“The Silhillian”

“THE SILHILLIAN” the magazine of the The Old Silhillians’ Association Limited (The Former Pupils of Solihull School) Memorial Clubhouse and Ground Warwick Road Copt Heath Solihull West Midlands B93 9LW

Telephone: 01564 777680 Facsimile: 01564 775151 Email: [email protected] Website: www.silhillians.net

ISSUE 60 NOVEMBER 2009

President 2009 Rupert Young 1 Dear Fellow Old Silhillians At the time of writing this piece I have just over 3 months of my year as your President remaining. Time seems to have passed incredibly quickly, but it has been very enjoyable indeed. Looking ahead 2010 will be a time both of celebration for the OSA, and also probably of further change, so I wish my successor, Max Levenger, well and have committed to support him in my role of Immediate Past President. There will be celebrations next year because the School will be commemorating its 450th anniversary – quite a milestone. Change because we need as an Association to move on. Not just by altering the way we are structured, but also how the Memorial Clubhouse and Grounds are further developed and run.

During my year of office it has been a pleasure for me to meet Old Silhillians from so many different years at the School at the various functions I have attended and where I have been made to feel so welcome. The over 60s lunch, which Roger Flood organises so well, would perhaps be my personal favourite if I had to make a choice. It is fantastic to hear those attending for the first time describe their delight at recognising old friends and recounting what they have been up to in the years since they left the School. One wonders whether friendships might have been re-forged earlier if all former pupils were members of the OSA and could therefore easily track each other down. Letter from the President the from Letter I have also attended many functions at the School itself and can reassure you that the very highest standards of performance in all areas of School life are being maintained as you will read in the School Report. Earlier this year I attended a quite astonishingly professional performance of My Fair Lady and more recently the Speeches and Prize Giving. The prizes were presented by Laurence Rees BA (Oxon), a former pupil and until recently Head of BBC Television History. He spoke warmly and with some feeling of his time at the School and gave an excellent speech on the lessons of history. Having a child who is currently a pupil at the School, and as the OSA President, I visit fairly regularly. Even so I am still surprised at the quality of the facilities available to the pupils and the way these are being constantly developed. The new David Turnbull Music School is one such example. Those who have not been there for some time would be astonished at the changes but at the same time would have a comfortable feeling of familiarity. Perhaps 2010 is the year to revisit your old stamping grounds? The School, the OSA and the Parents Association are all planning events to celebrate the 450th. More information will follow in due course but reserving the weekend of the 3rd and 4th July is a good idea. If you want to register an email address to ensure that you receive details of the planned celebrations please send your details to [email protected]. uk. The Easter mail shot will also contain further information. I mentioned change earlier and I want to return to this point. As you will be aware the Memorial Clubhouse and Grounds at Copt Heath has performed well below even limited financial expectations for several years. There are a whole host of reasons for this which have been well documented in the past. The situation could not be allowed to continue unchecked. The management committee, led by Mike Waters, instituted a review of all costs and usage. As a result of this, cost cutting measures were put in hand and the financial situation has to an extent been stabilised. The facility is extremely well run by our manager Keith Water- house, himself an Old Sil. At the same time over two years of hard work by Mike Waters, Teale Withers, John Griffin and many others has resulted in the construction of a synthetic pitch suitable for hockey and a number of other sports including five-a-side football. This will generate new revenue for the Clubhouse both in pitch hire and bar takings and most importantly give the Silhillians Hockey Club a real home once more. Of the total cost of the new pitch at c.£450,000 the OSA has directly contributed approximately £70,000 raised via a loan facility which the added revenue will service. The remainder of the cost has been paid for from donations and two significant grants. To all who have contributed in any way a massive thank you. The completion of the synthetic pitch is a big change but more are to come. The clubhouse needs refurbishment and reorientation and the changing rooms also urgently need extending and upgrading. The money for this has to be found. Your committee are working up proposals and these will be presented to 2 the membership in due course. Letter from the President the from Letter Now to membership. Over the last 12 months we have undertaken a thorough review of our database and banking arrangements. This has been a difficult and complicated exercise, particularly as it has been dealt with in their spare time by volunteers. The inconsistent flow of responses to requests for information has not made this any easier. This process is nearly at an end. It really helps us if we have up to date contact details for all members. The list of current ‘lost’ Old Silhillians enclosed is disappointingly long. If you know one of these please either give us their details or ask them to contact us. Many thanks to our database administra- tor Sarah Young for all her hard work. I cannot write to you without mentioning Phil Griffiths, the Headmaster, who will be leaving Solihull School at the end of the current academic year after 5 years in post and 37 years at the School. He took on a difficult job, with co-education in its infancy, at a difficult time, after the two previous Headmasters had stayed only briefly. When a steady and firm hand was needed he was the perfect choice. You know where you stand with Phil. We wish him and Belinda all the best in their retirement. I have been extremely proud to be your President for 2009 and I would like to help Max Levenger build on what has been achieved this year as we move into 2010. Levenger is a well know Old Silhillian name and I am sure Max will do an excellent job. He is already part of the fabric of the Old Silhillian network through his involvement with the hockey club and golf society. Good luck Max. Finally a small group of people put a lot of effort into the OSA and Copt Heath and I would like to thank the OSA Main Committee, the Management Committee including the Sports Club representatives for all their endeavours, and Malcolm Lawrie for once again editing the Silhillian. I hope you enjoy reading it. With best wishes Rupert J Young

THE OLD SILHILLIANS’ ASSOCIATION - PAST PRESIDENTS 1921/22 Dr AV Bernays 1954 MAD Cooper 1982 RC Cupit 1923 C Aldrin 1955 JT Rolfe 1983 DD Cox 1924 WR Ludlow 1956 VO Hawley 1984 DW Edwards 1925 PE Martineau 1957 FR Bishop 1985 SC Mackay 1926 PH Reading 1958 LG Highway 1986 JRD Orrett 1927 HA Hughes 1959 HA Steele 1987 G Stubbings 1928 HS Matthews 1960 CWD Cooper 1988 MS Saunders 1929 TA Furse 1961 HT Wilcox 1989 HJC Taylor 1930 CH Palmer 1962 WP Townsend 1990 MJD Smith 1932 LC Reading 1963 DH Billing 1991 RJC Graves 1933 LE Horton 1964 HB Callaghan 1992 BW Allen 1934 F Burnett 1965 CT Coton 1993 GM Hughes 1935 RH Whitehill 1966 MJ Wheelock 1994 HE Blow 1936 CL Hughes 1967 PJ Hill 1995 AJ Richardson 1937 FJ Osborne 1968 BJW Swift 1996 P Callaghan 1938 HD James 1969 FAR Moon 1997 MC Bettridge 1939/43 WRL Horton 1970 JEJ Baggs 1998 PA Thomas 1944 FL Nock 1971 RG Toy 1999 JM Batsford 1945 AG Bragg 1972 TG Jones 2000 J Woolman 1946 JB Mayers 1973 JMB Urry 2001 BJD Wilde 1947 CW Bragg 1974 DM Powell 2002 MA Cutler 1948 EG Wilcox 1975 MJ Cusack 2003 N Smith 1949 AJD Mansell 1976 RC Young 2004 R Jerrom 1950 JM Urry 1977 KJ Foster 2005 BW Allen 1951 KW Highway 1978 T Jackson 2006 PA Thomas 1952 Dr. KD Waters 1979 DA Gurnham 2007 SD Allso 1953 BE Hatton 1980 PBL Instone 3 2008 JA Platt 1981 JLR Hare Dear Old Silhillians My first visit to the Old Sils was before I can remember. Like my sister three years before me, I was introduced to the clubhouse and its es- teemed patrons on the way back from the hospital aged 2 days old in December 1975. I was lucky enough to spend the majority of my

The President Elect President The weekends running around the grounds causing may- hem, usually with a hockey stick or a cricket bat in hand. To be asked to be President at 33 is a tremendous honour and I’m looking forward to performing my duties to the best of my ability in this special year for the School and development at the grounds at Copt Heath. I started at School aged 7 and managed somehow to remain until the completion of my A Levels 11 years later. Like many boys, reading and writing were not as high on the list of my priorities as they should have been, leading to more C grade results than Bs and certainly no As. I did make up for this by being involved in the sports teams - hockey, athletics, cricket, even rugby for a couple of years, but hockey was the main interest. I was lucky enough though to establish a number of lifelong friendships at Solihull School and a large percentage of us still stay in contact and meet up regularly. There are obviously a huge amount of posi- tives from being a pupil at School, but for me this has got to be one of the greatest benefits. I have non Old Sil friends who I tell about this aspect and very few have school friends they still have contact with. It’s definitely something I often take for granted, but very much treasure. Another huge benefit is the opportunity to play sports and other non-academic activities. I am involved with the Golfing Society as B Team Captain - not a naturally gifted 16 handicapper which is not helped by a hockey swing and a tendency to hit it like it needs to be hit which, I’m told by better players, isn’t the case! This Society is a great example of how, regardless of age, former pupils have an opportunity to reminisce about the School - I was sat at a dinner after a match once talking to two gents who had left school 40 years before I had! There are a few Levengers that have been involved in the School and the OSA. My father, John, and Peter, my uncle, are both Old Boys. They were both involved heavily in the Hockey Club as players and Presidents with Peter running the Cricket Club 4 for many years. Dad spent many evenings up at the club on various committees The President Elect President The including the Management Committee for many years whilst I was at school. My parents moved down to Worcester where they now live, committee and hockey free. My cousin, Andrew, started on the same day in 1983 and we both followed our fathers’ interest in sports. Hockey was always the main passion for us both. We were both lucky to be involved in very successful teams throughout our time at school with most of the Warwickshire squad being made up from Solihull School boys. Andrew is now a teacher and Head of Hockey at Ardingly College in Sussex. My first game for the Old Sils’ Hockey 1st XI was in October 1989 and I’mlucky enough to still be playing and still enjoying it. I captained the team for 6 years and am now the oldest player but still try to follow in my father’s footsteps of being top goal scorer. It does currently allow me to visit the school twice a week, as we have been lucky enough to use their astro, so I get to see all the extensive building work they have carried out since I left. The hockey section has a strong following, as Membership Secretary, I’m happy to say it is a growing club. This is due, in no small part, to the fantastic new synthetic pitch that was built this summer at Copt Heath. It has helped us attract a number of new signings and has seen a number of ex-players return to the club. I have the OSA Ball to thank for meeting my wife, Polly, in June 2000 who was there with her parents, Brian & Judy Wilde. Brian, an OSA Past President, was heavily involved in the OSA and the Rugby Club for many years. We now live in Henley in Arden with our son Henry who is 20 months, our Labrador Ned and another nipper due in April. I hope Henry will benefit from an education like mine. I am however a little concerned that although he’s a very joyful little soul, his attention span (like his father’s) seems to be a bit behind his peers. There was always the risk that, like his Levenger predecessors, he’s going to be more adept on the sports pitch. I’ve always remained close to where I grew up, declining the pull to move to London. I’ve been an independent Head-hunter since leaving my previous role as Recruitment Director for a US IT firm five years ago. I’m currently in the process of building a new office which will allow me to grow this business further. I’ve been lucky to be able to survive the last year and look forward to continued growth as we hopefully head into more positive economic territory. On page 60 you will see a report on the Hicklin Cup, an annual event between the Rugby and the Hockey Clubs, where the golf was not necessarily Ryder Cup level, but good fun. It’s a great example of how the sports clubs can co-exist and thrive within the same location and use the facilities of the Clubhouse and Ground to their best advantage. There has been much investment in the facilities and there is much more planned. It is an exciting time to be involved and would like to thank Polly for being so supportive of my taking on this role. I would also like to thank Rupert Young for all his help in introducing me to the role and for all the efforts he and the committee have put in over the last year. I’ve got a lot to live up to following the effort Rupert has made and intend to follow his lead and continue the various events he has organised for us. Thank you for your time and support. I look forward to seeing you all at various times over the coming year. Regards Max Levenger 5 Dear Old Silhillian I hope that the arrival of this magazine on your doorstep finds you all in good health.

Editorial I am delighted to report that in my tenth year as Editor, and for the first time, the revenue from advertising and acknowledgments has exceeded the production costs of this magazine. Al- though the postage costs still remain this is a great help to the Trust’s funds. Once again I am indebted to all of the contributors to this issue. There appears to have been a conspiracy going on this year as several of you have written in about nicknames, particularly those of the staff. I suspect that if you take the three slightly different explanations of how Iaco / Yarco / Yarko Easterling got his soubriquet together you may come up with the right answer. These contributions should bring back fond memories, cause childish sniggers and, hopefully, encourage others to write in to next year’s magazine. I am sure the Editor will look forward to receiving them! It is a shame that we do not get more contributions from our younger members. I can’t believe that, all of a sudden, the School has produced shy leavers. My guess is that all of their energy in this direction is largely centred on Facebook and other social networking websites. So, come on you under thirties, send something. You don’t need to use a Royal Mail or a fax machine - email is acceptable!

PAST EDITORS Mike Waters, the Management Committee 1. Bernard Owens (1950, 53-55) Chairman, has put in an immense amount 2. Brian Coglan (1951-52) of work in overseeing the development of 3. Arthur Upton (1956-60, 63) the synthetic pitch at Copt Heath. I re- 4. Robin Cooper (1961-62) main convinced that without the new pitch 5. Mike Cusack & the existence of the clubhouse and ground Mike Callaghan (1964) would have been in jeopardy. Hopefully the pitch revenue and the extra bar takings will 6. Mike Cusack (1965-67) help to turn the corner and improve the 7. Brian Knight (1968-71) profitability of the clubhouse. Not only 8. Geoff Herne (1972-74) that, but the extra footfall through the 9. Nick Atkinson (1975-76) clubhouse should attract more bookings for 10. John Woolman (1977-79) social and business functions. There are 11. Simon Wilcox (1980-82) others who have made huge contributions 12. Martin Cotter (1983-85) to the project and Mike gives a full report 13. David Gilbert (1986-87) on page 44. 14. Robert Chetland (1988-89) The rest of the Main Committee continue 15. Reg Instone (1990-91) to work very hard to secure the long term 16. Richard Graves (1992-94) future of Copt Heath and the Association, 17. Claude Coton (1995-99) support the Trust, maintain and strengthen 6 18. Malcolm Lawrie (2000- ) Editorial our relationship with the School and keep us all in touch through maintaining an accurate and full membership database and the development of an up-to-date website. It has been a real pleasure and a privilege to work with a committee that cares so passionately about all of these issues. 2010 sees the 450th anniversary of the School’s foundation. It promises to be an exciting time and I look forward to seeing many of you at the School on 3rd July. The Association has lost two of its most notable members this year in Claude Coton and Sir Oliver Wright and three Past-Presidents in Pat Hill and Richard Graves with Claude being the third. Their obituaries can be read on pages 48- 59. My daughter, Alex, has now joined our ranks having finished school last year. She did marginally better than her ‘Old Man’, which wasn’t too hard! On a year out before going to university next year, some of you may have seen her behind the bar at the clubhouse. The observant amongst you will have noticed a slightly different layout of the magazine. After 10 years I have finally worked out what bleed is. Perhaps next year I will have worked out what slug is too.

Best wishes

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9 O.S.A Main Committee Main O.S.A Rupert Young Max Levenger John Platt President President Elect Imm. Past President

Barry Allen Phil Griffiths Peter Davies Chairman Headmaster Hon. Secretary

Joe Bates Rupert Young Malcolm Lawrie 10 Hon. Treasurer Hon. Membership Sec. Silhillian Editor O.S.A Main Committee Main O.S.A

Mike Waters Mark Lucas Johnny Dugdale Management Chairman London Representative General Member

Peter Thomas Simon Bright Vacant General Member General Member General Member

Please note that all enquiries concerning membership issues, subscriptions, change of address, etc., should be addressed to: The Membership Secretary The Old Silhillians’ Association, Solihull School, Warwick Road, Solihull, West Midlands B91 3DJ or emailed to 11 [email protected] I have mentioned in these pages over the last two years the Music School development and I am pleased to report that the work finished on time and within budget. Sited next to the Bushell Hall, the new £3m building opened for business on the first day of the academic year, providing four times as much space for Music compared to the building that was being completed when I arrived at Solihull in 1972. The area between the new Music School

From the Headmaster the From has been landscaped and, with two am- phitheatres sculpted into the slope, it provides greater recreational space for the Junior School pupils. Since its opening staff and pupils have enthused about the building which has a recital room, ensemble room, ten practice rooms, specialist rooms for rock music and percussion, individual teaching rooms for the music staff, three classrooms and a recording studio. It is named after David Turnbull, known to generations of pupils as Director of Music. It was a most appropriate decision by the Governors to name the building after David, as he was the man who created the wide and firm base of good Music at School and I am delighted we have been able to honour him in this way.

There has been much music making over the year, beginning with a visit by Paul Hale (Old Silhil- lian, 1963 – 71 and organist and choirmaster of Southwell Minster) to give a recital on the Chapel organ. It was Paul who had been the consultant on the rebuilding of the Chapel organ, completed over a year ago. I hope that Iain Simcock (Old Silhillian, 1976 – 1983 and currently Directeur Musi- cal at the Académie Vocale de Paris) will return in 2010 to give an organ recital. Thomas Trotter, City of Birmingham organist, has also agreed to give a recital on 5 October 2010. Paul Hale was followed by Choral Society performing Karl Jenkins’s new work, Stabat Mater, and by the annual St. Cecilia concert. Karl Jenkins’s work also figured that evening, with a performance by the string ensemble of his Palladio. The string ensemble was led by Jacqui Martens who had just won the title of West Midlands Musician of the Year. In both major concerts this year Saxophony has figured large. This is a group of diploma standard saxophonists who have made their own CD and play not only at School but also at outside venues, including my daughter’s wedding. Saxophony represents the great strength in depth of the brass players at School and although four of the group will leave for university this October the replacements wait in the wings. Winston Yap was the driving force behind Saxophony’s CD. He was one of the Upper Sixth to have his own recital and he also took the conductor’s baton for two items in the St. Cecilia concert. The David Turnbull Music School was built to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the foundation of the School 12 and I thought it appropriate that Music should be a major part of the year’s celebrations. Although From the Headmaster the From

we have the spectacular Bushell Hall, I wanted something bigger and consequently I have booked Symphony Hall for a concert on 16 November 2010. Alongside all the school choirs, ensembles and orchestras I would very much like to have a mixed orchestra of present and past pupils with a choir to match. So many past pupils have enjoyed their music at Solihull and I am sure we could construct an impressive group of people. Paul Rivers (Old Silhillian 1972 -1979 and sometime choral scholar at King’s College Cambridge) is putting together the list of volunteers so please contact him on [email protected] if you are interested and willing. If that fails please contact me and I will forward your details to Paul.

Drama has also played a significant part in the school year and the number of plays performed has grown so that now there are productions by every section of the School from the Junior School (Roger Ravenbeard, Scourge of the Oceans) to the major school play, which this year was Tom Jones. In all there have been seven productions and one of these was written, produced, directed, performed and stage managed by Middle School pupils. Such was the success of their version of Wind in the Willows that another Middle School group is already rehearsing for this academic year. The Bushell Hall has encouraged the development of Drama under the wise direction of Mrs. Jean Wilde and performances are increasingly professional. The leads in Tom Jones were performed by George Haynes (Head of School and Indigo Le Fevre (Deputy Head of School) and they also took the lead in the musical, My Fair Lady. This played to full houses for five nights. Over the past few years Les Misérables, Barnum, Scarlet Pimpernel and now My Fair Lady have been great successes and established the School’s reputation for musical theatre. South Pacific has been chosen as the next production in March and if you would like tickets please contact reception at the beginning of the Easter Term. You are just as welcome to attend any of the events at School, including 13 Remembrance Day. 1100 pupils and staff gather in silence on 11 November in the Quadrangle. It is a remarkable service and one I will always remember after I have left. I have invited back every year a serving officer to lay a wreath and this year Officer Cadet Richard Miller (Old Silhillian 1990 - 2001), who is just completing his Sandhurst course, will return. Richard’s father, David, was Com- manding Officer of the CCF for many years.

In the summer holidays the Quadrangle has been completely renovated, with new paving and lighting installed around the paths and also to illuminate the trees. It has made a great difference to the whole area and now provides a delightful vista through to the Bushell Hall and the new Music School.

Sport has continued to flourish and now includes fencing and horse riding. Two girls entered

From the Headmaster the From the Warwickshire Schools Equestrian League in the School’s name and fencing has grown from a small group of enthusiasts in an after-school club to having fencers ranked nationally, which means being in the top 5. Tom Sheppard and Theo Wasserberg are nationally ranked. The Under 16 Badminton team played in the national finals, having won borough, county and regional rounds whilst the Under 13 Tennis team reached the last four nationally in the Schools National Tennis Tournament. The senior cross-country team has had a tremendous season under the direction of Mr. Phil Holt (now in his 39th year at the School). The team won the Greater Birmingham League and was fourth in two national competitions whilst both Under 12 boys’ and girls’ teams were borough champions.

Hockey continues to flourish with five Senior boys and two girls’ teams playing on Wednesday and there are teams for both boys and girls at all age levels. The boys were Under 18 and Under 16 county champions and the girls matched this performance by being county champions in Under 18, Under 15 and Under 14 age groups. The 1st Hockey XI was a strong team and convincingly won most matches but many of the team left at the end of the year to go to university and the 2009/10 season could be a time to rebuild. We wait to see.

The 1st XV won 12 of their 16 matches but the defeats were early in the season and literally by a try or, in one case, a drop goal. Oliver Beech was a model captain, encouraging his side on and off the pitch and they have played as a team, not as individuals. James Trueman was selected to represent Greater Birmingham at Under 17. Another side that had a real team spirit was the 2nd XV, losing only one match (to Old Swinford Hospital) and playing some great running rugby. The Under 16 and Under 15 teams turned around defeats from last season and a measure of their success is that four have been selected for the county. The Under 15 team seemed on track for a second visit to Twickenham, reaching the seventh round of the Daily Mail Vase, but they lost to The Leys School, Cambridge in a hard fought match.

On the day after the summer term ended I went to Oundle School to watch the Under 13 cricket team play Whitgift School in the final of the English Schools National Competition. The Under 13s have several gifted players, but they lost in a close match where one Whitgift player took 4 wickets in four consecutive balls. Despite this, Solihull looked close to victory, taking Whitgift’s wickets steadily. To make the final of a national competition is a great success and the 1st XI nearly emu- 14 lated the younger team in the Twenty/20 national competition. They lost in the semi-final to Sutton From the Headmaster the From Valence, despite scoring 162 for 8 in their twenty overs. The defeat of the MCC by the 1st XI must be one of the great achievements this season as it is a rare occasion. Long-serving staff cannot remember a previous victory, so perhaps Old Silhillians will be able to help. The MCC declared on 249 and in the twenty overs allowed after 5.30pm we began to catch up and it became evident that the total was assailable. With 18 balls left Fred Howard hit a six to bring the score level and the winning run came the next ball. For the second time we sent a team to the Sir Garfield Sobers International Schools tournament in Barbados where one of the matches was a friendly against Nottingham and so were able to replace the term-time match at School, which had been cancelled because of rain.

Barbados was only one of the exotic destinations for pupils this year. In the summer holidays a group went to Ladakh in northern India where they climbed to over 16000 feet and also visited such famous buildings as the Taj Mahal. Middle School pupils went kayaking in the Sognefjord in Norway and then went onto the Jostdalsbreen icecap. Over the year historians and classicists have visited Sicily and the Normandy battlefields, linguists have tested their speaking skills in Normandy and Spain, skiers have visited Austria and France, whilst the Under 15 team has played against French sides near Bordeaux. With French now taught in all Junior School years, J4 went to Normandy to experience not only the language but also the food. Closer to home the Duke of Edinburgh expeditions have used the School Cottage near Bethesda and been to the Peak and Lake Districts whilst there has been a RAF camp at Cranwell and an Army section camp at Catterick. The RAF camp at Halton was cancelled because of a swine flu outbreak. Both the Duke of Edinburgh and CCF remain very strong with over 150 pupils involved in each. I am always looking for extra help with both or either of these very worthwhile groups and if any Old Silhillians would be willing to give time for the camps or expeditions I would be delighted to hear from them. As always there have been Geography and Biology field courses for the sixth form and every year seven Snowdonia Schools use the David Frickë Mountain Cottage as their base.

Much has taken place outside the classroom but it is the results in external examinations that are so important to pupils, parents and the School. August 2009 brought another excellent set of results, with 100% pass rate, over 80% A and B grades at A Level and 55 candidates achieving 3 A grades or better. Nicola Hudders gained 5 A grades. Six will go to Oxford and Cambridge and nine will go to medical or dental schools around the country. The Lower Sixth were 3% better than their UVI counterparts at the equivalent time in their education and 60 of them progress to the Upper Sixth with A grades in the subjects in which they will complete their A Level studies. The GCSE results were sound, but not as good as last year. Nevertheless I gave out 26 badges of excellence at the first assembly of the new year to pupils who had 8A* grades or better and 87 start their A level career with 8 A grades or better. . In the summer holidays news came from Emmanuel College that Laurence Aitchison (Old Silhillian, left 2007) had been awarded the Davies Senior Scholarship, Sean Maguire (Old Silhillian, left 2007) had been given the Ash Senior Scholarship and Andrew Pickering (Old Silhillian, left 2006) had been awarded a Senior Exhibition.

Such bare figures hide what goes on across the year in a variety of academic competitions. The Schools’ Challenge team was yet again at the finals in London and won the plate competition after arriving late because of train problems. The victorious team defeated King Edward’s Birming- 15 ham, King Edward’s High School, Bablake School, Nottingham High School, Abingdon School and King Edward’s Stratford on the way to success. A team of 13 year old chemists won the Salter’s Festi- val of Chemistry at Birmingham University whilst the Senior Maths Challenge team were also again in the National finals. Tom Foxall won first prize in the French prose

From the Headmaster the From competition at Birmingham Uni- versity. Tom is going to Pembroke College, Cambridge to read Clas- sics and scored straight A grades in his exams with full marks in AS Greek, which he learnt mainly off timetable. Two teams of sixth formers entered the Chartered Accountants Competition and the first team won the regional round and went on to be runners up nationally. Debating is very strong, attracting over fifty every Thursday lunchtime and whilst success has been elusive in the national competitions Helen-Cara Younan and Andrew Pursley (both Lower Fifth) won through to the second round against sixth form competition.

I hope this brief sketch has given an overview of what has happened at School this academic year. It was overshadowed by the unexpected death of Gerry Reddington during the Christmas holidays. Gerry was only 43 years old and had been at Solihull School for 14 years. His popularity with the pupils became apparent as the tributes poured in to a face book site established in his memory. He was respected as a teacher who would deliver the results in the external examinations and would be honest, even forthright, about the work and behaviour of his pupils and tutees. His sense of humour was individual but appreciated. Gerry was committed to his teaching and to his cricket. Having captained his university team he spent many hours on the cricket square with generations of pupils. The Common Room will be a poorer place without him.

Other colleagues have decided to retire. Barry Keylock joined Solihull School in 1980, originally teaching Mathematics and some History. He was an officer in the army section of the CCF and a member of staff in the Boarding House (he was a tutor at Kineton). In his time at the School he has been Master of the Terriers and supervised the Open Day we had at the end of the School year. Since 2001 Barry has been Head of Psychology and he has created a department that has some of the best A Level results in the School.

16 Byron Blessed came to teach Physics and Electronics in 1974. He became the first Head of Com- From the Headmaster the From puting using Acorn computers in what is now a classroom, B2. As the demand for Computing grew and it changed into ICT, he stopped teaching Physics and became a full time ICT teacher. With the George Hill building he had brand new impressive facilities to work in and he developed ICT as a subject through to A Level.

2010 will be the School’s 450th year in existence. The David Turnbull Music School is the principal way of commemorating this event, as the Chapel was built for the Quatercentenary, but there will also be the Symphony Hall concert in November that I have already mentioned. There will be an Open Day for all past pupils, of whatever generation, on Saturday 3 July. As well as matches between the School and past pupils, I hope many will want to return to wander through the buildings to see old haunts, recall memories of their time at School and also to explore the many new buildings. There will be music and refreshments and further details will be available closer to the date. I hope as many as possible will come. I have asked John Loynton (school archivist and member of staff from 1981 to 2007) to write a brief history of the school, supported by the pictorial records in the archives and this will be printed in September 2010. The School will commemorate its foundation by special services in St. Alphege and the School Chapel on St. George’s Day.

Finally, as you have probably heard, I will retire in August 2010 and the Governors have been through a lengthy process of selecting my successor. Mr. David Lloyd is currently Deputy Head at Ryde School the Isle of Wight and had previously been one of three Senior Masters at Warwick School. He is married to Debbie and they have two children. I hope that he will be as happy at Solihull School as Belinda and I have been. Phil Griffiths OPEN DAY All Old Silhillians are cordially invited to the School on 3rd July 2010 to celebrate the 450th Anniversary of the School’s Foundation 17 Trustees Report The Trustees present their Annual Report and the audited Financial State- ments for the year ended at the AGM in December.

Constitution The Charity is governed by a set of rules agreed by the founders on 3rd No- vember 1999 when approval was obtained from the Registrar of Charities.

The OSA Trust OSA The Objects and Policies The sole object in the Trust deed is “The provision of full and/or part schol- arships and to provide grants or support for pupils at Solihull School, West Midlands.

Reserves Policy The Trustees have considered it reasonable for the Charity to retain sufficient reserves to generate the investment income required to fulfil the commitments undertaken and the objects of the Charity.

Trustees’ Responsibilities The Trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the Charity’s affairs and its incoming resources and application of resources for that period. In preparing those statements, the Trustees are required to:

• Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; • Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; • Prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue its activities.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and to enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements comply with the Charities Act. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Chairman’s Report Old Silhillians have always been at the forefront of support for their school and I am deeply grateful to those who have worked so hard in the past to bring this charitable trust to fruition.

Many of you will be aware of my comments in previous magazine issues that the School goes from strength to strength and has developed a reputation in the West Midlands and further afield which I hope reflects that of its ances- 18 tors. The OSA Trust OSA The You will also realise that the students of Solihull School come from different backgrounds and experiences. The School therefore has two crucial responsibilities to them: • To give them a broad and successful education; • To prepare them for Higher Education and their future career.

It is inevitable that both these responsibilities carry significant financial con- sequences both for parents and the School. As in previous years, the Old Silhillians Trust has again been able to provide support through our scholarship scheme in the form of 25% scholarship awards to two people in each of the 6th form years. This year I am delighted to say that the Trustees decided that due to the severity of the financial crisis affecting so many people that they would award a further 25% scholarship to a student whose parents were experiencing severe financial difficulty.

I have no doubt that the School is committed to equality of experience, through allowing every student the chance to be involved in the opportunities they provide and attending the University or College which best mirrors their aspirations and abilities.

It is unfortunate though, that with the present financial constraints we cannot always fulfil our commitment and desire as a trust, and some students either have fewer opportunities within the School or perhaps even more importantly are unable to attend the higher education institution that their abilities merit.

It is a source of great regret to me personally that those students are often the most deserving and “first generation” participants in Higher Education. I know that many of you reading this who were successful in later life were from this very kind of background.

All of us, as members of the Old Silhillians’ Association, owe a great debt of gratitude to the School that did so much to educate and prepare us for the challenges of our adult lives throughout our formative years. As our appreciation of the School has grown with advancing years, we have been seeking for ways in which we could repay, in part, this great debt by helping the young people who are its students today.

Please help us achieve our objectives as a trust by donating as generously as possible to the trust. A “Gift Aid” donation now and if possible, a legacy in your will, has significant tax and financial advantages.

Gift Aid Donations Those who pay income or Capital Gains Taxes will be able to substantially enhance their donation by completing a Gift Aid Form. 19 Legacy in a Will Apart from making lifetime donations, one effective way of supporting the Old Silhillians’ Trust and helping to finance its work is by bequeathing a legacy by your will.

As the Trust is an approved charity, any bequest to it will be exempt from the burden of Inheritance Tax. If, therefore, your estate is liable to Inherit-

The OSA Trust OSA The ance Tax, the value of that part of the estate on which tax is payable will be reduced by the amount of the bequest. Accordingly, a bequest will not only benefit the Trust but reduce your estate’s liability to Inheritance Tax.

I hope that you will feel able to support these young people, many of whom go forward, as you did, to make their mark in the world. Both they and I are very grateful for any commitment you feel able to make to the “Old Silhillians’ Trust”.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Trustees for all their unstinting efforts during the year. To Joe Bates our Treasurer, a particular thank you for keeping the books and to Peter Davies our Secretary for all his work in keeping our activities within the appropriate legislation. Finally to Phil Griffiths for allowing us to conduct our meetings at the School.

Peter A Thomas. Chairman, Old Silhillians’ Trust.

The John Lander Osbourne Award The Old Silhillians’ Association is able to offer this award to former pupils of Solihull School who are in full-time education. The award can be to help research necessary for the completion of a full-time qualification, or to support work with a charity. The research or charitable work may be undertaken either at home or abroad. However, it must take place within one calendar year of the award being granted. The maximum award is £750. Applications are restricted to individuals and it is a condition of the award that a full written report is presented to the Board of Trustees not more than three months after the completion of the project. Applications will be reviewed twice each year at 1st March and 1st September. Awards will be made within one month of the deadline for applications. Applications should sent to - The OSA Secretary, The Memorial Clubhouse & 20 Ground, Warwick Road, Copt Heath, Solihull, West Midlands B93 9LW VIC HAWLEY (Left 1931) Pupils Former from News I joined the School in 1926. Bushell was Headmaster and I was ten years old. The Junior School was in New Road and Park Road. There were three houses – Malvern, Blythe and Gaywood. The latter was the boarding house for the Junior School and it was also where the annual school play, under French Master Neale, was rehearsed, later to be performed at the Public Hall in Poplar Road. I appeared as a daily maid in Ambrose Applejohn’s Adventure. I left in 1931 to join my Father’s newly formed Birmingham Box Co., which he founded in 1927. I played rugby for the Old Sils (known then as The Old Solihull School RFC) on the left wing and full back until 1938. War was declared on 3rd September 1939. I married Joyce Partington in the afternoon on that day. I was on twenty-four hours leave from my duties as a territorial “ack-ack” gunner. I was demobbed in 1947 and rejoined the family business. I took up hockey and played for eight years with Joe Wood, the Wilcox brothers, Mike Cal- laghan, Bob Bishop, Pat Hill and David Billing amongst others. In 1958 Joyce and I joined Copt Heath GC. Joyce died four years ago; we were lucky to celebrate 65 years together. I have a son, an Old Sil, and a daughter, ex St. Martin’s, who lives and works in New York. DEREK R OWEN (Shenstone, left 1946) Colts Cricket X1 1945 - Where are they now? When doing my ten-yearly garage clear out recently I came across a photograph (overleaf) taken sixty-four years ago and which I had not seen for many years. We were all about 14 at the time and I started to wonder where we all are now. Standing on the left in the back row is John Bishop. John is one of the very few of us that I had any contact with after leaving School in 1946. We played cricket together at Olton Cricket Club (now Olton and West Warwickshire) for some years and John kept wicket as well as being a competent batsman. He moved away from Solihull (was it to Southampton University?) in his mid-twenties. John lived with his parents and sister Margaret in Olton Hollow, where I think they had a clothes shop near Biddle’s the Chemists. I believe John was involved in some distinctly high-tech activity in his working life. Perhaps I should apologise now for any details in this piece that are inaccurate - I am dragging them up from the depths of my increasingly unreliable memory. Standing next to John Bishop is a boy who was generally known by a nickname but I think his first name was Tony, surname Johnstone. This reminds me that we were all called by our surnames, even to each other, unless we had a nickname. First names were rarely used except between close friends. Johnstone was perhaps more renowned for his sprinting than his cricket and he invariably won the 100 and 220 yard sprints in his age group on Sports Day. I had no contact with him after leaving school and know nothing about his post-school life. Third from the left and standing next to Johnstone is Bryan Balls. I was saddened to read news of Bryan’s death in the 2008 Silhillian magazine. He was a lovely chap with a very calm temperament and lots of ability, both scholastically and athletically. 21 aaaaaaaaa

Colts Cricket X1 1945

22 News from Former Pupils Former from News Bryan lived in a large house on Warwick Road, nearly opposite the entrance to Copt Heath Golf Club. There was a large rear garden, which had sufficient room for a full- size cricket net, a considerable plus point as far as I was concerned. Bryan was also a good cross-country runner, beating me into third place in the 1945 junior cross- country, the winner being Richard Yorke. Bryan became a commissioned officer in the army during National Service and made the army his career, as have his two sons according to the obituary in the 2008 Silhillian. Next to Bryan is R.F. (Taffy) Williams, in charge of colts cricket. I think Taffy Williams taught Maths, but never to me, fortunately for him. ‘Bertie’ Peak had that pleasure for four years and he probably found it a frustrating experience. Taffy Williams died at a comparatively young age and I think he was still on the staff when it happened. Next in line at the back is Michael Gibbs. He lived in School Lane but I have no recollection of his cricketing ability, or his sporting prowess generally. I know Michael was pretty bright scholastically and I gather from a mutual friend that he has had a prosperous business life. Otherwise I have no knowledge of Michael. On the right of Michael Gibbs (when looking at the photograph) is David Laws. David entered School in Prep.3, as I did, in 1941. We were friendly but not particularly close and I have no real memories of him at school or later. At the extreme right in the back row is Hereward Wynn. Hereward lived in St. Ber- nard’s Road, Olton and his father was Managing Director of a company in Tyseley, called, I think, Midlands Electrical Manufacturing Company. I recollect hearing many years ago that Hereward Wynn did a degree at McGill University in Montréal, Canada. I have heard nothing of him since and cannot say whether he remained in Canada after his degree. So much for the back row. Now to the front. On the left is William (Bill) Baillie, with whom I was very friendly for some time at school and whom I knew after leaving school as we both played for the long-since defunct Olton Football Club. Bill was a very good all-round sportsman, excelling in all ball games. He was of Scottish stock and I frequently visited his house in Olton. The one thing I remember particularly in the house was that much of the living room was taken up by an indoor air-raid shelter (was it called a Morrison shelter?). Apart from its so-called protective properties it was possible to have quite a good game of table tennis on it. I believe I am right in saying that Bill Baillie married John Bishop’s sister Margaret and, like Bryan Balls, he spent his working years in the army. The other thing I seem to remember is that he was related to Bill Shankly, the Scottish international footballer and later Manager of Liverpool Football Club. I have heard nothing of Bill Baillie for many years and would love to get in touch. Sitting next to Bill Baillie is John Bradshaw. Another keen sportsman, John left Solihull School for Bromsgrove School, probably at the end of the 1945 summer term and I have no further knowledge of him at all. In the centre, seated, was the Colts’ captain, whose surname was Cox. He was someone I hardly knew at all and I have no recollection of him either before or after this photograph was taken. If you ever read this Mr. Cox, please forgive me - we obviously made little impact on each other! 23 I am sitting next to Cox. I left school shortly after my 16th birthday and spent my working life with Lloyds Bank. I played for the school first eleven hockey and cricket in 1946 and continued with my cricket at Olton Cricket Club until 1979. I have been married to Jennifer since 1953 and we have a daughter and two sons and three granddaughters. At the end of the row of sitters is Christopher Piggins, who I have not seen since leaving school and my knowledge of him is sketchy. I think that he did the same as Bryan Balls and Bill Baillie after leaving school by making the army his career. I believe he had an elder brother named John at school. Chris was the opening bowler in partnership with Bryan Balls in the 1946 cricket eleven and probably in the next season or two, but I had left by then. Lastly, sitting on the floor, is John Tarplee. John was probably the youngest of the group and he continued his cricket with Solihull Cricket Club after leaving school. The

News from Former Pupils Former from News Tarplees are a very old Solihull family and I know from my genealogical researches that there are Tarplees in the 1851 census for Solihull. I have met John once or twice since leaving school and I know that he married rather later in life than some of us and he has a son. I know I am going out ‘on a limb’, as the saying goes, by recounting facts about people that I have not seen for many years. I hope nobody has been offended by anything I have written and if there are inaccuracies then please forgive me. I would be very happy to hear from any of my former 1945 Colts X1 teammates, or indeed from anyone else who wants to raise anything about what I have written. DON RUSHTON (Pole, left 1942) Tribute to Mr A R Thompson, Headmaster As one of the remaining older members of our community, I wonder how much younger members, and boys of the School, know about the achievements of the School, under its revered Headmaster Mr A R Thompson. I had the privilege of being at the School from 1933 to 1942, and school leavers in the later of those years, achieved some outstanding careers: • Lord John Butterfield, an eminent medical man who became Master of Downing College and Vice Chancellor of Cambridge University. • Sir Oliver Wright, a diplomat who was appointed Ambassador to Denmark, Germany and later to the USA. • Sir Ronald Arculus, Ambassador to Italy. • Sir John Owen, High Court Judge. There may well be others whom I have not recalled, but all of the above left school within a period of about five years. Clearly J R Thompson was responsible for some amazing character development. It was solely due to him that I had the privilege of going to Cambridge, but my achievements were much more modest! The reputation of the School was enhanced by a 24 Great Man. aaaaaaaaa

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If so contact Brian Knight for details/brochure:- Tel No: 01789 488288 Mob: 07909 961757 Email: [email protected] 25 JOHN WALL (Pole House, left 1951 & Staff, 1959 – 1961) Nicknames from the Forties One of the features of the School, which I remember with great fondness is the in- triguing set of nicknames of the staff, particularly the long-standing staff. Many of them arose because of peculiarities of initials and surnames, while others had to do with physical characteristics or occasionally as a result of some long-forgotten activity. The redoubtable “Bun” Havinden, for example, was so named, I understand, after he had had charge of a stall selling buns at some fund-raising or social function in, I think, the 1920s. Is that right? And every student would have had “Yarco” Easter- ling for music at some stage in their passage through the School. He was originally “Jacko” because of a rather simian likeness to his features, but then he started teaching Latin, so his nickname had to be pronounced correctly! Many of the nicknames, as I say, resulted from the nature of the owners’ surnames

and/or initials. “Algy” (ALG) Gladstone, my first form-master in Prep 4, “Acca” (AC) News from Former Pupils Former from News Christ the Science teacher with a perpetual dewdrop (so it seemed!) on the end of his nose, and of course “Cabbage” (KBG) Cossor, the geography teacher. I must mention “Jafa” (JA) Foister because that has a singularly derogatory significance here in New Zealand. To refer to anyone over as a “Jafa” is to tar them as “Just Another - er, Flaming Aucklander” (!) Our Phys Ed teacher was “Inky” Ingram. Harry Cooper who had only the one first name was always “Harry”, though there was one occasion when as he was on his way to a class at the beginning of the period, he happened to hear the boy assigned to “Keep Ca-Vee” say to the boys in the room “Watch it, old Harry’s coming!” On arriving in the room, Harry Cooper remonstrated with the lads: “ I don’t mind ‘Harry’ but not ‘Old Harry’ please!!” Physical characteristics? How about “Dapper” Davies, and the Headmaster “Stosh” Thompson, and in retrospect, the rather sad one “Boozer” Davies who, it was re- puted, would be seen walking up to the “Lion” each lunchtime for some liquid refresh- ment? Certainly, he had the grog-blossom to support the reputation. “Froggie” Hunter, also known as “Ben”, was of course so named because he taught French. There’s a good story attached to his name which I may have told before, but it’s worth repeating. When I was back on the staff from 1959 to 1961 there was also on the staff one Ken Ellison who because of his physical appearance gained the nickname of “Tadpole”. It so happened that one year, Upper IV 1 had as their two Monday afternoon classes French with Froggie Hunter and English with Tadpole Ellison. They promptly christened the afternoon’s activities “Pond Life”! And do you remember, those of you in your seventies or so, being chased around the rugby field by Rev R M Goodfield, a.k.a.”Goosegog”, being switched around the legs with a stick he’d torn off a nearby tree? But there was one nickname which, though appropriate, was always spoken with high respect, “Swotty” Ansell, that brilliant Maths teacher to whom many of us owe a huge debt for our enjoyment of and success in mathematics - me included, who after eight years of engineering decided that what I really wanted to do was to become a Maths teacher. 26 Who have I left out? “Ernie” (Ted) Halstead, “Uncle George” Harding who taught News from Former Pupils Former from News Chemistry and had a cane to which he’d assigned the nickname “Excalibur”, “Bertie” (BM) Peek, the Maths teacher who seldom wore socks and who could be diverted to speak of his great interest in astronomy, and that excellent teacher of Latin and Eng- lish, “Bladder” or “Navvy” Hutchings. Why “Navvy” I was never quite sure; perhaps it was his rather large girth and heavy tread. I’m sure that there are many others whom I could have mentioned. I look forward to seeing the list extended in next year’s Silhillian! DAVID ROSS (Pole, left 1952) My debt to Solihull School I was really lucky – and forever grateful - to have parents (poor though they were) dedicated to getting the best education for their three sons, and me the eldest, even luckier still, to be of an age to qualify for the bursaries etc made available under the Attlee post WW11 government through County Councils and Independent schools. In particular Warwickshire CC and Solihull School were active participants. My middle brother later under a similar scheme went to Leamington College. Ron seven years younger gained entrance in the initial year of the just created Solihull Tudor Grange Grammar School. But for me, thanks to my parents’ efforts - Solihull School beck- oned. So, in autumn 1946 I nervously passed through the huge gates of Solihull School – and into a world I never before knew existed, of superb education opportunity, and athletic facilities to die for. Sadly I did not seize fully the educational opportunities, but I did find immense pleasure, satisfaction and physical reward from the outdoor athletic and C.C.F side at Solihull, that has stood me in good physical stead these last 55+ years. Not that I was likely ever to be of Olympian athletic skill, nor have the chance to play for Coventry RUFC (then the leading English rugby club), nor to re- the claim recovery ceive the field marshal’s baton. But contemporaries of mine did so, for instance, specialists just two come to mind. Mike Rawson ran Harris Balcombe LLD in the 1948 Olympic 440 yds, and Stu’ 2a Bath Court, Bath Row Saunders rose to be captain of Coventry Birmingham B15 1NE and, if memory serves me, Warwickshire, to name but two. T: 0121 622 6555 I will not dwell long on the great time I F: 0121 622 5494 had in the athletic term, nor at summer CCF camps at Pirbright, Eaton Hall and places. Somehow though cricket never Contact Steve Allso [email protected] featured for me, mainly because the skills M: 07860 544855 needed always necessitated ball-playing co-ordination that nature forgot to include UK Regional Offices in Glasgow, in my physical make up. Instead, sum- Leeds, London, Manchester mer sports half days for me were spent and Worldwide Representation on Royal Warwicks Budbrook Barracks 27 www.harrisbalcombe.com (an army lorry collected and returned us each time) open ranges. Lying on my stom- ach, hitting targets; with increasing competence; some 400 yards away. For this we lucky few were allocated, for just our own usage, the latest mark four Lee Enfields, equipped with Parker Hale competition sights. Utter bliss. As for hockey, I enjoyed my time in goal though never quite reaching the heights of the 1X1 (thwarted by Mike Rawson as it turned out). I did get some reward though when selected for an in-house three-day course at Lilleshall International Sports Centre, the main highlight there being when one of the instructors looked aghast when realizing that until then I had never been told of the need to wear “a box” when in goal.

But on to what this is all about - Rugby. First game ...ah Ross ....yes you; you look the right size to be a scrum half here’s what you do. Whistle blows, game (or mad tear around) starts. Second game ...er Ross... I think you had better be a wing forward, you won’t need to touch the ball there – just tackle any opposition that has the ball.

Whistle blows, mad tear around ... and I acquit myself quite well. News from Former Pupils Former from News I never did get beyond the school second XV, but was part of a marvellous Pole House rugby team that in one memorable year demolished the feared and renowned School House (boarders) team. We did have several 1XVers that year, especially Wright and Orchard, and some like me from the 2XV, but not a lot else. But we were full of determination, had faithful followers, and being 100% supported by house master “Bun” - scourge of the history lesson - Havinden. The plaudits that day though went to our coach, English master and assistant Pole House master “Jonny” Way who called us to a meeting the lunchtime of match day. On the blackboard he pro- ceeded to analyze School House strengths and weakness, and thereby devised a cunning plan. And it worked. By the time that School House realized that they had been bushwhacked, it was too late to change their own plans. With our supporters screaming on the touchline, we ran out winners – just.

Memories. Of being chased at training sessions by the 1st XV coach (I forget his name except that he was also my very good English master) with holly bush branch in hand - to ensure we did things as he said – quick smack across the calf muscles if not! Of Lewis the 1st XV fullback whose torpedo like tackles – which, if he missed, would send him hurtling into touch. Of O’Gorman with the punishing hand off if you attempted to tackle him too high. Of the quite small but fearless (Bryant by name I think) Shenstone fullback who once felled the most huge forward in the School when he was clean through, with a classic last ditch, ankle high tackle. Of the Pole v Shenstone (I think) Cock House semi-final that went on as a draw until dusk if not dark, there being no provision for a replay. We luckily scored the deciding try, immediately followed by the whistle of the relieved ref. It had actually been a tougher match than against School House with particularly Anderson their talented centre continually threatening our try line. Of one Bigside trial on that terrible sloping down, end-to-end pitch behind the squash courts played in driving rain. We were attacking uphill, or more to the point, defending desperately downhill. I was corner flagging in true Kendall-Carpenter mode but fast as I was, the winger was looking to beat me on a downhill outside curving run, when from behind me came the screaming voice of our holly twig toting coach ...tackle him ...tackle him...Ross!!. And fearing his wrath 28 more than the needed tackle, I launched myself - and it worked. Ever since I have News from Former Pupils Former from News marvelled at how easy it proved to be, yet until that exhortation, it looked a terrible chasm to have to cross. As the sad day for departing Solihull School drew near, we were gathered in Big School to hear from Old Boys Sports sections as to why we should join them. I think Pete Hanks and Freddie Moon represented rugby. Of course, I decided the Rugby section was for me. And I duly turned up one wet Saturday September afternoon at the Red Lion for a third XV away match against Barker Butts. It was the start of the next phase of my Rugby life. I did not realize it then, but rugby as initially taught me at Solihull School was to become, and remain long after I ceased playing; a major part of my life. I continued to play regularly for the next ten years or so for the “Old Sils” that included a spell coaching North Midlands under 16’s, and being a referee for a couple of years having qualified with Warwicks Referees Society. My work then took me away from Solihull. So also my rugby career also took me far afield, continuing with ten years in Lincoln- shire playing there for Market Rasen (the then leading East of England side – a rough, tough team of farmers). Then to Libya for eight years where every Friday under a blistering sun we English/Irish played the French on the American School sand (does terrible things to ones knees) campus. My final game was in Ghana, at age about 48 (pride before a fall that one). And though I later moved on to squash, golf and long distance running, the foundation

HOME INFORMATION PACKS (HIPs) Direct to Sellers From £240.00* NO VAT *Freehold Registered Title ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES (EPCs) Direct to Landlords From £45.00 NO VAT NEC energy services Tel: 0121 354 0792 Mob: 07545 925000 email: [email protected] 29 for what proved to be a generally very fit and active life was laid down by that holly twig toting guy at Solihull School learning to play rugby. I hope that it is not too late to say thank you to Solihull School. JOHN CUTTING (Left 1954) Some thoughts on The Silhillian 2008 The School Song You ask if anyone can enlighten you as to whether Brig. H.B. Hitchens discontinued the singing of the song. I think this is entirely possible, but cannot be sure one way or the other. Have you asked Guy King-Reynolds, who was a master at the time of both HBH and Jack ‘Iaco’ Easterling. You may know the HBH started the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, as done for many decades at King’s College, Cambridge. The School Service was always held in December in the Parish Church, and HBH read the 9th Lesson.. It was always

– “In the beginning was the Word ...... ” St John, Chapter 1, Verses 1-14. HBH read News from Former Pupils Former from News this Lesson in the most expressionless voice imaginable. There were good things about HBH, but I thought he was pompous and unapproachable. He was, I think, one of the youngest Brigadiers in the British Army, and he was on the Intelligence Section of Field Marshal Montgomery. Because of this, he persuaded Monty to come to Solihull to inspect the CCF. Just about the whole of Solihull turned out to see the great Monty, and both he and HBH basked in the glory! Jack ‘Iaco’ Easterling (definitely not ‘Yarko’) As he was the Latin Master, that is why he was called ‘Iaco’. When in class and he asked you a Latin question, if you got it wrong, he would come up behind you and grab the hair on the back of your head, tug it, and say “You are a very silly boy!” However, I owe him a debt of gratitude, as I owe my lifetime love of classical music to the music appreciation classes that he set up. He played programme music, things like Saint-Saëns ‘Danse Macabre’, Tchaikovsky ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and so on. Three of us, Paul Dunston, Roy Troman and I started going to CBSO Concerts at the Town Hall. (Whatever happened to Dunstan and Troman? I’d love to see them again if they are still alive). I am still in touch with some of Jack Easterling’s relatives in Cambridge. He is on my 1948 School photo with HBH and Donald Longmore, the School Captain. Robin G Everitt I was sad to read the obituary. He was at Sevenoaks School, as I was, but much earlier, and when he went to Solihull as Head of Mathematics, I had long since left. Raymond ‘Swotty’ Ansell, who was a brilliant Maths teacher, taught me but I always struggled. Robin was due to attend Founders’ Day at Sevenoaks School last June, but sadly never made it. Silverbirch Road, Solihull – 1948-52 No. 16 – Pat Moore No. 18 – John Cutting No. 20 – Roger Fry (Prefect) No. 22 – Conrad Seagroat No. 24 – Pat Millar (The association with Silverbirch Road continues as at least half a dozen former pu- 30 pils and members of staff still live there). aaaaaaaaa Property, properly.

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Savills Solihull 163 High Street Solihull B91 3ST [email protected] 0121 713 4000 savills.co.uk 31

SA43109 Solihull Old Boys Mag A5 NEW.indd 1 7/9/09 10:46:26 STEPHEN R JOHNSON (Jago, left 1966) Arriving in 3A under Mr Gotch in September 1959 all the talk was about the forthcom- ing visit in the new year by Her Majesty the Queen to celebrate the School’s quatercentenary. How quickly we have come to be celebrating the 450th anniversary! Solihull School gave me a wonderful preparation for the rest of my life and many of my current interests and values stem from my time there. Through the CCF and with Bill Bale’s encouragement, I learnt first to glide and then to fly powered aircraft via the RAF Flying Scholarship scheme. Following University I joined the Air Force and flew front line with both the RAF and the RN. At one stage I recall giving a lecture to the Sixth Form Society on the Red Arrows with whom I served for 4 years. A career in civil aviation followed, the majority with BA although I am currently with BMI. Through Bob Beach, the Terriers and the Sailing Club I developed a love for the outdoors and the water. I still have a racing dinghy and my long distance treks seem to become more adventurous with each passing year. At Aberystwyth University I News from Former Pupils Former from News met my wife, now of 38 years standing, and we have recently become grandparents for the first time courtesy of our eldest son, whilst our younger son is a pilot in the Royal Navy. So the Solihull School experience is still very much alive for me and each time I read of H B Hitchens, P R Ansell, Denis Tomlin, Guy King-Reynolds, J R Jammes and many other masters I feel a debt of gratitude for such a firm grounding in so many disciplines. Perhaps a new Silhillian starting this term will be looking back and saying similar things in 50 years time. PETER SILVER (Fetherston, left 1968) Having qualified as an accountant with what is now Ernst & Young in 1972, I started my own accountancy firm, Silver & Co, which specialises in advising small businesses. We now have offices in Bridgnorth, Wednesfield, Stafford, Newport and Cannock. I married Marylyn in 1972 and we have three children – 34- year-old Paul, 31 year-old Christine and 27 year-old John. After reaching the age when my career has peaked, I have found time to pursue other interests and, having fond memories of visiting Dudley Zoo as a boy, I accepted an invitation to become a trustee of the charity and am now company secretary. Dudley Zoological Gardens is an award-winning regional attraction that pulls in around 250,000 visitors a year and employs 100 staff. It is home to 192 species and a total of 1,000 animals. Our main focus is animal conservation and we are involved in international breeding programmes all over the world, from protecting Britain’s native species to saving endangered lemurs in Madagascar. The zoo, which opened in 1937, is on a 40-acre site that includes a large area of woodland, an 11th century castle, 12 listed Tecton buildings and a network of old limestone caverns under- ground. We have had considerable success in breeding endangered species, most notably our Asian lions, Sumatran tigers, Rothschild’s giraffes, Humboldt’s penguins 32 and snow leopards. Our trustees are appointed, unusually, by open competition. I was selected as a trustee five years ago on the strength of my breadth of experience in terms of financial knowledge and involvement with other tour- ist attractions. We take responsibility for the good management of a complex organi- Your Local sation and hold the executives to account in a strategic way, but we are not involved in Law Firm the day-to-day running of the zoo. As trustees of a charity, as opposed to company • Divorce and Family Law directors, we are personally responsible for its finances because we are dealing with • Estate Agency other people’s money in order to carry out • Wills & Probate charitable work. The particularly interesting part of the job is visiting other zoos to • Conveyancing see the latest techniques in dealing with the • Personal Injury welfare and life fulfillment of the animals in our care. • Employment I am also vice-chairman of agricultural co- • Insolvency operative Sastak Ltd, as well as having a • Company & Commercial number of roles in the Federation of Small Businesses and the Institute of Chartered • Property Accountants. MARK HARRISON (Shen- Offices at Shirley, Sheldon (nr Birmingham Airport) & stone, left 1971) Birmingham City Centre I was the ‘English Speaking Union’ ex- change student from Sept ‘70 until June ‘71. I am looking to say “hello” to anyone who might remember me. I was MVI3. I live 0121 746 3300 in New Hampshire, USA. [email protected] I can be reached at - [email protected] www.sydneymitchell.co.uk SIMON GOODWORTH (Shen- stone, left 1973) Although absent from Solihull for many years, and rarely a visitor even now, I have, as occasional whim strikes me, recently participated in several London based Old Sils events. I left school back in 1973 (I think) and after taking a year travelling around North America, and then graduating in law from Manchester, I ended up in the legal profession in London, ultimately achieving partner at Theodore Goddard. I 33 decided to take the dollar in 2002 when I moved to the august firm of Covington & Burling, spearheading their London corporate practice. Along the way I acquired a wife and two little girls! It is putting my girls through schooling that has made me look back and appreciate the privileged time that I had at Solihull School. I rarely encounter old friends from School - I guess they are all dis- persed around the country and further afield, but I would be interested to hear from anyone who might have known me back then! ROB WILLIAMS (Fetherston, left 1980) I am still working for West Midlands Police, indeed, unless Gordon Brown or David Cameron change the rules, I retire in four years’ time! I’m currently based at Birmingham International Airport. Through my experiences there I have spent the last 18 months heavily involved in fundraising. British casual- ties are flown into the airport to go to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine at Selly News from Former Pupils Former from News Oak Hospital. In March 2008 I helped organise a major fundraising effort to fund the building of a garden at the hospital for the use of the patients, their families and staff. Needing to raise £7,000 I organised a plane pull at the airport followed by a stretcher carry 14 miles from the airport to the hospital. This involved police, fire, army, navy, air force and marines, as well as local scouts. The day was a tremendous success and nearly £21,000 was raised which helped many national military charities. As a direct result of this I was ‘lured’ to London in April of this year by my wife. She told me we had tickets to see an episode of John Barrowman’s show ‘Tonight’s The Night’ being filmed. Little did I know that I would end up being part of the show. Se- cret filming had taken place at my home and work and I ended up being sung to by Katherine Jenkins - what a treat. You can see the results on YouTube if you wish. In July 2009 I took part in the Nijmegen Marches, or the Vierdaagse - four days in Hol- land, walking 50km (31 miles) per day. Physically the hardest thing I have ever done, but what an experience. I enjoyed it so much I’m going to do it again next year. I raised over £1,500 for the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association (BLESMA). Finally on 6 September 2009 I took 250 police officers and families down to RAF Brize Norton where we took part in a plane pulling competition. Eleven teams pulled a 51-

34 News from Former Pupils Former from News ton Hercules C-130 against the clock, again to raise money for BLESMA. The host squadron, 99, were the winners in one sense, but over £11,000 has been pledged so far. The day was such a success that we are already planning the return next year when we can wrest back our trophy. SIMON STURDEE (Shenstone, left 1991) Since leaving school I studied Medicine at Leeds University and qualified as a Doctor in 1996. I subsequently specialised in Orthopaedic and trauma surgery and in April 2008 I started as an Orthopaedic and Trauma Consultant in Halifax and Huddersfield. I live in Halifax and I am married to Ruth and have a four-year-old son, Oliver and a two-year-old daughter Zara. I spend most of my spare time with the family but other than this I play golf not as much as I would like and enjoy the Yorkshire countryside and beer. Still visit Solihull as my parents still live there and I am in touch with Richard Havard, Charles Utley, Michael Giddings, Richard Wilcox and Vanessa Gray. EMMA HUBBLE (Windsor, left 2007) Emma is in receipt of an OSA Trust grant in order that she can pursue her studies at drama school. This year has been very busy not only with rehearsals for various plays and films but also with the preparations for my final year. I have been involved in “Orpheus Descending” by Tennessee Williams, “An Ideal Husband” by Oscar Wilde, “As You Like It” by William Shakespeare and a variety of devised plays as well. I also took an advanced stage fighting course and was awarded Gold. I had to perform 5 different fights using 5 different weapons systems including 18th century French smallsword, double handed broad sword, quarterstaff (a 2 metre pole), sword and buckler and unarmed combat. I was also given the opportunity to work for the RSC in conjunction with The Globe Theatre. I took part in the Sonnet Walk which was directed by actor/director Mark Rylance. The end of my second year was spent auditioning for my 3rd year plays which are open to the public, agents, directors, producers and casting directors come and watch. This is the culmination of everything I have worked for and so the auditioning process was very scary. I got in to “The Comedy of Errors” by William Shake- speare which is on from the 15th-17th October and “The Colour of Justice” which is put together from the original transcripts of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry which is on the 17th-20th February 2010. I am still loving Arts Ed and cannot believe that I am now in my 3rd year! 35 OVER SIXTIES LUNCHEONS The October 2008 lunch was attended by 85 members, five of whom were new, many had travelled a long way to Solihull. Even John Weaver, now resident in Canada, arranged his holiday in England to coincide with the

Dinners & Luncheons & Dinners meeting and Ken David came across the English Channel from just outside St. Malo. Ages ranged from 60 odd - Nigel Hall (1955 – 63) and Bruce Hipwell (1958 – 64) to 92 Stan Peck (1927 – 33).

Alas, some of our company passed away Roger Flood walking (well during the winter including Tony Biddle, Har- sitting) in Turkey. Thank ry Bryan, Claude Coton and Pat Hill. Their goodness for those new obituaries are written elsewhere in the maga- bionic knees! zine. In May 96 people travelled to the clubhouse for the lunch including a record 15 new members.

Heard around the clubhouse! Wilf Harrison (1939 – 45) related how he crossed the Prairies 50 years ago. Asked why he travelled across such a boring landscape, he said that he was told what is was like in geography and he wanted to see if it was true. He also remembers being told that the great lakes were big and wondered if they were bigger than Olton Mere!!!! At School after one of the assemblies he was summoned by the headmaster (Thompson), “I wish to see Harrison in my study immediately after the assembly.” When he arrived, Wilf was asked if he had arranged a hockey match against Wroxall Abbey. “Yes,” said Wilf. “You will cancel it,” was the reply, “We don’t play girls!!”

Stuart Sanders (1941 – 44) recalls how, in 1943, they took it in turns for fire-watching. At 7.00pm each night, some students would sleep out on the Music School balcony to keep an eye out for any fires and then set off the alarm. At times they got bored and had a dip in the swimming-pool 36 which, of course, was open to the elements all the year round. Dinners & Luncheons & Dinners On one occasion Roy Davies told Denis Tomlin that German bombers opened up their guns over the School. Wilf Harrison remembers the in- cident well as he was crossing the fields with Colin Maybury at the time. Apparently they were firing at some balloons and other aerial equipment at Elmdon.

Leonard Chase (1938 – 1944) tells me that John Davies (1938 – 44) is now remarried to his brother Peter’s widow. He was also an Old Silhillian, (1940 -47).

Michael Willing (1938 – 45) could not come to the May luncheon as he was having a knee operation. He wrote to me saying, “I started School in Prep II in 1938 and I have many happy memories of the School and I finished in 1945. I was a W.W.II pupil !!! These were interesting times, digging Air Raid Shelters etc. My brother, David Willing, was also in Jago House and is now 87 and living in Findhorn in the North of Scotland”.

Pat Moore (1942 – 52) asked me if I knew the derivation of the nickname of “Yarko” Easterling. Apparently he used to be known as “Charcoal” Easterling as he didn’t shave very well and always appeared dirty. In time, this became changed to “Charco” and then “Yarko”. In his day nearly every member of staff had a nickname. Now nicknames have gone out of fashion. Staff are called by their forename (but not to their face!!).

Henry Pinchin (1945 - 52) told me he was certainly no sportsman and consequently was put in the “Amenities” group. This meant helping George Paine on the grounds. He can remember moving many barrow loads of soil from the bottom of Bushell Fields to the bank on the edge of the first team cricket pitch to enlarge the playing area. He recalled that George Paine’s wife looked after the tuck shop.

One of the May new members, Anthony Pratt, (1952 – 61) recalled being in Prep Form with Miss Bradwell, which he said seems an age ago but not compared with Paul Instone (1936 – 45). He first started his schooling at Fowgay Hall on the corner of Dingle Lane and Whitefields Road, (opposite where Tudor Grange School is now). Paul left there and joined the Prep form of Solihull School which at that time was in Malvern House, on the corner of New Road where the cul-de-sac leads to the park. After a couple of years he moved the Main School on Warwick road. Paul was taught mathematics by “Footer“ Davis, later known as “Boozer” Davis. (Not to 37 confused with the Physics teacher, “Dapper” Davis). He learnt very little under “Footer” but he was given a DT by “Swotty” Ansell for poor work. He then started to learn about mathematics and enjoy the subject!!

As Paul had mentioned Fowgay Hall, I thought I’d ask Peter Callaghan (1959-67) if he knew much about its history and he gave me the following. “Fowgay Hall in Dingle Lane was built in 1699. His grandfather and grandmother, the parents of HB (Mike) Callaghan (OS), moved there from the Homestead in Solihull Road where they had a small school. Fowgay Hall enabled the school to grow as it had playing fields which lined White- Dinners & Luncheons & Dinners fields Road down to Widney Lane. It was located in farmland and Mrs Callaghan and the boys and girls had to walk down Whitefields Road and go up Church Hill Road to go to St Alphege and the village.

The school hosted a number of summer fetes attended by local dignitar- ies including the local MP. Many members of the Bragg family visited it too and the school gained a good reputation in the village. Mr and Mrs Callaghan passed away within months of each other and their oldest son H B (Mike) and his newly wedded wife Muriel took over the school in 1936. This was at the time when Solihull was a place to visit on a day out and was famous for the beautiful wisterias which adorned the quaint houses in the village.

The school and the family grew at the same time and started to compete for space. My parents loved Fowgay, but space became a problem and as school numbers grew, there was insufficient room and it was now considered too far from the village. After a few years, the move to Cedarhurst created more opportunities but history was to repeat itself. After the Sec- ond World War the school expanded again and opened its Kindergarten department in Jobs Close, Knowle where the family also moved.

In 1956, the school left Jobs Close and the Kindergarten moved into newly created classrooms at Cedarhurst with playing fields in Hillfield Road. At this time the family moved to Dorridge. Cedarhurst finally closed in 1973. At the time of its destruction Fowgay Hall was over three hundred years old.”

Any Old Silhillian who is over sixty and wishes to come to these lunches, please contact me via the Old Silhillians’ Association. 38 Roger Flood BRI Asset MAnAgeMent plc

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…to find out why, please contact Paul or Michael Cusack BRI Asset Management plc BRI House, Meriden Business Park, Meriden, CV5 9RL Tel: 01676 523550 Fax: 01676 522799 Email: [email protected] 39 BRI Asset Management plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority London Dinner 2008 The 59th London dinner was another great success. It took place at the Royal Air Force Club in Piccadilly on Friday 14 November 2008. With a record 80 in attendance, there were 3 former Presidents - Peter Cal- laghan (Pole, 59-67), Peter Thomas (School House, 64-73), and Steve Allso (Pole, 65-71), 1 President-elect - Rupert Young (Jago,73-83), 6 current staff - Messrs Griffiths, Melling, Holt, Belcher, Sean Morgan and David Morgan), 3 former staff - John Jammes (55-68), John Barrett (82-86) and Giles Slaughter, 2 former London representatives - Bernard Hales (Fetherston, 57-66) and John

Lockyer (Fetherston, 57-66) and 5 young old girls - Emma Ashby (Windsor, 90- Dinners & Luncheons & Dinners 92), Ruth Stembridge (Fetherston, 86-88), Claudine Pearson (Windsor, 86-88), Julia Skan (Shenstone, 84-86) and Sarah Pagan (Fetherston, 84-86). Our principal guests were the Headmaster and the President who both reported the continuing success of the School and the Association. As ever we are delighted to hear of academic achievements, the victories of the school’s various sports and the progress of the Association. Our guest of honour was Giles Slaughter who was, of course, Headmaster from September 1973 to December 1982. He regaled us with memories of the school – confessions, characters and some very amusing in- cidents. We were delighted and honoured to see him again. A great tradition of the London dinner is that the floor is left open Giles Slaughter to those who would like to say a few words – as Old Silhillians will. Indeed, Mr Slaughter reported that Silhillians are “gluttons” for a speech. Many spoke – some eloquently, some from the heart, some amusingly. For my part, it was wonderful to hear from the older chaps as much as from the more recent Old Silhillians. Sarah Pagan must take the honours for one of the finest impromptu speeches I have ever heard. Nick Cook’s (Fetherston, 86-97) confessions of an Old Silhillian ran it a close second. A vote of thanks, as ever, to John Haddleton (Pole, 1944 to 1948) without whose 40 sponsorship we would not be able to use the RAF Club. Dinners & Luncheons & Dinners Looking back through the signature book for this event – first held in 1947 – I realise what an honour it is to organise it. I first attended the event in 1991 – others have been coming year after year since the early 1970s – long may it continue! London Lunch 2009 The London lunch was held this year at Lime Bros in Lime Street, EC3. The cred- it crunch had an effect on the numbers with only a dozen attending this year. Nevertheless, a very convivial time was had by all. Much gossip was exchanged about which old boys had got caught up in the parliamentary expenses scandal and much discussion of the great number of Old Silhillians who grace our televi- sions and radios.

Four old boys (Martin Gloster, Mike Blakely, John Allen and John Miller) renewed their acquaintance after 20 years, as illustrated on the photo above. Martyn Fish- er and John Errington drew level in the competition to have the most offspring from the class of 1988. Four children! No wonder they look tired. Please e-mail or call me if you would like to receive an invitation to future London dinners. The next dinner will be at the RAF Club on Friday 11 De- cember 2009 (a month later than usual). Invitations will be sent to those on my list in September 2009. Mark Lucas (Fetherston 1978 to 1988) 01483 748512 [email protected] 41 Dinners & Luncheons & Dinners

The fifty-second Annual Dinner of the Past Presidents’ Society was held at the Alan Lee Pavilion on the 8th May 2009 and presided over by founder Past President Vic Hawley. Our guest and host, Headmaster Phillip Griffiths, kindly welcomed the Society back to school again and enabled us to dine in the pavilion once again. He addressed us with his customary eloquence and spoke of the year’s outstanding individual and team performances, excellent academic attainments and the high quality of the School’s musical and theatrical events which audiences had enjoyed. Those of us who attended in May continued to maintain the very special traditions of the Society and remembered Pat Hill, Claude Coton and absent friends. A moment’s silence was spent remembering Claude Coton and Pat Hill who were no longer with us. We were really grateful to Vic Hawley who had recently celebrated his 93rd birthday. Tributes and thanks were given to Malcolm Lawrie for his many years of service as Editor of the Silhillian. We are very grateful to the Headmaster and School’s PE department for making us feel so welcome. Immediate Past President John Platt received a warm welcome as the Society’s newest member and OSA President Rupert Young informed us of the important decisions which the committee would have to make during the year concerning the proposals for the provision of the Astroturf pitch, funding arrangements and the impact on the Association and its members. 2010 is the 450th anniversary of the foundation of the School and also the year in which Phil Griffiths retires. The next Past Presidents’ Dinner is being held at the School on Friday 11th June 2010. I do hope many of us will be able to meet to pay special tribute to Phil Griffiths and enjoy what will be a rather special evening. 42 Peter Callaghan Lodge & Chapter & Lodge SHENSTONIAN LODGE No. 5544 Worshipful Master W.Bro. Iain Denton (2009/10), W.Bro. Leighton Jones (2008/09). Secretary: W.Bro. Joe Bates (01675 442586) The Lodge is open to Old Boys, Members of Staff both present and past, Gov- ernors, Parents and Grandparents of present and past pupils. It continues to enjoy the unique combination of freemasonry and meeting at the Old Silhillians’ Clubhouse which provides a wonderful opportunity for Masonic and Old Sils. fellowship. We are always delighted to welcome both initiates and joining members and also enjoy some excellent social occasions. During the last year the Lodge has continued to attract new members of varying ages and initiated three new members. We are always pleased to hear from anyone interested as either new or joining members – please contact Joe Bates.

Meetings second Monday in October (Installation), November, February and March.

SHENSTONIAN CHAPTER No. 5544 Principals: E.Comps. Barry Chacksfield, Stuart Thorpe and Roger Moore. Scribe E.:E.Comp. Ed Baker (01564 205988) The Chapter continues to welcome suitably qualified Master Masons whether members of the Shenstonian Lodge or not. Meetings will take place on the second Monday of December 2009, January and September 2010. Please contact Ed Baker.

We offer a comprehensive range of auditing, business planning and taxation services to both new and expanding businesses. Why not find out how we can help you? Contact Joe Bates without obligation on: Tel: 0121 456 4456 E-mail: [email protected] www.clementkeys.co.uk 43 39/40 Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 1TS Astroturf

1. The contract is signed 2. The ground is broken

5. Let’s build a terrace 6. The tarmac is rolled What started in earnest about three years ago as a renewed determination to build an Astroturf at the club has finally come to fruition. As I write this article a big hole has been dug, filled in again and there is green carpet covering most of the ground. This all means that the Club’s efforts have been successful and the Astroturf pitch is nearing completion. By the time you read this, the pitch will be officially open and in regular use. The club has appointed Bernhard’s Sports Sur- faces as main contractor (the same company that laid the pitch at the School). In addition a sizeable 9. The carpet is laid terrace is being laid between the clubhouse and the pitch, which will not only be a welcome addition to support the many functions held at the club but also provide an outstanding area from which to watch sport. Since obtaining planning permission 2 years ago considerable effort has been directed towards raising the necessary funds to finance the £450,000 cost of construction. I am extremely grateful to all those Old Silhillians who have contributed towards the project. In addition to private donations 44 the club has benefited from the award of £150,000 from Sport England as well as £70,000 from Astroturf

3. Down goes the hardcore 4. But what to do with this area

7. The fencing and lights go up 8. A rubber shock pad is added the National Hockey Foundation. The result is that the Club has been able raise most of the required construction funds. Nonetheless it has been necessary to obtain debt finance of £70,000 to close the funding gap. The hockey section has successfully registered as a Community Amateur Sports Club enabling gift aid to be obtained on all private donations. This will generate a further £35,000 from the donations received to date thus reducing the debt-funding re- quirement. However, if any Old Silhillian wishes to make a contribution, additional donations are still 10. The terrace is slabbed most welcome and a suitable form has been included with this magazine (I know, still begging for more, but it would be silly not to ask). What impact will the construction have? For the club as a whole the project is about far more than simply providing a pitch at Copt Heath for our Hockey Section (though this is a key priority). It is about ensuring the club has a prosperous future as a sporting facility and will be able to generate cash to feed a sinking fund to safeguard our long term survival. 45 For the hockey section, the opening of the pitch will mean a return to Copt Heath after nearly two decades of playing offsite. This in turn will hopefully lead to an expansion in playing members as well as a greatly improved social environment. For the wider population, the pitch will provide new recreational opportunities and will open up the

Astroturf club for the first time to widespread community use by adults (football as well as hockey) in addition to the already thriving junior sports sections. As we near completion much work is being undertaken by Keith Waterhouse and his staff, to pro- mote the availability of the pitch and to obtain advance bookings. At the time of writing about 20 hours per week have already been taken prior to Christmas. Finally I would like to thank all those who have assisted me with the success of the project to date. In particular I should mention Teale Withers for his help with fundraising, John Griffin for his all round support and expertise, Alan Cave for obtaining planning permission and, of course, the staff at the club. In addition there are two members of the hockey section, Peter Dawes and Jason Dalby, who are not Old Silhillians, but whose efforts in design, procurement and surveying, all provided voluntarily, have significantly reduced the otherwise high professional costs that would have been incurred. Without the help of all those mentioned the project would not have succeeded. With any luck, by this time next year I will be able to report that the club has generated a trading surplus as well as a significant improvement in sporting use and membership numbers. After that I might need a rest! Mike Waters Phone – 07977 229541 e-mail - [email protected] Mike Waters pushes the ball back to start the first game on the artificial surface

46 47 DENIS PAXMAN (School Chaplain) It is with great sadness that we announce that Denis Paxman died on 14th April 2009. Denis was born on 6th March 1924 and attended Hardye’s School, Dorchester. During World War II he served initially in a civilian capacity in the Air Ministry Meteorological Office and then joined the Royal Air Force flying on Long Range Meteorological Squadrons, Coastal Command. After the

Obituaries war Denis continued his education at St. Edmund Hall, Oxford and Ely Theological College. Denis was ordained as an Anglican priest in the Archdiocese of Canterbury in 1954. His year of ministry included both parochial and school appointments before he retired from the ministry in 1991. Upon being received into the Catholic Church, Fr. Denis was ordained to the Catholic Priesthood in 1998. In 2007 Fr. Denis and his wife, Jenny, moved to the Diocese of Nottingham, where he lived out the final years of his retirement. GERRY REDDINGTON (Schoolmaster) It is with great sadness that I have to inform you of the unexpected death of Gerry Reddington. He died peacefully in his sleep over the Christmas period. Gerry was in his fifteenth year at Solihull School, having taught previously at Cheadle Hulme School. A respected member of the Common Room, he taught History to all age groups in the Senior School and had an excellent record of success with both GCSE and A Level classes. Form Tutor to generations of Lower and Middle School pupils, he had a dry sense of humour and an understanding of how to draw the best from his tutees. The same was true on the cricket square, as he shared his love of the game with many junior sides. P.J. Griffiths REX THOMAS (Schoolmaster) Rex Thomas died at the age of 85 at his home in Fowey in July of this year. Those who were his colleagues and pupils during the 1950s will remember him with admiration and affection. He was educated at The Crypt School, Gloucester from where he intended to move directly to the Royal Navy but his headmaster intervened and persuaded him to apply for admission to Pembroke College, Oxford (Alma Mater of Dr. Johnson, who unsuccessfully applied for the headmastership of Solihull School in 1735). Rex’s application was successful and in 1942 he began his degree course, combining it with membership of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. His studies were interrupted in 1943 by service in the Navy in the Atlantic, in the Channel covering the invasion of Europe in 1944, and later in the Mediterranean. He returned to complete his degree at Oxford in 1946 and after graduating joined the staff of Lord William’s School, Thame before he was appointed by H.B.Hitchens in 1952 to succeed Eric Havinden as Senior History Master. He later became Housemaster of Shenstone. He remained with us for only seven years (like Mr. Bushell) but the impact he made on the School was memorable. With his vivacious wife, Peggy, his boyhood sweetheart, whom he married in 1945, he took up residence at 34 George Road, the former home of Mr. Easterling and later of Eric Peyman. The house immediately became the unofficial clubhouse of younger members of staff and a venue for after-school classes for Sixth-Formers and a place full of laughter and friendship. Rex was an outstanding teacher of history who inspired his pupils not simply by his command of the subject but by his deep insight, whether critical or sympathetic, into the characters of the shak- ers and movers and, equally important, into the lives of lesser men and women affected by their 48 policies. His lessons, delivered with eloquence and laced with humour, had the human touch, as Obituaries did every aspect of his life. It is not surprising that so many of his pupils, so well-grounded, went on to achieve distinction in their own lives. Beyond his academic work he contributed with his characteristic enthusiasm to the extra-curricular life of the School. With the help of his great friend, Keith Berridge, he commanded the Naval Sec- tion, introducing many cadets to the mysteries and pleasures of the seafarer’s life. School games too benefited hugely from his expertise. He volunteered to take over 1st X1 hockey in the absence of any more experienced colleague and the high-class rugby he had played with Birkenhead Park and Sale during the war and at Oxford afterwards made him the natural successor to Lewis Morgan as 1st XV rugby coach, producing some fine fifteens who enjoyed their Rugby under his enthusiastic tutelage. Roger Cupit will bear witness to this. He also had happy memories of his occasional appearances in OSA teams during the School holidays. But his concern for his pupils and friends went far beyond the classroom and the games field. He rejoiced in their good fortune and was always ready to lend a sympathetic ear in difficult times. He had no time for the pompous and arrogant, however intellectually or physically gifted they might be. What really mattered to him was what lay in men’s hearts, not where they ranked in society. He was as at ease with local boatmen and fishermen in Cornwall as he was with visiting academics and grandees. In 1959 he was appointed to the headmastership of Fowey Grammar School where he again quickly won the respect and affection of his pupils and all sections of the local community. His love of the sea kept him anchored (!) to the coast as he became successively headmaster of St Austell Grammar School and later founding principal of St. Austell Sixth Form College, which he was proud to run more as a Sixth Form than as a College! Throughout the past fifty years he and Peggy have occupied the same house overlooking Fowey harbour where they have welcomed a constant stream of visitors, including Solihull School touring rugby teams, who took up every available inch of the Thomases’ bed and floor space. Again there was much laughter and affection. In retirement Rex continued to interest himself in educational matters, in liberal politics, in the lives of his friends and, especially, in the sea, which provided him with his favourite hobby, angling. Nothing pleased him more than time spent afloat in good company. A convinced European, he regularly visited EU institutions on the continent and while there took the opportunity to visit the homes of the many French lady ‘assistantes’ to whom he and Peggy over the years had offered accommodation during their three terms teaching experience in Fowey. He often boasted that he had French mistresses everywhere south of Calais! In spite of all the evidence to the contrary in today’s disordered world he remained an optimist, perhaps buoyed up by the calming influence of the eternal sea. He was, too, devoted to his family and took quiet pride in their successes. Martin, his son, and a chip off the old block, if ever I saw one, has recently been appointed to the Profes- sorship of Colonial History at Exeter University. Rex was a human being of the highest quality. As always, Shakespeare had a word for it His life was gentle; and the elements So mix’d in him that Nature might stand up And say to all the world, This was a man! He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Denis Tomlin 49 Obituaries

JACK WISEMAN (School House, left 1932) Jack was born at the end of the First World War to parents David and Jenny with older brother Alan & twin sister Peggy (both now deceased). He was a member of School House & was a keen sportsman who played football, cricket & rugby but he excelled at boxing where he won several medals. On leaving school, he went to work for his father’s plumbing firm where he trained as an apprentice plumber and after learning the ropes of the trade he took over the sales side of the business. He eventually gained overall control of the business with his brother Alan and trusted friend Jack Ward when father David decided to stand down. Successfully they built the business up which culminated in the company David F Wiseman & Sons Ltd being taken over by Bovis in the early 1970s. Jack was married in 1946 to Gwen & had 2 children Gillian in 1949 & Michael in 1955. Jack continued as a consultant for Bovis & also set up a property development business – the first major scheme was Riverside Drive in Solihull where he lived for many years. He also branched out into hotels and owned the Royal Goat and Saracens Head Hotel in Beddgelert, North Wales in liaison with another property development scheme. Although a successful businessman, Jack was known best of all for his involvement in football. This started in 1956 when he followed in his father’s footsteps in becoming a director of Bir- mingham City FC – at 39 years of age he became the youngest club director in the country. He remained a director right up to his death serving latterly as Vice-Chairman and was Chairman of the club for 5 years. He also served on the FA Council for 35 years & became a Life Vice-President of the Football League after a similar period of service. He also was a member of the International Commit- tee for 30 years and attended many World Cups & European Championships as an official in charge of the England Football Team. 50 He was a keen tennis player but as he got a little older his preference changed to golf. He first Obituaries started playing at Moseley Golf Club and then Olton Golf Club when he moved with his family to live in the Solihull area. He formed a Golfing Society in 1956 with his cousin Tony called the Tudor XII and had many enjoyable outings – the Society still runs today with many of the sons of the founder members having taken over from their fathers. He also held the position of National President of the Golf Club Stewards Association for many years and was in office up till his death. His life changed significantly in November 2003 at the age of 87 when he suffered a severe stroke which nearly took his life. After spending nearly 3 months in the Solihull Parkway Hos- pital where he received excellent medical treatment, he made a good recovery in regaining his mobility but unfortunately his speech never returned. This did not dismay Jack at all as he continued to enjoy life & make new friends never once complaining about his disability – indeed he made great efforts with the help of speech therapists to regain his speech with a limited amount of success. Much to everyone’s delight he reached the age of 90 and celebrated by having not one but two big parties within a few days of each other – he was in great form on both occasions. He suffered a severe viral infection in August 2008 which again necessitated a lengthy stay in hospital – true to form he made another amazing recovery but the family considered it best that he further recuperate in the Sunrise Senior Care Home in Shirley until his full mobility returned. Jack spent a very happy last 10 months of his life at Sunrise & was indeed in great form until about 9 days before his death – he will be sadly missed there as he will be everywhere. Mike Wiseman EDWARD WALKER (Fetherston, left 1937) We regret to announce that Edward Walker passed away Sunday 27 September in Plymouth where he was at a Royal Navy reunion. He was a life-long Mason with the last 20 years or so in the Shenstonian Lodge. HARRY BRYAN (Left 1938) Harry Bryan died on 2nd November. He was at School from 1936-38. He was a quiet man, always courteous, regularly supported the OSA from the 1970s and followed the Rugby Club. He too was a regular attendee at the Over 60s lunches. CLAUDE COTON (Shenstone , left 1938) All who knew Claude were very saddened to learn of the death of this warm, friendly and larger than life personality. There can be no doubt that with the passing of Claude Thomas Coton, the Association saw the end of an era in losing arguably the most prominent and delightful character in its entire history. Claude was born in Solihull on 22nd April 1920 and was dispatched to Solihull School in 1930 to commence a relationship which was to continue for the rest of his life. Whilst he was not considered an academic in the purest sense of the word, he was above average intel- 51 lectually. During his time at Solihull School he became well known for his sporting prowess, excelling at every sport he undertook.

Obituaries He was a much valued member of the School Choir as well as the School Prefects’ Group. Contem- poraries of this group, who subsequently became life- long friends, included the late Sir Oliver Wright and Lord John Butterfield. Leaving school in 1938, Claude commenced work with a local firm of Ac- countants. He then spent some time with the RAF during the War years before returning to Solihull to commence work in the family market garden business in Drury Lane. His great passions were rugby (he was a Past Captain and Past President of the Rugby Club), and the Old Silhillians’ Association (he was a Past President). He played rugby to County Standard, somehow managing to remain fit enough to turn out for games up to the age of 55. He dedicated in excess of 60 years service to the Committees of both the Rugby Club and the OSA, and was made an Honorary Member of North Warwickshire RFU. Furthermore, Claude was a joint presenter of the ‘Bog Seat’ Trophy in 1949 (which is battled for each year between the Old Silhillians’ Rugby Club and Nuneaton Old Edwardians’ Rugby Club), and he was a founder of the Midland Old Boys 7-a-side competition. In addition to being a stalwart of the Rugby Club, he was similarly a tremendous supporter of the OSA, being President in 1954 and Editor of this magazine prior to the present incumbent. This great personality was also the founder of the over 60s Luncheon Club. His record is exemplary. Unafraid to speak his mind, Claude always had the best interests of the School and the Association at the forefront of his thinking. His wit, wisdom and guidance have been sorely missed by those who strive to continue to uphold the best traditions of both. Claude was, however, also a man of great contradiction. On the one hand was this immensely powerful 19 stone rugby player, with an incredible physical presence, petrifying the opposition players by simply looking at them, whilst on the other hand Claude was an incredibly kind and gentle man who appreciated the finer things in life such as good food and wines. He saw 52 beauty in the simplicity and perfection of a rose. His plant knowledge was encyclopedic and Obituaries many people reading this will know what a tremendous landscape gardener and plantsman he was. Many gardens in Solihull and beyond have received the benefit of his skill and knowledge of horticulture and landscape design. These will remain a testament to him for many years to come. As a wonderful organiser of events, it was Claude’s eye for and attention to detail which made him so inspirational and respected. He had the highest expectations and provided the best. For example, at the Past Captains’ and Presidents’ Dinners which he organised annually, Past Presidents would be given a red carnation buttonhole, Past Captains a pink one, and Guests a white carnation – not necessary, but typical of Claude’s class, flair and determination to reach the highest standards, to do things right. These simple gestures typified the personality that he was. To his wife Dora, to his many friends and to my wife Ann and I, Claude was the dearest of men, simply the best. Peter A Thomas Roy Davies offers an appreciation of “the great man” Claude was a larger than life character - a leftover from the thirties in a way. He was indestruct- ible on the rugby field and a good man to have on your side. He lived in Drury Lane where the family market garden was situated. The School and the Old Sils were his life – no one ever contributed more. His school 440 yards record stood for years and he was an important member of the John Butterfield, J.O. Wright, 1938 School Prefects’ Group. I well remember him being kind to me in the Colts’ Team when he was rugby captain. In 1946, when the Sils’ rugby club reformed (Solihull School Old Boys), he was a driving force in the renewal. We played on Broomfields and changed at the workhouse (now part of Solihull Hos- pital). The back bar of the old George was the venue for the selection of our three teams. We were never top class, but we played our coarse rugby with enthusiasm. I was Fixture Secretary for seven years. We did not venture far because we all worked on Saturday mornings so one hour was our range. Claude had an old Morris Ten car which he ran on a mixture of agricultural diesel (unsanctioned and unlawful) and rationed petrol. The petrol pump, which used to protest, had a piece of string attached which the passenger wiggled at intervals to keep forward progress. Claude and Dora built a house on Whitefields Road with the Sils’ team doing some of the heavy lifting. A further memory of the great man was the ‘Wiseman’s pint episode’. In the Saturday George dance Tony Wiseman accidentally, I think, picked up Claude’s pint. Claude said “Put that down Tony, that’s mine”. Wiseman laughed and Claude hit him. It must have been 15 feet before he landed. Claude then picked him up and enquired about his health – an episode I never forgot. And so on. He was a good chunk of my social life over the years. David Lewis was in the same form at school – he’s probably the last of their generation still going. Claude’s cheerful integrity - he never had a bad word against anyone - was a beacon and such a good example to all. 53 SIR OLIVER WRIGHT (School House, left 1939) Oliver Wright had previously ended his diplomatic career, as he thought, as Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany. But he

Obituaries was a man of sensitive political antennae who proved readily acceptable to politicians of both main parties. A tall, heavily-built man with the swarthy good looks and physical presence of actors like Humphrey Bogart, Wright had won the confidence of Sir Alec Douglas-Home when he was Prime Minister in the early 1960s, and subsequently of Harold Wilson. So when Mrs Thatcher’s Foreign Secretary, Lord Carrington, picked him for Washington in the 1980s it was an understandable, if unexpected, choice. John Oliver Wright was born on March 6 1921 and educated at Solihull School and Christ’s College, Cambridge. During the Second World War, from 1941 to 1945, he served in the Royal Navy, as an RNVR officer. He earned an outstanding record, being awarded a DSC in 1945 when commanding a motor torpedo boat. He joined the Foreign Service in November 1945 and served as a junior in a variety of posts – New York, Bucharest, Singapore, Berlin and Pretoria – before returning to London in 1959. At the age of only 38 he was selected to fill one of the two Foreign Office vacancies on the Imperial Defence College course of that year, and had already been identified as a man likely to rise to the heights of the service. In 1960 Wright was appointed assistant private secretary to the Foreign Secretary, then the Earl of Home, who came to rely on him greatly, especially in speech-writing. Lord Home appointed him his principal private secretary in 1963 and took him over to Downing Street when Home himself became Prime Minister in succession to Harold Macmillan. Wright then took over the overseas desk of No 10, and was occupying it when Sir Alec Douglas-Home, as he had then become, lost the 1964 general election. The Foreign Office – and Wright himself – supposed that the incoming Prime Minister might want to make a change, especially in view of Wright’s personal association over several years with Sir Alec. But Harold Wilson kept him on, and when Wright left Downing Street two years later he was promoted to be Ambassador to Denmark at the age of only 45. Thus he had progressed well ahead of all his contemporaries. Wright’s terms as private secretary at the Foreign Office and at No 10 undoubtedly laid the basis for his subsequent successful career; his knowledge of personalities and politics at the centre proved an invaluable asset when he rose to his most senior posts. Unlike some of his predecessors and successors at No 10, he did not turn into a quasi-politician, but was able to retain the good opinion of his professional colleagues as well as winning the confidence of his political masters. 54 Obituaries After Denmark he spent a few months, in 1969, as the senior official dealing with Northern Ireland. Wilson had considered sending a member of the cabinet, a Foreign Office man hardly suggesting that London viewed the province as an integral part of the United Kingdom, but Wright (as he explained) was to be Wilson’s eyes and ears, “rather less than a governor and rather more than an ambassador”. Subsequently Wright took on the key Foreign Office job of chief clerk – the under-secretary of state responsible for the personnel, finance and administra- tion of the Foreign Service. In 1973 Wright moved on to be the deputy under-secretary supervising the European depart- ments of the Foreign Office, and was also responsible for the work of what became known as the Political Director – the British official working with colleagues in the European Community in seeking to co-ordinate the policies of the then nine member states. From there Wright went to Bonn, to succeed Sir Nicholas Henderson, and where he was in many ways at his best. His five years in Germany enabled him to get to know the leading ministers and members of the German establishment at a time when Germany was becoming more and more influential inside the European Community. It was a difficult time for British ambassadors because in the late 1970s Britain was seen as cutting a poor figure. But Wright kept his end up well. On retirement in 1981 Wright returned to Britain in the expectation of becoming Master of his old Cambridge college, Christ’s. He had been approached by the Fellows before he left Bonn and they had elected him to an honorary fellowship with a view to his election as Master in 1982. He was in fact “pre-elected” in that year, but within a few months he was asked by the Foreign Office to resume his diplomatic career as Ambassador in Washington. This was em- barrassing for Christ’s, but it was scarcely possible for Wright to refuse such a flattering offer. He had hoped for this appointment earlier in his career, and he believed that he could still do it well, as indeed he did. The Fellows of Christ’s readily accepted his last-minute withdrawal from the Mastership in view of the glittering prize presented to him so unexpectedly. Wright proved a most suitable Ambassador to be accredited to Ronald Reagan, and spent an enjoyable and successful four years in the post. In his second retirement, Wright spent an active few years in various appointments commensu- rate with his experience in Washington and Bonn. He served on the board of the British Council in the 1980s, and became a trustee of the British Museum (1986-91) and of the International Shakespeare Globe Centre from 1986. He was appointed CMG in 1964, KCMG in 1974, GCVO in 1978 and GCMG in 1981. He was King of Arms of the Order of St Michael and St George from 1987 to 1996. In 1978 he was awarded a Grand Cross of the German Order of Merit. Oliver Wright, who died on September 1, married, in 1942, Marjory Osborne; they had three sons. They were an attractive and vivacious couple who took a close interest in the theatre and maintained a wide circle of friends in Britain and America. From The Daily Telegraph TONY WISEMAN Tony died peacefully in the Priory Nursing Home on 3rd September 2008, the 53rd anniversary of his wedding day. He was 84. 55 At Solihull School during the late 1930s, he appears to have excelled academically in Divinity. On leaving school he joined the Gas Board in Solihull but early on in the war he joined the Merchant Navy as a radio operator and spent the war years on the Atlantic Convoy run. After the war he went into the hardware business, eventually owning several shops in the Birmingham area. He loved sailing and gadgets but perhaps his great love was for golf. He Obituaries became Captain and President of Olton Golf Club as well as being a founder member of the Tudor 12 Golf Society. He married on 3rd September 1955 and actually played a round of golf in the morning before going to the church! He is survived by his wife, Betty, his son Steven and daughter Mandy, and a granddaughter. Pat Moore/Mandy (Nee Wiseman) RAYMOND BOWYER (Left 1940) Raymond was at School from September 1938 to December 1940. He was not a native of the district and when his parents moved in 1940 he left with them. I remember him as having an inexhaustible supply of the Gem and Magnet Comics and the pre-war magazines Air Stories and Flying. He disliked the name Raymond and when he read that Chaz was an abbreviated name for Charles he decided to adopt it. When he left School he enlisted as an apprentice armourer in the RAF. He is probably best remembered for being a successful author of books on the RAF under the name of Chaz Bowyer with titles including Spitfire, Guns in the Sky, Air Gunners of WW II, History of the RAF, Fighter Command and The Encyclopaedia of British Military Aircraft. The obituary in the Daily Telegraph referred to him as an accomplished Aviation Historian, which is a very fair comment.

He died in Norwich on 18th June 2008 aged 81. John Taylor/Pat Moore PETER HOLLINGS (Left 1941) We regret to announce that Peter Hollings died on 6th October 2009 after a short illness. DON KETTLE (Fetherston, left c1943) Don was born in Lapworth and was a pupil at Rowington School, from where he won a scholarship to Solihull School. From there he followed what was a familiar and much respected route for bright boys from the West Midlands. Don studied for an HNC in Mechanical and Production Engineering at Central Technical College and later converted that to a B.Sc. He also became a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. World War II interrupted his studies and Don joined the Fleet Air Arm. After the war he recommenced his career with Tubes Ltd, where he worked as an Engineering Apprentice, Draughtsman and eventually became Assistant Chief Engineer. He then moved on to Wilmot Breeden, where he became Group Personnel Director until 1981 when he took up consultancy work. The brief summary very clearly reveals a man of high calibre and considerable professional strengths – as recognised by his peers. Indeed, he also became Chairman of the British Association for Commerce and Industrial Education (West Midlands). These same excellent qualities were equally demonstrated in other areas of Don’s life, the pub- 56 lic life in Solihull and beyond. As a consequence of a family tragedy he became the Founder Obituaries Chairman of Knowle and Dorridge Muscular Dystrophy Group. Don and his wife, Anne, also enjoyed a long association with the National Trust at Baddesley Clinton House, where he was a volunteer for 21 years and with the Solihull Centre where he was Vice-President from 1992 until his death. Don was Churchwarden at St. Philip’s, Dorridge and then moved to Baddesley Clinton where he had two spells as Warden amounting to some 20 years. With thanks to the Revd. Michael Morgan PAT HILL (Fetherston, left 1944) Pat was an excellent all-round sportsman at Solihull School, but particularly at cricket and hockey. He went up to Mer- ton College, Oxford, at the tender age of 17 where he read Law and, on graduating, was commissioned into the Queen’s Bays Regiment. After completing his service, Pat was welcomed into the firm of Godfrey Diggins, Birmingham. He travelled daily by train from Solihull to Snow Hill and coincidentally a young lady named Joan used the same train. They would have you believe that at first they did not like each other; nevertheless they always travelled in the confined space of the same carriage although they had the whole train to choose from! The relationship was finally ce- mented at a tennis club dance, in the days of ballroom danc- ing when young men held their partners tight to their bosoms – it certainly worked for them and they married in 1953. A few years later their daughter Gail was born. Already a county tennis player, Pat learned to play golf and joined Olton Golf Club. Stan Lea, another old school friend, tells the story of how Pat decided that they should enter the Old Boys’ Annual Competition. By the time they returned to the Clubhouse, not only had the prizes been given out, but the other contestants had gone home! He soon became an expert golfer and served as Captain and then President, during the Club’s Centenary year. He was also President of the Law Society Golf Club and found time to serve as Worshipful Master of the Shenstonian Lodge. Pat and Joan lived much of their earlier married life in the Solihull area but in 1980 they bought ‘Thatchings’ in Preston Bagot. Later, Dorothy and I were thinking of buying a bungalow in Low- sonford. “Do it” said Pat “It is the best thing I have ever done” and they organised a gathering to introduce us to their neighbours. In 1984, they joined the Three Sevens Dining Club contribut- ing greatly to the success of the club. If anyone asked how he was, he would always reply “I am exceedingly well, thank you” despite macular degeneration affecting his sight – and he meant it. A couple of years ago, they moved to from Preston Bagot to Stratford-upon-Avon. Ask anyone to describe Pat and they would all say “he was a lovely man”. I shall miss him greatly. Wilf Harrison 57 ANTHONY BIDDLE (Jago, left 1946) Anthony Biddle died on 27th October. Being born of an Irish father, one Mr. Chaffer, may ex- plain where he got his gift of talking from. His mother divorced when Anthony was a small boy and married Mr. Biddle who had a chemist’s shop in Olton. Anthony, it was never Tony, was at School from 1938 to 1946. He was a sub-prefect and his sporting prowess was in Football,

Obituaries Athletics and Basketball, for each of which he was awarded his Jago House colours. One claim to fame was that he had the idea of extracting the methane gas from the Birming- ham Corporation rubbish dump, which had been filled and covered over with soil many years previously, and using it to generate electricity. A successful venture, which I believe is still working today. He was a very regular attendee of the Over 60s lunches for many years only missing the last one shortly before he died. MALCOLM JAMES ‘MAC’ HANLEY (Pole, left 1948) It is with deep regret that we announce that Malcolm ‘Mac’ Hanley passed away on 31st July 2006. Mac was at Solihull School from 1942 until 1948. After school he attended Harper Adams Agricultural College followed by work experience in Fillongley and Henley-in-Arden. In 1953 Mac emigrated to New Zealand where he met and married Evon in 1956. They had four children. During Mac’s life-long career in New Zealand he encountered other ex-pat Old Sils – Peter Sperry, David Lucas and John Wall. After retirement he greatly enjoyed Golf and Probus. His last visit to the School was in May 1994. RICHARD J.C. GRAVES (Left 1974) Richard was born on 22nd March 1956 and began school life at Solihull School in 1964 in the Prep Form having left Ruckleigh. His first encounter at Solihull was with Graham Atkins who wore his school cap throughout the 8+ entrance examination. All through school life Richard never let Gra- ham forget that! I met Richard during the second forms on a trip to the Mountain Cottage in Wales. On our return he invited me back to his house in Oakley Wood Drive where he introduced me to his older sister. According to Richard, Helen was kept in the loft and was only allowed out on special occasions. At a very young age Richard had crafted his sense of humour, which would be put to constant use throughout his life. At school, he was a keen sportsman with a love for cricket and rugby. He played for the 1st XV rugby team and made a first class wicketkeeper. Richard was an enthusiastic scout and under the leadership of Phil Smith became a venture scout. One of the voluntary classes available at the time was a typing course. Richard enrolled but after only an hour he declared to the tutor that the course was not really for him as he would be employing a secretary to do that sort of work. Not only did Richard have a great sense of humour but he also had a great sense of style. In the early 1970s Richard went through his 58 ‘David Bowie’ phase, shortly followed by his ‘Bryan Ferry’ Period. During this time the majority Obituaries of us were aspiring to jeans, tee shirts, crosses and beads, trying to look like something between Ozzy Osbourne and Alice Cooper. Richard on the other hand had created his own alternative, cool, iconic look, donning blazers, flannels, boaters and spats. We couldn’t understand at the time why Richard had become so popular with the Ladies! Having completed his ‘A’ levels in the Sixth Form, Richard left Solihull School in 1974. Armed with his sense of humour, his sense of style and his good looks, he began his quest at Aston University to become a Quantity Surveyor. It was at this time that he met Debbie Mear who was later to become his wife. Richard qualified as a Chartered Surveyor and began work at RM Douglas. He married Deb- bie in 1982 and I had the honour of being his best man. Richard began working for the family business Francis C. Graves. He had always considered Richard Graves, Pete Francis that in life there were Cavaliers and Roundheads. and Nigel Harrison He embarked on a career in property and with all his attributes, became the Cavalier he had always talked about. Richard had helped build the family firm into one of the major players in the region’s property scene. The company was involved in a number of flagship schemes over the years including the NEC, the Five Ways development in Birmingham and the New Welsh Assembly. Richard had four daughters with Debbie who were all educated at St. Martin’s School. Cather- ine, the second eldest daughter, completed her ‘A’ levels in the Sixth Form at Solihull. Richard’s other love was for his cars. He had everything from a Beach Buggy to a Bentley. From an Austin Healey to an Aston Martin, or rather a collection of Aston Martins. He lived life to the full. Richard was elected President of The Old Silhillians’ Association in 1991 and Editor of The Silhillian Magazine from 1992 to 1994. In 2005 his family business was sold in a multi-million pound deal in which Richard was majority shareholder and Senior Partner. Richard however had managed to buy the business back at a fraction of the price when the acquiring firm had gone into liquidation. In a recent article in the Birmingham Post, John Druckers, the former Business Editor said “Mr. Graves was widely respected both for his business acumen and sense of fun. He was a big sports fan and loved his shooting. He will be missed by all who knew him and will be remembered for his infectious personality not just in Birmingham, but also across the construction and property industry”. Richard died on 3rd July 2009 at the age of 53, having suffered with pancreatic cancer for eighteen months. More than seven hundred people attended his funeral on 17th July 2009 - testimony in itself. Richard was larger than life. He achieved his ambitions. I have had the pleasure of knowing Richard for 43 of his years and have enjoyed family holidays with him, school holidays with him and had lots of fun with him. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him and loved him. His loss will be immeasurable. Pete Francis 59 September ‘08, as some of you will remember, was not a great month for playing golf, or in fact for doing anything outdoors. Pos- sibly the worst day was a Friday in the middle of the month when we had arranged to play our now annual Hockey Vs Rugby Club golf match for the Hicklin Cup. I was anticipating elephant-like memo-

The Hicklin Cup Hicklin The ries from the willing players who all managed to play 18 holes on that day and for them to wimp out this year, but, not for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised how keen sportsman are for a bit of light competition. We all need not have worried, we did not see a drop of rain for the preceding fortnight and ‘match day’ was no different. Both teams had 12 willing volunteers and we set off just after 2pm. The format was chosen to be a texas scramble with three-quarters of the difference of the joint handicap given to the higher handicapped team On the 6th green, Max Levenger misses another 2-footer!!!

Jacob Bowman - nice swing young sir! (have I lost you yet???). Every hole was to count, so there were due to be some interesting results especially for those with a high and low handicapper in each team. This proved to be the case. Phil Green and Nick Sav- age were on hand to take the scores and the photos and kept us all constantly updated.

The rugby club took an early lead in most of the matches leading to your Editor to start chuntering about “handicaps” and 60 “formats” so loud I could hear him a hole back, and that was before Cup Hicklin The we were half way round! The oval shaped wheels on the rugby bus began slowly but surely to fall off and as the last group teed off in the pitch black the hockey club managed to retain the cup with a win of 5 holes across all the teams. Given there were 108 holes available it was another close finish. Thanks to Stonebridge for hosting us, to all the players for both teams and to Jim Roper for his help in getting it all organised. It was a great occasion and we all enjoyed a pint afterwards to discuss the golf, including some well judged 30 foot putts from the light rough if I remember correctly. I did promise I wouldn’t mention that – well, it certainly wasn’t a fluke as my oppo sug- gested, a touch fortunate maybe?!? We will play again next year where hopefully it will be as enjoyable – and dry. Max Levenger Paul Lawrence tees off on the par 3 7th

Jonathan Clutterbuck - an iron for safety up the 6th

Malcolm Lawrie putts for a half on the 1st

61 Basketball

WEST MIDLANDS BASKETBALL LEAGUE 2008 / 2009 SEASON Division 1 Points Pl Won Lost P.F. P.A. Deducted Pts Aston Uni 16 13 3 1232 983 0 42 Orillo 16 12 4 1097 936 0 40 Churchbridge 16 11 5 1133 946 0 38 Warley ‘B’ 16 10 6 1272 1066 0 36 Balkan Express 16 10 6 957 976 0 36 Sports Sections Sports Sils ‘B’ 16 7 9 942 942 0 30 Pro Guard Pistons 16 4 12 1052 1251 0 24 Sils ‘A’ 16 3 13 918 1166 1 21 Hawks 16 2 14 847 1184 0 20 This was the first season where both the ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams have been in the same division and saw the first competitive games between the sides. Honours were even with 1 win for each side; ‘A’s home fixture saw a win for the ‘B’ team 62-72 with the return game going to the ‘A’s 73-78. The ‘A’ team had a season affected by injury and work commitments and saw the team struggle for most of the season. The 2009 / 10 season sees the ‘A’ team playing in Divi- sion 2 where we hope to consolidate and hope to gain promotion back to Div 1. The ‘B’ team faired better playing their first season in Div1. The team lost 3 key players to university at the start of the season and could not repeat the momentum of the previous undefeated season. The best result coming in the last game of the season with a 60-58 win over Orillo. The 2009 / 10 season will be a tough challenge with a number of strong teams in the division. Anyone interested in playing basketball please contact Geoff Garwood on 07956 915217.

Golf

PRESIDENT GRAHAM CREED 01564 778549 CAPTAIN PETER THOMAS 01926 843482 VICE-CAPTAIN TIM PLATT SECRETARY/TREASURER BOB YOUNG 01564 772556 I can’t begin to express what a privilege and pleasure it has been to be captain of this great Society. For someone who, to be quite honest, has only a very limited amount of tal- ent as a golfer it really has been great fun. The characters within the society are so diverse and interesting as is, I am pleased to say, the standard of golf. The principal objective of the society is to assist and encourage members of the School and the Old Silhillians’ Association to enjoy the game of golf. An objective which, thanks to the enthusiasm and support of its members and efficient committee under the chairmanship of Graham Creed, has managed to be fulfilled with gusto. With Bob Young as Secretary, Mike Wiseman as Match Secretary and Max Levenger as ‘B’ team Captain, success was always assured. 62 The A and B teams enjoyed a number of matches against local clubs the results of which, Sports Sections Sports quite frankly, do not mat- ter. The important thing being that all matches were played in great spirit with all standards of golf on display. With- out equivocation of any kind I can say that everyone who played in these matches thoroughly enjoyed themselves. One match worth specific mention though was the annual match against Ol- ton Golf Club. Some 22 players from each side turned out on a wonder- Peter Thomas (Captain, OSGS), Bruce Wilson (President, ful sunny day to do battle Olton GC) and Ian Phipps (‘A’ Team Captain, Olton GC) for the Brian Urry Trophy and the Brian Urry Trophy (a big man and a big trophy). The result was a magnificent draw 51⁄2 to 51⁄2. Despite jocular protestations that we were effectively the visiting side, and as such our points should count as double, the trophy was duly presented to both teams. At this point I would like to say that the Society could not exist in its present form without the support, wonderful co-operation and generous hospitality extended to us by Olton Golf Club. We are extremely grateful. The domestic competitions were again very well attended and enjoyed by all who took part. A magnificent 40 players took part in the Roy Letts Invitation Foursomes which was won by Mike Schofield and Duncan Waters. Some 22 players took part in the Wiseman Graham Creed, George Kennedy and John Park Foursomes which was won by on Captain’s Day at Broadway Golf Club Max Levenger and Will West- Golf all. John Ruddick won the Old Silhillians’ Challenge Cup (best net) with a round of 67, David Fleet won the Charles Hill salver (best gross) with a 74 and the evergreen John Stubbings won The Senior Salver with a best net of 68. Captain’s Day was held at Broadway Golf Club and some 38 members and their guests attended what I believe was felt by all to be a great day out. Broadway golf club was in pris- tine condition. The views from the course over Broadway and beyond are breathtaking. The 63 Back Row -

Front Row - Sports Sections Sports

Louis Meryon, James Hetherington, Graham Creed and Harry Westall

David Fleet, Peter Thomas, Richard Turner and Barney Dowding

GRAFTON MORRISH 2009 TEAM

64 Sports Sections Sports sun was out for most of the day, with just a small amount of drizzle during lunchtime. The main event was won by my old chum Burt (aka Kevin Parkes) and his (temporarily) finger- less partner Peter Chalkley. The team event was won by Mike Wiseman, Tony Pearson and Rod Noon (bandits!!). In the words of dear old John ‘Sparrow Legs’ Cooper, past captain, “If you went to Solihull School, play golf and enjoy good company, why not join us”? Grafton Morrish Trophy As a result of the team winning the competition last year, under the competition rules, we did not need to qualify for the finals in Norfolk this year, thus saving me from the stress of potential disaster. For those readers who don’t know, The Grafton Morrish Trophy is fought for by members of the Public Schools Golfing Society of which Solihull School was one of the original 16 founder members when it was formed in 1962. Membership of the society has grown to well over 130 since then and a series of regional qualifying rounds results in some 48 teams attending the finals on the magnificent links at the Hunstanton and Royal West Norfolk Clubs. This year, under the captaincy of David Fleet, our team of Louis Meryon, James Hether- ington, Richard Turner, Barney Dowding and Harry Westall embarked on what was to be a tremendous attempt to retain the trophy. On the morning of Friday 25th September in perfect conditions we took on Reeds at Hunstanton winning the match 2 to 1. This was followed by a quick drink and a sandwich, and then we were off to Brancaster to play on the magnificent Royal West Norfolk Club against Harrow. Again a 2 to 1 win was secured and we were safely through to Saturday. A fantastic day greeted us at Hunstanton with not a cloud in the sky, and at 10.48 we took on Lancing. Another 2 to 1 victory was recorded and we were now through to the quarter-finals. Here we met our old rivals Malvern in what was to be a fantastic encounter. If I live to be 100 (no chance), with the game all square, I will always remember the approach shot of David Fleet’s to the green on the 18th, where from about 150 yards out, with the ball below his feet and in front of a substantial crowd of onlookers, he put our second shot stone dead within 3 feet. I say ‘stone dead’ because these boys do not miss 3 feet putts. David is a great Captain on the field of play and a truly magnificent golfer. We were now through to the final day with Wimbledon to play in the semi-final. The team, having retired early to bed the night before (whilst the supporters enjoyed a libation or 10), once again woke to a cloudless sky and perfect golfing conditions. At 9.30 the match against Wimbledon commenced. Sadly for us Wimbledon were just too good on the day, and even though we were defeated the lads could not have given more. They were to a man magnificent and I for one was extremely proud to be a part of the team. These lads are so talented I cannot find words suitable to express my admiration for them. They could not have put up a better defence of the trophy so, ‘Well done to all’.

In conclusion of my report I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Society for giving me this chance to be their Captain. I have loved it. To my fellow members on committee, sincere thanks for all your unstinting efforts and to those of you who played in the various matches a big thank you too. Finally to my successor, Tim Platt, who has been an absolute rock during my year and the best Vice-Captain I could have wished for – good luck in the year to come, I know you will enjoy it as much as I have. Peter A Thomas 65 Hockey

PRESIDENT CRAIG FFITCH CHAIRMAN STEVE TABB 07900 884100 MEN’S CLUB CAPTAIN MIKE WATERS 07977 229541 LADIES CLUB CAPTAIN: SALLY-ANNE OGDEN 07765 867952 YOUTH DEVELOPMENT LUCY STEELE 07971 704608

Another mixed season on the pitch, mixed with sadness and great hope for the Sports Sections Sports future off it. Following the tragic death of Heather Linley as reported in last year’s magazine, the club was dealt a further blow during the summer with the loss of Jonathan Mitchell, our hugely popular Veterans Captain, in a motor accident. Jonathan set up the midweek veterans section a few years ago and quickly built it into a thriving part of the club, successfully bringing back to the sport a number of members who had previously retired from playing. Judging from the number of condolence cards received he had also become widely respected by other local clubs. He will be greatly missed. The hope for the future is the successful completion of the Astroturf project. As reported elsewhere in this magazine the return of hockey to Copt Heath will enable our members to play, train, change and socialise on a single site for the first time in almost 20 years. Combined with a greater voluntary input from our members it is hoped this will lead to an expansion in membership at all ages.

On the pitch the club’s sides produced an improved showing. The Men’s and Ladies’ First XIs both enjoyed better seasons finishing in fifth position in their respective leagues. The Men’s First XI, in particular, suffered from an inability to defeat the weakest sides in the league whilst being more than competitive against the top sides. Discipline can be an issue at times and greater depth up front would help, but the potential is there for this team to push for promotion, particularly now that the club has made the investment to engage a coach for both training and matches.

The Men’s Second XI were expected to have a strong season and at Christmas were well placed to challenge for promotion. A disastrous second half to the season following the loss of several key players to injury saw the side struggle to win a game and eventually avoid relegation by a narrow margin. There is no doubt, however, that this team is capable of finishing near the top of the table providing players are available.

The highlights of the injuries incurred last season were the examples of Nick Op- penheimer and John Scott. Exactly what sort of example two forty year olds were trying to set by skateboarding is beyond me. But the sight of the two of them sat opposite each other at the annual dinner in plaster casts was among the more 66 amusing moments of the season.

Photos from the Hockey Club Annual Dinner Sports Sections Sports

Gary Perkins Nick Oppenheimer Teale Withers

Tony Smith John Harrison Jo O’Malley

Hannah Rhodes Chris Mayer Vicki Gill School Girls’ Captain School Boys’ Coach School Girls’ Coach 67 Sports Sections Sports

Jamie Clapham receives the Levenger Trophy for the leading goal-scorer from Graham Gooch and Club President, Mick Lane The Ladies’ Second XI provided the success story of the season by finishing second in their league and securing promotion. At the time of writing the Ladies’ section needs only a few more players to begin running a regular third side. Should any Old Silhillian or their friends wish to take the game up or return to playing please contact any of the officers listed above.

The Men’s Third XI had a strong season finishing fourth in the league with con- sistent performances and a number of good results against the stronger sides in the league. The Men’s Fourth XI on the other hand had a particularly distin- guished (as in veteran) side and struggled against much younger, mobile opposition. The seventeen goals scored may have been the fewest in their league but they were celebrated with youthful abandon as was the team’s solitary victory.

The club’s junior section was the first in the country to be awarded the Sport England Clubmark Accreditation and new organiser Lucy Steele has done a tremendous job of continuing to provide good coaching in a safe environment and is a popular coach of the younger children who are taking up the game for the first time. I would encourage any parents whose children wish to take up the sport to contact Lucy by telephone (see page 66) or turn up at the club for training at 68 10.30am on Sunday mornings. Sports Sections Sports As ever I would like to end by thanking Solihull School and Chris Mayer in particular for their backing over the past twelve months.

The Club is always looking for new players. All interested should contact the rel- evant officer listed above. Mike Waters

Rifle

PRESIDENT PETER UPTON 01564 770743 CHAIRMAN CLIVE HOLLINGS 0121 706 1212 SECRETARY DAVID NEAL 0121 744 8751 CLUB CAPTAINS LIZ ASQUITH (Rifle) 0121 704 0314 BON MANN (Pistol) 0121 744 7872 The year has been a successful one for the club on both individual and team fronts. James Hornsby who shoots both Prone and Lightweight Sport Rifle (LSR) disciplines gained entry to the Great Britain Junior squad and represented the Country in international matches shot in Germany and at the home of shooting, Bisley. Some 12 club members have gained County representational honours in both disciplines. The prone section has had a steady year. The LSR group of shooters had an exceptional Winter Season with all 6 teams medalling in the Midland League and every single shooter improving their average during the season - a unique occasion. Much effort has been put in to improving performance over the past 3 years and this has been rewarded by the Clubs LSR ‘A’ Team being promoted to Division 1 of the Midland League for the first time. Whilst we are faced with increasing financial pressures the cost of small-bore shooting is

69 still very reasonable and exceptionally so when compared to other shooting disciplines. Range fees are £1-50 per session and ammunition starts at £2-70 for 50 rounds. Rifles and all equipment are provided from club stock. The club ethos is to encourage as many to shoot as often as possible rather than to have a small elite shooting occasionally. As ever the club’s activities and the range maintenance needs could not be fulfilled without the voluntary help of Officers, Committee and members. Our thanks go to all who have contributed throughout the year. The photo on the previous page gives a flavour of the ‘motley’ crews assembled for duty

Sports Sections Sports during the year, it also reflects the age range of the clubs membership, 14 to 82, and all shoot. The club has been able to host more ‘visiting shooter’ events this year, partly to spread the word and partly to raise extra finance. We have reintroduced the ‘organised group shoot’ and in August hosted 15 members of St Alphege Rotary Club for an evening of LSR shooting. Should any readers be interested in holding such an event please make contact with the Chairman. Finally on the question of membership anyone interested in having a look at what we do and how we do it would be most welcome to make an exploratory non-shooting visit – please contact the Chairman or Secretary to discuss options. Clive Hollings Rugby

PRESIDENT PAUL NEWBY 07836 722950 CHAIRMAN IAN WHITE SECRETARY GRAHAM LOADER 07702 632219 It is once again an honour to be able to write for this magazine as captain of the rugby club. In 1994, I was a very impressionable 13 year old in Form IV BC at Solihull school. I was certainly not a model pupil, with an incredible penchant for bad behaviour and general hell raising I can well imagine the words used about me behind the staff room door. For his sins Phil Griffiths was my history teacher and in the Christmas term of 94 my history report came back thus - “There is room for improvement in Lee’s work. He does tend to lose concentration in class and he is easily distracted. More self discipline is required.” Obviously that excerpt was the edited version of my report because I want to retain some form of dignity in front of my team mates but if someone had the unenviable task of writing an end of year report on our last season it may have sounded similar. I’m sure the lads will agree, especially in the First XV, that at times we were our own worst enemy but we also faced a variety of different problems last season, not least a record amount of injuries at times and the ever creeping tide of “pro- fessionalism” into our league. However facing such challenges brought out the best in us and many of the players stepped up their efforts for the good of the 70 team. Sports Sections Sports

Phil Bennett was privileged to meet Lee Jones at this year’s club dinner We once again asked players to play out of their comfort zones and again ultimately change their position with the likes of Simon Doherty moving to the centres and having a blistering season with his centre partner Chris Wood- hams. It was a revelation to have last year’s young player of the year, Cam- eron Law, stand defiant in his conviction to play in the back row which has led to him securing his place at No 8. And it would not be a typical season at the Sils if, as Captain, I did not mention the efforts of the ever indefatigable Alex Roper whose tackle count measured on average 20 a game and who, even when injured with a seriously broken hand, attended nearly every training session. I have personally been taken aback when in the face of adversity many individuals who I thought may have shied from the graft have actually excelled and improved in their performances including the winner of the season,s cap for the most improved player, Harry Law. The Second XV or Saxons as they have come to be known also faced a challenging season. The merit league they played in seemed a little biased towards certain teams and on most occasions the Saxons were thrown together at the last minute after admirable work by, in particular, Duncan Stanley and Steve Allso. Still, they produced some fine performances especially after having their team decimated on many occasions due to players being needed 71 for first team duty due to this season’s injury crisis. The Saxons had 33 different try scorers last season scoring 56 tries in total. Hopefully this highlights the wide variety of players we have had to call upon to shore up the team during difficult times. The club are immensely proud of each and every individual who has turned out in the face of adversity. As previously mentioned many Saxons players were called upon for first team duty and I would like to thank in particular Frank Watson and Sam Williams for some great performances. The Saxons were particularly bolstered in the post Christmas period by a pleth- Sports Sections Sports ora of young players that stepped up from the Colts who had been guided by the obviously capable hands of Martin Hall and Mike Leach. However the good Lord only knows how they managed to stay awake during Hally’s pre match motivational speeches, he is not known as glass eye for nothing. That said the lads relished the challenge of senior rugby, and many joined us on this year’s senior tour to Torquay. May I say what an impact these guys have had on training and matches when they were involved, it is truly a breath of fresh air to have them around and I know they have the support of all of the senior players and management. Many of the youth left a lasting impression upon the senior players this season no less than the recipients of the last season’s Colts Cup and Young Player of the Year that went to Anthony Jay and Nick Powell respectively. I would like to take this opportunity to thank a number of people without whom our club would cease to function. The constant and unwavering support of Dave Green, John Griffin, Graham Webb, Andrew Clutterbuck and Steve Roper to name but a few has been comforting and much appreciated throughout the season. Our President, Newbs, put a tour fund together based on our wins and tries. Although it could have been better due to our overall performance it was truly generous and certainly went towards some productive activities. I thank Guy Pattinson and Phil Green for all their sterling work throughout the year and finally Mark Pearson for sticking by us throughout the frustrating times and always be- lieving in our best abilities. At the time of writing, we have enjoyed a very productive pre-season and a re- structuring in our coaching team. Mark Pearson retains his position at the helm and is steering us towards a style of rugby that suits our fitness and excitement on match days. We welcome Ed Orgee as an extra pair of eyes whose passion for the game is always apparent and suits our ‘youthful exuberance’, he comple- ments Mark very well and can put into action the directions Mark dictates. Mike Leach and Simon Clarke are assisting in drilling the backs and this is proving a successful combination as Mike insists on revisiting the basics and doing them well whilst Simon translates this into our game plan. We have attracted a number of new faces and welcome back some old heads who have returned from an unproductive sabbatical elsewhere. The youth of the team continues to improve with many training regularly largely helped by their experiences on tour where many became true ‘senior’ players. Over the summer 72 we have regularly topped 40 players at training and the new coaching structure Sports Sections Sports has coped admirably, we have been pleased to amalgamate many new and talented players amongst a well established first XV who are fitting in nicely. So far we were successful at the Old Yards XV-a-side tournament playing a number of sides and beating the hosts in the final, we have won our first league game, convincingly beating Berkswell and Balsall, and started our cup run with a 33 – 5 win away at Stafford. To be honest things look promising and I am looking forward to my last year of captaincy with rejuvenated vigour for the job at hand and the task ahead. Lee Jones Squash

PRESIDENT R.J.STANDLEY 01564 772886 CHAIRMAN R.D.TAYLOR 01564 775883 SECRETARY R.HEIGHWAY 01564 742262 TREASURER J.S.PARROTT 01926 842610 CAPTAIN P.DAVIES 01564 773814 MEMBERSHIP J.MILNE 0121 733 6250 MAINTENANCE B.WRIGHT 01564 771013 LEAGUE R.MILLS 0121 684 6093 On Line Booking The new online court booking system has been extremely reliable and has now become an increasingly important part of our total income. We have now not increased our subscription or joining fee levels for the past five years and have instead relied upon increases in the light meter fee for any necessary additional revenue. As stated in last year’s report the light meter money is paid up front before playing and is totally secure. Again just a reminder from last year that any one wishing to view the new booking system or interested in joining the squash section can visit the website on www. squashbooking.co.uk/silhillians The squash club also has a specialist individual web site which is in the process of continual improvement and enlargement and can be found through the squash booking system and clicking on the club web site and then squash. Warwickshire League You will notice later in my report that the total membership numbers have been generally upholding over the last two years. However this has not resulted in the club attracting new members of sufficient standard and commitment to play team squash. Some members of the team are approaching retirement from competitive squash and it is vital that if we wish to continue to play in the external leagues we need to attract a greater percentage of younger members. We are at present reviewing the situation and are investigating ways of achieving these aims. In the light of the above, last year we competed in division 3 of the Warwickshire League having been promoted from division 4 the previous year. Generally we struggled as a long term injury to Arthur Adair and the unavailability of Mark Taylor (University) meant that two of our better players from at the top of the rankings did not play in any of the matches. This meant that all the other players had to move up the playing order with the result that 73 the team was severely weakened. We managed to win six matches out of a total of the eighteen played and finished ninth out of ten. With our playing numbers down we made the decision not to enter a team in the summer leagues. Thanks go to Phil Davies for organising the team in difficult circumstances. Players involved in winter squash were Alf Kavanagh , Roger Taylor , Phil Guest , Phil Davies, Ray Mills.

Anyone interested in viewing the winter league results in more detail can visit the War- Sports Sections Sports wickshire website on www.horizon-sport.com/wb/wb1/engsqu/warwickshire. Below is a brief table of the results from last season. Warwickshire Winter League 2008 / 2009. Pos Team Pld Won Drew Lost Points 1st West Warwicks 18 15 0 3 287 2nd Hampton 18 13 0 5 262 3rd Coleshill 18 9 0 9 229 4th Ardencote 18 10 0 8 222 5th Sutton 2 18 10 0 8 222 6th LA Fitness 2 18 8 10 10 217 7th Bournville 18 9 0 9 205 8th Priory 3 18 8 0 10 192 9th Silhillians 18 6 0 12 173 10th LA Fitness 3 18 2 0 16 120 Internal tournaments Last year’s open final has finally been played. Mark Taylor retained the trophy by beating Alf Kavanagh 3 - 1 in the final. In this year’s competition Roger Taylor beat Arthur Adair 3 - 2 in a veru close final. Jenny Tippings won this year’s handicap tournament. Arthur Adair and Roger Taylor

74 Court Maintenance Sections Sports During the year we have continued to maintain both the courts and the changing areas in a clean and sound condition. Work during the year included new doors, heaters and fluorescent tubes to both courts. Anticipated improvements in the future will include a tiled finish to the changing room floors. Membership Again membership levels have been very encouraging with numbers very similar to the previous two years. Many thanks to John Milne our Membership Secretary; without all his hard work we would surely not be in such a sound position. The rest of the committee has also put in many hours of hard work to ensure that the club runs efficiently and without these efforts we would not be able to operate. Special thanks must go to John Standley (President) John Parrott (Treasurer), Brian Wright (Court Maintenance), Ray Mills (Internal leagues), Bob Heighway (Secretary) and Phil Davies (Captain). Racketball Racketball continues to become more popular and we are now running internal leagues. It is hoped that more players will give the game a try and that the number in the leagues will gradually increase. Finally as in previous years we have plenty of spare capacity for new members wishing to play either Squash or Racketball . Our subscription rates remain very competitive and anyone interested in joining the squash club should contact John Milne on 01564 795063. Roger Taylor

We acknowledge with thanks, the support and interest of the following:

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