RGS High Wycombe Old Boys
NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2008
An Adobe PDF verion of this newsletter is available here.
Items in this newsletter:
1973 School Photograph Death of Richard Hickox German Exchange Anniversary John Saunders' Website Medals to men from High Wycombe Prefects RGS's one and only girl pupil Tony Hare's Website World ChallengeSAD NEWS
As most of you will have read in the National Press, Richard Hickox died on Nov 23rd of a suspected heart attack after a recording session in Wales. He was at the RGS from 1959-1962. He won an organ scholarship at Queen's College, Cambridge, and returned to his native Wooburn with a group of friends to put on the first of the town's annual festivals. He would personally conduct a choral concert at the Wycombe Swan every other year. Richard also formed the successful wooburn Singers Choir in 1967. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empirein the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2002. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife, three children and his mother.
ANNUAL DINNER
The Annual Dinner will take place on Saturday May 9th in the Queen's Hall. There will be opportunities for OWs to have a tour of the buildings before the Dinner, attend the Annual General Meeting, and hear a report on how the School is doing. Do contact your OW friends, and come with them to the Dinner! If any of you are thinking of coming, and would like to encourage others to come from your era, do contact me and I can advertise this in the January newsletter, or perhaps be able to give you some addresses of OWs with whom you have lost contact. The Guest of Honour is Peter Gibson, who taught at the RGS from 1970 to 2008. More details of the Dinner will appear in the January newsletter on this website, and of course, if you are a member of the OW Club, in the magazine or letter to be sent out by post.
REMINDER
If you are a member of the OW Club, you can expect to receive from us a letter with details of the Annual Dinner and Sporting Reunions. If you left before 1950, you will receive our magazine. Some of you who left after 1950 said that you would like to receive a magazine and you will do so. If any other member of the Club would like to receive one, please contact me. The magazine will consist of articles and snippets of information that have appeared or will appear in the newsletters on this website.
NB If you are not a member of the Club, and would like to know how to join, PLEASE CLICK HERE. It is only £30 Life Membership.
ARE YOU A HOCKEY PLAYER OR A SHOOTER?
If you would like to play hockey in an OW Reunion match on Sat. May 9th and perhaps come on to the Dinner, do let me know. If you participate in Shooting, how about taking part in the Annual match against the School on May 9th. If you want to, do let me know.
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ARE YOU A GOLFER, OR A CRICKETER?
If you play golf, you might like to play in the Annual Golf Match against the RGS Staff on Friday June 26th at 4.00pm. If you play cricket you might like to play in the match against the RGS 1st XI. The dates will be announced later.
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1973 PHOTOGRAPH
Dear Ian,
Revisiting the RGS Old Boys site for the first time in a long while, I came across the 1973 6th from photo, supplied by classmate Kevin "Peg-leg" Watson.
I have a copy, even though I was not present on that day, in May 1973, because I was at one of my selected Universities for interviews, prior to receiving an offer of a place. I suspect that there were many more in my situation which may explain the 'interlopers' mentioned by John Burns.
Despite my absence I purchased a copy of the 1973 photo. It was interesting, and amusing, to compare it to the previous school photo I have, from September 1967. It appeared that a large proportion of the pupils, and even some of the staff, had not had a haircut in the intervening years. Photos of the cross-country team for 1971-2 and 1972-3 mirror that trend.
In addition to the hirsute quality of the 1973 photo, there is evidence of flared trousers in the front-row, which were de rigeur at the time. P.N. Andrews, standing on the far left, is modelling the more extreme and 'hip' version, drill-cotton 'loons', which Malcom Smith attempted to ban.
Rolled up within my 1973 scroll, I found a yellowed sheet of A4, on which I had attempted to name all the faces (an early example of a compulsive-obsessive disorder perhaps). If you are interested I'll send a full list but, as a starter, here is what I have noted for the teachers and staff in the front row, starting with tuckshop-keeper Mr. Chuter. I'm sure you'll be able to fill in the gaps and correct any mistakes:-
Chuter, Beon, Raymond, Roebuck, Goldthorpe, ? , Blythe, Gibson, Leighton-Jones (aka BLJ or "bilge"), Heath, Gaffin, McKnight, Hillier, Perfect, Ian Clark, Samways, Durbin, "Batman" Brown, White-Taylor, Mrs.Long, Mervyn Davies, Moffatt, Dr.Puritz, Eaton, File, Mrs. Wilson, Browning, Howarth, Smith, 'secretary', "Sam" Morgan (Deputy Head), Malcolm Smith (Headmaster), Col. Pattinson, 'secretary', Clark, Mitchell, ? , Crawshaw, Knight, Leggett, Lyons, Embrey, ? , Chamberlain, Smaje, ? , Dorrance, Cooper, Ferris, Holmes, Dunnitt, Waller, David Flinders, Mrs. Cocksedge (Matron), Gill, ? , ? , Prue, Stubbs.
Next to Mr. Stubbs is Adam Wood (headboy) and Adger (deputy headboy). They'd succeeded Michael Oldnall and A.P. (Andrew?) Paine, a dynamic duo who were also in charge of the Stage Lighting Team, a talented and hard-working bunch which included the aforementioned Kevin Watson, Paul Barrett, and myself .
Regards,
Max Waller (1966-1973)
Ed: I think Max has done very well. If you were in the 6th Form in 1973, you might like to look at the 1973 photograph that appears in the PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAYS ON THE WEBSITE. Can you fill in the gaps in the list of teachers? Do the names of the teachers bring back any memories for you? Do send me your memories!
Max has sent in a list of the names of 6th formers and others on the photograph, and this appears underneath the photograph. There are some gaps. If you can fill any of the gaps, please contact me. Many thanks to Max!
SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS AND OTHER MATERIAL 1947-1967
Tony Hare has put together a wonderful collection of photographs and other material for the period 1947-1967, and this can be found in the PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAYS on the website. If you were at the RGS in that period, perhaps you might want to look at the site, and give Tony some additional information. Many thanks to Tony for all his hard work! The following is an extract from his website on memories of various teachers:
"Dewdrop" Sladden, Chemistry. Once, during a chemistry lesson with Dewdrop, we all blew down our bunsen burners to back up the gas and thereby extinguish his burner on the master's bench. Unfortunately, we also put out the cookers in the canteen. It was a complete mystery, we could have gassed the cooks! Lunch was late that day (DN)
T.V.Shepherd "Tus", (Geography). He used to go home early on Wednesdays. His car, an open Morris 8 was always parked on the Parade Ground in front of the school. Some lads had chocked his car up on bricks so that there was just a small gap between the tyres and the gravel. Tus hopped in, switched on, engaged gear, and nothing happened. Quite amusing for those in the know who were watching from the classrooms. (DN)
Tus Shepherd: we all used to hiss tussssss as he mounted the geog block stairs - that always elicited a strong reaction. He never used notes and it was said if you got hold of a leaver's exercise book who had been taught by Tus through the school you need never write another word in his lessons. Sadly I never put that to the test. (RCJ)
G.A.Grant "Gag", (Art). As I recall, 'Gag' never actually taught. I don't think he ever drew anything on a blackboard or explained a technique. It was more of 'Here's an old plimsoll or half a cabbage, spend the lesson drawing it', after which he would award a mark. He had a small, shiny penknife and was very adept at sharpening pencils - an art form itself. As we scribbled away, he would stroll the aisles slapping the side of his leg with a wooden ruler.
When it came to marking he had a unique method. Nobody ever got less than 5 out of 10. Put a smudge on the paper and you were guaranteed a minimum of 5. His method was to give a mark according to a scale of words he would use thus: 'Very Poor' would be 5, 'Poor' would be 6, 'Fair' -7, 'Fairly Good'- 8, 'Good'-9, 'Very good'-10 and wait for it…. 'Excellent'-11. No other master marked work like this. He walked round at the end of the 'lesson' inspecting the work. If he liked what he saw, the higher the award, the harder he slapped the side of his leg and the huskier and more strained his voice became.
Now I wasn't academically inclined, being more of a pragmatic person. Not one to boast but more often than not I got 'excellent' for class and homework. This was a great confidence booster and I have to say I enjoyed art class more than any other lesson. The footnote to this reminiscence is that my entire working life since 18 to date has been art orientated. I've earned a living (just about) from graphic design in advertising and publishing and latterly also set out to establish an art materials shop in a town that didn't have one. If you're up there 'Gag'. EXCELLENT! (MC)
Gag Grant: one summer Gag asked our class to draw our hand as part of his exam. The less artistically inclined, me included, plonked our hands on the paper and limply drew round them. Job done. Gag was furious and beat us all vigorously with his heavy ruler. (RCJ)
Ed: Have you any memories of your old teachers?
SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS AND OTHER MATERIAL 1958-1967
John Saunders has put together a wonderful collection of photographs, Grey Books and other material for the period 1958-1967, and this can be found in the PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAYS on the website. If you were at the RGS in that period, perhaps you might want to look at the site, and give John some additional information. Many thanks to John for all his hard work!
PHOTOGRAPH OF 1965-66 RUGBY TEAM TAKEN FROM JOHN'S WEBSITE
Ed: I have just received an email from John, which I publish below:
Hi Ian
Apologies for taking so long to respond to your email. Thanks very much for your kind remarks and I'm so glad you enjoy the website. Despite the fact that I don't promote it particularly strongly, it has built up quite a head of steam as more and more people come visiting and providing me with titbits. If you visit it again today, you may find it has moved on apace with some interesting new material even in the last seven days. I have added some more comments to my writing on 2E in 1963/64 (http://www.rgs.saund.co.uk/196364form2e.html); the what's new page has some more items; I've updated the 'links' page; and a few more people have contributed new names for the photos. It's almost a full-time job keeping it up-to-date these days.
Of course you are free to use anything you find for the OW website in return for a plug. As regards what I would like to do next... it would be great to acquire scans of the 1960 and 1967 junior school photos to complete a decade's worth of RGS photographic history.
Regards
John
LETTERS/EMAILS TO THE EDITOR
Dear Ian,
About the day the school was caned, Barrie Jones was the Head Boy. His term of office was 1954-55. I'm guessing the snow was after Christmas, so any researcher should look to the January/February then. When the Prefects returned to the Prefects' Room at the end of lunch, some of the rest of the school lobbed snowballs at the windows. I was inside, some ten feet from the back door and to one side. There was one other person between Barrie and myself. Barrie went to the door to remonstrate with them. A number of snowballs were lobbed at him, and then THE snowball came, low and fast, and took out the centre top pane of the six in the door just above his head. Luckily no one was directly behind the door as the glass blasted inwards. I was close enough to be shocked and to see the stone that was in the middle riccochet back from the wall. Everyone outside immediately bolted, not surprisingly. No other window was broken. There was an immediate discussion. Barrie got some of us to clear the glass off the floor, and said that he would have to go straightway to tell Boss. He was not too happy to do this.
It is my memory that Boss reacted immediately, and that the caning took place that afternoon. I certainly witnessed the two lines of boys moving into the hall to be dealt with.
Andrew Mactavish
Ian,
I was one of the Prefects on the receiving end of what once was an annual event.
The date would not have been earlier than 1955 as that was when I became a Prefect, fortunately not one of the "tassled" cap crowd as I had (and still have) a rugby colours cap which did not have the tassels on it.
There was a rumour that as the two Caners were getting tired boys were taking advantage by "sacrificing" themselves and going around to the back of the queue to receive another whack.
Chris Cunningham
Hi there,
my name is Mike (Mick) (M.B.) , Coles, and I'm on the 1960 photograph right at the back.
I know some of the others who haven't yet been identified...how do we do it.? Send me a mail and perhaps I can help.
I remember drinking milk with Ian Dury in the playground because we'd both been thrown out of class (more later).
Guzzle guzzle, drip drip.. .these are lovely memories!
Cheers ,
Mike
Ed: Just send me any names, Mike, and I will do the rest.
Hi, Ian
Can you put me in touch with the school archivist please?
I have been lucky enough to acquire an MC group of Medals to Lieut Peter Albert Hands, an old boy Killed in Action (aged 21!) in March 1945.
This has kindled the 'WW2 flame' in me, so I was wondering what information the school has on Old Boys and masters who served in WW2.
Also, is there anything I can access in the school archives on Peter Hands?
Many thanks.
Steven Todd (1972-1979)
Dear Ian,
Thanks for the e-mail.
I am actually living in Cambridge at the moment, and using France as a half term and holiday destination.
With regard to the medals, I have made 'medals to men from High Wycombe' my core interest. I have lots of people around the country (indeed the world) keeping an eye open for me, and was lucky enough when a friend told me about these. They were in an auction in Bridlington of all places. The group came with quite a few original documents and photos.
Hands was quite an incredible man, he joined up almost immediately the war started. His father was the owner and MD of Hands Furniture of High Wycombe.
He was Captain of the school rugby team.
He was awarded the MC for an action on 25th October 1944 near VUGHT. His platoon was on point when the battalion came under attack from German Tanks. Even though he was wounded in the arm, he led his platoon forward, fighting back the Germans and saving his battalion from being surrounded. His citation is one of the best i have ever read, and was signed personally by General Montgomery!
He was killed in action in hand to hand bayonet fighting near the German border on 24th march 1945. His parents were sent a photograph of his grave at the Reichswald War Cemetery, as well as his medals, sometime later.
I am more than happy for you to post this on the website-all information gratefully received!
Steven Todd (1972-1979)
Ed: Does anyone know more about Peter?
Mr Clark,
In response to your request for further memories of teachers who have left the school, I would like to comment the following:
Up until the age of 14 I truly hated History. I could see no real need for it and found it boring. I was then taught by Dr Smith from Year 9 onwards. I remember that only one pupil from our set did not take History at GCSE. His teaching style was simple and yet so detailed, memorable and interesting. I was then fortunate enough to have Dr Smith as my History teacher throughout GCSE and A-level. I have no doubt that he is the key reason that I am now in my seventh year as a History teacher. A huge thank you to him for opening my eyes to the subject. I wrote to him several years ago via the school, and received a very prompt and warm reply, so clearly he was a gentleman as well as the best teacher that that I was fortunate enough to have.
Mrs Henderson was also my form tutor and English teacher in the VIth form. I fondly remember her warm and intellectual personality. Her understanding of our needs was outstanding and I wish to pass my thanks to her also for helping to shape my life as a young adult.
Kind Regards,
Simon McCallion (1991-1998)
Ed: Whenever anyone sends such an email, I always pass the comments on to the teacher concerned., and Martin Smith and Joan Henderson were both pleased to hear such comments.
Dear Ian,
Whilst looking up various OWs on the web, I came across a contemporary photo of the RGS's one and only girl pupil as she now is. Helena Ellis was in the Classical Sixth in the early 60s and went to Oxford. Later she married Jeremy Janes, also an OW, and they emigrated to the USA. Jeremy died in 2006 and his obituary appeared in the newsletter two years ago. The OW newsletter also once featured the 1961 photo of the Classical Sixth when Helena was in the class (which also appeared in John Mitchell's book of school photos). Helena still lives in Madison, Wisconsin, and I found her photo (with that of one of her sons) on the following web page - http://www.dunnschool.org/pdf/FINAL_DunnJournal_web.pdf - which is the 2005/6 journal of Dunn School where Jeremy had once been a teacher.
I enclose Helena's photo from page 17 of the journal.
Regards
John
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE SCHOOL THESE DAYS?
Below are extracts from the School website:
World Challenge
Morocco 2008
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World Challenge designs and delivers outdoor educational programmes for school groups. They go everywhere, from one-off, one-day UK adventures to six-week expeditions across the world and progressive programmes through the years; they truly provide a life changing experience!
World Challenge is about education through experience and their expeditions offer the experience of a lifetime. Packed with physical challenges and eye-opening cultural exchanges in some of the world's most beautiful countries, these exhilarating expeditions are also journeys of self discovery that benefit young people from all backgrounds.
Your journey starts here… - Trips in 2009
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Following the huge success of our expeditions to Norway and Iceland in July 2008, we are pleased to be offering the following Short Haul expedition for 2009:
" Years 8 and 9, April 2009 - Morocco or CroatiaIf you would like your son to take part in one of these expeditions but missed the Parents Presentation, please contact Vicky from World Challenge, who is in school every Tuesday, or contact World Challenge directly by clicking here or by phoning 020 8728 7200.
We have already launched our Long Haul expeditions for 2009 - next Summer teams of boys from Years 10, 11, and 12 will be heading off on a month long expedition to Mongolia or on Dive Honduras.
There are a couple of spaces left on these expeditions, but your son needs to apply very soon to avoid disappointment.World Challenge also runs UK expeditions. Letters for these trips will be sent home via the boys around Christmas:
Year 7s will have the chance to go on a 3 day Expedition to Buxton, Derbyshire in July
Year 8s and 9s can go on a 4 day Expedition to the Forest of Dean in April
Year 10s can go on a 5-day expedition along the River Severn in the May Half term
These expeditions will include some or all of the following: leading the expedition, navigating, trekking, climbing, abseiling, canoeing, raft building, taking part in adventure scenarios, buying their food, catering for themselves and camping.
Ed: What a fantastic opportunity for a young man today!!
GERMAN EXCHANGE - 40th Anniversary
RGS celebrates 40 years of pupil-pupil exchanges
Mr Wehleit and Mr Page
We were delighted to welcome once again the party of German pupils from the Ratsgymnasium, Osnabrück. This year 46 boys and girls will be spending a week with pupils from RGS, Wycombe High and Pipers Corner. This year's visit was rather special, however. It represents the 40th exchange between our two schools - an exchange that started in 1968 with an invitation from our then language assistant to visit the school in Osnabrück where his father was headmaster. To mark the occasion the Headmaster of the Ratsgymnasium, Mr Wehleit spent 5 days in Wycombe to experience at first hand a typical exchange programme. He met the headteachers of the three schools participating and invited our headmaster, Mr Page to visit Osnabrück in April next year - an invitation that was readily accepted.
German group at Christ Church, Oxford
Ed: Did you ever go on a German exchange? What were your experiences? Do write and tell me all about it!
For all the recent news of the RGS, please look at the RGS website.
NEXT NEWSLETTER
This will be published on Jan 22nd. Please send in your contribution, your memories, and your photographs to me, Ian Clark ianrclarkuk@yahoo.co.uk or post it to 5, Foxhill Close, High Wycombe. HP13 5BL
Ian edits the Newsletter; Martin Berry ensures that it appears on the website.