KOSA NEWS NUMBER 35 - SUMMER 2009 The Magazine of the Old Scholars of Kingswood Grammar School

Editor: Mike Bendrey, 26 Overndale Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 2RT Tel/Fax: 0117 956 5689 E-mail address: [email protected]

The School in July 1973

ANNUAL AUTUMN LUNCH: Booked for SATURDAY, 10 OCTOBER 2009 at Lincombe Barn, Downend. We meet at 12 to 12.30 for a chat and a drink and sit down for lunch at about 1.00pm. Fill in the enclosed form now and send it to our Treasurer, MARTIN HARRYMAN, 5 Brecon View, Bleadon Hill, Weston Super Mare, BS24 9NF Tel: 01934 812315. All cheques payable to ‘KOSA’. 49ers REUNION: On WEDNESDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER 2009, and will be organised by JOHN COLE and JOHN BREDDY at Kendleshire Golf Club, BS36 2TG from 12 noon to 3.00pm. All 49ers on the KOSA database have been notified by post, but please pass on the word. Any queries please contact JOHN BREDDY on 01249 652976 or on e-mail on [email protected]. 46ers REUNION: The next lunch is on SATURDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 2009 at KATHLEEN HARDWICK’S farm down in Clapton-in-Gordano. If you’re a 46er and haven’t attended yet, phone her on 01275 853180 or Mobile: 0783 7528427 OBITUARIES... An original 21er, GLADYS ANSTEE (21- Gladys did much for and as a con- 28) (later NELSON) passed away on 9 sequence was very well-known locally. December 2008. Although born in One of the things which she wanted to Tewkesbury on 12 February 1910, her achieve was to have the bell at the old father was a railway signalman and his school building at St Mary’s repaired work brought his family to live in . again; she said that it always used to Gladys went to KGS from C of ring when she was a teacher there. It will E School and she was the 71st pupil to be something which will preserve her be entered in the school register when memory. she started on 16 September 1921. She was one of the last of the founder She achieved her ambition when, after pupils of the school, entering as a free- serving as a probationer at place student. In a letter by Headmaster Road School, she became a teacher at MAJOR EATON to her first college he St Mary’s School, Yate where she informed them that she had been a worked for about 16 years. She later school prefect and had passed her first moved to the nearby Ridge School and school certificate in English Latin, Bota- she was the co-founder of the local play- ny and Chemistry (all credits) and Math- group. ematics, History and French. As far as

She became a Yate councillor where her KOSA was concerned, she was a long- efforts helped secure a listed barn which standing member and attended many eventually became Yate Heritage Cen- reunions. tre, and she played a part in securing Poole Court, which became the home of She was also a member of the Hockey Yate Town Council and the Register XI and the Tennis VI. The photograph Office. She finally retired from the Coun- (above) shows her in the school hockey cil at 89 years of age. team of 1926, back row, far right. The

2 members of the side are: Back row: R through the hardship and trauma of ex- Dovey (vice-capt), J Whittern (a life-long isting through the 1939-45 World War friend of Gladys’), M Chell, G King, B with its air raids, food rationing, etc. Just Kelland, G Anstee. Front row: M Cowles, when life was improving somewhat, Mar- K Harries, V Hayes (capt), E Brain, I King. garet's husband died in 1949. She had to work, and bring up her children alone.

Her daughter, Dorothy Acford, has sent 'Luckily she met and later married John the following obituary of MARGARET Lloyd and spent many happy years with HAYMAN (1924 or 25) to KOSA: him until his death. Her daughter and son had each married and produced 'Margaret Mary Hamblin (nee Hayman, grandchildren and she was a very proud formerly Hill and Lloyd) died at grandmother. Hospital on 11 February 2009 at the age of 96. She was born in 'After John's death Margaret again was Common, Gloucestershire, and fortunate in life, meeting and marrying attended KGS. She did well at school, Jeff Hamblin. They moved from Bristol and enjoyed high jump and hockey. It to North Common, which was both close is understood that she won a scholar- to her old home and that of her son. ship to the Slade School of Art but was unable to take that up for financial rea- 'She had learned to drive a car and sons. She liked to recall that when riding shared her enjoyment with her husbands her bicycle to school from Oldland Com- and family. Their annual holidays were mon she was often in the company of a usually taken in Cornwall, and Margaret fellow cyclist, namely the boy who be- regularly drove there and back until her came known to all as SIR BERNARD 83rd year. LOVELL of Joddrell Bank fame. 'Margaret and Jeff made their final move 'Margaret worked in an office in Bristol, to and Margaret's health remained good except for ar- thritis. After Jeff's death, Mar- garet's health started to deteriorate but she was al- ways very bright and interest- ed in the world around her. She liked to listen to the news, read books and papers, and enjoy conversations with friends and neighbours.

'She was quite a character, was very proud of her old school, and lived a busy and fulfilling life.'

In the photograph of the tennis travelling every day by train from . team of the 20s (above left), taken in an She met and married Henry George Hill, unusual place amongst the buildings of lived in Bristol, and gave birth to a KGS, Margaret is standing on the left. daughter and son. The family went

3 HAZEL LONG (42-50) (now Frank) has cheque frauds, having been given a written about her life with her sister, commendation for this work. She also JUNE LONG (39-45), who died on 16 received a long-service medal after 25 January 2009 aged 80. years and on retiring worked with the crime prevention unit for 10 years.

‘June enjoyed company. I can still hear her infectious laugh and I am sure she would like me to mention her constant good health, which she put down to her use of homoeopathy. She was lively and enjoyed sports, was in the school hock- ey team, later skiing and gliding and throughout her life enjoyed dancing of all kinds.

‘While teaching, June and her friend Barbara took a back-packing trip around Europe for 6 months, and in later years, when Barbara was living in Tuscany, June stayed with her when she would indulge in the swimming she loved. June was in the police swimming team and more recently during hot weather could June was a long-time member of the be found at Portishead open-air swim- KOSA Committee and became well- ming baths – even last year when there known for helping to raise funds by run- wasn’t much hot weather. ning the raffle at each of our events. There was not a reunion in the past ‘It could be said that June was working fifteen years which June did not attend, for the law even after her death. Her and she was a stalwart member at com- fingerprints were taken at the postmor- mittee meetings. tem for use as evidence against a man who, just before Christmas, put a knife to ‘June attended Downend Junior Mixed her throat and demanded money. School, introducing me 3 years later, apologizing to the Head that I could not read. We walked to school and dared to run through the air-raid shel- ters on the way home. Then June and I cycled to KGS to- gether.

‘After leaving KGS June went to Bath Teachers’ Training College (and kept in touch with her 7 dormitory friends), taught for 9 years and then joined the Bristol Police Serv- ice. She enjoyed being in the CID and specialized in

4 ‘The chapel at Crematorium tinued to work at Jacksons (which later was full for June’s funeral service, which became Creda) rising to be Transport was a celebration of her life.’ Controller. But her health deteriorated until she could no longer work. The photograph at the bottom of page 4 shows June winning a race at the Police ‘Not only was Mollie highly intelligent Sports Day at Ashley Down - in full WPC she was also a superb craftswoman and uniform! cook. She filled her time pursuing her hobbies of gardening, flower arranging, The passing of MOLLIE GARLAND (52- sugar flower production, painting and 59)(later Vines) has been reported to us drawing. She enjoyed entertaining, and by her contemporary ANN EDWARDS regular holidays in Cornwall. However, (now Trevanion) over the years her rebuilt legs disinte- grated and this combined with the long ‘It is with great regret that I report the term effects of diabetes meant that her passing of one of my most long-standing mobility was severely affected and she friends. I met Mollie in the first year at used an electric wheelchair for the last KGS and we remained friends until her 20 years of her life. Her diabetes caused death in March this year. her to progressively lose the use of her fingers, and one by one the hobbies ‘On leaving school she became a civil became impossible. Finally, when she servant in Bristol. In her late teens she could no longer hold the paintbrushes or had two loves in her life – cigarettes and pens she took up pastels and below is her beloved car in which we undertook one of her latest pastel seascapes. many journeys. However she almost died when, braking sharply to avoid a child, she skidded into a bridge.

‘Throughout a long life of suffering she never complained. Her fortitude, impish humour and consideration for others ‘This resulted in a stay of over a year in made her an inspiration to all who met Winford Orthopaedic Hospital while sur- her. May she rest in peace.’ geons rebuilt her legs. Sadly, shortly after her discharge she was diagnosed CHRIS TREVELLIAN (52-59) passed with diabetes, but undeterred she began away at Frenchay hospital on 9 Febru- working at Jacksons of Yate where she ary 2009 after a long illness. He was 67 met Brian, her future husband. They years old. We celebrated his life and were married in 1973 and enjoyed a said goodbye to Chris at a Humanist happy relationship of 36 years. She con- Service on 17 February at a Westerleigh

5 Crematorium packed with his friends. ovarian cancer. She was the founder of Bristol Headstart, which was set up to Although Chris completed his 'A' levels give advice to cancer patients suffering at KGS and attended college to train as from hair loss during treatment. The ad- a teacher, he chose to make a career in vice given was on the use of hats, the building trade. He was also a great scarves and jewellery to help them feel fisherman, something he developed better about themselves during treat- from the age of three, and when the ment. She was also instrumental in set- weather was too bad for building work it ting up Headstart groups in Cheltenham, never seemed to be too bad for angling! Taunton, Weston-super-Mare and Bar- Below is a typical photo of Chris pursu- net. ing his hobby. He was also keen on playing soccer in his younger years, Marilyn was born in Hanham and during having played for Warmley Football Club. a spell in Australia after leaving KGS, she became an airline and a train host- ess, and she met her future husband, Jeff, whom she married in 1973 after they returned to Bristol. She worked for the University of Bristol, initially as a secretary in the catering department, and later as Domestic Bursar of Goldney Hall, Clifton.

Chris was well known in the local hostel- ries in the Warmley/Kingswood area, particularly in the Midland Spinner where his friends congregated after the crema- tion service. Ella Fitzgerald and other lively numbers were featured in the serv- ice, being typical of Chris; your Editor remembers meeting Chris in recent years at the traditional jazz venues in the area, usually pubs!

Chris leaves his mother, children As the result of losing her hair when George and Emma, and Pauline his being treated for breast cancer in 1995 partner, to whom he became engaged she conceived the idea of setting up before he died. He had a very 'laid-back' Headstart. ‘She touched so many people attitude to life and was always willing to by her courage and selflessness.’ said help people in difficulties. He will be her husband. ‘She was also a committed remembered with much affection. member of Hanham Baptist Church.’

The photograph (above) is of Marilyn on MARILYN PRITCHARD (60-66) (later her 60th birthday Cowburn) died on 7 February 2009 at the early age of 60 after a battle with

6 JANET CREW (46-53) now Bees has complete shock to all of us. It was written to KOSA to inform us of her strange that his photograph appeared in brother’s passing: the last KOSA NEWS, number 34, page 14. ‘DAVID CREW (48-51) came to KGS in the 6th Form from Colston’s Boys’ School ‘I corresponded (by e-mail mostly) with to take Economics. After leaving school him on the subject of genealogy, particu- he went into the Civil Service (Tax Of- larly with respect to his and my father's fice). He then worked for some time in family which numbered 20 children. Try- Bristol Museum and moved to Leicester ing to sort out the children of the children where he died on 9 March 2009, peace- was most difficult. His mother was fully at home. Queeny Varden before she was married and was closely related to Harry Varden, arguably the finest golfer who ever lived.

‘Most of Keith's correspondence con- tained the word 'humble', whether it was in connection with a holiday or place they had visited or person they had met. I shall miss his cheerful letters.’

MARY JONES (43-50) (now Down) has written to KOSA to report the death of MISS DAVID, who taught at KGS in the 40s and early 50s: David was 78 and leaves a wife and two sons. He will be greatly missed by his ‘Although I realise that there may not sister Janet. now be many people who knew her, you may like to know that just before Christ- David is in the photograph above of mas 2008, the news reached me that members of the 6th form in 1948-49 on MISS DAVID died during the Spring of the left of the back row, next to his life- 2008. She taught Latin at KGS in the long friend PETER REDFORD. Peter 1940s, leaving the school in 1952 to was at David’s funeral. On the right of become Deputy Head at Chipping the back row is DAVID ROWE. Campden.

On the front row are SHACKLETON, ‘I think you know that I visited her each MAURICE BISHOP, EDWARD LEAR year for a number of years and as I am and JOHNNY LAWDEN. not a driver, NANETTE MILLINGTON supplied the transport and enjoyed our visits as much as I did. Our friendship ANN and JIM WITHEY in Canada have with Miss David was a delight. She had written with the sad news: such a wealth of experiences which she ‘It is my sad duty to inform you of the related so amusingly during our visits, death of my cousin, KEITH WITHEY, on until our last visit, when communicating February 27th 2009 of a heart attack. He had become tiring and difficult for her. was 63. This was in August 2007.

‘We have communicated with Barbara, ‘Miss David died at the age of ninety five his wife, recently and his passing was a years and was able to remain in her own

7 lovely home in Chipping Campden, with His dynamic enthusiasm for every as- the help of a full time carer, until she pect of his teaching - especially art - was died. We shall always remember her and infectious and inspired so many of his her almost lifelong companion, Kathleen, pupils to enjoy life at school. who died two years ago.’ I was fortunate to have him as form KEN JEFFERIES (53-60) has informed teacher in my last year at KGS and he KOSA that GEORGE PALMER (37-44) gave me a life-long appreciation of art for died of a stroke on 13 December 2008 which I shall always be grateful. I am after being seriously ill for about five sure that many of my peers from that months. He leaves a wife, Marilyn, and a time remember him with great affection. son and daughter. He was fun, very fair in his dealings with us and as a result, I cannot ever remem- George was a Chartered Quantity Sur- ber anyone 'playing him up', as so often veyor and a partner of the firm Faithfull & happened to the poor unfortunates with Gould, which is now part of the WS whom we felt, perhaps, too comfortable! Atkins Group, a firm which provides a variety of management consulting serv- Mr Watts - thanks for the memories! ices.

It was George who visited KGS in 1960 WILSON BARRETT (48-55) writes from to enquire whether they could identify Strasbourg, France to comment that the someone who might be interested in passing of LUCILLE WOODBURY (48- qualifying as a quantity surveyor. 55) (later ROBBINS) means that the 6th George was therefore instrumental in Form French group, of which he was a taking Ken into the firm when he left member, is thinning out. (A delicate way school. to put it, Wilson! - Ed)

KOSA has also been notified of the ROYSTON BYWATER’S (38-43) book passing of PEGGY SALTER (29-34) extract of his view of life at KGS contin- (later Allan), THELMA BEDDOE (36-41) ues to provoke responses. Would Roys- (later Gowers), JOAN WESTWOOD (38- ton like to respond to his critics through 42) (later Curtis), SUSAN CARROLL the pages of KOSA NEWS? (61-65) (later Turner) and DIANE POW- ELL (later PEARCE). KATH MOUNTSTEPHEN (33-37) our own one-time Lord Mayor of Bristol, has We express our condolences to all those dropped a line to KOSA: who have lost a loved one and many of us will always remember them in their ‘I was amazed by Mr Royston Bywater’s youth, as schoolmates. description of life at KGS in the early years after the War. Sad that anyone as obviously able as he was should have RESPONSES... wasted his and the staff’s time! DOT HOLMAN (51-56) was encouraged to write after reading No: 34’s obituaries: ‘I had four wonderful years before the War when I learnt self discipline and ‘It was with great sadness that I learned humility! The staff were, without excep- that Harold Watts had passed away. He tion, able, kind and professional. What a was a superb teacher, both liked and bore Royston must have been! The respected (quite an achievement - even years have been kind to me and my in 'our' day!)

8 memory is still good! Thank you as al- MERVYN LOVELL was also prompted to ways.’ write about Roy’s views of KGS: ‘I spent eight years at KGS from 1936- ROYSTON’S memories of KGS has 44, thus overlapping with the period de- also prompted JOHN FLOWER (38-45) scribed by ROYSTON BYWATER. I to respond: agree with your correspondents MURIEL JAMES and TREVOR JONES that ‘I feel I must write re the extracts from Royston’s account is somewhat inaccu- ROYSTON BYWATER’S book; I was at rate. I find it strange to read such a school at the same time, although I can- distorted view of teachers such as MR not remember Royston. The extracts BRITTON and MR KEATES. I note that seem to describe a different school from your South African correspondent, BOB the one I knew – only the teachers’ BURFORD, described ARTHUR BRIT- names were familiar. As others have TON as a ‘lovely man’, with which I con- expressed, the comments made about cur. DR BLOOM, too, was a very the school seem to me to be inaccurate humane man with a great love of Gilbert and offensive. & Sullivan opera.

‘I was initially very angry that such an ‘I look back on my time at KGS with great opinion of a school that I enjoyed and affection and this would not have been appreciated should now be in book form. possible without a staff totally dedicated On reflection, however, if this truly re- to the education welfare of their pupils. flects Bywater’s memories perhaps we Fortunately there are still a few of us left should be sorry for him as his memories who can set the record straight.’ are so different from his contemporaries.’ SELECTIVE MEMORY... ALAN SCADDING (36-41) also dropped DAVID (DAGO) COLE (51-56) remem- KOSA a line: bers his contemporary JOHN (DES) ‘I very much enjoyed edition no: 34 of D’ALESSIO; He writes: KOSA NEWS. ROYSTON BYWATER’S ‘I read with some amusement the short book extract has certainly livened things piece on page 23 of the last edition about up and got people going – takes all sorts, John. My most vivid memory of him, and as they say. It sounds as though Old probably the only one, is that of him BONY BRITTON (English) shook him up secreted at the back of the class, evis- a bit. Lucky he was not at KGS before cerating a dead mouse, whose innards the war when one of the Woodwork he deposited down a large knot-hole in teachers was an expert at throwing bits the floor. His intention apparently was to of wood at unruly boys. Misbehaviour rub alum into the skin, thus curing it, and was quickly dealt with in the Woodwork having repeated the process, to make a Room in those days! mouse-skin purse. The enquiring girls present were mortified. Happy days!’ ‘I was a trifle amazed to read where Royston described one of the teachers as ugly. I think I remember the teacher AWAY DAYS... referred to and I saw her in 1943 playing Our feature on page 19 of the last edition tennis with her boyfriend from the US prompted DICK PALMER (51-58) and Army at the KGS tennis courts one Sat- his wife MARGARET BRAIN (53-58) to urday afternoon when I was in the ATC. fill in some details: She looked radiantly happy!’ ‘The photograph you reproduced in the last ‘NEWS, which included a slightly younger version of myself, has prompted 9 me at long last to respond to something somewhere between 1962 and 1974. in the Magazine. We have always looked We moved away from Cardiff in 1974 forward to receiving the result of your and whilst I continued to return for inter- efforts but have done little to contribute. nationals, extra tickets for friends were No excuses but many apologies. I am hard to come by. about to break my duck. ‘Sorry I am not e-mailing to volunteer to ‘I was fairly sure the rugby match which take over KOSA. 2 excuses. The first took the five of us to Cardiff was between being remoteness from Kingswood. Sec- a Welsh XV and the British Lions who ondly both Margaret and myself are quite had returned from a tour of South Africa. heavily involved in a charitable organisa- Having googled it I found the match was tion called National Coastwatch Institu- played on the 22.10.55. I could even still tion. It is an organisation which has buy a programme if I want one. I have a reopened (with volunteers) about 50 of copy of the photograph. I do not remem- the Coastguard Stations closed by the ber if one of us had a camera or whether government in the early 1990s. The Sta- it was a photographer earning a crust. tion we are helping is at St. Albans Head We do all look smart & happy. Not a on the Purbeck coast a few miles from sullen look or hoodie in sight. Neither do Swanage. Interesting but quite time con- I remember why three 2nd year sixth suming. It is always open to coast path formers allowed two 5th formers to come walkers particularly at bank holiday with them. Rugby obviously brought us weekends when we are fund raising.’ together. I also have a photograph of the 1st XV for the same year. Most of us are PARIS MYSTERY... still smiling. Also on page 19 we published a photo of RITA RAYNER (53-59) in Paris. The ‘Although I obviously did not realise it at identity of the other two girls has been the time 1955 was not the end of my solved. ANNE BROWN (54-59) (now Up- association with Cardiff. My work took ton) writes: me to the city in 1961 on transfer from ‘Well, it was a pretty strange feeling, Bristol and Margaret joined me after our looking at myself as I have no recollec- marriage in March of 1962. tion of the taking of the photograph on page 19 of the last edition of KOSA. I ‘Neither was 1955 the last time DEREK was on the right of the photograph to- MOODY (48-56) and myself were togeth- gether with JILL PLUMMER on the left. I er in the city. I played most of my adult have searched my mind and can't re- rugby in South Wales for a Cardiff-based member RITA RAYNER at all despite the club Glamorgan Wanderers. The Wan- fact that I can still remember many of the derers had a social club in those days names of the people who attended KGS right in the middle of Cardiff only about 5 when I was there. minutes walk from Arms Park (now the Millennium Stadium). Very convenient ‘I remember the trip cost £17 10s and my for socialising after internationals. I was parents had to scrape up enough to send in the club on one such occasion with me. No special holiday clothes could be JOHN BISHOP (52-57) when who afforded, so I had one maybe two outfits should walk in but none other than Derek besides my school uniform. I remember Moody. I have very little recollection of packing my red chiffon scarf with some what was said. International evenings in pride. I was never allowed to forget that Cardiff do not lend themselves to recol- this precious money had been spent on lections. I cannot even give a very accu- me and often had it brought up by my rate date. It would have been 10 father for years afterwards, after I had Perhaps you could put them into the next committed some misdemeanour. KOSA NEWS, please?’

‘On the outward trip, the sea was really We always aim to please, so here are the rough and nearly everyone was very sick names which should have been attached but I wasn't and neither was KATHRYN to the photo: JONES who I palled up with. We spent Boys: (l to r, back row) J Britton, R ages looking down at the water being Beese, M Gayton, C Harris, B Parker, P pumped from the back of the ferry and Overbury, Bruce Perry, (middle) T Box, H when we went back with the group, all Burt, Hooper, Jefferies, ??, R Perkins, D the teachers said that that was the last Scudamore, J Ellis, John Willmot, J Dicks thing we should have done as it was sure to bring on sea sickness. Girls: (l to r) Valerie Gane, Ann Gardner, Ann Johnson, Jean Morgan, Anna Sallis, ‘Later, I remember buying the most deli- Joyce Adams, Rosie Cryer, Beryl Hodg- cious little sweets from a machine on the es. Metro, spending all my pocket money on little gifts for my family and summoning (front) Marian Gane, Janet Sawyer, Chris enough courage to ask for "une grande Sims, Brace, Sandra Gaye, June Hopes, café crème" somewhere. Pauline Brain, Ann Harris.

‘Some things stand out clearly and I re- The form master is Ken Pople member going to Le Louvre and queuing for ages to see the Da Vinci cartoon. GUIDES @ KGS... When I got to the front the sun was ROS DALZIEL (57-59) (now Abbott) has shining on the covering glass and I responded to our request in ‘NEWS 33 couldn’t see a thing! querying the existence of a Guide Com- pany. We had published the 1957 photo ‘The trip was such a big thing then; I think of the Scout Troup on page 26: my mother must have managed to squeeze ‘Our Anne went to Paris’ into ‘In 1957, aged 15, I started at KGS in the every conversation she had with neigh- fourth form, my family having moved to bours, they must have been sick of it! Marshfield and I was in 1st Marshfield ‘Think I must have been about 12 then, Guides. I remember a Guide Company about 1956, but it could have been as starting at Kingswood during my time, late as 1957. How did we manage about probably in 1958 and, if you were already passports? I don’t remember getting a in a Guide Company, you were not al- separate one.’ lowed to change over. It was started by a new young female teacher; I don’t re- member her name. On Guide meeting 56-4B PHOTO... days the girls wore their uniform to BERYL HODGES (52-57) now Little- school. In those days the full, official hales has written about the photo on name of the Guide Company would have page 2 of the last edition in which 4B of been 1st Kingswood Grammar School 1956 was featured: Girl Guide Company. ‘I was a bit disappointed that you hadn’t included the names of everyone that I had also sent to you…Perhaps it would ‘I stayed on in 1st Marshfield Guides and have been more interesting for others if became the leader whilst I was still at the pupils’ names had been included? school, aged only 17. I was very naïve

11 then and had offered to run the Company CONFIRMATION... for a month, until the leader who was ill, PAUL DAVIES (54-61) gives more infor- got better and came back! She never did, mation on some of the photos in the last did she, and I just stayed on, and on, and edition: am still involved today. 'As usual the KOSA NEWS 34 is a good read and I have my photograph in there ‘Because of my leadership role I became twice - the 54 reunion and also The Dev- aware that Kingswood Grammar School il's Disciple - find me if you can! I'm the sponsored its Guide Company by pur- only one with a beard, crafted and stuck chasing brand new tents, and I was very on by MR BONY BRITTON. I remember envious of this. We only had access to that production very well and it brings ropey old ones that had to be borrowed back more memories (for another day - for camp. I don’t know how long the but it was great fun for many weeks). Company was open, perhaps other read- ers will be able to tell you about their 'Just on a point of interest and to answer activities and the years in which they a question posed - The pictures on page were Guides.’ 19 - Firstly the one of RITA RAYNER and two other girls in Paris (I was there!). The THE DEVIL’S DISCIPLE… other girls are JILL PLUMMER (54-61?) GORDON JACKSON (55-62) writes with and ANNE BROWN (54-59). Anne also some more information about The Devil’s features on the 54 reunion photograph Disciple featured on the back cover of the on page 25 sat on ROGER FOWLER'S last edition: knee! ‘As a very minor member of the cast I can confirm that the production took place in 'Looking at the picture of KEITH MIL- 1959. Kingswood Chronicles of 1959 LETT and TONY POWELL on page 19, was printed late because of a national judging by Keith's short trousers it was printers’ strike in the Summer of that year. probably the 1D summer trip in 1955 when I think we went to Salisbury and the ‘Producer MRS GRIFFITHS chain- Wilton Carpet factory, where they were in smoked cigarettes throughout all her re- the process of weaving a new carpet for hearsals – nobody complained in those the Odeon, Leicester Square (my, don't days! MR TROTT drilled the soldiers. we remember strange things!). If Keith After seeing the production, MR ARM- was still in short trousers a year later then STRONG told his ‘A’ level History class it could have been in London, but I doubt that the soldiers were even more of a if even Keith was still in shorts by then. rabble than they would have been in real By the way Keith was definitely a 1954 life! starter - he was at our reunion so, like so many others, he is one of those who gets ‘Some of the last rehearsals were held in confused with starting dates.' school time and it was up to the cast to ask teachers for time off. My co-actor, THE FIRST..? DAVID (JACKRABBIT) HARVEY asked HOWARD NOWELL (59-66) fills a void: to be excused from MR HOCKING’S Maths lesson. Said MR HOCKING: ‘Do ‘A recent subscriber to KOSA NEWS, I you mean to say that I’ve paid three have read with great interest the recollec- shillings and six pence to see you when I tions of life in the ‘cow sheds’, mostly by can see you free five times a week?’’ those much wiser, some a little older, but all seemingly with much greater powers of recall. There is however a dearth of

12 contributions from my own era (59-66), ‘Who remembers MR TROTT who, with so the little grey cells have been stirred, unerring accuracy, would launch a board just a tad, into action. rubber at anyone to whom for any or no reason he took a dislike? His alternative ‘Form 1L MISS LESTER (59-60) – is there line of attack was a sharp clip around the anyone out there?

Although, and it’s no exaggeration, just ear as he stalked up and down the rows scraping ‘O’ level English, it was MISS of flinching pupils. We boys did however LESTER who indelibly imprinted on my respect him – although perhaps it was memory one of the basic rules of speak- more admiration at the absolute stunner ing proper (sic!). It was during the first few of a wife he had managed to acquire! impressionable weeks of senior school that one day my classmate GILLIAN ‘Being average but very keen on sport I WALLBRIDGE broke into a panic when remember the great anticipation when she mislaid her pen during English. Sev- MR DALZIEL joined the school around eral of us joined in a search of the imme- 1964. He was a ‘blue’, not sure whether diate area and much to Gillian’s relief the Oxford or Cambridge – we had never pen was soon found. As we returned to seen one in the flesh before and to be our seats, this nosy fag asked Gillian quite taught by one, well that would be fantas- loudly ‘where was it to?’ On hearing, tic. He was of course just a posh teacher, MISS LESTER (later MRS NEWBOLD) but a very pleasant man who did his best delivered a crushing verbal which made to enhance our sporting prowess, losing me wish the ground could have swal- interest when he discovered we erred on lowed me. ‘Nowell’ she hollered ‘you the side of being pigs’ ears and he wanted NEVER end a sentence with a preposi- silk purses. tion!’ The feeling of the moment and the pearl of grammatical wisdom has never ‘Well I hope these few snippets will en- ever dimmed. courage some other 59-66ers. As Delia would say “lets be ‘avin you! No worries

13 if you can’t use the above. I have also ‘MAJOR EATON was very cross, and at posted a couple of photos which you the morning assembly he was very seri- might consider using – the teachers are ous. My brother, DAVID CREW, was in MISS LESTER(1L) and Mrs. the 6th Form at that time and after as- ROSEVEAR(3L2). (MISS LESTER’S sembly he came with me to Major Form is printed on page 13 - Ed). Eaton’s office to try to explain the situa- tion. SCHOOL STRIKE..! JANET CREW (46-53), now Bees, re- ‘I am still embarrassed about this true members when she led the school on story. I went on to become a primary strike: school teacher (where all the naughty ‘I have been asked to write about an girls go!). I taught for 35 years and en- unusual incident which happened at joyed every minute!’ KGS in the winter of 1947. I will try to remember! Comment by contemporary PETER BRAKE: ‘She was always a bit bolshie!’ ‘It was when we had very heavy snow- Response by Janet: ‘He always did have storms. There were no buses running so too much to say for himself!’ the only way to get to school was to walk. I walked from Downend to Warm- ROBIN’S RAMBLINGS… ley in my hockey boots and when I got to ROBIN FIDKIN (55-62) has recently school it was freezing cold – no heating joined KOSA and has written to share and no electricity for cooking. At lunch- his memories: time we had cold food and water and by ‘I offer no plausible excuses for not pre- dinner time I had had enough and decid- viously having become a member be- ed to go home. Sitting at the dinner table cause I know that I enjoyed my stay at I thought I didn’t really like to walk home KGS and have fond memories of school alone so I wrote little notes and sent trips, activities (especially of the sporting them around the dinner tables. The type) and particularly the professional- notes said ‘I am going home – anyone ism of the staff. like to join me?’ The unexpected hap- pened. When I stood up so did most of ‘I have received from KEITH YOUNG the other children in the dining hall! (54-59) the last six issues of the ‘NEWS and recently having retired after 47 ‘When I got home to Downend my next years in insurance (38 years with Mark door neighbour was outside and wanted Richard (Insurance Brokers) Ltd of to know what I was doing at home. I told whom I was a director for 28 years), I am him what had happened and he was responding to an article in the last edition. very interested. The neighbour had only just moved next door, so I didn’t know ‘The article was submitted by BOB BUR- him very well. Unfortunately for me, he FORD (57-61) and I remember Bob as a was a Daily Mirror reporter and splashed strapping well-built lad and someone across the next day’s Daily Mirror was who was lots of fun, always having a ‘SCHOOLGIRL TAKES SCHOOL OUT smile on his face. Many of the ex-pupils ON STRIKE’. Of course everyone on the he mentioned I remember very well. school bus next day was reading the MARTIN MANN, a fine all-round sports- paper, and I was bewildered. man, was a very close pal of mine throughout our years at KGS and his tragic death on the soccer field was

14 difficult to come to terms with for his wife nificently to raise a terrific sum of money Corralea, his family and everyone who for St Peter’s Hospice when running in knew him. Bristol’s half-Marathon. After finishing my football career (but continued with ‘TONY COPP (not David, Buffy!) has cricket until the age of 55) I decided at now retired from the Police Force, al- the age of 40 to return to my third most though he still rides his bicycle around favourite sporting activity – Running. Downend, and PETE SMITH, who played football for Eden Grove Old Boys ‘I have recently completed my final com- until he was well into his 50s, I presume petitive run in the Bath half-Marathon has now retired because he was a after competing in 13 Marathons schoolteacher. JIM MATTHEWS, I total- (including 3 London Marathons) and 88 ly agree, was a brilliant footballer and half-Marathons, recording fastest times cricketer who, unfortunately for the of 3 hours 8 minutes and 1 hour 24 school, preferred to play for Carson’s minutes respectively. I, too, chose St Cricket Club at the age of 13 onwards. Peter’s as my charity for whom I raised Jim has had more than his fair share of a significant amount of money. sadness; he lost his wife several years ago and he has been battling against a ‘At KGS I always enjoyed the cross- serious illness, but he is showing typical country races, School Sports Days and JIM MATTHEWS fortitude. the Triangular Athletics meetings against and Rodway ‘‘BONY’ BRITTON, indeed a charming Schools. (when did St. George Grammar man, was my first form master, as the drop out? – Ed) I was recently speaking photo 56-1B shows. I am the little lad on to CHRIS JOBBINS who recalled the the extreme right of the back row. Unfor- occasion when, in front of the school tunately I can only recall the names of watched by all the pupils, I approached only half of the class. Perhaps someone the winning post in the mile race with a can provide some answers? lead of 50 yards when I ran inside one of the markers. A certain gentleman by the ‘There was also a photo in ‘NEWS 34 of name of C N RIDLEY (Headmaster) dis- another good friend VIC YEOMAN and qualified me. Not a happy moment for his sister LINDA YEOMAN who did mag- me and neither was it appreciated by my

15 great friend MARTIN MANN who was REUNIONS... Eaton House Captain. I expect that MALCOLM HENRY (52-59) wrote to the CHRIS JOBBINS was awarded the race ‘NEWS in April about a reunion in New and the gold medal! Zealand: 'This is just to say that we recently spent several weeks in New Zealand, and called in on BONITA CARR (52-57) (now Cron) in Kerikeri. Like many parts of NZ, it's a very attractive area, with (as we often joked during our trip) 'awe inspiring vistas' ! It's the first time we'd met for over 50 years, so there was no shortage of events to catch up on, quite apart from sharing memories of KGS. ‘In the photograph (above) of the 1958 We are both keen gardeners, and had a Junior Cricket Team, MARTIN MANN is very interesting time touring Bonita's the tall fellow standing on the left, VIC garden and seeing the wonderful things YEOMAN is standing third from the left she can grow - plants that wouldn't stand and standing third from the right is JIM a chance here in the UK. MATTHEWS. I am seated second from the left.’ Julie and I have been in continual contact over the years with MARGARET ANOTHER FROM THE 60s... CHELL (54-61)(now Gregory) who was The photo (below) is of 3rd year 6th in in the same year as MARY CARR, 1963. Of the three staff members, STU- Bonita's younger sister (also COLIN ART SYKES is seated on the left, but PILLINGER?). Margaret is visiting the who are the other staff members? No- UK in June for her mother's 100th - tice, too, that they’re still wearing gowns. which we hope to attend. When did that practice cease? Please pass on my regards to any of the

16 'old gang' you may bump into. Should anyone be interested, feel free to pass on my email address as [[email protected]], or for those who have yet to venture into 'cyberspace', my phone number: 0151 645 2144.'

REUNIONS PLANNED... PAT WALKER (56-62) (now Bryan) also knew about the 100th birthday. She writes:

‘Thought I would send you an email rath- er than write as I have just been dragged screaming into the 21st century with the present of a laptop.

‘We have just been clearing the loft and have come across 3 KGS Prize day pro- THE CHRONICLES... grammes -1959, 1962 and 1963. Also a set of Kingswood Chronicles 1956 PAULETTE VINEY (53-60) has kindly through to 1962. I wondered if these donated to KOSA many copies of King- would be any help in compiling the lost swood Chronicles of her years at KGS. History of KGS. Thanks to her and other generous dona- tions we have originals or photocopies ‘Have just met up with JANET CHELL from 1923 (the first) to 1969/70. Did the (now MATTHEWS) through contact with publication continue after 1970? If so, KOSA NEWS. Her Mum still lives in Man- may we borrow copies so that copies can gotsfield and will be 100 this year. Sister be made for the archives? Margaret lives in Canada and brother Richard cares for Mum. All went to KGS. Indeed, we note that Paulette was a sub- editor (along with JO CRITCHLEY, ELIZ- ‘Have not managed to meet up yet with ABETH HILLING and HILARY BER- SANDRA LUCAS and JUDY BURT but ROW) on the 1959/60 edition. Thanks, plans afoot to make it all happen this Paulette. Summer. Still in contact with MISS SPILL who remembers the Chells very well. LINKS..? Sad to hear of the passing of HAROLD In the last edition of KOSA NEWS we WATTS.’ published part 2 of the memories of JEAN PULFORD (39-45), who had It seems that the CHELLS were quite a passed away after our having published KGS family going back to DOROTHY part 1. Jean’s father was a railway sig- CHELL who went up to Oxford in 1929. nalman on the LMS and she related that The photo (above, right) is taken from a when she left school in 1945 she se- Kingswood Chronicles showing Dorothy cured a job with Lloyds Bank with the (right) and ELISE BIRTILL, who both help of the daughter of a Mr & Mrs But- received scholarships to Oxford in that ton of . year. -Ed

17 PHIL DARKE (47-52) wondered wheth- teacher used to take groups of boys into er Mr Button, the father, was the same the flat during our lessons, leaving us Signalman Button who was on duty at (unsupervised) cooking yet another when a terrible train crash took batch of rock cakes and raspberry buns place, with 15 lives lost, on 13 October for the Governors’ teas. From the smirky 1928. Three trains were involved, includ- grins on the faces of the boys when they ing a mail train, and a detailed account reappeared, we were sure that she was of the accident is published in Red for teaching them more than how to clean Danger by LTC Rolt. the flat, but nobody ever 'let on' what was actually going on. If you are one of the The wreckage from the collision was boys, you would probably know! piled up against a brick overbridge at Charfield and was set on fire by the ‘These lessons convinced me that I ignition of escaping gas from the gas-lit needed to learn how to cook and look wooden carriages of the mail train. The after a family and to pass that learning conflagration became an unapproacha- on to a new generation. In hind-sight, as ble furnace which, despite the efforts of a Home Economics teacher who was the local fire brigades, blazed for twelve hours. always landed with the PSE lessons, I suspect that she was ahead of her time The accident could not have been in giving the boys basic sex education caused by Signalman Button’s opera- lessons! tions and he was completely exonerated by the resultant enquiry. It is interesting POWELLS UNITED ... to speculate, however, that our Jean Pulford probably knew Signalman KOSA Hon. Secretary, JOHN POWELL Button’s family…but we’ll probably never (43-48) had been totally unaware of any know for sure! direct living relatives on the paternal side until he was pleasantly surprised at a ROCK CAKES & MORE... recent KOSA reunion when PRISCILLA POWELL (now Maguire)(46-51) told him BRENDA CHALK (54-61) (now Ewins) that she believed they had common an- remembers those Domestic Science les- cestors. Her cousin IVOR POWELL (44- sons: 48), who is an accomplished family his- torian, had done extensive research into ‘I have read the Spring 2009 edition of the family tree, going right back to the KOSA NEWS and noted your welcome Powells of Marshfield in 1535. to myself and my brother as new mem- bers. Although my older brother JEFF Ivor had discovered that his, Priscilla's CHALK did leave KGS before the sixth and John's great great grandfathers were form, I stayed on at the school until I was brothers and their parents, George and 18 (July 61). Sarah Powell, were married in 1816.

‘The somewhat basic Domestic Science The photo taken at the April 2009 AGM lessons inspired me to go to Battersea and Lunch (at the top of page 19) shows, College of Domestic Science in London from left to right, SUSAN POWELL (55- and train for three years to become a 60) now living in Victoria, Province of Home Economics teacher. We girls al- British Columbia, Canada, JOHN (43- ways felt somewhat dissatisfied by our 48), MARY POWELL (51-56)(now cookery lessons. The young female Janes) and PRISCILLA POWELL (46-

18 ANGELA’S FRIENDS... ANGELA WILLIAMS (56-58) (now Béthencourt) only spent two years at KGS and then moved to Weston Gram- mar School when her parents moved from Kingswood. She says that she very much enjoyed KGS, but loathed WGS in comparison (all girls – ugh!). She has sent some personal photographs of a school trip in 1957 to St Fagan’s Muse- um with her contemporary friends LYNN CULLEY and RUTH WHITE. 51), (now Maguire). Angela’s three photographs show below, This interesting snippet demonstrates from the top, clockwise, Lynne and Ruth, one of the several advantages of being Lynne, and Angela herself. She has also active KOSA members, in the linking up sent in shots of 1H in 1957 and 2W in of hitherto unknown relationships. 1958, but they will be held over until next time.

YEAR OF 46...

The next reunion lunch for the 46ers is on 28 November 2009 (see Diary Dates on the front page).

One of the 46ers, SHIRLEY SHORT (now STEER), has a mother who attend- ed KGS and celebrated her 99th birthday on 26 June 2009.

Her name was ANNE FLORENCE CAM- DEN and when at KGS she was known as Nancy. She lived on Teewell Hill.

We wish her many Happy Returns.

19 PHYLLIS HANKS (51-56) (now Messen- ger) has sent in these photographic studies of four members of staff, be- lieved to have been taken in 1956. They are from below clockwise, MICHEL LA- PADU, French Assistant, ‘TOM’ MOODY, who taught French and ‘FROSTY’ WINTOUR (French) with GEORGE BUTCHER (English).

PEN PORTRAITS… MICHEL LAPADU spent two years at KGS as the French Assistant and during that time he was very popular. He played cricket (which made him OK in many people’s eyes) and the 1955-56 Kings- wood Chronicles records in the School Notes that ‘M. Lapadu goes home after two very successful years here.’ No wonder he was judged successful as he took home the very popular MISS JACOB (Music and French) as his bride. They’re both members of KOSA and live in Bordeaux.

‘TOM’ MOODY was Senior Master at KGS in the 50s and left in 1956 to be- come Headmaster of Newton Abbot Grammar School. Kingswood Chroni- cles reported that ‘Mr Moody will no doubt remember the applause in Hall upon the announcement of his appoint- ment’. MISS BAGSHAW (History) fol- lowed him two years later as MRS INCE to become Senior Mistress of the same school.

20 COLIN (FROSTY) WINTOUR was Sen- er did return, or when they did they never ior French Master at KGS and took part survived.’ in many productions of G & S operas from 1951 onwards. He moved to the On returning to England Sir Bernard has sixth form college when it was opened said that he was racked with doubts on the KGS site and eventually retired about his research and even considered from there. He attended the first re- becoming a Church of England minister. formed KOSA Dinner in 1984. If he had he would have added to quite a number of ex-KGS scholars who be- GEORGE BUTCHER taught English at came ministers of various denomina- KGS from 1952 to 1958 after a spell at tions. Cambridge and the forces. He was nev- er given a nick-name – he was always PHIL SPACE... ‘George’. An excellent English teacher, he left to teach at Aylesbury Grammar School and after 15 years went into adult education. He retired as Head of the Adult Education Centre and became an Education Consultant for BT. He lives in Aylesbury with his wife Sheila, is a mem- ber of KOSA and regularly meets up with members of his KGS 1956 5MS form.

THE COLD WAR… The Times on 22 May 2009 revealed a Soviet plot to kill SIR BERNARD LOVELL (24-31) with a radiation dose at the height of the Cold War.

According to The Times he was targeted after the USSR discovered that the Jo- drell Bank radio telescope was being used as an ‘early warning device’ of a nuclear attack. Sir Bernard confirmed Quite often in the production of KOSA that this put him in the front line to the NEWS your Ed has to find something to extent that the Russian military used complete a page. This time he has cho- radiation to try to kill him during a visit in sen a photo from the archives of ROG- 1963 to one of their own radio tele- ER WINDSOR (55-60). scopes on the Black Sea. Roger must be congratulated in giving a He said that he suffered severe sickness lifetime of service to Kingswood Old after the visit and believed that the Rus- Boys RFC, now Kingswood RFC. He is sians had used the radio telescope to a typical example of the Kingswood bombard him with lethal radiation. ‘They Breed - individualistic, enthusiastic, de- tried to remove from my memory the fact manding, reliable, straightforward, calls that they had taken me to their own a spade,a spade, family-oriented, and a defence nucleus and they did not want long-time friend. Even if he is sometimes news of their installation brought back to inebriated and a little loud! this country’ said Sir Bernard ‘A lot of my compatriots who went to the USSR nev-

21 SPORTS DAY...... AND PRIZE DAY... When MARIGOLD RIXEN (32-36) (later On page 23 Head Girl MARGARET Webster) passed away (see report in SQUIRES welcomes Miss N E Brad- last KOSA NEWS), her daughter kindly shaw to the Prize Day in 1962. Chair- sent us photos of sports day which were man of the Governors, Rev. Downes, in her possession. We believe that they looks on. were taken either in 1936 or 1938. The photo is taken in the reception area The first one is a general view of Sports by the library where the honours boards Day and the second one is of an exhibi- seem to have been completed up to tion of country dancing. Note the small 1959, although the details are indistinct orchestra seated on the left. even if the photo is enlarged. Has any- one any photos of the detailed boards? They were of course lost in the fire.

22 A RARE RESIGNATION… enabled me to relive and enjoy again those early childhood years when, de- Very occasionally we get a request to spite the war, days were carefree and resign from KOSA. MAURICE (MAC) enjoyable. My memories of school and KING (44-52) writes from NSW: school friends from Warmley C of E School and KGS are surprisingly clear, "The moving finger writes, and, having and I remember them fondly. I moved writ, moves on. Nor all thy piety nor wit from Warmley to KGS on a half scholar- shall lure it back to cancel half a line, nor ship in 1944, together with 7 or 8 of my all your tears wash out a word of it" (with classmates (all from working class fami- apologies to Omar Khayam). lies!) (I don't think this could have been the same school as your embittered cor- ‘Doesn't this describe all our lives? On respondent wrote about in the last two looking back over the years, as our mem- issues of KOSA News as his memories ory now enables us, we remember the were so alien to mine.) I was a rather shy highs and lows of our time on this earth. and unconfident boy, and thus I was not Some of us have had lives that have always happy at school, but this was no been blessed with peace and fulfilment, fault of the school. others, I am sure, have been burdened with many of life's cares and have some ‘On leaving KGS in 1952 I spent two sad recollections in their lives. As for years National Service in the RAF, being myself, I have had a full, blessed and trained as an Air Wireless Fitter, spend- enjoyable life, although not without some ing my second year near Cologne in happenings that I wish had been differ- Germany. After leaving the RAF I was ent. accepted at St Paul's Training College where I spent two years broadening my ‘Writing to you from the other side of the academic and social experiences. These world, and receiving KOSA NEWS has were two very enjoyable years. I ob-

23 tained my first teaching post at guidance and provision. I still work two Wroughton Sec. Mod. School near Swin- days a week as archivist in the Family don, where you were expected to teach Tracing Service of the Salvation Army in any subject when called upon, and with- Sydney. out any free periods. One of my extra jobs was to look after the library, and this ‘As the years pass the contemporaries was eventually to lead me to obtaining a of my childhood years are passing away, Grad. Dip. Lib. in Australia, and finishing and the content of the KOSA NEWS now my teaching career as a High School keep alive the memories of later gener- Librarian. ations of students. I have really enjoyed receiving the KOSA NEWS and really ‘Not being self confident I set myself appreciate all KOSA’s efforts, in helping goals to try to overcome this. These to keeps alive those early memories. But goals were many and varied - I cycled I think the time has come for me to bow around England; walked the Pennine out and leave KOSA NEWS to my suc- Way; travelled around France in a 1937 cessors at Kingsfield. So I ask gratefully, Austin 7; obtained a Grad. Dip. Geog. and with my thanks, if you would remove from Goldsmiths College, London; spent me from your mailing list. May God bless 3 1/2 months travelling overland to Aus- you. 'Mac' King’ tralia, where I taught for 18 months; I returned to UK via the Far East and the EASTER ‘56... Pacific to USA; crossed Canada by bus; Nowadays school trips are usually or- and in 1966 took a B.Sc. at Bristol Uni- ganised to such faraway places as the versity. I returned to Australia, taught USA or Outer Mongolia. In the 50s a Geography, before moving into the li- regular trip to Paris seemed to be the brary field. I married my Australian wife, norm and the cause of much excitement Gwen in 1969, and we celebrate our 40th (see pages 10/11 for ANNE BROWN’S anniversary this year. reaction).

‘Along the way, starting at the age of 8 years, I joined the choir of St Barnabas' Church in Warmley, moving to St Anne's, Syston when my voice broke. The high- light of my choirboy days was singing in a Choristers' Festival in Westminster Ab- bey in 1947. Singing and music has been one of my greatest joys in life, and I became involved in many choral works e.g. The Messiah, The Creation, Dido and Aneas, Carmen, Pirates of Pen- zance, Iolanthe, and a number of years singing in the Cathedral Choir in Bathurst, NSW. Another of PHYLLIS HANKS’ photos shows BOB PERKINS, ‘TOM’ TOMKIN- ‘I am now 75 years old, and have been SON, BRUCE PERRY and M LAPADU retired for many years. In 1989 I became on the steps of their Paris Hotel in 1956. a Soldier in the Salvation Army, dedicat- Bob and company look suitably bored as Michel carries out a conversation with a ing my life to living as a Christian, and French lady and her daughter. have been greatly blessed by God's

24 The photograph above is of 1F in the Summer of 1965. These good folk would have seen KGS towards the transition into the new era of Kingsfield School as a part of the new comprehensive system which commenced, for them, in 1967/68.

The Under 15 Rugby XV would probably have been one of the last under the name of Kingswood Grammar School. ‘JIMMY’ WILDE, Sportsmaster since 1941, retired in 1968 and Soccer had already restarted after being replaced by Rugby in 1949.

25 THE PRODIGIOUS SNOB… Covielle, his servant. Both HILARY An extract from the Kingswood Chroni- BROWN and JUDITH BURT played Lu- cles of 1961-62 confirms that KGS pro- cille, Jourdain's daughter, with charm, ductions continued to be of a high and PAMELA GREADY and CHRIS- standard: TINE BROOKS gave convincing dis- plays of Jourdain's nagging wife.

The 1961-62 KGS production was The The two Nicoles, the maids, were viva- Prodigious Snob, an adaptation by Miles cious and high-spirited (ELAINE BUSH Malleson of the Molière comedy Le and LINDA BROADBENT), and Bourgeois Gentilhomme. Dorimène (CHRISTINE TEMPLAR), a marchioness, and Dorante (JOHN WIN- The play concerns the trials and tribula- CHESTER), her suitor, were played with the stately digni- ty of the seven- teenth century nobles. All oth- er supporting parts were ex- tremely well acted and well worth watch- ing.

The costumes, scenery and lighting were all extremely well thought out, and we must tions of Monsieur Jourdain, a middle- thank MRS. DAVIES for her work in the wardrobe department, especially in the class tradesman who has recently ac- design and execution of the costumes quired great wealth, and is also attempt- for the slave girls. The producer, MR. ing to acquire the accomplishments of LARKINS, is to be congratulated on an the upper classes. His daughter wishes enjoyable and successful production. to marry a middle-class young man of moderate means, and Monsieur We were pleased to learn in May that Jourdain refuses, wishing her to marry our production had been awarded first into the nobility. The fun begins when prize in the Gloucestershire Schools the young man, Cléonte, disguises him- Drama Competition, and the school self as a Turkish Pasha and commences holds a handsome cup for twelve to persuade Monsieur Jourdain to give months. We wish to congratulate all con- his consent to the match. cerned on their achievement.

The principal role of Monsieur Jourdain The scene (above) shows, from left to was acted with convincing bewilderment right, S. Wallington, Linda Broadbent, O. by J. WHITLOCK, and OWEN HANMER Hamner, J. Whitlock, Judith Burt and and STEPHEN WALLINGTON acted Pamela Gready. with zest and humour as Cléonte and

26 KOSA MATTERS... 3. We now have the power to elect a WELCOME TO... Vice-President. New members since the last edition, using maiden names for the ladies: Copies of the revised constitution may Robin Welch (56-64), Robin Fidkin (55- be obtained from our Secretary, JOHN 62), Alf Herod (50-57), Jim Evans (65- POWELL, whose address is on the in- 67), Janice Willie (48-53), David Herod sert to this magazine. (46-50), Rosemary Hunt (60-62), Pam Tippett (47-53). We are delighted that DAVID LEWIS, the retired Headteacher of Kingsfield We welcome all those who have joined and our Past-President, was elected as us and welcome, too, their contributions our first Vice-President. David has given to keeping the memory of keeping KGS much support to KOSA over many years alive. If you know someone who might and we hope that his relationship with like to receive KOSA NEWS, just send KOSA will continue for many more. us their details. We are also very pleased that the OCTOBER LUNCH... present Headteacher of Kingsfield Details of the next reunion on SATUR- School, STEVE LONGTON, was re- DAY, 10 OCTOBER 2009 are shown elected as President of KOSA for the under Diary Dates on the front page. current year.

We hope to celebrate the 25 years since The signed audited accounts which the re-birth of KOSA at a dinner which were adopted at the AGM are also in- was held at Kingswood Community Cen- cluded with the insert to this edition. tre in October 1984. As with all auspi- cious birthday parties, we shall have a KOSA AWARD... birthday cake! On the advice of STEVE LONGTON, STAN BURRAGE (51-56), our Chair- We have also invited the Member of man, attended Kingsfield earlier this Parliament for Stroud, DAVID DREW year and presented the KOSA Award of (63-70). We are pleased to report that £50 to each of two students adjudged David has been described in the local worthy of the award. We congratulate Stroud newspaper as ‘one of the saints EMILY BRASIER and BEN BAGGS on in the MPs’ expenses row’ as one of the their awards. MPs who did not ‘milk the system’. ...AND FINALLY... THE LAST AGM... GILLIAN GILBERT (50-57) (now Smith) At the AGM held last April KOSA adopt- has sent in the photo on page 28 of a ed some minor amendments to its Con- scene from The Bartered Bride, a pro- stitution. duction which took place in February 1955. The photo is composed of all girl 1. It was made more explicit that the dancers and Gillian is the last person on membership of KOSA should be open to the right - dressed as a boy! ex-pupils, scholars and students from KGS and its successor schools such as She tells us that there were no boy vol- Kingsfield School. unteers for these parts, although boys 2. Committee Members will no longer be did act in many of the other parts of the required to stand down after missing two opera. consecutive Committee Meetings.

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