NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2006
An Adobe PDF verion of this newsletter is available here.
1970s Rugby photo 1973 Speech day 1984 Rugby Tour to California 3DK, 1982 Letter from Tim Dingle Maurice Darville New Headmaster, Roy Page Staff Revues, part 1
APPOINTMENT OF NEW HEADMASTER
Roy Page, the current Senior Deputy Headmaster, has been appointed the new Headmaster. The following is the text of a letter sent by the Chairman of Governors to the parents.
Dear Parents
New Headmaster
I am delighted to tell you that the Governors have appointed Mr Roy Page as the Headmaster of the Royal Grammar School following the resignation of Mr Tim Dingle. He will take up his new post in April when Tim leaves for St Georges College, Argentina. As you will know, Roy has spent his entire career at RGS and is currently Senior Deputy Headmaster.
I wanted to tell you a little about the process we went through to arrive at this appointment. The selection process has been a thorough and inclusive one, with all Governors, the Senior Leadership Team, the Headboy and Prefects, Staff and Trustee Governors having the opportunity to meet candidates and feed back to the seven Governors on the Selection Committee, which I chaired. We employed the headhunting firm, Odgers Ray and Berndtson (Odgers), to lead the search.
They identified a number of outstanding candidates. The Selection Committee narrowed this to a list of twelve candidates, who were all interviewed by Odgers. A second session narrowed the list to six, all of whom were interviewed by the Selection Committee. Odgers did an outstanding job. The list was an excellent one with candidates from both the State and Public Schools sector, most of whom were experienced Headmasters.
The final three candidates spent a day and a half at the school, meeting Mr Dingle, Staff, the Senior Leadership Team, Headboy and Prefects. They made a formal presentation to the whole Governing Body, and also met them in a more relaxed environment. They then had final interviews with the Selection Committee and a one-to-one with me.
Against the outstanding candidates we saw, Roy Page stood out clearly as the person best suited to take RGS forward over the next few years. His selection was unanimous and we were delighted when he accepted the post.
I hope you will join us in congratulating him on his appointment as Headmaster of the Royal Grammar School. I know the Governors are looking forward to working with Roy over the exciting and challenging years ahead at RGS.
With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
Andrew Higginson
Chairman of Governors
Editor: Those of you who were at the RGS since the early 1970s will know Roy well either as Maths teacher, Head of the Boarding House, Head of Sixth Form, Deputy Head, or someone involved in many school trips or games. I worked very closely with Roy ever since he came to the RGS, and particularly in the last ten years before I retired in 2001 as a fellow Deputy Head. Both in my personal capacity and, I am sure, on behalf of OWs, I congratulate him wholeheartedly on this well-deserved appointment and wish him all the best in the coming years.
LETTER FROM ROY PAGE
Dear Old Boys
I am writing to introduce myself as the new Headmaster of the Royal Grammar School from 1 April 2006. As Tim has mentioned, this is a privileged role and to have the opportunity to lead this great school and a team of staff who consistently give of their time beyond that required in providing the boys with an outstanding educational experience is an honour.
Malcolm Smith appointed me as a Teacher of Mathematics at the RGS in 1972 and since then, I have been a Boarding House Master, Head of Sixth Form and Deputy Headmaster (the last 4½ years as Senior Deputy Headmaster). From this, you will understand that the RGS is close to my heart. When implementing any new, exciting initiatives that will benefit the education of the boys, I will take care to maintain the traditions and ethos that make the RGS so special.
I will be attending the Old Wycombiensians Dinner on 22 April 2006 and I look forward to meeting many of you then.
Roy M Page
Senior Deputy Head
ANNUAL MAGAZINE
The annual magazine for members of the OW Club will now be posted in February, a little later than usual, with articles and news of OWs. If you are not a member of the Club, and would like to become one, either complete the application form to be found on the website, (please click here), or contact me and ask me to send you one. You will then be able to receive this years magazine. Life Membership for £30 must be regarded as very good value!
OLD WYCOMBIENSIANS SPORTING REUNIONS,
AGM AND ANNUAL DINNER 2006
SATURDAY 22nd APRIL 2006
From 2.30 p.m An opportunity to play hockey, fence, or shoot and meet old friends. Application form on attached sheet.
6.00 p.m. A tour of the School for those who are interested. The bar to open.
6.30 p.m. AGM in the School Library.
7.30 p.m. Annual Dinner in the Queens Hall.
Our Guest of Honour is Jon Wyatt (1987-1991), who captained the GB hockey side in the Sydney Olympics, and played in more than 190 International matches. It is great to welcome him to the OW Dinner
The new Head, Roy Page, whom many of you will remember as he joined the RGS Staff in 1972, will talk about how the school is doing. A number of former and current staff will be attending and we hope that John Mitchell, the school archivist will be present.
There will be a four-course meal, and it should be a very good one. A bar will be organised by the RGS Parents Association and all profits go to school projects. As in past years we are reserving tables for those who play in the various sporting events in the afternoon. For everybody else, we will try to arrange the seating to suit you. We hope that the formal part of the evening will be over by 9.45 pm, so that there will be plenty of time for conversation. It should be a really enjoyable occasion, and I hope that you will be able to be there.
Peter Gillard is organising a reunion of OWs who were in the Sixth Form in the years 1950-52 approximately. If that applies to you, do contact Peter. His phone number is 01785 822343 and his email address is hoji@supanet.com. Similarly, Otto Decker, who was in the 6th Form from 1948-1950, is coming across from the USA for the Dinner, and hopes that he might see at the Dinner others who knew him. If you are a member of Friends Reunited, how about contacting old friends that you have not perhaps seen for some time, to arrange for a group to come together? Please do make contact with your friends and make a special effort to come to this occasion to show support for the School as the new Head takes office.
This year the cost will be £29.00. If you would like to come, please complete the enclosed form, and send it to Ian Clark as soon as possible, and by SATURDAY APRIL 15th at the very latest. You will receive the confirmation of your application and the Agenda of the AGM, but not before March 19th. Please send a DL envelope with your application.
Apart from the fencing, hockey and shooting on 22nd April, we are arranging golf, cricket and tennis matches in the Summer. Dates are given on the attached reply slip. If you want to participate in either or both of the Sporting Reunions, please complete and send in the reply-slip. If you want further information, please contact Ian Clark on 01494 530782, or e-mail him. (ianrclarkuk@yahoo.co.uk).
We look forward to seeing you on April 22nd.
Crispin White
(Chairman)
Ticket application form for the OW Dinner
I would like . tickets at £29.00 per ticket, for the Dinner on 22 April.
I would like a vegetarian meal. Please either delete or tick.
Full name Dates at school . ..to .
Address . ..
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Postcode . Telephone: Home . . Work .
Names of people I am booking tickets for. Dates at school.
Names of people I would like to sit next to.
I enclose a cheque for £29.00 per person, payable to the Old Wycombiensians Club, together with a DL sae.
Please return this form to: Ian Clark, 5 Foxhill Close, High Wycombe, HP13 5BL by Saturday 15 April.
SPORTS REUNIONS
If you are a hockey player, David Stone is organising a hockey match for Old Boys (OWs) on Saturday April 22nd. If you were a fencer a school at school, there will be the opportunity of taking part in a fencing match for OWs on the same day. John Roebuck is retiring next summer, and you may well wish to come back and say farewell to him on that occasion. If you used to shoot as part of the CCF programme, there is an OW match against the present school team scheduled again for April 22nd. All these activities will take place in the afternoon and in the evening is the Annual OW Dinner.
In the Summer Term, there are cricket matches with the OWs playing the Teachers in an evening match on July 4th, when those of you who are at University should have returned, and on July 19th starting at 2.00pm, there will be the Annual cricket match between the OWs and the School Team for the Duncan Moore Trophy. If you play golf, and you do not have to be good, as it is based on handicap, there is a golf match against the teachers, played at Weston Turville near Aylesbury, starting about 4.00pm on Friday June 23rd. If you would like to play in any of those events please complete the reply slip below.
Booking form for Sports Reunion Days
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Cricket v staff July 4 6.00pm |
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Fencing |
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Cricket v boys July 19 2.00pm |
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Shooting |
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Tennis v boys July 19 2.00pm |
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Any other please name |
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Golf v staff June 23 4.00pm |
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Where these sports are on at the same time, please EITHER tick one sport, OR in the case of over subscription, put your choice in order, eg 1, 2 etc.
Please return this form to: Ian Clark, 5 Foxhill Close, High Wycombe, HP13 5BL by Saturday 15 April for the April events, and June 1 for the June and July events.
School Musical
You may be interested in attending the school musical this year, South Pacific, which is being held on March 23rd, 24th, and 25th. We are arranging a block booking for any OWs who want to go for the Friday Mar 24th. Again if you are interested, please complete the reply slip below.
Reply slip for the School Musical South Pacific, on Friday 24 March 2006
I would like . .. tickets. The approximate cost is £8.00 per ticket you will hear cost and timings by 10 March. I will arrange for a block booking, and hopefully a glass of wine at the interval.
Name .
Address ..
.. .. ..
Postcode . Telephone: Home . .
Please send to: Ian Clark, 5 Foxhill Close, High Wycombe, HP13 5BL by 5 March 2006.
HEADMASTER'S LETTER IN THE MAGAZINE IS REPRODUCED BELOW
Dear Old Boys
I am writing this during my last term at the Royal Grammar School before departing for St. Georges College in Argentina. I have really enjoyed my 7 years at the RGS and the warm relationship with all those I have met within the Old Wycombiensians. It really is a fantastic school and I leave it with sadness and joy. Sad because of the passion I have for the place and its history; joy in knowing I am handing over a School in extremely good heart.
Currently we are in a most positive period with pupil excellence in diverse areas being recognised nationally. This week we have learned that at least 31 pupils have been offered places at Oxford and Cambridge - something of a record. I am continually amazed by the ability of the boys to achieve excellence academically and in sport, music and drama. There is no doubt that the very high quality teaching staff and support of Parents and Governors have allowed this success to become a tradition. We are a very traditional school with a sense of our place in the community, yet at the cutting edge of teaching and learning.
There is an exciting future ahead for the RGS and I am delighted that Roy is succeeding me in this privileged role. Thank you all for your support and help and I look forward to reading of the continued success of the Royal Grammar School in years to come.
Tim T Dingle
Headmaster
MANY THANKS, GARY!
Many thanks to Gary Wise who sent in the following photograph of a 1970s Rugby Team
Ed: Can anyone name the year and the members of the team? For those who remember Gary, he has updated his entry in the information about individual OWs on this website and you will be able to read this after our next update.
MANY THANKS, JOHN!
Many thanks to John Brooks, who has lent me a 1973 Speech Day programme, and a 1984 Rugby Tour to the USA programme.
Here are some extracts of the 1973 Speech Day programme:
Mr S. Morgan, the Deputy Headmaster, is retiring this term after 43 years' service on the Staff. Mr. R. Pattinson and Mr M.J. Moffatt will succeed him as Deputy Headmasters. Mr I.R. Clark has been appointed Head of Middle School.
Mr M.R. Mander (Head of Science) left at Christmas for a post at Brunel University and was succeeded by Mr. B.K. Gelsthorpe, and Mr. J. Lingard (Biology) left at Easter on promotion. Seven other master are leaving this term: Mr R.W. Brown (german), Mr D. Mcknight (Chemistry), Mr J.F. Samways (Geography), Mr C.E. Embrey (Physics), Mr G.L. Griffin (Mod Languages) Mr M.A. Gill (Geography &PE ), Mr P.G. Taylor. Mrs M.C. Cooper (physics, part-time) is also leaving us.
Ed: For those who were at the RGS in the early 1970s, how many of these do you remember?
Of the above, Malcolm Mander died a few years ago, Brian Gesthorpe, and Claire Cooper have retired and John Samways is the Rector of Keynsham. Any news of the others?
There were 9 Open Awards at Cambridge and 13 others gained places at Oxford and Cambridge. Thus 22 boys gained entry to Oxford and Cambridge Colleges, the highest number in any year so far. 48 went to other Universities and 6 to Polys. In other words about 40% of the intake went to Higher Education. Now the figure is very close to 100%.
On the Sporting front, 5 boys represented the County at rugby at Under 19 Level and 3 at Under 15 Level. Saunders gained his County Badge for playing in the Southern Trial.
At Hockey 3 boys played in the County Team, and D.A. Czerwinski, played in the English Final Trial. R.P. Staynor at Oxford gained his Blue and played in the England Under 23 XI. (Ed: Richard visited the school last year on a trip over from Australia.)
The Rowing results were the best ever in the School's history. The crew won 5 trophies, including the National Schools.
In Athletics P. Harris has again been selected for the English Schools team for the High Jump.
The Under 15 Cricket Team reached the quarter-finals of the Esso National Competition.
P.J. Brooks has scored two centuries.
The Basketball Under 16 Team reached the last eight in the All England Competition.
In tennis G.A. Johnson played six years for the first team, the last three as captain.
P.C. Bergson represented the County for badminton.
I.R.H. Pattinson, who left the RGS in 1969, has captained the Cambridge University Golf Team.
Of the school events during the year, the Choral Society sang at St. John's, Smith Square. The School Play was The Tempest. In the Easter holidays, there was a hockey tour of Holland, and a Geography Field week at Giggleswick. There was the annual Sports Day in May, attended by the Mayoress of High Wycombe. (Ed: Sports Day was ended many years ago.)
Ed: If any of these events or names bring back any memories, please send them in.
Extracts from the 1984 Rugby Tour to California Programme
In the Spring term 1922 the 1st inter-school rugby match was played and won against Lord William's, Thame, and by 1929 rugby had become the official game. The last staff versus boys match was played in 1969.
The High Wycombe Rugby Club has had strong ties with the school since its inception as the OW Club at the school on 12th Jan 1929. The first President of the Club was George W. Arnison, J.P. the then Headmaster of the school and it remained as an Old Boys' Team until 1948, when it moved from the school grounds to the present site at Kingsmead. It the became known as the Wycombiensians and was open to outside membership. In the 1961-2 season the Club became completely open and was called by its present name.
The following went on the Tour:
Steve Gamester (Tour Manager)
Derek Stubbs (Assistant Tour Manager)
Simon Alway, Chris Buss, Michael Cartwright, Andrew Cooney, Simon Cooper, Nic De Luca, Neil Eggleton, Matthew Free, Jim Hopcraft, Patrick Jennings, Austin Lock, Iain Mcausland, Robert Mcewan, Graham Mcgregor, Jon Marsland, Tony Marsland, Simon Oliver, Stephen Podesta, John Scott, Nigel Topping, Justin Van der Pant, Neil Worley.
Ed: Does anyone have any memories of the Tour or the characters going on it?
OBITUARY
We have reported the death of Maurice Darville. His son, Mervyn, has sent in these facts about him.
Maurice (JM) Darville (1928-34)
Born Little Kimble 7th July 1917, died High Wycombe 22nd July 2004
Survived by two daughters, one son (who attended RGS 1960-67)
Joined his fathers business on leaving school
Joined Army 1939, commissioned during the war
Last Army service Nigeria, left Army 1964, returned to live Great Kimble
Worked in financial sector until retirement 1982
Moved to Chalfont St Giles 1971
It is very sad to report the death of Robert Giles, 1931 and 1934-39. We extend our deepest sympathy to his widow, family and friends.
It is also very sad to record the death of two very young men (one in an accident and the other after illness), both of who were still at their universities: Dikennam Onyiagha, 1996-2002 and William Hartley, 1995-2001. We extend our very deepest sympathy to both families.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dear Ian
I have been renovating a house in France. The web-site address is www.cozes.co.uk more finished photographs will be added to the site in Mid November after my next visit. Location is SW half way between Bordeaux to the south & La Rochelle to the north. Region is 17260 Charente-Maritime (part of 4 regions making up the Poitou Charente) in case you are looking on www.mappy.com or www.multimap.com The house is now complete on the ground floor, just cosmetic elements (lights,carpet,beds etc) for the new bedrooms/bathroom upstairs in November plus a pool terrace. The property will be ready to rent from March 2006 and we already have a tentative booking for August. I would be eternally grateful if you could publish this on the website There will be a case of wine to any OW who makes a booking, with special terms for any teachers or ex-teachers!
Bon chance
Neil Hamer
Dear Ian
I would like to send best wishes to Mr David Keysell on his retirement and attach a photograph during my year in his form class, formerly known as 3DK, which you might like to publish in the newsletter. I wonder how many of us he remembers!! The year, as you can tell by the hairstyles, is 1982.
Fortunately, on receiving the photo, I wrote the names on the back to help me remember years later. They are:Back: Alex Welby, Chris Jones, James Morris, Nicholas Black, Jon Harris, John Rollason, Robert Hollingsworth, Robert Cleary, Nick Heritage, Mr Keysell
Middle: Tim Harlow, Keith Nevols, Andrew Hutt, Martin Pope, Adam Turner, Neil Johnston, Mark Ashby, Duncan May, Mark Scott, Ian Wright, Andrew Sanderson
Front: David Ellison, Darren Blaker, Marcus Lamb, Jon Melsom, Kevin Allin, Chris Neilsen, Kevin Bashford, Stephen Baxter, Nicky White, Chris Beckford.
Best wishes
Keith Nevols (1980-85)
Dear Ian
