St Lawrence College Ramsgate, Kent Co-educational, Day & Boarding School Ages 3 - 18 www.slcuk.com Children and grandchildren of Old Lawrentians are entitled to a 10% boarding discount. Enquire now and they could soon be using our state-of-the-art Sports Centre. For a chance to send your child to your old school, please call Alison Hall for more information on 01843 572931 or email: [email protected] St Lawrence College exists to provide education for children. Charity No 307921 Old Lawrentian News 2010/11 L JOIN US IN 2011 26th March OL Day and OL AGM - 12.00pm-6pm 12.00pm-12.30pm: Pre-lunch drinks in the new Sports Centre. 12.30pm-1.30pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall. 2pm:Tours of the College. 2.30pm: OL Shooting; OL Boys’ Hockey on the Astro; OL Girls’ Netball on the Quad; OL Badminton in the Taylor Hall. To offer your services to the teams please email Nick Jones: [email protected]. 4.30pm: Post-match drinks and sandwiches. 5.15pm: OL AGM in the library, followed by drinks. To allow us to cater efficiently, please let us know who you and your guests are (before the 25th March) by booking in with [email protected]. 25th June - OL Day - 2.30pm6pm 12pm: Drinks Reception. 12.30pm-1.30pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall. 1.30pm: OL Boys’ Cricket on Newlands. For more details contact Nick Jones: [email protected]. 2.30pm: OL Boys’ Tennis. Contact Rodney Wilkening: [email protected] for more details. 4.45pm: Post-match tea and 2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE L Pimms on the Headmaster’s lawn. To allow us to cater efficiently, please let us know who you and your guests are (before the 24th June) by booking in with [email protected]. 25th June - Wine Extravaganza Evening 6.30pm onwards. A light-hearted, fun and informative evening to include a blind taste challenge, New World vs Old. Experts’ opinions, buffet. This is a ticketed event. More details will follow by email. 17th September - OL Day 2.30pm-6.30pm 12.30pm-1.30pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall. 2.30pm: OL Girls’ Hockey on the Astro. For more details contact Clair Marchant: clairemilybrown@ googlemail.com. Saturday 29th October - OL Dinner - 7pm Champagne Reception. Dinner in the Dining Hall. For more details contact Kerry Brown: [email protected]. T his is now my seventh year as OL President and I feel that now is the right time to give notice that I will be stepping down at the AGM in 2012. For some time the Committee has been aware this was my intention but finding a suitable figurehead has proved difficult. For anybody taking on the role it is a wonderful experience and it means meeting many charming and interesting OLs, as I did my wife! With a very young family and increasing work commitments the time is right for someone else to take over. I will of course continue to work hard behind the scenes on the OL Committee and as a Governor at the College. The Society is on a sure footing in that we now have a paid OL Secretary at the School, increased funding from the College, vibrant dinners and a new website. Hopefully my successor will be College Remembrance Service Sunday, 13th November. College Carol Service To be arranged. L found soon. Ideally we need a person of stature who will give ‘gravitas’ to the role and elevate the ‘status’ of the Society to a wider audience. The OL secretary, Kerry Brown, is doing a splendid job getting all the back room jobs done and maintaining the database, and along with Andrew Brown (ex-staff and archivist) she is working hard to organise all the old photos and archive material which has been hidden away in the basement of the College for donkeys’ years. This will be posted on the OL website in the near future. During 2010 the OL Golfers and Rifle Club continued to perform well in matches, but as always they would welcome new members so please do get in touch with the respective secretaries if you would like to get involved. One of the highlights of the year for me was in March when a group of us from Tower House Alumni Secretary Kerry Brown’s contact details are: Address: St Lawrence College, Ramsgate Kent, CT11 7AE Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07890 220758;Telephone: 01304 221300 L 3 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Top, we all enjoyed our Tower Reunion at the Grand Hotel reminiscing with our former Tower housemaster Right, Christopher Throndsen and Peter Webley (Tower 1982) got together at the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne to honour our old housemaster and friend Christopher Throndsen. We had a wonderful candlelit dinner in a private dining room and a big thank you must go to the General Manager, Jonathan Webley (Tower 1977), for organising such a splendid evening. If there are any other year groups who would like to organise a special dinner, or a reunion, then Jonathan would be more than happy to sort this 4 out for you at The Grand. The OL tennis and cricket matches against the School ended in good wins for the College, but sadly the OL girls’ hockey and netball matches had to be cancelled. We really do need to get more OL girls involved in the OL Society and it would be wonderful to have more females on the Committee to encourage their peers to come PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE back and participate. OL events are more fun than you think! The new Sports Centre was opened in September by the England rugby coach, Martin Johnson (see Headmaster’s Update, page 6) and along with Kirby House there is no doubt that the College can boast some first-class facilities. Please note that there is a 10% boarding fee discount available to any OL or OL grandparent, and with the fast train link from London/Euston, Ramsgate is only just over an hour away. We had yet another splendid OL Dinner at the College in November. This year we were lucky to secure the services of Humphrey Hawksley (Grange 1972), the BBC overseas correspondent, who gave a wonderfully amusing speech. Highlights on page 12. It was very sad that we lost Christopher Stunt (Lodge 1958) two years ago now, but I do not think it should go unnoticed that he left an incredibly generous legacy of £100,000 to St Lawrence College. There were three Stunt brothers at the College; the others being Philip and Timothy, and I was delighted that Philip was able to join us as a guest at this year’s OL dinner. It was encouraging to see the first OL reunion in Hong Kong take place in December. The database shows there are 123 OLs based in HK so hopefully this will become an annual event along the same lines as the very successful Australian reunions. Thanks must go to Henry Chan (Manor 1973-78) for organising this. If there are any other OLs who would like to organise a regional reunion then please get in touch with the OL Secretary, Kerry Brown, who will help you. Finally, I would draw your attention to the fact that OLs can now advertise their businesses in the OL News. This annual magazine is sent to more than 3,000 OLs throughout the world, so please get in touch with Kerry Brown, [email protected], who will give you more details. Nick Marchant, OL President 5 L HEADMASTER’S UPDATE ast year I wrote saying that the Sports Centre was taking shape. This year I can say it has been officially opened. We were very lucky to secure the services of Martin Johnson. He was very generous with his time. He officially opened the Centre, then toured it and chatted to the pupils. He was very impressed by the facility and he has seen a good number of such centres. He then addressed the whole school and spoke with passion about the importance of sport, not just at the elite level but as a way of staying fit for everyone and for the making of lasting friendships. I 6 was very impressed by his ability to talk so fluently without a script. He then spent a long time signing autographs and chatting to staff and pupils. You might be interested to know that he made no charge for his visit but we did make a donation to one of his favourite charities which is the Adam Cole Foundation. You might like to consider supporting it yourself when we come to celebrate winning the next Rugby World Cup. The College has always had a fine reputation for its drama and that is certainly being maintained at present. Last term saw a top class production of The Crucible. This is not an easy play, even though it has much to say to the modern world, about the susceptibility of the public for various types of witch-hunt and the dangers caused when a group mentality takes over from sensible individuality of thought. The cast coped well with having to delay their performance for a week as a result of thick snow! There were several individual performances revealing what I would describe as an ‘inner power’ beyond their years. HEADMASTER’S UPDATE We have a crop of young actors coming through the school who have real talent. It is exciting. Do not forget we are always interested in talent and ability. If you know of any potential students who would enrich the life of our community, I am always willing to discuss bursaries and scholarships with their parents. Nick Marchant highlighted in his President’s Message the 10% boarding discount for OLs’ children and grandchildren, so please feel free to make a discrete enquiry to me, via my PA, Mrs Mills on 01843 572900 or [email protected]. Another great excitement last term was watching our Under 15 XV win their final game of the season against Chatham House and so complete an unbeaten season. It is a long while since we have had such a triumph and the boys have done very well. I, as an experienced rugby coach, was impressed by their commitment, their style and their willingness to try and make things happen during their games. There is room for technical improvement which coupled with good physical growth, could make them a very good side in two or three years’ time. Having the Sports Centre has made a great difference already, especially when the weather was unseasonably bad earlier towards the end of last term. I am sure the quality of many of our teams will improve even further as will the general levels of fitness across the school. I am also delighted to see the building being used just for the sheer pleasure of playing games, dancing or keeping fit. The climbing wall has also proved to be very popular and many, including a good number of my staff, have tested their nerves and courage scaling up it this term. The annual House Singing competition was also an occasion for nerves of steel especially if you were a judge. The quality of the acts was outstanding. It is a student-led event which makes it all the more impressive. Both sections were won by Lodge. However, the competition was so hot that the debate over who should have won raged on for days. It was much more exciting than Strictly or the X Factor. The final highlight of last term were two lovely Carol Services. The Christian life of the school 7 HEADMASTER’S UPDATE remains strong and we had a good Confirmation in the summer term. Making the most of pupils’ intellectual ability is a very important part of what we seek to do in College but developing the spiritual life of the pupils still remains very high on the agenda of us all. When I wrote last year we were close to finishing a promotional DVD about the College. It is now available to watch on the College and OL websites. It will give you a good idea of the current life of the College. Many things may have changed since your day but I hope you will see that the basic traditions and atmosphere of the College remain the same. Watching the DVD will give you a good view of the College but nowhere near as good as coming back to visit. We are always happy to show you around; again the best way to make contact is through my PA. These are exciting days for the School and the OL society. I reiterate that I would be happy to come and talk to a group of OLs or to arrange an event for you 8 here, if you have a particular year group that would like to get back together. As is so often the case the organising of a voluntary group like the OL Society falls on a very few, committed people. I would like to pay tribute to Nick Marchant for all his hard work with OLs over the last few years. Others on the committee have also given him vital support. Can I make a plea for some more help in running the Society? There are not a great number of meetings and some of those could take place in London, if that helped, now that we have the fast train. Please contact Nick by email if you think you could help support the work of the OLs. My sense is that the College is in the best state it has been for many years and, if you have not been back, then please make contact with us. Come and visit. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by all that has been achieved in recent years. Reverend Mark Aitken, Headmaster OL DINNER - NOVEMBER 6, 2010 Y et another great evening in the school dining hall and undoubtedly the highlight of the year. We were lucky to secure the services of a superb guest speaker in Humphrey Hawksley (Grange 1972), the BBC’s foreign correspondent and commentator on world affairs. This was his first visit back to the College in 38 years and he clearly thoroughly enjoyed returning to the old school. Attendance was excellent with 116 OLs and guests attending, including 23 OLs from 1980 who were celebrating their 30year reunion. See page 15. In fact, many OLs made a huge effort to attend, travelling in from Australia, Jordan and Zambia. What a celebration it turned out to be with festivities finishing in the early hours! The evening started with a 10 nostalgic tour of the school at 6pm, taking in the impressive new Sports Centre, followed by a Champagne reception in the front hall / new Costa café area. Dinner was held in the Dining Hall and, after grace by the Reverend Robin Garden, we sat down to an excellent meal, washed down with some fine wine and the usual barrel of Fullers London pride! As President, I welcomed distinguished guests Bob Gray (Lodge 1967), John Isaac (Tower 1955), Chris Throndsen (Tower 1953), John Vernon (Lodge 1976), Ellis Gill (Grange 1971) and Philip Stunt (Lodge 1953). I gave particular thanks to the new OL secretary, Kerry Brown, for her contribution to the evening’s organisation, and to Lawrence Page (Newlands 1955) for organising the wine. OL DINNER - NOVEMBER 6, 2010 Marie Winter (nee Blair, Bellerby 1980) received special thanks for organising the 1980 year-group reunion. It was good to see a table full of Courtenay boys from the 50s and 60s. In fact, the oldest ‘old boy’ was Peter Mantle who left an incredible 59 years ago! It is hoped to have another large contingency of Courtenay boys at 2011’s OL Dinner as Dave Masters and Tony Singer (1961) are hoping to reunite as many Courtenay leavers from the first half of of the 1960s as possible - for an ‘approximate 50-year celebration’. The evening finished with a rousing rendition of the school song led by the OL resident opera singer, Joe Cornwell. Nick Marchant, President 11 HUMPHREY HAWKSLEY’S MEMORIES H umphrey Hawksley gave a wonderfully appropriate and amusing speech at November’s OL Dinner, sharing his memories of St Lawrence. A full version of his speech can be found on the OL website www.olsociety.co.uk. Here is a taster to whet your appetite! Talking about the senior school houses - Courtenay, Grange, Lodge, Manor, Tower, and for day boys, Newlands, he said: “Now, many of you may argue with my take on it, and I will brace myself. But here goes. At the top was Tower. It was a magnet for the rich, the privileged, the aristocracy of St Lawrence. After Tower, there was Lodge. I suppose you could say if Tower was the aristocracy, then Lodge was the nouveau-riche. Next came Manor, wedged uneasily between the more gentile houses and those yet to come. Manor sat up there in the Balcony of this dining hall and it carried with it an air of cosmopolitan exoticism. Newlands, the day house, was partly a conglomeration of all of us - but mostly not. They were the local boys, the sons of 12 Kent’s business and commerce. Grange - my house. Suffice to say that Grange had the finest and most intelligent pupils, brilliant on both the playing fields and in the classroom. We were generous, caring, adventurous. Thoroughly good people. Our housemaster was the incredibly tall, yet serene, Harold Clifford, an exceptionally wise man and even now I miss his guiding hand. Courtenay was rough. Courtenay were the button men of St Lawrence. With Courtenay you kept your head down or lived on your wits. Courtenay, for the most part, was a no-go area and only a fool would walk through the corridors of Courtenay at night and expect to emerge unscathed.” 1980’s REUNION HONG KONG REUNION O ur first reunion! A small but very successful ‘firstof-many reunions’ for OLs based in and near Hong Kong. The evening on December 17, 2010 was kindly organised by Henry Chan (Manor ’78) and was held in ‘Jimmy’s Kitchen’. With lots of laughter From left, Vinod Mahtani, Sunil Mohinani, Tseng, Ricky Yue, Sunil Daswani and and reminiscing, the Hemmon Henry Chan. Jeffery Chan also attended group shared a strong later in the evening. common bond of having attended SLC which brings good friendship, even between those who weren’t there at the same time. It appears that the world is very small indeed – Hemmon Tseng was Sunil’s landlord for three years - though they had never met earlier (Sunil was relieved to have paid his rent on time)! Another surprise that evening was that for the past 20 years Sunil and Vinod have been good friends - yet neither knew they were at the College at the same time. Vinod had been in the Junior School when Sunil was in Cameron - so their paths never crossed. If you would like to know of (or help Henry organise) future Hong Kong reunions, in the first instance, please contact Kerry Brown, OL Secretary, at [email protected] to ensure she has your current contact details (especially email). Currently our database shows we have 123 OLs in Hong Kong - but we only have 23 email addresses. In the South East Asia region, we have more than 300 OLs listed – but again, hardly any current email addresses. If we don’t have your email, please get in touch as many of our communications now go out as emails rather than via post. Thank you. L 14 L W e left in the summer of 1980 in our Minis, Alfa Suds, parents’ cars and British Rail amidst the soundtracks of Madonna, Genesis and Michael Jackson. Adorned in our preppy fashion and flowing Laura Ashley dresses, (and that was the boys!) we ventured forward into university and employment, to begin the next phase of our lives. We returned, in the wet and windy autumn of 2010 - 30 years had passed in the blink of an eye. The reason for the true making of our 1980’s reunion was twofold. The first, was Marie Winter (nee Blair), and the second technology. Marie set about tracing people on Facebook, emails flew back and forth, people were tempted by the promise of a reunion. My wife Heather and I met up for pre-dinner drinks with other 1980’s OLs in the Pegwell Bay Hotel, where we were staying. Paul Price (Head Boy 1980), David Ryan, John Rayner and my dear friend Basim Said, who had flown in from Jordan, were the first to toast the ‘80s. After an hour of reminiscing in strolled Johnny Marchant. More warm hugs, smiles, laughter and ale aloft. Paul Price, organised as ever, 15 THANK YOU FOR THE MEMORIES 1980’S REUNION arranged taxis to ferry us to a pre OL Dinner drinking venue, the one and only Honeysuckle Inn. On entering we were reunited with Marie and Andy Winter, Alison Pailing (nee Hope), Stuart Jepps, Sarah George (nee Thomas), Amanda Hills, Bridget Greenhalgh and John Egan-Wyer. And so to Saint Lawrence, the taxi dropped us at the Green Door. Where else? Inside the reunions continued with Stephen Billings, Tim Dodd, Nick Marchant, Pro Jones, Paul Bailey, Claire Hills, Pete Gayne, Nick Kenton Jeremy Blackhurst and Ian Wagland joining and adding to the laughter and smiles. Cameras flashed as we rolled back the years, spoke of what had come to pass, our partners, many present, families, careers and cares. We had a wonderful meal in the school dining hall. All the old boards had been relocated and replaced by portraits of those that had gone before us. All too soon we were saying good night, and what a good night it had been, the rest of the evening blurred as fatigue set in, some retiring as late as 0530 the next morning. As we said goodbye with promises of a reunion in Jordan in 2012 (Basim what have you let yourself in for?), the year London hosts the Olympics and we all turn 50, the last line of the school song rang in my ears from the thundering rendition the previous night - ‘Gratias Agamus’, let us give thanks. Chris Taylor, Manor Reunion The College looks the same now As I climb down from the car, And follow all the others To an obviously makeshift bar. So here I am all tarted up In posh frock and high heels, And I’m just beginning to remember How being sixteen feels. I scan across the crowded room, A nervous smile in place, Searching, hoping, praying To see a familiar face. The captain of the rugby team Now he would be a sight. Or the cute one from English Would really make my night. That tall dark good-looking one, Who played for the first eleven, The way he kissed as I recall Was something close to heaven. But what I see before me In their bow ties and DJs Is just a bunch of middle-aged men To show me how much I’ve aged. Chris Taylor’s full round-up is on the OL website - www.olsociety.co.uk 16 L Alison (Hope) Pailing, Bellerby 1978-80 “That was one of the most memorable nights of my life.” Johnny Marchant “What an evening, we rolled back the years, the careers, the commitments and the crumbling health to enjoy love and laughter with friends of old.” Chris Taylor “Not a bad looking bunch after 30 years.” Paul Price “It was just great to see everyone on such sparkling form and looking well ... just as gorgeous as ever.” Amanda Hills “Special thanks go to Marie, but a heartfelt thanks to everyone for making it such a wonderful event. I really loved seeing my old (but young at heart) friends.” Basim Said “There was much fun, laughter and - after a few too many ... hugs and promises not to leave it another 30 years.” Marie (Blair) Winter “The weekend was all I hoped it would be and then some!!” Stuart Jepps 17 NEW SOUTH WALES OL REUNION W e gathered at Finola’s restaurant at Balmain Bowling Club (grass not ten pin). Finola is a delightful Irish chef who has built a deserved reputation for the quality of her table. The house specialty is the beef and Guinness pie which, judging by the orders, was the day’s favourite selection! Drinks were ordered from the bar in the adjoining gaming room that caters for poker, horses and one armed bandits. The venue proved a great success as we had the place to ourselves. We had a great turnout of OLs and welcomed Iain Mars who travelled down from Brisbane for the day - a gesture much appreciated by everyone. Iain continues to play an important role in the Australian meat industry. John and Valerie Barrow jetted in from a sojourn in France to join us and had much to recount about their Gallic adventures. Noel and Elizabeth Symonds, who travelled from the Southern Highlands, were in good form. Ann Brockbank had recently returned from a trip to Africa. She stayed with OL Pro Jones 18 at the River Club - a fabulous lodge he owns and runs on the banks of the Zambeezi. She also reported on her visit to St Lawrence College that included experiencing the caffeine extravagances on offer; a far cry from the tuck shop we all remember! Geoffrey Sexton provided us with his annual summary of our past reunions and reports that he is again challenging the fairways. Unfortunately, Margot Sexton was unable to attend this year but we look forward to seeing her in 2011. Belinda Piper was a popular return having spent time in San Diego over the past two years. Belinda told us that she will soon be married and the group was pleased to wish her well. John Denton travelled from the mid-coast and we welcomed his companion Cynthia Burgess. Frank and Sherrie Armstrong provided their usual enthusiasm and good cheer and following an absence, it was good to see Tony Gilbert with us again. Paul and Margot Priday keep on keeping on but the stars of the show were undoubtedly the Dixon family. It was great to SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6 From left to right, standing: Lesley Reynolds, Noel and Elizabeth Symonds, John Denton, Anthony Bowesman, Geoff Sexton, Simon Dixon, Ann Brockbank, Paul and Margot Priday, Tony Gilbert, Sherrie Armstrong, John Barrow, Gail Dixon, Iain Mars. Sitting:Val Barrow, Frank Armstrong, Connie Dixon, Belinda Piper, Paul Dixon, Cynthia Burgess. have Paul and Connie with us. They were joined by Paul’s son Simon, his companion Gail and Connie’s daughter, Lesley Burgess. We introduced an aboriginal custom to proceedings in 2010. If a person seeks to address the throng, they need to wear a particular symbol of authority to be recognised. In our case it was a Junior School cricket colours cap that can be seen being worn by Paul Dixon in the group photograph. Perched ridiculously on the head of the authorised speaker it seemed to work. All those years of school authority and discipline appear to have had a lasting effect. When matters got a bit ragged, Paul Dixon, donned the cap and brought us back into line. In conclusion, our reunion was a success. Friendships and acquaintances were renewed and a good time was had by all. Anybody and everybody is welcome at our 2011 reunion, which will be held in October or November. Information can be obtained from Ann Brockbank at [email protected] closer to the event. Ann Brockbank 19 PRAYER FELLOWSHIP T he OL Prayer Fellowship has been led and supported by Anthony Desch for many years and it is with some trepidation that I take over the role. Our thanks must go to Anthony for his hard work and we wish him well. I came across a letter in the Prayer Fellowship archives written by Dick Page in 1958 in which he talks about the struggle of making worship relevant to the modern pupil. He said then that “it is a problem that needs prayer” and “that it is important that a boy should learn that worship is “giving of oneself to God”. The language might have changed a little, the pupils a lot and the style of worship even more but the need for prayer remains, I suspect, unchanged. We plan in the OL News to give a snapshot of Christian life at the School for all readers and to have a longer version of the newsletter on the website for download for interested parties. As well as giving news from the school that may help members pray for the current O Nick Lyons was at St Lawrence from 1975 to 1982 in Cameron and Lodge pupils, we hope to include news of what OLs are getting up to (and I have discovered what a rich variety of Christian work is taking place across the world!) We plan also to have a brief emailed newsletter, sent to those who would like to receive particular prayer requests from the school and from members. If you have some news, or a request for prayer, please email me at [email protected]. Nick Lyons, Lodge 1982, Editor of the Prayer Fellowship Newsletter To read more about Nick, go to the OL website - www.olsociety.co.uk 20 CHAPLAIN’S MESSAGE ver the past 12 months we have had a lot to give thanks to God for. The three Christian Unions continue to flourish in our College and your continued prayers for them are greatly appreciated. In the Junior School, the Lighthouse group have a keen following, particularly from the new intake in Year 3. The Trinity Team in the Middle School have a good number of boys among their number and the CU in the Senior School is now under the leadership of Mervyn Watling. Last year 11 students from the middle and senior schools were confirmed by the Bishops of Dover and Canterbury. These young people have formed a loyal group and meet Reverend Peter Russell and the Junior School’s Lighthouse group put on a ‘change’ assembly in term time to celebrate Holy Communion. I have received eight more applications for confirmation later in the year. Again, your prayers for the spiritual growth of these pupils would be greatly appreciated. This academic year has seen the reintroduction of community service. A group of students from the Senior School visit two residential homes in the area and, on occasion, we give the residents short acts of worship. This venture gives first-hand experience at true Christian ministry and I pray that this activity develops further. The overall pastoral care of the College is always a concern of mine. Teaching staff maintain a high standard of professional and pastoral commitment in an age that demands rigorous administrative standards. Fatigue is a natural human response to work pressures. Please support them in your prayers. The overall spiritual health of SLC is very good and I am indebted to the students for their support in Chapel and support for each other. Yours in Christ, Reverend Peter Russell 21 FROM RAMSGATE TO COURTEENHALL T he 60th anniversary of the evacuation of our troops from Dunkirk in June 1940 has brought back memories of Ramsgate during that time. During the early days of the war I can remember the Junior School assembling in the tunnel, linking up with the other side of the school, and during an air raid warning one of the masters read us Winnie the Pooh to keep us quiet and in order. As the College was evacuated to Seaford for the summer term of 1940, I was anxious to visit my parents in Ramsgate for the halfterm break. As the train was several hours late in arriving at Ramsgate, due to the need for transporting the troops away from the coastal towns, my parents had given up waiting for me and had returned home. I had very little money (pocket money was about six pence a week) and so had to walk about two miles with my small suitcase. It was quite shattering seeing all those troops in various conditions filling the station and being fed with sandwiches and tea by the WVS. I went down to the front in the evening to see the armada of small boats being towed by larger ones into Ramsgate harbour from 22 Dunkirk. There was a constant stream of buses, lorries leading up to the station loaded with soldiers in different conditions. The wounded were laid out on stretchers on the ground around where Merry England, the amusement arcade is located, waiting for transport to hospital. It was not all doom and gloom as there was a certain amount of banter going on. I can remember one of the soldiers leaning out of a carriage carrying a white goose under his arm. They were not allowed to bring back their equipment but he was not coming back empty-handed! I said goodbye to my parents who were returning to West Africa, my brother went to America to train as a pilot and I returned to Seaford. I was surprised to see my father rather moved when saying goodbye but I am sure this was due to his experience of fighting in France during the Great War. At the end of the 1940 summer term we went to the station to take the train to London. I was going to stay with an Aunt in Bromley, Kent. As we were getting into the carriage Mr. Waymouth the Headmaster of the Junior School, said: “Collins you had better get into DURING THE WAR YEARS my carriage.” As we were approaching Victoria Station he said that the school had collapsed and he would be in touch. During the holidays in Bromley, I saw the Battle of Britain being fought in the skies above us. Throughout the bombing of London eight of us slept in an Anderson shelter, measuring 6’6”x4’6”. We were very fortunate that a few school governors met in London at that time and decided St Lawrence College should continue. They sent Mr Waymouth scouring the country for suitable accommodation for what was left of the school. It is amazing how fortunate it was that he found Courteenhall, when he had the opportunity of meeting Major General Sir Hereward Wake. The Major General told Mr Waymouth the Army was due to commandeer his home in two weeks’ time but because he thought that schoolboys would do less damage to his home he offered it to St Lawrence College. It is fortunate that he had influence regarding this arrangement. The College is most grateful to the then Headmaster, Canon Perfect, for his wisdom and determination to restart SLC, and because of this decision the school is flourishing today, helping to produce students who make a good contribution to society worldwide. During the war, some of the senior boys studying for their A-Levels also helped to teach the younger ones until suitable staff could be recruited at Courteenhall. It is for this reason we are indebted to the Wake family for being so supportive of the school during those difficult days. Courteenhall, in my view, was in a wonderful location in beautiful countryside and with my parents being abroad it felt like my home during that time. It was a great shock to the School to hear that G.T. Coffin, the Head Boy, had been killed in action in North Africa soon after he had left the School; also one of the masters who had left to join Bomber Command was shot down. A number of boys stayed at the school over Christmas in 1940 because they had no home to go back to. That was life in those days. Some of the senior boys were boarded out to the local farms leaving the School captain behind to look after the younger boys. In those days we all had bicycles on which we used to cycle into 23 MEMORIES OF COURTEENHALL Northampton six miles away. On reflection we had the opportunity of experiencing country life when the School was asked to help with the harvest of potatoes and also to help load the bales of straw on to the wagons, which was very strenuous. I am sure many of us have a greater appreciation of the countryside because of our experience of living in the country. I did not achieve high academic standards at the College but learned a lot of good Christian values, which have stood me in good stead all my life. Careerwise, for a short time I was Chief Technical Cost Negotiator for Rolls Royce Bristol; Deputy Price Controller for Concorde and for 20 years member of the Business School at the University of the West of England. When OLs visit the school, which is flourishing under a good headmaster, Reverend Mark Aitken, can they imagine that if it were not for those governors, for Canon Perfect, Mr Waymouth and the Wake family, there may not be a St Lawrence College today? John Collins (1936-44) Right, Sir Hereward sent this letter to John Collins after reading John’s wartime memories of Courteehall. Far Right, Sir Hereward Wake and John Collins Read John Collins’ full report on the OL website - www.olsociety.co.uk 24 ORDER OF ST FRIDESWIDE R etirement for Grange’s (1951-55) Chris Burley has been anything but restful. It was whilst a partner at accountants Price Waterhouse that Chris started helping out the Church of England’s Oxford Diocese. His role, before and after retirement, involved helping the Church to chart its way through a wide range of complex financial issues. Following his retirement in 1992, he threw himself into his voluntary work helping the Oxford Diocese to plot a new financial course following the chaos created by the Church Commissioners’ reported mismanagement of funds. For his 17 years’ distinguished service to the Oxford Diocese, Chris was rewarded for his efforts by being admitted to the Order of St Frideswide. Only 10 people have received the honour, since its inception in 2004. The award recognises outstanding contributions from lay people in the Diocese of Oxford. Chris said: “I was absolutely bowled over when I got the The Bishop of Oxford, Reverend John Pritchard, with Chris Burley letter from the Bishop of Oxford. It was only when I attended the annual dinner for the Order of St Frideswide that I realised what a select group I was in. This award to the laity is similar to clergy being made honorary canons of the cathedral. I was delighted to be awarded this honour and was ‘installed’ at a service in Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford in January 2009.” Chris’ numerical skills and judgement also come in handy in Bridge. His results there are also first class. He has been invited for trials for the English Seniors team and became a Grand Master in 2008. 25 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS GOLDEN WEDDING P eter and Wendy Jordan celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary with family and friends on July 28th, 2010. Married in 1960, they have lived in the same house in Crick, Northants for the past 50 years. Gordon Peter Jordan was in Courtenay and left SLC in 1952. WEDDINGS C ongratulations to Kathryn Cotton (Laing 1998) who married Alan Martin at Holy Trinity Church, Cliftonville, Kent, on November 13, 2010. 26 From left, Deborah Rooms (Bellerby 1998), Kate McKerrell, Joanna McKerrell and Erin Coberth (Laing 1996) J oanna Lucy Coberth (Laing 1998) married Thomas David Hardman McKerrell on June 12th, 2010 at St Mary’s Church, Bishopsbourne, near Canterbury, Kent. The couple, who both grew up in Kent, met down under. Joanna said: “We met in 2005 in Perth, Western Australia, although Tom also grew up in Kent. He went to Cranbrook School and also graduated in 1998 so our year would have played each other at rugby/ hockey/netball/cricket, but we had to go to the other side of the world to meet each other!” 27 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS S ay hello to Sophie Francesca Guignabaudet who was born on October 4th, 2010 at University College Hospital, London, to proud parents Matt Rawbone (ManorGrange 1993 -1998) and Kim Guignabaudet. Weighing in at 8lb 6oz, Matt says Sophie is the spitting image of her mum and that’s why she’s named after her Kim and Matt met at Durham University via the overseas French island of Guadeloupe in 2002 and married in 2008. BIRTHS L A nna Shearer (Laing 1998) married Richard da Costa on July 17th, 2010 in her Dad’s stunning Cliftonville garden. They first met in 2002 via mutual friends and became a couple a year later on New 28 Year’s Eve. Together they run a film production company in Bristol: Anna is a producer and Richard a director. Anna and Richard are expecting their first child in April. isa Lowe (nee DownesPowell) and her husband, Duncan, are pleased to announce the birth of their son Connor James Lowe. He was born on July 27th, 2010 weighing 7lb 2oz. 29 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS Hannah Blatchford (nee Leadbeater) 1975-2010 (Laing 1986-1991). C lementine Mary Marchant was born on April 4th, 2010 at the QEQM, Margate, weighing 7lb 1oz. Clementine is seven months in this photo. She is pictured with her proud parents Nick and Clair Marchant. Clair and Nick are expecting their second child in April. Hannah leaves behind a husband, Matthew, and three-year-old son, Samuel Richard Hands, 1943-2010 (Courtenay 1954-1961) M If you would like to feature in the Family Announcement section please email your obituary, wedding details or birth announcements, plus any photographs, to [email protected]. Alternatively you can write to Kerry Brown, Alumni Secretary, St Lawrence College, Ramsgate, Kent, CT11 7AE. We will do our best to use as much of the material as possible. 30 (Tower 1930-1937). Stuart Smith (former teacher English and Drama 20012007) passed away on June 13th, 2010 Peter Spicer passed away on Anthony Housden, 1935-2010 July 30th, 2010 (Lodge 1948-1952) (Manor 1945-1947) A J Langston, 1950-2005 Dr J.L.G. Thomson died in (Grange 1964-1968) 2010 eet Reuben George Mellor, pictured at 20 weeks old. He is the firstborn of Joanna Mellor, nee Baker, (Laing 1998) and Dale Mellor. Reuben was born on September 9th, 2010 weighing 7lb 2oz. L DEATH NOTICES L Albert Moth died on October 30th, 2009. (Grange 1952-1957). John Scrutton, 1919-2009 (Grange 1935-1940) Laurence White, passed away on April 3rd, 2010 (Tower1996-2000) OBITUARIES Richard James Hands, 04.01.1943 - 24.12.2010 (Courtenay: 1954-1961) R ichard James Hands was born in South-East London in January 1943 and it was a remarkable stroke of good fortune that brought him to St Lawrence College at the age of 12, to enrol in the since disbanded Courtenay house, 31 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS under the watchful eye of Samuel ‘Sozzle’ Speakman. Over the next six years Richard had little difficulty in making friends, with many enduring throughout his life, with all of us remembering his wonderful sense of humour and above all else, his infectious laughter. In his time in Courtenay, he was a member of the junior and senior house teams in Rugby, Hockey and Cricket, whilst enjoying equal success in the CCF, eventually becoming a Sergeant, which came as no surprise to his fellow Corps members. His escapades in the field of dormitory poker where a sight to behold especially the art of fooling Sozzle! On leaving SLC, he won a place to Kings College, Durham to read Economics. Having successfully gained his degree, he joined Arthur Young and duly qualified as a Chartered Accountant. In 1970, Richard married his university sweetheart. With his feet firmly on the commercial ladder, he joined 32 Price Waterhouse in Dusseldorf, where helped by his wife’s fluency in German, he was able to become no mean linguist himself. In 1972, he moved to Vienna where they lived for the next seven years joining Associated Engineering, working eventually in Stuttgart, as well as England for a brief spell. With the arrival of daughter Catherine, he joined ZF a large German multinational industrial company in Stuttgart, with the family eventually moving to England where he become Managing Director of ZF (GB), in Nottingham, transforming a loss making concern into a highly profitable organisation. The advent of Multiple Sclerosis shortened his highly successful business career and in 1993, he retired prematurely due to ill health. His indomitable courage and fortitude over the next 17 years, as he become increasingly disabled, earned him enormous respect and admiration. He was able to enjoy his 40th wedding anniversary in July 2010, in the company of his family and close friends. He died on Christmas Eve 2010 surrounded by wife Usha, daughter Catherine, son- in-law Matthew and his two young grandchildren, Tristan and Emma. David Masters, Courtenay 1961 Anthony Ross Housden 1935 - 2010 (Lodge 1948-1952) nthony Ross Housden died peacefully on January 6th, 2010 in a nursing home, having suffered from Parkinson’s Disease for some time. After leaving SLC he did his National Service in the Royal Signals and after basic and A trade training was posted to Cyprus where he was an ‘Operator Special’ which involved interrupting morse code messages. On retiring to ‘civi’ street, for some years he shot with the OL small bore team at Bisley. His working life started with a job as a salesman in the hat manufacturing industry, which in those days was big business for both ladies and men. He later moved to selling surgical instruments to hospitals and continued to do so until his retirement. Living with his mother until she died, he later met a widow who had the same passion for walking holidays and it was not long before they were married. Many wonderful holidays were taken together all over the world for 20 years. Ruth pre-deceased him on October 1st, 2009 having lost a fight with cancer. Anthony’s father Clive Wilfred Housden was also educated at St Lawrence (Dark Blue House) and left in 1919. Peter Jordan, Courtenay 1952 33 JOHNSON BEHARRY VISIT O n 24th February 1957, Cecil William Buckley became the first recipient of the Victoria Cross, which was awarded for his gallantry in the Crimean War in 1855. He retired to Madeira and died there in December 1872 and was buried at the English Church. Johnson Beharry was awarded the Victoria Cross for his astonishing bravery whilst serving in Iraq. In February 2007 he was invited to Madeira to unveil a plaque at the English Church on the Island to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Victoria Cross and to honour Cecil William Buckley. Whilst on the island he spent an hour with David Vallat at his home and gave him a signed copy of his autobiography. Since leaving the College in 1968, David has been an active Old Lawrentian and sent his children Alexander and Georgina to the College. Sadly, David developed cancer in 2005 and in 2007 it left him in a wheelchair, so the 34 JACK DIXON’S DOWDING & CHURCHILL L Johnson Beharry and David Vallat visit from the Victoria Cross holder was a delightful moraleboosting experience. Fortunately, the cancer has since stopped attacking him. Although he still needs to use a wheelchair, he is now in much better health than he was in 2007. Bob Gray ast year was the 40th anniversary of the death of Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding (later Lord Dowding) who master-minded the RAF’s victory in the battle of Britain. Jack Dixon’s (Newlands 1939) fascinating book assesses the achievements and treatment of one of the greatest Britons of the 20th century, revealing a conspiracy by fellow officers, clashes of personalities and Dowding’s fight to develop Fighter Command in the way that he wanted. Even Churchill comes in for criticism as he appears to have been taken in by Dowding’s detractors. Born in Broadstairs, Jack Dixon was sent to St Edward’s, prep school. It closed in 1935 and he transferred to Newlands House, St Lawrence College. Jack describes the College as “a staunchly Low Church C of E school whose headmasters were ordained ministers”. He said: “In 1935 the head was one Brackenbury, whose nickname was Creeping Jesus. At the time it was the school’s Author Jack Dixon Christian duty to indulge in the caning of boys (by both masters and prefects) for trivial offences such as shooting at another boy’s pigeon or exploring the foundations of a new building. It is a better school today, although perhaps getting too democratic.” Jack remained at the College until 1939, leaving just before his 16th birthday. Dowding and Churchill, The Dark Side of the Battle of Britain is available to buy on Amazon. Tom Moulton You can find Tom Moulton’s full review at www.olsociety.co.uk 35 OL UPDATES BARON RICHARD DANNATT R ichard Dannatt (Tower 1969) is no longer a ‘Sir’. In January 2011, he received a new title following his appointment to the House of Lords as a cross-bench peer. He will now be known as Baron Dannatt of Keswick, in the county of Norfolk. This is Baron Dannatt’s second highprofile appointment since leaving his job as the Army’s Chief of General Staff in 2009. That year he was appointed the Constable of the Tower of London, a ceremonial position. H aving attended SLC from 1985 – 1990 (Lodge), I decided on a career with Kent Police Force. I left my last posting, as a sergeant, in Dover in 2001. I loved my time in the police and learnt many skills such as pursuit driving, interrogation, firearms handling and explosive recognition. These skills were, perhaps not the most transferable into the 36 CHRISTIAN LEADBEATER private sector, so I ended up working for Wilkinson stores as a regional loss prevention manager responsible for the stores in southern England. In 2000, I met my Canadian wife, Taryn. When we decided to marry and start a family, we opted to move to Vancouver. OL UPDATES We moved here in 2004 and I became a Canadian citizen last year. We are having the best time imaginable and now have two beautiful daughters (Maya, four and Claudia, two). My first job in Canada was as a Director of loss prevention position with a ski and golf resort firm. I had to travel to a dozen ski and golf resorts from British Columbia to Quebec and from Florida to Vermont via Colorado. What a job! My boss worked from home in Ontario. I was expected to travel every other week and entertain the teams in the resorts. I had to leave after two years as my liver couldn’t take any more! So, in 2006 I joined Best Buy and have had a blast. I have an excellent team reporting to me in five business areas and although sometimes stressful, it is a rewarding job. My role, at last, is away from security and loss prevention and is a business position with much fiscal responsibility. In my down time, I manage to get a few runs in and work on our house. Taryn and Christopher Leadbeater and their daughters Maya, four, and Claudia, two By the way, don’t mention that you coach or play field hockey in Canada as everyone will ask if you wear a skirt as only girls play it here. I found out the hard way when I played street hockey and mentioned that I loved to play field hockey growing up. After a few minutes the laughing players got up from rolling around on the ground and play resumed! Anyone wishing to contact Chris can do so by email at: [email protected] There are further contact details on his OL Website profile. For Christian’s full update go to the website - www.olsociety.co.uk 37 OL UPDATES P eter ‘PRO’ Jones (Grange 1974-1979) left St Lawrence College to join the Army and was commissioned into the Royal Engineers in April 1981. He saw active service in the Falklands Campaign landing at San Carlos. He then did two tours in Cyprus working firstly with the United Nations north of Nicosia and then the RAF at Akrotiri. Following two years as a training Instructor, he volunteered to train troops for the new Ugandan Army, being formed following the end of the civil war. After a jungle warfare course in Brunei, and then two years in Berlin as second-in-command of the Independent Engineer Squadron, he left the Army for a short time to take a trip through Africa before rejoining the Army with the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) for a tour in Northern Ireland. Pro on a rafting expedition 38 PETER ‘PRO’ JONES In 1990 he left the Army and returned to the Victoria Falls area of Africa where he set up three rafting companies (one in Zambia and two in Zimbabwe and over a five-year period saw the tourism industry grow exponentially. In 1997 he built a lodge, The River Club (www.theriverclubafrica.com), on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River above the Victoria Falls. It is now part of the highly successful Wilderness-Safaris collection of camps, although it retains its independent ownership. The lodge has won many awards over the years, more notably its Top 10 in the world ratings from Fodors in 2004. Peter has also put a huge amount of effort into assisting the local village, alongside his running of The River Club. The lodge has built a police station, community hall, clinic, school library and kindergarten classroom; put 50 children through high schools in nearby Livingstone and three teachers through university-level courses. It now raises funds to ensure that 50,000 litres of clean drinking OL UPDATES Passionate about the local history of the area, Peter is researching the incredible Jewish history in the early years of Northern Rhodesia, and the campaigns of the First World War in Africa. In his spare time he still finds time to raft in the gorges, host members of the Royal family, chase elephants out of island camps, help deliver babies in the middle of the The Lodge supports local villagers bush, catch crocodiles in people’s water are pumped to the swimming pools, raise money for the Victoria Cross and George community on a daily basis. Peter has also invested in reviving Cross Association and act as MC at the 100-year-old Livingstone golf Andy Mama’s (also Grange 1974course returning it to an 18-hole 1979) 50th birthday in Harare. international course, and By coincidence renovating the 80-year-old Capitol Andy and Peter Theatre in the town, a wonderful Art set up two firms Deco building which once hosted with the same visits from Alfred Hitchcock and name, Amanzi, but in different Danny Kaye! More recently, on four occasions, countries! he has set up and run the Zambezi Peter still likes International Regatta where alumni to keep fit and from Oxford and Cambridge has plans to Universities compete against top raise money for teams from South Africa. The event Help for Heroes is a revival of the rowing events on soon with a this river which, in 1910, saw the mammoth walk World Professional Sculling around the UK Peter with his partner Jacki in 2012. Championships held there. To read Pro’s full update go to the website - www.olsociety.co.uk 39 OL ARCHIVIST ANDREW BROWN M y roots lie deep in the beautiful countryside of Somerset (born in Taunton, educated in Bath), hence the (rather passive) ardent support for Somerset cricket (not an attachment to being second best)! Having completed my formal education at Oxford (Oriel College), where I worked hard and played plenty of sport, I secured a post at Cranbrook. While there I first encountered St Lawrence: a long trek by coach culminated in crossing the cabbage-filled wastelands of Thanet and a severe crushing for my previously undefeated U16 hockey team at the hands of Messrs Coleman and Haigh. They appeared to know something about hockey! Having been virtually ambushed with the post of Head of History at SLC I acquainted myself with my new empire of C14: rummaging through the resources made me realise I could not hope to emulate the achievements and ambition of my predecessor, Patrick MacFarlan, with the amazing breadth of his activities and especially his 40 Andrew Brown “son et lumiere” presentations. This sense of inadequacy in taking responsibility for a formidable tradition was intensified when I took charge of the hockey from 1978. I had the honour of knowing the retired Martin Martin-Harvey as a part-time member of staff; to have had a living legend observing the efforts of my team and exhorting them to play “like billyho!” was sobering. He was of course full of encouragement. Schools’ hockey is fiercely competitive, and I have some wonderful memories - winning the Kent Cup in 1986 and the Frank Mason Tournament in 2001 were the obvious highlights. SHARES HIS COLLEGE MEMORIES Running the Tennis from 1977 to 2005 involved less pressure, produced a higher overall success rate but was very timeconsuming. On my arrival in 1976 I took up residence as House Tutor in John Bush’s Manor and remained associated with Manor through various guises and five other Housemasters until I was eventually subsumed with it into Newlands. My endeavours to broaden their educational experience subjected those wanting their pocket money to a blast of classical music. I moved out, in favour of married bliss, when, in 1983, I succumbed to the charms of a German teacher, Reini. The numbers of pupils opting for History over the years have fluctuated, yet results continue to improve. I have encountered some considerable intellects and remarkable young people in the process. They have largely striven to meet the heavy demands placed upon them, waded through lengthy written comments on their endeavours and tolerated my habitual failure to encourage enough: outrageously some subscribed to the view that I was a miserly marker! Now retired, I fill my time with many activities - including the occasional foray into the school archives. So far this has consisted largely of looking at photographs from the last 40 years and trying to place them correctly and to identify individuals. It has helped stimulate some wonderful memories and also forced me to admit I have forgotten far too much. Looking at older material makes me realise I know far too little about SLC’s early years, which, in due course, I intend to remedy. With Kerry Brown’s invaluable help, I hope to help realise Nick Marchant’s aim of making much more of the material accessible to Lawrentians old and new. If any OL has any enquiries I shall do what I can to help and, of course, I would welcome any materials with any significant bearing upon the College’s past. Share more of Andrew Brown’s memories at www.olsociety.co.uk 41 SUMMER’S OL DAY T he Summer OL Day, on June 25th 2010, was blessed with wonderful weather and good turn outs for both Tennis and Cricket. Commencing with a drinks reception in the ‘Peel Room’, there was a chance to catch up and to browse through some old sporting photographs taken many moons ago. After lunch in the Dining Hall, it was off to the courts for the OL tennis players and a stroll up to Newlands for the cricketers to ‘conquer’ the school teams! As you’ll see from both reports, this was not to be the case. However, good fun was had by all and a well-deserved match tea followed by Pimms on the Headmaster’s lawn was the perfect end to a fun-filled day. OL TENNIS O n a blisteringly hot afternoon Old boys Adrian Gates, Jonathan Cannan, Harry Dickens, Rodney Wilkening, James Elliott, Mark Single and Cem Baltacioglu (pictured from left) gathered on the all weather astro in front of the Chapel to take on the College 1st and 2nd teams. After a fine first two rounds of sets the scores stood at 3 - 3 with all to play for in the final round. The youth and energy of the boys, however, meant that L they won the final three sets to take the match 6 - 3. Rod Wilkening (Newlands Deacon, 1984) 42 OL CRICKET Toss: OLs - Result: College 1st XI won by 8 wickets T he OL cricketers spent a very pleasant afternoon playing against SLC’s 1st XI. The weather was most favourable and a good crowd enjoyed entertaining cricket. The OLs won the toss and elected to bat. The loss of KB Asiedu in the first over was a severe blow, but following the loss of Gareth Birchley for 1, Charlie Collins and Nick Muncey steadied the ship in a partnership of 58 for the third wicket. Unfortunately, once Collins had gone for 24, the remaining OL batsmen subsided, thanks to some tight bowling and two run outs. 95 was not a huge target but the College batsmen were made to work for their runs as KB Asiedu and Aaron Conn hit a good line and length. The early wicket of Jones encouraged the OL bowlers but Robbie Newbery and Alex Underhill dug in for the College to put on 47 for the second wicket. Nick Muncey bowled well to dismiss Underhill for 23, but the calm and assured batting of Tim Collins helped Newbery deal with a tricky spell from Geoff Philpott to see the College home by 8 wickets with 3 overs to spare. The OL team were: Charlie Collins, KB Asiedu, Gareth Birchley, Nick Muncey, Nick Marchant, Jonty Wakefield, Geoff Philpott, John Young, Kit Bowra, Ricky FrameSmith and Aaron Conn. Tom Moulton 43 OL RIFLE CLUB W e were pleased to welcome Richard Bird as a new member this year. Having not shot for many years he immediately managed to score 47 (out of 50) at 300 yards! We hope to see more of him next year. We also introduced a system of Social Membership and were glad to welcome Tony Harris, Vernon Moffet, Aidan Stowe, Mike Wisdom and David Dagley. Their contributions to our coffers were gratefully received! OL Rifle Club President Robert Fromow (in his school blazer!) receives the CS Gale Cup following the OLs’ victory over the College 44 The first match of the season was the .22 shoot against the College, held in the range at the back of the laboratories - yes, the range is still there! It was good to be able to hold the match again, after the previous year's last minute cancellation. We are pleased to report that we decisively beat the College by 448 to their 408, and so retained the CS Gale Cup. Among those taking part were Peter Thompson, who had been part of the victorious 1959 Ashburton team, and Vernon Moffet who had made a special journey from Dorset. At Bisley, in April, we beat the Old Albanians and, in a concurrent competition, Andi Parker-Smith won the President’s Shield. The next fixture was the Q Match - this is shot at 500 and 600 yards. There were 10 teams including the veritable marksmen of the Old Bedfordians club who had managed to get themselves invited for the first and last time! Against this stiff competition we nevertheless managed to come 3rd. OL RIFLE CLUB Above, from left Peter Thompson, Robert Fromow, Richard Bird, Christopher Laing & Chris Weeden at Bisley. Right Mike Davidson at the Bisley range Congratulations go to Chris Weeden in our team who scored a ‘possible’ (highest possible score) at both ranges, i.e. scoring 100 out of 100. Then in early May at the Long Range match, on a rather wet and cold day, all 12 members of the OLRC turned up - 100% attendance - this has got to be a record! We were therefore able to field two teams; our ‘A’ team came 3rd and the ‘B’ team 7th (out of 10). In June the All-Day match took place, with firing at 300, 600, 45 OL RIFLE CLUB 900 and 1000 yards. Again we came 3rd (this seems to be a popular placing) out of nine teams. The morning shoot was somewhat chaotic as the NRA had failed to provide target markers for us, so we had to do it ourselves. The OLs’ highest scorer was Peter Thompson with 189 (out of 200), and Mike Davison got a ‘possible’ at 300 yards (the first for 40 years, he reckons!) Then in July at the Imperial Meeting, in blustery conditions on the packed Century Range, we shot in the Public Schools Veterans competition and came 37th. A special mention should be made of Chris Weeden and Peter Thompson who shot as the ‘Old Lawrentian pair’ in the Fulton Pairs and came 13th. And suddenly it was the end of September and time for the Championship and dinner. Once again this proved a very pleasant way to finish the season. The trophies were kindly presented by Frances Gale. We heard that Peter Thompson hired a pantechnicon to carry away the cups he’d won (not really!), and 46 Keith Alltoft, having presented the accounts, made a swift exit when he heard that curry might be on the dinner menu! We are always on the lookout for new members, so if you’re interested please do not hesitate to contact either Robert Fromow or Mike Davison (see below). Other members are Keith Alltoft (Treasurer), Richard Bird, Ian Collins, Brian Gale, Noah Gamp, Richard Horwood, Christopher Laing, Andi ParkerSmith (the Member for Wales!), Jeremy Robinson, Peter R Thompson and Chris Weeden. Next year we shall be changing our base at Bisley, leaving the North London in favour of the London and Middlesex Rifle Association to which we shall return after a gap of some 15 years. The two buildings are almost next door so you’ll still be able to find us! Robert Fromow (President) 020 7233 2213 [email protected] Mike Davison (Hon Sec) 01483 772411 mikej.davison@btinternet. com OL GOLF From left: Andy Franklin, Patrick Robinson, Stephen Molloy, Robin Daniels, Nick Andy Franklin, wrapped up for their round of golf on Captain’s Day I t was another significant year for the OL Golf society in 2010 with the 50th anniversary of the triangular match held between SLC, Kings, and Dover. We had a competitive match with Dover emerging as the victors. The high point of the day was the anniversary lunch attended by 35 members of the the school societies, of whom seven played in the first fixture 50 years ago. In recognition of their contribution over the years to the ongoing success of our golfing societies they were presented with engraved crystal tankards. A new fixture was added in 2010 to fill the gap between the Autumn Meeting and Captain’s Day in March; it was decided to hold an informal member and guest day at Royal St Georges in January. Sixteen brave souls turned out, including former European Tour player Fredrik Lindgren, who showed us how to master Royal St Georges with a fantastic display of putting. Playing with Stephen Billings we heard that by the 13th hole Fredrik had only had 11 putts, in his glory days as a tournament 47 OL GOLF professional this would have earned him much gold, however his winnings from the swindle only partially subsidised his round of drinks in the bar afterwards! Captain’s Day at Princes Golf Club - we had 15 players turning out on a chilly and wet March afternoon which is a great turn out for the time of year, many of our members prefer to wait until our Spring Meeting in May to come out of golfing hibernation! The winners by a single point with a score of 44 points were Ian Steed and Nick Marchant, runners up were Neil Cossey our Captain and again Nick Marchant. The longest drive was won by Beau Hart and nearest the pin was Timothy Dodd. Princes Golf Club looked after us very well and the food was excellent, our President Stephen Samuels and John Dixon joined us for lunch and the prize giving. The Spring Meeting was held this year at Walton Heath due to a fixture clash at our usual venue of Littlestone (we return to Littlestone in 2011). I would like to take the opportunity to thank Bob Gray for arranging at such short notice Walton Heath as a venue. David Bailey won the singles in the morning with Andy Franklin and Bob Couldrey coming second and third respectively. In the afternoon foursomes Andy Franklin and Pat Robinson were victorious with the two Bobs - Gray and The Golfers enjoy the hospitality of Princes Golf Club on Captain’s Day 48 OL GOLF Couldrey - runners-up. The member and guest day at North Foreland in June was once again very well attended and enjoyed by all 32 participants. The guest singles was won by Nick Swain and the OLGS singles by Stephen Billings, with Andy Cossey as runner up and Bob Gray third. Following another fantastic carvery put on by the club we all staggered out to the most enjoyable par three course to walk off the effects. While not always taken as seriously as the morning round with plenty of ‘unnecessary’ advice from fellow competitors the team of Bob Gray, Paul Bailey and Mark Pierce won by a point from several other teams. The summer highlight for me is always the match against the Old Paulines at Walton Heath and so long as I am happy to cook on the barbecue I get selected regardless of ability! It once again was a great day with Bob and Harriet wonderful hosts as ever. The playing year ended with the Autumn Meeting at Knole Park and blessed with fine The Golfers at Old Paulines weather we beat the sunset and got all 36 holes in this year. In the morning singles Charles Crawford won and the winner of the George Randall Salver for the best Spring and Autumn scores was David Bailey. The afternoon foursomes was won by Tim Dodd and Bob Gray. Grafton Morrish qualification did not go as well as 2009 and we narrowly missed out on the finals. The Founders’ Trophies were then awarded for the best performance in qualifying and were presented to Tim Dodd and Paul Bailey. If anybody would like to join the Golf Society, please do not hesitate to contact me on 07775 0761424 or email tmhdodd @me.com for details. Tim Dodd, OLGS Secretary 49 OL HOCKEY James Barden’s XI vs the College 1st XI. Score 11-0 O n a cold January afternoon James Barden’s XI played extremely well. The score line slightly flatters Barden’s team who made the most of every opportunity James Barden (GrangeCourtenay) opened the score with a brace and Jim Laslett (Grange) finished the scoring with a hattrick in the dying seconds. The movement and one twos around the pitch helped the less fit Barden team carve the St Lawrence team to shreds. Their experience, and the fact there were two ex-internationals, and one current (Jim Laslett over 50s) playing, did tell. SLC did not give up. Ryan Jones ran all day D to D without the support his work deserved. Overall, Barden’s team were too canny for the SLC team – in all areas of the pitch; they actually scored six out six short corners. OLs Pete Laslett (GrangeCourtenay) and Harry Jeffery (Newlands) played with aplomb and the latter kept a clean sheet! James Barden 50 INTRODUCING YOUR OLD LAWRENTIAN SOCIETY COMMITTEE Nick Marchant President 70 Winsham Grove, London, SW11 6NE. ngmarchant@aol. com 07803 610075 Jude Single Chris Throndsen Vice-President singlej@dover college.org.uk James Barden james@rextrek group.co.uk Joff Manning Jonathan Webley joffmanning @hotmail.com jwebley@ btinternet.com Nick Jones [email protected] 74 Park Avenue, Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 2EZ. John Isaac Treasurer Mark Single Dr Ellis Gill Tom Moulton [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] bjwisaac@ btinernet.com Kerry Brown Membership and Alumni Secretary kerry@olsociety. co.uk 01304 221300 07890 220758 Clair Marchant Honorary Secretary clairemilybrown@ googlemail.com Andrew Brown Archivist aandr@another. com Andrew Winter 1976, 1977, 1978 coordinator andrew.winter@ tropus-spicer.co.uk 51
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