Issue 6 • Spring 2012

Keeping inPUS touch with OPs wherever they may be 2012

Inside

Sporting circles: The London 2012 OP sports stars running rings around their rivals Arctic Circle: Frozen Planet’s John Aitchison OP gets a warm reception at school

Magic Circle: Profiling the OP coin trickster boss of the Penny Bazaar

Coming full circle: The OPs returning to work at PGS

The Magazine for former pupils, former parents and friends of The 2 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 3

Opus Designed by Simon Udal OP (1977-1987) Contents Simon Udal Design - www.simonudaldesign.co.uk In Brief A round-up of OP news and events

In Brief - A round-up of OP news and events 3-5 Between the Lines: Say G’day to the OP brothers having a bonzer time in Oz 50-51 Chairman of Governors Honoured by the Queen Tiger on Two Wheels 6 Opus is delighted to congratulate the Chairman of our Governing Body Mr Brian Larkman on being made an Emission Control - Mick Morris OP 52-53 Chinese Whispers 7 MBE in the Queen’s recent New Year’s Honours List. Bookshelf 53 Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Crossword Compiler 8-9 An OP, Mr Larkman is a retired banker, a non executive director of the UK Debt Management Office, a ‘Looks good in his goggles’ 54 member of the Exchequer Funds Audit Committee of HM Treasury and a member of the Finance Committee Ask the Archivist - Questions answered by John Sadden 10 of the Open University. He was formerly Global Head of Money Markets in the NatWest Group (and then School Community comes together to The Man who put Magic and Sparkle into M&S 11 in the Royal Bank of Group), and has acted as an advisor on banking matters to HM Revenue and help pupils make smart career move 55 Customs and has served on the Regulatory Decisions Committee of the Financial Services Authority. He Athletic Support - Richard Simonsen OP 12-13 joined PGS’s Governing Body in 2002 and became Chairman in 2009 with more than 25 years’ experience of Forthcoming events 56-57 school governance in the maintained sector. He is also a trustee of the childrens’ charity Catch-22. Opus London 2012 - News of Old Portmuthians 58-59 Mr Larkman was honoured in recognition of his services to the Financial Services Industry and the Debt Ed Sets Sail for 2012 14-15 Management Office. Ed helms Year 6 Olympic Venue Trip 16-17 In memoriam 60-65 OP Ross Leads the 2012 Gold Rush 18-19 Announcements 66 OP Roger is Still in the Running for 2012 20-21 An early Golden Haul in London for OPs! The Long Legs of the Law Pick of the Postbag 66 22 Old Portmuthians, Sophie Giles (2003-2010), George Chapman Headmaster James Priory said. “It is a great honour to be invited This Sporting Life 23 Back cover montage - A key to PGS Sporting Stars 67 (1996-2010), Alex Sergeant (2004-2010) and Jenny Tilbury to the Palace today to celebrate the achievements of our Old (2004-2010) joined the Headmaster at St. James’s Palace in London Portmuthians. Outdoor Pursuits is actively encouraged at PGS and Inside Track - Newspaper Editor; Ian Burrell OP 24-25 last November to receive their Duke of Scheme Gold I am proud that we are one of the largest providers of the Duke of Geography Forever! Ray Clayton - A celebration 26-29 Award. All four former pupils, as well as the Headmaster, were Edinburgh Award Scheme on the South Coast.” fortunate enough to meet the Duke of Edinburgh himself at the The Triumphal Arch - Staff who are former pupils 30-33 special presentation ceremony. (from l to r): Sophie Giles, George Chapman, Headmaster James Priory, Alex Sergeant and Jenny Tilbury outside St James’s Palace before the presentation ceremony Latter House Saints and Sinners (1952-3) 34-35

The Vicar Born to be Wild - David Collyer OP 36-37 “It’s time to play the music. It’s time to light the lights!” - James Bobin OP 38-41

Gone But Not Forgotten - PL Burnell 42 ‘The Amazing Forrest’ 43

Postcard from Singapore - Rebecca Drummond OP 44 “Mr Stork will see you in his office” 45-47 Doing the Large Thing 48

Frozen Asset - OP film-maker John Aitchison 49

Question Time The PGS Development Team is always keen to hear from Regular Old Portmuthian viewers of the iconic BBC topical debate show Old Portmuthians, former Question Time may have done a double take when the programme was parents and friends of the transmitted on Thursday 29 March from the school’s very own David Russell school. Do please stay in Theatre. Headmaster James Priory, himself a former World Public Speaking and touch and share your stories Debating Champion, was thrilled that the school had been chosen as a venue. and reminiscences with us, submit content for future “Question Time has been something of a national institution in broadcasting editions of Opus or nominate for the past thirty years”, he said, “so we were naturally thrilled when we were someone to receive a copy, approached to host the programme.” The Music Department’s Rotunda served as a green room for David by contacting us at Dimbleby, who chairs the programme, and the guest panellists. Fittingly, the bronze boss sculpture which Alasdair Akass Liz Preece Sue Merton John Sadden Chris Reed [email protected] adorns the ceiling of the Rotunda, and which was commissioned to commemorate former Headmaster Development Development Development School Archivist Photographer in High Street, Portsmouth, Tim Hands’ tenure at PGS, is the work of David’s brother, the sculptor Nicholas Dimbleby. To complete the Director Officer Office 023 9268 1391 Residence PO1 2LN hat-trick, David’s younger brother Jonathan presented Any Questions from PGS a few years ago. Administrator [email protected] Tel: 023 9236 4248 continued... The views expressed in Opus articles do not necessarily reflect those of the Editorial Team. 4 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 5

Portsmouth Festivities

In 2012 Portsmouth Festivities will take This year the Festivites are offering a continued In Brief festival-goers on a journey with the world’s number of ways in which businesses and greatest storyteller, as we celebrate Charles organisations can support Portsmouth Dickens’ birth 200 years ago in Portsmouth. Festivities and at the same time gain OP Nick’s Survival Instinct and Natural Ability as a Wildlife Filmmaker Great Expectations will take place from considerable benefits and brand awareness. Friday 22 June to Sunday 1 July, with a Also, Portsmouth Festivities will have a Nick Cockcroft OP (1988-2001) may have wealth of literature, music, film, theatre much increased online presence as we had a long and circuitous journey to and exhibitions exploring the power of move to an online ticketing system for 2012. establish himself in wildlife filmmaking, Portsmouth Festivities is an annual event storytelling and the significance of Dickens’ With 30,000 people attending Festivities but his determination and patience has which celebrates young people and the quest for social change. events and a unique opportunity to recently reaped the most spectacular of Arts, at the same time celebrating the promote your brand locally and across the This is where the OP community comes rewards. Nick, who gained a distinction culture and heritage of Portsmouth as a city South East, it is a great opportunity. in! The Festivities relies enormously on the in his Masters degree in Biodiversity and of international significance. Supported by generous sponsorship of the companies, For further information about Portsmouth Conservation from University, Portsmouth Grammar School, the Festivities organisations and individuals who support Festivities, or to receive a free programme of took on a number of roles from being now attracts 30,000 people to 70 us. events, please email [email protected] or an intern for a large corporate social different events over ten days. telephone 023 9236 4248. responsibility organisation in Singapore to a conservation volunteer for Portsmouth City Council before landing Seventh Annual Portsmouth Luncheon Club 2012 a contract as Creative Development Researcher for Tigress Productions, Once again, there was an impressive turn Attendees: David Jones (1957-1966) Dave Stenson 1947-1952 which has a worldwide reputation for out of Old Portmuthians and former staff Tony Adams (1954-1965) Howard Jones (1953-1962) Geoff Stokes 1958-1961 the quality of its wildlife documentaries. with the television naturalist Nick Baker in of a fortnight as an entire ecological system back in January at the Royal Beach Hotel in Dave Allen (1958-1967) John Kidd (1948-1957) Bruce Strugnell 1958-1967 He impressed bosses at Tigress with his Namibia on the natural history programme including predators, scavengers, birds and Southsea for the annual gathering of the David Allison (1946-1953) Martin Lippiett (1954-1964) Pete Sykes (1960-1970) involvement on the programme Red Sea Beautiful Freaks for the Discovery Channel. insects consume the enormous carcass OP Lunch Club. After a hearty lunch, the Ken Bailey (1939-1944) John Main (1938-1948) Tim Thomas (1960-1968) Jaws, which charted the Great White Shark He has recently completed production of an adult hippo. Nick helped deploy a assembled throng was treated to thought- John Bartle (1947-1957) Angela Main Peter Wason (1954-1961) attacks on holiday makers in the Eqyptian on Hippo: Nature’s Wild Feast for Channel battery of remotely-operated cameras and provoking address by PGS Surmaster Sally Bartle Dave Morey (1945-1948) John Willshire (1951-1961) resort of Sharm el-Shiekh and which, in Four. The programme, anchored live from painstakingly waited to see what species and OP Steve Harris (1968-1978) on the Paul Brown (1953-1964) Dave Nuttall (1954-1964) Roger Wilkins (1951-1961 & Bob Cooper (1947-1956) John Parr (1952-1959) Former Staff) turn, led to him working this summer Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, shows the events would come to feed on it. subject of ‘Risk’. Then it was time for old Phil Charters (1946-1951) Mike Peters (1945-1955) Peter Barclay (Former Staff) house rivalries to re-surface as tables were Deane Clark (1944-1953) Martin Pickford (1960-1970) Gareth Perry (Former Staff) pitted against each other for archivist John Laurie Goldstone (1956-1964) Tim Runnacles (1954-1965) Tony Savage (Former Staff) Sadden’s highly entertaining school quiz. Roger Hyson (1952-1958) Michael Shepherd (1948-1957) Doreen Waterworth OP Club Annual Dinner (Former Staff)

The 113th OP Club Annual Dinner took place last December and among the distinguished guests were a great number of current Sixth Formers and recent leavers, greater in number than ever before. OP Club President John Bartle (1947-1957) gave a most entertaining speech before urging all those present, who had not already done so since leaving, to come back as often as possible to support school events. “I know that you will be made welcome and that you will come away with your spirits lifted by the energy, In Loving Memory vitality, spirit of optimism and joie de vivre that permeates the whole place”, Joan Kinch and her daughter Caro Steward had it re-sited at the entrance of the newly- he told a packed Dining Hall. John was are no strangers to the PGS quad. For many created Neil Blewett Memorial Garden given a unanimous mandate at the recent years now they have made the pilgrimage outside Cambridge House. Joan and Caro OP Club AGM to serve another term as from their respective homes in Langstone visited last Autumn to see the plaque in President. His Annual Dinner speech and and Calne in Wiltshire to tend the tree and its new home: “We thought that the way AGM Presidential Address can be found on memorial plaque which commemorates a the tree has been incorporated into the the OP Club section of the school website much-missed husband and father Gordon garden has been done beautifully”, said www.pgs.org.uk (under PGS Association Kinch OP (1928-1935). However, in recent Caro. Gordon’s late brother, Robert James tab). years the plaque has become more and Kinch OP (1931-1937), who was himself more obscured as the herbaceous border appropriately, an accomplished amateur it sits in matures. Cue Deputy Bursar Stan gardener, was also remembered during the Lowe to the rescue! Stan took it upon visit by means of a very generous donation himself to commission a new plaque and to the school’s bursary fund. Joan Kinch (far right), with her daughter Caro Steward 6 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 7 Tiger on Two Wheels Chinese Whispers

Nicknamed the “Biking Brigadier” after taking a Triumph motorbike on a tour of the Julian Guyer OP (1982-1992) is one of the last journalists to be based in Fleet Street, where he works as a UK’s Regimental Headquarters to raise money and awareness for the Army Benevolent sports reporter in the London office of AFP, the international newswire service. He specialises in cricket Fund, the Soldier’s Charity, Brigadier Richard Dennis OBE ADC – one-time Army and rugby union covering both sports’ World Cups in their entirety. Director of Infantry and Colonel in Chief of The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment – paid a visit to school last November. He also contributes to Wisden Cricketers’ The friendliness of the volunteers could Almanack and previously worked at not be faulted but their eagerness to Hayters Sports Agency where he wrote for please, undoubtedly a reflection of commissioned into the Royal Hampshire of Wales’s Royal Regiment. He returned most of the British national press. Julian the authorities’ wish to show China in Regiment in 1978. He has enjoyed an to PGS in March, just before deployment had never covered an Olympic Games the best possible light, did sometimes illustrious military career ever since. to Afghanistan, to offer the benefit of before Beijing in 2008, and here offers his reach ludicrous lengths. For example, his expertise and experience to pupils After spending the first 6 years of his impressions of those Games and thoughts there seemed to be several “greeters” considering careers in the Armed Services. service in a variety of appointments in for the upcoming London Olympics. permanently posted outside the toilets Germany, , the Falkland Although Brigadier Dennis has now at the Media and Press Centre. This was “When my sports editor asked me to be Islands, South Georgia and Berlin he then completed his fundraising challenge for frankly more than a little disconcerting. on the desk at the Beijing Olympics, I became Internal Security Training Advisor the Army Benevolent Fund, the Soldier’s Why were they there exactly and why did Boris Johnson meeting some of the Beijing Olympics 40,000 suspected this was a form of revenge on volunteers to the Brigade of Gurkhas in Hong Kong. Charity, stopping at many of the 17 they think any of us would be offended if the part of my colleagues. Most of the Regimental Headquarters (RHQs) as well they weren’t? Known as The Tigers, the Regiment draws In April 1997 he assumed command of time they have the misfortune to sub-edit My final duty was to cover the closing as the National Memorial Arboretum at its officers and soldiers from Kent, Sussex, 2nd Battalion The Princess of Wales’s Royal my copy, so the appeal of a role-reversal Enveloped in the superbly organised ceremony. I sincerely hope - and this Alrewas in Staffordshire, he is still keen , London, Middlesex as well as Regiment. Highlights of his command tour wasn’t difficult to deduce. “bubble” that meant only one security is not a party-political point - that the to raise funds and awareness. At each Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, making it included exercising the Battalion in Kenya check a day, whether you were going sight of Boris Johnson with his hands in RHQ he met some of those soldiers and the local Regiment to PGS. The Regiment at the height of the flooding caused by El to the Media and Press Centre or a his pockets doesn’t somehow become a families who have been supported by This was my first Olympics. Everyone has a long, distinguished history, having Nino, a further 6 month tour in Northern competition venue, it was hard to get a metaphor for the London Olympics. the Fund and highlighted the vital role warned me it was the toughest sporting been involved in virtually every theatre Ireland as the Roulement Battalion sense of Beijing. But the sheer scale of the headquarters play in recruiting, event of the lot and, speaking as someone London’s Games undoubtedly have the of war since The Battle of Tangier in 1662. (for which he was awarded the Queen’s Chinese bureaucracy ran counter to any distributing benevolence, organising the who has covered Cricket World Cups from capacity to be magnificent, the athletes It is the most decorated of all British Commendation for Valuable Service) and notion of spontaneous fun. And it is here repatriation of the Infantry’s dead, the long start to finish, they were right. should see to that, although it may be Army regiments, with 57 Victoria Crosses the planning and subsequent carrying out where London might just have the edge. term care of their wounded and, critically, asking a bit much for something on the including the V.C. awarded to Lance of the private burial of Diana, Princess of Otherwise it is hard to see how, from an providing help with finding a second scale of Phelps and Bolt. Corporal Johnson Beharry in 2004 for his Wales, at Althorp. organisational point of view, 2012 can top career when they leave the Army. If you gallantry in Iraq. 2008. But not even the success of the British He assumed the appointment of Director would like to support the cause, donations team in Beijing is going to put an end to Brigadier Dennis (PGS 1971-1977) of Infantry in January 2008. On 1 April are still being accepted at Eventually, my employer took pity on me questions over the cost of the 2012 Games went straight from school to the Royal 2010 Brigadier Dennis assumed the www.justgiving.com/BikingBrigadier and, in the equivalent of a prisoner being and fears that the enduring legacy for Military Academy Sandhurst and was appointment of Colonel of the Princess given time off for good behaviour, I was London will be white elephants rather “released” to cover the modern pentathlon than world records.” and the women’s volleyball final. The former drew pitying looks, the second somewhat envious glances for reasons The iconic ‘Bird’s Nest’ stadium in Beijing, one of the defining which I can’t begin to imagine! venues for the 2008 Olympic Games

Visit by Brigadier Richard Dennis OP to PGS, November 2011. Back Row: Alasdair Akass (Development Director); Steve Harris OP (Surmaster and CCF Contingent Commander); Andrew Hogg (Head of Careers); Brian Sheldrick (CCF Head of Army Section) ; James Priory (Headmaster). Front Row: Andrew Knighton (CCF Senior Army Cadet); Brigadier Richard Dennis; Captain Milo Watt; James Cunnison (CCF Senior Navy Cadet) 8 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 9

The world was at Dawe’s feet, and it was no In 1936, a party of boys from Strand Finally, three days before D-Day, the C surprise when he went up to Emmanuel School, on a school trip to the Black Forest, code-name for the naval assault phase of T I N K E R T I L R S O L D I E R College, Cambridge. Twenty years later, was trapped in a sudden snowstorm. Five the operation, Neptune, was revealed by A O Cambridge was to become the seedbed of the boys died and, as headmaster, Dawe one of Dawe’s clues. for a group of communist spies, amongst went to Germany to bring the survivors O them Philby, Burgess, Maclean and Blunt. home. The coffins, made of timber from As a suspected spy, Leonard Sydney Dawe was an unlikely candidate. A popular But Dawe was only interested in his studies the Black Forest, were returned with The evidence, then, seemed irrefutable, headmaster, he was also a First World War veteran, wore spectacles and compiled S and his sport. He gained his football “blue”, scores of swastika-adorned wreaths with and the MI5 agents appeared on the crosswords. But the MI5 officers who knocked on his door were probably aware that the S scoring in a match against Oxford that the message “for our English comrades”. doorstep of his Leatherhead home. Dawe best spies are people whom no one would ever suspect. Dawe’s profile was so respectable Cambridge won 3-1. Wreaths were also sent to the boys’ described later that he and another funeral from Adolf Hitler personally, and compiler were “turned inside out” but that and inconspicuous as to be suspicious. In 1912, Dawe signed for Southampton, W from the Hitler Youth. Three years later “eventually they decided not to shoot us”. scoring on his debut appearance against Dawe evacuated his school to Effingham O Argyle. He was a member of Forty years later, Ronald French, a 14 But the Secret Service had other grounds As a forward in the Football First XI, Dawe’s in Surrey to escape the bombs of the the Great Britain football squad for the year old schoolboy at the time of D-Day, for believing that he was involved shooting “gained an accuracy and sting” Luftwaffe. R 1912 Stockholm Olympics, but was not revealed that his headmaster at Strand and he was noted for his ability to hit the in espionage. The evidence seemed selected to play. He appears to have made Dawe kept up his Telegraph crosswords School, Mr Dawe, occasionally invited target from unlikely and difficult positions. irrefutable. D one appearance for the national through the war. It was noticed that the pupils into his study, where, as a mental He demonstrated strategic skills, was a amateur football team in the same year, word “Dieppe” appeared as the answer discipline, he would encourage them to “versatile dribbler” and was “invaluable to help fill in blank crossword patterns for Dawe was born in Hounslow, Middlesex and a further ten games for Southampton, to a clue in one of them. Two days after his side”. According to The Portmuthian of use in the Telegraph. Dawe would then in 1889. According to the 1891 census, before concentrating on his teaching publication the disastrous Allied raid on November 1906 he was “one of the best create clues for the boys’ solution words. his father was an auctioneer and valuer. C career. Dieppe took place. Over half the men who purely individual players of recent years, The codewords, Mr French explained, were By the time of the 1901 census, the family made it ashore were killed, wounded or and scores many goals by going clean In 1913, he took up a position as a science common knowledge because American had moved to St Andrew’s Road, Southsea, O captured. Dawe’s inclusion of the word was through himself.” master in Walthamstow from which he and Canadian soldiers who were camped and the following year the boy started at dismissed as a coincidence. progressed to a post at St Paul’s School, nearby, awaiting the D-Day operation, Portsmouth Grammar School. He quickly So, Dawe was competitive and an M Barnes in 1919. He became Head of Two years later, during the months used them casually in their conversation. established himself as an excellent all- individualist. A maverick, perhaps? P Science in 1924 and left, two years later, for leading up to D-Day, the words Juno, What was not known was where and when rounder on the sports field. He also excelled in the classroom and was Strand School in where he rose Gold, Sword, Utah and Omaha appeared, the invasion would take place. Dawe played a straight bat for the Cricket awarded the Grant Memorial Scripture I to become headmaster. In the pre-decimal and the link was quickly made with the Plan showing the assembly zone for the After the Allied success, Dawe questioned First XI, and his ability as a bowler to make Prize and the School Drawing Prize. He Allied armada, and the locations of the currency days, Dawes’ initials, L.S.D., landed top-secret codenames for the assigned the boy about the origins of the words that the ball turn was worthy of comment in achieved the highest marks in the school leaked beach code-names L him with the nickname “moneybags”. D-Day beaches. On the 27 May 1944, eight had resulted in him being interrogated, the school magazine, The Portmuthian. in the London Matriculation exams. Too days before D-Day, the code-name for but fortunately not shot, as a spy. Horrified He became a popular captain of cricket, clever by half, perhaps? E Dawe began compiling crosswords for the whole operation, Overlord, appeared, by the boy’s explanation, Dawe made him providing “an excellent example in the the Daily Telegraph in his spare time, followed by Mulberry, code name of the swear never to reveal what had happened. field” as well as a powerful bat. R and created the first to appear in the floating harbours (some of which were under construction in Gosport). Dawe died in 1963, his many achievements newspaper in July 1925. It soon proved as a teacher, headmaster and footballer D-Day: Allied troops, some with folding bicycles, disembark from a landing craft while under enemy machine-gun, mortar and artillery fire. immensely popular and Dawe made overshadowed by his brief and completely things more interesting, pioneering the innocent stumble into the dangerous cryptic clue. An indication, perhaps, of a realm of espionage. devious mind?

Sources:

The Portmuthian (Portsmouth Grammar School Magazine)

The Times 23 April 1936

Invasion – the D-Day Story (1954)

The Daily Telegraph 3 May 2004

Thanks to Alexandra Aslett, Archivist at St Paul’s School

Landing craft leaving England while barrage balloons hover in the summer sky 10 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 11 The Man who put Magic and Sparkle into M&S

It is possibly one of the most novel and unusual ways of defusing a boardroom battle, Ask the archivist The Portsmouth Theatre but nonetheless John Salisse OP, a former director of Marks and Spencer, is recorded in Did Dickens go to PGS? the Baker Street company’s history using a duck glove puppet to dissipate any tension While it is a moderately well-known fact that Sir Arthur Conan between the board of directors. The impromptu ventriloquist act made for raucous and Doyle’s younger brother was a pupil at PGS, few people are aware often entertaining meetings. that Dickens also attended the school. Very little is known of his time here except that he was beaten by Bevis and Elliott into third Salisse joined the Entertainment National He began performing magic tricks in clubs place in the half-mile on Sports Day, 1934. Services Association (ENSA) when he left and in cabaret as a teenager and eventually It is not known if PGS masters of the time had great expectations the (evacuated) Portsmouth Grammar rose through the ranks of The Magic Circle of the young Dickens, or whether the boy grew sick of allusions School in December 1943. He had been a to become its honorary secretary (1966-85) Biographer Frederic Kitton, writing in 1902, describes how “the to his more famous namesake. If any classroom misbehaviour keen scout at the school (with Christopher and then honorary vice chairman in 1975. story is current in Portsmouth” that, while at the theatre, Dickens was met by the expression, “What the Dickens?” followed by a hard Logue - see article on page 45), becoming As his magic career began to flourish and “went on the stage” and “asked for a small part”. This is entirely time, is not known. Patrol Leader in 1941, and also helped to he played to packed audiences at theatres possible. A few years earlier, before his literary success, he had form the school’s Aero Club which met to throughout the country and in the United What is known is that the Charles Dickens does have a connection decided that he wanted a career as an actor, and though it never ?with the school. build and fly model aircraft. States, so too did his meteoric rise at Marks materialised, he clearly had talent and devoted much of his time and Spencer. Starting as a management Dickens famously left the town of his birth as soon as he could and energy to taking part in amateur productions. But, according trainee, by 1968 he had replaced Simon manage to walk, though this was not the reason why, or the means to correspondence from writer and critic Herries Pollock, He was inspired by magic as a schoolboy Marks, son of founder Michael Marks as He won numerous awards for magic by which, he departed. His father, a naval pay clerk employed in cited by Kitton, “there may well be some truth” in a story that after seeing the famous wartime the company Director. The two careers including a fellowship from the American Portsmouth Dockyard, was recalled to work at Somerset House on Dickens, “as a very young man, was for a time a member of the magician Jasper Maskelyne at the could not have been more different but Academy of Magical Arts and the coveted the 1 January 1815, following Napoleon’s defeat and the end of the company”. Pollock wrote that “this was told me a few years ago by Boscombe Hippodrome. whether conducting a boardroom meeting Silver Wand and Maskelyne Award from war with America, which meant a reduction in work at Portsmouth. one in authority,” who is not named. in London or presenting a trick with an the British Magic Circle, putting him in It is intriguing to wonder what might have happened had John The Portsmouth Theatre had been established on the site in 1761. Maskelyne was a leading variety artist but animated duck in Las Vegas he brought an illustrious group of recipients which Dickens’ work at Portsmouth not come to an end. Edmund Kean was probably the most famous actor to appear his astonishing sleight of hand techniques to his work a great sense of humour and include Ali Bongo, The Great Soprendo and there, but in 1836 it was closed for “lack of support and unseemly The Dickens’ last family home in Wish Street – which they occupied - which included ‘hiding’ the Suez Canal charm. Earl Mountbatten of Burma. for a year before leaving for London -- stood less than 400 yards behaviour”. In February, 1838, following a complete refurbishment, and conjuring up illusions of battleships He was made a CBE in 1985 for his services away from the Penny Street School, which was then under the it re-opened to huge audiences under the management of William - were used in the campaign against On stage he was a sophisticated and slick Shalders. It was in the same month that Dickens was researching to British Industry and in 1992 was given headship of the Reverend Bussell. John Dickens was enjoying his Rommel’s German army in North Africa. performer. One of his best loved and background for Nicholas Nickleby, and he visited Yorkshire to the Freedom of the City of London for his highest ever income at £231 a year, and if the Dickens family had Salisse was to have a life-long interest in trademark routines was performing with look at schools on which to base Dotheboys Hall. On his visit charitable work. He was also a director stayed in the town, it is possible that the young Charles would Maskelyne and his family and eventually his ventriloquist duck doll ‘Francis’ (so to Portsmouth, Dickens would have seen the theatre at its best of the London Tourist Board and became have been sent there. However, by the 1820s the school was “in amassed a world renowned collection of called after another famous ‘Drake’) which and most prosperous. The Hampshire Telegraph described “boxes Vice Chairman in 1989. In recent years he abeyance”, and the boy would probably have benefited from memorabilia about the dynasty. slowly falls apart. During the course of almost individual attention from the Usher, to whom Bussell’s literally crowded with beauty and fashion”, “an orchestra of which the routine, one of Francis’s eyes gets lost founded a popular lunchtime social club in successor, the Reverend Cumyns, had delegated all the teaching. we cannot speak too highly” and “tumultuous applause”. On the top floor of his home in and the duck proceeds to search high London where members met to talk about Hampstead, he dedicated a room magic and among his many other interests Of course, we should be grateful that the Dickens family left the A production of the first instalments of Nicholas Nickleby was and low in Salisse’s dress suit to look for to Maskelyne. Salisse spent decades were playing golf and going to the opera. town and that Charles cannot be counted as an Old Portmuthian. performed at the High Street theatre on 17 May 1839, though it. Once found the pair clumsily attempt collecting not just magic related ephemera John Dickens’ money troubles began when his salary was cut the serial did not complete publication until that October. to re-attach it. This they accomplish, but John Salisse died in 2006 and was survived but, more specifically, memorabilia on his return to London, and one of Charles’s most important Dramatisations had started to appear all over England after only the eye is upside down rendering Francis by his wife Margaret and their daughter. pertaining to the Maskelynes’ theatres. formative influences – being sent to work in the infamous blacking eight instalments. Coincidentally, the part of Headmaster Wackford a permanently perplexed look and the He had wowed audiences with stage and The material was kept in this room factory at Hungerford Stairs at the age of twelve – would not have Squeers at the Portsmouth Theatre was played by Billy Floyer. audience in stitches. It was a firm favourite, television illusions throughout the world, because it was the one room large happened. It is supposed that attendance at PGS would not have By the 1840s the theatre was in decline and in 1854 it closed. The delivered with an urbane and very British and was instrumental in establishing enough to contain what rapidly become engendered a similar enduring sense of suffering, bitterness and building was bought by the military authorities. Its demolition presentation which made him particularly Marks and Spencer as Britain’s favourite a monumental archive. Lithographs and injustice. was witnessed by one of the original teachers in the “old School”, popular with American audiences and he retailer. The retailer used the slogan ‘Magic theatre programmes adorned the walls Samuel Hudson, when he was a small boy. Chains were attached to regularly appeared at the Magic Castle in and Sparkle’ for a Christmas advertising Dickens visited Portsmouth “to obtain local colour” for Nicholas of the room and a 60 feet long end wall Nickleby, his third novel, first published as a serial in 1838-39. the walls and the building was, quite literally, pulled down. Hollywood. campaign a few years ago, perhaps with was covered in shelves of black binders. Sources suggest he visited the Portsmouth Theatre, which stood a respectful nod towards the one-time More enduring are Dickens Here, meticulously arranged, were Salisse’s advice was always sought on the High Street, where the Cambridge Officers’ Barracks was enigmatic magician famous novels themselves, hundreds upon hundreds of programmes, by television and filmmakers about built and which now serves as part of Portsmouth Grammar director who a permanent feature in the photographs, letters, playbills, reviews, magicians, notably the Maskelynes and School. cheered the fifth school library since the 1880s advertisements, post cards and legal he collaborated, with Anne Davenport, on floor boardroom The theatre was immortalised as the setting for the exploits of and a staple of school drama documents, all pertaining to the two books on the subject, A Candid View of productions throughout the meetings at Baker actor-manager Vincent Crummles and his troupe. The pantomimist Maskelynes’ theatrical ventures in London. Maskelynes 1916-17 (1995) and St George’s of the company, Mr. Folair, who delights in mischief “and was twentieth century. Hall (2001), an ambitious work about the Street with his card by no means scrupulous”, is said to be based on Billy Floyer, the Maskelyne theatre and magic workshop in tricks and sleight of hand. Portsmouth Theatre’s leading comedian. Charles Dickens in 1838 London. 12 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 13

helped me along the way. I remember Again, as with the nervousness, nothing being nervous, but concentrating on a could assuage the feeling but time. good start on the grass track. I was used Although I certainly aspired to, I never to running on the Hilsea grass and for our Athletic Support reached the towering heights of Roger County Championships, we also had a Black’s achievements. Roger, who was to wonderful grass track in Southampton. I come to PGS some years after me and gain got out of the blocks first and ran scared all Former international sprinter Richard Simonsen OP national and international recognition the way waiting for the Yorkshire flash to for his Olympic and other feats was a true pass me—but there was the tape! I looked phenomenon. Had my school records not on how PGS helped him prepare for track success around and to my huge surprise, and great been erased by the switch from yards to joy, I had won! So this was an unexpected metres, they surely would have been by feeling of achievement and payback for all I sit here in Kuwait listening to BBC 2 on my computer while I Roger! But I think it is safe to say that the the nights of gloomy, wet, winter training, contemplate the challenge Alasdair Akass has thrown to me - to foundation for our mutual love for running sometimes completely alone, while my provide some words from my distant past concerning the athlete’s and the successes we each in our own way PGS friends found time for leisure activities shared, was laid in our days at Portsmouth perspective on competition and its many sides. of various sorts. Grammar School. Ingrained with a sense of The pressure? I can’t recall much pressure fairness and doing one’s very best, we both I take on this task with great pleasure as a wonderful host family until at 17, she Then, because of my dual nationality, it will let me reminisce about my time was old enough to join the WAAFs. She from my PGS times, but as I began to left the school to take advantage of the I had to choose between running for at Portsmouth Grammar School where returned again in a convoy of ships, and represent Norway, I certainly do recall opportunity our time at PGS had offered England (having already represented I was given the wonderful opportunity later in the war met and married my dad times and places where, in international us. I am forever thankful for those years to develop whatever natural-born talent who was Norwegian and serving in the England Schoolboys) and Norway, the events against other countries, standing that, for me anyway, were unappreciated I was lucky enough to possess, and to Royal Norwegian Air Force (Norway being land of my father’s birth. on the starting line, I was so nervous as to at the time of youthful naiveté, as I knew parlay it, along with my PGS education and occupied, the RNAF was stationed in wish I could be anywhere else in the world nothing different. I know now that these experiences, into a university education in England). I was born in Portsmouth and I Since the Norwegian Athletics Federation but occupying this particular spot in place were precious years of development, that the United States and a career in dentistry commenced my education at Portsmouth needed a marginally fast young sprinter and time. have let me enjoy a wonderful career and a that now has taken me around the world Grammar School in 1953, when I joined more than the British team, my chances happy life, imbued, I would hope, with the and to the Middle East, to spend the last the Lower School and started running. of being picked for the Norwegian team Then, after completing perhaps the English sense of the pursuit of excellence few years of my time in the profession over the coming years were greater and I 400 metres, I also vividly remember as documented in the wonderful film, Chariots of Fire. helping to build up a new university in a I started competitive running because chose to compete for Norway. I did so for the distinct pain, short-term but very politically-fascinating part of the world. in the playground I always seemed to be ten years (1963-1973) running the sprint uncomfortable, from the build up of lactic Richard Simonsen OP (1953-1964) You never cease learning and growing! able to catch, or away from, everyone distances and relays on their national acid in my legs. team, while I was attending university in But I get ahead of myself! I was fortunate else. the United States (1964-1971) and also that my mother returned to her native Richard Simonsen 1959 competing for the University of Minnesota. land and home town after being A book prize that I won for “Athletics”, evacuated on a ship from Liverpool at the signed by the late Hugh Woodcock, Thus the background for Mr. Akass’ outbreak of World War II when Portsmouth our young headmaster at the time, I was thus able to take advantage of my challenge. What can I relate to you readers was being heavily bombed by the German recently surfaced at home in Scottsdale, speed to run for my House (Nicol, then regarding the “feel” of competition - the Luftwaffe. At 14 years of age, my mum was Arizona, and reminded me of the positive Hawkey and Smith) in school Sports Days pressure, the excitement, the highs, the sent across the Atlantic in a convoy from reinforcement we were given at PGS in throughout my time at PGS (1953-1964). lows? My first memory of a real high Liverpool, dodging bombs in the harbour, areas of achievement. I remember how I Encouraged by sports teachers like Messrs. in athletics (apart from the thorough and U-boats on the open sea, and landed treasured that book, and another I won Hopkinson and Stoneham, I was able to enjoyment I had at each Sports Day from in Montreal, before the trip ended in the for reading. Not bad for a consistent D- or progress through city, county and All- various local successes) was winning the state of Maryland, where she stayed with C-stream boy I thought! England championships. All-England Championships in the 100 yards the first time. Why such a strong memory? Because it was so unexpected. I was not the favourite. I remember he, the favourite, was a young lad from Yorkshire whose name escapes me [strangely, as I have read this through several times while writing, the name seems to return to my memory and unless I am mistaken it was Richard Williams]. But although the name is blurry, I can see his face now, almost 50 years later.

I was representing my school, my city, and In 1963, Chris Stoneham took Richard to London to compete for PGS in the London Athletic Club Challenge meeting. Richard my county, so on the starting line I had returned with three silver cups for winning the 100 yards, the 440 yards and for best performance of the meeting. The cups are the expectations of many people who had engraved with the winners’ names and then returned to LAC after one year. 14 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 15 PUS LONDON 2012

late 1960’s and early 1970’s in the Western World, associated with the expansion of professional sports to a middle-class Ed sets sail for 2012 audience in and the United States and endorsed by some of the biggest On a balmy midsummer day three years ago Lord , chairman of the 2012 Olympic Games sports celebrities of the day like Joe organising committee, proudly showed off the first Olympic venue to be ready alongside representatives Namath, Muhammad Ali, from the Olympic Authority to Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip. and Franz Beckenbauer. Among their other coups was getting soccer off the ground in the US in the late 1980s where they ended Fortunately the lofty ambition of our Daughter Inga was one-time holder of the up as partners in the Pro League and ran sailors is matched by the towering middle position on Shirley Robertson’s the Washington club DC United, which presence of Edward Leask OP, at the , whilst son Magnus OP (1987- won the Pro League in its first two years. helm of the Olympic sailing venue – the 2001) has an equally impressive track Weymouth and Portland National Sailing record in competitive sailing in the 470 Academy. fleet, 505 Class and two-person dinghy. Perhaps most significant was that from 1990 they held the full commercial rights Edward had been involved with the to the and ended Edward Leask OP At 6 feet 6, Leask is the human equivalent development of the Academy since its up the dominant sports marketing entity of a crow’s nest, presiding over facilities inception during 2000 and thinks it is the It may have been another member of which combine some of the best natural perfect showcase for the sport. “I am very in athletics in the UK and Europe. the Royal family, King George III, who put sailing waters in the UK with amenities to proud to take the helm at Weymouth as Weymouth on the map as a resort in 1789, Chairman”, he said. “This is an exciting time In 1998 Edward, Alan and Jon Ridgeon, yet but for now it is as the sailing venue for match on land. for British yachting following the medal another ex-Olympian (this time a 110m London 2012 that Weymouth and Portland success at the Olympic Sailing Regatta hurdler), founded Fast Track with one are capturing the world’s attention. Team He has more than a fleeting interest in the in Qingdao in 2008 and I feel the new client, UK Athletics, which still remains an GB’s sailors, led by Ben Ainslie CBE, have sport which he is now at the centre of, with facilities at the Academy will help future important part of the company’s business topped the sailing medals table at the last a lifetime’s involvement in maritime sport GBR podium finishes in 2012 and beyond. today. With a team of just 8 people at three Olympic Games and all eyes will be both on and off the water. We have a strong team at WPNSA with the start, Fast Track developed a highly on them when they take to the waters of A veteran (in more ways than one – he new Directors, including sailing legend successful commercial and televised event Portland Bay in everything from dinghies was the oldest competitor in his class at Ben Ainslie and I am very confident the programme for the National Governing In March 2007, marketing services group, Since then Fast Track has continued to and keelboats to windsurfing boards for the 1988 Games) of two Olympics – Los venue will live up to expectations as a Body. The business grew strongly from Chime Communications PLC added evolve its offer and has built international fourteen days of thrilling competition Angeles and – sailing is something world class facility for local dinghy regattas then until August 2006 when that growth Sports Marketing to its portfolio with capability; in addition to its UK featuring nearly 400 participants. of an obsession for the Leask family. through to racing yacht events.” was bolstered by the acquisition of sports the acquisition of Fast Track in a move Headquarters it now has established marketing consultancy, Lighthouse that recognised the sector’s growing offices in Spain, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong Edward has been in the sports marketing Communications. A roster of world class importance. With over 50 PR, Advertising, and New Zealand with further expansion world since he first teamed up with his clients and an additional 25 people helped Marketing and Research companies in expected in 2012. Fast Track’s International business partner and fellow ex-Olympian, further build the breadth and depth the Group Fast Track was now a key part reach was further complimented recently the athlete Alan Pascoe MBE, in the of the Fast Track offering and together of Chime’s Sports Marketing Division. The through Chime’s acquisition of sport mid-1970s. Their company API had some the merged company moved into new group represents a wide range of clients marketing group, Essentially which has involvement with yachting in the past. headquarters at One Brewer’s Green in including BBC Sports Personality of the market presence in Japan, Australia, South They were responsible for setting up Victoria. The new company, now 80 strong, Year, royal champion showjumper Zara Africa, New Zealand and India. Land Rover’s five year sponsorship had emerged as one of the leading sports Phillips, the Lawn Tennis Association, of Cowes Week and also secured the marketing agencies in the UK. British Basketball and the British Triathlon memorable backing of the skiff circuit Super Series. by Brut by Faberge. It was a stroke of genius not to be sniffed at: Brut was at the time the ubiquitous cologne of the Ed with triple gold medal-winning sailor Ben Ainslie, who is also a Director of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. 16 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 17

on the water at the Portsmouth Outdoor Centre.) He was also an accomplished swimmer, winning the 2 lengths at Lower School Sports, and was “the capable captain” of Eastwood PUS LONDON 2012 House team. He divides his time between his family home in Southsea and London where he runs the international marine sports marketing agency Fast Track Sailing. Daughters Inga and Cailah also work for the company which has 600 staff in 14 offices around the world Ed helms Year 6 Olympic Sailing Venue Trip and its ranks will swell more than threefold in the run up to the The whole of Year 6 were guests of honour on a special trip to the London 2012 sailing venue in Dorset Games this summer. and were delighted to be welcomed by former pupil Edward Leask OP, now a leading figure in the world Mr Leask senior still likes to sail, cruising in a Swan 56 and racing of marine sport. a Swan 42 competitively with Magnus at the helm along with a team of ten other crew. He retires as Chairman of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy in July 2013 after a Magnus Leask (far left) competing in Team GB Olympic trials 1999-2000 Mr Leask was an accomplished Class for 1996 and also sailed for the statutory six year tenure and has done much to foster a passion for Hampshire U17 team. At the Hampshire international competitor and represented sailing in new generations of PGS pupils, sponsoring the school School Regatta the following year, Magnus Great Britain in the then three-strong team in the British Student Yachting National Championships in came first in the Fast Handicap. keelboat class in the 1984 Los Angeles and 1992. 1988 Seoul Olympics, both times narrowly During the tour, pupils saw the training In the meanwhile, he is about to set out into uncharted waters missing out on a medal after finishing facilities for Team GBR, which has topped when daughter Cailah makes him a grandfather for the first time the sailing medal tables at the last three fourth. just weeks before the start of the Olympics with the arrival of her Olympic Games, and then enjoyed lunch in baby boy, a possible third generation Leask PGS pupil! a former helicopter hangar at the ex-naval ‘To represent your country in the Olympics base. They also went to neighbouring Junior School teacher and Director of Studies Mr Eugene Sharkey is really something very special. You Chesil Beach before visiting the grassy – who was on the trip to Weymouth - remembers Magnus when appreciate it even more the second time banks of nearby historic Fort Northe where he was in the then Lower School as he was in his house, Jerrard. around! If you ever have the opportunity 5,000 spectators a day will be able to to represent your country, go for it!’ he told ‘He was a very happy boy always with a smile on his face and a watch the Olympic and Paralympic sailing almost 100 pupils and their teachers. very relaxed demeanour,’ said Mr Sharkey, who recalls berating competitions from July to September. Edward Leask OP (1955-65) Magnus for missing a catch during house cricket at Hilsea because Mr Leask, who returned to school to give ‘It was good fun! I especially liked meeting he was staring out to sea looking at...yes, boats! They were shown around the Weymouth the annual OP Club lecture this month Mr Leask and seeing where all the Olympic and Portland National Sailing Academy by about his life on the ocean wave, believes Magnus is now in charge of global IT at Fast Track’s associated sailors like Ben Ainslie train but I was also its OP Chairman – a former Olympic sailor the award-winning, environmentally company Chime Sports Marketing. interested in seeing the flag from the 1936 who spent ten years at PGS before leaving friendly Weymouth and Portland complex Berlin Olympics which was on show,’ said in 1965 to launch a successful sailing and is the best Olympic sailing venue in the Eleanor Wilson. business career. world with the perfect conditions for competitive racing. He is especially proud Charlotte Webb added: ‘I never expected Year 6 pupils are this year undertaking an that around 50 per cent of the academy’s to ever see the signatures of the Queen Olympic project and enjoying a London output centres on children and teenagers, and Prince Philip – they were on display 2012 theme to lessons in the build up whether it is introducing them to sailing in the visitors’ book from their trip here in to the Games so were delighted to visit for the first time, helping them to get out 2008 when the complex was finished.’ the academy and be given a talk and on the water inexpensively or honing tour by Mr Leask and Mr John Tweed, the Archie Bennett said he was going to more experienced crew into potential academy’s Chief Executive. show his Mum and Dad where he had world class competitors. been when the academy and Northe ‘Sailing is a lot of fun and especially great Fort grounds are on television during the for young people – in a dinghy, you have London 2012 coverage! to make your own decisions. There is no Mr Leask first took to the water in one else there for you. You have to decide Langstone Harbour when he was what to do, be it right or wrong!’ said Mr around seven but didn’t begin racing Leask, who attended PGS between 1955 competitively until he was in his late teens. and 1965. As a member of Portsmouth Grammar’s His son Magnus followed in his wake – a Royal Navy section of the Combined Cadet competitive dinghy racer, he was also a Force, he was able to sail his own Fireball Portsmouth Grammar pupil, attending as well as the weightier, prescription the school between 1987 and 2001. The whalers and trade winds built at school. Portmuthian reports that he was reselected (Now, PGS pupils all have the chance to try Chris Law, Ed Leask and Jeremy Richards competing at Long Ed Leask (far left) towers above (from l to r) Headmaster James Priory, daughter Inga, son Magnus (OP), John Bartle (OP Club President) and Surmaster Steve Harris (OP) outside the school’s Beach in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Sailing Regatta. for the National U16 squad for Optimist sailing in Year 4 when they spend a week Bristow-Clavell Science Centre before giving the OP Club guest lecture, March 2012. 18 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 19

“Ross, extraordinarily good humoured and All the portents are good. Team GB got well-motivated, is well liked amongst all in their campaign off to a superb start on last contact with him. Ross’s determination to year at a mini-tournament curtain raiser for PUS LONDON 2012 do well is of the highest order and, given 2012 in Cardiff with a massive 55-36 win the progress he has made so far, we are over a strong Sweden side. Ross confided sure he will achieve his goals.” at the time that the team hadn’t thought that victory was possible. Ross was involved in and excelled at OP Ross leads the 2012 Gold Rush a wide range of activities outside the “Sweden are a really good team and for us classroom at PGS. He was always a keen to put that performance on is testament At London 2012, the Wheelchair Rugby As one of one of the world’s most accomplished exponents of a sport originally called Murderball, you’d rugby player and was captain of the to the hard work we put in on our training school’s first XV. He also held several competition will take place at the expect Ross Morrison OP (1990-1998) to be something of a bruiser. Which he most definitely isn’t. camp.” lifesaving qualifications including a Bronze Basketball Arena, a new purpose-built Ross and his teammates maintained their Medallion and National Pool Lifeguard venue in the Olympic Park. The Great strong start to the tournament by beating Four years later in Sydney it became a full complicated. Each degree of disability of the Royal Life Saving Society and was Britain squad are ranked first in Europe reigning European champions Belgium medal sport. Wheelchair rugby is now rates a point score, corresponding to the a regular volunteer lifeguard. In the CCF and fourth in the world rankings and 58-53 in the evening game. They ended up played at elite level in 20 countries across level of severity. The four players on the Army Section he was an enthusiastic there are high medal hopes for Ross and going all the way to the final, eventually the world. court must never exceed a points value of member of the Signals and was promoted his team-mates on home turf. All 10,000 succumbing to the world number one side eight, making team selection especially to Sergeant. He had completed his Duke spectator seats to watch the 96 competing “Nothing compares to the speed and Australia 59-50. difficult. “You could have a very dominant athletes from 8 national squads have been intensity of the sport”, Ross comments. “In of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver awards player worth three and a half points, allocated, but OPs can still cheer Ross on essence wheelchair rugby bears very little and was part-way through his Gold. With It was a powerful proof, if any was needed, they’d be very quick, fast, good passing when the event is broadcast live from correlation to actual rugby, except in terms typical grit and determination, Ross went that the GB side is a force to be reckoned ability, but then conversely the other three Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 September. of the actual level of violence involved. on to complete his Gold Award following with and a further, tantalising indication players will only be able to make up four that we may be only a few months away In that it’s played indoors on a basketball his accident, which included completion of Rick Edwards OP (1995-1997), who went and a half points, so they’d be balanced from adding another Old Portmuthian court with four players on each team, a physically demanding expedition in the through the Sixth Form with Ross and will out but you’d have to place much weaker Olympian to the school’s Hall of Fame. Ross on court at any one time, with a regular Peak District. It is however, within the 2.5sq anchor Channel Four’s live coverage of style players, what we call low pointers”, thundering across his opponent’s goal volleyball. The idea being to push through kilometres of Olympic Park in East London the event, is in no doubt that wheelchair Ross explains. “So you could play a more line with the ball in his hands could well the goal at the other end of the court, later this year, that Ross faces perhaps his rugby will be the blue ribbon event of balanced line up, a high/low line up - all be one of the defining moments of the The affable nature and popularity of carrying the ball. biggest challenge to date. the Games. “Trust me; this is going to be sorts of things basically depending on who Games of the XXX Olympiad. One thing’s the three times consecutive European amazing”, he states. you’re competing against and what kind of for sure; you wouldn’t want to bet against Champion and double Paralympic athlete Players in possession have to bounce tactics you want to play.” it happening. have seen him chosen by his peers the ball or pass within ten seconds of “Wheelchair rugby is a spectacle oozing as the athletes’ representative on the receiving it. It’s full contact, so although Competition on the court is matched with testosterone. I’m genuinely very international federation for the sport as there’s no actual body contact the chair by comradeship off the court. The excited about this event at the London sport promotes teamwork, personal well as featuring in episodes of Channel contact is full on.” 2012 Paralympic Games, despite the fact “Ross is a very independence and the ability to attain Four’s That Paralympic Show (presented that I find the sport – and the ridiculously experienced success, no matter what the odds. It by fellow OP and Channel Four television player and has In common with most disability sports, seems entirely fitting therefore that, in hard people that play it – a little bit personality Rick Edwards) bringing the competed at wheelchair rugby accommodates a range his personal UCAS reference for Ross, frightening!” sport to new audiences. many Major of disabled people which can make tactics former Headmaster Dr Tim Hands wrote: Wheelchair rugby, as it is now less Tournaments How does he rate Team GB’s prospects? terrifyingly known, first came to Great including “We should expect big hits, big crashes Britain in the early 1980s to the spinal Beijing in and plenty of battle scars on show. The rehabilitation centre at Stoke Mandeville. 2008 and Americans, Aussies and Canadians will It was invented in Canada for a group of Vancouver in 2010 over the last be among the favourites, but GB’s team quadriplegic athletes who were looking 10 years, during my tenure and stands a great chance of medalling too for an alternative to wheelchair basketball. has been a dedicated enthusiastic – they came fourth at the Beijing 2008 They wanted a sport in which players with athlete who has sacrificed a great Paralympic Games.” reduced arm and hand function could deal to represent his country. I participate equally. There are now over ten do believe this year will probably clubs across Great Britain. be the biggest challenge Ross has faced in his sporting career, In 1996 wheelchair rugby was included but I am sure he will rise to the as a demonstration sport in the occasion.” Paralympic Games – a tragic irony in that Tom O’Connor this was also the year in which Ross broke Head Coach, his neck playing rugby union. Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby

Rick Edwards OP, presenter of Channel Four’s That Paralympic Show 20 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 21

It is precisely such stories of triumph overcoming adversity, human endeavour, fairness and sportsmanship that prompted PUS LONDON 2012 Roger to collaborate with his business partner and fellow Olympian Steve Backley OBE to produce The Little Book of Inspiration, an uplifting anthology of OP Roger is still in the running for 2012 motivational sound-bites from world-class sportsmen and the perfect Olympic year souvenir. Copies priced at £10 (plus p&p) If Roger Black MBE OP (1977-1984) had any notion that retirement from professional sport would result can be ordered by contacting in less hype surrounding him at this year’s Olympics, he has been sorely mistaken. [email protected]

“I recall taking the bus from the warm-up athletics, the examples of chivalry that track to the stadium in Atlanta for the stand out for me are Chris Brasher and 400 metres Olympic final in 1996 and Chris Chataway slogging their hearts there was no banter or tubthumping, just out round Iffley Road to keep the pace quiet mutual respect between the eight up so that Roger Bannister could run the first sub-four-minute mile in 1954. finalists”, he says. Or John Landy, Bannister’s great rival PGS Development Director Alasdair Akass with Roger Black, guest speaker at The Independent School Awards held at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham last November. from Australia, pausing to help a fallen Perhaps his greatest achievement was opponent two years later and missing out winning the Olympic 400 metre Silver on a world record as a result. Then there is medal in 1996 and he is particularly Lutz Long, the German long jumper, who admired for his triumphs over adversity, saw that Jesse Owens, his American rival, successfully overcoming several serious was struggling to qualify for the Olympic injuries and set-backs throughout his final in 1936 and walked over to the black career. He is keen to cite other powerful athlete in full view of the Fuhrer and told Roger Black 1984 sources of inspiration drawn from the him to alter his run-up. Owens went on to sporting world: win the gold medal; Long died in the war Roger was among a group of 27 of Britain’s “Elite sport is all about respect for your but Owens attended his son’s wedding out most inspirational and accomplished rivals and trust in your team-mates. In of respect for his rival and friend.” Olympians from previous Games appointed as Team GB 2012 Ambassadors by the British Olympic Association at Modern last year. Between them, the Team GB 2012 Ambassadors can draw upon experience of winning 51 Olympic medals, including 27 gold medals. The Ambassadors have already been an integral part of Team GB in the lead-up to the Games and will continue to be so during London 2012. They will help British athletes and the wider Team GB to achieve their Olympic ambitions, and in doing so, it is hoped that they will serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for the 60 million Team GB fans across the UK. The preparations and punishing schedule of the Ambassadors has been no less demanding than for the athletes they have handed over the baton to, with appearances at Olympic-themed events over the UK.

What memories come flooding back of Roger’s own experiences of competing in Roger Black poses with the other Team GB 2012 Ambassadors and Olympic legends (L-R) Kriss Akabusi, Dame Mary Peters, Adrian Moorhouse, , Roger, Dame , Sharron Davies, Sir , , Jayne the and Atlanta Olympics as the Torvill, Steve Backley, , , , , Lynn Davies and on the London Games approaches? Millenium Bridge for the British Olympic Associition’s Olympic Legends Launch Roger with Olympic Mascots Wenlock and Mandeville 22 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 23 PUS LONDON 2012 This Sporting Life

Two pioneering OP friends and elite sportswomen have embraced the opportunities to hone their sporting prowess during their time at Oxford University. Here Opus does its very best to keep up with the amazingly talented Katie Sage and Eloise Waldon-Day and finds out why 2012 is shaping up to be The long legs of the law their year. A criminal active in Portsmouth in the late 1920s would have had cause to think twice about his career Former Senior Prefect Katie Sage OP (2007-2009) is Katie’s friend and fellow former Senior Prefect choice. Walking the beat in the bustling naval town was a tenacious and ambitious police constable, six celebrating a conclusive Oxford University Women’s Rugby Eloise Waldon-Day OP (1999-2008), in her final year reading feet two inches in height, who was destined for rapid promotion. But, perhaps more alarmingly for those Varsity win. The 2012 Women’s Nomura Varsity Match was won History at Trinity College, is President of the prestigious by Oxford on Saturday 3 March at Iffley Road by 28 points to Atalanta Society, the society of Oxford sportswomen which is in need of a quick getaway, PC John Hanlon OP was a champion sprinter. 8. The first half was very much a battle of attrition with both open to all who have represented the university in any sport, sides’ defences on top and there were just six points scored. not only those who have won Blues. The Society is celebrating pursued criminals in the C.I.D. and, in his the first ever constable to practise as a It was not until the second half that the Oxford side came its 20th birthday this year which Eloise has marked by setting spare time, kept up his running in the barrister. He wrote the Police Manual in alive and scored four unanswered tries as they proceeded to up a Speaker Series in which prominent women in sport are force’s athletics club. 1952 and served as a judge for many years dominate both possession and territory to win convincingly in invited to address members. She also confesses to regular less in the Northumberland area. He died in In July 1928, during the Amateur Athletics the end. Katie, playing at full back scored two decisive tries and formal gatherings which meet in Vincent’s Club (Atalanta’s 1983, having more than fulfilled The Times’ Association championships at Stamford made the break in the first half that led to the Oxford penalty male equivalent) for lunch on Saturdays! hopes that he would “go far”. Bridge, The Times reported that “of our new which leveled the scores. Eloise has just been interviewed by First Eleven, the magazine men, the most promising would appear Katie has played rugby from the age of 6 at Havant Rugby for parents with children at independent schools about girls’ to be J.A.T. Hanlon, a young and keen References Club and represented Hampshire from 13 to 18, as well as sport provision within the sector. She has an impressive PGS Senior School Sports Day, between the wars. athlete…with skilled and careful coaching playing for the successful South Regional Team. In her third sporting pedigree competing to national standard in netball (he) may go far.” Hanlon was duly selected The Portmuthian year at Pembroke College Oxford studying Jurisprudence, (England U19 2008-09, English Universities 2011) and athletics Hanlon was born in 1905 and attended for the 1928 Olympics 400m and 400m PGS Debating Society minutes 1923-24 Katie has played in all of the varsity matches since she went (Captain of the England team-ISF World Cup 2007, English Portsmouth Grammar School from 1919 relay. up to Oxford. Both previous clashes have seen Cambridge Schools Multi-Events U17) and has been heavily involved in to 1923. His father was a Lieutenant in the PGS Admission Register The Amsterdam Games included women victories, though Katie was player of the match at Grange Oxford sport throughout her time at Trinity. Royal Marine Artillery based at Eastney athletes and gymnasts for the first time The Times 9 July 1928 Road last season. Making the very most of her time at Oxford, Barracks, and the family home was in She has a Blue in Netball, has achieved three Half-Blues in and also welcomed Germany’s return after she combines her passion for rugby with determination and Winter Road. The Olympics – to Athens Athletics and danced in her first year with the Dancesport the Great War. This was a time of great application to her study, is predicted to achieve a 1st Class 1896-2004 (2004) F.Inzian et al team. Since then, she has rowed for her college, captained The young Hanlon’s remarkable athletic optimism and, for many, the 1928 Games Honours Degree and was the recipient last year of the Roger the athletics and netball teams and has even been known to talents at school were celebrated in 1923 symbolised a world that was united in Bannister Scholarship for combining Academic and Sporting appear on a football, hockey or even waterpolo pitch, with when he was awarded the Victor Ludorum peace and harmony. achievement. She hopes to stay on at Oxford to complete a (according to her) varying degrees of success! cup (for gaining the most points on Sports Master’s Degree next year and also has plans to spend a year Day), coming first in the 100 yards, the Unfortunately for Hanlon, dreams of working for the Law Commission in Westminster before she hurdles and the high jump. Olympic glory turned to ash on the cinder pursues her ultimate ambition to become a Barrister. Just don’t stand in her way! He played an active role in school life in track. He was eliminated in the first many ways, as a prefect and member round and took no further part in Olympic of several committees. As a member history. of the Debating Society he seconded a motion “that the modern newspaper Despite the setback, Hanlon’s athletic has abused its privileges”, objecting to career continued. In the following year’s the prurient details of horrific crimes A.A.A. Championships, he triumphed in that were reported. As a sergeant in the the 220 and 440 yards and was a member Officer Training Corps, and one of the best of the winning 4x400 yard relay team in shots in the school, he argued that O.T.C. 1932. He competed in the British Empire membership should be compulsory for Games of 1930 and, in 1931, won a silver pupils. And, in November 1923, Hanlon medal in the 4x110 yard relay. spoke in the school’s mock election for a Prime Minister, putting the case for the Meanwhile, Hanlon’s rise through the Conservatives and arguing that “the best police ranks was meteoric and, by the way to avoid war was to prepare for it”. age of 33 he had been appointed Chief Constable of Leamington. In 1939 he After leaving school, Hanlon went directly retired from the force to study law and was into the Portsmouth Police where he called to the Bar five years later, becoming Amsterdam Olympics posters, 1928 (courtesy The Olympic Museum, Lausanne) 24 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 25

What single piece of career advice would you give to aspiring journalists? Break stories. It’s not easy in an era of 24-7 media but it’s what will make you stand out in a time when almost Portsmouth everyone is using a keyboard and, one way or another, contributing to the public debate through blogs, tweets, status updates right through to full-blown articles. Point Inside Track Can the venerable newspaper survive in the age of the internet? Newspaper Editor I think print newspapers have some life in them yet, as the growing circulation of The Independent’s smaller Portsmouth Point is a termly record of sister paper “i” is showing. There are still many people for whom a well-edited and attractively-presented the intellectual and cultural life of PGS print paper is the format they feel most suits their needs. National newspapers alone are still selling 9 million pupils, staff and parents. It includes copies a day, not including the hundreds of regional titles, so I expect the news-stand to last for another 20 many of the extended essays written years, though undergoing steady decline. Few people under the age of 30 buy print papers and so digital by PGS pupils. Founded by Mr Elphick- The latest OP to be in the spotlight for Inside Track is Ian Burrell (1972 – 1982). publication is of critical importance. Newspapers are transitioning from print to digital. Eventually we will all Smith and his editorial team in 2009, consume our news from websites and apps - or whatever format the digital revolution throws up next. What the magazine has included articles on Ian is Assistant Editor & Media Editor of The Independent, writing and editing the media coverage in I do expect is that the British newspaper brands, which are very strong, will continue to be key players in the a dizzying range of topics, including both The Independent and i newspapers. He joined The Independent in 1996 and is a former Home news industry for generations to come, albeit not in paper form. Chaos Theory, the geography of sun Affairs Editor of the paper. He began his career on the Birmingham Post & Mail newspapers where he beds, Heidegger’s ontology, a recipe was Reporter of the Year in the Press Gazette UK regional newspaper awards. He later worked at London for bouillabaisse written in French, Weekend Television and then the Sunday Times, where he was a member of the Insight investigations What are the strangest lengths you’ve ever gone to in pursuit of the story? social polarization in Argentina, the unit. Ian is also a regular contributor to GQ magazine and has appeared as a commentator on the BBC Gosh. When I was on the Sunday Times I had to do some odd things. I remember taking a small boat across News Channel, CNN and Al-Jazeera, as well as presenting What the Papers Say on Radio 4. Among the Taliban, croquet, anorexia nervosa, stories he has covered in The Independent recently has been Pompey pub landlady Karen Murphy’s choppy waters to the Isle of Sark in mid-winter to expose a tax loophole, and disguising myself as a travel inflationary cosmology, the music of battle with the English Premier League and BSkyB to broadcast live football matches by means of a writer journeying through remote villages in Macedonia to uncover a Euro tax scam. And turning up at the Stone Roses, an appreciation of Greek decoder rather than paying Sky, which holds the rights in the UK. Ian has interviewed a plethora midnight on the doorsteps of British engineers who had worked on parts for Saddam Hussein’s Supergun. The weathervanes and fractal geometry. of celebrities and public figures throughout his career, including Michael McIntyre, Ozzy Osbourne, most ridiculous was spending all night in a race against time ordering a consignment of ostrich meat from Ian interviews American business magnate Bill Gates In February 2012, a new editorial in 2006, a time when he was officially the world’s Alan Whicker, Michael Parkinson, Ann Widdecombe, 50 cent and Bill Gates. a ranch in the United States, getting an airline to fly it free of charge (for the publicity), and fast-tracking it team, under the editorship of Mr. wealthiest individual. through HM Customs at Heathrow, all so that the Birmingham chef Rustie Lee could cook it live on London Burkinshaw, launched the new Weekend Television. Portsmouth Point blog, designed and developed by Year 11 PGS pupil, Of all the people you have interviewed in your career, The biggest misconception about being a journalist is…? What’s your killer question when interviewing someone? Daniel Rollins. The blog is updated who has made the biggest impression on you? That we’re commercially-minded animals - people talk of journalists wanting to I don’t have one as such. It’s something you would have in your armoury as a broadcast interviewer trying daily with articles by pupils, staff and The most memorable was with the Microsoft founder Bill Gates in a skyscraper “sell papers”. That might be true for an editor under pressure from a proprietor to to pin down an evasive and media-trained politician. Generally I’m trying to put people at their ease and parents. Recent posts have included overlooking Time Square in New York City in 2006. Not so much because Gates raise circulation. But I would hope that the greatest motivation for the reporter encouraging them to be open and frank, rather than trying to trip them up. I think you learn more that way. analysis of the 2012 Budget, Bruce was an impressive interviewee - he has a soft adenoidal voice, speaks with little or columnist is to convey a truth. Either you are revealing something previously Rather than asking a killer question, a crucial technique is to know when not to speak, thus encouraging the Springsteen’s new album, Wrecking passion and fidgets with his feet - but because I had flown 3,500 miles to see unknown or you are giving a clearer account of an issue than has been given interviewee to “fill” the void you have created and reveal a little more of themselves. You can also wreck a Ball, a discussion of the situation him and had ten minutes to generate material for a 2,000-word profile while before. great quote by interrupting someone at a critical moment. in Syria and an investigation into his minder sat alongside him literally holding a stopwatch. It was highly intense criminal psychology. We invite OPs to but he was good enough to give me his vision for the future of global media in The Economist recently referred to Britain’s ‘feral Press’. Is that a visit us (and, of course, to comment) at response to half a dozen carefully-tailored questions. What’s the scoop you would love to have broken? fair assessment of the nation’s newspapers and approach to www.portsmouthpoint.blogspot.com At this moment it would have to be the phone-hacking story, uncovered by Nick Davies of . Few I have strong memories of interviewing a boyhood hero John Peel, days before he investigative journalism? died, and of a couple of interviews with Alan Whicker, one in a hotel in Cape Town people, including me, realised just how important this was when it broke. I now have the feeling that there I think it was Tony Blair who said that first. At the time it was a cheap shot from shortly after he had pulled down a curtain rail and cut his head open. I’ve made is far more to come and it’s a scandal that will reach into high places and have repercussions that will last for a retiring Prime Minister who had been given a fair wind by the press in his first personal friends with some interviewees, such as the artist Barry Fantoni and the years. term but had subsequently been asked some difficult questions, particularly broadcaster David Rodigan and others have been or become work colleagues, over his decision to take the country into war in Iraq. In the current climate, such as Andrew Marr and Greg Dyke. when such dirty practices as phone-hacking and bribing police officers are being The internet entrepreneur Martha Lane Fox, was badly injured in a car crash exposed, the term “feral” seems to me an entirely appropriate description of some yet has an inspiring attitude to life. I spent a mad afternoon with the eccentric elements of the press, I’m sad to say. publisher Felix Dennis over a bottle or two of Pouilly-Fume at his Soho pied-a- terre. Steve Coogan was the funniest comedian, though Frank Skinner was the most interesting and Ozzy Osbourne was funnier than them all. What’s the best newspaper headline you’ve ever read? The one that made me laugh most recently concerned a looter who had torched an underwear shop during the London riots, falsely denied that he did it but was What teachers if any, at school, inspired you to pursue a career in identified by his tendency to go boss-eyed during moments of stress. The Evening journalism? Standard headline was: “Caught out by his cross eyes, the liar who set pants on fire I would say those who encouraged us to express ourselves in words - Mr during looting”. Stoneham, who taught English at GCSE, comes to mind. I’m grateful for the Among the many celebrities Ian has interviewed are popstars Deborah Harry (left) and Ozzy Osbourne (right). A-level History teaching of Mr Marsh and Mr Reger. I went to the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 and the lessons on the Boer War came flooding back. 26 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 27

1945, was to deceive the Japanese about He demobilised in 1947 and returned where he was intending to cross the River to take up his place again at Downing Irrawaddy. In March 1945, 28th Brigade College. Perhaps because of his made a feint attack across the river. The experiences travelling in India and the Far Geography Forever! Japanese took the bait and deployed large East, he decided to switch to geography, numbers of troops to meet the perceived a decision that many generations of threat. Ray’s battalion of Somali troops was geographers at PGS had cause to be defending the administrative area of the thankful for. At Cambridge he came Ray Clayton - A celebration Brigade at Letse when the Japanese 153 under the influence of Head of the Infantry Regiment attacked the somewhat Geography Department, Professor J A When the newly appointed Ray Clayton entered the Common Room at Portsmouth Grammar School exposed defensive position at dawn on Steers, the renowned exponent of Physical 20 March. A desperate struggle ensued Geography who did much to promote for the first time in 1950, he recognised one familiar face among his future colleagues. By an odd with the Japanese breaking into the Geography as an academic subject in its Soldiers of the King’s African Rifles in Burma 1944 (IWM) coincidence, he had previously met John Marsh, another recently appointed Assistant Master, during the compound many times and being repelled own right in the 1930s. war. It was John Marsh’s supply column from the Royal Indian Army Service Corps that had supplied Ray’s by the Somalis. officers and senior NCOs seconded from Graduating in 1949 and taking his Diploma battalion of Somali soldiers at Dimapur in 1944 before they went into Burma. Both only ever taught at the British and Indian Armies. They were in Education in 1950, Ray successfully PGS and were close friends throughout their time there and in retirement. used initially for local defence and internal After several hours of hand-to-hand applied for a post at the Portsmouth security of their respective colonies, but fighting, the Japanese were defeated, Grammar School where he was to remain At a time when we pupils were known that he was to become a teacher after they became increasingly involved in losing more than half their men. until his retirement some 37 years later universally by our surnames, it was an graduation - a family tradition - a fighting in the German African Colonies, in 1987 - an exceptional record. Ray’s indication that you had “arrived” when grandfather having been headmaster of then fighting the Japanese in Burma. Their Slim was able to cross the Irrawaddy leadership, drive and enthusiasm quickly you were called by your forename by a school in Yorkshire. In wartime only the natural skills as trackers and their ability to elsewhere with little Japanese opposition, led to his appointment as Head of Ray Clayton. The ultimate accolade was first year of the normal three year degree survive in the jungle environment made taking Rangoon a few weeks later. Smith House which he only reluctantly when you were allowed to call him, courses was taken with the expectation an invaluable contribution to the Allied relinquished in 1956 when he was During the course of our meeting, I ”Ray”, an honour for the select few and that courses would be completed as soon effort there. appointed Head of Geography. It was in showed Ray a sketch plan of the action usually occurring during the celebrated as the war was over. this role that Ray really made his mark Lieutenant Clayton was posted first to the at Letse from a wargame on the internet. Geography Field Weeks in the Lakes. His on the academic life of the school. Under Having successfully completed Part 1 of KAR depot at Langata in Kenya, where he His eyes lit up as he orientated the map, accessibility singled out Ray from the his guidance the Geography Department his Classical Tripos, Ray enlisted in the learnt Swahili, the lingua franca of all the as a professional geographer would, general run of masters at PGS at the time. expanded and flourished, with increasing Army and was commissioned into The KAR battalions, and got to know the ways and pointed out where his platoon One felt that Ray was more than a teacher, numbers of pupils leaving to read King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry in of the African troops. From there, Ray was was deployed and where the fanatical he was a friend and an inspirational one geography at various universities, a firm 1942. His wartime military career, however, posted to one of the two KAR battalions Japanese had broken through the barbed at that. link being established with Downing was somewhat unusual. After completing recruited in British Somaliland, the 71st wire a few yards in front of his position. College, Ray’s alma mater. I recently had the privilege and pleasure officer training, he was interviewed by (Somaliland) Battalion. The Somalis made of interviewing Ray, then in his 89th his Commanding Officer who asked if he excellent soldiers and Ray commented He was amazed to find that the short but It has to be said that his teaching method, year, for this article. After some 47 years, would like to serve abroad in the King’s wryly that descendants of the soldiers he desperate action he had taken part in was the dictation of notes in the manner trained are probably those now terrorising of a university lecture, may not have I was somewhat apprehensive about our African Rifles. the subject of an internet wargame more meeting in the Still and West; would we the shipping lanes of the Red Sea! accorded with modern practice, but the than 60 years later! recognise each other, would Ray even classroom work was enhanced by the Ray in “classic” pose - Lakes 1964 With impeccable military logic, his CO The campaign in Burma against the legendary Field Trips to the Lake District remember who I was - one of many assumed that a Classical Scholar of Japanese was ebbing and flowing at the Following the defeat of the Japanese in every Easter. Believed to have started in thousands of pupils he must have taught Greek and Latin would have no problem time and the 71st Battalion was sent to Burma, Ray’s battalion was withdrawn to 1962 with a week in the Outward Bound over the years? In the event, his recall of learning Swahili and Urdu! Ceylon to train in jungle warfare skills India to take part in the planned liberation Centre at Brathay Hall, near Ambleside, dates, events and the details of former before being committed to Burma with of Malaya and Singapore. However, the base camp moved shortly afterwards pupils was truly remarkable and humbling. other KAR battalions. In 1944, the Battalion So it was that the newly commissioned the dropping of the atom bombs and to the Hope Memorial Trust huts near Ray was a Yorkshire lad who has never moved up through India to the north of Lieutenant Clayton found himself on a surrender of the Japanese rendered that Braithwaite. lost his Yorkshire accent despite living Burma where, under General Bill Slim’s troopship bound for Africa. unnecessary and the battalion returned many years in the south. He was educated inspirational leadership, Fourteenth Army to East Africa. Ray was posted to the at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, At the time, The King’s African Rifles was turning the tide against the Japanese. KAR Depot in Dar es Salaam, where his Wakefield from 1932 to 1941 and from consisted of some 40 battalions of African Ray’s battalion, together with two other administrative skills were put to use as there won the Saville Scholarship to read troops recruited from the many British KAR battalions, formed the 28th (East Depot Adjutant. Classics at Downing College, Cambridge. colonies and protectorates from Somalia African) Independent Brigade within XV The Local Authority award stipulated to South Africa. The battalions were led by Corps. The primary task of this Brigade during Slim’s advance into Burma in

Field Trip group photo Hope Memorial Trust huts, Braithwaite 1963

continued... 28 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 29

For those that were old enough, the took over from Ted “George” Washington, and was largely officered and manned Ray Clayton - A celebration Coledale Hotel in Braithwaite (known to all following his tragic accident, as master by OPs. He arranged for CCF cadets as the Colehole) was the favoured evening in charge of cricket and took the school to join his Battery for its annual camp, venue on the strict understanding that teams to new heights against our rival notably Exercise Blue Moon in the early For many pupils the Geography Field Trip the pupils and staff used different bars. schools. He was a founder member of the 1960s, when the Regiment was selected became a rite of passage, involving, for Apparently the landlords, the Swift family, MCC (that is, the Masters Cricket Club), and to train on a new and complex guided looked forward to the annual arrival of the is remembered for his opening spells of missile system, hitherto the preserve of some, hitch-hiking to the Lakes or driving party from PGS which they regarded as . He had attended an OP cricket the Regular Army. The Regiment passed there in a variety of first cars, or even on a the end of winter and the beginning of the reunion at Hilsea with Hoppy, Peter Barclay its trials with flying colours and became motor bike. new season. Ray and the Swifts formed a and other stalwarts of the MCC only a one of only two Territorial Regiments lifelong friendship as a result. week before I met him. Ray also served to be equipped with the Thunderbird Others travelled in the “barouche”, an as coach to the 1st XV backs in happy anti aircraft missile. Many pupils who After leaving school many former pupils ancient and somewhat unreliable Bedford association with Hoppy, the head coach. subsequently went to Sandhurst and returned to help with the field trip which Dormobile. Many will have fond memories commissioned into the Regular Army had became an annual ritual for some. I Ray’s fine tenor voice is remembered for of loading the barouche at school, of the their first taste of military life in “457”. reminded Ray of a reunion trip made his solos at the Annual Christmas Service interminable pre-motorway drive to the by some of us in the early 1970s when, in the Cathedral and in many of John A. When I asked him if he ever felt the need Lake District and, on one famous occasion, unbeknown to Ray, we assembled in the Davison’s compulsory, massed choral to move on, he said that he loved the job, of man-hauling the van up the Kirkstone Man-hauling the Barouche in a blizzard Kirkstone Pass 1962 bar of the Colehole before his pre-dinner events. loved the school, loved the area, loved Pass in a blizzard. In the early days, the drink. He spotted us in the corner, made a working with his colleagues and, above all, trip was specifically for Sixth Formers Ray told me that in later years some 60 was one of the school chaplains, Sam Rhys double-take, came over and said “By heck, loved the pupils and could see no reason of the Geography Department. As time It has to be said that sometimes his tone pupils, including Sixth form girls, attended Griffith who, in an extraordinary and literal what are you lot doing here..?.” or Yorkshire to move. Ray was of that generation of went by more and more pupils from other was less than perfect after the interval, and it became necessary to hire one of Mr leap of faith, bounded over the campfire words to that effect. Later in the evening, masters who had served during WW2 departments joined in. There seemed to possibly owing to the close proximity of Byng’s coaches for the week. during the last night party and emerged as the 6th form girls were ushered off up and were, in many ways, heroes to us be a preponderance of classicists; perhaps the Dolphin Hotel. unscathed on the other side to the the hill to the huts, one of them came boys who had grown up hearing stories Ray was harking back to his early years at He told the story of the girls being amazement of staff and pupils alike - the over and wished Ray “goodnight,” with a of our parents’ wartime experiences. Wakefield and Cambridge or maybe the His wartime infantry experience was used specifically told not to dry their Good Lord must have been looking after peck on his cheek. He turned to us, who Undoubtedly, Ray was ahead of his time classicists were under the illusion that they to good effect in his role as an officer in underwear on the ancient radiators in the his own that night..... were pupils when the school was all-boys, in his approach to dealing with young were adding tone to the proceedings? the Army Section of the School Combined huts only to return one evening to find an and said with a wink, “This wouldn’t have men and women. His friendly, informal The fieldwork included practical plane The entertainments invariably included happened in your day. There is some Cadet Force. He was also a member of but firm manner was in marked contrast array of smouldering undergarments. the local Territorial Army Regiment, 457 table surveying, a skill I found useful in a ritualistic folk dance by Ray and Hoppy, compensation to having girls in the to that of many of his contemporaries. Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment, where he later life as a Survey Officer in the Royal which we southerners could only assume school!” His enthusiasm for his subject certainly Artillery and subsequently as a Chartered He recalled his embarrassment at trying commanded P Battery based at Haslar, inspired me and many others to read had its origins in some weird Yorkshire Ray made a considerable contribution Surveyor. Invariably there was a trip to to explain to the insurance loss adjustor Gosport. He continued the tradition Geography at university and subsequently cult. to the sporting life of the school. A keen Malham Tarn and latterly to a coalmine at the circumstance whereby a teacher at of encouraging PGS boys to join the to pursue a related career. In Ray Clayton and competent sportsman at Cambridge, Whitehaven on the Cumbrian coast. For a respected boys’ grammar school was Regiment, as their predecessors had done we have much to be grateful for. he took part in Trials for the University the intrepid, and foolish, there was the making an insurance claim for burnt during the war, when the local Regiment and had College Colours in rugby, tennis, Philip Ventham OP 1953-1963 sport of sliding down the steep hill slope knickers and bras! had defended Portsmouth during the Blitz squash, cricket and rowing. At PGS, he opposite the huts on enamel plates or tin Other members of staff helped during the trays. The usual light covering of snow week, notably John “Boggy” Marsh, John at Easter gave an added frisson to the “Hoppy” Hopkinson, Gordon Vowles, Peter activity. Barclay and others. A memorable visitor

Plane table surveying in the Lakes 1964 Ritual “northern dance”, last night of the Field Trip in 1964 30 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 31 The Triumphal Arch Caroline Chambers (née Sayers) OP (1992-1994) Caroline Chambers, Key Stage 2 English Coordinator, Head of Hudson House and Last year on Year 13 Leavers’ Day, pupils staged Junior School Charities Coordinator, began what has affectionately been coined, ‘The March her professional career at PGS in 1998 after Through the Arch’, when they walked under the graduating in English and Education at school’s Main Arch and down the middle of the High Homerton College, Cambridge. Brother Street, applauded by their parents and teachers, Mark, also an OP, is now an advocate in the entering the west door of St Thomas’s Cathedral Channel Islands. by the West Door for the service to mark the end of their time at The Portsmouth Grammar School and Which was more nerve-wracking: the beginning of life beyond. passing under the school’s historic arch as a pupil on your first day at school or But for an increasing number of former pupils the as a new employee? spent any free time I had helping in classes Best school trip? in the Pre-prep and was delighted to be of lure to return to PGS is so strong that they just can’t I think my first day as a pupil was most French Exchange - It was a fantastic week assistance. stay away! Here several PGS staff who are former nerve-wracking. I came to the Grammar of fun filled French speaking and a little bit of education on the side! Though I am sure pupils of the school talk about the biggest changes School as a Sixth Former having spent all Are there any advantages or that’s not how it was sold to us! since they left as pupils and why they decided to my preceeding years at the same all girls disadvantages to having seen the school, so it was quite a change in many I have wonderful memories of calling my beat a path back under the school’s Arch in their school through the eyes of both pupil respects. It didn’t take long to settle, make and teacher? exchange partner to thank her and her professional lives. friends and know for sure that I had made parents for their hospitality and finally I think there is certainly an advantage. I a good decision in moving schools. realising I could really hold an entire know what it feels like to be one of the conversation in fluent French! Steve Harris OP (1968-1978) Are there any current Common Room cohort of students here and therefore it colleagues who you remember being gives me immense pleasure to watch the If you had not become a teacher, you taught by? youngsters who come through the Junior would have loved to have been a ……? School grow up and become a part of I spent many an hour in the company of Journalist - I had always enjoyed that. It is amazing to see all they achieve Simon Lemieux whilst completing my writing and had dreams of becoming Steve Harris became the new Surmaster and to note the wide spread talent which History A level and the mere sight of him a Sports journalist. This may have been at PGS in January 2011. He read Chemistry is encouraged by the school. As a Junior still transports me back to those memories. somewhat fuelled by an idealistic image at Christ Church, Oxford and came School teacher it makes me all the more Our current artist in residence, Christine of interviewing top footballers and rugby to PGS from Exeter School, where he aware of the importance of my role in Derry was my ceramics and Art teacher. I players, rather than the more realsitic taught Chemistry as well as being a giving these children a firm platform from tremendously enjoyed spending time in version of journalism which I actually Housemaster and Head of Careers. He is which to develop. contingent commander of the school’s the Art room, creating a plethora of large experienced. On work shadowing, I Combined Cadet Force and sits on the Old pots and sculptures which still adorn my What is the single biggest change at attended the News in Havant, and the Portmuthian Club Committee. Steve is of parents’ home. Another long suffering Art PGS since you left as a pupil? most exciting thing that happened all week was a small kitchen fire when a pan course the son of the late Roger Harris, Old teacher of mine was Simon Willcocks, I say I suppose it is seeing the school gradually caught alight. No injuries, no need for a fire Portmuthian, former staff member and long suffering as he was the one desperate become completely co-ed as there were Who or what inspired you to become a Best and worst subjects at school? brigade even, but it still made the news. It President of the OP Club. to make me draw and paint and do only girls in the first year when I began teacher? Chemistry and French can’t have been a very busy week! anything other than work with clay! Poor Sixth Form, they were filtering in at the My father. man, it was a hopeless cause. Which was more nerve-wracking: Best school trip? entry points. It is fantastic to see the girls Best film about teachers: flourishing throughout. passing under the school’s historic arch Are there any advantages or Climbing in the French Alps Who or what inspired you to become a Dead Poet’s Society - a classic! as a pupil on your first day at school or disadvantages to having seen the teacher? Best and worst subjects at school? as a new employee? If you had not become a teacher, you The most memorable line from your school through the eyes of both pupil I knew from quite a young age that I Having only studied for A levels here, the school report? As a pupil. and teacher? would have loved to have been a ……? aspired to be a teacher. I spent many an choices are not wide. I thoroughly enjoyed Hard to say as the pupil experience was Professional squash player……? hour pretending to teach an assortment “Caroline has a tendency to procrastinate” Are there any current Common Room English lessons and was totally immersed very different back when the earth was of toys which I arranged neatly in my very articulate from Mrs Derry and not far colleagues who you remember being Best film about teachers: in what ever book we were studying at the cooling. wrong. Life in the Art room was laid back bedroom. When I joined the Sixth Form time. I don’t think I had a worst subject, taught by? Goodbye Mr Chips and creative...until exam time!! here I made contact with the then though Simon Willcocks would probably No, but I remember Mike Taylor as a What is the single biggest change at The most memorable line from your Headmistress of the Pre-prep department, argue with that on account of my lack of prominent member of the most influential PGS since you left as a pupil? school report? Mrs Pippa Foster. She had taught me when artistic talent! department in the school! Girls and Cambridge House I was younger and we had kept in touch. I Can’t remember any, (perhaps needs to work on memorising facts!) continued... 32 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 33 The Triumphal Arch Claire Jepson (née Sawyer) OP (1988-1990)

Claire Jepson became Head of English at PGS in 2006. She read English at University College, London before gaining a Masters in Marketing and having a top-flight career Stuart Price OP (1984-1986) with Proctor and Gamble, responsible for the promotion of some of the nation’s most beloved brands, including Bendicks Stuart Price will join the staff at PGS in the of Mayfair and Werther’s Original, before Summer Term as a Mathematics Teacher. re-training as a teacher. Claire is the author He has a Masters in Mathematics from the of several published GCSE English revision University of Warwick and a PGCE from guides and is a former winner of Strictly the University of Portsmouth. Stuart was School Dancing, the PGS version of the a Research Assistant at the University popular television show! of Barcelona and is currently teaching Who or what inspired you to become a What is the single biggest change at Mathematics at , teacher? PGS since you left as a pupil? Gosport. Which was more nerve-wracking: passing under the school’s historic arch My English teacher at PGS was Paul Dean The style of teaching, the size of the school as a pupil on your first day at school or who was the most incredible inspiration. community, the vast array of opportunities Which was more nerve-wracking: as a new employee? He had a unique combination of vivacity available to pupils and the pace. passing under the school’s historic arch and erudition and would think nothing of As I joined from a very small private girls’ Best and worst subjects at school? as a pupil on your first day at school or bursting into song – usually something school with only 15 pupils in year 11, as a new employee? from Twelfth Night – at the slightest whim. My best subjects were English and history. walking through the arch in September I started at PGS in the pre-prep I love being able to explain complex Best school trip? He was a demon if he suspected any kind My worst was definitely Maths (I was to join the Sixth Form was pretty over- department, when I was 5. I don’t mathematical ideas to people who The only trip I can remember was of plagiarism, however, and I remember taught by a Mrs Wright (how’s that for whelming. I remember that three of us remember much about my first days in the don’t believe themselves capable of a Geography coursework visit to him making at least two boys cry when nominative determinism?) and I distinctly all started from the same school and we school, but my teacher was Mrs Compton understanding them. Hengistbury Head in Dorset. I’m not sure I he pounced on their written homework failed to live up to her low expectations!) stuck together fairly closely for the first few and I really enjoyed lessons with her. It’s would describe it as a best trip - standing and unpicked it line by line for “borrowed” Are there any advantages or weeks. At that time there were not that Best school trip? definitely more nerve-wracking to come on a windy, rainy beach measuring ideas. He is, without doubt, the most disadvantages to having seen the many girls in the Sixth Form and so we did back as a new employee, although I am pebbles was not my idea of fun... inspiring man I have ever met. I can vividly I remember going to an (unintentionally) school through the eyes of both pupil stand out. We all felt a little intimidated excited by the prospect of continuing my recall how he somberly read the line, “I hilarious production of the compelling and teacher? in the initial weeks, but then soon settled career at the school. If you had not become a teacher, you know thee not, old man…How ill white German play, The Firestarter in to PGS Sixth Form life. (We got to know Although I will have the advantage of would have loved to have been a ……? hairs become a fool and jester” from Henry The Dolphin well, as I recall!) If you had not become a teacher, you Are there any current Common Room knowing the layout of the school and A dolphin trainer. Or any other role IV, part 2 and it still makes me feel like colleagues who you remember being already knowing some colleagues, it is would have loved to have been a ……? working with animals in a zoo. I guess Are there any current Common Room weeping. When I joined PGS he sent me taught by? clear that much has changed since I left in A mixed-media artist that’s not too disimilar from teaching now colleagues who you remember being a congratulatory letter, alluding to “Mr 1996! The physics department has barely I think about it... taught by? Bleaney”. He was a teacher who, I always Best film about teachers: changed since I myself took A-level Physics felt, like Eliot’s Webster, knew the skull What is the single biggest change at Best film about teachers: I was taught German by Andrew Hogg Apocalypse Now - even Mrs Brown is still there in the prep beneath the skin. PGS since you left as a pupil? and David Hampshire directed me as Mrs room. At interview I saw a few familiar I do think the History Boys film was an Sowerberry in a production of Oliver! The most memorable line from your faces in the common room, including Mr The inclusion of the Cambridge barracks excellent follow up to the play. Are there any advantages or in 1989. Mr Blewitt was a ubiquitous school report? Hampshire and Mr Elphick-Smith. within the school’s grounds. I’m going disadvantages to having seen the to be teaching in that mystical building The most memorable line from your presence although he wasn’t one of my school through the eyes of both pupil From my PE Report when I was 10: “Tries Who or what inspired you to become a that used to be beyond high chicken school report? teachers. I was also taught History by Alan and teacher? hard, but must improve her hit”. Kittermaster, who retired two years ago teacher? wire fencing, conifer trees, and that had a Aside from the “could try harder” lines To be honest, the school is scarcely – he was a great teacher but responsible Even during my school days, I enjoyed security guard by its entrance barrier! in my Art and PE reports, my A-level recognisable. Twenty years have made for the only time I ever got asked to helping fellow pupils with their maths. I subject reports were very complimentary. the most enormous difference and, in Best and worst subjects at school? leave a lesson. It was Friday afternoon was inspired by the subject knowledge However, the four words that have stuck many ways, it feels like an entirely different My strongest subjects at school were and I was idly doodling in my history and teaching styles of Mr Foxton and with me ever since described me as “free establishment. I do feel privileged to Maths, Physics and Spanish. I had book, rather than diligently taking notes. Mr Orton in maths, and Mr Hawkins in from intellectual arrogance”. I think that be able to say that my roots are firmly consistently poor reports in PE, Art and Unfortunately I was sitting in the front row Spanish. During my degree I was able phrase encapsulated the balance I strike entangled in G Block, though at the time. Oops! to continue peer-tutoring in a more Music. The only one of those that has between developing my own subject structured way, and then I became since improved is my interest and ability knowledge, and patiently sharing that involved in facilitating summer schools. in music, with learning the piano - I must knowledge with those around me. have been a late-starter! 34 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 35

We find that Sixth-Formers were generally fairly law-abiding, though a few were awarded essays (for what, one wonders - the misdeeds are not specified). Lateness also remains common. But the lower years provide a richer harvest. In Latter House the Upper Fifths ‘3 slipper’ begins to appear. In the Lower Fifths a star sportsman (Colts rugby, 1st XI cricket) gets ‘3 slipper’ twice and also ‘2 cane’, while a boy with no other achievements manages a record in beatings - four over the year. (The Diamond ‘slipper’ used was actually a gym shoe - lighter, more flexible and easier to grip Saints and Sinners (1952-3) than a modern trainer.) The Eastwood House Book section is organised in a similar way: ‘Housemaster: Queen F.M. Fogarty [who brought rugby to the school]; House Tutor: J. [Jasper] Nowell It was a fascinating, though slightly embarrassing discovery. Asked by Mike Shepherd for my [modern languages]; House Prefects: A.J. Payne/N.J. Coombs. The House numbers While the school has had many distinguished recollections of science teaching at PGS in the 1940s and ’50s for an article he was writing for Opus 56’. visitors over the years, Her Majesty the Queen (Spring 2011), and hoping to jog my memory, I recalled that my Sixth Form science notebooks were has never visited. She did pass by in June lurking somewhere in the basement. Retained originally for their voluminous notes, and later through A crucial difference in the boys’ listings, though, is that no sports or CCF 1947 when, as Princess Elizabeth, she was inertia, they had in fact lain unopened for over fifty years. achievements are recorded, leaving lots of space for details of their crimes. part of a royal visit to the city that included King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. They are seen here being driven There were a dozen of them, standard But the meat of the book is its record of Typical of these, perhaps, is a miscreant in 4A, given a 50-line essay for ‘Insolence’ past the war-damaged Lower School after and ‘1 slipper’ for ‘Chewing and disturbance in prayers’. (I’m hoping that the PGS issue at that time, sturdy hard-bound the achievements and misdemeanours of disembarking from HMS Vanguard. current distinguished President of the OP Club won’t object to this advertisement items with 128 lined pages and identical each of the 112 members of the house. (and anonymous) dark blue spines. It was of his normalcy.) The most common charge seems to have been ‘Talking in form’, only when I opened one with no outside usually rewarded by a 400-word essay. Other misdeeds penalised by essays Each double-page spread is divided into label that I realised that there was a ranged from the mundane to the daring: columns, with the left-most listing the cuckoo in the nest - and a very different - General nuisance names, ages and forms of up to five boys. and entertaining cuckoo at that - the Latter - Walking in front of D Block Then come columns for Rugby, Cross- House Book 1952-1953 (incorporating the - Throwing chalk Country and Cricket, and on the right- Eastwood House Book 1952-1953). - Throwing paper pellets with elastic band hand page for Scouts, CCF and Discipline. - Throwing apple at prefect. The opening pages are bland enough, The latter, naturally, is the widest, with merely listing the masters and prefects. subdivisions Essays, E4s (the prefects’ E4 offences usually resulted in two or three with the slipper: The Housemaster was W.T. (Bill) Tweed, court, named for the room in which it was - Talking in prayers also senior chemistry master, a bluff originally held), Punishment, Late, and Her Majesty is seen in the other archive - Kicking stones in playground after repeated warnings but genial teacher, reputed to have (most ominously) Housemaster. photograph with the PGS Swing Band at - Fighting in form room been in charge of an explosives factory Gunwharf Quays during the 2002 Portsmouth The Sports columns dutifully record - Misbehaviour in public during WWII. The House Tutor was W.H. Festivities, which she visited as part of her membership of School and House teams, - Causing disturbance on Guildhall steps. Hore, senior geography master, whom I Golden Jubilee celebrations. and the CCF column section and rank. But remember amazing us in the Lower Fifth An even more evocative find than the book was a batch of four impositions the most interesting entries are of course with the ultra-modern 35mm colour that I’d apparently collected the following year. All were the same - writing out those under Discipline. slides he had taken on a trip across North Richard Sotnick, when he was Captain of the 2nd XI in 1952 Psalm 1 - only six verses, so the crime, unknown now but presumably a group America. one, cannot have been too serious. But the most interesting feature was that the three culprits whose names I could decipher (not all in Latter) had all gone on to highly distinguished careers: one as a university lecturer in maths, another as Her Britannic Majesty’s ambassador to Peru and later Brazil, and the third as Chief of the Air Staff. What conclusion should be drawn from this? That my timely correction had saved them from lives of criminality? Or that they had achieved success despite a police-state upbringing, where sadistic prefects were forever watching for infringements of the myriad rules, and opportunities to mete out punishment? The former, of course!

But why did I have the House Book at all? Presumably because I’d borrowed Bill Tweed and W.H. Hore, 1950 it as a model for the 1953-54 volume when I took over as House Captain the The House Captain that year was Richard following year. Then, indistinguishable from my science notebooks, it had lain Sotnick, later Lord Mayor, founder of the neglected and forgotten for half a century. It may even be a unique survival. John Portsmouth (now London) International Sadden, the School Archivist, says that he knows of no other example. (It will String Quartet Competition, and recent now be committed to his safekeeping.) But it was presumably the norm for all author of a study in royal history, The Houses to keep such a record at that time. Surely they haven’t all disappeared? Coburg Conspiracy. Maybe another OP has such a memento hiding in an old trunk or tea chest, and preserving dark secrets of the past? It might be worth checking!

Michael Craddock (1945-54) 36 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 37

Members got involved with good works, including digging senior citizens’ gardens and collecting for the Aberfan disaster The Vicar Born to be Wild fund. The Nazi-helmeted Hell’s Angel glanced Seven youths burst into the church hall armed with sawn-off shotguns. Their leader wore a Nazi helmet, down at the priest’s dog collar. He had a studded leather jacket and filthy jeans. A sheath knife protruded from his motorcycle boots. He had seen the television documentary in which the weedy vicar had been described as the come to “sort out” the leader of the “Double Zero” chapter. leader of the “Double Zero” chapter. He turned, sneering, discharged his shotgun The weedy, bespectacled Church of day, to seek Ordination. “He is,” Hibbert through the door of the gents’ lavatory England priest, his mouth dry with fear, noted, “a young man who is quite sure and ordered his sidekicks out, saying that struggled to stop his legs shaking and of his convictions and firm in his faith.” the priest “was not worth bothering with”. drew on his five years’ experience of youth At the age of seventeen he was baptised work in inner-city Birmingham. He had into the Church of England and became A couple of months later, Collyer was worked with Beatniks, Teds, Mods, Rockers, a church youth club leader, looking after driving home after giving a talk to the Skinheads and Hell’s Angels. He knew a membership with a large number of Midland Round Table. Suddenly, his fan what to do. He offered to fight him. Man to Teddy Boys. He went from PGS to Keble belt snapped and the radiator started to David was Chairman of the Variety Club of Grat Britain in 1979-80 and is seen here with the actor Sir John Mills and Lady Mills. man. No weapons. Fisticuffs. College, Oxford to read English and then to steam and he was forced to hitch-hike to Cambridge for theological training. Whilst the nearest garage. A large American car David Collyer was fourteen years old and studying, he became involved in one of drew up and the driver called out, “What’s weighed six stone when he took part the first coffee-bar type youth clubs which up then, Vicar?” The Hell’s Angel leader’s in the Inter-House Boxing Knock-Out he ran with his wife, Carole. voice was unmistakeable. Collyer froze. Competition at Portsmouth Grammar “What was it you said, yer fan belt?” School in 1952. Despite “occasional lapses Attracted by the challenge of “the absolute into wild swinging” the standard was high wilderness” of Birmingham, Collyer The vicar was driven to an all-night garage and there were some promising young became an assistant curate at Perry five miles away, a new fan belt was bought, contenders. Beeches and introduced jazz services in and the Hell’s Angel – who happened to church with guitar music and jiving in the be a motor mechanic - fitted it. Collyer But Collyer was not one of them. The aisles. thanked him. Portmuthian reported that he “lost to Lippiett” and there are no further boxing As he was about to drive off, the Good reports involving the boy for his remaining He was criticised for “bringing the scruffs Samaritan said cheerio. “Let me know if years at the school. However, on Sports of the earth into the Church of England” you want anyone sorted out…or a bit on Day a few months later, he came third in and was dubbed “the Rolling Stone the side – you know, birds and that.” the 100 yards sprint. Curate” by the press. References Later, he played rugby for the Junior Colts XV, was a regular in the Second XV in 1956 His stance on baptism (that it should be The Times 18 March 1967, 9 Dec 1967 David’s many charitable efforts have attracted much media interest. He is shown here being interviewed by DJ legend and Captain of Athletics in 1957-58. He a personal decision, and not imposed on The Portmuthian Tony Blackburn. David Collyer in the 1980s babies) and race (he was accused of being threw himself into other aspects of school David Collyer’s book, Double Zero – Five a “nigger lover”), and his total belief and life. As a member of the Play Reading years with Rockers and Hell’s Angels in an enthusiasm in the inclusion of disaffected Circle he took the role of the Clown in The English City was first published by Fontana youth, led to much publicity and the offer Winter’s Tale. In the Sixth Form production in 1973 and republished in 1983. of The Government Inspector he played of a job as “Chaplain to the Unattached”. With thanks to Guy King-Reynolds, (former Constable Svistoonov. He found time to In this role, Collyer visited nightclubs, pubs, staff 1956-1957). run the school’s Scottish Country Dancing coffee bars and street corners and became Society, aided by “the expert tuition of Mr a familiar figure mixing with various youth Barclay”. He rose to Company Sergeant groups and gangs. The “Double Zero” Major in the Combined Cadet Force and was, according to a report in The Times was made a School Prefect. John Bartle, in 1967, a “strange and successful” youth a contemporary, remembers him as “an club, named by its members and set up extremely jovial, good tempered and by Collyer in the disused St Basil’s Church affable lad”. in Birmingham. There was no attempt Collyer knew exactly what he wanted to preach or moralise, just to guide and to do with his life. He had known since advise through friendship and trust. the age of ten. Headmaster Hibbert remembered the boy telling him soon The number of Rockers attending reached David organised the first ever Prince’s Trust Charity evening in 1982. The Trust encourages disadvantaged young people to after he joined the school of his wish, one seven hundred on some evenings. undertake projects that will benefit themselves and their communities. Double Zero Club, St Basil’s Church 38 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 39 “It’s time to play the music. It’s time to light the lights!”

James Bobin OP (1983-1990) was four when The Muppet Show Last year, James’s company, The became a television hit in the 1970s and became a kermitted Honourable Company of Gentleman Film- Makers, based in West Sunset Boulevard, fan, tuning in to watch the show at his grandmother’s house in Los Angeles cemented its association Sunningwell, Oxfordshire. with HBO with the commissioning and development of two half-hour pilots: Now, over 35 years later, he has directed Marbury vs. Madison, a comedy set in the the eagerly anticipated new Muppet world of academic rivalry written by Bobin, movie, which was released on 10 February and Permanently Temporary, a female inter- and is enjoying life across the Pond with generational comedy written by Bobin’s his wife, the comedienne, historian and sister, actress Joanna Bobin. television presenter Fran Beauman and their daughter Madelaine.

James, who directed Da Show and co-created , joined PGS in 1983 and, after a very successful If a television award were issued for the academic career at the school, left to read most inventive comedy writer and series Modern History at Oxford (Brasenose). In between his studies, he took a full developer of the 2000s, Bobin would part in school life, including playing Mr almost certainly top the list. Sowerbury with Claire Jepson, (nee Sawyer Being chosen to direct the new Muppet OP), PGS Head of English, as his wife in Best known as the man who helped movie was “like being handed the crown the David Hampshire-directed school devise the characterisations of Ali G, jewels”, said James, who was very excited production of Oliver! at the King’s Theatre. Sagdiyev and Bruno (all played by the about introducing a new generation to inimitable Sacha Baron Cohen), Bobin kick- Miss Piggy, Kermit, Gonzo, Animal and the started his career as scripter and helmer rest of the lovable Jim Henson-created of The 11 O’Clock Show in the UK, then characters. The enduring appeal of the moved into collaborations with Cohen. In Muppets, according to James, is that “it’s that capacity, he co-scripted each of the friendly, warm-hearted, good natured. It’s 12 episodes of for the Home not mean or cynical. It’s very honest and Box Office Channel in 2003 and 2004. open. I love that sort of humour. That’s But it is James’s new film , the Bobin foresaw his next comic achievement what I like to do.” seventh feature film starring Jim Henson’s in the form of a nutty pair of satirical loveable creations, which has put him musicians from New Zealand who called firmly in the spotlight. The film themselves Flight of the Conchords - Bret is being lauded by critics and McKenzie and (McKenzie audiences alike, appearing to tap coincidentally wrote the lyrics for Man or into a return to cinematic nostalgia Muppet, one of the two songs from the and family-friendly film-making new Muppet movie nominated for Best typified by recent blockbusters Original Song at the 84th annual Academy and re-releases such as Super 8 Awards). As created and executive and Stand by Me. produced by Bobin and others, the group’s eponymous programme cut back and continued... forth between absurdly stylised music videos in which the artists sang original compositions, and comedic sketches that depicted the boys trying to adjust to life in the Big Apple and achieve fame in America. It debuted on HBO in June 2007 and the first season went on to receive a coveted Emmy nomination. 40 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 41

“It’s time to play the music. It’s time to light the lights!”

known characters Bobby Benson”, James a great believer that a sense of humour says, “Bobby was kind of this creepy is developed at a very early age and it bandleader dude who appeared in Season doesn’t ever change. You’re basically the 3 or 4 of the shows . In those days he had same person forever so you find the same a cigarette permanently attached to his stuff funny forever.The Muppet Show spoke lips, which is of course something which to me at 5 and it speaks to me in my late you can’t do anymore. He’s in the movie far 30s in the same way. So I typed back “Yes.” more than he probably should be!” and here I am. “

How did it feel to be asked to bring It’s difficult to predict where James’s next the characters to big screen after a film or television project will take him, comparatively long absence? James recalls but one thing seems certain: the most the moment he was asked: “I got an email sensational, inspirational, celebrational, which simply said the words: “Do you Muppetational career awaits him. He has his own theory as to why the James’s enduring love of the Muppets, is like The Muppets?” from my agent. I am Muppets might strike the right chord now. evidence that it’s not only in Hollywood “Everything in culture moves in a cyclical that Kermit, Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy way. In the past 10 to 15 years we’ve had and others are remembered with fond a lot of observational, ‘The Office’-style reverence. comedy, which is very reality-based and quite cynical about how the world is muPPET mANIA! and how people interact. The Muppets is The long Elstree residency and smattering really about innocence and charm and of British guest stars and writers meant the In celebration of the release of James Bobin’s new Muppet Movie, we asked a selection of OPs sweetness and light and having hope – original Muppet Show always felt almost as and staff who was their favourite Muppet character and why. and stupid gags. It’s just a good time for British as it did American. Muppets to come back because that’s Who is his favourite muppet character? where comedy is going anyway. And “Well I could say Kermit, Fozzie or Gonzo, they’re the best at doing it.” but I have to single out one of the lesser

Andrew Hogg, Jennifer Tilbury OP Jordan Woodhouse- Tim Thomas OP Ellie Davis OP Head of Careers (2003-2010) Butt OP (2009-2011) (1960-1968) (2004-2011) I remember James I’d have to say Beaker I’d have to say Kermit. The older I get, the My parents would Bobin really well. As a because he just makes Like him, I’m always more I’m becoming like say that I’m most like big fan of Conchords I me laugh more than waving my arms about Stadler and Waldorf! Sweetums, especially had no idea it was him! any other Muppett with manically. when I’ve just got out My favourite character high-pitched voice and of bed. is Gonzo. Can’t think vacant expression. His why… rendition of Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit in the new film is amazing. 42 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 43

Friendships formed at PGS often endure a lifetime. Here OPs Tony Burden and Brian Sawyer recall two much-missed friends and classmates who they Gone But Not Forgotten remained close to long after they had left the school. PL Burnell 1946-2009 PGS 1955-1964 ‘The Amazing Forrest’

My dear life long friend Peter Leonard Having spent my entire career at the Teams of students would battle against I wanted to contact the school and to say Teachers such as Ray Clayton, Peter Burnell passed away some 2 years ago forefront of London advertising creativity, each other to come up with ways of ‘saving how devastated I was to lose such a close Jameson, The Colonel, Hoppy, Boggy, Pete after a long and brave battle against I recognise genius when I see it, and the planet’ and the audience voted for the and dear friend last year in John Forrest Barclay, senior prefects, house masters and bone cancer. We first met at the Lower Bunny was undoubtedly a creative genius. best ideas. Churchill College Cambridge OP (1952-1962). I could not believe what I the Head himself all would attest to that if School in Miss Waterworth’s class, Lower 3, no less were backing the concept, but was hearing when I got a phone call from they could be asked. seated next to each other by virtue of the sadly, his illness came along and despite brother Peter Forrest one afternoon in John and I both enjoyed our rugby, alphabet, and we stayed close for the next He created the MERMIS system for BP. carrying on development whilst suffering Vancouver to tell me of John’s passing that A huge project, based on Bunny’s idea athletics and the CCF naval section in 55 years. rounds of chemotherapy, he couldn’t make day at his lovely home in Wichita Kansas. I particular where we had great times and of using interactive computers and the it happen. struggled to get my head around him not Son of AL Burnell, the enigmatic art master fun. We both thoroughly enjoyed our time then laser discs (pre CD’s), to give the BP being there anymore. of the Lower School, ‘Bunny’ inherited his management complete control of a crisis He was always great company, even in the in Portsmouth Athletics Club John making father’s nickname, and also his father’s love on land or at sea anywhere in the world dark, painful days. Original side splitting It had been a while since we had been his mark in hurdling, and me making marks and ability at art. in real time – and to be able to quickly humour spilt out of him all the time. He in touch but John visited us for a ten day all over the place hurling shots and lobbing had always loved ‘modern’ music, in all its break in Vancouver a couple years back the discus about the place. Art and music were the only ‘creative’ supply footage to the media as the crisis genres (he had been a sound engineer for and attended my son’s wedding in England subjects in the 50’s and 60’s at PGS. Now, developed. John developed his own friends in the Sixth Manfred Mann), he was a very great lover with my wife Linda and I and almost our Form, most of whom I have never met, but I believe, there is a whole plethora of He was an evangelical pioneer of of movies, especially the work of Stanley entire family, shortly after, in the summer, they will know who they are. Denys Hibbert creative subjects to study, but back in the computer graphics in the 80’s, and helped Kubrick and he had a huge appetite for in Sussex, and as it turned out it was the convinced my parents that I should train as day, the school was not so enlightened. build software, which has since been 20th century literature, with JP Donleavy last time I saw him. We had spoken to each a Quantity Surveyor so off I went, avoiding further developed into the stunning world Bunny’s career at PGS was as a result and John Steinbeck particular favourites. other on the blower after that but John was the Sixth Form. Mind you I did and have of computer games and the high quality coast were frequent and fun thereafter. sadly wasted, except for being a key He was also a hero. He saved a drowning not well at all at that time. enjoyed my career and travels as a result. member of the scrum in the heady computer animated films we enjoy now. man’s life off the Cowes promenade, We had met in 1955 in the third form, he John ‘s parents were serving in the Navy in John and I did everything boys, young days of the 1963/64 1st XV. His love of He created a game show format for the diving into the sea without hesitation and just transferring from life as a junior across Malta at that time whilst John was in the men, maturing young men and adults everything creatively new and different BBC, where you could for example play hauling the man back to land. I think he the road and me entering from a city junior Sixth Form and he was in digs in Southsea could do together and for each other. We was unrequited at PGS, and he lacked Prime Minister during a terrorist attack on was front-page news in the Isle of Wight school. When we lost him last year it had as I recall and I did not see so much of him. travelled and played together, cared for and any interest at all in the subjects he was Waterloo station. His experience with the County Press. protected each other and had so much fun. been 56 years that we had known each I have to say that John enjoyed his taught. Even the great late Wally Bartle BP project was invaluable in providing the I got to know John’s family and he mine. Bunny was always ahead of his time, sadly, other and we were like brothers without American experience, we having been even struggled to engage him in art. interactive computer gizmos to make the He was a faithful Godfather to my daughter way too far ahead, and hence there’s a being related. closer on this continent for over twenty action seem real. Jane and cared for my son Michael and But whilst he was bottom of the class at thought about his school days that keeps At this time, a mere ten years since the end years when he passed away. I had travelled daughter Louise. I grew to love his Mother PGS, later in life he demonstrated levels of bugging me: At the PGS of today, Bunny of the Second World War, Portsmouth was to see him in Detroit three times earlier in and Father, his fine brothers Robin and innovative thinking that were top of the Later I helped him in a small way develop would have been a star. Sadly, he was born still shaking off the dust from the blitz and 1981, 1988 and 1990. We too have enjoyed Peter and his terrific sons Michael and class. an idea for another TV show - a cross 50 years too early. rebuilding bombed-out wrecks. our Canadian experiences and in particular David. between University Challenge and X Factor Tony Burden OP (1955-1963) the Olympics a short while ago. I recall (though he would hate me for reducing Often at lunch break we would assist the how active John was when he completely Rest In peace John, taken from us so young, the concept to such a banal level). demolition crews to tear down bombed embraced the Obama presidential run we have lost a truly fine friend. Life will not ever be the same without you. buildings and boy did we get into trouble and the endless debates and discussion for that. As young boys we and others that ensued with my support firmly in the PS I took John to the demonstration forest thought it good fun!! corner of Hilary “Thatcher” Clinton. Both (Yes, trees and things ) in Vancouver one time parties it seems are serving the US well !! and there was a very large sign that said “The Whilst my family spent 17 years in Cape Amazing Forest “. Well he had the cheek and John and I hit it off right from the first class Town from 1971 to 1988 John worked audacity to stand in front of it and insist I take on the first day and as our bond developed very hard indeed developing his senior the photo which, of course, I did and yes he through school so we grew to earn a bit status with his company and it was terrific truly was. of a reputation for being an innocently when we arrived in Vancouver from Cape naughty pair!! Justifiably so without doubt Brian Sawyer OP (1955-60) Town in 1988 as John was transferred from but I don’t think we were horribly disliked Detroit to California and Los Angeles. He as a result. based himself in La Crescenta just north of Glendale and visits up and down the west Peter Burnell (left), with his parents Peter Burnell (in fedora hat) in the 1970s 44 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 45 Postcard from Singapore “Mr Stork will see you in his office” In the spirit of the First Fleet sailing from Spithead, to found Australia in 1787, a pebble’s throw away from the school’s High Street entrance, successive generations of PGS pupils who pass under the school’s Christopher Logue, poet, columnist and screenwriter, was born in Portsmouth, the son of Irish-English historic arch choose to forge their lives in faraway climes. Here Rebecca Drummond OP (1988-1990), clerk, Dominic (Jack), and Florence (Molly). Jack proposed to Molly on South Parade Pier in 1924 and, daughter of former PGS Chairman of Governors David Russell, tells Opus what it’s like to live and work in two years later, John Christopher arrived. It was the year of the General Strike: Singapore or the ‘Lion City’.

I came among you in a time of hunger. My daybreak split on a dockyard suburb. Gunboats lay like scum on the water. I, Christopher Logue, was baptised next year While many thousands of Englishmen, Rebecca studied Geography and Sociology It goes without saying that I miss my the school provides many opportunities Fists clenched, their bellies empty, family and friends. Singapore is about 13 to do community service in neighbouring at Birmingham University and enjoyed Walked day and night on the Capital city… a gap year in Canada before spending 5 hours away from the UK by plane and it poorer countries and so feeling that you years in the Royal Navy as a Navigator. is expensive for people to visit. Also, in can also make a difference to those less (from The Song of Autobiography) PGS Headmaster Joe Stork She re-trained as a teacher in 2006 and terms of making friends here, many people fortunate is very rewarding. here are on short-term contracts and settled in Singapore with husband James In many ways I think my time at PGS got leave after 2 or 3 years and that can make Logue became known for his short, At the age of eight, Logue began to Grammar School. Two days later, war was and children Holly and Charlie. She me to where I am today. I have many friendships difficult to maintain. I also pithy and often political poetry, but it lie and steal. His honest and candid declared, though this was not Logue’s teaches aged children at memories of my old school, but I guess really miss having seasons. On the other is his retelling of ’s epic The Iliad autobiography describes a dishonest and fault. the United World College South East Asia, the moment that has influenced me the hand, it is always about 30°C so you never in modern verse for which he is most eccentric boy, an infant terrible who acted one of the most highly regarded schools most was when Mr Reger, my History Logue remembered being “fitted for a have to think about what to wear, but it celebrated. His great friend and fellow his age, but very, very badly. As a pupil at in the city-state, where she unexpectedly teacher, found the time to speak honestly gas mask by men in brown uniforms”. can also feel rather like Groundhog Day. I poet Craig Raine describes it as “a pacifist’s St. Swithun’s he played Prince Charming met PGS Headmaster James Priory last with me. I wasn’t working hard and had Substantial funds were involuntarily sometimes just want to wear a nice pair of paean to a brutal warrior culture. The very in a school play, an irony that appealed November, when he visited the school as just done really badly in my mock A raised for the Red Cross by pupils, fined winter boots! taste of war is in his words, the flavour of to Logue and provided the title for his part of an international conference on the levels. He encouraged me to look beyond for forgetting to bring their masks to carnage in all its fullness.” autobiography. International Baccaleaureate. I love teaching here. There is a local school school, and suggested the Royal Navy as school. Headmaster Stork evacuated “I ended up in Singpaore when my system which is very academically focused a career. I followed his advice and it gave In his autobiography, Logue emphasised He proceeded to St John’s College pupils, initially to a Spartan old house husband, James, who is in shipping, was - the competition to be ‘top’ in Singapore me a reason to persevere at school; my life the happiness of his carefree early where “only when you walked out at Sparsholt, but then to hotels and offered a job here in 2006. We had both is fierce. Most expats however send their has followed a very different course as a childhood spent beside the seaside. He through the college gates were you guesthouses in that had previously served in the Royal Navy and children to the international schools which result!” remembered, as a three year old, sitting free of the Brothers, their ubiquity, their some form of heat. Here, safe from the so were used to travel and loved the idea best fit the systems they are familiar with on his father’s shoulders and following indoctrination”. Even as a boy, he did not Luftwaffe, pupils were attacked by German of working abroad, so we jumped at the back home. I teach in an International the band of the Royal Marines along the believe in God. Instead of going to church measles. chance. The children were still very little, School (UWCSEA) to the PYP curriculum seafront to church parade. The sights on Sunday he would sneak off and sit in a only 4 and 2, and so it was an easy time to (Primary Years Programme, which is the and sounds of pre-war “Sunny Southsea” beach shelter reading, or walk by the sea. move them. junior version of the IB). It is significantly remained with him; the Fleet Reviews, the different in approach from the British music from the bandstands, paddling in He did, however, have beliefs and a moral Life in Singapore is a very easy place to live. National Curriculum as it stood when the sea, the bustle of thousands of tourists, code. He believed in “the Lady of the Lake; It is safe, clean and has good schools. There I left 6 years ago. It is an inquiry-based the bathing beauty contests and the in ghosts; that my thefts were wrong; is also a great ‘can lah’ attitude, meaning approach and we incorporate a workshop great ocean-liners steaming up the Solent most things are possible. It is a heady mix that girls were special.” approach to Reading and Writing which towards Southampton. of many cultures and nationalities, which I love. As a primary teacher, one of the ensures there is never a dull moment. , one year older, was growing But the boy’s behaviour worsened and things I love is that no two days are the Singapore is small but it is also a major up in Southampton, also of a Catholic he was sent away to Prior Park, a Catholic same. Neither are two children the same transport hub which makes it easy to get family, another budding individualist and in Bath. There, fellow and time spent talking to each individual out and about and explore the region. creative spirit. He later become friends and pupils formed an anti-Logue secret society. child and finding out what makes them collaborated with Logue, most notably At the age of thirteen, Logue’s desperate tick is never wasted. The most rewarding on his controversial film The Devils (1971). parents, having given up on the Catholic part is when a child really understands Logue’s death last December came just a fear of God as a restraining influence, something for the first time and you see few days after that of the ageing enfant found a place for him at Portsmouth the “Oh I get it!” face. I am also lucky that Rebecca in her classroom at the United World College, terrible of British cinema. South-East Asia. Christopher Logue at Prior Park College, 1937

continued... 46 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 47 “Mr Stork will see you in his office”

Logue joined the school’s Aero Club, where However, the safety offered by He also wrote to his parents, apologising members fashioned models of aircraft Southbourne did not include the for the anguish and sorrow he had caused out of wood. In 1941, The Portmuthian suspension of another threat. them. “You denied yourselves almost reported that he had “made a detailed everything to keep me at a decent school model of a Heinkel IIIk which shows the A knock at the classroom door and the and have my brain trained along the lines cockpit controls”. The activities of the entry of the school caretaker, Burden, of human life and decency. You struggled club were soon hampered by a wartime meant just one thing. for me and I ignored your sacrifice.” shortage of balsa. Logue also joined the He bought a typewriter and quit austere, committee of the new school Philatelic Burden would stand silently until post-war Britain for bohemian where Society, though the boys’ enthusiasm beckoned by the master, and at the he befriended and came unstuck when the war began to convenient time, whisper a surname into Samuel Beckett and made a precarious impinge on their ability to harvest exotic his ear. Then,“Logue. Mr Stork will see you living as a poet and hack writer. In 1952 he foreign stamps. In 1943, Logue won a in his office.” published “a left-wing dirty book” called prize for the neatness of his album, an Lust under the nom de plume Count achievement that goes unreported in his The cane was one enduring memory Palmiro Vicarion, happily acceding to the autobiography. of Logue’s troubled adolescence. He publisher’s instruction that there be “one continued to be, he later admitted, a wilful Christopher Logue, c1950 Some of Logue’s books in the school library. Logue was in the school scout troop for full encounter of at least five pages for and rebellious pupil. When he was caught three years, and would have attended every ten pages”. and Manfred Mann’s Earth Band. In 1985, Logue married the biographer, References: stealing a top-shelf magazine, having felt regular camps at St. Catherine’s Hill. In Logue gave readings at the Albert Hall historian and critic, Rosemary Hill. In 2005, shame at the prospect of purchasing it, In the late 1950s he was invited to re- Prince Charming – a memoir (1999) by 1942 he joined the J.T.C. (Joint Training and, in 1969, bravely, at the Isle of Wight he won the Whitbread award for poetry the police were called and he appeared imagine The Iliad for BBC radio, a project Christopher Logue Corps), passed both Certificate A Parts I Festival in front of 100,000. for Cold Calls – a volume in his retelling of before magistrates in the juvenile court. that evolved over many years and was and II, and was made a Lance Corporal. The Iliad. He was appointed CBE two years The Portmuthian, Winter 1941, Summer Headmaster Stork was there to support published in several volumes under the He played Cardinal Richelieu in the Despite taking an active part in school life, later. 1943, Winter 1943. and speak up for him and he got off title, War Music. other Russell’s The Devils (1971), wrote Logue enjoyed his own company and, in with six months’ probation. Despite the the screenplay for his Savage Messiah Logue visited Portsmouth Grammar *The Song of Autobiography by his spare time, escaped the town to watch He was one of ’s problems, Logue managed to pass the (1972) and appeared in ’s School as part of the celebrations for Christopher Logue in The New Reasoner, the sand martins and kingfishers on the Committee of 100, the first campaign School Certificate but had no idea what Jabberwocky (1977) as “Spaghetti-eating World Book Day in 2002. He later wrote, Summer 1958. river Stour at Tuckton. of mass, non-violent civil disobedience to do with his life except to have sex with against nuclear weapons, and was fanatic”. Private Eye provided a steady “My, how the school has changed. Lucky Do not Pretend: an introduction to This rural tranquillity contrasted starkly two ladies he had fallen in love with in imprisoned for a month for “obstructing source of income for over thirty years. His who go there today.” Christopher Logue by Alan J. White OP. PGS with the scenes of devastation in Mudeford, and to sail on the river Stour. column True Stories uncovered bizarre the highway”. He wrote satirical left-wing Today, Logue is celebrated at the school Monograph 15. Portsmouth which Logue witnessed when news stories and Pseuds Corner exposed He left school and, aged 17, joined the ballads for Peter Cook’s The Establishment with a permanent display of two of his he came home during school holidays, and the pompous and pretentious. “I loved Private Eye 50th anniversary book (2011) Black Watch where he proved an equally Club, some of which were recorded as original manuscripts in the library, and a which left a lasting impression. He later editing the Corner,” wrote Logue, “Big (with thanks to Peter Barnes OP) wilful and rebellious soldier. Loguerhythms by Annie Ross and the Tony school monograph on his life and work described the scene near his Festing Grove heads. Big mouths. Big names.” Kinsey jazz quintet. He also personally which is available free from the school. home, in an area that escaped extensive recorded Red Bird for Parlophone, his bombing, where two houses were The inevitable dark cloud under which he adaptations of Pablo Neruda’s love poems, destroyed and the smell of household left the army had an unexpected silver which was produced by George Martin. In gas hung over bomb craters in the road lining. Logue started to write poetry in 1967 his poem Be Not Too Hard was set to leading to the Canoe Lake. military prison. music by and later covered by

Savage Messiah (1972), with screenplay by Logue, starred Logue as featured on the cover of the PGS monograph, Red Bird, 1959 Loguerhthyms, 1963 Helen Mirren in one of her first film roles. Logue wrote regular columns True Stories and Pseuds Corner for Private Eye Do not pretend 48 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 49 Doing the Large Thing Frozen Asset This year the school is celebrating the 85th anniversary of the opening of the Senior School on its current High Street site. Home Secretary Sir William The inspiring OP film-maker who brought Joynson-Hicks formally opened the school on 13th October 1927 amid great celebrations and rousing cheers from pupils. the Antarctic into our Living Rooms

John Aitchison OP (1977-1984), the acclaimed BAFTA award-winning wildlife filmmaker behind the lens of some of the nation’s most beloved natural history series of recent times, more used to standing in front of windswept bird colonies than excited parents, pupils and staff, spoke to a spellbound capacity “It was when we had passed through audience in the David Russell Theatre when he returned to PGS last November. the cross-vaulted arches of the imposing gateway and emerged on the parade He recounted episodes from his ground that the vastness of the place extraordinary career in wildlife filmmaking forced itself upon us. We were for the in programmes such as Yellowstone , South moment lost. We thought of the homely, Pacific and the acclaimed recent BBC TV crowded little space which we had always series Frozen Planet. John, who cites former known as ‘the playground’, a thing of PGS Head of Biology Nik Knight along with collisions and indiscriminate jostling, trips to Farlington Marshes with the school’s and then looked about us at this huge, Wildlife Club and Field Club as fostering his unbounded area. Standing by ourselves… lifelong passion for natural history, filled in the midst of it, we felt dwarfed and the auditorium with sound recordings Opening by Home Secretary William Joynson-Hicks 1927 insignificant.” of the shrill cries of auks and skuas and Recently, his grandson, Lord Brentford, “There are times when the large thing Such feelings soon passed, the parade the underwater calls of Weddell Seals as Seals fighting and giving birth in South of Wight Wildlife Trust which celebrated its kindly presented the school with the is the only thing you can afford to do. ground became a play ground and breathtaking images of the eerie Antarctic Georgia where young Wandering Albatross fiftieth anniversary last year. Eliot Patten ceremonial key used on the day. During This is a large thing. Great cities and little feelings of being lost and insignificant no landscape were played on a big screen. were also taking their first flights, Polar (Year 9) who was in the audience with his his visit to Portsmouth, Sir William was minds go ill together. Nothing large is longer apply to members of today’s school Bears eating berries and wrestling on the family said “ One of my favourite bits of For the landmark series Frozen Planet, also granted the Freedom of the City for done without sacrifice.” Barton’s words community. The acquisition in 2000 of the coast of Hudson Bay as well as searching the evening was the footage at the end which was transmitted last Autumn, but his help in enabling the town to gain city inspired the fundraisers. An appeal raised former men’s barracks, Cambridge House, for nesting Eider Ducks and Arctic Terns showing the film crew being knocked which took four years of painstaking status the previous year. £18,000 which, together with a generous on the east side of the Quad, reunited the in Svalbard where other Arctic birds, over on the ice by the penguins propelling donation by wealthy shipping magnate camera work, John was tasked with The acquisition of the former officers’ two sets of barracks and strengthened the including Brunnich’s Guillemots, nest on themselves out of the water. It was a really Sir Heath Harrison, enabled the school filming Shearwaters and Humpbacked barracks is a milestone in the school’s long sense of community. immense seacliffs. interesting talk with great photos , but to purchase and convert the building. Whales gathering to feed in the Aleutians, history and the key represents a symbolic my favourites were definitely the penguin Barton acknowledged that the project Gentoo Penguins exploding from waves Taking time out from his latest project - a unlocking of the potential of the school, ones!” would not have been possible without the and being hunted by southern sealions new series about the Hebrides for BBC realised by Headmaster Canon Barton in help of the Chairman of the Governors, in the Falkland Islands, Emperor Penguins Scotland which will be transmitted in 1927 and built on ever since by successive and Portsmouth’s first Lord Mayor, Frank leaping from the Ross Sea in super slow 2013, John spent the afternoon meeting Heads. Privett. motion then struggling back to their members of the school Wildlife Club and When Barton joined the school in 1926 colony, young Adelie Penguins leaving having a tour of the new Bristow-Clavell The Home Secretary’s visit to Portsmouth he found that the “old School” (now the their colonies on the Antarctic peninsula Science Centre, before delivering his much was reported in The Times, which Upper Juniors), which had been purpose- and learning to swim while Leopard Seals anticipated evening presentation, held in commented on the appropriateness of the built in 1879 for 250 boys, was “dirty and hunted them through the ice floes, Fur conjunction with the Hampshire and Isle re-use of the barracks bearing in mind the overcrowded with 525 boys”. school’s proud record in providing officers for the armed services. The new school What did PGS Wildlife Club members think? News that the War Office was willing accommodated 21 large and five small to sell the derelict officers’ block of classrooms, a lecture room, the War Gallery “It was “What a “It was “A wondeful “Interesting and Cambridge Barracks, together with a (formerly the Mess Room), Headmaster’s funny when wondeful wonderfully talk and amazing inspirational talk large part of the parade ground and study and rooms for the Bursar, School the Emporor experience inspiring and the photos too!“ with amazing playing fields at Hilsea, was announced Sergeant and a large Common Room. Penguins were with excellent photography Matt Roberts 9Y pictures.“ at the O.P. Annual Dinner following the The first pupils to have a tour of the new knocking the pictures.“ was amazing!“ Anthony Muscat 4S receipt of a telegram that very evening. school were overwhelmed: cameraman over.“ Mollie Birch 7Z Madeleine Alcaraz 7Z Lesson in the War Gallery and Library 1928 Millie Cooper 7Z 50 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 51 Between the Lines: Say G’day to the OP brothers having a bonzer time in Oz Doctor Down Under: A Day in the life of Peter Lines

I returned to school recently for the first time in almost 30 years, along with my youngest brother Robert, and my family. Liz and Sue from the school Development Office and the archivist are to be Patient stabilised, so cycle home for tea. Get greatly thanked for making the visit so memorable, and in return I 17.30 children organised in would like to jot down a few thoughts. bathroom, and sit down to watch documentary programme with them. Call I’m out of bed with the 0800-1200 appointments from the hospital; patient doing well, and 05:00 sunrise, long before my 08:00 every 15 minutes ranging plane expected in 20 minutes. Drive out to wife or our three from acute illness to the airstrip (5km away) to see the single children. Coffee and internet news and repeat prescription review, fasting blood turbo-prop Pilatus PC 12 touch down just e-mails, and then Facebook Scrabble with tests, blood test and CT scan results as the local ambulance volunteers arrive a colleague 200km away. discussion, and patients ranging in age with the patient. The school has changed enormously and from 6 weeks to 99 years. Aim of the game very much for the better; both the lower Shower and get dressed; is to have no more than one person Hand over to the flight nurse (no doctor on and the upper schools have been greatly 06.30 the fact that I still wear a waiting, and very unusual to be more than this flight), and watch plane take off into modernised, with excellent new facilities, tie everyday must owe 15 minutes behind. the sunset. bright modern classrooms, and wonderful something to PGS! Cycle home for lunch with my wife and Back home, Skype video link to parents in lecture/performance spaces. It now seems Gosport, phone call from brother Robert Cycle the 500 yards to mother-in-law. like a truly co-educational school, and there who’s just emigrated to Canberra, and out the hospital and see one is a greater emphasis on a fully-rounded 07:00 to the big shed to finish some welding on vehicle (a combine Back to the hospital to education, so that pupils are encouraged to my latest project, and then an episode of harvester mechanic) going to work. Blue 13.30 remove a skin cancer develop to all of their potential rather than QI recorded from satellite TV. sky and 20 degrees, not a breath of wind, under local anaesthetic; being pushed through the exam sausage and a flock of galah cockatoos in the tree. so far this year 4 melanomas and over a machine. Well done. hundred others. Bed. Another good day, Greet the two nightshift nurses who are think I made a difference, I am a GP and emigrated to Western 21.30 Peter Lines OP 1972-1982 (right) and brother Robert OP 1977-1988 (left) giving handover to the day staff; waiting in everyone I dealt with was Australia in 1998 to work as a solo 1400-1600 more the emergency room is a farmer who had an individual who counts for something, practitioner in a small town. Two years 14:00 appointments at the arrived a few hours earlier with a metal total journey times today 10 minutes later my wife and I moved to our present surgery. At the end one No more Walkabout for the New foreign body which has been lodged in his (hardly any cars, no traffic lights or location where I continue to be the town’s patient with intermittent chest pains, eye for two days. Then see two patients, roundabouts, no sirens, no CCTV cameras), only doctor. We have three wonderful possibly unstable angina. Needs to be Pom on the Block one with pneumonia and one with severe it’s a great life. No worries. children, and my mother-in-law now lives admitted to the hospital and transferred to tonsillitis. You know you’re having an interesting time at work when you find yourself working with us. We bought the vacant 1000 sq.m with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Peter Lines OP (1972-1982) out how to get a dozen vodou musicians out of Haiti during a civil war by smuggling next door (at a cost of approximately (I use this service 15-20 times a year.) Cycle 500 yards to the them across the border into the Dominican Republic. £5,000) and doubled the size of the house. surgery, in the main Patient taken to hospital, both nurses 07.45 One way or another, I’ve spent most of my career working in theatre. A few years Narembeen is about 300km east of Perth street, (see 2 more cars involved with getting treatment underway, in arts marketing (including a brief spell working for Alan Ayckbourn), and theatre and is in the heart of wheat and sheep moving) switch on the computers (still 3 ECG, oxygen, sublingual GTN, intravenous management, led to a move to Worcester. Four years producing and touring theatre farming country. The local government empty appointment slots today), and set cannula, troponin blood test, while I liaise and dance all over England and internationally had some high points, especially area, which is called a Shire, covers 3800 up the coffee machine. with emergency department consultant putting the Philadelphian hiphoppers Rennie Harris Puremovement into the West End, square kilometers and has a population at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth, and the aforementioned Haitians… More recently I was Producer for a digital theatre of 900. I have gradually built up the and then talk to one of the RFDS doctors. company, C&T, which creates stunning and completely original ways for children and practice so that nearly half of my patients Further treatment strategies discussed, young people to learn and be creative. travel from surrounding Shires to see me, and plane arranged, likely ETA 1-2 hours. including one family from 180km away, But you can’t wait for the weather to change, so last year my partner Gavin and I which is very humbling but also gratifying. emigrated to Australia. I’ve just started as the Manager of Theatres for the University of Western Australia, which by coincidence only puts me a three-hour drive away from my big bruvver!

Robert Lines OP (1977-1988) 52 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 53

The OP behind Portsmouth’s most energy-efficient new house

Mick says that the very first time he Waterlooville-based Mick, whose work encountered a well-insulated building in Portsmouth includes the conversion was on a school skiing trip to Norway of 1 Florence Road, Southsea, is also a with Geography master John (“Hoppy”) passionate campaigner for the conversion During the 1980s prolific author, historian and artist Hopkinson. and re-use of existing buildings in the Nigel Grundy OP (1959-1964) made a series of images city and was quoted extensively in the of Old Portsmouth and Southsea using the medium of local press last Autumn when Portsmouth acrylic paint, pen and ink, and pencil. Many changes “I remember leaning against the outside Main, an imposing Art Deco building have taken place since that time, altering the centuries- wall of the hotel in Oppheim, looking 15 Drayton Lane and the city’s former radar production old celebrated skyline forever. In this affectionate out of the window at the sub-zero Arctic site, was demolished. “It’s the Odeon of homage to his hometown, Nigel presents over 70 From the front elevation number 15 landscape when my arm suddenly started Portsdown Hill and it’s a great shame it’s different views – including his former school - made Drayton Lane looks much like those to heat up. I jumped back from the wall going”, he told The News. “All the buildings as part of that series, accompanying each one with a around it, blending in seamlessly with the only to realise that it was so well insulated Mick Morris, in his Cycle Club Bexley strip, trial-biking on Portsdown Hill are wonderful, quite potted historical description and personal recollections. neighbouring properties. But architect that it was throwing my body heat back exciting. It’s extraordinary to think what it When not designing eco-friendly houses, The acclaimed crime writer Graham Hurley, is one of Mick Morris OP (1954-1964) has cleverly at me.” He even challenged Vic the boiler was used for, considering its design, it’s a Mick can be found out in all weathers those who is captivated by Nigel’s work: “ Nigel’s new created one of the UK’s most sustainable man to tackle the somewhat variable stunning building.” indulging in another passion – trial-biking book Requiem is a must”, he enthuses. “Each of the 70+ drawings comes with a page and carbon-neutral domestic dwellings heating with better insulation at PGS on If the Drayton Lane project incorporated on his beloved 290cc Sherco. But don’t of the best kind of history: affectionate reminiscence salted with fascinating facts. which is one of only a few hundred his to return to school! “Bearing in mind a whole host of innovative technologies think for a minute that Mick throws his It pains a writer to say so, but Requiem is conclusive proof that a picture is worth a nationwide to achieve the optimum Code that at that time – the early 1960s”, Mick environmental credentials out with the thousand words.” recalls, “the standard issue grey school to create state-of-the-art design, Mick for Sustainable Homes rating. rain-harvested bathwater the minute he pullover was not an acceptable clothing, also harks back to Portsmouth’s maritime Requiem is available for purchase and UK posting The construction methods involved the gets on the saddle; the essence of trial- even in freezing conditions, for a fashion- heyday as inspiration and source material from Nigel’s website www.imagesafloat.com via use of timber frame and timber windows biking is to overcome obstacles without conscious second year Sixth Former like for other ideas. Paypal or by post with a postal order for £12.50 from Norway. The house’s heating supply stopping or using your feet to steady me!” made out to ‘Images Afloat’ and posted to is produced via a ground source heat yourself - there is no speed or racing Some years ago he proposed an idea for Ham Manor Marina, London Road, Newbury, Berks. pump which collects heat from pipes Drayton Lane is an exemplar project which involved. The sport is scored like golf and a spectacular entrance feature on the RG14 2BP. has been recognised by the Portsmouth the key skill requirements are patience and laid in trenches in the garden areas, M275 access road into the city for the serving the under floor heating in the Society’s prestigious Design Awards as dexterity. And, as you would expect, Mick Please do not forget to include your own address. Portsmouth Society. winter, reversed in the summer months the city’s Best New Building, fending is far more ‘green-lung’ than ‘petrol-head’; to cool the building. In addition to this, off much larger-scale competition in he favours electric bikes which are silent, a large log burner provides 50% of the the form of new buildings at the Queen He described the plan as follows: “Take don’t leak oil and produce zero emissions. School archivist John Sadden has just published a new house’s heating requirements. The hot Alexandra Hospital, , one retired warship as big as possible, volume of old photographs of Gosport and Lee-on-the- water is produced by 7m2 of solar water the new swimming pool and gym at keeping the outline of the hull and Solent. Over 300 images are included – the most ever to panels fixed to the garage roof. Water the Mountbatten Centre, the Cosham superstructure only to the normal water appear in a book on the borough. They date from the saving measures have been introduced to Interchange block of flats and Southsea level and scrap the interior. Relocate on late Victorian period through to the 1970s, and tell a restrict the flow to both taps and toilets. Medical Centre in Somerstown. the central reservation of Mile End Road story of an area that has changed beyond recognition. This ensures a maximum of 105 litres of adjoining the Market House Tavern. water per person per day is met. Low Landscape surrounding grass into bow The photographs range from commercially produced energy lighting is used both internally and waves steaming north out of city, incline postcards to informal, amateur snaps and include externally to ensure that electrical use has ship at 2.5 degrees to port as the roadway a diversity of often unexpected subjects, from been kept to a minimum, including the is slightly curved. Fly the appropriate flags, Edwardian soldiers with their barrack-room pin-ups, Photo courtesy of Malcolm Wells, The News use of A+ rated white goods throughout. cover in flowers.” Victorian workers at Priddy’s Hard, the upper-deck of The property also has 4.5kw of P V panels the floating bridge in the 1940s, and boys training to which generates 80% of the electrical be seamen, furling and stowing the head sails aboard demand. Externally the rainwater is HMS St Vincent. collected and stored and is used for Views of bustling streets, long-lost pubs, shops that are open all hours, historic events external taps. and notable people – including several eminent Old Portmuthians – offer a wealth of social history and will inspire memories in residents and anyone who has ever known the town. Gosport From Old Photographs is published by Amberley Publishing and is available from all good booksellers, and Amazon, at £12.99. 54 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 55 ‘Looks good in his goggles’ School Community comes together to We all remember that sinking feeling at the end of term, sensing our parents were about help pupils make smart career move to be informed of our major and minor peccadilloes in those thrice yearly ‘school reports’. You know the kind of thing: cheating in Latin vocab tests, indifference to the muscular With competition for university places and graduate jobs so fierce, practical work experience and getting excitation of dead frogs’ legs, inertia in the gym, bumptiousness at all times... John Owens, 1955 the ‘inside track’ on their preferred career choices can give candidates an added edge. Being a natural-born squirrel, I still have It is strange how fresh and easily do better’ - its role would be to admit or all my reports, ranging from 1950 at recognisable are the writing styles of those confess aspects of performance that fell For several years now the school’s Careers Department the newly built Paulsgrove West Infants’ PGS staff of the 1950s. Different coloured - or fall - below the high standards to be has held an Annual Careers and Gap Year Convention for School (recently demolished), through inks, letters inclining forwards or back, aspired to by schools worth their salt. Let’s PGS families with children in Years 10 - 13. This year well Historyto my final PGS report in July, 1963. round vowels or elongated consonants. kick off with an aspect of PGS life in the over 50 organisations were represented, including 13 They retain the ability to embarrass, Occasionally prolix statements, shrinking early sixties (‘That ought to be inoffensive universities and 7 gap year companies. Among them were as they did so frequently in the past, and tightening as the space available in enough’, Ed.). a whole host of Old Portmuthians and current and former the designated boxes failed to induce catching me unawares when I thought I’d Staff and pupils then persuaded parents with fascinating, exciting and diverse careers who precision. We saw exponents of the pithy taken schoolboydom to new heights of themselves that they/we were a good cut were willing to impart the benefit of their experience in phrase, one-liners or even single words. perfection. above all others in the district. After all, we everything from accountancy to web design. Art reports were always in bold, extrovert played rugger in the middle and upper The late Hugh Woodcock always cut me italic script. Sports reports on occasion schools - nobody else did for miles around In a scene more reminiscent of the January sales, lacked the refined punctuation advocated hordes of people filled the David Bawtree building, with down to size with an apt word or two, and we had to look as far as Southampton by English specialists. All entries revealed pupils earnestly seeking out information, guidance qualifying any favourable remarks he’d and Chichester to find regular fixtures. C-as much of the character of the writer as of We even went as far as Street in Somerset and advice on a wide variety of professions. Matt been able to run to: ‘He must try to be less the boy. for the annual match with Millfield and Pilkington OP (1997-2004), MD of Superrb, a creative satisfied with himself’; ‘He is still inclined A classic example is aEnglish swimming report cricket fixtures tended also to reflect design agency, who had a stand at the Convention, was to be pleased with himself’; ‘Rather too on my elder son, Sam (albeit from a later the preferences for summer and winter clearly impressed. “ Well done PGS for putting on such a big for his boots’, and so on. period), by the Head of PE & Games at contests between schools of similar great event!”, he said. “ It was brilliant to meet so many Dulwich College Preparatory School. Sam, sporting habits. This was divisive in the city inspiring young people, who each reminded me of what being no Olympian in the pool, couldn’t which gave its name to our school, and I Hugh had a clear and effortlessly attractive an exciting time it is at that age, when the world opens quibble with the verdict, ‘Looks good well remember a celebrated house master handwriting style which lent his utterances up to you and you take charge of your own future. I was in his goggles’ - that’s all, no more to be advising, ‘If you really must smoke on your authority but also a sense they’d been very impressed by the number of pupils and parents that said! At DCPS Sam, too, received from way home, be sure to put on a St John’s fired off casually, almost as asides. But attended along with some of the questions the pupils Hugh Woodcock those fair but irksome College blazer before you light up’! they spoke volumes to parents then asked.” headmaster’s end-of-term entreaties not to and still raise a blush when glanced at In December 1962, an invitation arrived be so full of himself. The Careers Convention is just one of the ways in which some sixty years on.Geography They were, after all, at Cambridge Junction addressed to The seriously intended guidelines for the ‘School report’ was and is a misnomer. Head Boy. As the smug incumbent of that OPs can re-connect with the school and mentor those further development of youngsters whose There never were answering assessments office, I found it to be an invitation from who are on the cusp of going to University or about to character and accomplishments still fell of just how well the school was doing. the Head Girl of St Luke’s Girls Secondary enter the world of work. A series of ‘Working Lunches’ short of the ideal! These would properly have qualified as Modern School, Milton to their annual held every term gives pupils the opportunity to hear ‘school reports’, and it may not be too school dance. I am ashamed to admit that at first hand from professional practitioners across In the Spring Term report of 1959, as I late to restore some balance. After all, I accepted and attended the event with a approached my 14th birthday, thirty words different disciplines in an informal setting where they schools and other public institutions are hint of condescension, though that was were all that were deemed necessary to can ask questions and really gen up on the career they’re always dishing out self-laudatory stuff to knocked out of me by the kindness and cover progress towardsMathematics all 9 GCE O Level interested in. In the past twelve months a number of parents, politicians, the press - in short, decency of the reception on arrival, and subjects in the following academic year. OPs and parents have been guest speakers at Working the world at large. When did you last see the enjoyment of an evening with people Housemaster and Headmaster doubled Lunches, including Jennifer Penneket OP (1993-2003) a school, advertising its next open day for I didn’t know and have never seen since. that word count, but even so, contrast that (“Becoming a doctor”); Stuart Palmer OP (1974-1984) prospective parents, kicking off with, ‘Well, We never thought of extending the hand approach with the 200 words demanded (“Voluntary Sector work overseas”); Oliver Jones OP we’re really not very good at netballScience and of friendship and hospitality to our peers in of my teacher son, Tom, as the target (1994-2004) (“Politics and Public Relations”) and PGS lacrosse, oh and last year’s A level results schools around the city, except to the girls of for each subject, each pupil, each term parent Graham Cunningham (“Life as a Barrister”). Some were the worst in living memory’, however the Portsmouth High School with whom we at his last school! OPs, parents and former parents assist the School’s Sixth accurate these assessments might have hoped to conjure meaningful associations! Form team in preparing pupils for University selection been? No, every pronouncement by the I wonder if there exists still any vestige by agreeing to give them a ‘mock’ interview. If you feel An array of OPs came back to PGS to lend a hand at this year’s annual Careers Convention. From top to staff of every school always asserts that of this senseless snobbery towards able to assist with any of these initiatives, the Careers bottom: they and their institution are a gnat’s contemporaries in the area - often crochet off sheer perfection! HMI and Department would love to hear from you. Former Senior Prefect Jess Taylor OP (2004 -2011) gives the low-down on the University of Birmingham, including children with whom we shared where she is a student ambassador. Ofsted school reports sometimes paint a time in the local primary schools before Please contact Andrew Hogg, Head of Careers, at Creative agency boss Matt Pilkington OP (1997-2004) fielding questions about careers in web design. different picture, of course, but where is the attaining the heights of PGS? [email protected] voice of the present or one-time pupil? Two for the price of one! Rebecca Lowe OP (2001-2008) and Daisy Harris-Burland (2002-2009) joined John Owens, OP 1953-1963 If this feature becomes a regular column forces to give an insight into the world of fashion design, in which they are both flourishing. - maybe called something likeGood ‘Could effort 56 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 57

Sunday, 8 July 2012 Saturday, 29 September 2012 Dickens’ Women – An evening with Miriam 50th Anniversary Rugby Reunion, Hilsea Playing Margolyes, David Russell Theatre PGS at 7.30pm Fields Forthcoming Events 1962-2012 - 50 ! PGS 1st XV of 1962/3 meets at Hilsea to watch their 2012 counterparts vs. Churchers’ College.

Friday, 29 June 2012 OP Cricket Lunch and Veterans Cricket Match, Hilsea Playing Fields Lunch at the Fawcett Pavilion at 1pm Cricket Match starts at 3.30pm Following the success last year of the OP Cricket Reunion and Veterans Cricket Match we will be repeating the event this year. Lunch will be held at Hilsea in the Fawcett Pavilion and the match will start at 3.30pm. It is hoped that last year’s players will be willing to step-up to the crease once again and that some new On Saturday 29 September, some twenty OPs who played in PGS players will be dusting off their cricket whites. Supporters would A not-to-be-missed opportunity to see veteran stage and screen rugby teams in the early 1960s celebrate fifty years since the legend Miriam Margolyes OBE bringing to life twenty-three of Thursday, 3 May 2012 also be much appreciated and all are very welcome to attend the formation of their PGS 1st XV of September 1962. As noted in lunch. Charles Dickens’ most affecting and colourful female (and male!) Opus 5, the hunt was on to locate the twenty individuals known PGS Strictly Come characters, in her acclaimed one-woman show, being brought Cost of lunch is £20 (2-course, wine and coffee). If you would like to have played and all have now been flushed out, alive and Dancing Final, David Russell to Dickens’s birthplace for one night only in celebration of his to attend please complete and return the enclosed booking form well, for the most part. They will be joined for dinner at the Royal bicentenary. Margolyes, known to millions for her roles in film and Theatre 7.30pm by 20 June 2012. Naval Club & Royal Albert Yacht Club by guests of honour John television in Blackadder, The Age of Innocence, Romeo and Juliet Come along to watch staff and pupil finalists strut Hopkinson (Head Coach), Ray Clayton (Backs Coach) and Peter If you need further details please contact Liz Preece and the Harry Potter films presents her powerful, comprehensive, their stuff on the dancefloor as they compete for the Glitterball Barclay (Bulldogs Coach). Most will be accompanied by their wives, ([email protected] or tel. 023 9268 1392). and at times hilarious exposé of Dickens, his writing, and the trophy and the title of PGS Strictly Come Dancing champions girlfriends or significant others, and festivities are scheduled for real-life women who found themselves immortalised in his books. 2012. Spandex and Cuban heels optional! Proceeds from the the weekend for those who can stand the pace. This event is being held in conjunction with the University of evening will go towards the school’s Cambodia Appeal. Tickets Friday, 29 June 2012 This is not an official PGS Association/Development Office event, Portsmouth. Tickets are priced at £15 (£10 concessions) and are from Senior School Reception or by telephoning 023 9236 0036. but it would be great to see at Hilsea OPs from the sixties whose Annual OP vs. PGS Summer Matches, Hilsea available by telephoning 023 9284 3757 or by contacting events@ interest in rugby extends to seeing again this band of relics on the port.ac.uk Playing Fields field of their glorious triumphs! A memorial volume of illustrated Wednesday 30 May, Thursday 31 May and OPs and their families are asked to support the annual summer life histories of the players and their coaches will be available on Friday 1 June clash of school teams vs. OPs. Also new this year – Croquet! the day and the local press is showing some early interest in the Come and have a try at the Queen of Games under the expert Middle School Drama Club production of Titanic, Monday, 9 July 2012 anthropology of senior sportsmen! tutelage of members of the Chichester and Fishbourne Croquet David Russell Theatre 7.30pm Grateful acknowledgement is made to the PGS Development Club. Sports Day, Hilsea Playing Fields, from 10.30am Office, School Archive and the Sport and Rugby authorities, Come along and board the iconic passenger liner on her maiden If you would like to represent the OPs, spectate or need further All sections of the school community are warmly invited to without whose enthusiastic support this event could scarcely have voyage. Cocktails and canapés will be served by the Captain and details please contact Liz Preece at [email protected] or by spectate this showcase of PGS sport in an Olympic year. Please been mounted. If you would like to join in the celebrations in any crew at your table on deck. Tickets £5 (£3 concessions available telephoning 023 9268 1392. wear your House colours and show your allegiances! Refreshments capacity, John Owens would love to hear from you at from Senior School reception or by telephoning 023 9236 0036. Cricket: OPs vs. PGS 1st XI - starts at 4pm available. Please note that there is no parking at Hilsea Playing [email protected] or 01874 636569. Fields for this event; please use the parking facilities at nearby Tennis: OPs vs. PGS 1st VI - starts at 4pm 22 June to 1 July 2012 Hilsea Lido. Veteran OPs Cricket match - starts at 3.30pm Portsmouth Festivities: “Great Expectations” OPs Croquet – starts at 3.30pm LinkedIn Networking Lunch – Send us your views Venues around Portsmouth The Portsmouth Grammar School: Old Portmuthians LinkedIn Friday, 13 July 2012 This year the Festivities will celebrate Charles Dickens’ birth 200 Tuesday, 3 July 2012 group now has grown to around 180 members with new OPs years ago in Portsmouth. ’Great Expectations’ will take place from Founder’s Day Service, Cathedral of St Thomas, joining daily. We thought it might be a good idea to hold an Summer Art Show, HMS Warrior Old Portmuthian Networking Lunch either at PGS or another Friday 22 June to Sunday 1 July, with a wealth of literature, music, High Street, Portsmouth, 2.15pm film, theatre and exhibitions exploring the power of storytelling A private view on the decks of Britain’s first iron-clad warship, location (e.g. London). We would like to canvas the opinions Please join us for the annual service of hymns and readings to and the significance of Dickens’ quest for social change. showcasing the best in pupil artwork and design. Places are of OPs on this idea, regardless of whether you are a LinkedIn commemorate William Smith, Mayor of Portsmouth and Physician Participants include Max Hastings, Roy Hattersley, Penny Junor limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please member or not, so please let us know your views by sending an to its Garrison, who founded Portsmouth’s first school, and all and acclaimed children’s author Anthony Horowitz. For further contact Alison Dyer, Head of Art and Design at [email protected] e-mail to Liz Preece ([email protected]). those subsequently who, by their gifts or service, have contributed information or a programme of events please visit the PGS website to register your place. to its development. The speaker is Robin Griffith-Jones, Reverend www.pgs.org.uk or contact [email protected] and Valiant Master of the Temple in London. Please register your PLEASE NOTE that details of all forthcoming events can be place with Alasdair Akass at [email protected] or by telephoning found on the PGS website – www.pgs.org.uk under tab 023 9236 4248. ‘PGS Association’ in section ‘Development Office’. 58 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 59 News of Old Portmuthians News of Old Portmuthians Richard HASTILOW (1956-1963) He is married to Zoe, a doctor who works as a volunteer in the Guy BARNARD (1964-1974) to the West Yorkshire Playhouse in 2004 and was performed Richard, Chief Executive of the social housing corporation Radion, local government hospital in paediatric palliative care. They have When a party of talented girl athletes had the opportunity for with Christopher Eccleston in the lead role. Other plays include former Chief Executive of RIBA whose naval career culminated in three children, Iona, Ben and David who is Malawian born and was some warm weather training at Club La Santa in Lanzerote, which 50 Revolutions performed by the Oxford Stage Company at the the command of the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible, was elected adopted by Stuart and Zoe four years ago. has played host to Olympic champions, world record holders and Whitehall Theatre, London in 2000 and Resolution at Battersea Arts onto the Committee of the Old Portmuthian Club at February’s Centre in 1994, and Little Joe and His Struggle Against the World professional athletes from around the world, they wanted to be Annual General Meeting. Richard STEGGALL (1984-1994) (Radio 3 2005). sure that everyone using these world-class facilities knew that Murray is perhaps most famously known for ratcheting up the Richard pursues a high level career as a classical french horn they were from PGS. Enter Guy Barnard OP! Through subsidy from Ed LAKE (1991-1999) player. While he was at PGS he played for local amateur operatic Guy and his marketing and promotional merchandise company, tension on Saturday evenings as the man behind the musical Ed studied English at Cambridge societies, in Hampshire County Youth Orchestra and Havant JIGAJAG, the group can now proudly limber up in April in kit score of Doctor Who, which plays a pivotal role in the show. Since and philosophy at University Symphony Orchestra (alongside his teacher, Bridget Bartholomew) emblazoned with the school crest. 2005, the programme has had new doctors, new companions, writers and directors, but one constant tying ‘New Who’ together College London. He spent five and was soloist in Mozart’s 4th horn concerto with the South-East is the score. Murray has held the reins for six years, constructing years at The Daily Telegraph and Hants Youth Orchestra. In 1993 he joined the National Youth Rob CLARKE (1997-2005) beautiful original themes, as well as incorporating and adapting still writes articles about popular Orchestra, and in 1994 was a semi-finalist in the BBC Young classic sounds dating back to the days of the BBC Radiophonic Rob graduated from Cambridge science for the newspaper. He has Musician of the Year competition. Recent solo performances Workshop. Murray has been nominated four times for a BAFTA in University with a Masters degree in been Deputy Editor for The Review, include Mozart’s 3rd horn concerto with the Orchestra Best Original Television Music for his work on Vanity Fair, Queer as Engineering and worked in a ski resort for a weekly culture and world affairs and the “echo horn” part in Simon Bainbridge’s “Landscape and Folk, Casanova, and Doctor Who His breathtaking compositions for a season before joining the Royal Navy supplement of Abu Dhabi’s The Memory” with the Royal College of Music 20th Century Ensemble. Doctor Who have been performed live numerous times over the last year. As well as intensive training at National, a freelance journalist and is currently editor at AEON He graduated from the Royal College of Music in 1998, where last few years, including Doctor Who: A Celebration performed in Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth Magazine. He is also editor of The Zeitgeist Journal, an online he studied with Julian Baker and Pip Eastop. He has worked 2006 at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff, and appearances in 2008 developing leadership skills, Rob has also magazine which aims “to talk about what really matters, to whom, with many of the top London orchestras and has played guest and 2010 at the the Proms at The Royal Albert Hall. Most recently and why.” principal horn with the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, spent 10 weeks at sea on the amphibious this month, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presented the Philharmonia, BBC Concert Orchestra, National Symphony, English assault ship HMS Bulwark, operating Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular! conducted by Ben Foster, with mainly in UK waters and involved in a NATO exercise off Scotland. live appearances of classic enemies during the performance. Ian NICHOLSON (1983-1995) National Ballet and Britten Sinfonia. An interest in chamber and Sub Lieutenant Clarke is now based at the engineering shore contemporary music has led Richard to perform with the Fine Arts Murray lives in New York, although is currently in Sydney, Australia Ian followed his degree in English training establishment, HMS Sultan on Gosport. Brass Quintet, Composers Ensemble, Golden Section, Lontano and on a work assignment. He has been invited back across the Pond and Drama at Birmingham the Haffner Wind Quintet. As a soloist, he has premiered works at to give a talk about his career as a television and film composer by University with a Masters in Actor the British Horn Society Festival and the Hoxton Festival and has Hannah DIAMOND (1999-2008) BAFTA at the Royal Albert Hall in July. Training at the Central School performed Mozart’s 4th Horn Concerto with the Bournemouth of Speech and Drama and Ecole After leaving PGS Hannah obtained a Symphony Orchestra. Philippe Gaulier. An in-demand degree in Sport Science from Exeter Samantha GINGELL (1997-2011) theatre director and acting tutor, His most memorable moment was when he opened Live8 in Hyde University and is now studying for an MSc Samantha was presented with her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Ian’s latest project is The Last March, Park, playing Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band with Sir Paul in Sports Medicine. She is also currently Award at the beginning of March at St James’s Palace. She has a stage adaptation of Scott’s ill- McCartney and U2, dressed as John Lennon (in green, third from training with Skandia Team GBR for the also been accepted as a fencing coach by Camp America and will fated return trek from the Antarctic. left). women’s skiff class which will debut as be spending the summer in San Francisco before resuming her an Olympic event at Rio de Janiero in studies at Southampton University. 2016. The squad comprises four boats Stuart PALMER (PGS 1974-1984) and crews are in regular training at the Weymouth and Portland Abi HARRIS (2005-2010) Stuart won an English Speaking National Sailing Academy. Union scholarship to visit the Forget the Footlights, it would seem that the Cambridge Society USA in 1985 and obtained to join is the PGS ‘Class of 2010’! Organised by Abi Harris, the Murray GOLD (1977-1987) a degree in Business and former PGS pupils, now in their second year at various Cambridge Marketing followed by a Masters Former Doctor Who actor David Tennant Colleges, meet up once a month to sample the offerings at in Engineering. After several started off 2012 by collecting the Best different watering holes across the city. years working as an engineer in Actor Award at the first ever BBC Audio (Clockwise from bottom left): Helena Schofield (Trinity), Chris London, Stuart joined Traidcraft, Drama Awards for his role in the play Smithers (Trinity), James Scott-Brown (Trinity), Abi Harris (Selwyn), a fair trade organisation based in Kafka the Musical written and directed Harriet Cannell (Clare), Gavin Rutter (Queens), Alex Bennett the North East of England, where by the composer and dramatist Murray (Queens), James Disley (Robinson), Oscar Cunningham (Trinity). he worked as Marketing Director. In 2005 Stuart and his family Gold OP (1977-87). The play starts from moved to Malawi where he is the Executive Director of the Beit the suitably Kafkaesque premise that CURE International Hospital which specialises in orthopaedic Franz Kafka finds he has to play himself medicine. This is an international hospital where surgeons from in a musical about his own life. The play - introduces Kafka and five different countries work. The most comprehensive clubfoot the audience to some of the key characters in his life, Milena treatment programme in the world is managed by the hospital Jesenska, Dora Diamant and Felice Bauer. Murray Gold’s first radio and it has the largest orthopaedic research programme in sub- play Electricity won the Richard Imison award for best new play Saharan Africa. Stuart came to PGS in November 2011 to speak to after its broadcast on Radio 3 in 2001. It subsequently transferred Sixth Form pupils about his work in Malawi and the CURE hospital. 60 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 61

actor and from a distance his friends and of the congregation for many years. Deena Dennis LANE (1931 – 2012) family could not tell how troubled his mind passed away on 21 October 2011, aged 78, Former PGS member of staff Dennis Lane was. I know that, amongst other things, he following a short illness. In memoriam passed away on 8 February aged 80 years. regretted not having tried for Cambridge Dennis joined the PGS Mathematics all those years ago. department in 1968 and taught at the Opus is saddened to report the death of the following Old Portmuthians and colleagues Gloster John JACKMAN (1938 – 2011) John’s outgoing nature, his sense of school until his retirement in 1996. David Alan DAVIES (1934 – 2012) John William Gordon FORREST he was promoted to their world HQ in Troy, humour and his friendship touched a Gloster Jackman attended PGS from 1949 Educated at Clarence Square Boys School, (1944 – 2011) Michigan. There he met and married Judith great many people at school, at work and to1954 and left to pursue a career in Dennis then attended Southampton David attended PGS from 1948 to 1953 and Potter, a teacher, in 1972. On his birthday in wherever he got involved. He is greatly banking. He died on 26th October 2011 University and passed away peacefully at his home on 5 We are indebted to John’s brother Robin 1977 he was appointed Materials Manager missed. and is very much missed by his wife Lucy, of Education. He served in the Royal February 2012, aged 77 years. Forrest OP (PGS Lower School 1954-1959) for to the plant in Omaha, Nebraska and here, their family and his many friends. Navy from 1949 to 1956 and gained this appreciation of John’s life. My brother, Peter, and I wish to thank all in 1979, he became a US citizen – still qualifications in Mechanical and Marine the OPs who have contacted us with their playing rugby for the Detroit Old Guys Engineering. He was also a qualified Keith FARWELL (1965 – 2010) great memories and condolences. Select (DOGS) and Greater Omaha Area Professor John Norman R JEFFERS Draughtsman. His interests included Touring Side (GOATS). (Please see The Amazing Forrest article on (1926 – 2011) swimming and water polo. page 43) In 1981 he was appointed General His 28 years at PGS represented a lifetime Operations Manager UK. As a result, he of service to the school and many generations of PGS pupils will remember and Judy and their two sons, Michael and Victor Lionel (Vic) HANSELL (1919 – 2012) David, relocated to Surrey and then to him not only as an inspirational maths Petersfield, where he played for the PRFC Vic attended PGS from 1933 to 1936 and teacher, but also as an accomplished vets. He reconnected with many old school passed away on the 22 February 2012. producer of school plays, swimming coach, friends during this time. Promotion in 1986 He always followed the progress of PGS Royal Navy CCF section commander and took him back to Troy, Michigan, and he with keen interest and often supported Cycling Proficiency Test examiner! was made General Manager Forecasting fundraising initiatives. Last year Vic

and Committing. He was promoted again kindly shared his memories of the author John attended PGS from 1954 – 1962. His in 1990 as Director of Supply Management Percy Westerman OP for a new school passage through PGS was transformed in the Aerospace-Marine Defence Division. monograph. Keith left PGS in 1983 and gained a BA in when his ability to high jump and sprint At this time, sadly, his marriage to Judy English from the University of York and hurdle unlocked his inner confidence and ended in divorce. John attended PGS from 1936-1942. He an MA in Archaeology from University his academic potential began to bloom. Deena HARRIS (1933 – 2011) trained initially as a forester with the College London. He joined the trade mark An injury to his right Achilles tendon From 1992-1995 John was Director of Forestry Commission, then gained an profession in 1987 with a regional private put an end to his serious competitive Materials in the Sterer Division in Los We are indebted to Mike Warin for this external degree in statistics from the practice, where he gained his UK trade participation as he was training for the Angeles. By this time he had married appreciation of Deena’s life and was, for 15 mark qualifications. In 1995 Keith founded, 1966 Commonwealth Games. He did at Rolesta Ellis-Lee and adopted a son, Former pupils and staff will be saddened years, Principal Statistician in the Forestry as a partner, his own specialist trade marks least have the satisfaction of teaching Alan Matthew (he was still refereeing rugby to hear of the death of Deena Harris who Commission Research Branch. He was at practice in Norwich. He passed away in Pascoe how to hurdle with some success. games). He was made a Fellow of the was the secretary to the Headmaster of the forefront of computer application of December 2010 after a long battle with American Production and Inventory He took English Literature, History and the Lower School (forerunner to the Junior statistics in expert systems and modelling. kidney disease aged 45 years. Control Society. Then in 1996 the family Geography/Geology at A level and seemed School) from 1979-1993. During her 14 In 1968 he was appointed Director of the relocated to Wichita, Kansas, where John destined for university. He stayed on at years she provided vital support to three Nature Conservancy’s Merlewood Research was made Vice President Operations school to sit the Cambridge entrance exam Headmasters (Tony Stokes, John Howarth Station. In 1973 he became Deputy and General Manager of Electro-Mech when the opportunity to join International and Richard Mathrick) until her retirement Director of the newly formed Institute Technologies, manufacturing components Computers and Tabulators (ICT, which in 1993. She was a friendly face to staff of Terrestrial Ecology and then in 1976 for the light aircraft industry centred in later became ICL) as a trainee computer and pupils alike in the school office and became its Director and Chief Scientific Wichita. programmer was offered to him. After doubled as school nurse in the days before Officer. considerable soul searching on behalf of In Wichita, John became more involved in the Medical Centre existed. Previously she After he retired he was appointed as himself, Mr Hibbert and his father, he took church affairs with the choir (echoes of PGS had seen service in the Matron’s Office at Visiting Professor to the Universities of this opportunity. Messiah at the Albert Hall 1955) and bible Bedales School where she was employed Newcastle, Kent and Greenwich. He was study groups. He was also active in local as a seamstress, repairing uniforms and In 1962, as by far the youngest participant awarded an honorary DSc from Lancaster and national politics and was involved with mufti for the boarders. on the course he showed great ability. His University, a distinguished statistical the Kansas Christina Prison Ministry. He early projects designing and installing After retirement Deena maintained ecologist award from the International enjoyed tennis and was passionate about management programmes for companies contact with PGS and will be particularly Association for Ecology and a medal his motocross motorcycle collection. He around the south of England often resulted remembered for providing all the home- for distinguished services to forestry had raced bikes in his youth with a lifelong in job offers. In 1965 this again happened cooked mince pies at the reception that from Helsinki University. He was also a school friend, Brian Sawyer. after installing a programme for Vickers followed the Lower School carol concert research fellow of the Durrell Institute of Division of the Sperry Rand Corporation in His sudden death in May last year was a ever year. She remained very active to the Conservation and Ecology of the University Havant. (He was playing rugby for the OPs great shock and sadness to his family and end and was a driving force behind many of Kent, a consultant to the UNESCO Man at this time.) He took the bait and, in one many friends and colleagues worldwide. fundraising schemes for several charities and the Biosophere Programme and guise or another, he spent the rest of his Previously, John had been diagnosed as and especially for All Saints Church, Editor-in-Chief of the UNESCO MAB Book working life with the corporation. In 1969 having Bipolar disorder, but he was a good Denmead where she was a loyal member Series. continued... 62 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 63

called for extreme physical endurance as awarded the Freedom of the Island of duties included aircraft watch in the crow’s Gozo. Other experiences were of making In memoriam nest at full speed into a headwind, loading silent approaches to shore with muffled 25 kg shells into the guns and chipping oars to drop off agents, only to be met ice off the deck at -30°C in the Arctic by shouting and cheering Partisans. The Dr Nigel Jonathan LINDSEY (1956 – 2012) W P (‘Bill’) MAIN (1926 – 2012) Miss Ascough’s Academy (where he darkness. On the return from Murmansk, crew apparently joined in the cheers in was “very intelligent for his age”) and We are indebted to Nigel’s widow Julia for Bill attended PGS from 1936-1943 and before Christmas, the Norfolk located and support of Tito though provided their own then Lyndhurst Road School, he won a this appreciation of his life after leaving school joined the Royal Navy. exchanged fire with the German pocket words which fortunately for them were not scholarship to PGS and started there in He then went on to pursue a career with battleship Scharnhorst which had set sail translated. Another involved using tennis On leaving PGS Nigel Lindsey (OP 1964 1936. His contemporaries included John IBM and spent time in both the UK and from Norway, and after both sustained balls from a nearby factory to re-float a – 1974) studied Zoology at Bangor Rutter, James Clavell and Alan Bristow. By Australia, eventually settling in Australia damage, the Norfolk gave chase and sunken ship in the harbour at Zara (now University. His career took him via a PhD all accounts he enjoyed school life: he where he became a regular and popular joined a larger fleet for a two-hour battle Zadar). The posting in Italy continued with from Sheffield University to a lectureship excelled at sports and was in the Soccer attendee at the Sydney OP Luncheon which sank the Scharnhorst on Boxing Day. a promotion until well after VE-Day with at the University of Bradford where he 1st XI. He spent many leisure hours with Meetings. mine clearing duties up and down the became Professor of (was awarded a friends out in a boat fishing off Southsea. After accepting his naval commission, coast. He kept in touch with some of his chair in) Life Science Education in 2009. Paddy served on motor torpedo boats fellow officers for the rest of his life. In 2010 He became the University’s out of Dover up to and after D-Day. On Peter M G PERROW (1920 – 2011) Director of Learning and Teaching and his first day the Commanding Officer told Paddy was demobbed in 1947 and came held a particular interest in equality and Peter attended PGS from 1930 – 1939. He him to be ready to go out on “banger” that home just in time for the severest of in developing new methods of teaching was the son of a naval officer and came night – which largely involved crossing winters. He had a strong interest to pursue and delivering learning. Nigel’s time with to PGS from King’s School, Rochester in the channel and drawing fire from German studies in science and was not keen to the PGS Wildlife Club (he was a founder January 1930. In 1938 he and three other guns to allow convoys to pass safely. He resume the course in English which he member) inspired a life long love of nature pupils went on a 240 mile cycling tour of saw action on D-Day as part of a decoy had started at Oxford. He joined the and birds in particular. He travelled the Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg. Peter landing at Calais – in his words, out in a Peoples’ Dispensary for Sick Animals as a world to satisfy his love of nature and kindly donated an account of the trip to small boat in the dark with a gramophone Technical Officer and travelled the country jointly authored a checklist of birds of the PGS Archive along with his PGS caps. player and a huge loud speaker playing supporting operations at its various He was evacuated with the school to the orient. Nigel kept in contact with sounds of anchors dropping, tannoy hospitals for several years. He met his wife- Peter was a protégé of Colonel Willis in Bournemouth and continued studies Late in life, Paddy expanded his PGS and in 2008 attended the Wildlife commands and landing craft engines to-be through this work he and Alison 214 Battery and then joined the 57th there. He used to cycle home to connection with the Grammar School – Reunion. Despite a three year battle with revving. married in 1952. They lived in Horndean Regiment RA immediately from Portsmouth at weekends, and although talking about his wartime experiences for Motor Neurone Disease he was always initially, and he continued with PDSA on school, shortly before the outbreak of evacuated, the war was not far off – while After D-Day, Paddy was promoted to an oral history project and participating determined to live his life on his terms the mobile dispensary serving local towns. war, serving from 1939-46 in N. Africa and with a crew potato digging on a farm in sub-lieutenant and moved to a base at in the reunion of 1930s-40s leavers in and not let his illness dictate to him and They bought a house in Cowplain in 1957, Italy. After being de-mobbed he enjoyed a Lymington one summer he had to scatter Taranto on the Adriatic coast of Italy to 2008 which he enjoyed very much. The continued to work until he died. He is where he lived for the rest of his life. He career with Fisons as their Crop Surveying under machine-gun fire from a stray participate in action among the coastal Development Office had even arranged a survived by his wife, Julia, and two young played cricket on the OP team for many Manager. German fighter. In 1943 he left PGS to islands of , serving as navigator surprise birthday cake for him. One of his children. years. enter Oxford under the Naval “Y” scheme. again on motor-torpedo boats. Action last dealings with PGS was to ask school This meant starting the first six months involved harassment of enemy supply Paddy trained as a teacher at Portsmouth archivist John Sadden for some help with Dennis John (‘Paddy’) SMITH of a degree course – in this case English lines and support to the Partisans fighting Training College just as their son Simon research and so pleased was he with John’s (1924 – 2011) Literature at St. Edmund Hall, Oxford in the islands and mainland as well as arrived in the early 1960s and then taught assistance that he sent gift tokens to the minesweeping over a wide area. One at Barncroft School in Leigh Park, moving school so that John and the Development We are indebted to Paddy’s son, Dr Simon J where he was lectured by the likes of C.S. story concerns a visit to a harbour in Gozo, to become Deputy Head of Petersfield Office could treat themselves to ‘some Smith OP (1969-1979), for this tribute to his Lewis, J.R. R. Tolkein and Edmund Blunden neighbour island to Malta, where a stray Junior School in 1969 where he stayed posh biscuits for their coffee break.’ He father written from his home in Canada and had Lord David Cecil as a tutor. Weeks were split between academic studies mine threatened to drift into the harbour until retirement in 1989. He established remained active right up to his death and naval training in the university boat causing widespread destruction. Paddy a strong reputation for science teaching, from heart complications – painting house. In his words, he learnt one kind of shot the mine at a safe distance and saved particularly biology, and was highly prolifically and supporting the campaign Anglo-Saxon from the professors and quite the town, and as a consequence was respected by pupils and staff. for official recognition of service in the another kind from the naval instructors. Arctic Convoys. He was buried at the Wood carving and creation of sculptures Academic and naval exams were followed Sustainability Centre at Leydene, near East in other media had been a leisure activity by sea training on T.S. Foudroyant and then Meon in a plot he chose for himself, on a for many years. Homes and gardens a tour at the shore base H.M.S. Ganges hillside where he once went shooting with of friends and relatives are graced with where they took a three month course his father. woodcarvings of birds, mammals and in six weeks. He became captain of the Nigel Lindsey (front) at PGS Wildlife Club Reunion, Oct. 2008. even modelled heads. In retirement, Paddy shooting team and came top in gunnery, added painting to his considerable skills, Duncan Hugh SPENCER (1920 – 2011) near the top in seamanship, knots and joining the Artspace group in Portsmouth splices and drill. and exhibiting frequently. He was a Duncan attended PGS from 1933 to 1939 and passed away peacefully on 4th Christopher LOGUE CBE (1926 – 2011) He was assigned to the starboard frequent visitor to his son in Canada for September 2011 aged 91 years. He always Poet, playwright, screen-writer and actor gun on the cruiser H.M.S Norfolk as an many years and travelled extensively in Paddy was born in North End in followed the progress of PGS with keen Christopher Logue, died on 2 December Ordinary Seaman and left from Gourock North America. Portsmouth – christened Dennis interest. 2011, aged 85 years. Please see John John – but immediately adopted the in November 1943 for Scapa Flow for Sadden’s article on pages 45 - 47 for a name familiar to everyone thanks to trials and then to Iceland as escort on celebration of Logue’s life and career. an Irish midwife. After early years at the Russian Convoys. The Arctic Convoys continued... 64 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012 Portsmouth Grammar School • www.pgs.org.uk 65

At school in the 1930s soccer was Alan’s William Henry Francis (‘Harry’) WALSH favourite game. David Morey, who played (1932 – 2011) In memoriam with him in the OP Soccer Club in later years, remembers Alan as a strong and fast centre forward and has a copy of Kerry Marcus John STONE (1940 – 2011) group of former and serving SAS Officers, The Portmuthian of 1935 containing a who, with a minimum of largely unofficial We are grateful to John Bartle (OP) for this photograph of the PGS 1st X1, including support, fought an un-recognized war appreciation of Kerry Stone’s life. Alan. against a huge Egyptian Army force in The Yemen in an extremely harsh environment, As if all this was not enough, Alan acted and during momentous times in Middle as a guide around Old Portsmouth. Many Eastern history. Kerry contributed to a remember being amazed at his detailed Radio 4 programme about those times in knowledge and his humorous delivery of the summer of 2011. the many pertinent and pithy Portsmouth facts. In between his adventures Kerry would invariably return to the Portsmouth area, In all he did Alan was methodical and where he would visit his old school mates, meticulous; a hard task master but always wearing his trade-mark cheeky grin, and courteous and a true gentleman. He was with an invitation to ‘come for a pint’. an inspiration to his family and his many During longer periods in the UK. Kerry Alan was in constant demand to play the friends and acquaintances, all of whom Harry Walsh, former stalwart of the PGS would undertake all sorts of employment, organ/piano/keyboard in a number of greatly miss him. They have nothing but Biology and Mathematics Departments usually provided by his old mates, with local churches, among them Stoke Road fond memories of Alan and huge respect and Housemaster of Hawkey, died on gusto and cheery enthusiasm. Congregational Church in Gosport, where for him. Friday 18 November 2011 aged 79 years. he was organist for a short time in the Kerry never forgot his time at PGS, but, May he rest in peace. He had been receiving treatment for Non- 1950s and 60s. For a considerable time despite his regular visits to his old mates, Hodgkins Lymphoma for some time. he was an organist and choirmaster at Kerry Stone came to the third form from never visited the school until shortly Portchester Methodist Church, where he Harry joined the PGS Biology & Gosport High School. His time at PGS before his death, when he returned with Dave Allison (OP 1946 – 1953) has also was also a member of the Men’s Fellowship. Mathematics Departments early in 1987. (1951 to 1956) was not noted for his all sorts of interesting material for John provided the following memories of Alan. Additionally, he was a member of the He brought a wealth of experience from academic achievements, but he was Sadden, the School Archivist. I believe that Roundabout Art Group in Portchester. I was sad to hear that Alan Trout had earlier years of his career including from always the most affable, amusing and this was an act which showed how much died recently. Our paths crossed many his previous post as deputy headmaster engaging character and a team player. In he valued his time there as a pupil. He will Alan’s association with the Portsmouth times. I was one of those sports mad boys of a large inner city his own words “I left PGS on the last day of not be forgotten! Players lasted for very many years until who enjoyed playing football as well as in the Midlands. His charity fundraising at the Christmas term 1956, with four 1999, including a long period as Musical rugby. During school holidays the Old school benefitted a whole host of good ‘O’ levels (taken in two goes), four stripes Director and Chorus Master, at which Portmuthian Football Club welcomed causes in the local area and overseas on my backside from the cane and Alan Albert TROUT (1918 – 2011) he excelled. He was said to be the finest young fit Sixth Formers to bolster their and the annual Sponsored Silence event the best wishes of my Housemaster, teacher of music that the Players have Thanks to Mike Shepherd (OP) for this ranks. Like the evergreen George Hayward, which he instituted was one of the most F.Howe Esq., who noted that ‘having set been fortunate to have for many years. appreciation of Alan Trout’s life. Alan Alan’s Saturday afternoons were spent anticipated highlights of the school yourself low standards, you have failed to He would home in unerringly on anyone attended PGS between 1929 and 1935. He with the OPs and my abiding memory of calendar – most notably for the teaching reach them.’ “ who was off-key by even the slightest died peacefully on July 22, aged 93 him was when he came on to play as a staff! A love of outdoor pursuits, most fraction! In 1963 Alan also displayed his Kerry left for the Portsmouth College of second half substitute at Alexandra Park. notably sailing, had drawn Harry and his Alan was a man of very many talents. considerable dancing talents in a lively Technology and was then commissioned He was over 50 years of age at the time wife, Mary, to the south coast. In addition production of Call me Madam at the South into the RASC in 1959 and posted to First and foremost was his great musical and this gangling figure from a bygone era to being a skillful sailor he was also an Parade Pier. Alan always gave unstintingly the Kings African Rifles in Kenya. From gift. He taught at Woodcot Junior School, was asked to “make a nuisance of yourself” accomplished violin and viola player. He of his time, whether it was in shows, there he embarked on an extremely Bridgemary, Gosport, for many years in the middle of the pitch. The looks on retired from PGS in 1996. concerts for the blind, the Rotary Old Folk adventurous service career, and during until his retirement in 1980. Alan Jackson, opposition faces when he popped up in or many charity concerts. the period up to 1964, apart from further who was his Head from 1974 to 1980 the penalty area to score a decisive goal service with the Kings African Rifles, writes; “Alan was always totally loyal and Alan was a great supporter of the OP Club, were priceless. Bruce WRIGHT (1920 – 2011) served with the Tanganyika Rifles, and supportive of all that we undertook. a regular attendee at social events, a long Others will recall his years as a respected Bruce attended PGS from 1932 – 1939 the Northern Rhodesia Regiment of the However, his very strong forte was his serving member on the Committee and teacher in local secondary schools and and passed away on 31 July 2011 aged 90. Federal Army of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. music. For many years Alan ‘trained’ President of the Club in 1993. Also, Alan his years as a Musical Director with the During his time at PGS Bruce was a school With the advent of independence he our school choir. The vast majority of used to do the proof reading of the The Portsmouth Players. He was a modest, prefect, Captain of Latter House and resigned from the latter and entered an rehearsals were held out of school hours. Old Portmuthian magazine. In this he was loyal and very likeable person. played for the cricket First XI. even more adventurous period of his Music was Alan’s hobby – his passion. I meticulous. Woe-betide any one who life. Of necessity, his activities during have said on many occasions that our misspelled a word or who was lax in their the next four years or so were to remain school choir was as good as any in the punctuation! In addition to all this, he secret for some considerable time, but land from a similar age group (8 to 11 year helped regularly with the ‘postings’ to the have recently become known with the olds). Clearly, music played a great part in 2000 members of the Club, which involved publication of a hugely readable account Alan’s life. There is no doubt that he was folding and placing sheets in envelopes of those times (“The War That Never Was” a brilliant musician, greatly admired by and affixing labels to them. by Duff Hart-Davis). He was part of a small many people”. 66 OPUS • Issue 6 • Spring 2012

A medley of PGS sporting stars James Peters OP (2002-2011) Mike Barnard OP (1945-1951) Hannah Diamond OP (1999-2008) James Peters (helm) and teammate Edward As a cricketer, Mike played for Hampshire See News of Old Portmuthians on page 58 of this The cover of this edition of Opus is a FitzGerald (crew) are in the British Olympic as a right-handed batsman and a medium issue for a feature on Hannah. And Finally... photo mosaic featuring Roger Black Transitional Squad, both aged 18. Their pace bowler. As a footballer, he played in the Announcements MBE OP (1977-1984) on the Olympic ultimate goal is to medal at the 2016 Rio Football League for Portsmouth as an inside Jon Ayling OP (1975-1985) Olympic Games in the 49er class. James already left. Barnard played cricket for Hampshire rostrum. His Olympic performances Jon is a retired professional cricketer, right- has a clutch of titles to his name in the sport, from 1952 to 1966, playing 276 first-class include silver medals in the 400m handed batsman and a right-arm medium pace OP Engagements / Marriages / Births including 2008 Boys Double-Hander ISAF Youth matches for the county and 9 one-day matches. and 4 x 400m relay. The image is bowler who still coaches for Hampshire Cricket World Champions; 2008 29er National Youth Barnard played for non-league club Gosport Club. In 1985 Ayling won ‘The Cricket Society made up using photographs of the Champions and 2008 29er Youth Champions. Borough before joining Portsmouth. He made Megan Gael DAVIS (2006) gained a BDS Pick of the Wetherall Award for the Leading All-Rounder Alasdair Akass, the school Development PGS intermediate athletics squad his Portsmouth debut on 26 December 1953, in English Schools Cricket’. Jon had a five year Hons degree in Dental Surgery from the which won the English Schools’ in a 1–1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in Director and his wife Emily, Head of James Rodley OP (2002-2007) playing career with Hampshire in which he took Athletics Cup in 2007. the First Division. He played until the 1958–59 University of Newcastle. Flanker James Rodley had an amazing season 134 First Class and scored over 2,000 Biology, became the proud parents of a Football League season, scoring 26 goals from with Stourbridge Saxons last year with a First Class runs. Postbag The back cover of this issue features a plethora 127 first-team appearances in all competitions, baby daughter, India Elizabeth, on string of back row displays and ten tries in the of talented sporting OPs. From left to right: 25 from 116 in the Football League. 10 March. bag. Little wonder then that he was named Rob Burgess OP (1988-1995) Joanna GRAY (née Mattock) (2004-2008) ‘Supporters’ Player of the Season.’ Rodley Rob graduated from University in 1999 It is always heartening to Alex Hibbert OP (1990-1996) has combined his duties at Stourton Park Vicky Colgate OP (1996-2008) and worked in a number of jobs in the sports Alex was one of the youngest people to with training at Worcester Warriors together Vicky captained the Cambridge University Former PGS Music teacher Jo and receive your reaction and industry, including with the successful London complete the 125-mile Devizes to Westminster with a number of A League games for the Varsity netball team last year to a decisive light husband Ed are very happy to announce 2012 Olympic bid team. His first job in rugby kayak ultra-marathon. At university he Championship side this season. blue victory avenging a narrow defeat to Oxford feedback to Opus. Here we was in 2005 when he was appointed Rugby the birth of their son, Theo James Gray, on competed at the Oxford-Cambridge Varsity the preceding year. She has proved to be an Manager at Rugby Club. In 2008, reproduce the letter sent Triathlon, won his rowing ‘blade’ and began inspirational captain, leading the Blues to the 29 November 2011. Jamie Farmer OP (1999-2006) Rob joined the RFU when he was appointed competitively running long-distance races. He top of their division and now facing play-offs by Paul Huins OP to the Jamie’s clean sweep of 10 A* grades together England Team Operations Manager by Martin also reached the summit of Mont Blanc and against Exeter and Kent for the right to play in with his two year apprenticeship contract Johnson. He is now Head of Rugby at leading other peaks in the French Alps. the premier league. Development Office following with Millwall Football Club made front page sports agency James Grant. Dave HOLBY (1990-1999) headlines in The Daily Telegraph in 2009. He has publication of the last edition. Adam Carroll Smith OP (1995-2002) Owen Cobbe now hung up his boots after completing his two David Stenson OP (1947-1952) Former newspaper sports reporter Adam’s years as goalkeeper for the Lions U18 team to Former PGS Director of Rugby Owen Cobbe A former President of both Portsmouth literary debut, Chasing Sachin, was published concentrate on his A Levels. played for London Irish throughout the 1990s, Athletics Club and Hampshire Athletics last Autumn to much critical acclaim .It is the as well as for Irish clubs Blackrock (Div 1), Association, David was responsible for firing the autobiographical story of one Sachin Tendulkar Buccanneers (Div 1) and Wanderers (Div 2) and, Jeff Blackett OP (1966-1973) starting gun for the Great South Run from 1991 Sam BARNARD (1935-1939) fan’s unlikely mission to try to bowl just one ball closer to home, Havant Rugby Club (South Headed up by His Honour Judge Jeff Blackett, until last year. at his childhood hero during India’s 2011 tour Div 3). He was the winner of the second PGS the Rugby Football Union’s Discipline of England. Adam spends a hilarious summer Strictly Come Dancing Competition in 2008 and Dear Development Office, department comprises three full-time staff trying to achieve the unthinkable, fending is now Deputy Head of Sixth Form at Mount St Wally Hammond OP (1914-1921) based at Rugby House, Twickenham. In his I have just re-read Issue 5 off the unwanted attentions of over-zealous Mary’s College. Walter Hammond was one of Portsmouth distinguished career, Jeff has been the Judge Indian fans and crazed Italian spiritualists - not Grammar School’s most successful sporting of Opus (Autumn 2011) and Advocate General of the Armed Forces and a to mention the dozens of blazered officials alumni. At school he was soon identified as a World-record breaking land rower Dave Senior Circuit Judge. He was previously the Alexia Yannaros OP (2007-2011) congratulate you all on a and luminous-jacketed stewards - who stood natural hitter, but was also a proficient bowler Naval Judge Advocate from 1989 to 2003. Nominated for Young Sportswoman of the Holby (see Opus 3) has married his long- between him and his hero. and fielder, coming first in the ‘throwing the quite exceptional issue of the Year at The News Sports Awards, Alexia broke cricket ball’ event on Sports Day in 1916. Twelve time girlfriend, Lara Wolinski. Dave met through into the Top10 rankings for UK Girls’ magazine. In particular, the Jess Chen OP (1997-2006) years later, as a part of England’s strong batting Kitty Newton OP (1998-2010) tennis in 2010. Lara, now a midwife, when they were Now at Oxford University, most recently side against the Australians, Hammond hit tributes to the late Wally Bartle Kitty broke all her age group swimming records achieving 3rd place in the Saucony English his record 905 runs at an average of over 113 studying Drama at Exeter University. at the annual Junior School galas, before recalled one or two personal National Cross Country Championships in James Priory torch per innings. Often considered to be the best coming fourth in the country at the British They were married on 25 June 2011, at February, Jess is a seasoned athlete and Headmaster James Priory is seen holding a England batsman of the 1930s, Hammond memories of the great man. I 50m championships and achieving a bronze Sam and wife Mary celebrated their member of Portsmouth Athletics Club. She torch from the school archive reputedly used played in 85 Test Matches in a twenty year a ceremony in the village of Newton medal for 200m butterfly at the Scottish was hopeless at Art, and on also qualified for the UK Inter Counties Cross to carry the Olympic flame across the Channel England career which included 22 centuries, diamond wedding anniversary last Championships in Glasgow in 2007. She has Longville, Buckinghamshire. Country Championships. She ended 2007 by on its journey from Athens to light the flame 110 catches and 83 wickets. From 1933, he one occasion my end of term now returned to competitive rugby, after a October with a large family gathering at winning the U15 event in a top international at Wembley Stadium on the occasion of the headed the national batting averages for eight seven year break, joining Solent Sirens rugby report read simply: “started competition in Bolbec, France and started 2008 last time Great Britain staged the Olympic seasons in succession, a record that has never the Royal Naval Club in Old Portsmouth. team last year. Almost immediately she was by coming fourth in U15 event over 3.3kms Games in London in 1948. It was presented to been equalled. badly and got steadily worse.” approached to attend the Hampshire county Christopher Benedict TINDALL (2007) at the Hampshire Athletics Association Cross the school by the Bursar of the day, in 1951. trials and was selected to play in the fist XV The couple were married on October 20, Only Wally could have written Country Championships. The Headmaster proudly showed it off on the gained a BA Hons degree in Sociology side. This, in turn, led to an invitation to trial for Jock Clear OP (1972-1982) occasion of a visit to the school by John Armitt, 1951, at All Saints Church in Bath. Mr and such a report, full of wit and Richmond Rugby Club, the top women’s rugby Jock is Senior Race Engineer working for Nico from the University of Newcastle. Chief Executive Officer of the Olympic Delivery Mrs Barnard met in Bath in 1947 when she club in the country, with teams in the Premier, Mike Wedderburn OP (1972-1983) Rosberg. His career in motorsport began at Lola humour and, of course, totally Authority, in 2009. was training as a midwife and nurse and Division 1 and Division 2 leagues. Kitty instantly Mike played rugby union for Harlequins and Cars, where he worked as a design engineer honest and accurate! I also recall impressed and is currently playing in the front London Wasps as well as playing as a fast before moving to the position of head of he was training to be a physiotherapist. Derek WORRALL (1932-1939) Wally’s superb lectures in the row at hooker for the 2nd team and is the bowler for Hampshire Club Roger Black MBE OP (1977-1984) composite design at Benetton Formula in 1989. old school hall, which inspired youngest member of the squad. before an injury ended his professional sporting See OP Roger is still in the running for 2012 on In 1992 he worked as senior designer at Leyton After the wedding they settled in Derek and his wife Rae (aged 91 and career. He had stints at presenting on Channel page 20 of this issue for a feature on Roger. House Racing, then joined Team Lotus where in me and countless other OPs, a Chris Lewis OP (2004-2009) 4 and ITV before joining Sky Sports in 1998, he became Johnny Herbert’s race engineer Portsmouth and went on to have four 90 respectively) celebrated their 70th where he usually presents Good Morning in 1994. When Lotus collapsed at the end of Chris is studying Sport and Exercise Science at Eloise Waldon-Day OP (1999-2008) life-long interest in masterpieces Sports Fans. He captained a team of illustrious the year, he transferred to Williams F1 and children, Deborah, Nicholas, Guy and Jane. wedding anniversary with a family Bath University. The former captain of PGS First See This Sporting Life on page 23 of this issue sporting professionals in the PGS version of A engineered David Coulthard, who won his first They also have nine grandchildren and one of art and architecture. It was a XV, has also played for Hampshire U14 – U20 for a feature on Eloise. gathering and a remarkable cake which Question of Sport raising money for the Neil Grand Prix in Portugal and finished third in sides, Bath University 1st and 2nd teams and great-grandson. Sam captained Havant genuine privilege to know Wally, Blewett Bursary Fund. the drivers’ championship. Jacques Villeneuve Rae baked herself. The couple were Vectis Rugby Club on the Isle of Wight. He has Ed Leask OP (1955-1965) joined Williams in 1996 and Clear was his Cricket Club in the 1970s while his wife and I always had a sense of played for Bath Academy and Bath A team married on 4 October 1941 at South See the articles on Ed starting on page 14. race engineer; the Canadian won the world being in the presence of a true and has secured a strength and conditioning Richard Simonsen OP (1953-1964) was a magistrate in Portsmouth for more The picture shows Ed sailing on Eastney Lake championship the following year under Clear’s Harting church. They have 5 children, 7 placement in the coaching team of London See Athletic Support on pages 12 and 13 of this friend and a fine human being. in 1963. guidance. than 20 years and a county commissioner grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Wasps. issue for a feature on Richard. for Hampshire East Girl Guides. They still go walking regularly. Paul Huins OP (1954-1964) Joe Michalzcuk OP (1994-2001) Simon Faulkner OP (2002-2008) Chris Morgan OP (1998-2008) Barbarian Boys Joe works for Sky News Radio sourcing, Loughborough University hockey captain A graduate of Hampshire’s Cricket Academy Five boys - the most from any school - were creating and reading sports news for over 300 Simon Faulkner, son of Olympic gold medallist right handed batsman, and former PGS cricket selected for the Barbarians rugby squad and commercial radio stations across the UK. He and England Hockey performance director captain Chris Morgan is enjoying a career in toured Zimbabwe last Spring on the first tour of has reported on Premier League fixtures for David Faulkner, was part of the bronze medal- the sport. In his first season at the Rosebowl, its kind there since political unrest began. Jacob Talksport, Absolute Radio and ITN and is the winning side at the 2009 Australian Youth which ended with the opportunity of training Poulton, Freddie Hooper, Charlie Howard, Alex chief commentator on every single Pompey Olympic Festival. The Loughborough student in Australia, he scored 284 runs in a month, Wilcockson and Cameron Prentice are all 2011 game on Express FM 93.7 FM and Portsmouth has been enticed to Germany on a year loan including three half-centuries. leavers, though Alex has chosen to return to Football Club TV. deal with Blue-Weiss Berlin Hockey Club, before PGS and fill his Gap Year teaching PE to Junior returning to complete his studies. School pupils. Portsmouth Grammar School www.pgs.org.uk