57-61). Richard has regular contact with Richard Bush (T.61-66) with whom Gordon Woolley (S.42-46) has sent in an article he was also at prep school, The Leas, Hoylake – from the Lancashire Telegraph which tells of his now no longer there. Both attended the OWA part in developing the aerosol that we know today. London Branch Golf Day at Windlesham Golf Club In 1948 Gordon and his father Ewart, Chairman of on 17th March ‘an excellent day out’. the Secto Company of Blackburn, were responsible for marketing the first aerosol in Britain – Secto Don McLachlan (N.56-60) writes: I value the OWA Fly Aerosol. They had a relationship with Metal Record but miss the large number of reports by Box who in turn had contacts in America where OWs that used to make up much of the magazine. the valve was patented. Metal Box provided the When it was necessary to write letters to get a pumps and Secto brought in CFC propellants, note in the Record there were pages of them; now the valves and initially the aluminium can from it is so easy to send e-mails there are hardly any! America to make the product a viable one. In their Regrettably, except for the get-togethers at the first year of production, 1948, Secto fly killing school, I only have contact with Mike Hinton aerosol sold around 45,000 units and they were (also Norman 1956-60). It is always nice to hear one of the founder members of the British Aerosol how those with whom we spent our teens and also Manufacturers Association. Secto went on to make how subsequent pupils have fared in their lives the first aerosol paint in the UK and Europe, co- and careers. Thanks to the Honorary Secretary operating with a Dr Materna who had been ejected we have heard retirement news of our teachers from his paint factory in Prague by the Russians. and what a notable group of men they were. Secto paid Dr Materna a royalty on unit sales under BCWJ & Messrs Dahl, Drake, Frost, Sollars, Evason, their Leaf aerosol brand name, selling the product Potts, Doggett & Minty together with Gower, to Halfords among other firms. The company also Stevenson, Kerr, Vening, Price, Stanley, Gale, Bale diversified into pet products before Mr Woolley & Tomlinson. The fact that I can reel off all these sold the company to William Sinclair Holdings in names from memory after 55 years is proof of Lincoln. Gordon did National Service with the Army their impact. What did they have in common Education Corps studying to be a teacher before apart from being so delightfully individual as to taking a business studies diploma. provide marvellous opportunities to mimic their
6 1990s Emma Gittins (nee Burton) (C.88-92) opened the only idiosyncrasies? They were all passionate about their yoga studio in Shropshire in subjects and gave me a continuing desire to learn September 2014, specialising across a range of subjects. After an engineering in hot yoga; she has over 400 degree from Liverpool, I had a varied career in clients. www.mysoulspace.co.uk telephony, personnel management, finance and 27 years in “big ticket” computer system sales to Rebecca Molnar (nee Owen) (C.99-04) support a wife and two daughters and a succession has retired as an international gymnast of horses. Since retirement I have run a website and has gained a BA Hons degree and selling antiquarian books, maps and prints, www. travelled the world. She is now the theoldmapman.com. Mention the OWA for a director of RPhotographers and has discount! recently married Balazs Molnar.
1970s English Speaking Union scholar, W Lee Carter III (B.70-71) was married to his 24 year life partner Greg L Bradley on 5th August 2012 at the Mandarin 2000s Oriental Hotel in New Tim Sunerton (B.04-11) has achieved York City, New York. a BA Hons Fine Art 1st Class Degree The couple’s siblings from the University of Reading. and their spouses were in attendance for the wedding festivities.
7 Sport
Written by Boys Hockey Barrie Roberts (N. 51-55)
OWA 1st X1 Hockey v The School the 2nd half gave the school a penalty stroke which Sunday, 8th March 2015 they eagerly took and equalised. OWs Won 2-1 The battle continued throughout with the school This game was a different kettle of fish as this defending well and keeping the OWs at bay. On 20 was no mean opposition and proved to be a very minutes with the OWs playing some good hockey, good side but simply lacked the experience of the we again went in front with a reverse stick shot old boys. Throughout the match there were good from Tom Masters. Sam Sneyd the goal keeper performances by everyone and the recent new showed us he had not lost his touch and we were leavers Cameron Beswick and Tom Masters fitted in grateful he could play in both matches. The team well. We were very grateful that having played for was led by Nathan Fern and the Shrewsbury trio all the 2nd X1, Luca Cheung, James Lauder and Chris performed well. James Hunter and Matthew Young Sheperd played for the 1st team also. contributed well to the team effort with good support from Jack Owen. It was a close game and To our delight and surprise the old boys held their a well deserved win. Finally a big thank you to the own from the start and our 1st goal came on 10 umpires on the day and once again we were very minutes with an excellent cross from Luca Cheung grateful for the school’s hospitality. which James Hunter met in the D to crack home. The School produced some good opposition and both sides had to fight for every ball to the end. On Left to right: Jack Owen, James Hunter, Nathan Fern, 20 minutes the school keeper and defence made Clem Cooper, Cameron Beswick, Matthew Young, Tom some crucial saves to keep the score at 1-0 at half Masters. 2nd row: Chris Sheperd, Adam Smith, Alex time. A lapse of concentration at the beginning of Parry, Sam Sneyd, James Lauder, Luca Cheung.
8 Left to right: James Flynn, David Winterton, Stewart the opener. The School kept fighting back but our Legge, Jonathan Grant, James Lauder, Tim Crawford. experience proved to be beneficial by the end of 2nd row: Chris Sheperd, Barrie Roberts, Sam Sneyd, John the match. On 18 minutes in open play the School Morgan, Nick Benwell got their revenge to equalise. Again towards the half time break Tim Crawford scored to give the old boys a 2-1 lead . OWA 2nd XI Boys Hockey v The School Sunday, 8th March 2015 Overall there were fine performances from OWs Won 4-2 everyone, with a shuffle round of players. In the 2nd half the OW’s snatched another goal early on It is very pleasing to record that the School, through in open play by James Lauder for 3-1. The school the efforts of Mr Phil Berry, managed to field two keeper made some crucial saves and kept them teams for the OWA matches on Sunday 8th March, in the match as they scored a 2nd goal after 15 although, as usual he advised the School teams minutes for a 3-2 score line. With an exciting end would not be as strong as he would have liked! to the game, the old boys secured the win with a This was the 2nd match on and all the old boys goal from James Hunter for 4-2. turned up and a good afternoon was had by all. As in previous years many of the old stalwarts As usual the old boys 2nd team took a little time turned out and did not let the team down, namely to settle down as they were confronted by a very Jonathan Grant , Stewart Legge, John Morgan, enthusiastic School side. In the end it was the David Winterton, Nick Benwell and of course old boys who held their own and managed to myself- Barrie Roberts. Many thanks to Neil control the play in the first half against a perfectly Griffiths who very graciously played for the school acceptable School side. It was the old boys who had team to add strength in defence. All the young stars a chance in the 1st minute and didn’t capitalise on kept the momentum going with their extra pace so it. However after 14 minutes through some good thanks to Luca Cheung, James Flynn, James Lauder open play, Tim Crawford ended up in his usual wing and Chris Sheperd. A very pleasing result for the position and brought the ball into the D to score 2nd team, so well done everyone.
9 Sport
Written by Girls Hockey Barrie Roberts (N. 51-55)
OWA Girls Hockey v The School Sunday, 8th March 2015 OWs Won 4-2 This was the first time the girls have played on the same day as the boys which seems to work well, with a great turn out. A full team plus two reserves came and the game started in not very pleasant weather. The old girls put pressure on from the start, with Charlotte Roberts opening the scoring on 7 minutes with a reverse stick shot. The midfield showed good passing moves with Lizzy Grainger, Philly Roberts, Sandy Duhra, Lily Usman and Yasmin Khan all OW team left to right – Back row: Becky Surtees, Jenny Young, Lucy Nicolaides, Cara Whitehouse, Charlotte Roberts, Hannah taking their turn and pressed forward to Baker, Lily Usman, Sandy Duhra. Front row: Lizzy Grainger, Philly support Charlotte Roberts and increase Roberts , Alison Taylor, Yasmin Khan, Sarah Howells. the scoreline to 2-0 on 16 minutes. Just before half time Jenny Young slotted in a 3rd goal from a narrow angle on the right. After a constructive half time talk the School came out fighting catching the old girls off guard and scored a well taken short corner after 3 minutes by Annie Fair. Still on a high, after a good move in open play the School secured a 2nd goal from Tash Coleman. Alison Taylor came back to play in goal after a break of 5 years, making some good saves throughout. A rotating defence of Hannah Baker, Cara Whitehouse, Lucy Nicolaides, Becky Surtees and Sarah Howells reverted to their good marking and tackling to deny any further attempts to score by the School. The old girls concluded the win from a short The School team left to right – Back row: Phil Berry, Natasha Coleman, Beccy Mack, Emily Dixon, Bindy Udale, Hattie Smailes, corner strike by Sandy Duhra making the Georgie Perris-Redding, Jemma Parton. Front row: Lorna final score 4-2. It was a well fought game Mackenzie, India Perris-Redding, Emma Arundell, Holly Doran, and most enjoyable. Annie Fair.
10 Written by Netball Sophie Summers
OWs v The School Sunday, 8th March 2015
We had a squad of ten for the OWs versus the school netball Back L to R: Tash Coleman, Sophie match this year – half of whom came from a very wet Old Wreks Summers, Tash Aston, Sophie Blakstad, hockey match and ran straight across to the Sport Hall ready for Emma Draycott, Laura Jones, Marie Willman, Hattie Smailes, Holly Doran, the netball! Despite this all the girls managed to look sprightly Hannah Baker, Lucy Nicolaides, Beccy and fresh. The game was close fought all the way, with the Old Mack, Sarah Howells Wreks coming out just on top at the final whistle with a score of Front L to R: Annie Fair, Emily Dixon, 34-32. There was a good number of spectators supporting both Bindy Udale, Jemma Parton, Emma sides and we’d like to think they were there to watch the high Crawford (nee Summers), Philly Roberts, standard of netball and not just sheltering from the rain! Lizzie Grainger, Hanna Cadwallader If you wish to play next year please join the Old Wrekinians Netball facebook page or contact Sophie Summers at sophie_ [email protected]
11 Sport
OW Team: James Hammond (Capt) (T.04-09), Ross Aucott (T.12-14), Stuart Black (Y.00-05), James Flynn (Y.07-14), Rachael Howells (R.06-14), James Lauder (T.02-09), Tom Masters (Y.07-14), Martin Savage (W.85- Cricket 91), James Shaw (T.07-12), Chris Sheperd (Y.00-05), Adam Smith (Y.03-07) OWA 1ST XI v The School School Team: Bradley Thornton (Capt), Harry Bolland, Sunday, 28th June 2015 Harry Chandler, Archie Davidson, Connor Dudley, Rupert Grainger, Tom Mackriel, Dillon Pennington, Jake Tanser- On a beautiful day for cricket and with a healthy Harvey, Richard Thomas, Ed Udale crowd in attendance the OWA 1st X1 won the toss and elected to bat. Despite steady bowling from the In reply, the school lost the crucial wicket of Connor sharpish Pennington (who surprised the batsmen Dudley early when he mistimed a defensive push and made them concentrate!!) and Bradley against Stewart Black and dollied it back to the Thornton, the openers, Ross Aucott (61) and Tom bowler with the score on only 16 and from then on Masters (31) made a strong start. They enjoyed a the generally greater experience of the Old Boys little luck with the school spilling a couple of hard began to tell. Astute field placing by Hammond chances, but that behind them, Aucott in particular, and steady bowling from Rachael Howells, Black, with three towering ‘6’s, enjoyed peppering James Flynn and Jimmy Shaw meant runs were and even threatening the happy picnickers and restricted and wickets fell steadily, in particular to a sunbathers massed on the bank. However, he magnificent catch by Shaw back pedalling furiously was finally bowled by Jake Tanser-Harvey, and, on the boundary to get rid of the dangerous with Masters also removed, the School gradually Chandler (37). Thus the school found themselves regained some control. The scoring slowed. An still short of the 100 mark with 7 wickets down. excellent stumping and an equally athletic catch However, Pennington (43) and Archie Davidson by wicket keeper Harry Chandler disposed of Adam (10) then led a fight back which resulted to a great Smith (22) and Martin Savage, but the innings climax with the School suddenly only needing 6 to ended with some lusty hitting by James Lauder (25 win off the last over with 1 wicket left. Pennington n.o.) at a total of 149-4. hit the first ball for two, but in attempting to repeat the process lost his leg stump, fittingly to the opposing captain James Hammond.
12 It had been a great game of cricket, with the Old and only Dan Baker (38) and Adrian Eley (13) Boys deservedly exacting their revenge for their reached double figures and the tail sagged rather defeat last year. With the school promising to than wagged as the OW amassed a measly total be even stronger in 2016, the current ‘series’ has of 88. Henry Davies (2-10 in 2 overs) gaining great obviously longer to run!! My thanks go to ALL the pleasure in picking up David Winterton’s wicket. Old Wrekinians who turned up, often with their As said last year, the match was much enjoyed families, to help, play or support, and in particular, and there is always next year and a bit of practice mention must go to Neil Griffiths who organised before then wouldn’t go amiss. most of the ‘star attractions’ (bouncy castles etc) which helped to make the day such a memorable Neil Griffiths one. It all culminated with a wonderful ‘concert’ by the Jackfield Brass band, and the school’s soul singers and jazz band, who played and sang some rousing numbers much enjoyed by the assembled company. Well done all! See you (and MANY more we hope) in 2016.
MdeW
OWA 2nd XI v The School Sunday, 28th June 2015 A solid opening stand between Stephen McCartney (35) and JB Bramall (25) got the school off to a fast start. The scoring rate accelerated when Chris Hine OW Team: Neil Griffiths (Capt) (Y.93-00), James (61 retired) came to the wicket. George Smailes Andrews (B.01-06), Dan Baker (W.88-92), Tom Crump (18 no) added quick runs at the death as the school (T.03-09), Edward Davies (W.82-87), Adrian Eley (Y.81- posted 168 for 5 from its 20 overs. 86), Chris Jones (W.82-87), Ben Preece (Y.99-04), Tom Preece (Y.04-09), David Taylor (T.99-04), Michael Taylor Accurate bowling from Marcus Bedson (2-9 in (T.99-04), David Winterton (B.81-86) 3 overs) and James Williamson (2-11 in 3 overs) School Team: James Williamson (Capt), Marcus Bedson, pegged the OW back at the start of the innings JB Bramall, Henry Davies, Asa Dean, Alfie Furness, Christian Hine, Stephen McCartney, Sam Scaife, Jamie Sherratt, George Smailes
13 Sport Shooting
Shooting and school are an antithetical pairing These scores are indeed. Much negative publicity has adhered to from a possible shooting as a sport during the last thirty years 50 points. What causing a decline in it being a first choice leisure is admirable is the activity. However against this unhappy backdrop excellent 50.5 attained Wrekin College has maintained excellent shooting by Old Wrekinian Mike Wood facilities. All Old Wrekinians are welcome who – unable to use his preferred right eye – to join the OWSC where expert tuition and attained the optimum score of 50.5 by using a encouragement are available and willingly given. I specially adapted rifle sights to accept his left eye. am sure that most Old Wrekinians are aware of the Well done Mike –truly remarkable! Inter Schools Veterans Postal Shoot competition The image above is of an offset sight similar to the and all OWs are encouraged to get involved in this one Mike Wood used in scoring so well at Bisley. exciting and fun pastime. The .5 score is due to hitting an even smaller ‘ The name Bisley is synonymous with shooting V bull’ in the bullseye. excellence World Wide. An event that takes place there, every July, is the Veterans Cup and members Old Wrekinians Shooting Club is looking for of the Old Wrekinians Shooting Cub are regular and new blood and offers a kind and enthusiastic stalwart competitors. welcome to all to join our happy successful and cheerful band. Results of interest and merit from this year’s competition are: John Walker 40, Adrian Reynolds 41, Brian Walford 45.
Written by Badminton Stephen Hield
Our annual badminton fixture against the Old game against Luca which proved to be more of a Wreks was played on 24 June 2015. This is always challenge. The OWA team comprised Luca Cheung, a fierce battle and, for the second consecutive year, Steven Hardy-Lane, Josh Smith, Ben Finch, Ted the school was victorious with a final result of 17 – Dodwell-Hill and Rob McGavin (who was also in 14. The school’s star was 11 year old Stephen Jong the fencing team against the school). (Lancaster Year One) who won all of his matches with relative ease, with the exception of his last
14 London Branch Golf Golf Day
Tuesday, 17th March 2015 On a clear, dry March day 11 OWs and 5 guests teed off at Rod Rigby’s course at Windlesham GC (Bagshot) on the inaugural London Branch Golf Day. The course was in excellent condition and the greens challengingly quick. WCC made us very welcome and prepared an excellent evening meal. Andrew Smith won the individual prize with 36 points with Rod Rigby runner-up. Steve Dickens and John Smith won the nearest the pin holes and we let a guest win the longest drive. Barrie and Jean Roberts followed the action and took the photographs. OWs who played: Simon Westgarth, Rod Rigby, Everyone agreed we have got off to a good start John Smith, Andrew Smith, Richard Bush, Richard and we’ll develop it further next year. All welcome. Jones, Bill Uprichard, Steve Dickens, Jon Wood, Guy Sheppard, John Burroughs. Jon Wood (W.65-70)
15 Lost addresses The OWA
SINCE FEBRUARY 2015 is looking
Please look through the list and, if you know anything of them, let us know. for a new Beazley, D.W. (B.81-86) Balham, London Bebb, I.R. (S.64-68) Wheaton Aston, treasurer! Staffordshire Bellis, D.R. (W.86-91) Chester Berry, J.M. (Y.52-57) Etwall, Derbyshire Clegg, A. (C.08-14) Gnosall, Staffordshire Connell, A. (Y.03-08) Maybole, Ayrshire Devonshire, S.S. (R.93-98) Newport, Shropshire Ellis, C.B. (W.67-71) Congelton, Cheshire Fakhim, F. (Y.78-83) New Malden, Surrey King, S. (R.86-88) Birmingham Kisaki, T. (Y.87-89) Kyoto, Japan Laycock, D.J. (W.80-83) Witney, Oxfordshire Lin, C-H. (Y.96-00) Taiwan McGuire, L. (R.85-90) London Niemann, J.A.J. (C.01-08) Telford, Shropshire Pratt, K.J. (R.86-88) Christchurch, New Zealand Roberts, G.G. (Y.94-98) Telford, Shropshire Roberts, H.E. (C.99-01) Telford, Shropshire Robinson, C. (nee Whitehouse) (C.95-00) Shrewsbury, Shropshire Russell, M.N. (nee Stitt) (R.83-88) Salisbury, Wiltshire Whittingham, J. (T.66-69) Shrewsbury, Shropshire Are you being correctly addressed? Do we have your house number and postcode? Each year a number of magazines are returned by the Post Office marked ‘Incomplete Address’. Please check the address used on the envelope and let the Editor know if any alterations are needed.
16 The OWA Treasurer, David Ellison (T.54-58) will be retiring at the Committee Meeting in June 2016 and Committee the OWA is therefore looking for an Accountant to take over. David assures us that the work is not arduous and he has prepared spreadsheets which are simple & Annual to use. If you are an Accountant (or know of one) who would be able to take over from David, please contact General the Hon Sec, Michael de Weymarn (mdeweymarn@ wrekincollege.com). If you wish to contact David to find out what the work entails, his email address is Meetings [email protected] Thank you in advance! The Committee Meeting will be held on Saturday, 21st November at Halcyon at 11.00am followed by the AGM at 12.30pm. 1. To approve the Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting. Farewell 2. To elect Officers of the Association for the coming year. In June 1990, John Arkell then Headmaster asked me if I would be prepared to take over as OWA Secretary Present Officers are: from Desmond Minty. After some thought I agreed, President – W.H.B. Roberts (N.51-55) not thinking that I would be then doing the job for 25 Chairman – C.J. Jones (W.82-87) years! It is now time however to hand over and Michael Vice-Chairman – N.S. Jones (C.02-07) de Weymarn is a willing volunteer as successor. Secretary – M. de Weymarn (Staff 74-10) Treasurer – D.G. Ellison (T.54-58) Over the years I have learnt a great deal about OWA Auditor – D. Stevens (N.58-62) members and have enjoyed attending OW functions Foundation Representative – in various parts of the country. For your hospitality on S.M. Kyle (nee Howard) (C.75-77) those occasions, I am very grateful. 3. To elect the committee. If there is one legacy which I leave it is the School List which I have compiled over the last 10 years. It Elected members with year of election: includes so far as possible, names of all pupils from 2010 – C.J. Jones (W.82-87) 1880 to present day, together with their relationships and O.R. Baker (R.00-07) to each other. Such a list has never existed before and I 2011 – R. Mooney (T.87-92) think it is an important archive. 2012 – D.E.G. Phillips (Y.00-07) and N.S. Jones (C.02-07) Finally over the last 12 years I have enjoyed sharing an 2013 – M. Rose (Y.06-09) office with Serena as much of our work overlaps. and J. Shaw (T.07-12) If anyone wishes to make contact with me, I shall not 2014 – N. Griffiths (Y.93-00) have moved though I might be away on holiday! Nominations for two new Committee Mervyn Joyner Members to serve for the next 4 years Hon Sec, OWA 1990-2015 to be sent to the Secretary as soon as possible. The OWA Committee welcomes 4. To approve the Financial Statement for Michael de Weymarn as Hon the year ended 30th June 2015. Secretary from 1st July 2015 5. Any Other Business
17 Annual dinners OWA Evening
Thursday 30th April 2015
Spence (B.67-72), and we amassed what we thought to be a winning score. Fortunately, we never found out what the other teams had scored!
A little while ago, a quartet of OWs (Andy About 85 of us (gentlemen and ladies) enjoyed a champagne reception and dinner in the lavish Club Evans, Johnny Prestt, Mike Halewood and Room at Hoylake, overlooking the course. The three David Lewis) felt it was about time they of us had been fortuitously put on a table with got together with old friends for a relaxed seven recent leavers, all of whom had escaped for gathering of chat, food and wine and the evening from the academic rigours of Liverpool University. What fine young men they were; an therefore on 30 April 2015 an OW Evening absolute credit to their Alma Mater, Wrekin. Whilst was held at Hoylake. One of the many they regaled us with stories of York and Tudor, we attendees, David Franklin, kindly sent his bored them silly with what life was like in the 60s: thoughts afterwards. so much tougher, and so much more fun! The grub was superb, and the wine flowed far too
freely, and before we knew it the speeches had To get us into an appropriately nostalgic mood begun. Mike Halewood introduced the evening and for our annual Old Windsor Dinner in May, three eloquently welcomed all and sundry. David Lewis intrepid Old Windsorians, Peter Jackson, Andrew amused us with some hilarious reminiscences of Blair and I made our respective ways to the Royal his time at school, prompting us to recall (as if we Liverpool Golf Club on Thursday 30th April for needed reminding) how Wrekin provided us with dinner and, beforehand, a round of golf on the the vehicle to make lifelong friends. David proposed hallowed links. We were hoping for a bit of fun and, a wonderful and evocative toast to absent friends, gosh, we were not to be disappointed. reminding us especially of the untimely loss of Twenty of us gathered on the first tee in superb Simon Wallis (N.75-80) and Mike Best (W.72- sunshine. Jacko, Andrew and I were brilliantly 76). David’s toast to Wrekin College received a looked after by Halford Hewitt member, Rob resounding response.
18 The Headmaster, Haydn Griffiths, provided a delightful and utterly refreshing “state of the nation” address, bringing us up to date with what was happening at our old school, and rightly exhorting us to support the Foundation, which helps talented pupils gain places at Wrekin, when they might otherwise be unable to do so. Last to speak was the irrepressible Dr Rodney Edrich. Whilst I have listened to Rodney giving spellbinding speeches many times before, this had to be high on the list of one of the most irreverent, iconoclastic and outrageously funny speeches I have yet to hear. To say that it had us rolling in the aisles is not far from the truth. This was a tremendous evening and massive congratulations must go to David Lewis and his organising committee. It was the first time I had been to Hoylake where I was joined by plenty of Old Boys and Girls, some of who had not been to an OW event for many, many years. Suffice it to say, I will be back.
David Franklin (W. 61-67)
NEXT YEAR’S DO
October 2016 Following the tremendous success of the Liverpool Event on 30th April, the organising team have decided to hold another event in October 2016. Save the month!! Annual dinners
1
Those who attended were:
Graham Bruce (Y.49-53), Terence Moore (N.49-53), David Wilson (W.50-54), Mrs Margery Wilson, Barrie Roberts (N.51-55), 2 Mrs Jean Roberts, John Cheshire (W.51-56), Francis Weighill (T.52-58), Peter Bullivant (S.53-58), Robert Elloitt (W.56-61), Mrs Mary Elliott, David Rushworth (W.57-62), Mrs Gill Rushworth, Andrew Evans (B.61-65), Mrs Bunta Evans, Bryn Holloway (B.60- Top: Rodney Edrich’s Missive! 65), Mrs Barbara Holloway, Ian Anderson (B.61-66), David Franklin (W.61-67), Andrew 1: Josh Murton (Y.07-14) Blair (W.62-66), Peter Jackson (W.62-66), & Ben Nicoll (Y.12-14) Simon Bolton (W.62-67), Robin Greenway 3 (Y.63-68), Philip Pariser (Y.64-69), Mrs Jaki 2: George Yiend (Y.07-14), Phil Pariser, Nigel Smylie (B.65-68), Mrs Nigel Berry (Staff 74- ), Josh Murton Smylie, Paul Chesham (B.65-70), Mrs Gillian (Y.07-14), James Flynn (07-14), Chesham, Jonathan Prestt (B.65-70), Mrs Henry Asson (Y.07-14) Julia Prestt, Rob Spence (B.67-72), Paul Mickle 3: The Headmaster’s Speech (W.68-71), David Knight (Y.70-75), Andrew Martindale (Y.70-75), James Wright (W.71- 4: Andrew Martindale (Y.70- 76), Peter Cooke (T.72-77), Alistair Kyle 75), Rodney Edrich (Staff 70- (S.72-77), Charlie Silcock (Y.72-77), Andrew 06), Andrew Douglas (T.73-78) Douglas (T.73-78), Bob Hyatt (B.73-78), Nigel 4 Wallis (N.73-78), Mark Whittaker (T.74-78), 5: Yordon Dimitrov (T.09-14), Richard Chiverton (N.74-79), Serena Kyle Andrew Blair (W.62-66) (nee Howard) (C.75-77), Toby Shaw (T.75-78), 6: Richard Pearson, Chairman Nick Whittingham (B.75-79), Andy Beckett of Governors Designate, (Y.75-80), Jon Bellis (N.75-80), Andy Gough Haydn Griffiths, Headmaster (N.75-80), Mike Halewood (N.75-80), David Lewis (T.76-80), Nigel Seddon (N.76-81), Below: David Lewis (T.76-80) Chris Smith (W.76-81), Ted Mount (W.77- in full flow! 81), Ralph Bullivant (W.77-82), Bruce Guy (S.78-81), Steve Cheshire (T.78-83), Chris 5 Lowe (W.79-84), Peter Tindell (B.81-84), Andrew Huxley (W.81-86), Jacqui Hughes (nee Conway) (C.82-84), Anne Walker (nee Wilson) (R.82-84), Ed Davies (W.82-87), Chris Jones (W.82-87), Leah Henderson (R.89-92) Chris Sayle (T.90-95), Lucy Southworth (nee Vaughan) (C.91-93), Josh Murton (Y.07-14), Henry Asson (Y.07-14), George Yiend (Y.07- 14), James Flynn (Y.07-14), Yordon Dimitrov (T.09-14), Ben Nicoll (Y.12-14), Seb Lee (T.07- 6 14), Haydn Griffiths (Headmaster) (Staff 76-), Mrs Joan Griffiths, Phil Berry (Staff 74-), Michael de Weymarn (Staff 74-10), Rodney Edrich (Staff 70-06), Richard Pearson (Chairman of Governors Designate), Nathan Rous (PR Consultant). Manchester Branch Dinner
Wednesday, 4th February 2015 Those who attended were: The Manchester Branch held another successful annual dinner on Haydn & Joan Griffiths (Headmaster & his wife), John Alexander (N.60-63) (Hon. the first Wednesday in February 2015. They were delighted that Secretary), Richard Baines (W.60-64), not only were they able to entertain the ‘new’ Headmaster, Dr Alec and Helen Bonson (W.61-66), Peter Haydn Griffiths and his wife Joan, but also a host of OWA and Buckley (Y.54-59), George and Karen School officials including Barrie Roberts, President of the OWA Campion (B.67-71), Mark Cawson and and his wife Jean, Chris Jones, Chairman of the OWA, George Julia Cawson (Y.72-77), Emma Daynes (nee Grant) (C.83-85), Rodney Edrich Campion, Chairman of Wrekin Old Hall Trust and his wife Karen, (Staff 70-06), Chris Evans (W.78-83), Yvonne Thomas, Bursar, the School Chaplain, Revd Michael Becky Flynn (Head Girl), Haydn Gleave Horton and the outgoing Secretary of the OWA, Mervyn Joyner. (T.08-13), Jonathan and Janet Grant We were also very pleased that the Head Boy, Tom Mackriel (W.79-83), Edward Gorton (S.68-72), Michael Horton (Staff 04-), Julie Houlker and Head Girl, Becky Flynn were able to join us and of course (nee Honychurch) (C.75-77), Chris and Dr Rodney Edrich. Mervyn said Grace before Francs Restaurant Julie Jones (W.82-87), Nicola Jones put on their usual excellent meal. John Kay, President of the (C.02-07), Mervyn Joyner (Staff 62-94), Manchester Branch, gave the Loyal Toast and the usual speedy John Kay (S.60-65) (President), Alistair AGM and he presented Mervyn with a silver salver in honour of Kyle (S.72-77), Serena Kyle (nee Howard) (C.75-77), Tom Mackriel (Head Boy), his work as Hon Sec, OWA. The toast to the school followed and Peter Messum (B.55-60 (Hon. Treasurer), then Haydn Griffiths, Headmaster, delivered his first “State of the Jonathan Morrison (N.67-70), Kenneth Union” address to the Manchester Branch and what an excellent and Kathleen Plant, Barrie and Jean report it was. Roberts (N.51-55) (President OWA), Yvonne Thomas (Bursar), Mike Walker John Alexander – Hon Sec Manchester Branch (S.67-72), Andrew Wallace (S.62-64), Walter Winstanley (Y.65-70)
NEXT YEAR’S DO
Wednesday, 3rd February 2016 The Manchester Branch Annual Dinner will be held at Francs Restaurant, Goose Green, Altrincham on Wednesday, 3rd February 2016. Please note that the car park adjacent to Francs in New Street is available for parking after 6pm in the evening with no time restriction. Speeches and timings will be organised to avoid a late finish.
21 Annual dinners
The Old Windsorian Dinner
Saturday, 9th May 2015 A week before the Old Windsor Dinner, Peter he is with us for a while longer, thank goodness! Jackson, Andrew Blair and I were fortunate enough The wine flowed, courtesy of an extremely to attend the OWA Liverpool Branch event at the generous Old Windsorian from Kent (who wished Royal Liverpool Golf Club. We not only enjoyed to remain anonymous); and port, courtesy of playing Hoylake (in exquisite condition) with Bayley stalwart Geoffrey Waterworth, rounded off a old boy Rob Spence (B.67-72) (the nearest I will get sumptuous dinner. to playing in the Halford Hewitt), but we shared Our special guests included the Headmaster, a table at dinner with several very recent leavers. Haydn Griffiths, and his wife Joan; President of the These delightful young men had hardly heard of Old Boys, Barrie Roberts, and his wife Jean; and Windsor House but, by the end of the evening, they Serena and Ali Kyle. Barrie amused us with a few knew everything there was to know, and more! witty words, and the Headmaster gave a highly And so, a week later, on to Willington Hall in leafy entertaining “state of the nation” address. We are Cheshire, where 24 Old Windsorians and guests indeed fortunate to have such hugely respected and reminisced into the night. Peter “Jacko” Jackson competent men at the helm of the school and the runs this show with military precision and, whilst OWA. The banter continued late into the night and, there are whisperings that he is due to hand over for many of us, into breakfast next morning. For the well-worn reins of secretary to someone new, those Old Windsorians who have not attended for he so loves organising us and standing up and a while, these reunions are a real treat. You can be speaking at every possible opportunity, that I think assured of a thoroughly warm welcome.
David Franklin (W.61-67)
London Branch Dinner
Thursday, 12th November 2015
The Dinner will be held on Thursday, 12th coffee and port will be charged at £60 for OWs and November at the East India Club, 16, St James’ their partners and just £30 for anyone under 25 on Square, SW1. Pre-dinner drinks (on a cash basis) will the 31.12.2015. Dress for gentlemen will be suit and be served from 6.45pm in the Clive Room (ground tie and ladies are asked not to wear trousers. The floor) for dinner at 7.30pm in the Ladies Dining Dining Room can only accommodate a maximum Room (also ground floor). There will be a ‘retiring’ of 80 people so early booking is essential. I do hope bar in which to mingle further after the formalities. as many of you as possible will join us. The price of the meal including half a bottle of wine,
22 London Branch Tavern Trot 2015 OWA SURVEY Thursday, 11th June 2015 The sixth running of the Tavern Trot took place in Soho on Thursday 11th June on a balmy London evening. Eleven fearless It has been some years since Trotters met up at the Duke of Argyll at the we conducted a survey of western end of the principality to sample OWs to update our records on the reasonably priced Sam Smiths offerings contact details, occupation, and generate some good old fashioned Wrekinian debate on the state of the career, skills etc. School/Economy/our Health/Sport/it was If you already receive the OW never like that in our day etc. Record and E News letter by email, Participants over the course of the Trot please look out for the invitation included (Judge) John Price (S.59-63) Jon to complete the survey via Survey Wood (W.65-70) Tim Wood (W.68-73) Jon Monkey. If you do not receive email Blythe (S.70-74) Serena Kyle (C.75-77) Joan communications from us, please go & Haydn Griffiths and four guests – Jackie & to the website: www.wrekincollege. Ian McLean, Pat Ward & Andrew Martin. com/oldwrekinians and just click the button to complete the survey (from We continued eastwards to the Carlyle late September). If you would like a Arms a small but perfectly formed Tavern hard copy of the survey, please just (which seemed to suit Serena) and then on let me know and I will send one on to everybody’s favourite Soho dissolute pub to you. the Coach and Horses. Four Intrepid diners then braved the tacky carpets and surly It is really important that the OWA service of Wong Kei for the now traditional keeps accurate records of your end of night Chinese blow out. contact details. There is also a section in the survey asking about your ideas Some of our more alert readers will have for OW Events and whether you could noticed the Headmaster and wife name- help the school with careers advice, checked above and it is true that had there work placements, skills lectures, as not been a pressing engagement at School well as asking for your support for the next day, they would have gone the full the Foundation. Trot. We are expecting a return visit next year – which reminds me to remind you that Many thanks in anticipation! this is fast becoming the OW highlight of Serena Kyle the year and it would be careless of you not to be with us next year on 9th June 2016.
JW
23 From the archives
4th row left to right: A. R. Hurd, P. T. Fincham, D. A. Swayne, R.H. Yates-Ward, J. N. James, T. J. Murphy, S.A.G. Wyatt, D. Nurse, G.D. Sober, N. H. Brown 3rd row left to right: 1983 R.H. Bushell, N. J. Dakin, E. Roberts, D. M. Cundall, A. D. C. Chapman, Academic Staff C. A. Rostagni, R.C.J. Chatfield, D. A. Johnson, H.P. Griffiths
24 2nd row left to right: S. H. Owens, P. J. Owens, A. Savage, J. C. Drewery, P. J. Berry, M. de Weymarn, J.M. Spencer Ellis, M. M. Davey, D. M. Whittard, H. M. Carr 1st row left to right: J. A. Weight, R. J. Ward, A.H. Back, D. F. Beresford, K. D. Minty, G. C. L. Hadden, E. C. Gower, M. H. Thouless, M. Joyner, R. G. Edrich, M. W. H. Kirby
Donated by the family of William Derek Collier Lyddon (B39-44)
25 Computing at Wrekin College
By Haydn Griffiths
Soon after I arrived at Wrekin College in 1976, I contacted the Walker Technical College in Wellington (now Telford College of Arts and Technology) and it generously allowed me to take groups of students there to use its DEC PDP11 micro computer on a Tuesday evening for free. I plucked up courage and in 1979 approached Geoffrey Hadden, the Headmaster, and the governors to buy the school’s own PDP machine at a cost of some thousands of pounds (equivalent to tens of thousands these days). Soon after I presented my proposal, Commodore launched its PET range and I modified my request to 2 of these machines (for considerably less money – about £600 each) and the governors agreed. These early machines required programmes to be loaded, from cassette tape machines, each time and so were quite tedious at start up. Within a year a 5¼ inch floppy disc drive was released and this speeded matters considerably.
The computer suite, Room 3 in the New School in 1986 under the suprvision of Haydn Griffiths.
26 27 I think the governors were partially influenced to There was little interest from the staff in the buy the computers as the school was just about to computers, not surprising perhaps since most open the new Centenary Theatre and a room on the mundane tasks took a long time to set up but one top floor, which now houses technical equipment who was gripped by the new technology was Tony for the theatre, was designated the Computer Back, Housemaster of York House, who seemed to Room and, to visiting prospective parents, displayed collect almost every new device that was produced the school was at the forefront of educational at the time by Clive Sinclair – the ZX81 followed innovation. by the ZX Spectrum – and I suspect many others besides. When it was realised that the space was really needed for its original purpose, the theatre The Commodore PETs gave way to the Acorn BBC equipment, the computers were moved to room 3 machines in the early 1980s – these still cost over in the New School where they stayed until fairly £400 each – again a huge amount in comparison to recently when G13 (as was) became a second modern machines. Having bought the computers Computer Science suite (CS1) in the Gordon School. the cost of monitors (not really available in mass production) was outside the budget so John There was very little software for these machines, Weight, the Bursar, and I travelled to a sale in no databases, spreadsheets or word-processors. Wolverhampton and picked up 20 old colour TVs Indeed the first task I undertook, which sounds at a knock down price, cannabalised them to get trivial these days, was to computerise the printing 12 which worked tolerably well and we were off of the 3000 or so addresses for the Old Wrekinian and running with enough computers to be able to Association which hitherto had been handwritten introduce computer lessons into the curriculum for by the printers, Redverse in Shrewsbury, every time the Third Form and Computer Science O level in the a magazine was posted out. Given there was no Sixth Form. software, each field (e.g. name or line of address) in each record (each OW) had to be written to By the time the next range of computers – the a specific location on a floppy disc. A task which BBC B arrived on the market – there were also previously took days was completed in hours reasonably priced monitors and the picture depicts (processing and printing were still very slow by a Third Form computer lesson with a rather, modern comparisons). The OW Secretary at the relatively young and, dare I say it, dashing teacher time and Head of History, Edmund Potts, would from 1986-7, if I recognise my pupil correctly as adopt his common stance of smacking his forehead Sarah Bowdler (now Mrs Charnley, C86-91). This with his right palm and saying “I’ll be blowed.” at machine had a socket into which a ROM (Read only what could be achieved by ‘modern’ technology. memory) chip could be plugged and it became
28 possible to install a word processing package for of a piece of software meant the new version the first time. would not fit onto the old machine. My current iPhone 6 has a memory of 16Gb (considered Soon after this I took on the role of Director of hardly big enough), but 1Gb is 1 million times Studies and relinquished my self-made role as Head bigger than a 1Kb. A modern iPhone with all of its of Computing to Sue Lock, wife of Anthony (initially functions, cameras, sound and size now costs the Head of Mathematics, later Housemaster same, about £600, as those original of Windsor and Second Master and microcomputers (the PETs and now a governor of the school). Since then Computing, becoming BBCs) did back in the 1980s. ICT and now back round to When examination results Computer Science has were released electronically for developed in leaps and bounds. the first time, we could download John Weight bought a them direct from the examination computer for the Bursary boards using a modem attached (an Apricot?) and I undertook tasks to to the telephone lines (no Internet computerise the office. Again yet), and the staff would hold a there were no accounting post-midnight ‘Modem party’ packages, or least not at an at my house so that we affordable amount, and so we could get a sneak preview wrote our own routines. of the results before Writing out the end of they were delivered by term extras bills for the the Royal Mail later in 400+ pupils took the the morning. Now data 3 ladies in the Bursary a transfer is so easy, we don’t week at the end of each term. think twice. Computerisation reduced that to an hour The pace of change is definitely for the lot. not slowing down. I arrived from Nottingham As packages such as Word appeared, so did the University with programmes and data stored on requirement for comparatively huge memories. boxes of punched cards and reels of paper tape The early BBC B machines had a memory of 32K having spent 3 years computing vast amounts of bytes, which could be increased with a plugin RAM data for my PhD which I suspect I could, perhaps, (random access memory) to 64K. Often an upgrade have completed within a few days today.
29 Births, deaths and marriages
BIRTHS Donald Britton (T.35-38) died peacefully at home on 11th May To Sarah Crespo (nee Hurd) (R.94-98) and Jonathan 2014. He had been married to Erica Crespo on 7th October 2014, a daughter, Sofia Marie, a sister for nearly 70 years. Donald started to Danny three motor firms in Bristol, Bath To Charlotte Louise Doddrell (nee Rogers) (R.98-01) and Cardiff and was a member of the and Robin Doddrell on 3rd January 2015, a son, Jack William Bristol Rugby Club. Somerset Erica Britton
Frederick Hilton ‘Bill’ Chaffer MARRIAGES (W.42-46) was born in Liverpool Mr Greg L Bradley in 1929, the only child of Vera and to W Lee Carter Charles Chaffer; Bill went to Wrekin III (B.70-71) on 5th from age 9 until 18. On leaving August 2012 he moved to Bristol where he studied engineering and graduated Miss Lucy Downing The marriage of Neil Griffiths to Lucy in Mechanical Development and Downing took place in the Wrekin to Neil Griffiths Production Engineering. From there College Chapel on 18th April 2015 (Y.93-00) on 18th he decided to go to Cranfield to April 2015 specialise in Aeronautical Engineering. On completing this he took his first DEATHS job with De Havilland in Weybridge and from there he went on to Fairy E. Alonge (B.92-97) aged 35, Aviation. on 10th June 2015 G.M. Belsey (S.43-44) aged 88, It was then that he changed direction on 26th February 2015 and in 1958 took a position with D.M. Billings (T.56-61) aged 72, VacuBlast in Slough, later to become on 2nd September 2015 BTR (British Tyre and Rubber). Here E. Alonge (B.92-97) D.E. Britton (T.35-38) aged 93, he was Sales Manager covering both on 11th May 2014 the UK and overseas markets. In later F.H. Chaffer (W.42-46) aged 85, on 20th April 2015 years he became Company Director, H.G. Flegg (S.38-41) aged 90, on 16th March 2015 though still travelling around Poland, R.J. Gradwell (N.63-65) aged 65, on 26th November 2014 East Germany, Japan, Russia and I.A. Harper (B.46-49) aged 83, on 18th April 2015 South Africa. He then spent two years D.C. Howell (N.76-80) aged 52, on 15th April 2015 in America working in San Francisco, J.C. Markwick (N.48-54) aged 79, on 28th April 2015 Abilene (Texas), Kansas City and New L.G. McCandlish (N.44-47) aged 84, on 20th May 2015 York. Mrs Valerie Minty, Widow of Revd Desmond Minty (S.51-87) Bill married Elizabeth McLean in 1956 on 6th September 2015 and had a son, Colin and a daughter, J.R.L. Percival (T.38-41) aged 91, in 2015 Jane. Outside of work Bill’s interest P.G. Phillips (N.39-44) aged 89, on 21st January 2015 were many and varied. Surfing D.H. Stephenson (W.42-46) aged 86, on 13th February 2015 became a big part of his life which W.J.N. Taylor (S.38-43) aged 89, on 11th March 2015 he shared with his son, Colin. Bill A.J. Watkins (B.58-61) aged 70, on 11th November 2014 actually surfed on his 60th birthday. He was also a keen bridge player,
30 later on turning to poker and brag. He was an avid In 1965 David founded ‘J D Hewitson Accountancy reader and when younger, rower and squash player. Tutors’ at Belmont Hall, Great Budworth, Cheshire He later took to hill and cliff walking in The Lake providing intensive residential accountancy tuition District and Cornwall. With regards to spectator courses to prepare students for the Institute of sports, Formula One motor racing was his passion. Chartered Accountants professional examination. He could talk knowledgeably (bore you witless, The consistently high pass rates of the students depending on your point of view) about the teams, ensured the tuition centre achieved an international positions, technical innovations and rankings. reputation resulting in thousands of students from both the UK and abroad attending the courses. On retiring Bill took up golf, playing at Foxhills Following a merger with the Accountancy Tuition in Surrey where he also made good use of the Centre in London, David was appointed a national gymnasium until old age intervened. partner with responsibility for opening up tuition Bill and Elizabeth divorced in 1991 but remained day centres in Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool the best of friends with Bill spending time with and Newcastle-upon-Tyne. David retired from Elizabeth helping out at charity events, particularly the partnership in 1980, establishing his own on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support. Other sole proprietorship accountancy practice as J D charitable exercises included sponsoring three Hewitson FCA working with high profile clients, children in Kenya, two boys and one girl. When he whilst continuing to be in demand as a lecturer on visited Kenya on safari he made time to visit them specialist subjects and working with the ICAEW all in their individual homes and villages where examination body. he was treated to the local bush hospitality. This David held a lifelong passion for sport, with a exercise he undertook only once! He also gave special love of cricket and rugby both as a player regularly to other charities such as the British and spectator. He was an enthusiastic member of Diabetic Association and Guide Dogs for the Blind. Lancashire Cricket Club and the MCC, attending matches across the UK and accompanied the He was a gentleman and will be greatly missed. overseas MCC West Indies tour in 1974. David Colin Chaffer enjoyed an active social life with friends and family, spending time with his children Claire and Matthew, David Hewitson (whose death was reported in visiting the cinema and theatre, photography and Record number 96) died on 27th December 2013 walking in the Cheshire countryside. He had an aged 78. He came to Wrekin in 1948 entering energetic verve for life and great wit that made him York House and was followed at the school four popular company amongst all those who knew him. years later by his brother Reg (N.51-57). David participated fully in school life and activities, David was a proud lifetime OWA member and playing on the games teams gaining colours in retained a strong loyalty to Wrekin, attending many hockey, cricket and rugby and becoming a House reunions including the Centenary Dinner held at Prefect. Guildhall, London in 1980; he especially valued the lifelong friendships made through the school. On leaving Wrekin in 1954, David pursued a successful career in Chartered Accountancy Claire Mather (daughter) spanning the main areas of education and training James ‘Jim’ Marwick (N.48-54) was a School and private practice. Undertaking his Articles Prefect at Wrekin, a member of the 1st XI cricket at Christies Towels, he qualified as a Chartered team (Captain in 1954), the 1st XI hockey team, Accountant in 1961 with Morris Gregory & Co. Captain of Fives and also took part in school David then went onto employment with Rank Hovis athletics, squash (where he was awarded his McDougall and National Cash Register Company. Colours), House golf, shooting and water polo.
31 Births, deaths and marriages
He was the editor of The Wrekinian magazine helped rescue the Mail and the Guardian, struggling for two years and won a special prize for this in successor to the Rand Daily Mail, and gave it the 1954, as well as the English prize and was awarded kiss of continuing life as the Guardian Weekly’s an Exhibition in 1950. His Housemaster, B.C.W. main distribution arm in South Africa, underpinning Johnson, OBE, TD, MA, commented on his record its independent, liberal role through the perilous card that Jim was ‘charming & disarming’ early years after apartheid collapsed. and ‘He has loved this place’. He was a driving force behind the Guardian’s purchase of the National Service took him to Observer in 1993. Jim retired in Germany and after his studies 1997 and as he left, the group at St Edmund Hall, Oxford announced a profit of £68m. (1956-59) he got a job in London with the paper Golf and cricket featured company Bowater and, in on his agenda too; he was a 1960, married Marg Ann notably speedy bowler. Jim Gemmell. Jim first came to was a devoted Conservative editorial notice in the early 60s and was sadly defeated when as the chief of the Guardian’s he stood for Salford West in the Little New York office, which 1979 general election. Jim had been mainly supervised subscriptions to the a member of the RAC Club in Pall Mall Guardian Weekly and handled the expenses of the and was invited to become RAC vice-chairman, correspondents there. In 1961, Laurence Scott, helping mastermind the sale of the motoring the group’s ambitious chairman, offered young services and steering the remaining two clubs, town Jim, with his law degree, a job as deputy company and country, into a fresh era. Tall, slim and full of secretary, responsible for the onerous task of pinstriped elegance, he seemed a slightly unlikely dividing the Guardian and Manchester Evening exponent of Guardian values and traditions; News into separate companies. The great Guardian his politics were serious and eurosceptic. Jim is crisis of 1966 when the refusal of the paper’s survived by Marg Ann, their three children, Steve, owners, the Scott Trust, to merge with The Times, Sandy and Lindsay, three granddaughters and four resulted in a new management team being put in grandsons. place and Jim, back from America, was often tasked The Guardian/Serena Kyle with solving special problems: for instance buying Francis David Owen (W.45-52) whose death was an entire composing room as fast and cheaply reported in February’s Record, was a School Prefect as possible when the Guardian moved to new and Head of Windsor House. He took part in headquarters in Farringdon Road. He assisted in athletics, school colts and House rugby and was in the long annual pay negotiations with the the Windsor fives team. He won the History prize journalists’ union and was an all-purpose, very in 1948, the Public Speaking Prize in 1950, 1951 and resourceful Mr Fixit, habitually handed the role of 1952, the Dramatics prize in 1951, the Governors’ overseeing production and labour relations when Prize for Public Speaking and the Higgs-Walker some crisis broke. Memorial Drama Prize in 1952. He was in the Jim became the Managing Director of the Guardian House play in 1949, 1950 and 1951 and the School in 1988 where he devised a whole new way of play in 1951 and 1952. On leaving school David printing and distributing copies across Europe, an served for two years in the Cheshire Regiment, initiative widely followed by the Guardian’s rivals. National Service and then the T.A until 1969 and He became chairman of Fourth Estate publishing, was awarded the T.D. He was called to the Bar at
32 Greys Inn in 1967 and practised from Chambers specialist security and anti-terrorist products and in Liverpool. He was appointed a Recorder in 1988 from this came the net cord monitor that is now an and a Circuit Judge in 1991, Manchester. He retired accepted feature of world class tennis. to “The Land of his Fathers” at Llanfyllin. He was Don was a keen sportsman and joined Cranbrook a member of the Cheshire Pitt Club and served as Rugby Club and played golf at Cranbrook Golf Warden 2003-2008. With deteriorating health, Course. Another passion was music and he made his last years were spent in a Nursing Home in an annual pilgrimage to Leeds Castle every July to Christleton, Cheshire. He died on 7th January 2015 the London Philharmonic’s open air concerts. Don aged 81. His wife, Jenny predeceased him and he is was an enthusiastic Freemason and his Mother survived by his two daughters and two grandsons. Lodge was at Wrekin College. In 2006 Don’s health Ken Cooke began to deteriorate with diabetes, heart failure necessitating a pacemaker and chronic kidney Donald Patrick Harvey Rogers (B.47-52) was disease, having survived bladder cancer in 1992. born in Wrexham and remained steadfastly proud He passed away on 12th September 2014 with his of his Welsh heritage for the whole of his life. loving partner Avril holding his hand. Don leaves School holidays were spent in the West Country behind Avril, his son Derek and his wife Maria and where his parents lived and it was here that he his grandsons Richard and David and his extended learned to sail. After leaving school, Don back- ‘special’ family John and Miranda Betts, their packed around Europe and then joined the Royal children and grandchildren and Avril’s family. Don’s Navy for his National Service. He was selected greatest love – apart from his cats – was people, all for a Commission, but declined that in favour of people, any people. further education and a period in the Merchant Navy, during which time he was involved in taking Avril Olding people to Australia to start new lives there; he also David Henry Stephenson (W.42-46) had been studied for his Master’s Ticket. Don went to work very ill since last May when he had an operation for with British Railways undertaking structural design cancer. He was taken to the Leicester Branch of the of railway track and studied to obtain an ONC ‘Loros’ Hospice on Monday, 9th February but sadly in engineering; further work in civil engineering passed away on the Friday. He was the originator followed with Pirelli which necessitated a move of ’The Windsor Weeds’. David had three sons, to Scotland to deal with the foundations for the five grandsons, two granddaughters and two great overhead electrification of the Glasgow Surburban grandsons.
Railway. Don returned south in 1960 to work Barbara Stephenson as a draughtsman on sewerage and waterworks particularly a project for Cranbrook Rural District William Taylor (S.38-43) was called up on leaving Council. Don’s love of all things military enabled school and went into the RAF, spending two years him to spend two years in the 1960s in the in Singapore. When he came home he joined his Intelligence Corps TA being involved in counter- father in the family business and for the next 40 intelligence in Europe. Don became a technical sales years he was the proprietor of H. Taylor & Son, representative selling automatic chassis lubrication Music Warehouse in Walsall. His main interests to the haulage industry eventually forming his own were tennis and gardening. After retirement he and company to sell these products. He sponsored a friend did many concerts for charity and John was Glynis Atkins in motor racing, obtained his Private the compere; he had a great wit and gift of repartee Pilot’s Licence, raced trucks and for his last birthday so was in his element on those occasions. He was was able to drive round Brands Hatch in a BMW the youngest of four children but never married. M3. A second company was formed to handle Carol Thomas (niece)
33 Births, deaths and marriages
he saw a picture on the wall of the crucifixion and knew he had found The Revd. what he had been looking for in his life. He did not come Graham from a particularly religious family, but whilst at college came to faith whilst Phillips being prepared for confirmation. This was March 5th 1926 – January 25th 2015 the true beginning of his journey of faith. Graham was born in Hoole-by-Chester on 5th At age 18 he started a course in architecture at March 1926, to Percy and Alice Phillips. Liverpool University where he met Alf Schultes, a German Christian who had escaped from a German He had an older sister Joyce, and brother Denys. Concentration Camp. This man’s sincere faith had a They had quite a privileged but disciplined great impact on Graham, and set him on the path childhood. Denys and Graham were particularly to follow Jesus, wherever that may lead. This man’s close and shared a love of aircraft. This led to Denys total and sincere faith became a lifetime inspiration joining the RAF as an aircraft flying instructor, and to Graham, and he also introduced him to the Graham becoming a plane-spotter for the Royal teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, which became Observer Corps during World War 2. fundamental to his life and ministry. Graham was sent to board at the early age of On Christmas Day 1945, Graham had devastating 8yrs at Wrekin College. At school he played rugby, news, his brother Denys, had been killed in an air boxed and also loved cycling, which he equated to crash at Hungerford. The Feisler Storch which he freedom. He said of rugby that he “didn’t care about had flown from Germany had been sabotaged and the ball, but just loved to tackle”. This fearlessness a wing came loose. Shortly before his death, Denys remained with him throughout his working life. gave Graham a piece of advice which stayed with A natural performer, he chose to play the role him all his life – ‘Lead, don’t push’. This traumatic of ‘principal girl’ in several stage productions at event deeply affected the Phillips family and school. His flare for drama was apparent and triggered an ultimatum from his father. helped in his later role as a parish priest to bring his Graham chose to follow his faith. He was preaching and speaking to life. introduced to the Bishop of Chester who suggested The 2nd World War broke out in September 1939. studies at St. Aidan’s Theological College. During his He once witnessed a dog fight over the school time there (1946-1949) Graham learnt important resulting in a German plane crash landing nearby. lessons from the life of St. Francis. Frank, as he Without hesitation, Graham ‘stole’ a bike from the became known, represented themes that included Masters room and pedalled over as fast as he could love and respect to all, freedom from conformity to see what had happened. His rebellious nature and trust in God’s provision. These became central never waned. to Graham’s philosophy. At the age of 16, Graham received his first sign of However thoughts of being a friar dissipated in what the future held. Standing in a teacher’s study 1946. Whilst on holiday in the Welsh resort of
34 Abersoch, he met a young lady called Patricia. It increasingly difficult to reconcile his mission with was love at first sight, and they married in 1950. changes in the Church itself and decided it was best After two years working together as Master and to ‘retire from the fray’. Matron at a school, Graham was ordained in At his retirement party in 1989, his colleague Chester Cathedral. In 1952 his work as parish priest Michael described him with three words: began in Wallasey. Two sons – Chris and Richard were born there. • Pastor – A caring, compassionate man who loved his flock, and who is loved by them In 1954 Pat and Graham relocated to a small coal-mining village Thrybergh, South Yorkshire. • Preacher – for his fearless defence of the Apostolic He regularly visited the coal mine, sitting amongst Gospel. A man of prayer the men during their break periods. He saw in this • Prophet – An inspired teacher, a revealer or simple gathering of workers, what the real Church interpreter of God’s will of Jesus Christ could be – “a congregation of faithful men”. Their third child Ruth was born. Sadly Pat The couple moved to live in Charts Close, caught polio and to help recovery they moved to Cranleigh, Surrey. They were very grateful to be Guernsey, where son Paul was born in 1959. offered a lovely house by the Diocese, in which to live retirement years. It became a focus for the In 1960 the Phillips family moved to Heytesbury, on expanding family at festive times, and throughout the edge of Salisbury Plain and daughter Margaret the year. They loved the village so much, together was born. It was here, one Saturday evening, that with fellowship at the local St. Nicolas Church. Graham was working late in the Church. He headed home through the churchyard, and fell in a freshly Graham continued throughout this period to think, dug grave, which he had forgotten about. Some discuss and write about his fundamental beliefs. locals going home from the pub, were shocked to With his family’s help, this work has culminated in see a caped figure crawling out of the ground! a book, entitled ‘Beacon’, which encapsulates his philosophy, guiding principles, and fundamental In 1965 Graham transferred to St. Michael’s, belief in God. In addition to the website, the family Stonebridge Park, London to face the urban parish hopes to publish this as a fitting testament to challenge. Here Graham’s pastoral role developed, his life’s work and endeavours. Thus his ministry, in a large multi-cultural environment. From this which he pursued until the very end of his life, will time forward, his work within the community took priority, and he is remembered mostly for his care continue still. and compassion with the people he visited. He also He passed away peacefully at Manormead Nursing started writing as a new way to reach more people. Home on Sunday January 25th 2015 to be with Our Late arrival Lucy, their sixth child was born. Graham Lord. He is buried in Cranleigh cemetery. also became Chaplain to Central Middlesex Hospital. Finally, Graham’s own words about his life’s journey: The next move in 1970, was to Vernham Dean, Hampshire. Here, in addition to running the Parish, “You will see that the theme of ‘guidance, Graham became Mr Good Life. The Vicarage grounds, protection, and provision’ run through this story. being absolutely huge, enabled them to keep goats, Sometimes things have been ‘difficult’, sometimes chickens, geese, ducks etc, and much horticultural easy, but we who Believe and Trust in the Living activity growing crops for the kitchen table. Lord have His Word to rely upon and to guide our thoughts. This is true, isn’t it?” In 1978 they moved to Farnham. Finally after 3 years, an assignment in Cove, Farnborough. www.frankwords.org.uk Although keeping very busy, Graham found it Chris Phillips
35 Births, deaths and marriages
Edmund Potts (Staff 53-82) Desmond Minty (Staff 51-87) Eulogy given by Michael de Weymarn at the Memorial Service Sunday, 8th March
Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen, colleague reminded me that on one polling day, Edmund sought him out. This is a service of celebration and it is a privilege to be standing here to remember the plentiful and “You have not voted dear boy, you haven’t. Go and beneficial life of Edmund Potts. do so” while one Old Wrekinian told me that one evening in 1970 when Harold Wilson was predicted To a degree, I feel I am a bit of a fraud. I arrived to win at the General Election with a policy of at Wrekin in 1974 and apart from the then abolishing Public Schools, prayers for divine Headmaster, Geoffrey Hadden and Rodney Edrich intervention were said in York House. On a later (whom coincidentally, I had known at University) occasion after the vote, he acknowledged, in similar Edmund as the Head of the History Department, fashion, the help given when Heath was successful. was the first person I met. I must confess that I We did not teach Politics in those days. Dear don’t remember a great deal of what we discussed Edmund may have been hard pressed to maintain a and I certainly don’t remember any ‘challenging’ balanced view!!! questions, but I did feel that I was in the presence of a shrewd mind who was constantly weighing Unfortunately, I only knew Edmund for seven short me up. years and since in those days, a young master was not given his own classroom, I was very peripatetic Presumably he liked what he saw, felt that I would and rarely had the opportunity to see Edmund ’in fit into the “his Tory” department and I was very action’. Moreover, KDM had taken me on in Windsor gratified to be appointed, though if I could be and I was assigned the junior sides at games, so permitted to digress from my brief for a couple of meeting Edmund, a very senior figure, was limited. seconds, I have to say I was exceptionally lucky. You Nevertheless, I remember him fondly; he kept a see, I was replacing the assistant chaplain who also watching brief on my activities, interfered little, for worked in the “his Tory” Department and there lay which I was most grateful (though I suspect this a problem. I held a History degree (not necessarily would have changed dramatically if the results had Tory – others can judge that), but I did not have the gone awry) and, above all, made sure I was happy. ‘dog’ collar. Who came to my aid? None other than He ran a good department emphasising academic the other person we are remembering today, KDM, rigour with “relevancy, cogency and distribution of who very conveniently chose that precise moment time” as his watchwords. This is a phrase obviously to take Holy Orders. I think my career was saved at remembered by many Wrekinians as it crops up so that point, and the rest, as they say, is “his Tory”. often in letters, but it must have been successful for Most of you will remember the partisan views the department achieved more than its fair share of emanating from the Department. One former Oxbridge entrants under his tutelage.
36 He was extremely hospitable. In true Wrekin told me that it made such an indelible impression fashion, Mary and Edmund would invite my that (and I quote) “it is still talked about with awe wife and me down to Woodthorne for dinner, a in our house, and I have found it very useful myself party or suchlike, and I am eternally grateful to down the years in controlling my children”! What his contribution to my settling into Wrekin life. a legacy!! Edmund loved parties and loved playing games. Catch phrases are in abundance and fondly One colleague remembers especially playing remembered. Many Wrekinians, both in and out ‘Twister’, that game you have to contort yourself of the classroom were told, “Your Mother must be into touching all sorts of places on the floor. To this a Saint” as once again EAP had to remind them of day I’m not sure I can imagine Edmund doing this, their responsibilities. In fact, I understand he rarely indeed one member of his family remarked that used the words “I’ve told you before boy”; in true he was a frightful cheat (which contrasted sharply academic style, it was more likely to be “Plus ca with his undying regard for the rule of law), but it change.. Plus ca change” – basically ‘no change’!! was his way of entertaining provocatively, just as he taught provocatively!! Edmund loved sport. He would support his Yorks at any level: wherever they might be. One Old York In 1971, he took over in York and what shines told me, you always knew that you were special, through from the letters received is that there is no and that is always the sign of a great Housemaster. doubt that he was a much respected Housemaster. At Wrekin, I’m told he did plenty of rugby, but that I do not know if it is a quirk of fate, or the powers was before my time. However, he loved his cricket. that be have been forewarned, but one Old York Edmund only went to London for two reasons: told me that Edmund used to read regularly (again to attend regimental reunions (he never missed) whether by coincidence or design) from this very and to go to Lord’s where he was never happier, pulpit that passage that Dr Griffiths has just read a feeling I, as a fellow member of MCC, can fully from Revelations. Apparently, when he got to ‘I am empathise with!! Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end’ he used to sway from side to side and apparently all While at Wrekin, he looked after the 2nd X1. In the Yorks would do the same!! those days, I ran the U.15s, on what most of you will remember as the tuck shop square. On certain Stories of honesty, integrity, compassion, (one days when the 2nd X1 were playing on cricket letter speaks to the lengths he went to deal Bigside, I would be startled out of my wits by a with a bereavement) calmness and confidence sudden “Urghhhhhhhh”; this was Edmund’s call of oozed through all he did, aided of course by what ‘No Ball’ and the memory has lived with me ever everyone knows as..... “the Grip” a characteristic since. He was also, as you might expect, extremely that became a constant theme as I polled the Old strict on the game’s etiquette. On one occasion, a Boys. I don’t think I ever experienced it myself, House Match, an opposition batsman had made a but apparently it was applied between finger and very large score and retired. Edmund immediately thumb just on the elbow nerve, so that he was made a beeline for his opposite number “Batsmen absolutely sure of your attention, particularly as he do not retire” he said “they give their wicket away”. walked his charges, or held court, down the road to Woodthorne. I suspect that most Wrekinians, Edmund, of course, was a conservative (with a particularly the Yorks were subjected to this and small ‘c’) at heart. He did not approve of telephone indeed I heard that one boy even built drawing pins calls, “a lazy man’s way of writing a letter, boy” he into his jacket sleeve to try and repel the menace. would say, and he was also a strong disciplinarian, Sadly, it is not recorded what the outcome was, but knowing keenly what was right and what was I would have loved to have seen it!! Nevertheless, it wrong. One letter he wrote to a parent contained was obviously memorable. One York Head o’ House the words. “You may see in tomorrow’s paper that
37 Births, deaths and marriages
G.L.C. Hadden, a Housemaster at Charterhouse Edmund was born in Bristol on the 18th March is to be our Headmaster next September. He is 1921, and is, very sadly, the last of a very long line supposed to be something of a disciplinarian, so I of Potts men, all gentlemen of learning, stretching feel, personally, delighted at the appointment”. back to the 1500s. These, by and large, were men In 1975, the first girls (known as the Magnificent who eschewed the pursuit of trade, commerce 7) arrived at Wrekin. Reputedly, Edmund was or money. They followed vocations and callings, not in favour, and had to start teaching Civics to “born to serve” and “God, Queen and Country” and accommodate them, much to his disgust. However, Edmund was no exception. I feel he mellowed for, on another occasion, he His was a Clerical family and thus he soon found appointed a new House Matron who was about himself removed to London not far from Pentonville 20 years younger than the average. Having shown Prison. He attended the City of London School her round and formally introduced her to the and from there won a coveted place at Wadham prefectorial body, he then summoned his ‘Head o’ College, Oxford. However, he only completed his House’ and with a twinkle in his eye asked ‘Do you think we’ll be all right, Welbury?’ first year before feeling he had “to serve” and thus, following a course at Sandhurst, was commissioned As I said, I feel a little unworthy of standing here into the Second Battalion, the Worcestershire today. Why should I be selected? The problem is Regiment. His war was spent in the Far East; he that Edmund lived to the ripe old age of 93 and just missed the Fall of Singapore (if he had been as such has outlived nearly all his contemporaries. there his war would have been VERY different) and Indeed it fell to his daughter to speak the eulogy was constantly on campaign in Burma, particularly at his funeral and sadly she can’t be here today, on the Irrawaddy Bridgehead. I (and indeed Mary) so I feel very privileged to take her place on have to say that it was probably this period of his this occasion. life that made the greatest impression on Edmund. As we know, the jungle was a horrible battlefield: Edmund Potts in the Classroom Edmund did not sleep in a bed for two years and I know (from a letter to which I will return) he lived in constant fear of death by a booby trap, a shell blast or a sniper’s bullet.
38 He was wounded twice. In early January 1945, School in Scotland and then to Wrekin in 1953. Edmund took a bullet across the stomach losing a Another coincidence of this service is that this is large part of his gut and two days later wrote a very the same route followed by Desmond Minty. poignant letter home to his parents. I would read I have mentioned much of what he did for this it all if I had the time, but I have chosen certain School; in addition, he also ran the CCF and for parts. It relates how “for a short spell I have quit many years the OWA with typical enthusiasm. Hell on Earth for Paradise miles behind the lines”.. Along the way, he met Mary by whom he had and.....”the old stomach muscles are a bit stiff but two marvellous daughters, Kate and Clare, I shall soon be OK again and fit once more for the and a grandson, Oliver. He finally retired to fray”. He is concerned for a fellow soldier whom I Gloucestershire, involving himself in family life, think, was his batman, who was obviously much local events and restoring his derelict worse off than himself “What a rotten world this retirement home. is – it’s just part of the irony of life that war hits hardest the lovers of peace”. He is quick to reassure I haven’t been able to include all I have learned his parents that not only is he OK, but that the war about EAP but I am eternally grateful to all who is going well. Interestingly he speaks of “the Jap has have helped me to compile this address; family, guts, bags of them. He lays no store by human life friends, former colleagues, and not least former which he is prepared to throw away wholesale”. He pupils. Mary and the family have been truly states how he is “a little bit envious of those boys overwhelmed by the letters of sympathy they on leave BUT some day, my turn will come and I have received. shall be able to tell you so many things that I can’t What is not in doubt is that we have lost a real put in a letter”. gentleman who played an important part in my He is very descriptive of his surroundings, of the life and that of many, many others. He believed in black-market to obtain supplies, how the Japanese integrity, honour, duty, loyalty, fortitude, solidity, had flooded the area with worthless paper money, literacy and modesty. As Kate said at his funeral, so that the local economics was extremely fluid and “it does not really matter if the Potts are no more, that (and I liked this bit) “it will require something but I think it would be bad news if his values are at of a Keynes to straighten them out”!! He ends by the end of the line too”. I sincerely concur. saying how the Sister is ferrying messages to and Finally, following his recovery from the from his platoon, once again illustrating how caring aforementioned wounds in 1945, Edmund had he was of the men under his command. rejoined his regiment and was present at the Who could leave that environment unscathed? recapture of Kalow in Northern Burma. At the end However, I feel that his positive attitude to life, his of the War, the Japanese Flag (now at the family home) which was captured at Kalow was presented courage, his concern for others, his sense of humour to Edmund as the last surviving officer of ‘B’ and his philosophical approach stand out. In fact he Company. On it was the following inscription which was far worse off than he thought; he was shipped must serve as a fitting epitaph. off to India to have several operations and sick leave. But he survived and was then sent back to “Always present, true and kind: One of the best the front to ‘finish the job’. this world could find; to our good friendship, came a sudden end, and he left as he joined us – Edmund originally planned to be ordained, but everyone’s friend!” his faith ‘wobbled ‘in Burma. Instead he opted for schoolmastering with all the attributes that I have Thank you EAP. You have shown genuine concern already mentioned. Having finished his degree at for all those whom you have had the joy to help. Oxford, his first appointment was at Strathallan May you rest in peace. 39 Fallen but not forgotten Jeremy Elsworth (W.70-75)
As former pupils at Wrekin, we will all have passed by the memorials to the fallen OWs of 1914-18 and 1939-45 on hundreds of occasions as we attended Chapel over our years at the school. I doubt that any of us gave any serious thought and also whose names were carved into the marble plaques.
An article in the ‘Old Wrekinian Record’ (September 2014 No 96) relating to Second-Lieutenant Stuart Hodgson (1898-1916), who fell on the Somme, made me consider his OW brothers-in-arms who also did not return from that war. What about their stories and their lives? Fast forward twelve months and, after what at times seemed like endless hours of research, studying original papers and boxes of documents etc, I am now able to tell their stories, a century or so on. Fifty-four OWs lost lives in WW1 and you can now learn all about them on the dedicated website www.oldwrekinianliveslost1914-18.uk which I have recently created. It is also possible to download a copy of all the material if required.
40 Fallen but not forgotten
41 Coming back to Wrekin
When I was a pupil at Wrekin in the 1970s it was A celebration of the the era of long hair (for boys) and platform shoes, David Bowie and Thin Lizzy. I was one of the only 40th anniversary of 7 girls in the school who were here to take ‘A’ levels and how unprepared the school was for us girls girls being admitted after 95 years of being an all-male environment! No uniform, no games, as much make-up as you to Wrekin dared – we floated around the school like brightly coloured butterflies, constantly stared at by the Left to right: Julie Houlker (nee Honychurch), hundreds of boys as though we were alien beings Joanne Brougham (nee Wrighton), Katherine Alarina from another planet! What could they do with us? Howell, Clare Russon, Amanda Baines (nee Griffiths), Serena Kyle (nee Howard), Elizabeth Shropshire We tried sewing but gave that up. We joined the (nee Sands). Katherine Alarina Howell and Clare choir and then left en-masse as it was too much of Russon are ‘Lost Addresses’ – does anyone have any a strain on us to walk to the front of Chapel every information on them?
42 Coming back to Wrekin
day with many staring eyes upon us. Eventually coffee on 6th October 2003 some 29 years later! in desperation, there was always pottery – but it Of course, they didn’t look a day older. played havoc with our nails! What a different school it is today – in terms of Imagine my shock in discovering that the office I numbers, Wrekin is now 45% girls and entry for was allocated when I arrived to work at the school boys and girls from the age of 11, all integrated was in fact my husband, Alistair’s (S.72-77) old perfectly and treated the same. I do like to think study block and the kitchen was where I used to that the ‘Magnificent Seven’ – Amanda, Claire, cook him a special meal on a Saturday night before Elizabeth, Katherine, Jo, Julie and I helped to pave we headed off to the (unsupervised!) sixth form the way for today’s Wrekin girls. bar! However, even more of a shock was the look on the faces of a handful of teachers who taught me in the 1970s, when I walked into the Gordon Room for
43 Wrekin College Foundation
SATURDAY, 16TH MAY 2015 Reunion for the Leavers 1981 – 1990
44 This was the biggest Reunion Event held so far by a long way! Over 120 Old Wrekinians, Reunion for the Leavers guests, staff and friends attended the 1981 – 1990 Reunion Day this year.
We were delighted that the following former members of staff could also join us: David and Barbara Beresford (Staff 67-94), Mervyn and Marion Joyner (Staff 62-94), Michael Davey (Staff 71-97), Eddie Roberts (Staff 76-12), Arthur and Ann Savage (Staff 73-06), Martin and Janet Thouless (Staff 56-92), Ron and Eve Ward (Staff 74-86) and Michael de Weymarn (Staff 74-10). We were also joined by the Headmaster and his wife, Haydn and Joan Griffiths, George and Karen Campion (B.67-71), Chairman of Governors, Barrie and Jean Roberts (N.51-55), President, OWA, Chris Jones, Chairman OWA, Revd Michael Horton, Chaplain, Mrs Stella Clarke, Deputy Head and Mrs Adele Wright, Deputy Head, Guy Roberts, Director of Planning, Phil and Heather Berry (Staff 74-), Eddie Fanneran (Staff 84-) and Bernard Crone, Deputy Bursar. The Deputy Head Girl, Georgina Roberjot and Deputy Head Boy, William Davidson were also able to join us for lunch. The morning began with coffee in the Graham Building, where guests were presented with badges in House colours for ease of recognition! The noise level reached very high decibels as people met up with old friends and contemporaries. At 12 noon, we moved to the Memorial Hall for drinks and lunch. I managed to put together a table plan that ensured everyone knew someone at their table, including their old Housemasters! After lunch, the Headmaster then gave a most interesting and enlightening speech on the state of the school under his care. At 2.45pm, current Sixth Form pupils took parties of OWs and guests around the school and the Houses; I am assured they enjoyed the experience and were not there just for the large chocolate bar reward! An Evensong Service took place at 4pm, followed by tea and cakes in the Memorial Hall and a last chance to catch up before the day came to a close, well at school anyway! The Old Plough pub was filled with OWs late into the evening, before many decamped to The Dakar and The Old Orleton. Here’s to your next one in 2020.
Serena Kyle
45 Wrekin College Foundation
01
01: Kate Bell (nee Jones) (R.85-87), Jo Eley 18: Heather Berry, Jenny Stringer (nee (R.83-86), Emma Sparrow (nee Lanyon) Gillison) (C.86-88), Phil Berry (Staff 74-) (R.85-87), David Winterton (B.81-86) 19: Andrew Gausden (B.80-85), Rob Hall 02: Mervyn Joyner (Staff 62-94), Anthony (B.80-85), Elaine Thornton Heath (S.79-82) 20: Eddie Fanneran (Staff 84-), Michael 03: Emma Hooper-Smith (nee Hooper) de Weymarn (Staff 74-10), Grant Berry 02 (C.83-85), Alastair Blacknell (Y.80-85) (B.80-85), Leigh Thomas (B.84-89) 04: Sam Bruckshaw, Joan Griffiths, Jo 21: Elaine Thornton, Peter Thornton Winterton, Peter Thornton (B.80-84), (B.80-84), Julie Hall (nee Shepherd) Elaine Thornton (C.83-85) 05: Chris Jones (W.82-87), Sarah Heath 22: Samantha Voyle (C.86-89), Alex Clarke (nee Taylor) (C.85-87) 06: Stephen Gittins (W.85-88), Melinda Wotton (nee Brown) (C.86-88) 23: Alex Clarke (nee Taylor) (C.85-87), 03 Stephen Gittins (W.85-88), Eddie Roberts 07: Jane Holliday (nee Haseldine) (C.84- (Staff 76-12) 86), Charlotte Whitehead (nee Edwards), Cindy Hamad (nee Maddocks) (R.83-85) 24: Nick Mathias (T.77-82), Isabel Mathias 08: Michael Davey (Staff 71-97), Thaisa 25: Guy Roberts (Staff 03 – ), Sarah Peak Whistance (R.83-86), Katie Andrews (R.84-86) (nee Jones) (R.83-88), Hannah Pugsley 26: Jo Eley (R.83-86), Richard Weaver (R.84-89) (Y.77-82) 04 09: Emma Hooper-Smith (nee Smith) 27: Hannah Pugsley (R.84-89), Paul (C.83-85), Karen Hawker (C.83-85), Wilson (Y.84-89), David Weaver Emma Daynes (nee Grant) (C.83-85), (Y.84-89) Ron Ward (Staff 74-86), Dinah Hastie (nee Blunt) (C.81-83), Sally Alexander 28: Chris Jones (W.82-87), James (nee Blunt) (C.83-85) Whitfield (W.80-85) 10: Barbara Beresford, Richard Hewitt 29: Peter Kirby (Y.76-81), Anthony Heath (T.81-86), Nick Hewitt (T.81-86), David (S.79-82) 05 Beresford (Staff 67-94) 30: David Hoskisson (W.84-89), James 11: Arthur Savage (Staff 73-06), Cook (W.86-90), Adrian Burns (W.85-90), Kate Bell (nee Jones) (R.85-87), Jo Eley Alastair Sheehan (W.85-90), Chris Jones (R.83-86), Anne Savage, Emma Sparrow (W.82-87) (nee Lanyon) (R.85-87) 31: Sarah Heath, Chris Riley (W.85-90), 12: Louise Storey (nee Gittins) (R.82-84), Mark Hancox (W.84-89), David Hoskisson Chris Campbell (B.81-83) (W.84-89) 06 13: Gill Sparrow (nee Hughes) (R.82-85), 32: Sally Alexander (nee Blunt) (C.83-85), Peter Thornton (B.80-84) Karen Hawker (C.83-85), Emma Hooper- Smith (nee Hooper) (C.83-85) 14: Sarah Edwards (nee Hopkins) (R.83-85), Gordy Edwards, Kate Bell 33: Emma Daynes (nee Grant) (C.83-85), (nee Jones) (R.85-87) Dinah Hastie (nee Blunt) (C.81-83), Sally Alexander (nee Blunt) (C.83-85) 15: Samantha Voyle (C.86-89), James Dixon (B.84-89), Stephen Gittins (W.85- 34: Ron Ward (Staff 74-86), Sally 07 88), Alex Clarke (nee Taylor) (C.85-87) Alexander (nee Blunt) (C.83-85), Eve Ward 16: Barrie Roberts (N.51-55), Haydn Griffiths (Staff 76-) 35: Janet Thouless, Jeremy Bellis (N.77-82), Paul Beaumont (N.78-83) 17: Ron Ward (Staff 74-86), Eve Ward, Karen Campion, George Campion (B.67-71) 08 09 10 11
12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
32 33 34 35 Wrekin College Foundation
36 37
38 39
40 41 36: Ed Fair (Y.76-81), Joan Griffiths 37: Charlie Bedell, Freddie Bedell, William Bedell (B.75-80) 38: Hugh Gemmell (Y.77-82), Haydn Griffiths (Staff 76), Alastair Blacknell (Y.80-85) 39: Front: Tim Naik (Y.83-88), Jenny Stringer 42 43 (Gillison) (C.86-88), James Parsons (W.84-88), Alastair Houston (W.83-88), Middle: Kate Thomas (C.86-88), Back: Tim Bulley (T.84-88), Emma Paskett (C.86-88), Justin Mallinson (W.83-88), Birgit Roelink-Assink (nee Assink) (C.86-88), Melinda Wotton (nee Brown) (C.86-88) 40: Cindy Hamad (nee Maddocks) (R.83-85), Richard Bruckshaw (B.80-85) 44 45 41: Gill Sparrow (nee Hughes) (R.85-87), Ian Griffiths (S/Y.80-85), Sam Bruckshaw 42: David Winterton (B.81-86), Peter Tindell (B.81-84), Tim Elphick (B.82-84) 43: Chris Campbell (B.81-83), Stella Clarke, Louise Storey (nee Gittins) (R.82-84) 44: Jo Winterton, James Dixon (B.84-89), 46 47 Nick Furnival (B.80-83) 45: Ian Griffiths (S/Y.80-85), Mervyn Joyner (Staff 62-94), Anthony Heath (S.79-82) 46: Charles Gittins (N.80-83), Adele Wright 47: Chris Joyner (B.78-83), Jonathan Grant (W.78-83) 48 49 48: Nick Blacknell (N.79-83), Martin Thouless (Staff 56-92), Bernard Crone 49: Room view SATURDAY, 14TH MAY 2016 Future Reunion For pupils who left between 1991 to 2005
Next year’s Reunion will take place on Saturday, 14th May and will be for the day only. The day is open to any OW who left between 1991 and 2005. Formal invitations will be sent out in March 2016 and no charge is made for OWs to attend the day or for lunch. It is hope that OWs will bring their families to enjoy the day.
Accommodation Please make a note that we are now inviting back the LEAVERS by decade group and not the joiners. The Old Orleton, Holyhead Road, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 2HA. Telephone: 01952 255011 The future programme will therefore be:
The Whitehouse Hotel, Watling Street, Wellington, May 2016 – Leavers between 1991 and 2005 Telford, Shropshire TF1 2NJ. Telephone: 01952 250700 June 2017 – Pre 1960 leavers Travelodge, Shawbirch Cross Roads, Whitchurch Drive, June 2018 – Leavers between 1961 and 1970 Shawbirch, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 3QA. June 2019 – Leavers between 1971 and 1980 Telephone: 0871 984 6110 June 2020 – Leavers between 1981 and 1990
OWA WEBSITE Your website (www.oldwrekinians.org) is now fully incorporated within the School website www. wrekincollege.com Please keep sending in your news and photos for inclusion on the website. Do you want to trace lost friends and colleagues? If so just ring or email the Foundation Office with DONATING TO THE FOUNDATION ONLINE! any queries. You are able to donate to the Foundation online through the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF). TO CONTACT THE FOUNDATION OFFICE Simply go to www.cafonline.org, enter ‘Wrekin Serena Kyle – Foundation Manager College Foundation’ in the search box and donate Telephone: 01952 265609 using your credit or debit card or your CAF Email: [email protected] Charity Account.
49 Wrekin College Foundation The Summer Party
Saturday, 27th June 2015 Those who attended were: Dr Haydn Griffiths and Mrs Joan Due to falling numbers and increasingly Griffiths, Mr Tom Mackriel (Head bad weather, the OWA Committee made a Boy), Mr Simon Mackriel, Mrs Zoe Mackriel, Miss Becky Flynn (Head decision to hold the ‘Annual Dinner’ in June, Girl), Mr Mike Flynn, Mrs Paula as part of the weekend which comprised the Flynn, Mr Neil Griffiths (Y.93-00), Mrs Lucy Griffiths, Mr Dyfan OWA cricket matches against the school Thomas, Mrs Yvonne Thomas and the Foundation Fun Day both of which (Bursar), Mr John Alexander (N.60-63), Mrs Joan Alexander, were held on Sunday, 28th June. Mr Bernard Crone (Deputy Bursar), Mrs Maureen Crone (Staff 04 -), It was a warm and balmy evening when the guests Mrs Janet Cliffe (Staff 01-13), Miss Alicia Crone (C.03-10), Mr Sam assembled outside the Memorial Hall for a glass Chick, Mr James Crone (Y.02-09), or two of pre-dinner fizz before we sat down Mr Barrie Roberts (N.51-55), Mrs to a 4 course summer menu which the catering Jean Roberts, Mr Michael de department do so well. In a change to usual Weymarn (Staff 74-10), Mrs Selbie procedures, the Head Boy, Tom Mackriel and Head de Weymarn, Mr Graham Curry (Y.48-52), Mr Alec Bonson Girl, Becky Flynn welcomed all the guests and (W.61-66), Mrs Helen Bonson, made short speeches about what they would miss Mr Phil Berry (Staff 74- ), about Wrekin now that they are leaving school, Mrs Heather Berry, Miss Charlotte before proposing the health of the OWA. The new Roberts (C.03-08), Mr Andrew Huxley (W.81-86), Mrs Annabelle ‘Hon Sec’ of the OWA, Michael de Weymarn said Huxley, Mr Chris Jones (W.82-87), the Grace and after the delicious meal, Olivia Baker Mrs Julie Jones, Mr Mervyn Joyner (R.00-07) (Committee Member) proposed the toast (Staff 62-94), Mrs Marion Joyner to Her Majesty The Queen, followed by Mervyn (Staff 62-94), Mr Alistair Kyle Joyner (Staff 62-94, outgoing OWA Secretary) who (S.72-77), Mrs Serena Kyle (nee Howard) (C.75-77), Mr John Walker proposed the toast to our Founder, Sir John Bayley. (B.52-55), Miss Olivia Baker Barrie Roberts (N.51-55), OWA President proposed (R.00-07), Miss Hannah Baker the toast to the School before saying a few words (R.02-09), Mr Max Price (B.02-07), about Mervyn and Marion Joyner, thanking Mervyn Miss Sophie Yates, Mr David Phillips (Y.00-07), Kirsty, Mr Nick Yiend for all his hard work over the past 25 years as Hon (Y.00-07), Miss Lydia Hayden, Sec. The OWA presented Mervyn with a case of his Mr Simon Clifford (T.00-07), favourite red wine and two crystal wine glasses and Miss Sophie Hughes (R.04-09), a bouquet of flowers for Marion. The Headmaster, Mr Tom Masters (Y.07-14), Mr Matt Haydn Griffiths responded with a speech about Rose (Y.06-09), Mr Ben Nicoll (Y.12-14), Mr Henry Asson (Y.07-14), how the school was flourishing and the expected Mr George Yiend (Y.07-14), Mr Josh numbers for September. Thank you to Chris Jones Murton (Y.07-14), Mr Benjy Cox (W.82-87) for providing the port for the toasts. (Y.06-13), Mr Ghini Iong (B.09-14)
Serena Kyle
50 FOUNDATION FUN DAY SUNDAY, 28TH JUNE 2015
This was a first! A Fun Day held during and after the OWA T20 cricket matches versus the school. The event was widely advertised to staff, OWs, parents of both schools and neighbours to the school and they started arriving at 12 noon on the dot. By 1.15pm there was hardly a decent ‘pitch’ to be had – gazebos everywhere! BBQs and picnics on the lawn and in addition to the bouncy castle, sumo wrestling, bungee run, tournament joust, log rolling, face painting and hot dog stands, there was a ‘Beer Bus’ (which ran out towards the end of the day!), coffee and doughnuts, popcorn and even a stall run by The Friends of the Clifton – the Wellington Cinema which closed some time ago and which this committee is desperate to save and restore. The cricket was played in warm sunshine with a victorious school beating the OWs. At 6pm the ‘Proms in the Park’ style concert began with The Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) Brass Band supported by the Wrekin College jazz and soul bands with a host of ‘Last Night of the Proms’ favourites.
I am assured that next year’s Fun Day will be bigger and better than ever .... watch the website for the date!
51 ELLIE’S SCHOOL BLAZER Ellie Hillyard (R.06-14)
Having spent all my school years at Old Hall were yards and Wrekin College, the end of my last summer of material term in July 2014 was not an event I was looking in store. Mr forward to. I wanted that term to go on and on. Mears did confirm that During our last week, the Upper Sixth attended although they a leavers meeting where ‘the end is nigh’ was had designed certainly driven home. We filled in various forms and made thousands of women’s sporting clothes and we were given some presentations, one of before, they had never made a women’s “Old Boys” which was from the Old Wrekinian Committee. blazer. In a very nice way, he explained that the box Whilst the information certainly attracted our shape of a blazer made it a simple job for men’s interest, there was one thing that didn’t rest easy design, but a complex job for women’s design. with me. Although the Old Boys organisation had seemed just that – for old boys, everything He went to a store room and came back with a presented seemed to be aimed equally at girls and riding jacket that had been modelled on a Jaeger boys. That was until the mention of the blazer, jacket. Mum was happy with Jaeger as a starting which was for boys only. point. From then on, I was entirely free to tell Mr Mears exactly how I wanted the blazer. I wanted I quickly recalled seeing OId Wrekinians sporting it shorter than he proposed and perhaps slightly the distinctive blazers at school events and it struck more fitted. This was obviously going to be difficult me that I’d never seen a lady in school colours, because of the heavily striped design. I was allowed only men. And the blazer seemed to me to be the to choose my own buttons, but the real bonus for defining image of the Old Wrekinians. When I asked me was the lining. I had a flash of inspiration and I why only for boys, Andrew Huxley suggested that thought house colours – why not one half red and it might be possible to get a women’s blazer made one half black, for Roslyn? and that gave me all the encouragement I needed. I tried to rally the rest of the girls to the cause, but One fitting, 4 months and £120 later, I came home only one showed any real interest. thrilled with my new – and the first ever – woman’s Old Wrekinians blazer. With the £75 material cost, I think it was during an Old Wrekinians cricket the blazer is not cheap but Mr Mears did suggest match that my father met with Chris Jones who that tailoring cost for second and subsequent confirmed that the material was available and that blazers would be cheaper. I think the cost may have the tailors, Mears, should be able to help. We made been the main reason the other girl did not follow an appointment for one morning in late July and up with me. sure enough, at the workshop in Bloxwich, there
52 My blazer’s first outing was to this year’s Roslyn dinner, where it attracted huge interest from staff and girls alike. I have to say though, I will not be restricting it’s use to school events. The blazer looks cool enough to wear out casually day or night. I hope that more girls “follow suit” and that one day, a number of us can turn up together, at Speech Day or at an Old Wrekinian event, and show that Wrekin College is now definitely co-ed and that we have fully cast off the Boys- Only culture.
53 Available for sale
SCHOOL PRINTS Numbered limited edition of prints of the school are still available – the original OWA gift to Headmaster, Peter Johnson – and can be collected from the Foundation Office. The cost of the prints is unchanged at £20 (unmounted), £22.50 (mounted pale grey, dark green, maroon and cream) or £35 (framed). Cheques payable to OWA. If ordered, prints can be delivered to any OWA Branch dinner.
FOR SALE FROM THE FOUNDATION OFFICE Please make cheques made payable to ‘OWA’ Please add 50p for postage & packing OWA Socks – £10.00 per pair OWA Scarves – £25.00 each OWA Silk Tie – £15.00 each OWA Blue Lion Silk Tie – £15.00 each OWA Green Lion & Blue Lion Ties – £10.00 each ADVERTISING SPACE Old House Ties – Old Tudor; Old York; Old Bayley, The charge for advertising in the O.W. Record is Old Norman, Old Saxon, Old Windsor – £10.00 each £100 for a full-page (A5) and £50 for a half page. The magazine has a circulation of over 4,000. If any members are interested in advertising their FOR SALE FROM WREKIN COLLEGE companies or their services in this way, please Please make cheques payable to ‘Wrekin College’ contact the Editor or the OWA Secretary as soon as possible. Bayley’s Children – A History of Wrekin College 1880-2005 by Dr Rodney Edrich – £10.00 + £5 P&P Any advertising copy would be required by August (for overseas postage contact the Development Office) 1st for the Autumn edition and by January 1st for the Spring edition, but an early notification of your Silk Bow Ties – Dark Blue with Pale Blue Stripe – intentions would help in planning. £12.50 each New School Print (unframed) – £20.00 OWA BLAZERS The Blazer material is held at the tailor, John Mears OWA DISCOUNT of R H Mears Ltd, 10 Harrison Street, Bloxwich, The Governors have agreed that members of the Walsall WS3 3HP, telephone number 01922 OWA will be entitled to a 10% discount on fees for 476930. Please contact Chris Jones (07970 408516 any of their children while at Wrekin. It is hoped or [email protected]) if you would like that this will encourage more members to maintain a Blazer. The cost of the material is £75 and this family connections with the school. should be paid by cheque to ‘OWA’. The making up price should be paid direct to the tailor.
54 The 200 club
The ‘200 Club’ was formed in 1983 and its and Autumn, prizes will now be 1 x £250, objectives are to raise funds for School projects 1 x £100 and 4 x £50. To join or increase your and to date, over £20,000 has been raised. This existing membership (maximum 5 units), please is an excellent way of helping the School while contact David Ellison, 4 Grosvenor Court, Pinfold having the chance of winning a prize twice a year. Hill, Shenstone, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS14 0JW, 50% of all income goes out in seven prizes ranging Tel: 01543 481728, Email [email protected] from £250 to £25, the other 50% goes towards the funding of School projects. Draw Sunday, 27th June 2015 Each number has a 7 in 200 chance of winning at 204 £200 Mrs J Battye each draw – the odds are better than the Lottery 141 £100 M de Weymarn and the proceeds are put to good use! Why not 37 £50 G A Sheppard (Y.43-48) have a go! 87 £50 Mrs J Grant The subscription to the 200 Club is £10 per share 28 £50 Mrs E Moore per annum. At each of the two draws in the Spring 198 £50 D R Franklin (W.61-67)
55 Contacts
www.wrekincollege.com [email protected]
OWA President: London Branch: OW Cricket: Barrie Roberts (N.51-55) Little Orchard, Jon Wood, 31 Trinity Church Road, Michael de Weymarn, Wrekin College, Evendine Lane, Colwall, Malvern, Barnes, London SW13 8ET Wellington, Telford, Shropshire Worcestershire WR13 6DT T. 07901 555271 TF1 3BH T. 01684 541416 [email protected] T. 07805 174584 [email protected] [email protected] Manchester Branch: OWA Chairman: John Alexander (N.60-63) OW Golf: Chris Jones (W.82-87) Leaton House, Harefield Cottage, 81 Cherry Lane, Simon Lander (B.85-90) Pound Lane, Hanwood, Shrewsbury, Lymm, Cheshire WA13 0SY 1 Teakettle Row, Tibberton, Newport, Shropshire SY5 8JR T. 01925 758694 Shropshire TF10 8PD T. 01743 861151 or 07970 408516 [email protected] T. 07549 936020 [email protected] [email protected] Midlands Branch: OWA Treasurer: John Walker (B.52-55) OW Hockey: David Ellison (T.54-58) 4 Grosvenor Court, 21 Elm Tree Rise, Hampton-in-Arden, Barrie Roberts (N.51-55) Pinfold Hill, Shenstone, Staffordshire Solihull B92 0AG Little Orchard, Evendine Lane, Colwall, WS14 0JW T. 01675 443297 Malvern, Worcestershire WR13 6DT T. 01543 481728 [email protected] T. 01684 541416 [email protected] [email protected] Shropshire Branch: OWA Secretary: Andrew Hartley, Finders Keepers, OW Netball: Michael de Weymarn, Wrekin College, 11 Belle Vue Road, Ironbridge, Sophie Summers (R.96-01) Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 3BH Shropshire TF8 7QW T. 07801 922868 T. 07805 174584 T. 07812 489720 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] OW Shooting: OWA Social Secretary: Yorkshire Branch: Adrian Reynolds (Y.76-81) Serena Kyle, Foundation Office, Robert Shaw (B.71-76) 11 Leegomery Road, Wellington, Wrekin College, Wellington, Telford, Gawthorpe Green Farmhouse, Telford, Shropshire TF1 3BP Shropshire TF1 3BH Gawthorpe Green Lane, Kirkheaton, T. 01952 412165 T. 01952 265609 Huddersfield, Yorkshire HD5 0NX [email protected] [email protected] T. 01484 431046 Headmaster: [email protected] 200 Club Secretary: Haydn Griffiths, Wrekin College, Michael de Weymarn, Wrekin College, Old Windsorians: Wellington, Telford, Shropshire Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 3BH Peter Jackson (W.62-66) TF1 3BH T. 07805 174584 56 Slayleigh Lane, Fulwood, Sheffield, T. 01952 265602 [email protected] South Yorkshire S1 3RH F. 01952 415068 T. 07801 842100 [email protected] Liverpool Branch: [email protected] Johnny Prestt, Beechwood, Puddington School Office: Lane, Puddington, Cheshire CH64 5SL OW Lodge: T. 01952 265600 T. 07798 576800 Paul Rhodes (T.59-62) F. 01952 240338 [email protected] 18 Old Hall Close, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 2DJ T. 01952 247418