Bishop Otter College Guild Newsletter 2015

Guild Newsletter 2015 | 1 Welcome to the Bishop Otter College Guild Newsletter 2015

Next time you visit Bishop Otter campus, you may like to visit the newly restored stained glass windows which have recently been installed in the new extension of the Chapel of the Ascension. Originally situated in the Old Chapel, they were removed and discarded when the Old Chapel was turned into a laboratory in 1962. When the building was decommissioned as a library and turned into a sport science library, the windows were found under the floorboards. On further investigation, some were also found in the basement of University House. The windows, which would have been in the East Window above the altar, were made by Charles Eamer Kempe, a renowned 19th century stained glass artist whose work, inspired by early Renaissance style, is distinguished by its detailed face drawings and shimmering greens. Kempe designed the windows to look at their most splendid on a bright sunny day with the sun illuminating them from behind. These windows are the last to be completed as part of a four-year project which began with the restoration of the three windows installed in Cloisters in 2011. The restoration has been sensitively fulfilled by Horsham-based stained glass artisan Cliff Durrant. A grant of £25,000 from the Bishop Otter Trust made the restoration project possible.

See how you can help the University. A chance to double the value of your donation to the University. Please see inside back page for details.

2 | Guild Newsletter 2015 Bishop Otter College Guild President Professor Clive Behagg

Vice-Presidents Dr Colin Greaves Professor Philip E D Robinson

Honorary Secretary Mr Marten Lougee 11 Meadow Close Cononley, Keighley West Yorkshire BD20 8LZ 01535 636487 (mob) 07813 393381 [email protected]

Honorary Treasurer Mr John Fletcher 6 Colley Rise Lyddington Oakham Rutland LE15 9LL 01572 821213

IT Support and Editor of Newsletter Mrs Rose Savage 14 Crouch Cross Lane Boxgrove Chichester PO18 OEH 01243 773336 [email protected]

Membership Secretary Mrs Hilary Chapman 60 Connaught Road Cromer Norfolk NR27 OBZ 01263 513711

From the Editor Once again, another year gone by and I thank you all for your contributions and articles. I have had a request from the Membership Secretary to ask you all if you would be good enough to remember to let herself and me know if you should change address. We do get a number of returned Newsletters marked as “not known at this address” and we want you all to receive them. Also, if you should hear of a member of your year who has, unfortunately, died, please let us know so that we can remove them from the list to prevent any distress to the family. Please could I have all contributions for the 2016 Newsletter by Friday 22nd January 2016 at the very latest. I hope you all enjoy this edition of the Newsletter as much as I have enjoyed putting it all together, and I wish you all a very happy 2015.

Guild Newsletter 2015 | 3 Committee Meeting

All Year Representatives able to get to the Reunion are invited to the Committee Business Meeting at 9.30 a.m. in room H149.

Year Representatives

1944-46 Mrs Cynthia Aird, 1 Rosevine Road, West Wimbledon, London SW20 8RB 1947-49 Mrs Audrey Colam, 24 Burton Road, Dover, Kent CT16 2 ND 1948-50 Mrs Pat Life, 78 Elmstead Gardens, Worcester Park, Surrey KT4 7BE 1949-51 Mrs Josephine Sztyber, 8 Crofton, Lion Lane, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 1JE 1950-52 Miss June Blitz, 19 Marjoram Crescent, Cowplain, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO8 9BD 1951-53 Revd. Barbara Watson Hammond, 28 Church Path, Emsworth, Hampshire PO10 7DP 1952-54 Mrs Trixie Barnden, 48 Folders Lane, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 0DX 1953-55 Mrs Pamela Cahill, 50 Ridgeway, Hayes, Bromley, Kent BR2 7DE 1954-56 Miss Rosslyn Stenning, 7 Hurst Gardens, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, BN6 9ST 1955-57 Mrs Valerie Gabriel, Flat 1, 6 Dittons Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 1DN 1956-58 Mrs Lorna Edwards, 26 Queen’s Drive, Nuttall, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NG16 1EG 1957-59 Mrs Pauline Moss, 3 Lathallan Drive, Polmont, Falkirk, Stirlingshire FK2 0PD 1958-60 Miss Muriel Warburton, 37a Oaklands Avenue, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 9SS 1959-61 Mrs Anne Walters, 1 Wayte Court, Ruddington, Nottinghamshire NG11 6NL 1960-63 Mrs Maureen Evershed-Martin, Mile End Cottage, Cherlton Fitzpaine, Crediton, Devon EX17 4JU 1961-64 Mrs Carolyn Keyzor, 83 Anmore Road, Denmead, Hampshire PO7 6NT 1962-65 Mr Marten Lougee, 11 Meadow Close, Cononley, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD20 8LZ 1963-66 Mr Roy Salmon, 36 Lombard Street, Lidlington, Bedfordshire MK43 0RP 1964-67 Mr Bob Norris, Exotter, 7 Ethelbert Road, Rochester, Kent ME1 3EU 1965-68 Mrs Jo Bird, Swansong, 70 Glade Road, Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 1DH 1966-69 Mr and Mrs Peter and Rose Scott, 23 Beamish Way, Maple Farm, Winslow, Buckinghamshire MK18 3EU 1970+ Mrs H Chapman, 60 Connaught Road, Cromer Norfolk NR27 0BZ 1980+ Mrs P Cahill, 50 Ridgeway, Hayes, Bromley, Kent BR2 7DE

Mrs Hilary Chapman acts as Membership Secretary, so it is helpful if you could let her know of changes of address or any deaths, so as to keep records up to date. If you have lost touch with former friends drop her a note and hopefully she will be able to put you in touch again.

4 | Guild Newsletter 2015 From the Guild Secretary

Dear Friends.

Welcome to the Guild Newsletter 2015 and we must sincerely thank Rose for all her hard work putting it together and to Hannah Bennett, the new conference manager who started in May 2014 and had to deal with us!

Prices held on accommodation, no Goodwood Festival of Speed and the same formula for the weekend.

1. Friday 10th July The Friday evening meal has been a great success and it will be repeated this year on Friday 10th July at 7.00 p.m. You will need to book this with College on your booking form. There will, however, be a minimum number of 20 people required for this to take place but that number has been easily reached since it started in 2013. You will be informed by the middle of June if it is not taking place so you can make alternative arrangements. After dinner some people will meet in college around 8.30 p.m. in the old music room for a drink. Don’t forget your own drink and something to drink it out of if possible!! As it is 50 years since the 1962/1965 left there should be plenty there!

2. Saturday 11th July On Saturday 11th July the timetable will be: 9.30 a.m. Business meeting especially for year reps and interested members 10.30 a.m. Guild Service 11.15 a.m. Coffee break 11.45 a.m. General meeting and news 1.15 p.m. Lunch The rest of day can be spent looking at exhibits etc around our old college, look at the changes and, most of all, enjoy meeting with friends.

3. Sunday 12th July. 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion (said) 10.30 a.m. Trundle Walk (around 12.15/12.30 p.m. at the top)

The Guild is a team effort with Colin, Hilary, Rose, John, Barbara, Hannah, Andy and me - the University is very co-operative in so many ways.

This year is 10 years since 7/7 and had it not been for Clive and Linda Bolton (Goodwin) I would not have made it. Judith in Newcastle could not get through ...

Andy has included some info about the Alumni, this is important.

Best wishes to you all and I hope you can make it, if you cannot, your year will think about you. We are not getting any younger!!

Sincere regards

Marten Lougee

Guild Newsletter 2015 | 5 Financial Report From John Fletcher, Treasurer

BISHOP OTTER COLLEGE GUILD Income and Expenditure Account for Year Ending 31st December 2014

INCOME EXPENDITURE

2013 Balances at 1/1/14 2013 0.00 Cash 0.00 62.22 Year Rep's Expenses 91.50 2198.55 Current Account 2921.41 7.95 Secretaries' Expenses 0.00 931.12 Deposit Accounts 931.59 0.00 Membership Sec. Exp. 0.00 0.00 Treasurer's Expenses 0.00 3129.67 3853.00 70.17 91.50 425.00 SUBS & DONATIONS 235.00 0.00 Newsletters 0.00 21.97 Miller-Memorial Tree 49.95

REUNION July 2014 REUNION July 2013 390.00 Receipts 342.00 185.00 B.O.C. Chapel 201.00 370.00 Chapel Offering 402.00 185.00 Chosen Charity 201.00 760.00 744.00 0.00 Refunds 0.00 0.00 Service sheets 11.77 370.00 413.77

BANK INTEREST Balances at 31/12/14 0.47 Deposit Accounts 0.47 0.00 Cash 0.00 2921.41 Current Account 3345.19 0.47 0.47 931.59 Deposit Accounts 932.06

3853.00 4277.25

4315.14 TOTALS 4832.47 4315.14 4832.47

Checked & found correct

H Chapman

6 | Guild Newsletter 2015 Notes for the Reunion Weekend 10th to 12th July 2015

Please note that all bookings for the weekend July 10th-12th July and any requests to stay additional nights before or after the reunion will be handled by the University’s Conference Office. The booking form only covers the weekend ; other nights depend on the availability of rooms. Conference Office direct line is: 01243 812120. Email: [email protected]

Please complete the booking form which is enclosed separately with the Newsletter.

1. Notes on the weekend Please be aware that there will be some building works taking place around campus over the weekend of the reunion and certain areas may be cordoned off. 2. Residential Room Allocation and Key Collection: Please note on the booking form if there is anybody that you would like to be allocated near and the University will endeavour to do this for you. You will be able to collect your keys and meal tickets from the Accommodation Office, which is located on the ground floor of Bishop Andrewes. Check-in on Friday 10th or Saturday 11th July is from 3.00 p.m. and 9.00 p.m. If you are likely to arrive after the office has closed please let the University know and they will make arrangements for the keys to be handed to the Caretaker’s Lodge at the main entrance to the campus. The conference reception is open over the weekend from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Please telephone 01243 812120 if you are going to be delayed. 3. Meal Tickets: Vouchers for your meals will be sent out with the confirmation of reservation and receipt for payment. Please ensure that you bring these with you as they cannot be replaced. 4. Check-out: Rooms will need to be vacated by 10 a.m. on the day of departure. Please speak to the conference reception if you require for luggage to be put somewhere safe). Keys must be returned to the Conference Reception by 10 a.m. 5. Car Parking Restrictions: Parking space is limited on campus and cannot be guaranteed. Parking permits will be required for those staying overnight and for Friday. Parking is free during the day on Saturday and Sunday. Please put the permit on display in your car on arrival. 6. Times of Meals (All served in Otters Restaurant): Breakfast will be served between 7.30 a.m. and 9.00 a.m. (included in Bed and Breakfast Rate) Friday – Welcome Dinner will be at 7 p.m. – To be booked in advance Saturday – Morning Coffee and Biscuits – Cash service Saturday – Reunion Luncheon at 1.15 p.m.– To be booked in advance Saturday – Afternoon Tea and Biscuits – Cash service If any day visitors would like to join residents for a full-breakfast you can book in advance at the rate of £9.50 (including VAT). Please call the conference office on 01243 812120. 7. There will be coffee, tea and milk in the bedrooms for those staying overnight. 8. Bed and Breakfast Prices including VAT: Single En-suite Rooms: £38.70 per person, per night. The bed and breakfast rate includes the accommodation and English breakfast. 9. Additional Nights: If you require any additional nights’ accommodation please put a note in with your booking form when you return it and the University will contact you and invoice you separately for these.

Telephone number for emergencies: In case of emergencies outside office hours: Telephone: 01243 793477. This is a direct line to the Duty Caretaker/Security at Bishop Otter Campus when Conference Reception is closed.

Guild Newsletter 2015 | 7 From the Vice-Chancellor

Dear Guild Members,

As ever, I look forward to welcoming you to the University for your annual meeting in July. A good deal has happened since last year’s meeting and I am pleased to report that the University is doing well. Most importantly, in October we received the welcome news that Her Majesty’s Privy Council had granted Research Degree Awarding Powers (RDAP) to the University. Since 1992 we have been supervising research degrees (M.Phil and PhD) through an accreditation agreement with the University of Southampton. Our own University title, which we achieved in 2005, has allowed us to award taught degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate level. The right to award Postgraduate Research degrees involves a special application against stringent criteria relating to the research excellence of the staff and the research environment at the University, followed by a lengthy inspection process that explores every aspect of the University and its governance. For us, gaining RDAP means we have cleared the final hurdle to full University status. We have been organising ourselves to win RDAP since 2006. So, on its achievement we felt justified in holding a modest celebration – a Friday afternoon tea party for the whole staff, complete with RDAP cake (see photographs). This year the government announced that they were removing the cap on undergraduate student numbers, so universities now have no limit on the number of undergraduate students they can recruit (previously each university had an individual limit). As a result, competition between universities, to attract students has been intense, with many universities registering a significant drop in applications as the “free market” model kicks in. I am pleased to say that Chichester has increased its applications through an intense sequence of Open Days and Taster Days (whereby prospective students spend a day with the Department they are considering). We have also revised our marketing campaign to take account of the use of on-line search engines and social media by school and college leavers. Good recruitment this year has been supported by our best ever score for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey (NSS) for 2014. This placed us in the NSS top 15 for teaching quality and the Sunday Times Good University Guide’s Top Twenty (out of 158 universities) for student satisfaction. As ever, we are able to draw on a long and historic tradition of good teaching and happy students. We are also fortunate that the attractiveness of our two campuses gives us an advantage over some city centre universities in maintaining our student entry. The layout and nature of the two campuses and their human scale, signal to prospective students that we are a community based organisation where learning is supported by a sense of belonging. So, we continue to develop the Estate to promote that important aspect of our student offer. By the time you come this year work will have started on a new academic building next to the LRC on the Bishop Otter Campus. When completed in September 2016, this impressive building will greet visitors as they turn in from College Lane and provide a “sense of arrival” that is currently lacking as you step onto campus. In addition, our Music Building will be extended to house the increase in our Music students (we now have one of the largest music departments in the country). These two buildings, at a cost of £11.5m will significantly upgrade our campus environment. Thanks to a grant from the Bishop Otter Trust, we have been able to install the stained glass panels from the East Window of the original Chapel, into the new Chapel’s extension. These original works by Charles Eamer Kempe were made in 1895 and were removed in 1962, at which point they were put into storage (and considerably damaged in the process). Now fully restored by a stained glass specialist, they look magnificent, especially with the early morning sun behind them. I hope you will see them at their best in July.

8 | Guild Newsletter 2015 We have also undertaken extensive repairs to the Chapel roof (again). As I write (in late January) the Chapel has remained watertight despite recent heavy rains. If this continues to be the case, we will be able to replace the floor, install a proper sound system and return the tapestry. Fingers crossed.

Best wishes,

Professor Clive Behagg Vice-Chancellor

From the Vice President of the Students’ Union

It’s been another busy year for the Student’s Union and a good one at that. This year has seen us launch our new course representative system, the Student Voice Programme. The re-launch was so that we could revitalise the old course rep programme and focus on the positive experience of learning at Chichester whilst building on student feedback on courses. The Student Voice Programme enables students to work with staff as partners in order to ensure that all courses across the university continue to be delivered at a high standard. In December the University and the Students’ Union also signed the Time to Change pledge to help remove stigma around mental health and to promote positive attitudes to mental health and improve wellbeing on campus. The launch event was a great success and included a student dance performance and the reading of the winning poem from the mental health poetry competition. The signing of the pledge by the Vice-Chancellor, Clive Behagg and our Vice-President, Lizi Mutter was the focal point of the evening and shows a joined up approach to tackling issues relating to mental health. Last year the Students’ Union raised over £14,000 for the Steve Bernard Foundation through RAG and we are looking to improve upon that for our Charity of the Year, StreetInvest, this year. The main events, as some of the Alumni may happily remember, are our annual RAGFest in the Zee bar and RAG Race around Bognor Regis. With everything going on at UCSU it is great to see our engagement with students improving year on year. We have nearly 1500 students (around 30% of FTE’s) engaging through sports clubs and societies up from around 1200 last year. This increase in participation has been aided by the arrival of the American Football and Golf Teams who are competing through British University and College Sport (BUCS) for the first time as well as our newly formed Rowing, Handball and Cycling Clubs who are starting this year as recreational teams with the hope to progress to BUCS in the future. Within the Students’ Union itself there has been quite a change round in staffing structure which has seen us bring in 3 new members of staff. We have welcomed Mike Riley into the new position of Head of Student Engagement, Stella Smith has stepped into a new role as Finance Clerk and Adam Sewell, as Sports Federation Administrator. Adam has taken over from Sid Fletcher who has left the Students’ Union after nearly ten years to go and work for Active Sussex and we wish him well in his new role. Our new structure will allow us to continue to develop and takes us even closer to achieving our vision to be 'an exceptional, inspiring and ambitious Students Union enabling the student experience to be the best on the south coast'.

Guild Newsletter 2015 | 9 News from the Archives

50 Years On – The legacy of Miss Stella Westaway (c. 1876-1955) Janet Carter, University Archivist

2015 marks the 50th anniversary since the death of one of the longest serving and much admired members of staff who served at Bishop Otter College, and so it is perhaps appropriate to mark the occasion with an article in honour of the life and work of Miss Stella Westaway. Miss Stella Westaway trained at London University and Fontenay-aux- Roses, Paris and came to Bishop Otter College in 1897 as a Governess in Education. At this time the College was undergoing change. Miss Elizabeth Davy had recently stepped down as Principal and the appointment of Rev Edwin Hammonds had just been made. In the 25th Annual Report of Bishop Otter Memorial College, published in 1898, it is noted that there was ‘a complete change of staff’. As well as a new principal, the changes saw the appointment to the Educational Staff to include … a Lady Superintendent Miss Gee, Senior Governess Miss Mary A Beatty, Miss Westaway, and Miss Christiane Joël. Miss Westaway also undertook the responsibility of being the Mistress of French and Music, whilst Mr G H Catt was the Drawing Master. In the academic year of 1897-1898 this small group of lecturers were responsible for overseeing 19 senior and 24 junior residential students, most of whom were studying for the Queen’s Scholarship. The picture above shows Stella Westaway c. 1898 During the following years Principal Hammonds drove the expansion of the College, adding a new wing to the existing buildings and providing further accommodation for housing a growing student population. Extra staff members were also appointed, including a music teacher allowing Miss Westaway responsibility for history. In 1919 Principal Hammonds retired and Miss Johnson (1919-1930) and later Miss Bazeley (1930- 1936) continued to expand the College when they took up their appointments as Principal. By 1935 Miss Bazeley had become seriously ill and needed hospital care. During this time Miss Westaway, who had served the College for nearly forty years, took up the role as Acting Principal. In March 1936 Miss Bazeley resigned and sadly died of cancer the following month. Although due to retire herself at the end of December 1936, Miss Westaway was officially appointed Principal by the College Council for the last term of 1936. The picture above shows Stella Westaway c. 1937. On her retirement Miss Westaway kept up her links with the College, continuing in the role of Vice President of the Guild, a position she first undertook in 1911 and continued to hold until her death. She also continued in the role of Guild Secretary (1923-1952). Her contribution to the Guild is very evident in the articles that she often wrote for the Guild Chronicle , and whenever possible she would attend the annual reunions. Miss Westaway died peacefully in January 1955. Written tributes by former colleagues, students and friends talk of Miss Westaway’s vigour, enthusiasm, kindness and dedication to Bishop Otter College. In tribute, the college Guild raised funds for a permanent memorial. A dedication service was held in the College Chapel on 26th January 1958 at which a ‘Cross and Candlesticks’ were presented in honour of Miss Westaway ( shown on the left ). This lasting memorial, designed by contemporary artist and silversmith Gerard Benney is held in the Bishop Otter Permanent Art Collection and acts as a fitting reminder of the dedicated service of Miss Stella Westaway. If you have any of your own reminiscences on any topic relating to Bishop Otter College, please get in touch, I would love to hear from you. My e-mail is [email protected] or you can write to; Janet Carter, University Archives, Learning Resource Centre, University of Chichester, College Lane, Chichester PO19 6PE

10 | Guild Newsletter 2015 Our year – 2014 Barbara Watson Hammond (Thrush) (1951-1953)

During the first half of the year we lived very quietly while Brian was recovering from a badly broken shoulder, and the subsequent lack of movement in his arm, hand and fingers, but we are very happy to say that these have improved greatly during the 12 months of 2014. The main excitement during May was the celebrations for 20 years of womens’ ordination to the priesthood. Brian was well enough for us to spend three days in London for the national celebration in St Paul’s Cathedral at the beginning of May. The Archbishop thanked us for not showing too much excitement in 1994, and announced that it was now time to celebrate, and to ‘party’. Over 500 priests and their friends and families gathered at Westminster for a picnic lunch, and a celebratory Walk to St Paul’s. There the crowds had gathered, and the bands were playing, (traffic stopped), and photos were taken on the steps, all of us in white and the Archbishop in red (shown below) . We walked into the Cathedral to a standing ovation, and it was 25 minutes before we were all in our places and the clapping stopped. The unexpected next event took everyone by surprise, for when the altar procession entered we saw that the Archbishop had chosen the lesser role of deacon, and the Celebrant was a woman. - Another ‘first’ in the history of the C of E, and there were not many dry eyes left as we realised the enormity of what was happening. This happy event was the prelude to celebrations in every diocese. Barbara took part in Portsmouth, Chichester, and Southwark Cathedrals, as well as on her anniversary in Emsworth. The photo below on the left shows Barbara and Brian at Southwark. The second half of the year has been very different. It can be summarised thus - between two sets of Locks, were three sets of Keys. It began in June when we celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary with a spectacular cruise up and down the River Danube. We visited all the countries from the Black Sea to Austria, enjoying all the highlights of architecture in Budapest, the horsemen of the Hungarian plains, castles galore, and many cities old and new. Of all these, it was Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, that topped our list of favourites, before the climax of the trip, with a visit to the baroque monastery of Melk (shown below) , and a day in Vienna. That evening we went to a concert of Mozart and Strauss music in the Hofburg Palace, a place of history, and very similar in sight and sound (as well as light- hearted fun), to the usual annual New Year Day concert from the Musikverein. It was, however, the huge engineering works at the double Lock at the Iron Gates that took our breath away. It stretches all across the river, from Romania to Bulgaria, and generates much power for both countries. We travelled through them twice, once in daylight and also at night. Once home again the exchange of Keys took place over the next 15 weeks. We had decided to leave Maisemore Gardens, and move nearer to the centre of Emsworth, the buses, the shops, and the pubs. So No 27 went up for sale. It sold quickly, and we planned to move to a ground floor flat, but delays set in, and Brian’s hand improved greatly, establishing his need to keep the piano, so we were persuaded to think again. We moved, and with our second set of

Guild Newsletter 2015 | 11 keys moved temporarily into our flat which became vacant at just the right time. We were there for 7 weeks while purchasing a large town house in the centre of Emsworth, - yes even nearer the bus stop, the shops and the pubs. So now we have not downsized, but up- graded, from 27, to our new home at 28, with our third set of Keys. All has not yet been told - we are still living between builders, plumbers, electricians, carpenters and decorators, with much help from members of the family. By Christmas we hope all the new infrastructure will be complete, and we can unpack the second half of all the boxes. Heigh Ho for 2015. And the other set of Locks? We enjoyed a day in November, at a party on a canal barge, travelling up and down the Loxwood Canal in Surrey. What a contrast to the Blue Danube! We were there and back within five hours, and the youngsters in the party had to jump off to open and close all the many Locks. No electricity was generated, they had to use their own power (left). We saw it all in the autumnal clouded light, very beautiful in its own way. Many of our activities have continued through this year. The fortnightly Emsworth Folk Dance Club continues to keep us busy during the winter months. Brian has resumed playing for the Clog and Morris groups, and occasionally in the Church Band. We help the parish by leading services and occasionally assist other parishes nearby. Barbara’s regular work is as unofficial chaplain to Emsworth House, a Hampshire-run Home for the elderly. We now look forward to Christmas with all its fun and joyful activities, with Brian playing carols as usual in the preceding week.

Gibraltar in 1965 Rose Savage (Parks) (1961-1964)

In May 1965 my husband of only a few months left England for his last posting with the RAF, in Gibraltar. It was the custom then to send the husband out first, to find accommodation, before the family was sent a “Call Fam”. My papers came through about six weeks later. We were given the choice of flying or going by sea, but I opted to fly. The day came and I left for RAF Lineham, in Wiltshire, on a travel warrant. There were quite a few families en route to different places and the Transit Hotel was a very busy place. We were due to leave the following morning, but were told that fog had come down in Gibraltar, making it impossible to land, so we had to sit it out to wait for the fog to lift. We were well looked after in the Hotel but time hung very heavily on our hands

12 | Guild Newsletter 2015 as we were not allowed off the base in case a window came in the weather. Finally, three days later, we took off – not in the Comet 2 which we should have travelled in but a Britannia (twice the size). The unusual thing about RAF aircraft is that the seats all face to the rear of the aircraft, as it is deemed much safer in an emergency landing. The reason we had the larger aircraft was that it could carry more fuel, firstly as we had to take a long route as Spain had forbidden military aircraft to fly over its airspace, and secondly if the fog should come down again we would need enough fuel for the extra mileage to return to Lineham. We eventually landed during the afternoon and the aircraft door was opened onto the steps. As we stepped out of the door it was like going into an oven, I had never felt such heat! The picture on the left shows our first view of the Rock. It was so good to see my husband again and to be taken to our first home. This was at the top of a building in Cornwall’s Lane and comprised a very small bed-sitting room, a minute kitchen and a wash cubicle – no bathroom or toilet. The toilet was down the stairs and along the landing and shared by three other families. After four months we moved to Town Range into a flat which was known as a “hiring”, belonging to the Army (with the inscription “VR 1867” over the front entrance), and hired by the RAF. It comprised a largish kitchen (with plenty of resident cockroaches who seemed totally immune to anything that was supposed to exterminate them), a living room, bedroom and bathroom. The only drawback was that the large water heater over the bath used salt water which left you feeling horribly sticky! We soon used the electric washing copper to heat fresh water for baths. During the first few weeks, while John was at work, I had plenty of time to explore. Main Street was a few minutes’ walk away with an amazing variety of shops. At the bottom of Cornwall’s Lane was a big store called the “Emporium” which was a Gibraltarian version of Woolworth’s. The only English-type shop was Liptons which was a general grocery, and the only supermarket-type shop was the NAAFI shop. The most interesting places were in Main Street and were run by Indians and Chinese generally. There were no prices on the articles in the windows and you learnt very quickly that if you stood still outside looking in the window a man would pop out of the door and before you knew it you would be inside, being offered all kinds of exotic goods. Another thing we had to be aware of was that if there was a cruise ship in the harbour we did not go shopping, as the prices rose to double the normal. When buying a swimming costume one day, we were asked “Are you local, resident or tourist?” We got the middle price! Flower ladies used to come across the border from Spain every day with buckets full of beautiful flowers and sit down in John Mackintosh Square, which was just opposite the Emporium, to sell them. Few people had gardens so these were always very welcome. Cars were still allowed to travel one way down Main Street in those days. The pavements were very narrow and progress for pedestrians could be quite hazardous. To warn people that a car wanted to come through the drivers would put their hand out of the window and slap the outside of the car as it was illegal to use the car horn within the city walls. Every day we would buy the local paper, the Gibraltar Chronicle. This was priced at 2d and had some international news and all the local news, including yesterday’s temperatures and the shipping movements in and out of the harbour. I can remember in the first November we were there thinking one day “it was quite chilly yesterday” and looking at the next day’s paper, finding it had been 79 degrees F. No wonder it felt chilly! We were also able to get the English papers which were flown in every day by a Fokker Friendship aircraft. The engine had a very distinctive sound and the pilot would always fly round the Rock before landing at the airport. Half an hour later we could go to the local paper shop and get our paper. The price was the same as in England.

Guild Newsletter 2015 | 13 It was always interesting to read the shipping movements too, as the harbour was very much part of life there. There are two occasions I remember which really stuck in my mind. The first was when the Atlantic fleet came into harbour and moored along the South Mole. The ships were opened to the public on the weekend they were there. When they left, at about 6 a.m. one morning, the “whoop whoop” of all their whistles woke the entire population. The other occasion was the maiden voyage of a beautiful ship named Michelangelo. She was the latest of the Italian Line’s ships, joining the Raffaello, Leonardo da Vinci and the Cristoforo Columbo on the transatlantic run from Genoa, Gibraltar, Halifax (Nova Scotia) and New York. The Michelangelo came into harbour in the afternoon, dressed overall with flags and in the evening she was like a fairy ship, dressed overall with lights. The roof of our building was quite high and so we had a wonderful view as it got dark. Water was quite a problem as there are no natural water sources. All water was collected during the winter on the water catchment areas – huge concrete sheets on the east side of the Rock – and channelled into the tanks within the Rock. Towards the end of summer, when no rain had fallen for months, water got short and very brown coming out of the taps. We used to boil it and filter it into bottles before drinking it. The Gibraltar Government would commission oil tankers going out to the Middle East on their maiden voyages to bring a full load of water, which would be pumped into the tanks. Water now is no problem as a desalination plant was built a number of years ago and the water is clear and very sweet. During the summer a weather phenomenon used to descend when the wind was from the east. A huge cloud would form over the Rock, blocking the sun and raising the humidity to about 98%, while the temperature would be in the 90s F. Very debilitating! This could last for two or three days, but if you walked southwards towards Rosia Bay there would be a well-defined line where the cloud ended and the sun shone. This weather was known as El Levante (the East) or Ellie for short. However, mostly the sun shone and the sky was an incredible blue, the temperatures in the upper 80s F. The winters were quite chilly and extremely damp. Rain was almost tropical in intensity and a number of mornings we woke up to a slight frost. Shoes in the wardrobe grew lovely long green whiskers and so did bread in half a day. On Sunday afternoons there was usually a recorded concert in St Michael’s Cave, high on the Rock. The caves offered a natural concert hall with almost perfect acoustics. Many times we walked up the zig-zag road to the caves to hear classical concerts. Other places to visit were the St George’s Hall, a set of man-made tunnels which face across the runway, No Man’s Land and into Spain as the northern defence of the Rock, Moorish Castle ( left ) which, while we were there, was used as the prison and, of course, the apes. Then the Barbary Apes, or Macaques, were divided into two packs and looked after by the Gibraltar Regiment. Any injuries or problems with births were treated at the Royal Naval Hospital. Each new baby was named and the birth announced in the Gibraltar Chronicle. The apes rarely came into residential areas except in cold weather when they would come down and raid the fruit from the Governor’s orange trees. Now they have been allowed to breed indiscriminately and are everywhere, even getting into hotel rooms and stealing anything they can find. There was also a swimming pool which was for use by Service personnel and their families, called the Nuffield Pool. This was situated in Rosia Bay which was where Nelson’s body was landed after the battle of Trafalgar. Trafalgar Day, 21st October, is always celebrated in Gibraltar by a parade to the Trafalgar Cemetery, a very peaceful place at the south end of Main Street, where a large number of sailors were buried after the battle. Some of the headstones make very interesting reading. Christmas is not celebrated as much as 6th January when we were fascinated to see the “Three Kings” riding down Main Street on camels, with a big parade and lights. Gibraltar has a varied and interesting history. The area around the Rock was occupied by the Romans from c.200 B.C. to c.400 A.D. They called their territory Calpe, and the Rock was known as Mons Calpe . This name still crops up in place names and in 1965 the little ferry ship that crossed daily to Tangier from Gibraltar was named the Mons Calpe. A Neanderthal skull was

14 | Guild Newsletter 2015 unearthed in a quarry at North Front (now the RAF base) in 1848, eight years before a similar skull was unearthed in Germany, but the Gibraltar skull had been locked in a cupboard and forgotten. A cast of the skull is now in the Gibraltar Museum and the original in the British Museum. For over 300 years the Rock and surrounding area was claimed by Goths and Vandals, until 711 A.D. when the Moors invaded. The local leader was Tarik, and the Rock became known as Jebel Tarik, or Tarik’s mountain. Corruption of the name has resulted in the modern name, Gibraltar. The current Catholic Cathedral was built as a mosque originally by the Moors (seen on the right of the picture). The Moors were in power until 1309 when the Spanish troops attacked the Rock and captured it, and then in 1333 it was captured again by the Moors after a 4½-month siege. Several unsuccessful sieges later, it was finally captured in 1462 by the Spaniards led by Alfonso de Arcos. Again a number of sieges ensued until 1704 when the Rock was captured by the Anglo-Dutch fleet led by Admiral Rooke. Spain and France made a few more attempts to regain the Rock, in 1704-5, 1727 and 1779-83, but were unsuccessful, and now Gibraltar is once more under virtual siege by the Spanish. Special occasions were always celebrated by a gun salute from Devil’s Gap Battery, above the town. At midday the cannon would be fired with shattering booms – 21 for the Queen’s birthday and a lesser number for other members of the Royal Family. My older daughter was born in October 1966 in the Royal Naval Hospital. In there each mum had her own “cabin”, with no door but a curtain just like in a Naval ship, a beautiful day room with a huge panoramic window overlooking the Bay and some lovely but very fierce QARNS Sisters. Mary is very proud of her birth certificate headed City and Garrison of Gibraltar, and is known by Gibraltarians as a “Rock Scorpion” meaning she was born there. I have wonderful memories of our time in Gibraltar and I feel that I left a very large piece of my heart there when we came home.

Winter in Michigan Jo Turner (Smethurst) (1964-1967)

At the end of 2013, as usual I flew to Lansing, the capital city of Michigan, to spend Christmas with my daughter and her family. Snow was already a few inches deep when I landed on Thursday 19th December. On Saturday the area suffered an ice storm. The ice froze on branches and any leaves still attached to deciduous trees, and, of course, on the fir trees. The weight of this ice and snow from the following storm split tall trees and brought down many branches, blocking roads and bringing down power cables. Large areas of the city were without electricity for up to eleven days over Christmas and New Year. We were fortunate as our cables are below ground so we offered hospitality to friends. An ice storm in that part of the country is very rare as it is surrounded by the Great Lakes and rather more temperate than the rest of the Mid-West USA. Often winter temperatures can vary from 10 degrees F up to 50 degrees F.

Guild Newsletter 2015 | 15 When we went for a walk the following day we noted how beautiful the smaller trees were, looking as though they were made of glass as they sparkled in the sunshine, in fact just like artificial Christmas trees. The following week there was a fall of four inches of snow, followed by a further fall of more than thirteen inches. The temperature plummeted to 1 degree F plus a wind chill factor, giving a risk of frostbite to anybody outside for long and, as driving conditions were dangerous, the police and city authorities recommended that everybody stayed indoors for the next few days. And all this time some unfortunate people were still without power. Even at the beginning of February the snow kept falling.

On the lighter side! Derek Freeman Smith (1960-1963)

... and here am I, early in 2013, contemplating my rise to fame and fortune, or, to be more accurate, my increase in altitude to some thirty seven thousand feet, en route to visit family and friends in Cape Town, South Africa. However, my thoughts are also much buoyed up by thoughts of the 1960s as I embarked upon ‘teacher training’ at Bishop Otter College. In retrospect, I consider myself very fortunate to have attended at that particular time. The college was verging on structural change and additions but still of an intimate geographical setting giving shelter and sustenance to a youthful community of some three hundred students including a number of ‘mature’ students who would have had ‘work experience’, thus we all shared in the furthering of good educational practice through personal endeavour allied to corporate thinking and planning. The atmosphere was of a relaxed environment with no pervading sense of urgency. The demands of hand-held communicator technology were yet to arrive. Life was simpler, less pressurised, fewer demands. More mundane periods of study would be offset (no, not OfSTED) by such interludes as the regular open lectures held in the hall (with balcony). It was through one such lecture given by the then governor of Ford Open Prison, that I was able to increase the number of Association Football fixtures which were, in the main, with colleges similar to ours. The prison team had a certain advantage over our lads in-so-much as they had superb training facilities, adequate training time and concentrated solely on ‘home’ games! I recall John’s woodworking, guided by Jeff Lowe, in the old craft huts, whereby John produced a superb rowing dinghy. In due course this was launched on the pond south of New Hall accompanied by much applause. The craft huts were also the scene of numerous experiments with exploding Nescafe tins, a totally unofficial activity but relatively harmless and great fun as regards the suspense they engendered prior to exploding; all in the interest of physics in education of course! Even my ancient Morris 8 Tourer was called into service for the annual Chichester Festivities and was duly disguised as Noddy’s Car much to the later consternation of certain lecturers in education to whom all things Enid Blyton were deprecated. A second float was appropriately decorated by, and with, students in suitable attire to depict Toyland. Characters included Andy Pandy and Big Ears. Oh dear ! Horror, Horror !! An introduction to Dance and the mysteries of the Dance Cube and spacial awareness was notable more for the modes of dress worn by my fellow male students. Whilst the ladies all sported black lycra leotards we wore (initially anyway) an assortment of army fatigues, flak jackets, corduroy trousers, rugby shirts and even a boiler- suit. I am convinced that our particular forms of garb suited us rather better than black leotards would ever have done! Rehearsals for Gilbert and Sullivan productions, recitations of Thomas’s Under Milk Wood and readings for Thomas A’Becket with Miss Hiller all have a special place in my reveries.

16 | Guild Newsletter 2015 The B.O.C. Coffee Bar in the 1960s Jean Rush (Turnock) (1964-1968)

At the Alumni Association Reunion on 15th June 2013 I became engaged in conversation with two current students. We were standing in the glass-sided corridor which leads from the Reception area to the cloisters in the old building at BOC. I asked them if they realized that if they crossed the little courtyard which we could see through the window and passed to the left of Miss Murray’s commemorative relief they would come to some steps leading down into a cellar. It was in that cellar that we students in the 1960s ran our coffee bar. It would be condemned under health and safety regulations now, but in those days it was a relaxing, cosy meeting place throbbing with the music of The Beatles etc. For me it brought back happy memories, but the two current students had never heard of its existence.`

Looking Back John Christophers (1960-1963)

In the picture: back row l to r: Jeff Scullard, Tim Mitchell, John Stannard, Jeff Lowe, Martin Hill and Russell Collins.

It’s a joy to hear of old BOC friends via the Guild. College was a life changing experience and my gratitude for it continues. Every other year I arrange a reunion of the old Woodwork and Pottery Group at Kingham in Oxfordshire. Jeff Lowe has the same sparkle that all will remember and he has aged by about 18 months in the last 50 years. The rest of us, as usual, struggle to keep up with him and love every minute of his company. When we all meet up the old electricity between us has not dimmed. Amazing! Thanks Jeff!

Guild Newsletter 2015 | 17 As for myself, I spent 18 years working for an educational publisher. This was a wonderful experience, meeting authors from all over the country even, on occasions, the world. It turned out to be scenic route to a much-reduced pension. Norah Braden once told me that the brightest thing about me was my eyes. It may be so, but I would do the same again given the chance. Annette and I have had the Albrighton Pottery since 1970. These days we travel the Midlands giving talks on “Six Thousand Years with Clay”. We only make pots now to sell at the talks and give about 100 talks a year to interested groups. It’s the good life but hard graft. Old people need to drive themselves hard to stay young. Annette was Kenya born and was so talented that the Kenya Government, in 1960, paid for her to have an art education in England. In the light of that, in 1965, I asked the British Government if they would pay for me to have an art education in Kenya! I have written every year since 1966 and never had a reply! Perhaps they have moved? Returning briefly to the Crafts Reunion of 1960-1963. I have not been able to trace Evelyn Lowe, Michael Barker or Pauline Skegg. We manage without them but If anyone can supply a lead to the missing folk I would be pleased to have a phone call on 01902 441140. Currently the group is Jeff Lowe, Martin Hill, Russell Collins, John Stannard, Tim Mitchel, Jeff Scullard and Graham Birch With best wishes from all of us to all of you.

Saturday 12th July 2014 – Golden Jubilee Reunion John Rolls (1961-1964)

On a lovely summer’s day in July Beyond the leafy College Lane A very special anniversary ... oh my! After 50 years ... reunited again

Twas in that year 1964 After three years training for ‘life’ unfurled To teach awaiting youngsters new skills and more We were thus released upon the world

I have, through the Guild met more than a dozen Whom at college were then known like a cousin; But now, how intriguing, contemplating as we watch: Shortened hair, whitened, with beard and moustache, Bespectacled and certainly less lean Sudden recognition! Personalities shine through somehow As we recall aspects of BOC – memory jotting – WOW!

The scenery has changed again since last year The patio in front of the chapel so tastefully relaid The refectory extends with sliding windows – my dear! Raftered roof inside, some furniture outside arranged A ramped entrance now beside steps steep and wide Reminding those late comers to catch Miss Murray’s eye!!

The meal, lunchtime, was scrumptious with slices of gammon Or, if preferred, some slithers of salmon Mixed bean feast, chilled pineapple and salad leaf Plus a special broccoli pasty – twas beyond belief

We must thank all “hidden” providers who made the Day So special to us Guilders in every way

18 | Guild Newsletter 2015 Stonepillow Charity Editor: Those of you who were at the Reunion General Meeting on 12th July 2014 will remember that the charity chosen for part of the Chapel collection was the Chichester-based charity, Stonepillow, a charity which helps to tackle the homeless problem in the Chichester and Arun Districts and that I was asked to put something into the Newsletter. This is the general description on their website - stonepillow.org.uk:

“St Richard of Chichester Christian Care Association (Stonepillow) is a registered charity and also a Company Registered Limited by Guarantee. The aim of the charity is the relief of homelessness and social exclusion in the area covered by Chichester and Arun District Councils. The charity was formed in 1989 following a sermon given by the Revd Hilary Parsons concerning the death of an ex-Graylingwell patient in a public toilet in Chichester. The reaction amongst the congregation was very powerful. A meeting followed where 20 different churches were represented. The aims for the Association were initially identified as: • A hostel for young homeless • A Day Centre • A Night Shelter • Low Cost Family Housing Each project had a committee to work on the feasibility of the task. A hostel for young homeless was opened in Hay Road in 1991, but was closed in 1993 and the property sold. The Low Cost Family Housing project was abandoned. Following a Marketing/Rebranding process the Association now operates under the name of Stonepillow. Over the years our initial aims have been built upon and varied, and new, operations have been taken on and managed by Stonepillow.”

And finally – 50 years ago (from the Guild Newsletter 1965)

Miss Murray wrote in her letter to the Guild: “Last year was an active one in the social life of the College. We had formal and informal dances, “stomps” and “hops” most Saturdays, culminating in the Valedictory Ball – an all-night affair punctuated by a sit-down supper at midnight when dancing on the lawn ceased and breakfast at 4 a.m.” “We are looking forward very much to a Reunion “with a difference” this summer, when as well as the usual meeting on Saturday there will be the opportunity for members of the Guild to come into residence for the weekend. The weekend should give opportunity to talk and to see the College and Chichester at leisure.” “The Students’ Union is an increasingly important body. This year it has financed the conversion of the remaining two cellars leading out of the coffee bar for use to house a second hand bookshop and a Union office”. During the year several long-term members of staff either retired or moved to other appointments. Mr Bell, Steward for nearly 30 years, retired; Miss Webster, Head of Music, retired; and Canon and Mrs Eperson moved to Canterbury.

Guild Newsletter 2015 | 19 News of ex-Otters (see also the Obituaries)

1946-1948 Betty King and Joyce Daws continue to visit the Chichester Festival Theatre but will miss their visits to Joan Wright (see Obituaries), their former year rep who died early in 2014. At her funeral they met up with Molly Skillicorn over from Canada with whom they had lost contact since 1948. Correspondence now flows.

1947-1949 Joan Jones (Hamriding) says she is keeping busy and feeling mainly well apart from her problem of deteriorating sight due to wet macular disease. After many injections, she says, things are stable so she is keeping her fingers crossed. Chris Kimble (Betty Christopher), who also suffers with problems with her sight, says she is still able to live in her own home but does not venture far. Sue Pickering (Stockford) and Pam Connell (Bush) visited her for lunch during the year and later she had a call from Sue to say that her husband had died. Celia Mason (Hayes) reports that she is still active but at a slower pace. She keeps in touch with Joan Jones, Betty Lewington, Brenda Heath and Mary Arrowsmith. Joan Maxwell (Collier) says that she and her husband, David, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in April 2013. She is still singing with the Bracknell Choral Society and will be singing in Paris in 2015. Margaret Hayden (Barker) was again proud to be the oldest at the Reunion last year. Joan Foss (Penn) and Barbara Gomm (Freeland) all sent their greetings and Barbara says she appreciates reading news of our year.

1948-1950 Pat Life (Heath) was fortunate enough to have another wonderful holiday in Copenhagen with her daughter, Vivien, and family. There seems no end to wonderful gardens and castles to visit. And the weather was perfect. Pat was able to spend Christmas with Vivien (home for the holiday) and other members of the family – memorable celebrations. Pat is still plodding on but not so mobile as formerly. Sheila Barnes (Shaw) wrote at Christmas saying that her husband, Stan, celebrated his 90th birthday in August, joined by the family on Hayling Island. They were also able to celebrate Christmas once again with the family. June Stocking (Smith). Pat received news about June via Sheila. She wrote that June’s health had deteriorated during 2014 and she is now in a nursing home. Sheila was able to give Pat June’s new address. Pat will endeavour to keep in touch. Edith Layzell (Lever) sent Christmas greetings and best wishes for the New Year. Diana Jones (Woodall) also sent Christmas greetings. Recently Pat phoned Diana to catch up on each other’s news. Diana is still enjoying her life now she is in the centre of Exeter. She is able to maintain her links with old friends and varied interests which include community work, clubs and “ambling” (modified walking). She is in constant touch with her family, some of whom live abroad. She hopes to visit her son in Canada again this year, all being well. Pat and Diana exchanged fond memories of their time together at College and are happy to be able to share such a long friendship.

1949-1951 Margaret Streete (Emsley) and Eric were flooded during Christmas 2013 so had a lot of work done on the house to get it back to normal. They celebrated their Diamond Wedding with a weekend family party in the Officers’ Mess at Bordon and several beach and camping celebrations in August. Jean Lewis (Simpson) says that last year’s broken leg has mended but left her leg shorter so line dancing is not possible due to balance. She is now a great grandparent.

20 | Guild Newsletter 2015 Audrey Reeves (Rogers) now has spinal osteoporosis which curtails her activities. June Stone (Broadbridge) has not had a good year – too many times in hospital, starting with an ankle broken in three places. Sheila Charles (Hemnell) is still living in Jersey but has to come over for operations. Pat Barnard fractured her upper arm on holiday in September but is improving steadily. Doris Short (Milligan) had a wonderful trip to Australia, stopping in Kuala Lumpur on route both ways.

1951-1953 Joy Ash made a good recovery from surgery last April, and is back to her usual very busy life. Jill Potts (Davies), is a busy chauffeur for her husband now, and very interested in the developing careers of their teenage grandchildren. She is in touch with several friends who support each other as time and bereavements take their toll, as we all get increasingly older. Ella Hutt went to one of the centenary events of Worthing High School last year, and found it very different from years ago, though she commented, ‘The lunch was a tastier version of our regular school dinners’. She also went to an informal reunion of people she had taught when they were infants at the Old School in Storrington. Her memories will become a contribution to a book. Christmas greetings have come from Paule Andrews (Johnston), Dolores Emptage (Andreazzi), and Doreen Stafford. Barbara Watson Hammond (Thrush) , has had a momentous year, during which she and Brian moved house, nearer the bus stop, the shops, the pubs, and all the activities in the middle of Emsworth. She now lives at 28 Church Path, PO10 7DP. The original decision was made to down-size to a ground floor flat, but having sold their house, everyone, including family, agents and solicitors said it would be a big mistake, so here we are nearer the middle of Emsworth, but in a large town house instead. Ironically we have more rooms, but less space, and are still reorganising ourselves. Before all this, however, she and Brian celebrated 30 years of marriage with a cruise up and down the river Danube and, yes, it was blue in places. As age is on-going, it is inevitable that we become ‘museum people’. Barbara’s account last year of life as an evacuee in Burnley is now in print – in their Historical Society’s very impressive Journal.

1952-1954 “Trixie” Barnden (Hibbert) says “As your year Rep many thanks to those who have responded to my New Year letter and have contributed to this year`s newsletter. I find time goes by so quickly but I still manage to enjoy holidays abroad. We visited Gran Canaria in February (a change from skiing) and in June the Charentes area of France where we stayed in a converted piggery. It is in a very quiet spot and we enjoyed the tranquillity of a rural retreat. Apart from gardening and playing outdoor bowls we are looking forward to exploring more of the UK and touring more of France in 2015. I keep in touch with Shirley Glaysher (Ellis) and met up in September at a Real Barn Dance in Ringmer, Sussex. Great fun.” Eileen Canterbury (Allen) and Shirley Glaysher (Ellis) both send greetings. Enid Whiteman (Gulland) was well and truly launched into her next decade with a party in her garden on a lovely summer’s day. Both Enid and Neil are keeping well but they are still “dog bound” down in Devon. Margaret Harris (Hogsden) cannot believe it is sixty years since leaving BOC but so happy to read the Guild Newsletter and catch up with all the news. Due to a fall and badly bruising her ribs she was sorry to miss the Reunion but has now made a slow recovery. Barbara Hasler (Fincham) Life is much the same as ever – get creakier by the month ditto Bill. I still preach for the Methodists and attend C of E Holy Communion. Wild weather – rough sea, Bill is building a fence to cut down on hedge cutting. I try to find anything to do to cut down on pain – enough to send

Guild Newsletter 2015 | 21 one to growing cannabis – now there’s a thought !!!! I don’t even drink alcohol. Daughter Penny, who holds a Doctorate, is still teaching 8-9 year olds in a private school; Beatrice is still working as a carer in an old people’s home. She has a son who is getting married in the summer and a daughter with a son and daughter. I find living in the Isles of Scilly too far away to meet up at the reunion. Blessings. Elaine du Lieu says “I am still relatively full of bounce but having extensive treatment at the moment which takes a lot of time out of the day and is keeping me from my usual travels. Next appointment is for a cataract. Jean Clare (Newbury) and I exchange notes at Christmas and birthdays. Jean's husband died, I think about 2 years ago. Olive Baldock is in a home in Canterbury near her brother. I understand she is being well cared for and settled in well. I did send a birthday card but realise it would not mean anything to her. Very sad. On a happier note maybe see some of you in Chichester this year?” Angela Bellinaso (Chard) “We are both well and active and still discovering Italy! As always the country is politically in chaos with serious unemployment problems but outwardly people put on a brave front. We pensioners help out when our children have problems. Long drives are now out but there is plenty to see in a 100 km radius from where we live. The Dolomites, the major lakes, Venice etc. etc. Of course we are a convenient B&B for friends and relatives from England, Australia and Canada!!!! Christine Ayers (Pelling) sends a little bit of news from Farnham. “Tom and I are both well and have both celebrated the big “O” without any serious health problems – yet. We have been spending a little of our children’s inheritance and went on two cruises with Saga this year. First we revisited the Baltic Sea area, a cruise we did in 2008 with two of my grammar school friends and their husbands. Then in October we went on a four week cruise to the Black Sea, via the Mediterranean. It was meant to be a Crimea cruise but had to be replaced with a different itinerary because of Putin. The new itinerary included visits to Sochi and ports in Georgia, Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria all during lovely sunny weather and very warm temperatures. Unfortunately the Bay of Biscay, on the way out, was very rough but on our return it was like a mill pond. Our next venture on board a Saga ship will be on March 4th when we hope to head to Norway to try to see the Northern Lights. We have given up flying anywhere, even though our son lives in Johannesburg. Their two daughters are now both teenagers and want to visit the UK. Our daughter lives in Cardiff with her husband and adult children. One is a doctor, one a civil engineer and the other one is in his final year at Surrey University studying Music Composition. As yet no great grandchildren. Tom is still a member of Rotary and I am still very involved with the Inner Wheel. We do try to take it easy and relax more often but life still seems to rush by.

1953-1955 Pam Cahill (Thorpe), in a letter to the editor said “Sadly, age is catching up on us and though we feel in our mind – apart from the call “ Where are my glasses?”! that we’re still in middle-of-the road life; the body is less than willing. Our bi-monthly London meetings are becoming less in attendance. Some of us find walking and coping with steps on trains, or the Underground, just too difficult. Newsy letters, long phone calls and e-mails keep us in touch. At Christmas I heard from Mavis in Oz, Janet Stewart now downsized to a flat in Hawick, Dot, Hilary, Ann, Elizabeth, Mary Warne, Joyce, Carol and Pat Sparke. During the year I have seen Margaret Passmore, Barbara Staples and Jean Hail and as part of the London mini- Reunions, Kathleen (our most active one, Scottish dancing three times weekly) Pat Bertie, Joan Rippengal, Doreen Johns, Beryl Pasquale, Margaret Rayner, Daphne, Meg and Shirley . Obviously through them, we all get to hear news of others too. Wouldn’t it be lovely to wave a magic wand to meet up with everyone in July – 60 years since we left BOC – wrinkles, false teeth and robotic knees and hips this time around! Just as an after-thought. When I met with Margaret P ( still playing competitive golf) Peter and I were on a mini-break in Wells. What a charming wee city. Level walking! Lovely cathedral, pleasant shops and the countryside around really attractive. We recommend it. God bless you all. Pat Wilkins (Bertie) wrote that this year she has enjoyed a new music group. Everyone is familiar with Gareth Malone and his work but in Chichester a local surgery started “Singing for Health”. The weekly meetings are well attended and are for anyone interested. The group meets in a lecture room at the University of Chichester (BOC) where they begin with breathing exercises followed by enjoyable unison and part singing. The leader is a University Music lecturer. They have an hour of happy social interaction through exercise and cheerful music making. Pat asks “why not start a group in your area?”

22 | Guild Newsletter 2015 1955-1957 Jill Fudge (Bryant), Ann Booth (Hawke), Chris Tweed (Hague) and Val Gabriel (Duckett) enjoyed a lovely day together at the reunion and were joined by Liz Care (Aston) in the afternoon. Shirley Born (Waites) met Viv Mitchell and K Harcourt (Horsley) . They try to meet twice a year. Janet Marden (Lockley) stayed with Marion Lovell in Scotland. When Janet was staying in Eastbourne she met Val Gabriel one evening. Jenny Spivey (Norman) writes to say that Alan (they have been married for 57 years) is quite disabled now, after his hip operation but stoically struggles on. They managed to get to Italy where their son, Nigel, and his wife, Anna-Louise, have a holiday home. Jenny has been hard at work quilting, an interest she shares with her daughter-in-law. Val Edmands (Field) still does tutoring. She keeps in touch with Jane, the daughter of Pam Michie (Catty) , who lives in Northumberland. Val and Eileen Parsons went to Eton College Carol Service which was held in the school hall while work goes on in the Chapel.

1956-1958 Bridget Bodewin told Lorna that they had done a lot of travelling during 2014. In February they had four weeks down at the coast, in March they had five nights away on the west coast, camping and beaches, good food and good value. In June and July they had six weeks in Alaska Yukon, British Columbia and while there celebrated their Golden Wedding. Then in July/August they used their boat. September saw them visiting England and then Germany. Their last jaunt took them in their camper around the Washington peninsula. Lorna Edwards (Ogley) has not been able to take part in some of her usual physical activities owing to further surgery on her shoulder, but has still been involved the Probus, WI and U3A and gets plenty of exercise walking her dog. She says “The majority of our year seem to be creaking along, with the aid of various tablets and medication but we are hoping for a good reunion in 2016”. Sylvia Dadd (Claydon) had a bad bout of osteoarthritis in the spring but she has managed to get back to normal with acupuncture, physio and cider vinegar with honey (and a few incantations of course!). They plan to spend Christmas with their family who are only 30 minutes away. Karl St Vincent (Hefford) said that her husband, Mike, is waiting for a hip replacement and also having an irregular heartbeat sorted out. Karl is just pottering on. They went to Ireland for David’s graduation from Galway – a four-year part-time degree to add to his First from Manchester and 2.1 in Education Training. He is a good dad to two tots. Karl also heard from Moira Danchin (Graham) who said that her husband, Neal has not been well, and Jane (Manning) has been poorly too. Audrey Falla (Martin) met up with Ruth Cook (Green) in August. They travelled up to London by coach and met Margaret Campbell who had come down from Cheshire to meet them. They decided to visit Buckingham Palace where they had a lovely afternoon. All too soon it was time to head back to the coach and Somerset – making a resolution to meet again next year. Yvonne Kellaway (Wilkins) and her husband were looking forward to spending Christmas with Sarah in Australia and then the New Year in New Zealand, lecturing mid February – after the Australian Open Tennis. She spent two days and a night in College over the reunion weekend and were very impressed with the new student halls of residence with the “en suite” facilities – a far cry from the “horse boxes” they lived in during their first year. She is still doing all the sports. Dorothy Westerman (Pickering) was delighted that Jill Thompson was well enough to join her and her family for Christmas. Jill does not enjoy the best of health but had been able to get to the dress rehearsal of the Drama Group with which she has been involved for many years. Anita Whale (Fay) told Lorna that she has recently acquired a second little dog so spends a lot of the daylight hours out walking. She still sings in a local community choir and enjoys the regular U3A meetings. Her young family recently settled into their latest home locally after living at her house for nearly a year. The

Guild Newsletter 2015 | 23 whole family plans to meet up for Christmas Day at Winchester. The older children (teenagers) seem so grown up now. Ellie (18+) is studying Musical Theatre in London and Izzie (14+) is at school still. Caroline Mercer said that they are still in St Just, and still looking for another house but not succeeding. They had their usual wonderful Maldivian holiday in January. Warm clean sea and sunny days. They have not been so busy with visitors over the last year, mostly coastal path walkers. She went to Norwich again last year, once at the end of May, following the birth of a new grandson and again in December when she took the Christmas presents. Esme Waters (Jones) wrote “Sorry to have to tell you that Derek (her husband) passed away earlier this year at the end of May. He had had a full, interesting and successful life – he was 90. The end came relatively quickly and peacefully which was a blessing, of course. He is missed by family and friends.” Lorna also heard from Evelyn Farquhar (Davison), Barbara Dougherty (Jones), Sally Thompson, Mary French (Carr) and Mary Rose.

1958-1960 Anne Stidwell (Limbert) writes that she and her husband, Dick, haven't strayed far from home this year. However, they did go to Holland to stay with Richard. He will have joined them at Christmas, when they all went to stay with Anne's daughter near Saffron Walden. Careth Paternoster (Osborne) says that Michael wrote the Christmas cards this year, as Careth had broken her arm. Happily it is now mended. They have had a mixed year, with less walking and visits than they normally would do. However, they have enjoyed some splendid concerts chiefly given by old and young musician friends Felicity Silvester (Stent) writes that last year she moved from North Norfolk to Wembley! Quite a change, no sea side or fields nearby to walk and drink in the beauty of creation. BUT she has been really happy, and is finding life in a built up area different, challenging and good. “I moved from a three bedroom house to a one bedroom apartment! A big change but I love my home here. I am part of the Catch the Fire Church my younger daughter Chloe and her husband Stuart pastor, and they live less than a mile away. My elder daughter Ruth and her husband Mark have given up their jobs as vets and are working in Kenya, under the umbrella of the Kenyan Children's Project which Chloe and Stuart set up nearly ten years ago. It is a great joy to us that we are involved as a family with the charity. I go out there at least twice a year. I have over 70 spiritual grandchildren there aged from 23 yrs to 2.5 yrs!! What a joy to go and love them as their 'Shosho' (Swahili for grandmother). I have become involved in pastoral and inner healing ministry at the church which I love. My life is full and I really feel my cup is running over with blessings! Jacqueline Weddell (Lovell) writes that she has had a difficult year with a spinal operation last January. She is back on her feet now and walking normally. Margaret Kinneburgh says “This has been a difficult year, with one health problem after another, the last one resulting in our 21-day holiday ending after eight days. Having crossed the Tanami Desert after leaving Alice Springs, and exploring the Bungle Bungles, an extensive area of striped dome-shaped rocks in the Purnululu National Park, we headed west to Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing, where my partner, Fred, and I had a cruise on the Fitzroy River. Temperatures were higher than I had expected – around the mid 30s. Both Fred and I, along with one or two others were suffering from sore throats and hacking coughs, so I was not feeling too bright when we arrived in the Kimberley (north west of Western Australia). Most of the time we camped, and it was with a sense of relief that we stayed in a resort with comfortable beds and air conditioning. For many years, I have had a heart condition, with a few episodes a year, none of which had ever caused any major problems. I could eat little of the evening meal after we arrived and returned to our room. Not long after, an episode occurred. The measures I normally employed to bring my heart rate back to normal didn't work. I felt worse and worse and knew that I needed to go to hospital. So, I ended up spending two nights in Broome Hospital. I was so fortunate because three or four days later, we would have been in remote country and had it happened there, I doubt if I would be writing to you now. The staff at the hospital were excellent and those at the resort very helpful too, transporting us around and making arrangements for changing our flight. Although all my vital functions were back to normal when I left hospital, there was no question of continuing the holiday and we had to return home. It took me quite a long

24 | Guild Newsletter 2015 time to recover. I'm fine now and I feel better than I have felt all the year. We are going to Kimberley again at the end of February for just a week this time. It will be the Wet Season. I know the heat and humidity will be trying, with mosquitoes too, I imagine, but with shorter times, good accommodation and spectacular scenery including waterfalls in full spate, I think we will be alright. Also, we would like to go to Broome – our starting and finishing point – because that is where Fred and I met and we had not been back since. It is obvious that the town had grown enormously since 1976, but we saw next to nothing of it this year. What was THE TOWN then, is now just a small area known as Chinatown. Two days ago, I received some newspaper cuttings from my brother, with pictures and accounts of all the poppies. They must have been a memorable sight. At our Spinners and Weavers, we knitted and crocheted some as did hundreds of others in WA and they were sent to Albany on the south coast, where they had a big commemoration. From this town, the first Australian troops embarked for Gallipoli. We are planning to go to England towards the end of August. I am really looking forward to that, even though 80 starts to sound really old!. Muriel Warburton (Badham) My husband and I have had a quiet year with one or two health problems which are ongoing. We managed ten days on the Isle of Wight, which we enjoyed. In August, we celebrated our Golden Wedding with our small family and special friends Nadine Tacchi (White) phoned Muriel a few days before Christmas. She and her husband and family are well. Nadine has six grandchildren – the youngest is now fifteen. Her son lives in Germany with his German wife and their two children. One of her daughters lives in St. Leonards-on-Sea. She has one child. The other daughter has three children. Nadine helps at the local museum and sees children from the local Infants School from across the road. Sandra Oda has had a difficult year. She had a hip replacement and a number of other health problems, and a fairly severe spell of depression. She is much better and able to cope now. We are indebted to Margaret Kinneburgh for this news. Jean Del Re (Battin) phoned Muriel from Italy with her news. Jean’s computer had been and is causing her problems! She has been away visiting New Zealand. She says that an aunt left her some money on the understanding that she should use it to travel. So she and a friend, from 60 years ago, went off together. They flew from London to Singapore, where they stayed for a few days. They then went on to New Zealand. They visited both islands and saw the many different terrains. Whilst there, she meet up with one of the teachers with whom she had taught at the first infant school she had worked in on leaving college. Jean’s son is working, much to her relief, as the job situation in Italy is dire. She also gave Muriel news of Robina Dore (Brown) who lost her husband last year. Robina, herself, is unwell, but still lives in Spain and sees her friends at the Golf Club, where she and her husband used to play.

1959-1961 Pat Barratt (Cox) still keeps herself busy with voluntary works at the local Community Hospital through the League of Friends. She has enjoyed several holidays this year, one for two weeks on the Isle of Aran with the family and two coach trips. The first was to the Cotswolds with her cousin, including a tour of Highgrove Gardens and a visit to Adam’s (Countryfile) Farm. The second with her sister-in-law was to Ireland where they stayed near Dublin and were able to visit Trinity College. They were fortunate to see the Book of Kells which is on permanent display there in the original library. She met up with Julie Merry (Bounton) in Chichester recently and is planning to come to the July reunion. Jennie Buckland (Barnes) is managing to cope with Polymyalgia diagnosed earlier in the year and still cares for her stroke-victim husband. She has enjoyed a couple of respite breaks; one to Bratislava and Vienna in August and a very brief trip to the Christmas Fayre at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire where for a treat she stayed at the Menzies Mickleover Court Hotel and had a wonderful time. Sue Chitty (Corfmat) writes “This year has been very different following the loss of my husband, Paul, last December. He had had a stroke two years earlier and then cancer. But I feel very blessed to have had so much support from friends and family over the past three years, which has helped me to come to terms with my situation and move onward. Throughout, both Paul and I also received tremendous support, at first from the Stroke Association, and then from our local "Shakespeare" Macmillan Day Hospice. Such fantastic and

Guild Newsletter 2015 | 25 beneficial organisations. I keep enjoyably busy and involved with friends and activities, mainly through our North Cotswold U3A, the Worcestershire branch of The Hardy Plant Society, a local gardening club and other groups of friends around. One of the recent highlights was being able to participate, along with Fay Jeffreys (Bradwell) in a performance of Brahm's German Requiem in Chipping Campden. Fay and I are planning to meet up with Bunty Scarlett (Haywood) in Cirencester next year. I also have regular contact with Brenda Jenkinson (Long) and with Margaret Bartlett (Batchelor) . My son, Mark, and his partner, Kat, live not far away in Coventry. I shall be with them over Christmas and look forward to going to the Cathedral on Christmas Eve. For the New Year I'm going to Germany to my daughter, Ruth, and grandson, Sam. Ruth has lived in Germany for the last 25 years. We have had many enjoyable visits there, with good friendships, choir exchanges, and frequent German visitors staying when we were in St Albans! I now fly, but we used to drive, taking a car-load of plants, tea and digestive biscuits etc and returning with cheap wine from local vineyards (not all for us!) and long metal curly gardening stakes, before they were easily available here! I have a yen to drive there just one more time, before I get too old!” Sue Clark (Curtis) has sent a short account of her Swiss Holiday. “At the end of April my husband and I went on a four night break to Switzerland. Our base was a hotel in Brig where my husband had stayed before. The highlights of the holiday were two day trips to places I had wanted to visit for some time. The first trip to Locarno on Lake Maggiore was a two hour train journey through the mountains Thankfully the station was near the lake where we sat and admired the beautiful view of the town surrounded by snow capped mountains. It was pleasantly warm there. The second trip was to Zermatt, a traffic free town situated high in the mountains. We started the journey in rain which turned to sleet and then to snow. It was a pleasant journey but the mountain peaks were shrouded in mist. These holidays have been made possible for me by the assistance offered at the airports as I would find the long walks to the boarding gates difficult. Joan Connelly (Stephen) The highlight of the year was her Golden Wedding Celebrations in August. She and Colin had a thanksgiving service in St Nicholas Church, Alfold, where they were married. This was attended by many of their old friends from the Alfold days and brought back many happy memories. Afterwards there was a celebratory meal at the Sir Roger Tichborne for fifty closest friends and family. They were royally entertained by all their grandchildren with readings and singing and the cake made by Tamzin. Churchwork, family and looking after Colin keeps Joan very busy. Pat Garford (Terry) is still keeping busy maintaining the house and garden, going to the gym, Probus and Senior Net. During the year she has attended two courses to learn how to use her digital camera to better advantage and is now looking to expand from one computer to a phone or tablet. Hopefully she will Skype Anne Walters (Sansom) for the first time very soon. Another exotic 22-day holiday took her to South America in March. A partial transit of the Panama Canal, the Arenal volcano, the tropical fruits, flowers colourful birds and the coffee in Costa Rica; the explosion of colour that is Guatemala and a visit to the Mayan ruins at Tikal, made for a memorable trip. In September/October she took a 24-day excursion to Central Asia. Having been to both ends of the Silk Road on previous occasions, she took the Golden Road to Samarkand and also visited Tashkent, Bukhara and Khiva the other fabled cities of the central part of the Silk Road. The tour started in Tajikstan went through Uzbekistan and ended in Turkmenistan at Ashgabat, the Las Vegas of the desert. A very different part of the world. Her next expedition is to see son Chris and all the grandchildren in Australia in February 2015. Brenda Jenkinson (Long) has just returned from a long week-end in Chichester staying with friends. She was there to play bridge but went to the theatre and visited the Christmas market too. It is still one of her favourite towns. Her brother is in the process of moving to Emsworth to be near his daughter so hopefully she will have a few more excuses to visit the area! She managed to catch up with Gill Brown in an hour long phone call earlier this year. The first time they had spoken to each other for over 40 years! Together with Maureen Sutherland (Blake) she is planning (with husbands) a weekend away together to celebrate their golden weddings next year. She is in regular contact with Sue Chitty (Corfmat). Betty Jones (Prince) has had a busy and exciting year. She marked her Golden Wedding in August and enjoyed spending time sorting through photographs and memorabilia. They had a small celebration at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Heathrow, where they were joined by their best man and chief bridesmaid plus other guests from 1964 and present-day friends too. Betty’s mother managed to attend and the whole family ended that celebration with a few days at Centerparcs together. Their final Golden Wedding treat was a wonderful 12-night stay at their favourite resort in St Lucia. They enjoyed plenty of exercise, daily spa

26 | Guild Newsletter 2015 treatment, excellent food and drink. They even met Sally Gunnell who was running a Boot Camp there. Betty still continues to attend the gym and both she and John go to a weekly Pilates class. They are frequent visitors to York to help with their grandchildren and took them all on a skiing holiday in February to Serra Chevalier in France. They also spend time with Betty’s mother as she is finding it increasingly difficult to get around. Jenny Kirkaldy (Shepherd) says that 2014 has been tinged with sadness and joy for her. In January they had a joyful family gathering in Milton Keynes with family from Dubai and Sydney and a month later there was a happy reunion in Devon with more friends and family from New Zealand and Brittany. Jenny’s nephew was married in August and her sister’s Ruby Wedding concluded the celebrations in October. She and Tony managed to spend two weeks in Eastbourne in May where they visited five National Trust properties, enjoyed walks on the Downs and Jenny was brave enough to have on brief swim in the sea!! She also joined ‘Curves’ ladies gym and attends three weekly sessions but sadly they are closing down shortly. They are kept busy with activities provided by the local Alzheimer’s group which Tony attends and the involvement and support within their local church family is as strong and inspiring as ever. Julie Merry (Bounton) recently spent a day in Chichester Christmas shopping with Pat Barratt (Cox) who had chatted with Thelma Jack on the bus. They are all hoping to be at the July reunion. Heather Owen’s (Dommett) husband, Gordon, whom she met whilst at college, died after a second stroke, on Christmas Eve 2013, so this year has been a difficult one for her. A supportive village and friends are a great blessing. She has four granddaughters who are also a lovely distraction. Bunty Scarlett (Haywood) has had a stressful year coping with her husband who has been hospitalised five times with heart problems. She has managed to meet up with Sue Scott (Haddlesey) who enjoys looking after her two-year old grandson and Fay Jeffrey (Bradwell) who also keeps busy with her extended family. Maureen Sutherland (Blake) has had a good and not so good 2014. The not so good is that youngest daughter, Alison (40), was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to face a double mastectomy after Christmas. The good being her husband and herself were invited to a Palace Garden Party in May in recognition of all the voluntary and charity work he has undertaken over the years. It took her ages to find the right outfit as she didn’t want to look too much like the mother of the bride: so settled for a white dress, black jacket, black & white hat, bag and shoes which killed!! Rather than trust public transport or getting lost driving round London, they pushed the boat out and hired a car and driver to take them there. She says “Wednesday 21 May was a warm and pleasant day and along with over eight thousand other people it wasn’t quite like having a quiet afternoon tea with HRH. We rubbed shoulders with all during the afternoon and we had to show invitations and passports at the door. Once inside we walked through the Palace and on to the huge lawns at the back. The Queen and Prince Philip, and other Royals, walked amongst us whilst equerries presented people to them who were considered worthy of being introduced. We didn’t fall into this category! We queued in long marquees and then moved along trying to balance sandwiches, a cake, plus tea or coffee on a tiny oblong plate. Tubs of ice cream were to follow. During the afternoon we strolled round the gardens by the lake, and listened to different military bands. Around 5.30 p.m. the National Anthem was played, and the Queen returned inside the Palace. This was the signal for us all to depart, which we did with many happy memories of a wonderful day to take home” Hazel Tomlinson (Torode) , together with husband, Harry, is very involved in trying to preserve what remains of the Guernsey language and culture. Guernsey-French is very much an endangered minority language (her mother tongue) and they belong to a small group whose members teach it in primary schools. Between the two of them they have written five books and at the moment she is very busy collating an archive of any written Guernsey-French she can find. As it was not originally a written language, some of the work they find is rather hard to decipher and understand!! They also celebrated their Golden Wedding this year. They still spend a lot of time in France, mainly in Touraine and always come back with a boot full of goodies. The choice over there is so fantastic Jean Tune (Handsaker) has been struggling with a detached retina but is glad to live close to London where she is being treated by an eminent retinologist. Her latest operation was on 10th January 2015. She is still in touch with Anne Newsham and has recently heard from Joan Howe too.

Guild Newsletter 2015 | 27 Anne Walters (Sansom) says that 2014 was our Golden Wedding year and we started the celebrations early by treating ourselves to a long-promised trip to the Holy Land. The Pilgrimage in March was organised by the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham and led by the Archdeacon of Nottingham. We not only experienced modern day Israel and Palestine with all its cultural and political complexities but saw and experienced spiritually the places where Jesus taught, healed, suffered, died and was resurrected for us and the world. Our reflections and worship at key sites enabled us to return renewed and refreshed in our faith and we understand now why pilgrimage is regarded as the Fifth Gospel. Back home just before Easter we postponed our customary trip to the Yorkshire Dales until mid April staying in the local hostelry at Lealholm in the Esk valley with friends. We were lucky with the weather and managed to walk from the village to Glaisdale, Egton Bridge and Grosmont, returning by train. Trips were also made to Whitby, Scarborough and Pickering, where we embarked on our annual trip on the North York Moors railway. Memories of college days Nottingham to Chichester by steam power. Early June saw us with Adrian and family in Chicago celebrating Alice’s graduation from Middle to High School. She is very settled there now and doesn’t sound remotely British. Chicago is a wonderful city to explore and we always manage to find a new gallery or museum to visit. As it was our ‘special year’ we flew from there to Colorado to see friends from our walking days. It is hard to believe that we climbed 25 mountains there when we were fit. Oh to be able to do it now!. Arthritis has caught up with the old bones! We reminisced on the Durango to Silverton railway where we had been dropped off many years ago with rucksacks for four days to climb three remote mountains. We actually paid for the whole journey this time, spending time browsing in the museums in Silverton and learning some background knowledge. In Salida after a 10-year absence, we revisited the Episcopal church where we always worshipped. They gave us a warm welcome. It was great to see everyone again and to experience worship in their new building. The congregation has grown so much that they have outgrown the building, handed it over to their young people and excavated a larger building into the hillside underneath the old one. It is multi-purpose, serving the community of which they are a part. It is good to see the Lord at work growing his church. We did spend some time at home. In July Adrian and family came stayed for two weeks and we spent time exploring the delights of the Peak district and several stately homes. He stayed for the start the football season and we went to two away matches together. I do miss him as my companion on a Saturday afternoon. I can’t see me relinquishing my Nottingham Forest Season ticket in the near future as I have been watching them since I was six. At the end of August we found ourselves in Bucharest once more, babysitting whilst Phil and Liz returned to school to prepare for the new term. We always enjoy the company of Max and Ben and benefit from learning new computer skills. Allan drives around north Bucharest and we were able to take advantage of the very warm weather and visit a couple of water parks and other places of interest to keep them occupied. After school started we decided to complete our list of must do things and took a seven hour train trip up North to Suceava to visit the Painted Churches of Bucovina close to the Ukraine border. We can thoroughly recommend this to anyone who is interested. The churches, all within the high walls of Monasteries, were painted on the outside during the 15th and 16th centuries. Being masterpieces of Byzantine art, seven of them are UNESCO World heritage sites and many are being renovated at this time. The murals represent complete cycles of religious art and were originally painted to make the story of the Bible and the lives of important Orthodox Saints known to villagers and assembling armies. The predominant themes were the last judgement, the ladder to heaven and the Jesse Tree. We sat for ages in the sunshine trying to unravel the images. As so many of our church family were away in August we decided to postpone our church celebration until September. After the morning service on a Sunday in mid September we provided bubbly and special cake for everyone. It was a very happy time with more than 150 people staying to wish us well. We were delighted to attend the service for the installation of the Bishop of Durham in February. It is Allan’s favourite Cathedral and we spent a wonderful weekend exploring the delights of Durham. It was sad to lose our Bishop after such a short time and in July we were to lose the Archdeacon of Nottingham who was consecrated Bishop of Barking at St Paul’s Cathedral. We were privileged to be a part of an inspiring service followed by the Eucharist presided over by the Archbishop of Canterbury. To end our travels we spent five days in November in the Lake District, in Borrowdale, with friends we met there on our honeymoon and have just returned from Christmas in Bucharest and New Year in Amsterdam. In between there has been much Deanery work to continue. It is very busy time for our Food Banks and alongside them we have extended our Community support with training from the Citizens Advice Bureau who just can’t meet demand. We also have the services of CAP debt worker and are gradually beginning to make an

28 | Guild Newsletter 2015 impact in some of our poorer city areas. This year we are planning to stay closer to home with the exception of Chicago in June and Bucharest late summer. I will be at the College Reunion in July and look forward to seeing some of you there.

1961-1964 Carolyn Keyzor (Morgan) , the year rep says: “It was such a pleasure to see 33 of our year at last year’s reunion in July, at which we celebrated 50 years of leaving Bishop Otter College (and beginning our teaching careers). We also welcomed seven guests to share the occasion with us. Those of the group who were staying the weekend (or lived locally) enjoyed a friendly dinner together on the Friday evening. On the Saturday, we had a lovely sunny day to meet, chat and reminisce, particularly over lunch, and afterwards, we gathered in a private room and watched a power point presentation prepared by Rose Savage (Parks) from photos from College days sent in by members of our year group. It was great fun trying to identify people! Afterwards, we managed to assemble in front of the cloisters for a group photo (but unfortunately, Roy Ramsay, Dave Morte and Sue Tomlinson (Gillies) had gone missing at that stage). Here is a photo of the group (thanks to Dave Manuel), and a ‘who’s who’ just in case you can’t recognise anybody/ everyone.

So, who’s who? In the group photo, outside cloisters:- Back row, from left to right: Mike Paige; Martin Fry; Sylvia Fry (Doreen Mann); Terry Turner; Robert Hatch; John Rolls; Dane Oliver; Val Crawley (Langcake); Ken Tutt; Dave Manuel. Second to back row: Robert Fletcher; Judith Fletcher (Ely). Second row from front, from left to right: Sandy Stansfield (Pickard); Diana Housley (Crosher); Beth Oliver (Sturmey); Mary Bailey (Hughes); Audrey Thomson (Barker); Wendy Coxell (Last); Rosemary Ottewell; Martin Imeson; Pat Calpin (Brady); Sandra Christie (Boyland); Front row, left to right: Standing, Mary Payne (Payling); sitting – Rose Savage (Parks); Carolyn Keyzor (Morgan); Gill Wilson (Macdonald); Val Trowell (Neale); Heather Parnell (Snell); Sue White (Morris); Ruth Rimmer (Chown). Present at the reunion, but missing when the group photo was taken – Roy Ramsay; Dave Morte; Sue Tomlinson (Gillies). Thank you to everyone who has kept in touch over the last year, especially in discussion about the special reunion; I do so enjoy hearing from you. This year, I’m pleased to say that I have three new contacts, Dave

Guild Newsletter 2015 | 29 Morte, Roy Ramsay and Mary Roy (Mander) , but there are still 35 of our year to find! Welcome to Roy and also Mary Bailey (Hughes) who have joined the Guild. I hope to see you at this year’s reunion, 10th to 12th July; even though it’s not a special anniversary for us, we can still make it special. John Rolls says that about thirty of our year returned to College for our unique Golden occasion, but some of the regular member of the Guild had had pressing engagements elsewhere at the eleventh hour. J anet Craven (Cattell), Val Thomson (Taylor) and Gordon Reynolds fell in that category. There was tragic news when we learned that David James had died in June (Rosemary (Nightingale)) (1960-63) is his widow. However I was delighted that Audrey Thompson (Barker) had made the long trip from her home in Scotland; she and Mary Bailey (Hughes) were both easily recognised as they are still small in stature and neither has lost their sunny nature! Judith Fletcher (Ely) made herself known to me, reminiscing about the adventures in art under both Sally Mather and Sheila McCrirrick. It was a complete eye opener for me as I could neither draw or have much of an idea for picture making previously. Hidden talent to emerge gradually through fabric printing and textile designs! Last year I had the pleasure of escorting my nephew, Geoff, round the college grounds after our lunch- time chattering and before trying to identify ourselves in various garb in photos taken 50 years ago. BOC is so much bigger than in our day – with car parks and new facilities for music and printing, to say nothing of the vast sports centre. Older parts of the old building led us to the cloisters and “pips”. Geoff suddenly became our photographer as we posed on the terrace above the stately turkey oak lawn. Rose Savage (Parks) writes that “this year has again been a very busy one, with my voluntary work at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum and at the local village hall where I help the manager. Gardening has taken a bit of a back seat this year owing to the continued weakness in both wrists, which allow me to do most things but will never improve. Luckily I have someone who cuts the grass for me and will also do some hedge cutting etc. Janet Craven (Cattell) came for a few days’ visit in September as she was unable to get to the reunion last year. Also in September a number of the Parks side of the family met up in Upwood, near Huntingdon, where our fathers’ older brother was killed in a flying accident on 7th September 1918. He was an RAF 2nd Lieutenant pilot. The people of Upwood village arranged the dedication of a memorial stone to the only two pilots that were killed at RAF Upwood during both wars. It was a very moving ceremony and the weekend was a wonderful experience, firstly catching up with cousins I hadn’t seen for many years and also meeting the grandson (and his wife) of the pilot who was in the aircraft with our uncle. We continue to keep in touch”.

1962-1965 Marten Lougee thanks those who have sent information about themselves and others. He hopes that as many as possible of you will come to our 50th – yes 50 years since we left this wonderful place. Please encourage others to come. Janet Bayley (Doreen Cliffe) has written about her many happy memories of BOC. She even remembers walking up from the station and eventually finding the College. She had a lovely interview and felt happy to be accepted to study Science for Secondary school science. (My feeling exactly – ML.) Her three years at this wonderful college were a firm foundation for teaching, ministry and life. She made many excellent friends and will always be grateful for all the multitude of experiences. Janet and David’s youngest son is a London paramedic who got married last year. Janet had the privilege of conducting the wedding service. Their eldest granddaughter is looking at 6th form opportunities which makes them feel quite ancient. Janet is looking forward to seeing old friends in July at our special reunion. Christine Boot has had an active year including holidays in Llandudno where she went down a copper mine and in the Pennines where she went down a lead mine at Killhope. A more sedate holiday was spent in the Rhine Valley. Her oldest great nephew is now reading History at Edinburgh University. Jim Buxton and Carol said that their area in France had a dreadful summer, high humidity and thunderstorm after thunderstorm with two direct lightening strikes, the first took out the phone and computer, the second the phone, fax and digibox. The power of them was frightening. Everything in the garden suffered from mildew and the garden was a total write-off except for a few carrots and leeks. Their employer, M de Bray, is now 93. Whilst in hospital he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Jim is responsible for his interim care (a very steep learning curve) which means that they are restricted to staying put most of the time. He has a new e-mail address – [email protected] – his other one was hacked

30 | Guild Newsletter 2015 Clare Edwards (Henderson) celebrated her 70th birthday last March when on a two-week walking holiday with the Cardiff Ramblers in Southern Spain based at Benalmedene. She has seven grandchildren as her eldest daughter adopted Teiga aged 14 in May. Six of her grandchildren are under five so she enjoys the delights of the young ones. Sadly she fractured her humerus, left arm early in July (so no 2014 BOC trip) just after completing her seven-day back packing of the eastern half of the Southern Upland Way in Scotland. She is fully recovered, leading walks, has the allotment under control and is plot secretary. In March this year she will be in Cyprus and then the Cleveland Way in Yorkshire, both walking. She does wonder how much longer she wants to keep wanting to cook dinners at both Christmas and New Year and then do the allotment fruit pruning. Vivien Evans and Wendy Imeson (Evans) celebrated their 70th last August. Viv’s treat was three nights at a superb Guest House in Shropshire. The Pateley Bridge Band is celebrating its centenary with concerts and a dinner. Several members have left and it is sometimes difficult to manage four parts. She still plays the organ and led a couple of services at Dacre Top URC. She has knitted a very complicated bear (26 pieces) which was completed for the Christmas Fair. Gillian Feest (Endersby) never thought about how hard it is to look after a sick partner as we ourselves age! Her husband’s long-term illness has prevented them travelling this last year or so but she is going off on her own to Northern India with March for a month or so. In the first two weeks she is taking a group of women up to the Himalayas to be with the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan refugees and then going up to West Bengal and Assam. She is then going up to the Tawany Gompa on the Bhutan/Tibet border using trains from Delhi to Kolkata. Her grand-children grow apace, causing her great delight and the worry of age about their future and the future of the world they will inherit. Ian (1963-1966) and Mary Freestone (Banfield) have had a very busy year, not unusual, which included her mother celebrating her 100th birthday in July with family from as far away as New Zealand. They meet their six grandchildren (14 to three years) regularly and in October at the big family holiday they both celebrated their 70th birthdays. They hosted two Chernobyl girls (Chernobyl Children’s Life Line (see website)) for two weeks in the summer, very interesting and also amusing as they overcome the language barriers. A month in the UK adds about two more years to their life expectancy. Ian and Mary have enjoyed meeting up with Chris and Sue Brown (Harford) and Pete (1963-1966) and Elly Noblet (Gasking) at the latter’s home. They joined the Noblets for an action-packed 36-hour wine-buying trip to Calais. They had a very happy and entertaining week of olive picking in Italy with Rose Harris and Lyn Virrels (1963-1966) . Derek Gray, a couple of years after leaving college, worked in Arctic Finland and Norway for three years (1967- 1970) and he had always wanted to return. In 2014 Derek and Mary managed to spend three weeks in February on a trip to Hurtigruten from Bergen to Kirkenes and return. They visited Bergen and Oslo as well as the spectacular railway journey between the two. They saw the Northern Lights on occasions and much has changed in 45 years. Mary and Derek still spend half their time in Scotland on the West coast near the Mull of Kintyre. In Scotland lambing, making silage and boating are their main activities. They have been married for 42 years and they have travelled between Kent and Scotland for 41 years (that is a tale in itself). Barry and Meg Hayles (Harper-Tarr) say the past year has flown by, much of which has been spent fighting the vast development of 12,500 houses in the Warwick area. Meg’s mother will be 100 in July and she is incredibly alert and listens to Radio 4. Their daughter came over from Luxembourg with their family and went to Brighton. The Pavilion was something of an enigma but the Brighton Eye was a great success. Other grandchildren live nearby so baby-sitting duties! They say that it is good to hear from old friends at BOC in the Guild Newsletters. Godfrey and Maureen Hurst (Murphy) have got used to the doctor’s platitudes – “What do you expect at your age?” – hospitals, X-rays and blood tests. Maureen, injections into the spine, Godfrey has had three stays in hospital over three weeks. He has finally been discharged from the knee clinic. They enjoy writing and running a monthly quiz in “The Red Lion” and they get between forty and sixty quizzers. Half the takings go to local charities. Godfrey has a licence from the Bishop to administer the chalice at Eucharist. Maureen awaits!! Martin (1961-1964) and Wendy Imeson (Evans) have had a year of upheavals, part of the kitchen ceiling fell down and no bathroom for several weeks. The redecoration in July revealed five layers of wallpaper in places. Planning permission was required to remove six large trees and they have been replaced. Wendy’s 70th cake was made for her by Martin’s cousin. Martin is enjoying his continuing development with Dacre URC as Lay Pastor. He led the Carols by candlelight for the last time after 20 years.

Guild Newsletter 2015 | 31 Rosemary Martin (Jones) says that sadly both her parents-in-law died recently but at least it has allowed them a little more freedom. Her mother is 100 years old this year and is remarkable for her age and still lives in her own home. Rose took her to Devon and she loved paddling in the sea, walking barefoot on the sand and picking up shells on the beach. Gill Page (Birch) went with them. Mike and Rosie had a few short holidays in 2014. Caravan in Holland with fabulous weather but the holiday in Norway (February 2014) was a complete washout. Berlin at Christmas – an excellent city to explore. Their son, Ben, still sails regularly as first mate for a yachting charity and he was fortunate to take part in the Falmouth to Greenwich Tall Ships race last summer. Jill Leggeter (Head) and Derek spent a lovely Christmas at their place near Long Melford in Suffolk. A cold hit them both over Christmas so it was not a riotous time but peaceful and quiet. They go up whenever they can – it is a different world from their home, surrounded by fields and endless skies. She has been “roped in” to help with the monthly coffee mornings in the village hall, usually attended by over fifty people. She has given up running her over-60s keep fit class, but still takes part in an aerobics, pilates and circuit training group. It has been so wet that the two allotments could well be growing rice this year. She is still in touch with Derek (1960- 1963) and Stella Freeman-Smith (Quarmby), and Tricia Kirkland (1963-1966) whose mother is 102! Tim Lord had stayed with Mike Riggs just before Christmas while he was doing one of his tour manager jobs. He has made an amazing recovery from that gruelling chemotherapy and he was in good form. He keeps in touch with Mike though their pub sessions are fewer than when the Severn Valley Railway connected them. He still specialises in WW1 battlefield tours. Marten Lougee brought his work with British Transport Police to an end after eight years on 9th December 2014. It was strange walking through Camden, past Sainsbury’s in fine drizzle, for a final time at 19.35 hours and he will miss it, but there are so many other things to do. He was, for BTP, the highest trained civilian in Police matters (not IPCC) and he felt honoured that they had so much faith in him. The Tour de France was great, having helped plan the policing side and Leeds station had to be seen on Saturday 5th July, jam packed with about 250,000 people passing through on that day. On the Saturday evening he was privileged to join Gary Verity and 310 guests at the Tour de France dinner in Harrogate – an amazing event with many well known people. On the Sunday he actually viewed the Tour, only five miles away from home – a triumph for Yorkshire. He spent time in Lanzarote, Whitby (Regatta), Amble (Northumberland), the Lakes, Muker and Shrewsbury. In July he visited Jill Holliman (Martin) in Somerset where he was able to see and speak with Janet Swain and this January with Sue Petri (Potter) and Alan in the Lake District. He continues with Rotary and rail matters and walking (when he has time). Sue Newstead (Shaw) has been working three days a week since May and recently she has had migraines and a fuzzy head – she seems to have kicked these with a big workout at the gym. Sue and Kim (husband) organised a trip to Western Samoa relaxing in the beautiful friendly islands, sleeping in fales on the beach with just a mattress and mossie nets for accommodation. Her 70th birthday went on forever, camping with the children, girl friends for breakfast and the bush walking group went to Maria Island for five days on her behalf and then on a 210 km bike ride with her sons around the bay in Melbourne. It took eight hours, same as it had done five years previously. Kim has been stripping the paint off an inside wall and window to bring it back to the fabric of their 1840 cottage. In 1970 they did an overland trip from London back to Hobart that included Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran which today would, of course, have been impossible. Peter (1963-1966) and Elly Noblet (Gaskin) are still enjoying retirement in Norfolk where they have lived since returning from four years teaching in Baffin Island. They still keep in touch via Facebook with some of their Inuit pupils. Old Otters that have holidayed with them this year at home and abroad are Chris and Sue Brown (Harford), Ian Freestone and Mary (Banfield) with whom they went to Ypres for 11th November, David and Janet Austin (Curtis), Roger Morris and Katrina with whom Pete went sailing from Croatia to Greece. Hugh Townsend (1961-1964) and Annabel live near them. Pete and Elly have taken up golf (badly), play tennis twice a week and enjoy time with their grandson, Noah, aged five. He lives in Snettisham which is not far away. Judith Okuro (Adams) is well and still enjoys living on the outskirts of Newcastle. Daily country walks with her dog on bridlepaths past Highland cattle but only 30 minutes to the retail therapy in town. She volunteers with the Riding for the Disabled Association group as a trustee and secretary and help with the lessons for visually impaired riders. It’s very rewarding seeing the skill and confidence the children grow. She has six grandchildren aged between two and sixteen, three girls and three boys, so regular London trips continue. She has been able to teach them to read well before they started reception, with the use of Skype between her visits. One more to go!! She had a surprise 70th birthday party organised by her daughters and her son made it from Finland. Trying to cut down on cheese and chocolate but needs the b.p. tablets.

32 | Guild Newsletter 2015 Linda Oxlad (Edwards), her husband, Lindsey, accompanied by their eldest daughter, Helen, made a trip to the UK in June. They were doing a Back Roads Tour of Scotland. However Lynn needed oxygen on arrival in Birmingham and then in Scotland blood clots were diagnosed in her legs – she will be on blood thinners for life. Her husband got violent nose bleeds and needed an eight-hour ambulance journey from Oban to Glasgow to be treated by an ENT specialist. The tour was excellent (dipping in and out) and one place they stayed was the beautiful Hotel Elia at Sleat on the Isle of Skye. Then, by car, they visited Rosslyn Chapel, the Cotswolds, Bath, Port Isaac (Doc Martin), London and the Yew Tree Pub in Highclere in order to visit Highclere Castle as Lynn is an avid “Downton Abbey” fan. One reason for the trip was to visit family in Pembrokeshire, in memory of her father. She had not seen some of the family for 60 years and met other relatives for the first time. Lynn really enjoys reading about her fellow colleagues. Gill Page (Birch) writes that sadly during the first part of 2014 her youngest brother was critically ill in Worcester Hospital. He has recovered but is unable to work and suffers from the results of a stroke. Her other brother came from Australia to see him. She has had two holidays with Ro Jones (Martin) and her mother and spent a week digging at Sedgefield Anglo Saxon archaeology site in Norfolk. She bought her first new car in November, a VW Up. Gill Page (Wiseman) has had a good year with a family trip to Finland to see the Northern Lights and ride around on snowmobiles. She has had wild life holidays to Latvia and Spain. She has even bought a new tent – once a Girl Guide ...!! She is still singing with and chairing Velvet Harmony – Bromley’s Ladies’ Barbershop Chorus. Gill has been behindhand with many things as she has made about sixty Nativity costumes, many from scratch. On the Saturday before Christmas Gill was an Angel in a live Nativity, and the previous week she had been a wise person. Sadly Gill now has severe arthritis in her right ankle and foot bone. Ankle surgery involves a long recovery period. Alan Palmer wrote how amazing!! Where have those 50 years gone? Miss Murray and so many others who worked at BOC have almost all passed to a greater life. To walk round College today is a great tribute to her vision and planning that it remains substantially as it was when we went our separate ways and on which we are now able to reflect. He has always been enormously grateful for that period in Chichester and he is increasingly appreciative of the start it gave him and also the life in a Cathedral City as well. Alan and Maggie enjoy four grandchildren, spending some of the winter in Cape Town and also visit Perth each year to see two of their grand-children. He sends sincere good wishes for health and happiness to his 1962-1965 colleagues. Sue Petri (Potter) has had a busy year with her continuing visits to the hospital but she is delighted that everything is fine and she does not have to visit again until next summer for a check up. How relieved the family was to know that the cancer was clear after all the treatments. She is fine, but still has some tiredness and is looking forward to the summer. The gardening, walking and golf will gradually return. Her husband, Alan, has been a wonderful carer. He had to have his pacemaker replaced on Christmas Eve. Their son and family returned from Canada, Haily, aged five, and Landon, 17 months, giving much pleasure. Sue Phillpot (Hiscox) and Bob operated a sail training and charter business on their traditional sailing boat – a 40 foot gaff cutter based in Falmouth but in 2002 moved the business to Brittany, operating out of Douarnenez and living in a lock house on the Nantes – Brest canal. Their interest in classic cars and motor bikes resurrected itself and their Morgan look alike BRACX3 was welcome. After other cars and motor bikes (all classics) they now have a motor home. In the early part of 2014 they visited the south of Spain (warmer in Winter), Morocco and the Algarve. Last May they visited their son in Skye and several lochs. Winter 14/15 trips started in Portugal and Sue sent this info from Olvera in Spain. Retirement is wonderful - it is a shame we have to wait to be “older” to reach it. If retired means giving up a busy and active life, she will never do it. Ann Plyming and her husband, Lionel, have enjoyed many visits to their flat in Bosham and seen many wonderful performances at the Festival Theatre. On one occasion, as they had a meal there, they fell into conversation with the waitress who was a Chi Uni student. She said that it was still a very caring, friendly and supportive place to be, just as we had found. She added that studying there and working in the Restaurant meant she was having the best year of her life. Perhaps that says it all. Ann says “Please try to come to the Reunion this year so that as many as possible of us can celebrate our time together 50 years ago” George Redgrave says it was another pottering about year. He skidded off his bike once and was picked up by a former pupil (should I rephrase that ML). Last March he went with his younger son to see Crawley Town

Guild Newsletter 2015 | 33 play Wolverhampton Wonderers in Crawley. This was the only time he had been to a professional football match. Crawley lost 2:1. His son put on Facebook “I’ve had to wait 42 years for my Dad to take me to a football match”!! George has helped, as usual, at Bible Society stands, the annual town twinning trip and several visits to exhibitions, mostly photographic, in London. In August Mike Riggs removed from Bewdley to Frome to be nearer his family. His daughter works as an archivist at Bath Abbey and his son in IT in Frome. He has a granddaughter aged three in whose language development he takes great interest, because he researched child language acquisition as part of his Applied Linguistics studies at Edinburgh University 40 years ago. He is mostly a full time carer for his wife, Mary, who is terminally ill with CBD, a rare and untreatable neurological condition, not unlike PSP that crippled Dudley Moore. Both were pianists. Mike keeps in touch with Tim Lord . Beautifully scribed greetings arrive from Hugh Townsend and there has been intermittent contact with Steve Trevise. Dave and Janet Austin (Curtis) send news on Facebook and Jim Buxton recently wrote reminding Mike that Frome was one of his old stamping grounds. This year Mike is mostly sending copies of Bunny Overboard (for more details look at Guild Newsletter 2014). Bob and June Self (Westmorland). Bob has continued to enjoy working as a Trustee for the South Downs Society involving monitoring rights of way and access land within the National Park, but also projects involving folk songs, publishing self-guided walk leaflets and encouraging greater access by minority groups and leading walks. On the downside he managed to end up with pancreatitis, finally diagnosed after two emergency hospital admissions for what was thought to be heart attacks. This lasted for four months throughout the summer – he had a gangrenous gall bladder removed and he is now recovering well. The highlight of the year for them has been the purchase of 20 acres of farmland for their daughter, Helen, and her partner in the wilds of Northumberland. She has been able to realise her dream of running her own equestrian centre at the edge of the Northumberland National Park close to the Army ranges near Otterburn in the Redesdale Valley. While June revels in helping, Bob is exploring the rich natural heritage of the area between Hadrian’s Wall and the Cheviot hills. Ann Spilberg (Makin) an d Michael – come this April, it will be eight years since Anny had her stroke on board ship. She has had a good year in many ways and her speech is recovering, bit by bit. Though it is still frustratingly hard to make herself clear at times, her spirit and tenacity will generally carry the day with a bit of help. Her health has been good but her painting is once more in abeyance. Michael thinks it is the dissatisfaction with what she can now achieve compared with what she used to do is at the root of it, but she has not really said. She can pick out tunes with her left forefinger on an electronic keyboard. Given that sequencing and processing were brain functions which, right from the start, were identified as severely damaged. The exercise with music represents not only a considerable achievement but also some very worthwhile brain gymnastics for her. Has anybody got, or know where a bright red hellebore can be obtained? If so please let Marten know ASAP so that Anny can have one. She had her milestone birthday in May. Michael looks after her day in and day out. He has a produced a third volume of poems called Add to Cart. This and his other books can be obtained from One Tree Books in Petersfield, the Ludo Press or Michael himself. “Life’s for getting on with not for fearing and Anny is a living example to us all of the importance of determination and hope”. Mike Sproule says that his back continues to provide pain, now to both legs and growing worse. He says he will not give in. He did some family research and discovered that his late father, whom he never knew, was entitled to two medals for WW2 service as a naval chaplain. He had never collected them so Mike was able to acquire them as his surviving next of kin. Rather an emotional moment when they arrived. His wife continues to volunteer with SSAFA and she planted some poppies in the display at the Tower of London and also marched to the Cenotaph in November. His younger son, Jonathan, and family are in Farnham whilst their elder son went to work for Tesla in California in 2014, but it was clear the job was not for him. Luckily he was head hunted and has become Director of Marketing and Communications for Aston Martin. Their daughter, Juno, aged 4, is able to communicate in English and Japanese, with some Spanish and Chinese thrown in. Rick (1963-1966) and Juliet Strappini (Affleck) say that Rick is busy sorting out the garden and he enjoys his Suduko and cryptic crosswords which he says keeps the old grey matter thriving whilst Juliet sews and plays tennis outside twice a week, but only ladies doubles these days. They do spend quite a time looking after the grandchildren. They have gone on holiday to Japan and then Melbourne this February. Last year they had a week in Tasmania, and a relaxing week with relations in South Africa. They saw the huge statue of Nelson Mandela in Pretoria. They only came up to his knees so you can tell how huge it is.

34 | Guild Newsletter 2015 Aubrey and Mandy Watson (Adkin) seem still the same couple in so many ways. It was January 2004 when they arrived back in England and Mandy is still doing two days a week up to London Bridge and then Greenwich. Aubrey does loads of golf, chess and child care with James, aged three. You will hear their daughter, Jane Steel, on Radio 4 as newsreader and continuity. She arrives at her parents’ house at 3 a.m. after the late news and sleeps there to avoid the school wake up. Mandy wonders if she could still walk to the Amphitheatre in Drakensburg in February. Aubrey will. They are both keeping reasonably healthy except colds and coughs through school and the train – they have avoided nits! The challenge of the commuters on the train might provide Mandy with the ideas for a novel. “Actually when you all grow old together at the same time no one ever looks any different and you all behave the way you always did (appropriate or not) do there is always the illusion of timelessness until everyone starts taking the pills. See you in July”.

1963-1966 William Eaton was a mature student when he went to Bishop Otter in 1963 having just completed 22 years in the RAF. At 40 he had obtained his necessary five “O” levels for entry. He then taught for 16 years, specialising in infants but working with all ages. Recently he has been studying for a Diploma in Theology at Spurgeons College and has also become one of our newest Guild Members. Roy Salmon reflects that “In the year when so many of us reach the three score and ten it is time to reflect but also to look forward. Last year’s reunion at BOC saw just five of us (and two spouses) visit for the day and the secondary-trained were in the big majority. Lynn brought her collection of photos from the years at college and from the 1990 grand gathering. I have scanned them and must make some available to the archivist at the university. Photos were of a big interest in the ‘new common room’ display where our second years (65-67) had their special gathering and for Phil Carter and I the rugby and football team photos were very interesting. Naming the players became competitive but then some of them came over to greet us. That was the start of floods of memories and it is amazing how easily recognizable so many people are. Phil and I had already spent some time talking to Dave Morte and then also began to recognize other Otters from our ‘Third Years’ (1961- 64) Dane Oliver, Bob ( and Judith) Fletcher, Roy Ramsey to name just a few. The memories continued fresh in my mind throughout the next few days and I began to see how dear Jim Swain got so hooked on the reunions. In September I was glad to be able to take the long drive to Dorset to join a larger group of West of England Otters (and a few of us interlopers from the home counties) and especially glad to see Janet Swain who is so pleased we try to keep up Jim’s efforts to maintain contacts. Once again I will be at the reunion for the bulk of the day in July and also at the West’s reunion in September. BUT even if you don’t make it to those please book now the second week end of July 2016 for our 50th anniversary of our Valedictory at BOC. And keep in touch.

1964-1967 Bob Norris, the year rep, writes that there were 27 of their year who returned to college to commemorate their 50th anniversary of joining BOC, though not all of them stayed for a meal or took a room in college. It was really good to see Sylvia Baker (Harries), Ann Banks and Rita Blackburn, Jan Barnes (Tedeschi), Roger and Lesley Everett, Janice Funnell, Margaret Harris (Blackmore), Christopher Helyer, Dr Lesley Hendy (Holdsworth), Nigel Holland, Martin Jones, Ruth Paine (Tompkins), John and Terry (Herlihy) Payne, Jean Rush (Turnock), Edward Wakeling, John Weston-Smith, Jim and Jenny (Neal) Barrett, Rev Andrew and Anna (Gee) Vessey, Jo Turner (Smethurst) and Barbara Akerman (Stokes), Roger and Susan (Ellis) Plackett arrived too but unfortunately Bob did not get to meet up with them for some reason and they didn’t attend the Friday meal. Bob was very sorry to have missed them. Once again Jean Rush must be thanked for putting up her absolutely marvellous collection of photographs and memorabilia from our time at Bishop Otter; it was a real treat and quite amazing to see it all laid out and set up on boards in what had been the New Common Room, and extremely nostalgic to see all those faces peering out at them from half a century ago! There was a splendid “welcome” feast provided on the Friday evening which was very well attended by all years and much appreciated. Bob attended the business meeting on behalf of all the year members, then this was followed by the general meeting in the Chapel for everyone on the Saturday morning. At this interesting gathering of everyone from all the years attending, we had a marvellous address by the Vice Chancellor in which he made us all feel extremely welcome. He also credited us with being one of the important stepping stones to what the college has now become. He feels that the modern University stands on the shoulders of

Guild Newsletter 2015 | 35 the staff and students that have gone. It was wonderful to hear that the institution which was Bishop Otter College still upholds the ethos and values of those far off days when we all felt so privileged to be there. Some of the year did not stay over for the Saturday evening or for the Sunday when Trundle was again scaled by all the keen and still athletic types. Bob attended the production of “Amadeus” at the Festival Theatre with George Redgrave and others of Marten Lougee’s year group (1962-1965), as well as some of his own year. The first time there for many years. Bob sends his sincere thanks to all from this year who attended the reunion; it was lovely to see you all again and thank you for keeping in touch. He is sure there were many more who would have attended if it had been possible. Bob will be unable to attend this year’s reunion as it clashes with his choir’s summer concert, but hopes to see you all in 2017, the 50th anniversary of leaving college. Please all put it in your diaries and planners and try to encourage others with whom we keep in contact to come along too, then perhaps it will be an even better reunion than last year’s was.

1965-1968 Ron Cooper says that they visited Roger and Diana Revell over New Year. Diana is my wife, Barbara's, sister and we were at BOC 1965-68. The two sisters were better known as Stanhope. Bar and I married immediately after leaving college and came up to Yorkshire where we stayed! We are settled in Barnsley, but have lived in Penistone where I taught for more than thirty years before taking early retirement. Bar taught mainly in Barnsley and she too retired slightly early! That nice Mr Gove will be pleased to know that three of our four children are teachers. All of which brings me on to a most pleasant coincidence: four or five years ago our eldest son, Dan, met a young lady in Sheffield named Sarah Forster. She told us that both her parents were teachers and that her Mum, Katherine, had trained at BOC from 1966-69, her maiden name was Lewis and that she was a High Whyke girl in her first year. Dan and Sarah married in April 2011, and soon after Katherine and husband Geoff moved from Caversham up to Nottingham so we see quite a lot of them. Nice to know that BOC casts a long shadow! We keep in touch with John Payne (1964-67) and his wife Terry (Herlihy) who was in our year, and also with Steve Bennett and Pete and Rowena Hayward . A further coincidence is that both Bar and I attended Pete and Rowena's wedding in 1969, and so too did the above-mentioned Katherine, but we didn't know her !! Sue Jeffreys (Eickhoff) I have very happy memories of BOC, of Chichester itself and the surrounding areas, especially West Wittering where I did most of my revising for finals. After college, I returned to my home town, Enfield, and taught in various schools there for 39 years, the final fifteen years as a Primary Headteacher. I retired in 2006. My involvements with BOC’s G&S society and the Chapel choir (just loved John Birch!) set me on the road to a lifelong love of singing and treading the boards, being a member of three choirs, two amateur dramatic societies and, recently, a Music Hall group which I adore! Having my six grandchildren nearby ensures my continued interest in children and that I don’t grow up entirely! I meet regularly with my room-mate from South House, Elspeth (McFarlane) , and we have had several reunion lunches with five others from that Hostel – Angela Philips, Terri Herlihy, Sue Ellis, Liz Daws and Jenny Leadbetter. Retirement has given me time to renew other friendships from college; Edward Wakeling, who was a year above me and we enjoyed G&S together, and Pat Basing who now lives in Barbados. I have been married 45 years to that man who persistently travelled from London to Chichester most weekends, who often played the piano for G&S rehearsals on Saturday mornings. We recently moved to a lovely bungalow in Enfield where we enjoy entertaining our family and friends, our hobbies and planning our next trip (the next one is Vietnam). I have few regrets (other than not coming to 2014 reunion), have great memories of my college days, and great plans for the future (including coming to 2015 reunion). I hope to see others from my year there and perhaps those who remember the great performances of Pink Champagne, La Belle Helene and Cheviot’s Choice.

36 | Guild Newsletter 2015 Obituaries ex-students

1936-1938 Kathleen Florence Jones (Jones) died in March 2014, aged 96. Although we have never had an address in Wales for her she was always regarded as a very Welsh lady. During her teaching and married life she was to have several moves as the wife of a vicar, in Sussex, but mainly in Worcestershire. Although from a large family they themselves had no children. In 2011 she moved to Manormead Nursing Home in Hindhead, Surrey, where the staff said “they had been grateful to have her in their lives and that Kitty would be missed by all”.

1946-1948 Joan Wright (Hilton) died early in 2014 having been one of our most faithful year reps from leaving College until her sight deteriorated about ten years ago. She kept in touch with many from her year and encouraged them to join the Guild. She was known to be a very skilled needlewoman. Over the years Joan had wonderful support m her husband, Terrance, and their two sons and one daughter.

1947-1949 Audrey Colam wrote “sadly my friend, Doreen Ryan (Bycroft) died on 15th November 2014 after a long illness. We had been friends from the age of five and went to BOC together in 1947 where we shared a double room in New Hall. After leaving college, Doreen taught in Wigston near Leicester until her marriage in 1953. She then lived and taught in her home town, Boston, until she had a daughter, Rachel, in 1957 and a son, Richard, in 1960. In 1967 she moved to a village near Stourbridge in the West Midlands where she taught until her retirement and played an active part in her local church.

1953-1955 Janet Rolf (Brain). Pam Cahill reported that Janet died early this year. She said that Janet was a great PE person.

1954-1956 Sally Elliott (née Ann James) died at the beginning of November 2014. She got a tremendous amount of happiness from being part of BOC at the time and through attending reunions. Her daughter said that Sally had recently been in touch with Trixie Barnden.

1961-1964 David James. David’s family lived in Plymouth and he was very proud of his West Country roots. He began his teaching career in Charing, Kent, and then spent a year on exchange in New Zealand. He then taught in Dover and Sittingbourne. His next move was to Hagworthingham, a small village in Lincolnshire, where he was head teacher living in the school house. In 1975 he married Rosemary Nightingale (1960-63). In 1979 they moved to nearby Spilsby and David became head at Partney, a village nearby. He remained at Partney for the rest of his career. David and Rosemary had two children Elizabeth and Thomas. David was closely involved with the church. He became a Reader and was for many years Area Secretary to the Deanery Readers Association and Vice-Chairman of the Deanery Synod. David had not been well but it was a great shock when he died suddenly in June 2014.

Guild Newsletter 2015 | 37 Doreen Tsang (Taylor) Doreen met Fan Ching Tsang in Chichester in 1963, and they married in 1964, soon after Doreen left College. They have lived in the Chichester area for all their married life. Doreen and Fan Ching had two children, Anthony and Katherine, and now also have two grandchildren, Vanessa, aged 15, and Alexander, aged 11. Doreen returned to teaching in 1970, and retired from full-time teaching in 1991, but then worked three days a week at an adult learning difficulty centre in West Sussex for eight years. In 2002, Doreen and Fan Ching found their dream house, an 1851 stone farmhouse, in Vaylots, France, which they lovingly restored. In 2003, quite by chance, they met Sue Thompson (Chadwick) in a DIY shop in Cahors; Sue recognised Doreen after 39 years! The Thompsons and Tsangs became great friends and spent much time together when Doreen and Fan Ching were in France. Unfortunately, in 2012, Doreen was diagnosed with kidney cancer, and had many treatments, with some painful side effects, which she bravely bore. Fan Ching looked after Doreen at home until a few weeks before her death. She died peacefully in St Wilfrid's Hospice, Chichester, with her family beside her, on Sunday 25th January 2015.

1962-1965 Gill Pye (Smith) Jan Chivers (Gray) writes that Gill was a PE wing student and had been a junior county hockey player. She stayed in the Chichester area but by Easter 1966 she started having problems with arthritis and spent time in St Richard's Hospital. She recovered enough to teach in Cyprus for the RAF but a few years later had to be brought back, in traction, to England. The RAF cared for her for many years – she had an extremely aggressive form of Rheumatoid Arthritis She had huge amounts of surgery to keep her frame together and she was in constant pain. In recent years Gill lived in a disabled persons bungalow in Peterborough. She had vivid memories of the students in the wing and recounted tales of hilarious and hideous events whilst at BOC. After suffering two bouts of sepsis in recent years Gill was pleased to reach 70 and she would not go into hospital again. She died in her sleep on 29th December, 2014 after enjoying a long planned day with a friend.

38 | Guild Newsletter 2015 Your community, your University

Support your University With 5300 students and 950 staff, we are one of the smallest modern to improve the student universities in the country but also one Donating could of the most successful. We aim to be a not be easier experience of our socially responsible university that is future alumni. recognised internationally, significant You can donate by: nationally, important regionally and vital locally – not only in teaching and • Our JustGiving page students experience, but also in www.justgiving.com/universityof research, in our diverse communities chichester and in the public, private and voluntary sectors. • Texting CHIC05 and the amount you wish to donate As you will know education is one of to 70070 many areas where expenditure is rising more rapidly than income. Unlike more • Or contacting Ann Harley, established universities, the University Development Manager, of Chichester has no historical on Tel: +44 (0)1243 812175, endowment with which to support its Email: [email protected] community. The Development Fund provides the opportunity for alumni and friends to give to any part of the University. Our main aim is to ensure there are funds available to allow the flexibility to respond to the area of greatest need within the University. Equally important are donations to the specific causes which matter to you, whether related to your subject of study, or your campus. For more information about the Devolopment Fund, take a look at the Alumni web pages on www.chi.ac.uk/alumni.

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Guild Newsletter 2015 | 39 This Newsletter has been kindly produced by the University of Chichester Marketing department at Please recycle after use no extra cost to the Bishop Otter College Guild. 40 | Guild Newsletter 2015