Old Tamensians: Alumni News 2006/5

(Please note the OTA is not responsible for the content of linked external web-sites. All information provided and gathered for this site is accepted in good faith. If there are any inaccuracies please let the web master know.)

Missing Members: yes we do lose members. Please check our 'missing members' page to see if there are names you recognise and know the whereabouts of. Also e-mail adddresses can change as well, particulary if you give us your student account.

Please remember to let us know if your e-mail changes. e-mail changes to Stuart, the Membership Secretary.

The Willie Howe Scholarship Fund - all the correspondance on the Fund and Willie Howe has been collated on to one page.

Everyone can join the OTA, the alumni association for Lord Williams's School by only paying £10 for life! And if you're still at LWS and join before you leave, the life subscription is only £5.

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December 2006

Kirsten Johnson 1983 - 90 Live in Kent with partner 'Singe' (Stjohn) and our three cats: Huskie, Missie and Cleo. Not married, don't want kids. I manage basic skills, ESOL and special educational needs for a very large company in Kent, Sussex and Brunei. It's a very interesting job, I get to travel a great deal. After school went to Sunderland Art College and got a fine art degree, a PGCE and various other qualifications. Have been on one course or another since school! Taught art for several years until I fancied a change of environment and matter subject. Like to 'dress up' and spend all my wage on clothes from different eras especially '40's and '50's. Seem to have got quite heavily into burlesque, militaria and folk. Don't want to look conventional but have ditched the matted hair, big boots and holey clothes... kept the piercings and tattoos however! Currently learning to fly and working on getting my Private Pilot's Licence. Still friends with Jude Ford, Jo Hutch, Jo Scriv, Liz Grof, Lisa Taylor and Adam Kirkman. Have recently met up with Emma Ayres.

Catherine Coe (nee Head) 1985 -1991 A quick update from me to say that I'm still living in Exeter (very happy here) and had a little daughter, Amelie, last November. I'm back at work (for the NHS as a project manager) on a part-time basis and enjoying juggling work and motherhood!

Pete Stratton left in 2005. I'm volunteering on Youth For Christ Film Team. How’s work and things going for you? Thanks for keeping in contact.

Gemma Slator 1988-95 My husband and I left London in April and moved to Marlow. I gave birth to a son, Freddie, at the end of August and am enjoying having a break from work to bring him up!

November

Tom Gregory 1990-97 I live with my girlfriend in Thame and work as an IT consultant based in Maidenhead. Play footy for the mighty Chinnor Exiles and still hang around with the same old people doing plenty of drinking and rocking out.

Michael Wootten 1989-1997 Now runs Wootten Luxury Travel and lives in Chinnor. 'After my wild gap year I gave University a miss and continued the fun! I joined the coach \ bus industry and soon ended up working for myself (the truth is nobody else seemed to want me!). I now run a fleet of my own coaches from a depot in Chesham and can still occasionally be found driving routes to Lord Williams's School - some things never change!'

Daniel Smith 1992-9 came to LWS from John Hampden. He then spent a year at Oxford College of Further Education and then studied Psychology at the University of Plymouth. He is now working for NatWest in corporate banking.

Natalie Webb who left in 2002 has just got engaged. 'I am working in a firm of Accountants. Studied an AAT now going onto do ACCA course, which hopefully I will soon be a quilifed accountant! Living with my boyfriend of 31/2 years everythings is going great. Hope everyone thats knows me is ok!'

Ian Smith -1968 After leaving LWGS Ian went to work for Midland Red Buses. 'Running Ian Smith Consulting Ltd, my own management consultancy business advising clients on document management; am also one of the organisers of the UK Bus Awards. After 23 years in south London, moved from Beckenham, Kent to Chalfont St Peter, Bucks in 2003 and then to Hazlemere, near High Wycombe, in 2005. Married 24 years, to Doreen; one 22-year old daughter (Caroline) who was married in April 2005 and now lives with her hubby in the same village as us.

Bill Middleton -1959 One of many OTs living in Perth Western Australia since emigrating 1969. Now semi-retired after many years of construction work. Last 7 years he's owned & ran successful take away food shop. As he says, 'Australia is great.'

Hi, just checked out the OT web site and saw that you're still the Secretary, so thought I'd drop you a line. Hope all's well with you, good to see you're still part of the OTA team! Firstly, I (we) are Pete and Jan Merrow-Smith (nee Rowe, ex OT president just after Valerie Avern, nee Morris, and Pete was also at LWS, about 1974-1981 ish). Don't know if you will remember? We're still living and working outside of the UK, and have been 2 ½ years in Spain now, via Botswana and Portugal. I was at LWS between 1971 and 1978, and it would be so good to have the chance to sing with some of the old choir members and under Robin's baton again. Jan PS: I have photos of the chamber choir somewhere, and other musical bits and pieces from school, from around 1976-1978, all in black and white, but if I can scan them, would anyone be interested?

John Cohen 1957-1964 After being out of touch with the school for many years, I have in the last 2 or 3 years met up with a few ex class mates--Martyn Read and Harris, as well as John Roberts from Bicester from time to time, and paid a couple of visits to the school. I have more time now I'm not commuting daily to London to work in the Dept of Trade & Industry--though setting up my own business is surprisingly time consuming! I'll send a longer message about what I've been doing as it would be good to re-establish contact with others there during my time such as John Aylward, Euan Kidd, Alan Friend, Peter Ruygrok, Barry Yates as well as former teachers.

Grayson Cattle 1959-1965 Unfortunately getting old enough to reacquaint myself with friends who were at LWGS between 1959 and 1965-ish. Greatly saddened to read of the tragic early death of J.Fulkes. If I may add to the obituary notes - he was a contemporary in September 1959 and sat at an adjacent desk under the supervision of our Form Master, Mr N.S Good. Even in those early days when we were all of eleven years, John was an academic in the making. 1959 was a peculiar year for those who had to get through the 11+ and those in charge of who went where had to move the goalposts a little bit to ensure that such a small school as LWGS didn't get overloaded! I do hope that I may be able to reconnect with some of us from that era. Seriously, thanks for your time in keeping a site like yours up and running.I attended between 1959 & 1965 so am an old wrinkly, but I do enjoy the special something that goes with talking to people who developed there.

Isobel Heafey left 2003 has just started her final year of French studies 2006-7.

Suzy Robinson 1997-2004 Some news about what I'm up to. I'm currently in my third year at Cambridge doing Vet Medicine. This year I get to study alternative courses so I'm doing Zoology and History of Medicine, which makes a bit of a change from all the pure science over the past few years. I will graduate at the end of this year and then start my clinical course next year, which should be really good and much more practical based. I've been rowing for my college for the past two years and this year am attempting to take it to the next level and am trialing for the university lightweight squad, which involves 12 training sessions a week and is pretty exhausting but good. Am doubtful of making it in, which would involve taking part in the women’s Oxford-Cambridge boat race at Henley, but if nothing else it's a great experience and great training! Considering I didn't do much sport at school, I'm really loving taking it seriously. That's about it!

Cliff Nixey organised a reunion of his form (“O” level 1955) to coincide with the pre-1960’s reunion organised for July 6th. It took the form of a dinner at The Spread Eagle, Thame. Guests of honour were 4 masters, Tony Evans, Gerald Gould, Norman Lilley and Peter More. Julyan Bunney presented his apologies. “Boys” present were Bob Bagnall, Tony Buckle, Ray Hawes, Colin Lewis, Ross Menham, Jon Polden, Brian Porter, Colin Shurrock, Gordon Wells, Stan West and Robin Whitehouse. Bruce Finch and John Goodger came for the lunch-time event but were unable to stay for the dinner. Adrian Tarr, Nick Woolfrey and David Green had to cancel at the last minute because of various crises. The latter was over from New Zealand but was taken ill on the day of the event. The hub bub in the bar and later in the dining room was testament to the good time that was had by all. Ray Hawes was over from the USA and stayed at the Spread Eagle along with Cliff Nixey and their long-suffering wives. Reminiscences went on until late at night and continued over breakfast ! A sad postscript is that a few weeks later, Bob Bagnall died suddenly.

John Douglas – 1961-1969 I attended Lord Williams's Grammar School from 1961 to 1969. Like many at the University of Sheffield, I stayed here after graduating, working firstly in the Accounting Profession with Coopers & Lybrand as it then was (now PwC) and then in Engineering locally for over 25 years. I now work for myself in Consultancy and Design. I am married with 2 children (daughter graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2005; son graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in 2006; both currently work in Sheffield, as do my wife and myself). Thanks for forwarding the latest OT Newsletter, which I received by post this morning; it made interesting reading, as did the OT website. Both my wife and myself attend a 'class' reunion organised by Tim Maloney and others quite a few years ago and also came down more recently a Founder's Day. We're looking forward to the 2009 Celebrations, which may perhaps bring some of my former classmates 'out of the woodwork' so to speak, to reminisce and, just as importantly, to see how the School is progressing. I would be quite happy to help in some small way with 2009: LWS 450 / OTA 100, even if it's only creative thinking regarding events, 'drumming up' attendance, etc. In the meantime, thanks to all for your efforts in putting the newsletter and website together, both are greatly appreciated.

Peter Holt we have just had a call from Trevor Cook informing us that sadly Professor Holt (1930-1937) passed away last Thursday after a brief battle with cancer. The funeral is to take place this Friday, 11th November, at 11.30am. There will be a brief service at Harris Manchester College, Oxford; followed by the cremation at Oxford Crematorium. Refreshments will be served at Harris Manchester College afterwards.

October

Pete Voght 1966-71 Left to train as a nurse working in mental health and spent many years working at the Warneford Hospital in Oxford. Now a local government officer. Married with a daughter and living in Great Milton.

Pete Garner After Oxford & a short stint in S Africa, spent 17 years in the Army. Worked for EU in Yugoslavia on refugee aid programme, then settled into mobile telecoms - Vodafone & now KPN in Netherlands. Married with 2 daughters & a son. Still involved in drama (Billy Flynn in amateur production of Chicago) & rugby (Coach, Bath RFC Minis). In touch with Tim Daplyn & Paul Squires. Would love to hear from old pals.

Alex Mackenzie 1997-2004 I am in my final year at Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College in High Wycombe studying a BA Hons. degree in Music Industry Management & Marketing. Have recently finished working part time for a hard house & dance record label (Nukleuz Records) in London. Have a couple of ideas for future plans: either to carry on studying somewhere else in Music Law...and specialise in contractual law. Or get a job working with bands or at a record label. Preferably in the live side of the industry...like tour management. Music I like includes Cartel, The Early November, THe Sleeping, Hit The Lights, Goo Goo Dolls, The Higher, The Academy Is, Midtown, I Am The Avalanche, Hidden In Plain View, Say Anything.

Sam Smith 1995-2002 I have just finished a music degree from Southampton uni. If you like, check out my band's website 'Policy Briefs' we play kind of jazz rock funk fusion.

September

James Simmie 1952-57 is the Professor of Innovation and Urban Competitiveness at Oxford Brookes University. Since the late 1980s his work has focused on the relationships between innovation, productivity and the competitiveness of urban regions. This has been developed within the context of learning endogenous growth models and evolutionary economic theory. More information can be found on this Oxford Brookes page.

OTs attending the reunion on 6th July included: Malcolm Abbot, David Austin, Ken Bailey, John Bennet, John Bishop, John Boughton, Richard Boughton, Dr Michael Brown, Joe Brown, Prof Neville Brown, Gerald Bukley, Robert Cadle, Trevor Cook, Alan Curryer, Geoffrey Curtis, Tim Dodwell, George Edwards, Tony Evans, Dr Michael Fenwick, Dr Bruce Finch, John Fountaine, Brian Goodger, John Goodger, Derrick Hester, Patrick Hinton, Donald Holland, Prof Peter Holt, John Hussey, Edward Jones, Alexander Laidler, Eric Lambourne, Henry Lear, Colin Lewis, Norman Lilley, John Maris, Richard Mole, Peter More, Cliff Nixey, Brian Porter, Henry Read, John Russell, John Rust, Michael Saich, Cliff Saunders, Harold Sellar, John Sharpley, Prof James Simmie, David Smith, Paul Sturgess, Prof Anthony Taylor, Jim Walker, Keith Wright.

Paul Volley joined Quins from French side Castres in the summer of 2006 and made his club debut in the pre-season friendly against Bourgoin on 11th August. Prior to joining Castres, he spent 16 years with London Wasps and was part of the side that won both the Zurich Premiership and Heineken Cup in 2004. Earlier in his career, Volley represented England at Under 21 and A level.

Rob Deering http://www.themightyboosh.inuk.com/talent001.html#RobDeering

Geoffrey Cram -1964 Living in Chepstow. Married, 2 children ages 30 and 28. Worked in the steel industry and then in electronics/computing. Now retired.

Steve Hunt -1966 Spent 22 years at sea and moved ashore into port management in the late 80s. Transferred to Australia in 1993 to run cruise operations for P&O in the South Pacific until made redundant in 2000. Currently a Director with a Marine Consultancy and a Maritime Recruitment Company. Married to Jan ( 30 years this year) and have two sons Ben and Sam 25 and 21 respectively. Live in Sydney with plans to retire to New Zealand in about 5 years subject to plans working out.

Alastair Paterson 1976-1981 Working in the Music Industry and have been for the past 20 years. Currently working for Universal Music International as a Commercial and Logistics Manager. Married for 19 years to Sarah. 3 Children, Camilla, Imogen and Freya. Live near Oxford, originally from Brill.

James 1993-2000 is a Live Journal user as is Fluffy Lizard and Lime Girl and SpaceyKacie.

Music Video Babes for the latest on Laura Bowley...a body double for Madonna!

Some myspace pupils/OTs include the Marilyn Manson fan, Beth and Simon. In fact there are 300 plus signed-up to

myspace so it's worth checking out.

Gail McNiellie's 1988-1993 home page.

From Wikipedia. John R. Barberio is currently living in Banbury, Oxfordshire, England. His personal interests range from Film to Sociology, Art to Publishing. Unfortunately, he suffers from CFS, a debilitating condition for which there is no known cure as yet. He was previously employed by Torex Health, as a systems administration consultant for major hospital trusts and individual hospitals. During the late 90's he studied at Lord Williams's School and then Rycotewood in Oxfordshire...

Janice Bowles is now a partner in http://www.equineintelligence.co.uk

Pamela Lloyd 1992-99 is single and living in Thame. 'Having graduated from Bath Uni in June 2003, I went for a bit of a look round the world, came back to the UK and am now working for an environmental consultancy in Abingdon and living in Thame.'

Elizabeth Vella-Grech -1999 I have just finished my 2nd year at Liverpool John Moores University where Im studying Health...finally made it after quite a few years out!! I moved to Oxford after leaving school and lived there for 4 years. I had a few full-time jobs and then decided to go back to college. I then moved to Shropshire with my family for a year before going to uni in Liverpool! I have stayed in touch with most of my school friends and still try to get down to Chinnor and Thame when I can to see everyone but would be good to hear from anyone who I have lost contact with!

Neville James is living in Pulborough West Sussex, has two children and is MD at Octopus Accounting Solns Ltd. They can be found at Octopus Accounting Solutions Ltd, 41 Chestnut Walk, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1AN Tel: 01798875141. He left Lord Williams's in 1980, went to Aylesbury College for two years and has then worked at BP Oil( Hemel), Multicore Solders ( Hemel), Loctite (WGC) and BASF (Slinfold).

Richard Foster-Turner's dad (Jim Foster-Turner) was one of the early leaders of Thame Youth Theatre back in the first years of the 1970s. Richard came to Lord Williams's in 1973 and left in 1978 and went to North London Poly. For many years, he worked for Oxford Lasers but 'Now living in Blacksburg, Virginia, USA, where the weather is warmer and the taxes are lower.' He is Sales Director for Oxford Diffraction and a press release about the tie-up with Virginia Tech can be found here.

John Gardiner who left in 1968 managed to attend seven school before arriving at LWGS in 1965. He is divorced, living in Chichester, West Sussex, and involved in property development in the UK, Med and West Indies. He has 3 daughters Vicky, Anna and Maddie. Interests include flying small aircraft, boating, oil painting, airbrush art and photography.

Gordon (Don) Jones -1964 is living in Thame. Leaving school I became the very last "A" level Student Apprentice at RAE Farnborough. Spent a few years developing Flight Simulators and Avionic Systems, before joining the then fledgling Digital Equipment Corporation. There I helped germinate the seeds of what has become the software industry. For the past 12 years, I have been helping provide you all with mobile phones, more specifically the development of Radio Data Services. Along the way we have produced 4 daughters, which over the years seriously involved me in figure skating; currently enjoy fast cars and motorbikes, occasionally ski, and race off-shore yachts (which included Fastnet 97 and 2003). Now almost universally known as Don, How do nicknames stick ? No answers from Old Tamensians please. I took early retirement in 2002; I thought this was very early until I found many of school mates have already made it! Now what are we all going to do ? Should add a reference to ND, QMC and MDI, so that none of these friends and colleagues feel left out.

Peter Arnold: Thanks for putting the stuff about Aunt Jill in to the August edition. It keeps the oldies on their toes! I'm keeping my head well down at the moment, after The Times published my letter in the week of August 1^st criticising both the Israelis and Hezbollah for failing to adhere to their religious principles!My Cousins (non-OTA, but both sons of an OT) are trying to trace details of this man:

'TRUM' FROST Peter Arnold asks if any older members can fill in biographical details of 'Trum' Frost. He was a boarder at LWGS during the 1920s (probably 1924-1929), a contemporary of Jack Arnold, Peter's Uncle. He stayed with Jack's family in Nelson Street, Thame, during at least one school holiday, rather than returning to be with his parents, who were "abroad". During the 1950s and early 1960s he was a visitor to Thame, meeting up with various members of the Arnold family - he probably worked (capacity unknown) for the Daily Mirror in London, and used to travel down to Thame from Marylebone (weren't railways valuable then?!) We think 'Trum' was a nickname (short for Bartrum? Bertram? or...?) Are any contemporaries still around (in their early 90s)? Can anyone shed any light on 'Trum'? The older generation of Arnolds who knew him well have, alas, expired (and the next generation is well on its way, too!)

Charles Boyle: I thought you might be interested to know that my wife Sholeh, daughter Anisa and I have just returned from a trip (a "pilgrimage" in the old money) to the Baha'i World Centre in Haifa Israel, and wanted to let you know that I remembered the school, old friends and staff at the Baha'i shrines on Mt. Carmel and outside Akka by sitting in a quiet corner and calling to mind names and faces that they might be with us, and so it was! Don't worry, nothing wildly esoteric - I was just thinking happy thoughts of everyone. One of our taxi drivers remarked that the buildings at the world centre were for him "a symbol of hope in the future of Israel", and indeed they have catalysed a range of municipal initiatives that have seen planting beds and clean-up all around the bay. The Baha'is working at the World Centre are themselves well known for their neatness, cleanliness and courtesy and are a welcome presence in Haifa because they transcend the divisions of Christian, Arab and Jew. The Baha'i gardens, in particular the terraces which embrace the shrine of the Bab are, according to the Ministry of Tourism, now the most visited religious site (other than the wailing wall) in Israel. (See photos at www.bahai.org/) When it came to leave (a couple of hours before the bombs began to fall on the Lebanon) it was as if we were leaving a giant reunion of all those we have known and loved, and for me, the old school included... Other friends who came after us spent much of their time sheltering in bunkers (a requirement whenever the sirens flared). The train station from whence we left was stuck by rockets a couple of days later, killing several, so we were very fortunate to have been there when we were.

With fondest remembrance and the happiest of thoughts* as always, Charles Boyle *”Prayer need not be in words but in thought and attitude.” –‘Abdu’l-Baha

Shaun Beckett I left in 1982 and went on to study agriculture at Writtle, Chelmsford. After managing several farms in the UK moved to the United States in the autumn of 1993.After working instates, finally settled in S.E Colorado were I have specialised in setting up outdoor pig farms including my own. After a short spell in an engineering company I am now back managing pigs. n 1998 I married a local girl (Terri) making me a step dad to 3 and now we have 2 of our own; Ian 6yrs and Anna 3yrs plus 2 grandkids.It is good to see from the site that despite all the "abuse" we got as boarders Old Boys have been very successful in their lives and professions moving all over the world.Until recently I had contact with Jill Bosenger (formally Howard) whose father taught history at Lord Bill’s if I remember correctly.

OTs resident in Thame may have seen the recent coverage of two former LWS pupils – Chris Mitchell and BenTowers - in the Thame Gazette. Chris and Ben have, with three of their college friends from Brighton, have formed “The Wailing Jacks”

Earlier this year they released a three track EP and their music will feature in a new British made film “We’ve got the Toaster”.

To find out more click through: www.thewailingjacks.com/

Rogue cell

Dear Editor I confirm that the Examinations Boards in 1979 were GCE: Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations, and CSE: the Southern Regional Examination Board as I took mine in 1979 too although I am afraid I can't help with Claire's results! Mrs Billie Johnson (nee Chadbone) 1979

Greetings from OT David Green 1950-1957 & LWS economics teacher 1993-4. Brief news resume: Residing in New Zealand since 2003 though back in UK this summer (2006) for various celebrations / reunions including the village of Ambrosden's (near Bicester) 900th celebrations. This is a village which figured in a local history (In the Wake of Ambrosius) I wrote & published 2000/1. I was much impressed with the local primary school's contribution to these celebrations,(which included Time-Team style 'digs' in their school grounds and a highly realistic enactment of a Victorian schoolday) and, at the same time, their own education. I presented the school with a pictorial themed edition of my book. An on-going project is to make a documentary film, 'The History Detective' using research techniques and content from this work & subsequent research (interesting revelations from the Alchester excavations, for instance) to show how history has to be discovered & created and does not exist per se. I intersperse time at the computer with the familiar post workforce-usefulness g-activities - gardening, gastronomy & grandchildren. Gardening allows one to establish paradiz (space around - the original notion of a garden) while savouring crab au gratin & a fine wine. Gardening also keeps modern grandchildren at bay lest they be asked to take part in non-button-pushing tasks like mowing, digging or weeding. Just kidding, my soft undertone has found room for a mini-golf course, outdoor badminton court & spa pool. Always pleased to greet any OT coming my way. David Green

Melanie Williams (nee Cryer) I attended Lord Bill’s from 1979 - 1986. Melanie has recently joined the e-mail newsletter.

James Trueman left 2003 Gained a 2:1 in Chemistry and Sports Science from Loughborough University this summer 2006. He will be working as a Learning Assistant for a year at a school for pupils educationally troubled for a year and then returning to Loughborough University for a PGCE in PE from autumn 2007.

Mark Trueman left 2005 Passed the Foundation Year in Human Biology for chiropractic medicine at Glamorgan University with a first, and has therefore been accepted on the 4-year course in chiropractic medicine at Glamorgan University.

August 2006

Hayes Verey -1990 Living back in UK in West Sussex. Married, three children and working as a Trader for Simmons and Co International.

Dominic Deacon -1993 now living in Wallingford...Left school went to Uni in Hull and then moved to London, it's all a bit hazy but apparently it was fantastic. A similar story for most of the uni crowd. Still work in London, occasionally, but live back in country now with Kirsti and Oli, my boy. Still love motorsport and race my kart when ever I can. Although I seem to be getting far to sensible and responsible, I had to change my car so the engine was in the front and it had seats in the back. Life is perfect :-)

Dan Cross Well since leaving Lord Bills, my life has been scaling the dizzy heights of the foothills of averageness. I’m currently working as an Account Manager for an online conveyancing service called eConveyancer which is based in sunny Thame. On the relationship front; I've been with Elaine Scott for nearly three years now.

Thomasin Pritchard - 1999 I live in Central London with three friends and work for an MP. Would be great to hear from old friends - mail here.

Alison Hulett 1996 - 2001 I am currently preparing to study at Redcliffe Mission Training College in Gloucester where I will be taking a degree in Applied Theology. The course lasts a total of three years. I have been given a list of six books to read before I attend the college, including 'Theology, a History' and 'First Advance' which is about the history of the Christian church.

Tod Duncan, Ph.D I ran across the OT website looking for someone from years back, so I figured I'd just send my tuppence worth on what I did since leaving Old Bills back when I don't remember. Maybe 1992/1993. Since then I got a BSc in Cell Biology at UEA in Norwich, then went on to get a PhD in Biochemistry at University College London through Cancer Research UK. That was 2001. I spent a couple of years as a researcher and in Nov 2003 moved to Boulder, CO where I've been living since. I've left research and now teach a range of Biology classes at the University of Colorado in Denver. I'm well settled here, working 2-3 days a week and spending the rest of my time road biking, climbing and skiing in the winter. I can be reached at tod.duncan@cudenver.edu and welcome visitors to this outdoor mecca year round. I am happy to offer help to those looking to move from the UK to the US, particularly those interested in academic careers out here.

Ken Hathaway 1970-77 I'm sure Gordon Wells' comments in your last Newsletter regarding the 'George Plummer' night will awaken many memories amongst former boarders, and I can certainly confirm the tradition continued into the 70s .I don't know the exact date of the 'event', but I'm sure it was always done in the autumn term.The key to a 'successful' night was secrecy, and our intake (1970) was certainly not forewarned of the coming events. This in spite of the fact that my older brother, Roy, had presumably been subjected to the same terror a few years previously (thanks for warning me)!The first I knew of it was when I awoke to a ghostly figure (it later turned out to be Jerry Green, I think) standing over me holding a candle. I was wet through from what I took to be sweat, but I think we had been syringed with water (not blood-red thankfully) from the hatch to the loft. There may have been some background screaming too, but maybe my imagination added this later! Anyway, we were all (Chaudhuri, Dickens, Hathaway, Kiggell, Lambert and Nichols) well and truly terrified! Afterwards the lights came on and things were calmed down. I don't think anyone suffered any long term after-effects though.I recall the whole thing was to do with the suspicion that George Plummer had murdered someone (his wife? the Matron? maybe a pupil?!) and hid the body in the loft above dorm 1? Someone will no doubt know the full story. For some reason, it was always down to Year 5 to commemorate the grisly deed, and although it was of course 'unofficial', I believe went on with the tacit agreement of the powers that be. That is, until it came to our turn. By then (and we might have been the first year) it was definitely 'outlawed', presumably as potentially too dangerous, and although there was some discussion in our year group about going ahead anyway, we were all terribly well behaved so let it pass. As far as I know, that was that.It would be interesting to hear other boarders' recollections of this odd ritual.

The Witchells are moving on: Debbie (nee Sladden 78-80), Derek 61-69, Chris 97-04, Sarah 99-04 and Tess the dog (never made it) will be moving to Wing (Beds) in the autumn when Derek takes up his post as Priest in charge (that's what you call a Vicar who doesn't have a freehold - freehold? phone a friend) of the parishes of Aston Abbotts, Cublington, Wing and Wingrave. We'll let you know when the timing is firmed up and when my 'licensing' will be (sounds like I'm a car eh? - now, now! no speculating!). The time-scale isn't finalised yet but it will be announced on Sunday (2nd July) that I have been offered and accepted the post of Priest in charge of Aston Abbotts, Cublington, Wing and Wingrave! Look out Bucks/Beds the Witchells are coming! We'll probably finish here at the end of Sept and start at the end of Oct but we'll let you know when we know because it would be good to have folks from Thame to the licensing. Hi to all who knew us, apologies to those who suffered us.Nice to hear from Petrina Kingham in the last issue (how I miss record shops like that!) and Andy Arnold - hey, I've got a tent you can borrow if they keep chucking out. Shalom! Derek Witchell

Peter Arnold writes: My grossly unfair suggestion in a recent Newsletter that my Aunt was a spy has brought an interesting set of reactions. One correspondent indicated that a less likely candidate would be difficult to find (lifelong Thame resident, lover of lawn tennis and ladies' bowls, dedicated bicycle rider, et cetera). Others commented on the proximity of Thame not only to Oxford (i.e. the Cambridge of the West) but also to Chequers, which led to reminiscences of World Leaders' visits of the 1950s and 1960s. Certain Nikita (sorry! Mr.) Khrushchev was seen passing through Thame on a number of occasions - it is entirely possible that he stopped off at Castles' shop to purchase his Thame Gazette, thereby encountering Aunt Jill, who ran the said establishment. Notwithstanding, I apologise unreservedly for any awkwardness I may have caused to the Security Services (who would like me to point out, I'm sure, that they no longer make visits wearing dark overcoats).

Andy Arnold I have had sight of Peter's e-mail to you concerning Aunt Jill, Castles of Thame and Spying. It isn't widely known that Thame Park was commandeered by the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during the war and was another "outstation" in the Vale of Aylesbury - there were quite a few. Aunt Jill's love of her famous black Elswick bicycle with its almost silent operation was seen doubtless on many occasions in the district and very possibly used in a training roll as SOE agents were adept at stealing bicycles behind enemy lines.My first posting in the RAF was to the former RAF Stanbridge, the RAFs Communications Control Centre (alas, no more - it is now a housing estate on the outskirts of Leighton Buzzard). This was followed by a move 120 miles behind enemy lines - to RAF Gatow in the former West Berlin. Here we were watched 24 hours a day by the ever-attentive Stasi and East German border guards. Jill was always very interested in our life over there and appeared to be very knowledgeable about it – information not gleaned from the pages of Woman's Realm and Caravanners Monthly sold in Castles, I feel. Questions asked by her were frequently not answered owing to the rather entertaining security situation prevalent at the time. Journies home to Thame by car involved running the gauntlet of being followed through the "corridor" linking West Berlin with West Germany by all manner of "narks" and stopping was certainly not recommended. If you exceeded your allotted time en route, questions were asked and people sent to look for you. Jill was intrigued by this, needless to say.
We will never know what role she held during those dark days, unfortunately.

July

Gemma Bryan 1994-99 Came to Lord Bills from John Hampden but finished A-Levels at Henley College. Currently working for a charity in London but starting a PhD in nutritional cancer care at Manchester in September.

Aaron Batterby Finished university last May and have now been working full time for a year. Am currently working for a company called Oxford Instruments in High Wycombe testing software for the new machines that they bring out. Would be good to hear from some old school friends so get in touch.

Kim Hillsdon who left last year says 'I now live in Aberdare, Mid Glamorgan, South Wales with my fiancee (of nearly 4 years) Darren, looking at getting married next year! I have a beautiful son named Bailey Rhys, born 26th April!!! Given up smoking and only drink on special occasions, my only vice is swearing!!! Visit my space http://kimidotcom19.spaces.msn .com

Gordon Wells writes The 1881 Census in the June Newsletter (also in the School's Past) has the Plummers very prominent at the top. I was a Day Boy at Lord Bill’s 1950-57 and have a very vague memory of the boarders having an initiation ceremony for new boarders called George Plummer’s Night. “Blood” (red ink I suppose) used to be dribbled onto sleeping(?), frightened 10 year olds from a walkway over the Dormy 1 or 2 beds (can’t remember which). Presumably to re-enact the murder. Could any boarder enlighten me– or am I just going ga-ga and remembering things, which never happened?

Rebecca North 1993-2000 married Gavin Beckley of Headington on 20th May 2006 at St Andrews Church, Chinnor. Rebecca was given away by her father Patrick North (1964-1971) with one of the bridesmaids being her sister Tina North (1992-1999).

Geoff Branner. I've just received an e-mail from another OT, David Hayter. David has spent most of his time since leaving LWS in the Far East and for the last few years working on mine clearance operations. He is currently managing such work in Sri Lanka.

Andy Arnold We are all well and glad that the annual extravaganza called the TT races are over for another year. (I don't appreciate being overtaken at about 140mph....) We will shortly be moving yet again, this time to a small village on the Northwest side of the island called Kirk Michael. This is because our current property in Castletown is up for sale and as they want a price akin to our telephone number I am unwilling to part with money! We are still looking for a permanent place to put down roots over here.

Petrina Kingham I was at LSW from 1975 until I left to go to Swansea University in 1981. My family ran 'Kinghams Records and Tapes' in the Buttermarket, Thame for many years. Good friends included Karen O'Brien, Josie-Dixon, Jenny Mould, Jane Cadle and Ian Daniels. I also played the part of Mrs Beaver in 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' and Mrs Cratchet in 'A Christmas Carol' I am on the database somewhere! 'Star' was not a documentary about the school it was a musical nativity written by Robin Nelson and another (whose name I cannot recall). It was filmed in Thame church on two freezing evenings! I remember very little about it except ITV made a mistake on the sound recording on the first take hence the second church visit (there were angels crying everywhere!!). I was the angel Gabriel and I think the other two angels were Rachel Collins and Emma Lansdale(?), as for the others, once again I do not recall! The video I recorded has long since died. But I would imagine Robin may have something? Good luck in your search...but some things are better consigned to history!

Gerald Beere who was living at Wisley Gate in Yorkshire died after a short illness on 11^th April in a local hospital. He was 74. Peter Forbes writes, 'We both spent our boyhood years together from the age of 7 when we lived with our families in Princes Risborough and remained in touch ever since – he was the brother I never had. He started at Thame LWGS I think in 1942/3 and was a boarder. I believe he was a life member of OTA and left LWS about 1952, just after I left in 1951 to do my national service.I was with the group of boys who travelled by train to Thame including Pat Davison who I see several times a year who lives close by at Clyst St Mary. I think Michael Syson and David Barnikel were boarders at the same time and will remember he had asthma and did a “Charles Atlas” fitness course to help improve his breathing and general fitness. He went to university in Newcastle on Tyne and did his degree in engineering before working for the European Space Agency in Holland as a senior project engineer. He returned with his family to the UK in February 2000 where he has remained. His wife and son agreed I should advise you of his death.

June

Greg Pugsley 1966-1972 World wandered and photographer is currently back in the UK. His work is now on-line at www.gregpugsley-photography.co.uk

Patrick Roberts was only at the School for a year, leaving in 1957. 'After being in the chemical industry, and then a teacher and school administrator for many years mostly in international schools, I'm now a freelance editor and proofreader living in North Wales.'

Mike Collinson came to LWGS from Sandhills County Primary School in 1956. 'Left LWGS in 1961. Career settled eventually in the world of business and commerce. During the 1970s worked for Rentokill. For the past 18 years have owned and operated a head-hunting and management consultancy in Glos.
Divorced with 2 grown up sprogs. For many years have been finding missing people, particularly those who have become separated from their loved ones by force of circumstance.
A specialist in helping those whose lives have been touched by adoption to be reunited with their birth families. Acknowledged as a leader in the field of worldwide adoption-searching. Partner of 6 years is ex-Holton Park girl whom I had known when we were 14/15 years old. Hadn't seen each other for more than 40 years! She lives in Essex - I'm in Glos - really convenient! We meet in Essex two weekends out of three. Like to hear from any LWGS Old Boys out there. Kind regards - Colly.

Kate Wales 1995-2002 'I'm still living at home, I have just finishedmy degree, BA (Hons) Textiles and Surface Design at Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College in High Wycombe. my results are out on the 23rd of June, so fingers crossed. I want to go into knittted fashion design with an a top haute couture name. I've been with my boyfriend, David Bray, for 1 year and 8 months, he's the most perfect person I have ever met and a glider pilot - what more could you ask for.'

Elizabth Vella-Grech 1999 I have just finished my 2nd year at Liverpool John Moores University where I'm studying Health...finally made it after quite a few years out!! I moved to Oxford after leaving school and lived there for 4 years. I had a few full-time jobs and then decided to go back to college. I then moved to Shropshire with my family for a year before going to uni in Liverpool!
I have stayed in touch with most of my school friends and still try to get down to Chinnor and Thame when I can to see everyone but would be good to hear from anyone who I have lost contact with!
Anyway hope everyone is Ok and things are going well.

Carole Eggleton - 1991 I'm still living locally and I have two children. Last June, I was diagnosed with cancer... so I spent the next few months being treated with chemo and radiotherapy which you really wouldn't wish on your worst enermy but we got through it and life goes on. I'm now in remission and fingers crossed thats all behind us .

Claire Richardson - 1992 'Since leaving school, I had a spell of working at Waitrose in Thame, bought a house, sold a house, went travelling around Australia and New Zealand, did my nurse training in Stoke Mandeville hospital, worked there for a while, then moved to Leamington where I worked at Warwick hospital, the moved in with my boyfriend Steve in Leicester, bought another house, got a dog, got a cat and now work at Glenfield hospital in Leicester as a cardiology nurse.....phewww!! Next will be.......get married and have children.....will keep you posted!!

Vicky Robain 1994 - 2001 I graduated from University of Hertfordshire and now live near St Albans with my boyfriend. I am currently working in a showjumping yard where I am training to become an instructor. I am a raver so enjoy techno, hardhouse, D&B , happy hardcore and anything else I can bounce about to all night!

Charlotte Partington 1996 - 2003 I'm at the University of Gloucestershire in Cheltenham, studying Hospitality and Leisure Management. I'm currently on my placement year in America for a year! I'm working for the Seapines company on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. I've got a great group of friends around me, and many of them are those who i went to School with but it would be great to catch up with those who i've lost touch with.

Paul Master 1998-2004 'Well I've finally left 'the bank' after about 2 years. Phew! I'm concentrating full time on my business at the moment, Gold Pebble Galleries www.goldpebblegalleries.com Check it out, feel free to buy, hehe..um live at home with the parents, did move out for a while, but am back (I know where I'm looked after) Single again, and loving it.

Oliver Hennesy 1985- 1991 Studied at Aylesbury College and then University of West of England in Bristol, graduated with an HND in Electronic Eng. I currently work for Hewlett Packard, worked in Hungary for 3 years and now back in Blightey.

Kate Elliot -1988. Went to Exeter Univeristy and now 'living in Wimbledon and working in the 'glamorous' world of Forensic Accounting (fraud investigations etc) in the City. Travelling a lot with work and to sporting events around the world (Rugby World Cup, Ashes etc). Mega hectic!'

Isobel Dickenson. After leaving in 1981 went to St Georges Hospital School of Nursing. Married to Rob G.P. working as a community midwife in North Cornwall. We have 3 daughters Emily 15, Alice 13, Grace 10 and live in Bude. Also leaving in 1981 was Vincent Harridine, 'Now living in Sydney, Australia with my wife Chelsi. No kids. Loving it! Previously lived in Maidenhead. Working in the print trade.'

Richard Earl -1980 Since leaving Lord Bill's, I did an HND in Agricultural Engineering (A'levels weren't up to a Degree) but got he bug and followed this up with an MSc and PhD in soils (yes, I can bore for England) - amazing when I think back to the days when Ed Kershaw and I sat in the back of maths lessons designing motor bikes. For the past ten years I have been an academic at Cranfield University mainly involved in supervising doctoral students. In April, I got a proper job and I took up my current position as Technical Director of TurfTrax Group Limited which specialises in the design and construction of sports pitches. I am married to Kim and have two children (Lucy 8, George 3) and we live near Woburn in Bedfordshire.

Brian Wallis: The reunion of the 1947 intake. I'm attaching the group photo of the reunion of the 1947 intake. In addition to the 16 shown, there were 4 last minute dropouts and 5 unable to make it. This was held at the Harvester, at Wheatley on May 4th and was very successful. 16 members attended.This was the third we have held. The first in 2004 had an attendance of 7. Last year this had grown to 12 and this year an attendance of 16. From left to right starting in the rear :- Eric Fantham, Bob Williams, Brian Wallis, Jim Howes, Roy Cripps, Paul Martinessen Tony Kingston, Leggy Seymour, Ted Shewry, Alan Osborn, Mike Clark, Ken Surrage, Arthur Triggs, Jim Clarke (half hidden), Alan Morton and Alan Bushnel. Jim Clarke and Alan Bushnell were not members of the original intake (joined LWGS in the '48 intake), but were promoted into our group in their 3rd year - thus qualifying. During the year we located 5 more of our original intake. Of the original 28 we have still to locate the last 4 - Ian Gordon, Brian Finney, A. Harris and A Barnet. Next year will be the 60th anniversary of our group, and we are already thinking that we move our reunion to early September - to coincide being the start of our journey. We will keep you updated on this. We were wondering if there are any old School records that may tell us the actual date? You may have noted that we managed to get our September 1947 form photo into the new publication " The changing faces of Thame" if there is any further info you might like, please contact me Regards

Adam Dodwell (1984-1991) and his wife Amanda welcomed Baby Jack in March. They are very happy living near Huddersfield.

Emma Charnock ('84-'91) & Scott Walkinshaw ('83-'91) welcomed Amelia Winnifred Walkinshaw - 'Millie' on 6th May.

Rebecca Austin ('85-'92) and Paul are delighted at the arrival of Amber Lily on Tuesday 2nd May, a sister for Josh, Suzie, Leah, Jacob & Holly.

Adrian Goodall – left 1978 - The musical tradition continues in the Goodall family with Adrian’s sons, Olly and Barney, having released a CD with their rock band, LiquidMetal. Based in Wiltshire, check out their music at www.myspace.com/liquidmetaluk

Howard Goodall Am finishing off my new musical (see below), and filming my new Channel 4 series (see below) at the moment, as well as writing 3 other musicals (all for 2007). Am Chair of the National Vocal Strategy on behalf of Youth Music and The Music Manifesto and presenting the final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year (May) and the first of the BBC2 Proms in the summer. Am being honoured with a Doctorate in Music from the University of Leicester in July, for services to music.

TWO CITIES
A new musical by Howard Goodall, Joanna Read & Charles Dickens
Salisbury Playhouse 5th - 30th September 2006
www.salisburyplayhouse.com/

HOW MUSIC WORKS
A new 4-part series written & presented by Howard Goodall
Directed/Produced by David Jeffcock & Francis Hanly
Tiger Aspect for Channel 4
Autumn 2006

Gerard Greenway Here's a little item...Those of you at the school in the early 80s will no doubt remember Cultural Amnesia, the best (and best-named) band to come out of Lord Bills. In recent years CA have been active again and you can hear tracks recorded in 2004 and (shortly available) in 2006 at their website. 2006 will see the release of Enormous Savages, an LP of early 80s material on the specialist Anna Logue Records label. See the CA site for details and drop a line to the contact e-mail on the homepage if you would like to be informed when the album is out. http://www.culturalamnesia.com/ Nice to see Robin Nelson making an appearance shortly. A lovely man.

‘STAR’ LOST I have been trying to track something down for a while now. In 1979 an ITV documentary was made about the school, it was called 'STAR'. I have spoken with ITV Central but apparently it does not appear to be within their database. Perhaps somebody from the OT's may be able to throw some light on the matter. (Somebody may even have a copy of it somewhere!!!) Many Thanks. Mark Brown 1977 - 1981

(Indeed we do have a copy - the orginal Ampex. We're trying to find someone to transfer it to DVD. If anyone knows of a facility please let us know. The tape is an Ampex cassette with a 3/4" tape but we don't know what system it is e.g. A, B or C. Contact Graham Thomas if you can help.)

I have built two brick walls in the last month. It's ironic, and perhaps reflects interestingly on a non-practical Grammar School education, that I have had to wait until my late-50's, and retirement from Deputy Headship and Latin teaching, to learn how to lay bricks in a straight line! But what fun!! When I've finished, and I've written the biography of my Aunt, the spy, I'll let you know... Oh, to be really newsworthy!
Thanks for the regular news from really interesting OTs!
Cheers! Peter Arnold

Tony Joslin. Born 31^st March 1926 – died 5^th April 2006 Born March 31^st, 1926, to Jack and Madge Joslin at Stoke Talmage, Oxon. He attended Lord Williams between 1937 – 1942. After leaving, he worked for Lloyds Bank in Thame for 2 years, before doing National Service in Egypt. Afterwards, he attended Aberdeen University, from where he graduated with a BSc in Forestry. He then worked for the Forestry Commission before retiring in 1986. He moved to Canada in 1998 when his son took up farming there. He is survived by his wife Mary, and his two sons, Oliver and Mark (who is an aerospace engineer).

May

Graham Thomas is Chairman of CIAO! (The Children's International Arts Organisation.) Their annual festival of theatre, with acts from around the globe, will take place from 7-10 June at the South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknall. There will be dance, music, art, puppetry, circus and performances and on Saturday 10th June, from 10am until 8pm, the Park behind the Centre will be full of activities: story-telling, a circus, a fantasy maze, workshops, samba, dance, food and, as they say, 'much much more.' Further information can be found at the CIAO Festival web-site. The Artistic Director is Karen Draisey who was a pupil at Holton Park.

Richard Meyrick is still performing to acclaim both on the concert stage and in his role as Pianoman - inspiring schoolchildren with his piano playing. More details can be found on his website...and for those reading this living in Oxfordshire, he can be heard on 11th June at the Trinity Church, Abingdon.

Anna Kinch 1983-1990 'Moved up to Shropshire a year ago with my husband and now 3 year old son- Samuel! Still working for an airline as cabin crew but now only part time.'

Robert Austin -1994 Went on to Aylesbury College. 'Hi all, I went into the care industry and now manage a Kingswood Trust care home in Oxfordshire. At the moment I'm living in a flat in Abingdon and still keep in contact with some of my year from Thame. I'm still stuck with my motorbike for those that knew/know me, or may have perhaps recognised me on the news!? (A couple of years back I got caught going fractionally too fast up headington Hill Whoops!? Still lesson learnt. :) I've a boy who lives in Germany now who was two in March this year (Long story!?).

Sarah Reeves 1995-2002 After leaving Sarah went on to the University of Gloucestershire. Now she's living in Aylesbury and teaching at Bierton CE School as a Class 3/4 teacher. 'Working hard in a full time job,' she writes. 'Shock to the system! Love the kids though and the money's great! Saving for a house now! Still with Aaron but he's still got a year left of uni but we'll be back together soon!'

Jane Andrews 1971-74 Part of the first intake of girls into the School. 'I went to Durham University to read Zoology, worked in research labs in various hospitals and married Peter, an Australian psychiatrist. We went to live in Australia for 3 years, had 3 boys (now 21 and 18 year-old twins). I re-trained as a Relate counsellor and mediator, had 2 rounds of breast cancer (now well, fingers crossed!), re-trained (yet again) and now work as a Dyslexia Support Tutor at Oxford University and Brookes University. I am in touch with Janet Ford (now Everett). At the moment I'm endeavouring to train for the Race for Life for Cancer Research, which is in June this year. It would be good to hear from any contemporaries. I now live in north Oxford. Please remember me to Jane (Vaucher), when you next speak to her. I think of her every time you send a newsletter!

Richard Stevens 1966 - 1971 I played The Fairy Queen in Iolanthe and Lady Jane in Patience of Colin's productions at LW in 1970 and 1971 or was it 1969 and 1970? These productions were very important for me and as a result I now earn my living as a professional singer - Male Alto.

Sarah Harvey now Minchin. Not much news on my front really, we’re still living in France and I’m still working at an international school in Geneva. We’ve just signed up for another year. Rhys will be 6 in October and Jamie is 2 next month. Although I have recently discovered that one of the women I work with also used to attend Lord Williams’! Small world! My sister (Claire Graham – nee Harvey – OT 1990 – 1997) has just had her 2^nd daughter; Katherine Amy was born on the 13^th of March. Her eldest daughter, Eloise, will be 3 on October and the family is living in Chatham, Kent.

Martin Peattie 1984-1990 Having spent the last few years trekking into London to earn a crust, finally working locally in Aylesbury in operations for Packpost Int'l. No pets, no kids, no hassle, just a large dvd collection and a hairline thats receeding further as the days pass... Recently split up with the girlfriend from hell so back on the hunt for the future Mrs Peattie. Since leaving LWS Martin has also worked at Tring International Group, Point Group, and Deluxe Video Services.

Katy Bower left in 1984. She is now a single Mum having divorced, and lives in Thame. 'Hi, am single parent with two children, Emily aged 10 and Thomas 9. Work for local firm of Solcitors. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me!'

Cultural Amnesia - if anyone remembers them from the late '70s and early '80s they're still alive and kicking and now have a web-site here. Ben Norland is now living and working in Cambridge, married with two children.

Jo Mace left LWS in 1998. 'Living in Torquay with Si, we now have a Retirement Hotel in Paignton which is keeping us busy, love working for myself though. Isabella is 14 months old and totally gorgeous, loving being a mum.'

Chris Smith came to LWS from St Joseph's and left in 1999. Initially he went to the University of Stirling but then transferred to the University of Brighton. Graduating last year, he's now living in East London. 'Waiting for a lottery win! bloody student loans. suck you in with rumours of low interest rates, before you know it you're into them for fifteen g's.'

Andrew Broadway - 2000 'Finished my undergrad chemistry degree in 2004 at the University of Surrey. I'm now half way through a PhD research degree at the Univerisity of Edinburgh. I play a lot of badminton having played for the University team for the while doing my undergrad, captaining it in my second year. I'm also into climbing and mountaineering, having gotten into it during a year out in New Zealand. I'm a very keen rock climber, so beening based in Scotland is amazing.'

Louisa Holmes -2001 'Now working in publishing with Imago Publishing (as a Production Assistant), following an MA in Publishing at Oxford Brookes (was at uni' in Birmingham before that). Living back at home for the time being, keeping very busy, but enjoying life and making the most of it!' The Imago Group is the world’s largest print management organisation working for the international book publishing market. Founded in the UK in 1980, they now have over 100 staff working from nine offices in four continents and worldwide sales of more than US$50 million. In the UK their officies are in Thame.

Charlotte Bartholomew 1995-2002 'I'm now living in Bristol at the moment, working full time (office admin!) after graduating from UWE last summer.'

Hayley Williams - 2002 'About to graduate from the Arts Institute in Bournemouth where I am studying fine art.'

Samantha Jackson attended the School in the 90s before going on to the University of Plymouth. 'I'm a mum of 4, all under 6 and run two businesses from home. One of my businesses is selling designer cloth nappy products that I make internationally so finger crossed its onwards and upwards.'

April

Nicola Lappin 1991-1998 Up until March I was working as a nursery nurse at a local day nursery in Warwickshire. I'd been there almost 3 years and really enjoyed it. Since then I've been on a trip round Australia for 4 weeks, which was great fun. I've taken some great pictures, one of which is going to be published in the New Year. Now it's back to reality, and I'm workking at a new childrens day nursery. I''d love to catch up with anyone who remembers me, it would be great to hear from you.

Heather Gough 1989-1997 Hi there. I am now living in Reading with my husband Rob - we have been married for 3 years - and I have 2 children - James who is 2 and a half and Isobel who is nearly 1! I was working for Whitbread until I had Izzy and now I am at home 'working' (eg looking after the kids!!) I am planning to start teacher training next year - teaching English at secondary level (god help me!).

Alan Richardson 1963-1970 Now living in Gosnells, Western Australia, working as an actor and living with his partner and two step-children.

Rex Powell - 1971 Happily married, two kids, boy 15, girl 12. Live in Steventon, Oxon. Work for Thames Water. Season Ticket holder at London Irish Rugby Club and still a keen Oxford Speedway supporter. Very keen gardener. Now is this sad or impressive, in our hall we have a three feet long, framed, 1970 Lord Bill's school photo!!!

Martin Gass 1998 Martin Gadd attended Barley Hill Primary school from 1992, representing the school at football and becoming a foundation player in the Thame Boys football team for his year. He moved up to Lord Williams's School in 1998 and regularly represented the school at both Football and Rugby. His success with Thame Boys continued, winning trophies and regularly topping leagues tables. His ball skills, determination and work ethic always making him not only a success in teams but also a popular member of any squad. Success in Lord Williams's Sixth form has taken Martin to university in Canterbury, where he is studying Sports & Leisure Management. Being a physically agile person it was always Martins view to go over or through rather than round anything. Sadly on Wednesday the 11th of January he didn't make it over a fence, getting his trousers caught on the top and falling. He landed on his head and knee and broke his neck and knee. He was taken to Kings College Hospital in Brixton where they have initially stabilized him and have started the physiotherapy to help him breath and control his airway. The Consultant has said that Martin is paralyzed from the waist down and will not walk again. His broken knee has be treated and is no longer a concern. His hands continue to function but with little strength. Picking up a tissue remains a challenge .

A web-site can be found here of latest news.

Iain Galbraithe - 2002 After school studied for a Diploma in Art Foundation at Abingdon. Went on to do Graphic Design at The Arts Institute at Bournemouth but changed after one year to the Photography course. So I am now currently in my 2nd year studying for BA Photography at The Arts Institute at Bournemouth.

Michele Lister 1997-2004 I'm at uni in Portsmouth doing the ever popular psychology degree... just finishing my first year, as I took a gap year and travelled.

Kirsten Johnson. After leaving School in 1990 went to Sunderland Poly and then Sunderland Art College. Live in Kent with partner 'Singe' (Stjohn). We have no intention of getting married or having children; I've found that I'm a feminist and he likes collecting motorbikes too much! I manage basic skills, ESOL and dyslexia education for the army, their dependents and civilian personnel throughout Kent & East Sussex + deployment areas abroad. Really enjoy my job, get to travel a great deal and meet very interesting people. After school went to university and got a fine art degree, a PGCE and various other qualifications. Have been on one course or another since school! Taught art for several years until I fancied a change of environment and teaching subject. Like to 'dress up' and spend all my wage on clothes from different eras especially '40s and 50's. Don't want to look conventional but have ditched the matted hair, big boots and holey clothes... kept the piercings and tattoos however! I take Karate lessons. Like a good swim. Unfortunately I have never developed a passion for sport. Like watching motorbikes zoom up a very steep hill to see how far they can go...that's usually fun to watch! And my interests inlcude Art of course. My motorbike and going on runs - esp. Brighton Run. Spending lots of money on clothes, shoes, boots... have a penchant for handbags! Also collect compacts. Burlesque. Watching Morris dancing. Drinking a good red wine. My imaginary cat Horatio. Music.

David Radwell -1989 'Been working for Lloyds TSB since leaving school, now as a Senior Financial Planning Manager. Got married in May 2002, to Sarah and currently live in Bicester. Had Jessica last year and she was 1 in March 06.'

Rebecca House - was at Lord Williams's for a couple of years, leaving in 1985. 'Married to Dave and have a daughter Alice who is 12. Have two step children Oliver who is 22 and Amelia 18. Still in contact with Janet Mawby, Angela Gibbs, Gill Ashby, Kim Stacey, Anne Marie Baker. Can anyone help with a contact for Anne Everad she went around with Anne Marie Baker (Dilly) and Amanda Dix? Now a piano and class music teacher at Bloxham School near Banbury.'

Maurene Pullen - 1975 Some of you may remember me being married to Andy Butler we split back in 1980 but still keep in touch. Now married to Peter, we met whilst working at Halls Oxford and West Brewery in Park End Street in 1989. Married only 3 years ago - must be one of the longest engagements in history! We have no children but I'm a grandmother - no pain but all the gain - to Jessica and Jools. I work in Camberley for the Live Organisation as an HR Manager - really enjoy it but my long term ambition is to own a farm shop - strange but true. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me - Christine Wrench, Angela Kingswell, Julie Outram, Kevin Hookham, Andy Talbot the list goes on. Now living in Bourne End in Bucks.

A little while back we had a request from the Government for information on Sebastian Carr...Our thanks go to Geoffrey Craddock who has supplied an address for Sebastian's daughter. Hopefully we'll be able to link her up with the Government Art Collection. This should enable Sebastian's art to be shown to the wider public.

Paddy Hinton 1940 - 1944 I was friendly with Sebastian Carr, who was younger than me. I guess he would have been born about 1929. He showed me a letter from his father who was an official war artist. The letter said he was on a destroyer, followed by a neat pen and ink drawing. The simple drawing was alive! One could see the vessel moving! While walking with Sebastian along the Aylesbury road after school, at the foot of Scotsgrove Hill we were overtaken by a girl on a bicycle. Both she and Sebastian seemed surprised. Both said 'hello'. The girl didn't stop but pedalled laboriously up the hill. Sebastian explained she was his sister. She attended the Girls Grammar School daily and was returning to the wartime family home at Ford.

Prof. Anthony Taylor 1941-1948 I was interested to read your paragraph enquiring about Sebastian Carr. We were together in the sixth form leaving in 1947 or 1948. He was really bright and I still have the clearest memories of his facility with drawing and his wit. He visited me at home in the holidays (near Watlington) and shared interests in amateur science, especially making explosives. This would not be tolerated nowadays, of course. He had frequent clashes with authority in the form of Mr. (Pin) Brown. On one delightful occasion Brown was upbraiding him for not completing some piece of work, and asked what was his excuse. Sebastian said he hadn't had time. Brown said "That's no excuse". The reply was "No, it's a reason". He was of course a boarder. I met up with him several times after he was studying art and I Medicine in London. His father - Henry Carr - had a studio in Flood Street, Chelsea and was apparently very successful. We only met once again in about 1955 and then lost contact. I was appalled to learn of his tragic death. I am still doing research in Neurophysiology (aged 76) at Imperial College, but will retire to Wendover in the Summer.

(Henry Carr RA 1894 - 1970. Henry Carr was a successful portrait painter both before and after the 2nd World War. He painted London scenes throughout the blackout, including such public spaces as St Clement Danes, St Pancras Station, and the Underground. Following a number of portrait commissions, he was employed as a war artist in North Africa. A photo of Henry can be found at this link http://www.mersey-gateway.org/server.php?show=conMediaFile.26233 )

Jon Cooke 1974 - 1981 I am writing with news of Tim Fraser (1974 - 1981). Tim left after A Levels and went straight into the Royal Navy as an officer cadet. He is still in the Navy and is now a Full Captain which, I am reliably informed, is in itself a great achievement for someone of his age. However, the point of my mail is to inform you that it has recently been officially announced that Tim will be taking command of the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious as from late July 2006. I know very little about military matters but from asking around it is obvious that this is a great appointment for Tim and one which he should be heartily congratulated upon. To compare it with the world of football, it is the equivalent managing one of the top three or four sides in the Premiership (although the salaries might be a little different!). Knowing Tim, he would have been far too modest to have let you known this information himself although he consented to my role as "informer". In civilian life Tim is living in Southsea and has 2 teenage sons.

My other news concerns David Cryer and Stephanie Halford (1974 - 1981) who, after 27 years of getting to know each other, got married recently in London.

My own news is that I am one of two partners in an estate agency in the French Alpine resort of Megève, married to a local girl (Solange), have a 16 month old son called Joe and we are expecting our second child in early August. Also nearing completion of the restoration of a typical Savoyard farmhouse after nearly 2 years of work. It featured recently on French national TV (evening news) in a report on how to turn old buildings and materials into new and vice versa.

John Howard Brown - 1967 I'm living in London, working as a medical microbiologist at King's College Hospital since 1984. Also, I've been ordained Priest in the Church of England since 2003, what a lark. Have been doing a few funerals, weddings and baptisms, hopefully not like Rowan Atkinson in "4 Weddings & A Funeral". All this is part-time due to need for £££ from main job. I look exactly the same as I did in 1972, but I have finally recovered from the hangover after the very-last-day-of-school party.

Sarah Mann left in 2000 'Hi anyone reading this... I'm now living in Carterton and have just bought a house here with my fiancee Leigh and we're getting married in December. I haven't changed: I still talk to much and I've got a lot fatter! But I'm happy.'

Amy Terry 'When I left in 2002 I did a Foundation Year at Buckingham Chilterns University College. Now in the final year of my degree - 'Silversmithing and Jewellery' BA (Hons) - at Loughborough University. Living with my long-term boyfriend Andy, and planning to stayi in Loughborough for the time being. Favoutie music includes PJ Harvey, Zero 7, Sufjan Stevens, Maximo Park, and The Kooks '

Claire Haines - 1985 I'm living in Kingston Blount and married to Phil. I have a daughter Emily and I'm a director of a market research agency based in Oxford. Another 1985 leaver is Karen Lewis...'Hi all Been living in Lincolnshire for 2.5 years after 15 years in Milton Keynes. Been married to David Mumford for 16 years and we have 3 lovely girls, Hannah, Emma and Sarah. It's great to see what some of you have done since school. Still keep in contact with Amanda Kensett and have seen other people when I've been down Chinnor/Thame way.' Mike Partridge also left in 1985. He went onto Aylesbury College and then Birmingham Poly. Currently living in Brackley, is divorced and had two children.

Lesley Jackson 1974-1980 after leaving Lord Bill's I went to the Oxford College of Further Education. Recently got married in Australia and now live with my new husband in Thatcham with my son Simon who is 18; my daughter Laura is 21 and lives in Norfolk. I work in the construction industry after years in the catering trade. My brother Martin is married with a daughter and a son and lives and works in Aylesbury and Sarah is married and lives in Stockton-on Tees and my little sister Sam lives in Cornwall.

Andy Vickery 1975-78 I currently run a design and advertising company in High Wycombe. I'm married to Joanna who also works with me. We have two children Ethan and Chloe. I also have three daughters, Sabrina, Alicia and Ella - all grown up adults. Was at Lord Williams's from 1975 to 1978 and before that at Castle School, Taunton. The company is called Blazon.

'What's at the source of any successful business? Cash, sales and marketing...often in reverse order. Inextricably linked, each stream runs into the rest. Harness and direct their power and business flows naturally, building momentum towards long term success. Creative marketing – what's that? Creative marketing embraces the ideas, concepts, strategies and tactics that are applied to a set of resources e.g. brochures, advertising, direct mail, web design etc and are stepping stones towards successful promotional marketing. At Blazon, a team of seasoned professionals and exceptional resources combine to deliver the kind of creative input that has enabled our clients to reach their goals. Time and again. Of course, marketing is all about investment. Get the marketing right and sales and cashflow will follow.'

March

Gerard Gould 1956 - 1977 First of all, I want to thank you and the Association for such a splendid and detailed account of that wonderful celebratory evening given to me on 30th October in the Oxford Playhouse. I was very touched by it all; above all, there was such a warm atmosphere of good will and affection among all those present. An unforgettable evening. It was good to see so many LWS people there, among them John Charleywood whom I hadn't seen for nearly 40 years. In 1968 he nobly took on the important part of Brutus in a production of "Julius Caesar" which was played by John Fulkes on the tour of South Germany in July. As John Fulkes was not available to play the part in October when we were to present the play at the School, John Charleywood took over the part and, with his fine speaking voice and good presence, was very impressive and a worthy replacement for John Fulkes who was going to Trinity College, Oxford. Another reason for writing today is this: I am much concerned about a proposal to realign the admissions area to the School. This would in effect mean that pupils from across the "border" in Buckinghamshire would no longer be able to come to LWS. This scheme has worked successfully for well over 35 years, and its disappearance could have some serious effects, not only for parents and pupils in that area but also for the School itself. This is an issue with which the Old Tamensian Association might usefully concern itself. There is, I believe, a period of consultation in March before the proposal comes before the Oxfordshire Education Committee. The person to contact is Gavin Wardley at Macclesfield House, New Rd.Oxford OX1 1NA learning@oxfordshire.gov.uk

So, if you are an OT who resided in Buckinghamshire or an OT who made great friends with people from across the County border and are concerned by this proposal, why not help LWS now by writing to theOxfordshire Education Committee at the address above

Rev. Jim Clarke (1948 – 1955) I well remember still the 400th celebrations, marked particularly by the world premiere of Clemence Dane's play "The Lion and the Unicorn" and coming back from University to see the spectacle which was put on in fact in Wheatley!

Geoff Goodall 1974 – 1989 The 2009 anniversary of the School will be 450 years … that is quite a rare landmark. I hope I live long enough to see it and to attend. With John Nelson and Hugh Mullins now deceased, I am the oldest surviving former Headmaster.

David Smart (left 1974) Could you please pass my thanks on to Charlie Boyle, for his recollections on the boarding house.My own experience was that it wasn’t easy looking back, I’m very sorry for his brother’s experiences. To some extent we all got caught up in some of the negative legacy. It was good to read that Charlie had stood up against the abuse to some extent he did that for all of us.As a 13 or 14-year-old boy, he was put in a situation of responsibility that should never have been on his shoulders, I can understand the negative aspects of that situation that he still holds.I also have been working in Friar Park and got to know George Harrison quite well. The garden has changed to an extent where most of it has been landscaped. Rachel is still there, Harry and Peter have both retired, and there have been numerous gardeners since Charlie's employment. It is believed that some are still in the Matterhorn somewhere!

Julian Merrow-Smith (left 1976 A sort of Press Release! Now living as a painter in the south of France was featured in the Thursday 23 February edition of the NEW YORK TIMES. Julian's project 'Postcards from Provence' - a daily postcard sized painting posted at http://shiftinglight.com is a year old this week and in this time Julian has painted nearly three hundred paintings which have been dispatched to collectors all around the world. The project has been a phenomenal success with the website now averaging more than thirty thousand page views per month.

Dr. Klaus Binko I write from my net account but am currently deployed since 15.02.2006 on the Isle of Rügen to support the civil authorities in their efforts to fight the Avian Influenza and hold liaison between the civil and military forces. Currently there are 845 personnel (civil and military) deployed in the operation. German Forces are on hand with a total strength of 302 including 4 Veterinary Staff Officers. Our main goal is to save as much fallen birds as possible out of the wild population and to dispose them correctly according to European Law in order to disconnect the infection chain and to control the situation.The Isle of Rügen is one of the main German National Parks and a rest and protection area for water- and other wild birds. Every winter about 65.000 birds do stay here and with the beginning of the bird migration from Africa and the southern parts of Europe this number will increase up to 5.000.000 in May. Since I've started my mission to until now, there are continuously incoming birds and the estimated wild bird population by end of March will be about 1,000,000. We (civil and military forces) are on duty 24 hours a day.There is clearly to say that the situation is under control as there is no spreading into farm kept birds. 1234 clinical examinations have been done within the about 1000 farms here and clinical supervising and control is continuously on going performed thru the civil veterinary authorities. 2692 fallen birds have been collected until now. Within this number 110 wild birds were tested positive in the National Reference Laboratory for the virus subtype H5N1. I will stay here together with my Vet Officers until 06.03.2006 and than there will be there other Veterinary Officers from GE Forces Joint Central Medical Service until mid-March to support the civil veterinary authorities and to protect and assist our own military forces which will perform air reconnaissance, logistic support, disinfection support and support in collecting and proper disposal of fallen wild birds.We do not know when we will achieve an end state but the German Government, the Government of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the County Government of Rügen do really their best and are fully aware of the situation.Greetings from the ditches. Yours Klaus.

The BBC recently interviewed Klaus as part of their coverage of the ‘Bird Flu’ incidents in Germany. The link will take you to the story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/2/hi/europe/4750316.stm

Rex Thomas, a member of staff in the early 1950s has written from Fowey in Cornwall, enclosing a photo of the 51-52 rugger team. 'I have just come across the enclosed photograph and am sending it to you just in case you haven't a copy. I suppose it's because I am growing old, but as you probably know I began my teaching career at LWGS and I owe it a great deal. Last summer we had a visit from Don Wolley who was House Master when I was there and it was great to see him. I am also in touch with Julyan Bunney but others - Hugh Mullens and Fred Seal for example - have died. I also intend to write to Peter More.'

February

Stuart McCaighy -1994 I've been living in East London (Shoreditch/Bethnal Green) since coming home from Oz in June 2004. I'm now working as a senior radiotherapy radiographer at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea. Currently studying for a masters and am now a magistrate. Also an active member of Amnesty International and part time writer for www.thisisfakediy.co.uk Happily gay, happily single. Feel free to get in touch.

Madeleine Hutchings - 1975 'Married with four children. Living in Henley on Thames and nursing.'

Rachel Killick was at Brill Primary School. She left Lord Williams's in 1994 'I'm married to Paul and living in Waddesdon. I'm a teacher in a special school, but not for long. I leave on maternity leave in May and don't intend to go back. Looking forward to being a stay-at-home-mum!'

David Scott 1995-2002 is now studying music at the Colchester Institute.

Charlotte Priest - 2001 Hi all, I graduated as a women's wear designer and have spent the last few months working for Bruce Oldfeild, one of Englands leading designers. Im loving my work and meeting fantastic people, hoping to move to New York soon( but thats everyones wish). hope you are all well and see you soon.

Barbara Joy/Denny studied nursing after leaving in 1982 'Still working at the JR but have recently moved to Nr Northampton. I have 3 children aged 12, 10 and 8. Married to Martin who is a headteacher of a local primary school.'

Tracey Holman 1976- 81 It's now nearly 25 years since leaving school and I don't look a day over 16 (yeah right!), blimey how the time flies. At school I was a goofy, spotty, back-chatting kid who never really knew what to do with her life - and although I'm now 41 I still don't know what direction to follow, however I'm not goofy and spotty any more. I'm living in the Southwest having left Thame at the age of 16 and moved down to Plymouth with my parents. I married a Royal Marine and we were together for some 12 years but divorced 10 years ago (no children). I'm now working in the NHS as a PA to a Neurosurgeon, and although the job is demanding I really enjoy it. Weekends are taken up with water sports or drinking – take your pick I'm quite good at both. I've fritted in and out of relationships but fortunately I've never been pinned down for too long since my divorced. I have child substitutes called cats, but they never really get in the way of my life. I travel abroad 2 to 3 times a year for holiday and weekend breaks so this year I have decided to buy a property abroad, some where in the sun to warm my bones now that I'm getting older. I miss the opportunity of bumping into people who I knew from school, the chances of that are pretty slim and although I have a fantastic circle of mates I still miss the people I grew up with and went to school with.

In the run up to last Christmas many OTs shared their experiences of the cultural exchange with a school in Germany. We have been contacted by Paul Lloyd, who was teaching at LWGS, and was part of the team which instigated this link. He shares his memories with the OTA.

Shortly after I joined LWGS in the Autumn Term 1963, the Head, Jon Nelson, received an invitation to a meeting at County Hall in Oxford called by the Director of Education. I think his name was Chorlton. I was asked along too. The meeting was to launch an initiative to link Oxfordshire with the Allgau and to introduce the man who would coordinate efforts to link individual schools. If my memory serves me his name was Wyn Owain. I had some useful discussions with Wyn about what sort of school we would be looking for and there the matter rested for a little while. In the following summer the Wenman School had a visit from the Realschule in Kaufbeuren. I laid on a short course in basic conversational German after school for pupils at the Wenman in which the new Head of Lord Williams's, Geoffrey Goodall, also took part. I believe it got some publicity in the local press. My wife and I put up the leader of the German group, Herr Weise and this led to his inviting us to stay with him the following year.

By the summer of 1965 we had our link school, the Peter Dorfler Schule in Marktoberdorf and I decided to take up Herr Weise’s offer in order both to have a family holiday and to meet my opposite number, Roland Muller. We had a lovely trip and were made very welcome by everyone. The result of our discussions was that we set up two initiatives. Firstly we arranged for two pupils from Lord Williams's, Horne and Quarterman, to spend the Spring Term 1966 at the Peter Dorfler and secondly for a party from LWGS to travel to Germany at the Easter. In this we were helped by Wyn Owain who arranged for us to borrow a County Minibus. On this first trip my co-driver was Henry Blythe who taught Latin.

We received a party from Marktoberdorf in the summer of 1966, I believe, when the county made another minibus available to take our guests on trips. I remember going to Stratford and Warwick, for instance. The pattern was repeated in 1967 when Smith and another pupil whose face I can see but whose name escapes me spent three months in Germany and I made another minibus trip, this time with Norman Good as my co-driver at the Easter.

My memory is vague about German pupils spending time at LWGS, but I'm sure such visits did take place.

Colleagues in Germany whom I remember well, apart from Roland, include Dr. Schmauch and Gerd Rockl. I also have fond memories of a lovely lady who worked in the kitchens and looked after us very well, Frau Schmidt.I think that covers most of the points I can remember, It was certainly a most stimulating and rewarding time. I am delighted to hear that the link continued to flourish after I moved on to teach in Essex.

Louise Perry -1973 is now teaching in Warwickshire.

Reunion for circa 1950 to 1970 leavers (those who might have a little more time on their hand and wish to pass a barmy summers day hearing the thwack of leather on willow.) 6th July 2006 at the OTA cricket match.

The format is similar to that used in our 3 previous events:

- Meet for coffee etc at The Barns Centre, Church Road, Thame (between St Mary's Church and the old grammar school)

- Informal buffet lunch at 12 noon, pay bar available.

- The School v OTA cricket at 14:00, venue to be decided nearer the date when the condition of the school pitch is known. If unsuitable the game will take place at Thame Cricket Club.

- Tea provided at 16:00

All are welcome!

Please contact John Maris via members@oldtamensians.info

It is with sadness that we record the passing of Ken Hermon (1936-1940) on Friday 3^rd February at his home in Burham-on-Sea, Somerset.

Jon Polden (left 1958) Following Founder's Day 2005 Jon wrote to say : 'I realise now how much I regret that I have not visited for so many years. The changes to the school and town are remarkable. One thing that I did notice was the politeness and obvious enthusiasm for the school from those students who were present and took us round. Another was the appearance of the place itself.I saw no litter bins and yet no litter! No graffiti, superb displays in classrooms and corridors and the generally high standards of cleanliness, all, I am afraid, a stark contrast to what I have been used to in schools around here.'

Helen Jones (left 2000) I am an ex pupil of Lord William's school Thame and live in Chinnor. I am currently a 4th year medical student at the University of Birmingham. As part of my course I get the opportunity to complete a practical placement in a hospital abroad to widen my perspectives of healthcare around the world. I am planning to complete work in a community hospital on the south coast of Sri Lanka. This is in order to investigate the psychological impact the tsunami has had on health and the physical manifestations as a result in a society that does not recognise psychological disorders. I was wondering if an Old Tamensian would be willing to help support me in this educational placement?

If you are interested in helping Helen please drop us a line at members@oldtamensians.info and we will put you in touch with her.

Cliff Nixey (1950 - 1958) The pieces on Willy Howe have brought back a vivid memory of that time.My last memory of him was playing for the 1st XV on the last Saturday of the Christmas term against City of Oxford School, a much bigger school than ourselves. As wing forward I bound against Willy who was second row so it was a shock to hear at the start of the next term that someone who had been so alive only 3 weeks before was dead. That particular match stands in my memory also because it was the last match that Mr Julyan Bunney, an inspirational teacher and rugby coach was in charge as he had been poached by Carmel College. As a result we played like boys possessed and won. The team was captained by Jake (now Lord!) Maxton. Others in the team photo were Henry Westbury, Ernie White, John Wilson, Nick Wolfrey, Gordon Wells, Ben Bradnack, Terrance Barnard, Wilf Newman, Peter Read, Drum Maxton, Jim Maxton, Arthur Harris and John Goodger. Why is it we can remember names from 50 years ago but not that of the person you met yesterday! My regards to anyone of that team reading this. I hope it also brings back memories for them.

Peter Franklin (1940 - 1945) Is there anybody out there who was at the school then, I see little snippets but they are always much later, when I first turned up at the school coming from a council school to the 1^st. form in the square down near the swimming pool with a round iron stove at one end for heat in the January of 1940 how different it is now! I followed all the others when it was the first break out into a large field with slit trenches down each side of the gravel path to the flat area at the bottom. I, with four others (David Davidson, Pat Davidson, Ronald Goodearl, And David Walsh), we all travelled on the train from Princes Risborough this meant not getting to morning assembly, as the station was the other side of Thame.

Memories (1) the year it snowed on and of for several days until one day the snow was very heavy with a strong wind, on getting to the station were told that the cutting along the track had filled in completely so we decided that the only way home was walk the 7 miles along the track, on the way we found the cap that David Walsh had lost out the window I wonder who threw it? An-way just to let him know we had seen it we walked all-round it and walked on, so when the train did run in a couple of days there it was still with the foot steps around it, a thought would the children of today walk the 7 miles of course not just use a mobile. (But there was no petrol for cars or any other transport) Memories (2) the incident at lunch time on the last day of term, when in those days if you didn’t have school dinner you were supervised in the assembly rooms by a six former, in those days the school Hymn was sung at the end of assembly before going home, only on this occasions as the science master (Old Ping) sat to play but which ever key he tried the sound was terrible, as it had been tuned with a pair of pliers, so the Hymn was sung without music, A C Dyer dismissed the hole of the school except the early dinner boys in order to find the culprit, with no success I would love to know if the one responsible is still alive I can see him now with the pliers in hand.

If anybody is interested I have more memories. Contact Peter via members@oldtamensians.info

Michael Cook (1962-70) Living in Kalamunda, Perth, Western Australia. My wife Carolyn and I have just completed a 17 week trip around the World and we met up with several Old Boys. We had a wonderful stay in Toronto with Graham Broadhurst and his partner Kay. Having spent a week in Toronto, we all went to live the high life in New York for 4 days. In England I met up with Pete Daplyn and enjoyed an afternoon tea with much talk about rugby and cricket. A real highlight of our holiday was to stay with Barry Mott and Anne in the Lake District. We were the best of friends at School but had not really met up for 30 years. They have a wonderful B&B in Windermere and we were overwhelmed with their hospitality. We are looking forward to their trip to Oz in the near future.

Koon Hung Chan (1979 - 1985) Consultant Urologist at York District Hospital since April 2005.

Koon Loong Chan (1981 - 1987) Consultant Obstetrician / Subspecialist in Fetal Medicine at Nottingham City Hospital since October 2005 and then from February 2006, will be at St Mary's Hospital, Manchester.

Ian Wallace (1983 - 1991)I have never provided any information on what I am up to in the past, so if you are short of things to include in the next edition, the following tries to summarize the last 15 years into as few words as possible......I Left school in 1991 and spent 4 years studying for a Masters degree in Electronic Systems Engineering at the University of York. Since University I have been working for BT in their Broadcast & Satellite division. 2002 was an interesting year! - 4 months working in the US and then being diagnosed with cancer towards the end of the year. Surgery, Chemo and more surgery seems to have sorted the cancer!!!At the end of 2003 I got married to Ruth. In April this year our first child (Matthew) was born. We are currently living in Aylesbury but looking to move back towards Thame.

January

Anthea Wawryka. 'Just graduated from UWE, working for UK Trade & Invest.'

Joe Ryan left in 1996 and then worked for Welcomm Networks and Canon. 'I live and work in Japan as an English Teacher. Having an amazing time here and will be staying another year. Next going to cycle across China.'

Francis Osbourn left in 1976 'Hi, I'm living in a lovely little village in West Oxfordshire, near Witney (our house is an equal distance from each of the 2 village pubs!) and work for a management consultancy. Did the marriage thing (twice!!), gave up on that and now live in unmarried bliss with Pete. No kids but two gorgeous chocolate labs :-) I'm sure it can't be that long since we left school - how come I still feel 25??

Emma Horwood 1988-1995 is a single Mum with a daughter living in Weymouth and working as a nursery nurse. Rebekah Ross - also of the same years - went to Durham University and now works as a Planning Consultant. She's married and lives near Basingstoke with her husband and three cats. Another 1995 leaver is Richard Walker.After leaving school he started working for Beefeater...'Married since 2000, had my first child in May 2004 a beautiful daughter. Ran the 6 Bells in Thame for 2 and half years - also a Thame town counciller. Now running a pub in Ealing London. Still a mad Newcastle United fan so much so I am a season ticket holder at St James (I must be mad!!!)

Everyone should visit Steve Bingham's website and buy his first solo album. Steve was at the School in the mid 70s and proceeds from the sale will go to Cam Sight - the Cambridge Society for the Blind. He hopes to raise at least £1000. Please support him.

www.stevebingham.co.uk

After leaving Lord William's, Stephen studied violin with Emmanuel Hurwitz, Sidney Griller and the Amadeus Quartet at the Royal Academy of Music from 1981-1985, where he won prizes for orchestral leading and string quartet playing. In 1985 Stephen formed the Bingham String Quartet, an ensemble which has become one of the foremost in the UK, with an enviable reputation for both classical and contemporary repertoire. The Quartet has recorded numerous CDs and has worked for radio and television both in the UK and as far afield as Australia. The group has toured in Europe, the Middle East and Australia and has worked with distinguished musicians such as Jack Brymer, Raphael Wallfisch, Michael Collins and David Campbell. The Quartet's educational activities have included residencies at London’s South Bank Centre, for several UK festivals and at Radley College. The Quartet is also known for it's many performances of new works by some of the best young composers in Britain.Stephen has appeared as guest leader with many orchestras including the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, English National Ballet and English Sinfonia. He has given solo recitals both in the UK and America and his concerto performances include works by Bach, Vivaldi, Bruch, Prokofiev, Mendelssohn and Sibelius, given in venues as prestigious as St. Johns’ Smith Square and the Royal Albert Hall. In recent years Stephen has developed his interest in improvisation, electronics and World music, collaborating with several notable musicians including guitarist Jason Carter and players such as Sanju Vishnu Sahai (tabla), Baluji Shivastrav (sitar) and Abdullah Ibrahim (piano). He has appeared on two World music CDs with Jason Carter and the fusion group Ragatal. Stephen's debut solo CD "Duplicity" was released in November 2005.

Bob Overell was visiting from Seattle. He met with Jerry Axford in Wheatley and Jerry suggested that another reunion of the Class of 1966 be organised - any thoughts? He also met Martin Corrall who's living in the wildest west reaches of Wales and sells financial packages (pensions, life assurance etc) to doctors. Finally, he plundered the larder at Graham Thomas's home in the Cotswolds. Graham - after four years of being a house dad - has now returned to full-time work with a marketing services company and heading up a global operation with a brief to develop a communications and media business.

Of the same era, John Clibbon who taught art and was responsible for some memorable sets for School productions can now be found living in Churchgate, Bury St Edmunds. He came to the School in 1967 and left three years later having made a profound mark on many pupils. He organised a trip to Florence; played rugby for Chinnor and cricket for Thame. He taught both sports at the School. In addition he had both CCF and Pioneer duties and was known to be undinting in his enthusiasm to throw himself into many activities.

Douglas Hawes who left in 1955 is retired and living in Munster, Germany.

Susanna Gale has stayed on to do a third year in the 6th form: 'Living in Aylesbury, I'm currently in my third year of Lord Williams's sixth form, re-taking year thirteen to get the grades to go to uni in September 2006. I'll either be at Portsmouth studying Travel Management and Hospitality or Chester studying Tourism Management and International Development studies. I'm hoping it'll be more interesting than it all sounds...Chester's my first choice.'

Lisa Tooke was at Lord Williams's from 1990-1997. She graduated from Chester in English and Dance and lives in Hemel Hempstead and working as a Web/Graphic Designer.

December 2005

Sam Coggins came to Lord Williams in 1988 and then in 1995 went on to Sparsholt College in Hampshire. Then he went to the University of Wales, Bangor but now, as he writes, 'I'm still healthy and full of life and living in glorious Vancouver, BC, Canada. I'm engaged to the wonderful Angela, due to be married in 2007. I'm just finishing off my undergrad - a few years of working life were enough - and then I'm starting my Masters in entomology and remote sensing, all at UBC here in Vancouver.' Another 1995 leaver is Zoe Rebecca Allen, now living in Leighton Buzzard. She writes, 'Hello all, I simply can't believe it's ten years since leaving school I coudn't resist but to take a sneaky look at what everyones been up to. I'm getting married in a few weeks to Jake Morgan (another Lord Williams decendent) living it up and working hard. Great Ormand Street is my latest venture which I am loving, great position for shopping. (Still my favourite hobby) Hope you are well and not too wrinkly !! LOL Zoe Allen xx

Peter Stanford-Davis left in 1978 and is now running The Riverside Inn, a seven bedroomed pub that overlooks the River Severn in Shropshire. He's married with 2 children. A description of the pub can be found on Alistair Sawday's Special Places to Stay. Still on pubs, Katie Austin who left in 2003 is working at the Cavalier Pub Company in Chinnor as Admin/Accounts Assistant. This is my third job since leaving school. Been with Dave (Crooky) my older man for over three years now. When I say older I mean 43!!!!!!!!!!

Andy Arnold is settled in the Isle of Man.

The Government have contacted us regarding the artist Sebastian Carr who was at the School from 1940-45. They own an example of his work and would like to contact his Estate so they could obtain permission to reproduce it. If anyone has any contact with his Estate or surviving relatives please let us know.

A reunion of the class of 1947 is planned for May 2006 most likely taking place in Wheatley. One of the organisers Alan Osborn can be contacted on asoborn@ntlworld.com

There is also Class of '47 website http://lordbill47.osborn.ws

Would the following kindly make their whereabouts known to Alan: Barnet, Cook, Fantham Finney, Goldsworthy, Ian Gordon, Griffin, Harris and Arthur Triggs.

Editor's addition. Notes from Sept 1947: Form II joiners - P D Alsworth, A R Barnett, A W Cherry, M T Clark, R Cripps, C D Cross, B G S Doman, E W E E Fantham, B H Finney, A T Gillard, I G Gordon, R S Griffin, A C Harris J J Howes, A C Kingston, P J Martienssen, J A Maxton, A E Morton, P F Murphy, A R Osborn, J E R Osborne, E C Pym, L E Semour, P B Shewry, K E Surrage, A P Triggs B L Wallis, R W Williams. In total 30 new boys started that September including 11 boarders. By the end of the term they had this to say about their first impressions: 'All members of the Form have had quite a successful first term in work and games and we can provide some good scholars and sportsmen. We are impressed by the School grounds, which we think are very well kept and the gymnasium. We have none of us such a good gym before and have enjoyed our work there and particularly the games conducted by our PT instructor. Our favourite subject is Science - we like doing practical work in the Chemistry Lab - but some of us are linguists too and a few even enjoy Latin, though we have yet mastered the school Hymn. We are proud of the fact that one of our members sang two solos at the Carol Service (Finney 'who though his pace was slow surprised us with by the volume and purity of his voice.') and we are all agreed that the cases of stuffed birds in the Form-room look nice.''
Alsworth and Morton seemed to have got off to a good start by achieving high alpha scores in their first term. Thursday 18th Sept was a half holiday to visit Thame Show, and later in the term the school was closed to install a boiler. A Taylor was the Head Prefect with P Mirams as School Prefect. P Mirams was also captaining the 1st XV and they had a mixed season, winning 4 and losing 4. One of the matches lost was 0-24 to the OTs. School and Harris did well in the House matches. And by the end of the Term School was leading the House Challenge Shield. On 18th December the 3rd Carol Concert was held in the Parish Church. The weather was reasonable if showing both wind and sun rain and snow - though the first frost was on 23rd September. Fog was also frequent and snow fell on 18th November.

November

Caroline Smith. After leaving Lord Williams's, Caroline first went to Rycotewood to do a Foundation Course and then on to Buckingham Chilterns. Now she is studying an MA in Jewellery Design at St Martins. She is available to undertake jewelley commissions.

News of recent leavers: Alexandra Allen is studying History and American Studies at Swansea. Edward Atkins is in his 2nd year studying Mechanical Engineering at Bath and is Chair of the Sailing Club. Emma Baston who was Head Girl in 2004 has just finished a Clincal Placement and is now back at Bristol reading Medicine. Emily Bryant has taken up a place at the London School of Theatre and Music. Amy English is reading Psychology at Derby. Helen Evans is taking a Foundation Course in Art and Design at Reading College. Tom Grellier (who's younger brother is Head Boy) is reading Life Sciences at Manchester. Harrison Hillier is studying Sports Science at Gloucester and is playing rugby for the University. Daniel Issac who was Captain of the 1st XV is in first year at Portsmouth studying Sports. He too is playing for the University's Ist XV. Lorna Jones is reading American Studies at Nottingham. Jason Lang is on a 4 year Mathematics course at St Andrews. Patrick Maydom, a former Head Boy, studies Chemistry at Sheffield. Lauren Michael studies Politics and International Relations at Dundee. David Miller is in his 3rd year reading Archaelogy at Southampton. Rachel Moore is in her 2nd year at Manchester reading Psychology. A former Deputy Head Girl Sarah Normington spent the earlier part of this year in Australia and has now started German at York. Kimberley Osborne first did a Foundation course at Oxford Brookes, and then went onto Portsmouth where she is in her final year of a Communications degree course. Elizabeth Parsons is studying Mathematics and Economics at Bristol. Jennifer Pillinger is taking an Art Foundation Course in Abingdon. Her brother Stephen Pillinger is reading Theology and Biblical Studies at Sheffield. Gregory Price is studying Law and Security Sciences in Hull. Former Head Girl Rosie Ryan is studying Politics at Sheffield. Samuel Smith spent a year travelling before going to Newcastle to read Ancient History and Archaeology. Alex Stevens is a Structural Engineer at Sheffield. Clare Stone has been acting since she was 8 and is now doing a 6-month drama course at the Oxford School of Drama. Peter Stratton is taking a gap year and working as a Christian Youth Worker for Grapevine in Bridgewater. Mark Trueman is studying Biology at Glamorgan; William Eason Sports Studies and Megan Roberts Photography. Philip Alcock is in his 3rd year reading Aeorspace Enginnering at Manchester. Bernice Chapman is also in her 3rd year - studying History at Manchester. Emma Steedman who is qualifying as a Beautician hopes to go to the London School of Fashion next year. Paul Turner is both working and studying for an NVQ2 in joinery. Fay Warwick is in her final year at Oxford Brookes reading History and Politics.

David Karsten who taught Classics at the School in the early 1960's came to Founder's Day. Having studied at Reading University, he joined the School in 1959 on a wage of £600 per annun, . He also taught some English and Scripture. He left in 1964 to take a Diploma in Education at Oxford and was replaced by Henry Blyth. Norman Good was also in attendance and he and David remembered the time when they had both led the Scout Troop. When teaching at Thame, David had lived in digs first at Kingston Blount and then in Thame itself. He was a member of Thame Players and regaled us with stories of life as an amateur actor. On a tour of the School, Norman was able to note that the original Periodic Table that he'd pasted to the wall of the Chemistry Lab sometime in the 1960s was still there. David is now living near Reading and Norman in Dorset.

Bob Champ 1961-67 has been teaching and living in Weston-Super-Mare since the early 70s.

John Turner 1960-67 is teaching and living in Lutterworth. He teaches politics at Lutterworth Grammar School, a non-selective Leicestershire 14-19 Upper School providing education to around 1900 students.

Paul Dore who was Head Boy in 1966/7, is living in Thame and works for Bucks County Council.

Henry Blyth MC was selling poppies on Thame High Street on Founder's Day.

Robert Peacock who left in 1965 for a Royal Navy Officer-Cadetship is now a senior manager in air-traffic control.

Charles Boyle has been in regular contact recently. As we explored themes at School, it was perhaps no surprise that eventually yet another torried bullying story should emerge from the late 1960s. As we did with David Smart last year we highlight these issues as bullying is still a national problem at schools and we hope that by recounting these stories it may help others understand. Today, there is more help available and if any student suffering from bullying needs support, they can start by clicking on to www.bbc.co.uk/schools/bullying/

My twin brother Richard's bullying was worse than anything I can imagine: continuous and often violent bullying, not just cold showers and apple pie beds, but being locked in a laundry basket and skittered down the steps in the boarding house, hung upside down by his feet from the first floor dormitory window and being the target for grouped towel flicking. I didn't always realize how bad it was for him, but should have had the courage to stop my parents off-loading us after an out-Sunday: the first glimmer of the lights of the school after we had passed through Watlington and Richard would go silent, and my body would tense up. We would be dropped off by parents not wanting to believe that they might be leaving their children in such a state.

On out first morning my brother came down to breakfast with his tie just tied as one might a piece of string, because neither of us had worn ties before, and mine was a bit neater than his. The refectory went drop-dead silent and everyone watched him come in. My heart still quivers when I think about it.We had been at Joscas where there were two places available - one a year ahead of the other. On the toss of a coin I was given that place, and Richard my twin brother the year below: at the time it was crayons and stuff, and the difference gradually unfolded over the following years. We both failed the common entrance exam, but were borderline, and when there were 2 places in the 3^rd form at LWGS, we were offered them, even though I was only at the 2^nd form level, and my brother a year behind me. When the School realised the mistake, he was put back to the 2^nd form, and this evidence of intellectual incapability, coupled with his dressing skills made him the target for everyone who could spit. My pleadings to the prefects and the house masters fell on deaf ears and I copped it for dobbing people in, and for trying to get others to protect him instead of sticking up for him, and letting him fight his own battles. In the end I could do little, and he suffered incredibly, eventually leaving and undergoing many months of psychological rehabilitation before re-enrolling in the local secondary modern school from where he went on to study to be a teacher at Milton Keynes. He was brilliantly creative, even wrote to and had tea with JRR Tolkein when he was 12. For some LWGS was great, but not for my brother. He could not understand why he was being punished when he had done nothing wrong. I have forgotten much of those who turned their backs on him when he called for help, and I cannot now find a way to forgive, for each little act in its own way seems almost trivial now, but when put together they were a torrent that fell on his head.

Sarah Laughton (nee Bell) gave this year's Foundation Lecture"Maidens, Fine Legs, No Balls - an insight into Women's Cricket." She attended Lord Williams's between 1987 and 1994, in her final year was Head Girl. Sarah is a prominent figure within the world of Women's Cricket, which has recently been in the spotlight when the England Women's team successfully took the Ashes this summer. Since her time at Lord Williams's Sarah moved on to study at Oxford and was awarded a Cricket Blue. Since then Sarah has represented her Country and has played for the MCC Women's XI. Sarah is married to Nigel Laughton, who is the current manager of the ECB National Cricket Academy at Loughborough University.

Gerard Gould: an evening celebrating the 'fantastic and unstinting support Gerard Gould has given the actors, and to the Oxford Playhouse' was held on Sunday 30th October. A report of the evening can be found at Gerard Gould and among the audience were several OTs, and others that had come into close association with the School. Geoff Goodall (with wife Marion) gave the key speech. Geoff of course is now retired and lives off Cumnor Hill in Oxford. Another retired teacher (and looking years younger) was Robert Wilson who taught English in the late '60s and early '70s. His last post was as Head of 6th at Merchant Taylor's. Jackie Kiers also belies her age. Still living in Oxford, she often directs and produces and currently is rehearsing a play on Sherlock Holmes that will be performed at the Old Fire Station in Oxford during December. She asked after many students - if you want to meet up with her get along to the production. Peter More was another distinguished teacher who was present. Nigel Cooke was one of the alumni that took to the stage that night. He is currently performing in Stratford with the RSC, will tour in the next few weeks and will be performing in London during the New Year. Ben Foster is, as he informed us in his hilarious skit, living in Chiswick, is married to a Swiss/Spanish lady and most of his time now appears in commercials. He did tell us how many children he has but this was lost in the laughter. As he said, 'Gerard would never approve of all the commercials I do - sorry Gerard but needs must.' Cate Fowler has been successfully acting for 34 years and now lives in South London. Another actress living south of the Thames is Maggie Evans, more precisely in South Norwood. Her parents (her father was Headmaster of Wheatley Junior School) still live in Tiddington and Maggie has been doing much work recently with audio books for the blind, and is starting to work with a comedy duo. Hal Fowler was there with wife Kim Wilde and impressed the audience with his singing. Meg Davies first met Gerard in 1964 and appeared in War and Peace and Post Mortem. She went on to The Central School of Speech and Drama and this was followed by a varied career in the profession. She now lives in Norfolk with her husband Brad and two dogs. And finally Martyn Read. He first met Gerard in 1957 when he was 12 and Gerard had come to the School to teach English. The highlight of Martyn's school acting career was, he says, playing Maria in Twelfth Night when he had to sit on the knee of the Head Boy playing Toby Belch. Now he is often seen (and heard) as Captain Birds Eye. (Indeed a radio commercial was heard that very same day.) Also among the guests were Sir Roger and Lady Bannister, and Tish Francis, Director of the Playhouse who came on stage to tell the audience how unstinting has been Gerard's support for her work.

Gerard Gould Evening - a report on the evening and an overview of the plays mounted from 1957 until 1974.

Richard Baker - has a business selling stage equipment and designing for corporate events.

Martin Hutchings was recently encountered casting for a new TV programme. Recent programmes he's directed include episodes of The Bill and Waking the Dead.

October

Rex Thomas was a member of staff from 1949 -1952. This may well seem a voice from the past, but I am writing to thank you and all those associated with the OT newsletter for continuing to send it to me without fail. I live many miles from Thame and am now in my 82nd year, so you would have every reason to believe that I cease to exist. I did write to your predecessor years ago, when I was Princpal of the Sixth Form College in St Austell but I am now long retired and many of my contempories at LWGS are no longer with us. Thame was my first teaching post and Mr Hugh Mullins appointed me to teach history and run the CCF. I remember that Mr William Guest was Head of History and I can recall the names of Miller, Bagretim, Seal, Anderton, and dear old Dr Wolfe. There was also a young man named Peter More who took over the CCF from me, and of course, my great friend Don Wolley (who visited us over the summer), and a Cornishman Julyan Bunney, who taught physics and gave me very good advice so far as discipline was concered. I expect you have never heard of these people but they helped me to begin my very happy life as a schoolmaster and LWGS remains a very happy memory, which your magazine has done a lot to preserve.

(Also on the staff in this period was A J Simkin of Loughborough College who took charge of PT when Don Wolley took a year's sabbatical to take a course at Carnegie College. A Miss Mary Hamlin taught various subjects to the juniors having taken over from Miss J Hoole.) Boys who joined in 1950 included G D Arber, A R Bagnall, A E Buckle, R Cadle, G V G Cornish, R Dawson, J M Goodger, D R Green, T A Harryman, D M Hawes, R W Hawes, M J Howells, I H Hurdle, P L Lock, W M Logan, C K Lewis, D P Nappin, C Nixey, J R Polden, C R Shurrock, M J Stevens, A R Tarr, D P Tysoe, G A Wells, D A West, R K Whitehouse. There were 174 on the school roll. In 1950, notes on the CCF reported the following: At the end of the Autumn Term we once again experienced an almost 100 per cent pass rate in two Certificate 'A' exams. The examining body congratulated us on the high standard of drill but we recieved some criticism on the map reading, which was rather weak throughout the whole company. During the Christmas holidays Cpls Blunt and Maxted attended a PT course at Figsbury near Slaisbury. Both came back fighting fit and later Lieut. Thomas received excellent reports of their physical prowess. Many congratulations to Maxted who has been accepted for Sandhurst. Dare the Force claim any credit for his success? This term has seen regular parades on Monday and Thursdays, and help from Bicester has also taken a more regular turn. The Bren has been covered reasonably well but map reading still presents difficulties. What, however, must be watched is the Drill, which, lately, has not been up to the former high standard. Mr Vye has given some very useful lectures on the 'Section in Attack' and his instructions were put to the test in the Field Day Exercises. In very wet and muddy conditions, three sections practised attack and defence. At last cadets seemed to have a much better picture of what was taking place, and consequently the schemes were less riotous. In past terms it has been difficult to know how to maintain the interest of post Cert 'A' cadets. Therefore these people lectures have been gieen on Jungle Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, and Chemical Warfare. The last of these was kindly given by the Headmaster. We have still found difficulty in arranging .22 shoots owing to the incalculable movements of the regular army but we are hoping for better luck in future. We are happy to say that Cadets Beecham and Poole are going to Malvern for a fortnights Engineering Course.)

Kristina Morey 1992 -1999 At uni studied Social Work. I wasn't looking forward to getting a job, so went travelling after uni to get myself in more debt, why not!! Travelled round the world in 2004 and then went back to Thailand this year, really good fun everyone should do it. Now I work in High Wycombe as a Social Worker in the Team for Older People, really enjoying it. Pretty much the same person I was when I was younger. Still live @ home but it's not so bad.

Mike Gray came from Barley Hill School in 1994 and left in 2001. He then went to the Kent Institute of Art & Design where he recently graduated with with a BA in Photography. Melanie Mullard was also at Lord Williams's until 2001. She left to go to the Oxford College of Further Education and then Abingdon College of Further Education. 'Now I'm studying Buisness and Dance at Bath Spa University and I'm curently studying Education and Language at Barcelona University for a semester. Adiós!'

Gabriele Mair - First let me introduce myself: My name is Gabriele Hoiss, formerly Gabriele Mair. I was a pupil at "Peter Doerfler Gymnasium" resp. Gesamtschule Marktoberdorf from 1965 to 1972. In May 1970, I visited LWGS together with 11other pupils. Although this visit to Great Britain was one of the most important events in my school career and helped me to develop and to find my place in life I had completely forgotten about the details. Thank you, Klaus, for reminding me of it. I feel the same about the visit. Especially the headmaster, Mr. Goodall, and Mr. Bradnack will never be forgotten. How did I hear about this website and Klaus Binko's letter? Unlike Klaus, I have kept in touch with my host parents and their children throughout my life. My host family were the Goods - Valerie and Norman (chemistry teacher at LWGS) and their children Michael, Stephen and Sue. The long-lasting friendship with the Good family has been very precious to me, as it has to to my parents and, later, to my husband. After the exchange and especially during my time at university I was always welcome at their house when I spent some weeks travelling around England: even bringing friends was no problem. Their hospitality was incredible. The Goods have visited me quite often - also the children and their families. This August Norman stayed with my husband and me in Munich, where I live. I had not seen him for 22 years, but as we exchange Christmas letters regularly we felt there was only a short period of time between his last visit in 1983 and the one in 2005. Norman Good forwarded Klaus' letter by e-mail so that I became curious: Could it be possible that Klaus had been on the same party in 1970? I found an old album covering my "early years" and - yes, he was. Sorry, Klaus that I had forgotten you: I was already 18 years old and the 16-year-old boys were not of much interest to us girls, who tried to draw the attention of either the older pupils or even the young teachers to us.

I have to add one thing that the LWGS pupils who visited Marktoberdorf might not know: The reason why some of us were older than the British pupils was not only "Durchfallen": The "PeterDoerflerGymnasium" had a branch that supported older, but gifted children, who otherwise would not have had a chance to enjoy higher education. We did the syllabus in 7, not in 9 years. Latin was our first foreign language, English the second one. Apart from the academics like maths, science and languages the emphasis was put on music and the arts. I was 14 years old when I came to Marktoberdorf for my first year at Grammar School and took my finals when I was almost 21.

In our exchange party were the teachers Herr Bauch (Maths, Physics), Herr Roy (Sports?) und Fraeulein Weber (English), and pupils Klaus Binko, Theo Christoph, Angela Dornacher, John Glueck, Heidi Klarwein, Alexander Koerber, Roswitha Lederer, Georg Mahler, Siegfried M(?)ahlhofer, Gabriele Mair, Wilhelm Renner, and Theresia Schmoelz.

(A photo of the 1970 group has been added to German Photos)

(The 1970 programme has been added here.)

Laura Currie went to Southampton Solent University where she graduated in 2003. She was really impressed with the attitude and motivation of the course leaders, which made Southampton Solent University her first choice. The location was also great, not too far from her home in Oxford, yet near the sea. The course itself seemed ideal and put her in a good position with regards to what she wanted to achieve in her career. Within a week of finishing her degree, Laura was offered a job with Blazepoint, a project and product-based rugged engineering solutions company. Initially she worked as a design junior to help detail drawings but after six months she began working with the design engineers to project manage the range of printers and computers that the company produced. Laura has been with Blazepoint for over two years now and has just started as a defence business analyst, where her role is to interact with the client to investigate and determine user requirements in the project life cycle. In future she would like to work as an interface between the business development and design teams in helping develop logical concepts and practical solutions for Blazepoint. Laura says, 'When I graduated from Southampton Solent University, I had no idea that I would be working within the defence industry. I really enjoy the challenge and am keen to continue to work within the defence market.'

Teresa Dodd (now Butler) 1973-80 I was interested to read the message from Rob Bridgman in the Newsletter. I was at School at the same time and remember Linear Motion well. I was a singer in an other band with fellow student (and boyfriend at the time) Robert Fell who played bass. We played a gig at the School with Linear Motion (can't remember whether we then called Private Enterprise or Adaptor!) Would you please pass on my e-mail to Rob to see if he remembers me and so that I can find out more about the get-together.

Catherine Meek It's good to hear news of members from my old tutor group from time to time. I would welcome any other news. I left LWS to help my husband run an engineering business. Following his death and various jobs - including Parish Clerk - I ended up teaching Applied Business at Rycotewood College. Now thankfully retired I do voluntary work and look after grandchildren.

Greg Price (year of 2003): Left School two gap years ago, firstly to do a couple of A-Level retakes and secondly to decide which University course to do. I also worked full time before taking two trips to Australia, one in each year. The first to visit relatives in Cairns and Adelaide, whilst the second was with Thame Youth Theatre as part of an international youth theatre exchange called MIDAS. This exchange also turned out to be my first acting experience, performing on the stage of His Majesty's Theatre, Perth. Up until July 2005, I also spent time at 594 Sqn Air Training Corps in Thame, where I held the rank of Instructor Cadet Warrant Officer. In September, I started at the University of Hull as a student of the politics department, studying for a BA Hons degree in War and Security studies. Currently living in a hall of residence and making many new friends. I'm also taking a refresher course in scuba diving ( UK Diving ) before taking an advanced diver course in the Spring. After the end of my three year course, I hope to join the security services, however I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. I hope all my old friends and acquaintances are doing well at Uni; I'm sure most are in their final years. If you would like to contact Greg please drop the OTA a line at members@oldtamensians.info

Malcolm Behenna went to Chinnor Primary before joining Lord Williams's in 1968. In 1974 he left and tried to be an Actuary but then became a DJ. 'Gave that up when I got married, became a Pensions advisor and then worked in IT. The great Equity & Law / Sun Life / AXA machine eventually spat me out with a redundancy cheque at the end of 2004. Took a little sabatical and did a little bit of this an a liitle bit o' that. Currently living back in Chinnor and working in Thame with MGR Aircraft Refurbishment. Still married with 3 kids who refuse to leave.'

Cameron Naish 1965-68 has recently been in touch with some thoughts about the Peter-Dorfler exchange.

Kate Spanchak: Left LWS in 1988. I have just returned from a week on an Arvon Course in Devon (which I thoroughly recommend.) The guest speaker was the author Helena Drysdale and we were given an insight into the lives of accomplished writers. I am still tapping away at completing my doctorate, when I finally finish it I am considering embarking on creative writing course and then hoping to undertake some global travel.

Dawn Roper (now Roberts) is holding another of a highly regarded Power Point presentation courses. We will soon be holding our next combined PowerPoint and personal Presentation skill course. We find, more often than not, that presentations can fall flat and be counterproductive because the presenter (experienced or not!), does not fully understand how to stage manage themselves with the technology and 'the set' whilst at the same time command an audience with a real and powerful presence. What we offer is an 'end-to-end presentation solution' where creative and expert PowerPoint training can be combined with personal presentation skills to enable people to give professional, practised, effective and dynamic presentations every time. It is being held on Saturday 12 November at South Hatch, in Epsom from 10 - 5 pm. It is fantastic value with a 10% discount if booked before 30th October. Moreover we provide a money back guarantee if people do not see demonstrable results following the training (providing, of course, all advice given on the day has first been followed!). Maybe you might be interested too? (If this date is not free then please register interest with us anyway and we will let you know when the next open course will be run).

www.powerpresentation.co.uk

Caroline Cunningham-Oakes went to Barley Hill Primary School and came to Lord Williams's in 1989. She left in 1994 to go to the Oxford College of Further Education and then she went on to do art first at Winchester School of Art and then at Camberwell. Now she's working for the Thames Valley Police.

Wesley Brookes came to Lord Williams's from Icknield Community College in 2000, studied A-levels and left in 2003 to go to Buckingham Chilterns University College. Now he's studying for a PhD at Liverpool University. He writes. 'Met Katie in May of this year and have now been very happily together since. She's been back with me to Chinnor once for a week but only managed to catch up with a couple of friends, and only briefly at that! Studing has just become work now. Up until the begining of this week I was getting closer to the start of my third year in my PhD, now I'm a Research Assistant, which makes me a full time member of staff here at the University of Liverpool. My studing will continue on a part time basis and I still hope to complete around the same time which will be around twele to eighteen months from now. This will should be possible as the project I'll be working on is very similar to my PhD project.
On the subject of my studies it has allowed me to get out of the country again for the first time since '98 with two trips to the states, one for a meeting with sponsors and the second to present in a conference in Texas. All very enjoyable, however I really did suffer with the jet lag when your only stopping for three days!'

Amy Walker 1998 I am currently still living at home and single. Working with my mum in her cake decorating shop in Thame.

Nigel Dix 1968-75 NVQ Assessor in Care. Living in Pembrokeshire in the cottage we have spent a year restoring. Married with 2 boys aged 4 & 6.

Carolyn Ward the first female pupil joined in October 1969 and left in July 1970.

Andrew Cottrell -1989 Living and working in Dubai, UAE (for the last 9 years.) after 1 1/2 yrs. working in Vietnam & Egypt. Working as a Chartered Construction Surveyor & Builder. Married to Debbie. Proud Dad of Matthew Laird, born on 10/09/04, No.2 due in Jan.'06 !!

Laura Hounslow who left in 1994 is Mrs Laura Green. 'Ed and I finally tied the knot in August 2005. It was a really great day and we had a lovely honeymoon in Rome.'

For those interested in the early history of the exchange programme with the Peter-Dorfler Gymnasium, Marktoberdorf, a page has now been added.

Chloe Owens, of Haddenham, a 14 year-old Lord Williams's student was fatally injured on September 30th after being hit by a car whilst crossing the Thame by-pass. Her many friends held a candle-lit vigil near the Aylesbury round-about where the accident happened, and where a sea of flowers now covers the ground near the scene.
Chloe's family issued the following statement:
"Chloe was a girl who brought an enormous amount of joy to all who knew her. She was a wonderful daughter to Suzanne and Stephen and a close sister to Natalie and Rachel. Her death will leave a very large hole in our extensive family.
Chloe was a very friendly girl who had no sense of barriers when making friends. She was a kind and forgiving person who could see no wrong. Her sunny personality will be remembered by all who were fortunate to come into contact with her.
Chloe will also be remembered for her “dry” sense of humour and how she would often mimic others. She adored children and wanted to work with them in the future. She attended Lord Williams School in Thame, and it was in Thame that she loved to spend her leisure time with her close friends.
We could not have wished for a better daughter and sister, she made all of us very proud. She had a beautiful, smile that could light the world, and often did.
We will miss her so much. We are honoured that we had time to be part of her life."

September

Klaus Binko has sent a selection of photos that are now uploaded (except for Leopard - our own choice.) We've also uploaded pages from the 1969/70 Peter-Dörfler-Gymnasium school magazine. Here you can view staff and student lists and the school calender. (The students who visited LWGS in 1969/70 would have been in classes 10a 10c 10d.)

Graham Thomas recently helped organise and spoke at a seminar hosted by the Prince of Wales. I only write this, he says, as the seminar touched upon issues that face all of us who have children at school. The seminar was set-up to discuss the lack of skilled craftsmen able to preserve and maintain our built-heritage. This lack of skills also impinges on our ability to build quality buildings in the future, including housing. One of the many topics discussed was the problem of educating children to believe that craftsmenship and vocational qualifications are as valued and 'excellent' as academic criteria. This is increasingly difficult as schools have done away with workshops and craft-based training and the focus is on paper qualifications. It was also highlighted that working with one's hands was a certain way of improving the pyschological health of the nation and that it was a way of getting the most socially disadvantaged re-engaged with society. Sadly, I was hopeless at woodworking, though the Saturday morning lessons at what was then the Wenman were a welcome respite from our usual diet. When these stopped after the 3rd Form, I remember that my Saturday morning lessons somehow managed to be the worst imaginable - to rub salt in the wound of having to do lessons at the weekend. Graham is a Trustee of Woodchester Mansion where the seminar was held.

www.princeofwales.gov.uk/news/2005/09.sep/woodchester.php

Jerry Green 1966-73 has recently moved to Tonbridge, Kent and is starting a new job with a French company.

Clive Hurst is Keeper of Rare Books at the Bodleian Library in Oxford.

John Polden went to Goldsmiths College after Lord Williams's and then started teaching at Gable Hall School in 1965. Then he taught at Bush Elms and then, for almost thirty years, at Chafford School until retiring this year. He's been married to Margaret since 1975 and has one son, and he and his wife live in Hornchurch. He works with the local Talking Newspaper. 'Also member of 2 accordion groups and play out with them quite frequently. Enjoy gardening. Hope to spend more time reading and visiting places that I've never had the chance to go to - long time member of The National Trust. Also want to take a more active part in our local Twinning Assoc.'

Klaus Binko has written a follow-up to his first e-mail (further below) and the notes that were added by the Editor. First of all thank you very much for submitting the names of those who were in Germany between 69 and 70! In exchange at the moment I am not able to provide such a list too, but will try my very best using private networks.

Theo Christoph who was together with me when we visited LWGS in 1970. As far as I remember, Theo's hosts lived in or near by Crawley and did ran a building enterprise. Theo later studied law in Frankfurt and than worked for his father's enterprise in Canada. A long planed reunion between us in 1983 failed as Theo was tragically killed in a car accident leaving his wife and a baby! Good bless your soul Theo you are always in my heart!

On your site Ian Waite in some way sounds familiar to me. Is it possible that his father was in the RAF and deployed in Akrotiri, Cyprus at this time?

Also thanks for the honest comments in the Editors Notes! It was very astonishing for me how different but also how precise your students perceived and described the German school system. Please allow me some remarks too! We were proud of our school because the facility was new, teachers on the average were young and progressive, and this made us believe that our school was something special in comparison to others in the neighbourhood. We did not see other schools like, for example, LWGS. Well the sad and boring routine which was described was true but was endured only by the boarders. About 40% of the pupils lived in the boarding house and 60% stayed at their families in or in the surrounding of Marktoberdorf. Those were the lucky one's who had their afternoons and evenings almost to their own disposition.Now in retrospect, I tend to the opinion that your impressions not only are right but also characterising succinct the school system in Germany. I think most of us when being a pupil never thought about an alternative to this system. Front teaching with little communication between teachers and students seems to be a typical German kind of the art. The teacher plays the role of an infallible entertainer and the student mostly remains in a passive consumer position as a believer of that what has been taught.

German teachers especially at this time were persons of respect, without any private aura. We could never imagine that Mrs. X or Mr. Y would have another life as a mother or father, as an individual with normal emotions and also failures; for us they were institutions.

I remember very well Mr. Gould's lessons using the instrument of theatre to transport his ideas to the students. And I was astonished about the enthusiasm and implicitness of the students acting on stage. A similar feeling we at home had only when working with Mr. Arthur Groß in the choir. Only very few teachers like Mr.Groß teaching music, Mr.Renner teaching arts and Mr. Gergler teaching German revealed themselves as human beings in inviting students to their homes and thus allowed us to achieve another more holistic relationship between students and teachers. Later in university I found this same experience that people gather to live and learn for a certain period of time and then say, 'O.K. that's it let's say good bye.'

We do not have an alumni association yet, neither in school nor at the faculty of veterinary medicine in Munich, but recently there were endeavours to found those and this give me some hope.

As you also know the school in the past was named Peter-Dörfler-Gymnasium to remember Mr.Peter Dörfler, a well-known Bavarian writer. In the early seventies the name was changed to Gesamtschule Marktoberdorf, which literally translated simply means comprehensive school Marktoberdorf. What a great idea! It took only about 35 years to come to the conclusion that it might be more charming to rename the school after a meritorious person - discussion is still on going.

I was telling my sons about my correspondence with the Old Tamensians and by this way asked them about their impressions of their current teachers. The two elder ones who now attend a grammar school too confirmed my observations. So what has changed within 35 years? A rather hedonistic way we continue to walk on?

We seem to have a school system that has the appearance of a teaching machine, the machine does have faces and names someone can remember and let it look human.

You might have brought it to the point in your description: 'Durchfallen' expressed admirably the bitter anti-climax of failure and the need to resit exams.

Then and now students very soon have to learn that the machine will do no harm as long as you strictly obey to the operating instructions.

Isn't it an irony of fate that the most exceptional and lucid careers often are made by those who almost did not meet the requirements?

There is to mention for instance Ellen von Unwerth a famous photographer now living in Paris and New York who was one of my class mates. Further more Dominik Graf now a well known film director, son of Robert Graf who was a famous member of Vienna Burg Theatre, and many others who often had quite a hard time at school. Say Hello to the results of the PISA Study for Germany! I like to clarify that it is not my intension to betray my former school; things mentioned above are only an unemotional and personal balance of what has happened to me when being a pupil and student and how I do think about this today. They did not know better- didn't they really?!

Some additional information for those who might be interested in:Headmaster until 1966 was Dr. Hennemann succeeded by Dr. Schmauch. Both are no more with us; Dr. Schmauch died approximately ten years ago, also Mr. Muller one of the English teachers has gone far too early about twenty years ago.

Finally, as everybody today is outing himself with something very important that the world has to know I would like not to stay behind and to do so also! Well I do confess I dislike sauerkraut too, especially if it is prepared alla cuisine de boarding house Marktoberdorf.

Fellow students of Klaus from the Peter-Dörfler-Gymnasium can contact him via the OTA Membership Secretary - members@oldtamensians.info

Photos from the Peter-Dorfler Gymnasium.

Ellen von Unwerth was born in Marktoberdorf in 1954. After leaving the she worked in a circus and then as a model. When this career ended, she turned to photography and is now one of the world's foremost photographers known for her erotic photographs of brothels and her work for fashion and editorial features.

www.staleywise.com/collection/von_unwerth/von_unwerth.html

www.staleywise.com/collection/von_unwerth_revenge/von_unwerth_revenge.html

She has published several books (the latest being Revenge that came out in 2003) and has made videos with the likes of Duran Duran.

An early photo of Ellen.

Dominik Graf - a list of his films can be found on IMDB.

Mike & Sarah Minchin So here's what've been up to. In July this year we moved from Northamptonshire to live in the Pays de Gex, France as I have a new job teaching at an international school in Geneva (which is just across the border). After a few months living with my husband's family we are now in our own flat in a lovely little town called Thoiry, we have stunning views along the Jura range and into Geneva. On a clear day we can even see Mont Blanc. My job is going well and our eldest son, Rhys aged nearly 5, is enjoying his Reception year at the same school. My husband is looking after our youngest son, Jamie aged 16 months, while he looks for a job too. Fellow students can contact Sarah & Mike Minchin via the OTA Membership Secretary - members@oldtamensians.info

Bernard & Dominic Jones Following a lunch with Julia Castle and Andrew Lawrence and their families a few weeks ago I was inspired to look on the OTA website and was glad I did so. I, along with my brother Dominic, were boarders and I well remember some of the names (all older boys) in the members names list. While Boarding wasn't always a barrel of laughs, in the end it did me no harm and I greatly enjoyed most of time at Lord Bills, all aspects of it. Sadly, but not entirely surprisingly, I am not in touch with any of my fellow boarders from my time like Andrew Deans, Tim Bebbington (the only other two from that day in Sept. 1977 to have stayed the course) and Jonty Pawsey, Richard Travers and others of course. Dominic is now living in Boston, USA and can be contacted via the OTA Membership Secretary - members@oldtamensians.info

Katie Wales - 2002 I'm still living at home, going into my final year of uni. I am doing a BA (Hons) in Textiles and Surface Design at Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College, High Wycombe. I'm hoping to pass with at least a 2.1 and go into fashion design or the buying side of fashion. I still do Irish dancing and compete when ever I can. This year, I came 10th at the All Ireland and International Championships and hope to do even better next. Have made lots of new friends but miss the old crew. If any of you want to get in touch, please do so.

Richard Foster-Turner 1978 Living in small Oxfordshire town not far from where I grew up in Brill, though I have been further away and come back as I lived in the US for a couple of years. Now married with 2 teenage girls. For a job, I'm a Company Director working in a high growth technology business selling instruments for scientific research. As a result I'm travelling the world (far too much).

Klaus Binko To the Old Tamensians! First of all congratulations to this wonderful website! I wish my school would have such a fine support in information and records of school history! According to a private move from Bavariato the Baltic Sea I was sorting my personal long forgotten treasures and by this occasion dug out some pieces that I have kept from my stay as an exchange pupil at Lord Williams's Grammar School. This led me to try an Internet search and so I found your website. Let me briefly introduce myself: I am a guy from Germany, to be more precise from Marktoberdorf, Bavaria and I was a pupil at the Peter-Dörfler-Gymnasium until 1973. After studying veterinary medicine in MunichI lived and worked in Mainz, Munich, Leipzig, Koblenz, Bonn and currently I do so in Kiel at the Baltic Sea. I am Colonel in the German Armed Forces Medical Corps. In 1970, I visited with a group of other pupils Lord Williams's Grammar School as part of an exchange pupil programme. Probably it was 1970, April and May because we all were introduced to the then school sensation, the only female pupil, Miss Carolyn Ward, who had finished a 400 years lasting period of male dominance at Old Bill's For us she was a sensation too but more as a nice girl to look after, as we were all accustomed to comprehensive school systems in Germany, and at home single gender schools, even at this time, were likely looked at as a curiosity. Only one girl at school, what a desperate, unfavourable condition! All our (male) hopes, dreams and plans of learning more about the British way of life by actively practising friendship and understanding between our nations were smashed to the ground!

But beside this little disappointment, the fact that school started at 9 a.m. convinced all of us that the British school system is second to none in the world!

After 35 years to dig for memories is a pretty hard thing to do, especially if these things happened in a surrounding I was neither accustomed to by language nor by routine of daily life. But on the other side travelling abroad, visiting school in a foreign country at this time was not implicitness but more an exceptional exciting and unique experience we were all happy to share with. Therefore some details remained in my memories still until now.

My hosts have been Mr. and Mrs. Jackson who lived with their sons Julian and Adrian in Brill. I read in the chronic that Julian recently was appointed as a professor at Queen Mary's in London and Adrian is director of a theatre company there. Due to the fine links you provide, I have contacted Julian by email and I hope he will send me an answer.

The cordially and warm hospitality of the Jackson family gave me an unforgettable time; I still remember the wonderful evenings, sitting after dinner in the living room and discuss politics, social life and culture themes until late in the evening. I have never learned so much about the British point of view again! In 1971 Adrian came to Germany as a member of the LWGS theatre group's Macbeth Tour and as far as I was able to oversee essential parts of 'Mission Macbeth' I do confirm the 'terrible truth' is true!

Among others two teachers of this time are still at present in my memories. First the sports teacher from Wales who sounds to us Germans like if he was coming from an outer galaxy and of course Mr. Bradnack the German teacher. It was his secret that we never discovered how to manage always being dressed in the same cloth. Probably he had numerous jackets, trousers and shirts of the same kind we supposed. At another time when we were invited to his home we saw in his bathroom the used dishes from minimum a week piled up in the bath trunk, a very distinguished method doing the household work. At least while I was sitting in a physics lesson I looked upon the desk in front of me and saw a carving in the wood: 'Bradnack eats people'. The physics teacher probably still today is wondering why a German pupil did find his lecture so funny that he was unable to stop laughing. Mr. Bradnack please forgive me, you have cared for us inexperienced guys like a father with always an open ear for our minor and major problems and being an original surely is nothing bad!

I tried to hold contact to the Jackson's but after some time lost it for reasons I do not know. One day, when I tried to phone them, someone other was in the line and letters kept unanswered.

As my parents were both very focused upon Italy and Greece I had either to join them or stay at home on my one during their holidays, but never could convince them to travel to UK. And as most of all other pupils or students too at this time I had to spend the little money I made with some jobs to keep my rotten VW Beatle alive, buy some drinks in the pubs and discos (like the Apollo11 in Marktoberdorf) and all in all no money was left to travel to Great Britain on my own.

Thus my personal connections to your wonderful country in general and especially to the LWGS faded away.

Later in 1984 and 1992 I came back to UK for professional reasons but stayed only in London. In 1993 I took a 3 weeks holiday travelling through Dorset and Cornwall but had no idea for the reasons mentioned above, to go to Brill or Thame. Between 1994 and 1996 I have been quite often in UK as the German Army used Castlemartin training range in Wales. I allays flew in and on my private excursions I went all through out Wales, to the West Coast, to Manchester and up to Snowdonia.

When in 1996 decision was made by the German MOD to give up tank shooting training in UK, I planned my last mission there by using my own car and thus having another holidays after I would have had performed duties.

By this occasion I suddenly got the idea to drive to Thame and Brill to search for old and long forgotten tracks.

The school looked rather different, no one was there to give me some information, the house of the Jackson family was sold to someone else but through the window pain I could see that the carpet on the stairway to the first floor was still the same. I stood captured in melancholy when a neighbour offered me her help. So I heard that the Jackson’s had moved to Cardiff, a town were I have been there so often within the last years and the neighbours relatives do own a hotel in Pembroke which I knew very well – the circle was closed in a different way I had expected.

I do not know if and how the story will continue but I want let you know as the keepers of Old Bill's history that there is someone living in Germany who has good and warm memories of a time years ago as a guest of your country and Lord Williams Grammar School!

All the best to you, if someone does remember me I would be happy, if not I do understand this. I apologize for mistakes in diction and grammar; of course I am a native speaker too, unfortunately my native language is German!

With cordially greetings from Germany Yours Dr Klaus Binko

(Ed Notes: Every year a party of boys - usually 5th formers studying German - would visit the Peter-Dörfler-Gymnasium Marktoberdorf at Easter. One group did this in 1970 with these impressions: the Peter Dorfler school had the appearance of an army barracks from a distance but our fears were soon dispelled as the pupils and staff were friendly and the school modern and comfortable. Many could speak excellent English and the headmaster Herr Muller was very hospitable. We felt totally lost in the lessons we attended. The German meals were not everyone's cup of tea and even some German's admitted they disliked sauerkraut.

A year earlier in 1969 Mr Bradnack had taken another party there and he returned saying 'that the trip was a disapointment in that too many of the party were not prepared to make a proper contribution to the success of the trip. Several seemed to do nothing but mock at everything and everyone and wanted to only to be released from certain restraints they found irksome in England.' Over the two years those studying German and who may have been in the parties visiting Germany included Baxter, Chris Borsing, Michael Good, David Jowett, David Parrett, Sturley, Eason, Drew, Clive Dickenson, Tony Bambrough, Martin Hutchins, Lawrence, David Moseley, Graham Rogers, Ian Waite, Julian Jackson, Steve Newbitt.

An account of an exchange visit to the School in 1966 described it thus: the day began with breakfast at 7.30am and lessons at 8.00am with the morning session not ending until 1.00pm, which was fatiguing. One trick though was to eat sandwiches under the desk to kill hunger pains. The first part of the afternoon was free but then prep started at 3.30pm and would continue until 6.10pm when the bell sounded and the evening meal began. Having said that, there were those who had perfected the art of avoiding prep and going into town. Work would then continue until 7.30pm and then the first pyjama-clad youngsters were shepherded to their rooms by a usually harrassed duty master. We found that pupils tended to be preached at in lessons rather than being given something to discuss, though we found Dr Schmauch in his lucid and forceful lessons on 17th century European History and Catholic dogma to be an ardent and quite entertaining lecturer. Overall, the atmosphere was less familar and easy-going than at Lord Williams. Here, pupils were taught in larger groups and there was less of a close relationship between teacher and boy. For most in Form 12C Abitur - the school leaving exam - loomed a year distant. Durchfallen expressed admirably the bitter anti-climax of failure and the need to resit. Most students are 20 or 21 when they leave. Drinking coffee in town during the afternoon was a favourite past-time and we found our German friends had high stamina - often burning the midnight oil to do prep if they'd been out. They could also drink much more alcohol than we, and the Faschings Ball, where everyone including the Masters dressed up in fancy costume, saw many dancing and drinking until after 5 in the morning.

Deidre Connor left Holton Park in 1962. Not quite an OT but one of the girls who was brave enough to be in the first group of girls who performed in a LWGS play (Cyrano de Bergerac) in 1961. 'I'm now living back in the UK having spent almost 13 years in Canada and then 5 in Paris. My life seems to have been an incredible journey since I left Holton Park and I often wonder what happened to everyone.' News of other Holton Park girls who took part in either plays or in the Colin Brookes musicals include Karen Draisey artistic director of CIAO and works out of Oxford; Karen Bowles lives in Maidenhead and is married to a pharmacist;

Owen Hughes Holland - 1999 Catch my band 'First Signs of Frost' on tour with Enter Shikari
05/10/05 - 'The Garage' Islington (London)
08/10/05 - 'The Pioneer' St.Albans (Herts)
09/10/05 - 'The Cellar Bar' Bracknell (Berks)
10/10/05 - 'The Fighting Cocks' Kingston (Surrey)
11/10/05 - 'Purple Turtle' Reading (Berks)
13/10/05 - 'The Park' Peterborough (Cambs)
20/10/05 - 'Silks Bar' Basingstoke (Hamps)
03/11/05 - Volume City@The Cobarna (Stevenage)
16/11/05 - 'The Haygate' Telford (Shropshire)
21/12/05 - 'Railway Inn' Winchester (Hambs)

Mick Hayward - 1982 After leaving Lord Bill's I studied Electronics at Hatfield. I now work in the London office of a large Engineering Consultancy, after having designed car electrical systems at Jaguar and roads at W.S Atkins. I am married with two sons (11 and 9), and near Sutton, Surrey. I still support Chelsea.

Sandra Hawkes - 1982 Been married since 1986. We have 3 children, Stephen 18, Lianne 15, and Kelly 8. I have been living in Cowley, Oxford since leaving Thame around 1984 time. I work mornings in an office at a Security Installation Company doing admin work. I still go back to Thame now and again to visit family still living there.

Jamie Sutherland - 1971 After nearly 14 years in the RN I left as a Weapons Engineering Artificer/Mechanician, and during the last 20 years I have worked as a test engineer invoved in Environmental Test Engineering. I am currently at TUV Product Service in Titchfield, Hampshire where I am involved in a variety of work from testing to calibration etc. I have only one lovely daughter Katy who will be 21 this year and has started a career as a singer. I recently divorced after 20 years of marriage and am now with my partner Jane who also has only one daughter chloe, she is an accomplished dancer. In my spare time I teach Karate at a local college and recently have started to learn to jive, (great fun and highly recommended). I would be interested to contact anyone else from my era.

Anton Keyte - 1994 I have been married for 2 years to Lucy and we live just outside Banbury.
We have 2 cats, but no kids and I am very happy with my life. I sell books to schools all over the south of England, which means a lot of driving, which I love. Things couldn't be better. It would be good to hear from any old friends..... antonkeyte@hotmail.com

Gareth Evans - 1998 Currently living in Florida, running a property renovation business. Loving life with a beautiful American lady.

Joanne Williams - 1982 Live in the beautiful Cotswolds not far from where I grew up in Oxfordshire - although only returned here after 17 years in Kent where I got married. Now have 19 month baby after years of trying. Have had lots of careers: first in the travel industry, then in the City for a firm of accountants, housing for people with special needs, selling fridge magnets and now self employed trading mainly on the internet selling studio pottery, ceramics and collectables.My beautiful baby takes up much time, hubby, bootfairing as sell on-line for a living. I enjoy collecting 20th studio/art pottery, love the art of people like Joan Miro and Kandinski. We try and buy art whenever can afford. We bought a limited edition signed Miro pouchour in Spain a few years ago -this is our pride and joy!

Aimee Braginton - 2001 Currently working as an Events Organiser for a marketing agency in Thame whom I worked for for 3 years until I left last year to work as a Recruitment Consultant for Hays Accountancy; which was awful!! So have now returned to the world of events and unsociable hours! Living in Berkhamsted with my partner Mark.

Gemma Terry - 1999 I now have a degree in Sociology and Criminology! and I'm currently working for Microsoft. Still living in Portsmouth.

Rebecca Slack - 1995 Hello...for those of you who don't know, I've had a year out from medicine due to illness but will rejoin the 4th year in Jan 2006. Counting down the days! Living in central Oxford still

Kim Harris - 1982-1989 On leaving school I spent 6 years in the Royal Navy (brilliant!) starting first at HMS Raleigh before moving on. Then moved into the Personnel/Recruitment field for the next 8 years. I'm currently the PA to the Managing Director of a large national food manufacturer. I'm married to Alan - who still serves in the Navy - with 6-yr old daughter Lauren and 2-yr old son Fraser. Last year we returned from living in Portugal (on a 2.5 yr posting with NATO) and now live in Swinton, South Yorkshire.

Steve Gaskin - 1984 Married to Michelle for 9 years, with 3 children and 4 cats. We were living in rural Lincolnshire surrounded by fields and funny smells, but now living in Northamptonshire surrounded by fields and funny smells. I can still be found hanging around the Thame area due to working all over the south east. Interests include walking, fishing, motorcycling.

Sam Lincoln - 1977 Left the Army in February 2004. Now a qualified private investigator, running my own company. (The International Protection Security Agency promotes professional standards in the UK - Ed.)

Lisa Parker - 1988 Living in Bicester with my husband David Moore who was in my tutor group throughout Lord Bill's. No romance between us at School if you are wondering?? It was 14 years later it all began!! I work as a Home Support worker for a Private Care firm based in Bicester. No Children yet!!! But we do have 2 cat's who we have just adopted. I still keep in touch with Michelle Tappin.

Alexandra Buckle 1995-1999 Alexandra creates contemporary silver head adornment. To complement her headpieces, she has developed a range of smaller scale jewellery items. The motifs for her designs are developed from drawings of architecture and structural objects such as chess pieces, churches and geometric window designs. These motifs are carefully pierced from silver, creating delicate structures reminiscent of the play of positive and negative shapes formed by wrought iron. Some of the structures are then distorted varying amounts using a rolling mill, to produce tall shadows of the original shape. If rolled very thinly, they take on a tactile, feathery quality when layered together. Alexandra was born in Oxford in 1981 and came to LWS in 1995. Then she completed a BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at Oxford Brookes followed by a BA (Hons) in Design and Crafts at Stafford University, Stoke on Trent. She graduated in 2004. Web Site.

Rupert Kirkham - 1972 The Hon.Rupert William Tyrwhitt Kirkham is the son of Captain Michael Kirkham and Pamela Williams - who became the 16th Baronness Berners in 1995. He was born in February 1953. In 1994 he married Lisa Lipsey and they have a son Edward. Before coming to Lord Williams's, Rupert was educated at New College Choir School and after leaving LWGS, he went on to Plymouth College of Art and Design. He and his family are now living in Bath where he works as a film and video producer. In 2004 he drove in the Plymouth-Dakar Charity Rally to raise money for a nursery.

Andrew Broadway 1993-2000. Since 2004, a PhD student at Edinburgh University in the School of Geosciences and studying 'Development of methologies for soil metal bioaccessibility and human health risk.' Before transferring to Edinburgh, Andrew studied at the University of Surrey and gained a 1st in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry. At Lord Williams's his A-Levels were Chemistry (A), Physics (B), Biology (B) and Mathematics (B).

Following this year's A -Level results: Rosie Ryan achieved four A grades, which has secured her a place at Sheffield University to study politics. Charlotte Goodwin, who also achieved all As, is going to Bath University to study business studies. Chris Daniels achieved four A grades and a place on a course at Cambridge University.

Zoe Jaques - 1989 Am working as a swimming teacher at a girls school in Northampton. Have just passed my ASA Club Coach certificate. I am Head Coach for the girls swimming club and run a swim school of 350 children - am just to start the ASA tutor course. Enjoying being single and having fun whilst looking for my ideal man. In the meantine I enjoy swimming, riding, watching films, parrots, Stargate SG1 and now Stargate Atlantis. And now spending time with Christian friends.

Cathryn Brannan - 1998 Director for DRA Communications, a PR agency in Hogshaw, Buckinghamshire. Still live in Thame (although now opposite Unwins!) but try to get out as much as possible!

Paul Davis - 1993 Very happily married - now known as Paul Lewis, living in Ascot, contract Project Manager.... currently working at BP in Sunbury. Looking to get a retail website up and running by end of the year. Spending most spare time Wakeboarding at Princes in Ashford.

Mathew Piercy - 1986 Left school to work at Ratners Jewellers shortly before the company Chairman stood in front of the IOD and declared that everything we sold was total crap. Having learnt public relations at Ratners I have been able to apply my extensive skills to a variety of roles since, currently a Northern European Sales Director for a US software corporation called VMware.
I live the life of an international superstar (solely in the High Wycombe area) and share much in common with both Damon Hill and James Dean - although thanks to a cruel twist of fate I look like Damon Hill and have the driving finesse of James Dean.
Needless to say it was a struggle to find a spouse but one day something great happened and I really landed on my feet. We're happily settled in Naphill, nr High Wycombe with 2 great daughters, Emma & Katie, and a Springer Spaniel called Dodger.
Life continues to baffle me but at 35 I'm starting to feel quite resilient and have learnt a lot about survival from my dog. Always believed I was destined for great things, still believe I am. Hope everyone is well and enjoying life.

Graham Clarke - 1995 I'm now enjoying life living in Australia, working out at sea with no plans of moving back to England. Also have a baby daughter named Scarlett.

Mark Brown - 1981 I live with my wife Arianne in Bicester (have been in Bicester since leaving school). I have a two year old duaghter by the name of Tia. Having spent the best part of 20 years working within IT (in the MoD), I'm now retraining to be a Health, Safety and Environmental Advisor. Our interests include Latin and Ballroom dancing.

August

Updated Macbeth page with cast list, reviews and a diary of the performances in Thame.

Malcolm Abbott 1939-42 Dear Membership Secretary. As I have been rather busy for the last 63 years you will probably not have any record of my existence but I came across the 1940 edition of the Tamensian recently and attach the copy of the page announcing my arrival, amongst many others. I was evacuated in 1939 from Tiddington and left in 1942 after gaining my School Certificate to start an Aircraft Engineer Apprenticeship at General Aircraft in Feltham. If you would like any further memories I would be happy to oblige. Reading through your web pages a few names of my contempories spring to mind but there seems to be very little information regarding the teaching staff, except the reference to A. C. (Rod of Iron) Dyer. More like Captain Mainwaring if I remember.

Sophie Lodge -1986 I'm living in Cornwall with Dom and our four sons Josh, Ned, Theo and Monty. We have recently set up our own boat sales company in Plymouth; I'm working there part-time and rushing round after the boys the rest of the time.

Jenny Cornish - 1996 After graduating from uni with a 2:1 in Business Studies I went travelling for six and a half months. I live in Muswell Hill, north London and work as a trainee chartered accountant.

Graeme Dyer - 1997 Living in Bristol, still working for SIG. Was living in Stoke for a while after Uni but transferred over to the west country and developed a taste for cider. mmmm. Recently moved to a really nice flat with a few other people, at the edge of the downs (for those of you who don't know Bristol, next to a big park) and I hope I can afford foreign holidays and stuff before too long.

Robert Jones -1985 Married in 1998 to Ameila. Our son, Thomas was born in December of last year.
We're now living in Dorking, Surrey.

Warren Churms was teaching at the School from 1982-85. 'You will remember me as "Wally", no doubt! Ex-PE Teacher, having trained at St Luke's College (Exeter University) and now selling document management and scanning services. Married to Cal (whilst at St Luke's!) since 1981 with two sons aged 18 and 15 (Sam and Leo). Still involved in sports coaching (rugby and football), living in Cambridgeshire and still enjoy a social drink!'

Caroline Snodgrass -1999 I finished my law degree in 2003, and after a year working at home I came to Bristol to study to become a Barrister. I am now in my final 3 weeks of the course (having accumulated almost £20, 000 worth of debt "yikes") and hope to undertake pupillage in September 2006 - hark at me I am all grown up haha.
For those of you who have been trying to get in to contact, please call me on my mobile (same old number) I would love to speak to you all again.Sadly my social life has ground to a halt since being in Bristol (post grad life is v different to "proper" student life) so when I get the chance I like to do some serious drinking and generally have fun. Still a big rugby fan - although if I am honest it's all about the men in tight shorts.

Rob Bridgman and Linear Motion -1973-1980 I am writing to arrange a reunion of Linear Motion and friends. Dave Sharp and myself were in the band while at the school and would be keen to fix up an evening to gossip over old times and perhaps strum a few chords! We would like to hear from? past members of Linear Motion and other bands and friends of those times. We will fix up a date and a venue when we have an idea of numbers and suitable locations. I was a boarder at the school from 1973 to 1980 which was good fun, I then went on to get a degree in Philosophy (and a bit of Pure Maths) at Leicester University. Since 1983 I have been in computing. On the music front, I have released an album with a band called Dangerous Age, which was with a German rock label and has been sold in Germany and Japan (but not in any sort of numbers that would give Robbie Williams any sleepless nights!). Mailto: RobBridgman@aol.com

Ross Liversidge - 1997 These days I'm a consultant - I do a lot of freelance work for several multi-nationals as a graphic designer. (Guess all the drawing in class paid off!) I've moved back up north, and live in Ripon in a loft apartment by the river. I still visit Thame when I can, if you see me around come and say hello. (Anime fan as well.)

Layla Byant - 2001 Graduated with a degree in TV Production and am now working my arse off in several rubbish jobs in an attempt to earn enough money to get me the hell out of here! Planning to move to the big smoke some time soon when i've bagged myself a 'proper' job in TV!

Graham Bradshaw - 1996 Currently married with one daughter. Working for a Mexican company called CEMEX as a mechanical engineer. Now doing NVQ level 3 then NVQ level 4 towards more technical engineering skills and people management. Ive been playing guitar for years now and i must say im a bit good at it, but then i should be after the price of the lessons. My fav' bands are Greenday, Foofighters, Snowpatrol, Keane, U2, James Blunt, Radiohead, Idlewild, Killers. Starting five a side footie with my bro. Just got my full motorbike licence, and yes 1000cc's are scary.

Cher Copcutt - 1992 No longer Cher Copcutt but Cher Warne, I married the lovely Paul Warne in Barbados on a beach in 2001. I am working in Milton Keynes for VW as a Administration Manager and no longer live in Thame. I have recently (30/06/05) given birth to a beautiful baby girl (Roxy) so along with Homer & Marge (our 2 staffies) we have a perfect little family.

Caroline Palmer - 1994 Working for Reuters in Nottingham as a software tester which I really enjoy. Got married last year, marrying Andy my bloke of over 8yrs, now expecting our first baby in January so exciting time for me on the way.

Melissa Burton -1989 I now live in Deal, Kent with my husband Carlos. We met in Ecuador, South America, where I was teaching English as a Foriegn Language and we now have a 5 month old daughter called Isabella. Also leaving in 1989 was Michelle Patterson - 'I have never managed to settle down, despite having tried on a couple of occassions! I have recently returned from travelling through India, Asia, Oz, NZ and South America and am currently working towards a teaching course so that I can go and live and work abroad on a more permanent basis....honestly, it has taken me this long to work out what I want to do with life. I'm still a bit of a chatterbox and consequently I love meeting new people and going to new places and catching up with old friends.'

Ruth Sheppard - 1985 I am happily married with 2 children and living in Aylesbury. Still in touch with Greg and Katie May, Louise Milcoy and Caroline Wills. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me and do any baorders know what happened to Dominic Jones? I am a teaching assistant at a junior school. David Picot who also let in 1985 is an IT Manager for an American bank, working in central London. Married for 14 years (Faith), with three children; Holly (12), Megan (9) and Lauren (6). Currently living in Stoke Poges, Bucks. Another 1985 leaver Carie Ledley lives in Aylesbury with Anthony and two daughters, Talia aged 11 and Olivia aged 7. 'I have always kept in contact with Karen Wyatt, Joanne Gower & Claire Chadwick, who were my best buds at school. Lived in London for a while and raved myself around the M25. Excellent time. Now feet on the ground (and head) being a mum to my girlies.'

Anna Cundall - 1986 After leaving School from 1986 to 1992, I worked with children and adults with special needs/disabilities in England and USA, travelling around Europe and the USA between jobs. Then took off for a year in 1992 to travel around the world. On my return, I gained a Diploma in Montessori Early Childhood Education, and then continued in higher education by going to university in London, to gain a degree(2:1) in Education and Community Studies. I am currently working as a project worker with adults with disabilities in East London, supporting people with housing, employment, advocacy, welfare benefits and independent living.

Andrew Laxton -1987 Living in Hong Kong for the last 12 years, married to Pippa and have three sons - Ollie, Harry and Archie. In the corporate communications industry covering the Asia/Pacific region.

Nicola Bates - 1981 I live in Dinton and have done for the last 9 years where we converted a squash court that was in the middle of a field into a house. We lived in a mobile home whilst doing this for 2 years but it has been worth all the hassle and the house is great now.
Am married to Philip Healy and have been since 1984 !! I have two children, Liam 18 and Jemma 16. Still mad on horses, bought my own horse 8 years ago when my daughter decided she was dedicated enough to have her own pony - she has been mad on horses since the age of 4 when she started to learn to ride. I have now bought a 7.5tonne lorry and can now compete, which I really enjoy - only on a local level though, nothing major.
My other half and I run a developing company, converting old barns or spec building between us. We have been 'doing up' or converting our own houses at the same time but this last one we have settled in and I have no intention of living in that much of a mess again!
Still keep in touch with my Lord Williams School (West) friends, Joe Gregory, Diane Godfrey, Paula Fox, Louise Driver, Ann Pargeter and Sarah Applegarth - every year we go to Centre Parcs for a long weekend, which is brilliant. Am in touch with Alan Mathews as he married a work colleague and went skiing with him in a big group last year.

Sue Richards - 1981 have a 3yr old daughter called Georgia and am single. I am moving back to Chinnor next month. I still keep in touch with a couple of my school friends but not on a regular basis. I'd like to say I'm older & wiser but I'm just older & wider!!!

Caroline Seaman - 1981 moved from Chinnor in 1983. I have lived in Bicester for the past 14 years and have been married to Tony for 11 years. We have 2 children, Isabella 9 and Harry 4. Clare Crean also from 1981 is living in Bucks, married with 2 children (Oliver & Gemma) and works in the film industry based in Central London.

Claire Anderson has just leaving School and 'I am just about to finish sixth form, and have a year out and go to Australia before going to university in 2006.' Another leaver Mark Stiles is going to study aeronautical engineering at Loughborough.

Paul Cossey who left in 1995 says 'I'm doing really well and completed my 5 year engineering apprenticeship. Now continuing at the same company... I'm off to Australia in December for a month then will decide wether it would be a good choice to move over there...I hope it is!'

Richard Wagstaff 1991-1998 Since leaving school I spent four years at Trinity College of Music, London gaining a BMus (Hons) 2:1 in music performance, with the French horn as my first instrument. I then spent a couple of years working in public relations as an account executive. I have now left that field of work and am a motoring journalist working and living in London. However, my main love since leaving school has been training and teaching kung fu. I have recently opened a club on Clapham High Street, where I teach two nights a week. I am aiming to become a full time instructor within two years, quit my day job and make it my career.

July

Sophie Cockayne -1992 Hi there, I've recently returned from working abroad in the Middle East with my husband Richard. I trained as a careers adviser in 2002 and did my postgraduate in London. Travelled quite a lot, much of it whilst I was cabin crew for Virgin Atlantic. I still love dancing and keeping it going one way or the other. I'm still in touch with Jane Cornish and she is my best fab mate. I'm hoping there might be a full school reunion for us all one day in sunny Thame.

Rob Foster - 1995 Been busy... Got a degree in music production at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford, have been DJing for quite a few years all over the place. Have promoted several club nights (still promoting one, now in its 7th year), making tunes, had a radio show, done some travelling around, started an event company (Enhanced Events), slowly delving further into the dance music industry...
Half living in South London, half living in Oxford. Not getting much sleep.... Got an amazing girlfriend who puts up with me despite not being able to see each other as often as i'd like, induldging far too much and generally living life to the max........

Gemma Binstead - 1997 After travelling around Australia with Anna Taptiklis, I achieved a 2 (1) honours degree in Psychology at Gloucestershire University. Since then I worked as a veterinary nurse and currently work as a dog trainer for Hearing Dogs For Deaf People. I am also running my own puppy training classes and studying towards a Masters in Companion Animal Behaviour counselling. I compete in agility and flyball shows with my Springer Spaniel, so look out for us at Crufts!

Angela Drury - 2002 is studying for a degree in Human Organisations at Northumbria University in Newcastle. Charlie Taylor -2000 is about to start his final year at uni on a graphic design course and has started doing animation. At night, he works in a rock bar in Leeds. Ben George -2002 was awarded a First in his undergraduate degree in Physics and Computer Science at University of Kent and is now set to start a PhD in Applied Optics in Canterbury. Ben Johnson -2000 is working in London as an interior architect. Elspeth Bucanan - 2000 is now Morgan as she married in April of this year. She finished her degree at Bristol in the summer of last year, and for the past year has been working in sales in Hertfordshire. Now she is starting a PGCE in September, and wants to teach languages. Ruth Atkinson - 1999 is working as a service co-ordinator for a small telecommunications company in Stockton, works part time as a beauty therapist and is also training as a make up artist at college. Daniel Hall - 1993 has just qualified as a commercial pilot and is looking for work. Currently, he's living in Shabbington.

Two OTs live in Texas, Jane Thompson -1973 and Vanessa Bonner-Davis - 1976. Jane is married with 3 children - 15, 19 and 21 and living in Sugar Land, near Houston. Vaneesa has 4 kids (age 13 - 21) and works full-time as office manager for a small engineering company.

A Reunion for the class of 1988-1995 Anyone who completed their 'A' levels in 1995 might have worked out that we've been away from Lord Bills for 10 years. For those who left before A-Levels, it's been even longer and therefore it's high time we had a reunion. Come along for an informal gathering at the Six Bells in Thame (our old haunt) on Saturday 6 August 2005 from 3pm onwards. All invited, with partners, and children too where applicable! Please contact Margaret Ridgway (M.H.Ridgway.96@cantab.net) with any queries. In case you've forgotten: The Six Bells, 44, Lower High St, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 2AD , Tel: 01844 212088

(The Six Bells recently won the coveted Thame Festival Best Pub or Club competition, which came to its climax in June, with a Tug-of-war.The Star and Garter was 2nd, Towersey Sports and Social Club was 3rd, The Cross Keys came 4th, Thame Snooker Club 5th and the Nag's Head came 6th).

Graeme Dyer - 1999 I played in the Old Tamensians rugby match in 1999, got my A levels at Henley College and went to Leeds Met' for a BA, before moving to Bristol to start a job.

Stephen Hutton 1961-1968 I am a Director/shareholder of a firm of Insurance Brokers, Underwriters and Pensions Consultants based in Leeds, and have been for the last 20+ years. I have been married for 34 years, in July, with two boys age 30 and 29. I played rugby for Huddersfield for 20+ years playing for teams 1 to 6 (plus Vets), making many friends and thanking Lord Bill's for the introduction to the sport. I have also been heavily involved with local tennis, still playing and enjoying district league tennis, men's doubles only (!!!!). We have travelled the world watching tennis tournaments and wished I had taken up the game earlier. Overall do I enjoy life, yes, am I happy, yes, do I wish I had worked harder at school, well...!! Maybe.!

Paul Calow 1988 - 1992 I was one of the last few boarders at Lord Williams's and was around to experience the boarding house's sad demise. I was fortunate enough to experience living in the main building, Greenacres and Highfield and have fond memories of all three houses and resident staff. I'm now living in Oxford with Sarah Tokeley, another former pupil at Lord Bill's.

Geoffrey Cradock - 1942 Started at the Royal Veterinary College (evacuated to Reading University) where I met up with Derrick Hester who was studying agriculture, in January 1943. Qualified in Dec 1947,and went into practice in Basingstoke, subsequently Stow on the Wold, and finally Camberley Surrey where I had my own practice until retiring in 1983. I now live in Dorset with my wife, dogs, and other animals. We have one son who is a teacher working in Switzerland.

Jairo Zaldua - 1980 living in London as an artist. He's kept his passion for music and films. Until the beginning of 2000, he was part of the Colosseum Project of artists until relaunched ourselves as Luna Nera, continuing the project of site-responsive/site-specific art in disused urban spaces. Jairo has been working with Nicoela Green. Jairo studied at the University of Hertfordshire, specialising in printmaking and painting. Nicoela studied at the Roehamptom Institute, specialising in ceramics and painitng. They both are also involved in musical projects. They are also film-makers, and have completed a video film I'm Not Like Everybody Else. In their visual art, Jairo and Nicoela combine their range of skills to work in an experimental fashion, in 2D and 3D, on a variety of materials. They print onto burnt wood, scrap metal and various fabrics, in addition to etching, collographs, monoprints, linocuts, silkscreen and woodcuts. They have exhibited their distinctive work in many group shows in London, and Jairo has exhibited his work at the National Theatre at the South Bank Centre.

Tim Sumner - 1968 who was in Wykeham House, played for the Colts cricket and the tennis team, now lives in Maclesfield. He's married with 2 adopted children from China and is a dry stone waller.

June

Laura Herbert - 2002 I'm still living at home with the folks and currently working at a printers. I'm working on a book keeping course which is nearly finished so hopefully soon I'll be on double the pay and working on becoming a fully qualified accountant. The last year has been majorly hectic. The best bit to happen was my Mum and Richard getting married. There's been a lot of downs too. I had a car crash that nearly killed me, my mum and dad have both been ill, and my nan has just died of leukemia. Other than that life has been pretty good. I have made some great new friends over the last few months, one in particular being my ex. Anyone who has known me from a long time ago would probably see me very differently now as I'm much louder, confident and outgoing. My accident made me look at life differently so I appreciate so much of my life now!!

Karen Lewis -1985 Been living in Lincolnshire for 2.5 years after 15 years in Milton Keynes. Been married to David Mumford for 16 years and we have 3 lovely girls, Hannah, Emma and Sarah.
It's great to see what some of you have done since school. Still keep in contact with Amanda Kensett and have seen other people when I've been down Chnnor/Thame way.

Chris Borsing - 1971 I am living very happily in County Wicklow, Ireland. I am married, and we have two adult children. Ireland has suited me for seeing everything at a different angle to the usual line of thought. I am now, after one career shut down, starting up where I left off after school: I am an English Studies undergraduate at Trinity College, Dublin, utilising all my years of deviation from the norm to enrich cultural life! This year I was elected, halfway through the course, a Trinity Scholar - an early opportunity to wear silly clothes, swear in Latin and dine as in Hogwarts, while chatting intelligently with young rocket scientists (well, they sound intelligent).

A message from Claire Whiting...I wonder if anyone can help me. I'm trying to find out the results of the CSEs and 'O' levels that I sat in 1979!!!!. Can anybody who may have a certificate please tell me which exam board Lord Bill's was using at the time.Many thanks.

(If anyone has the information please let us know but we think that O levels might have been the Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations, and CSEs the Southern Regional Examination Board.)

I read Will Cook's description of Mike Fethney. It is exactly the same Mike who taught me History at Rishworth School where Mike became Head of History in 1966. He had to cross the quad to get to the 6th Form room. We used to stand at the window looking down at him singing, "Dun de la dun dun dun dun, dun de la dun dun dun dun" to the James Bond theme tune. Why we did this I have no idea but we found it hysterical.You're certainly right about his muscular christianity, to coin someone else's phrase. I was completely taken aback by his combativeness during the school masters v pupils rugby match. Nontheless I am sure I speak for many at Rishworth in saying that Mike was by far my favourite teacher. A true "Mensch" as Yiddish speakers say. Finally, I always remember Mike saying that he found men's kneecaps more aesthetic than womens'!! Perhaps this should be discussed further in say, 250 words! Yours Edwin Holland, Rishworth School (left 1967 in time for the barricades in '68, Mike always knew I would be a Trot!)

Dave Owen 1964-71 Divorced, have a beautiful daughter of 26.Old friends from Lord Bills include- Ray Allinson (he who bought the first Lambretta on the block), Nigel Young, Crispin Thomas (Crispin, I ask you!) Norman Taylor (handy having a mate whos dad ran a pub). I went to Westminster Teachers Training College but I lost contact with everybody when I moved to Norway.

Karen Dick - 1989 Went onto Oxford College to study 'A' Levels, then to High Wycombe to do Nurse training. I met Andy, now my husband, and we have two daughters, who were born in March 2000 and October 2002. I currently work part time at one of Oxford's hospitals. Now live in Witney and very happy!

Amanda Lewis - 1987 Hello everyone it's Amanda here just to let people know I' m still living in Aylesbury. I got married again in May this year to Dave -I met him through Friends Reunited after 14 years apart so it does work for some people. I work at Stoke Manderville Hospital as a care worker and love it. I still see a few people from school around Thame, Chinnor and Aylesbury.

Jamie Hazeldine - 2001 I have just finished university and in the process of looking for a job in sports development.

1973 Macbeth tour - the terrible truth.

An OT has an apartment to rent on the North West shore of Lake Como (approx' 700 metres away from the Lake itself). www.lakecomoapartmenttorent.com

Charles Boyle who is living and working in Perth (the Australian one), is working for Colliere Menkens Pickwell Architects. He would like to make contact with any OTs in the area and can be phoned on (08) 9328 8833.

Chris (Cameron) Poole -1992 At Lord Bills I was known as Chris Poole which isn't the name on my birth cert, not that I knew or cared at the time, I was having too much fun. I am single having recently come out of a relationship with Danish girl I met in Phuket when I was working as an English tutor. We lived together in Bangkok for almost two years and now I am in Scotland having just quit smoking and boozing, and hoping to get a script commissioned for Channel 4

Graham Ducker -1980 DJ/Radio & TV presenter. Use my middle name for a stage name, so I've been Graham Charles since leaving school! Still travelling all over the world! 22 countries so far. Switzerland the best, New York 2nd, Malta 3rd. I speak 5 languages now. (Here's a diary of a week in Graham's life from Malta Today.)

Sarah Charles - 1984 I am living in South London, married to a GP and we have three lovely children. Two girls and a boy age 16, 8 and 6 years.

Paul Ashford 1966-73 I've spent the last 30 years working for the Blood Transfusion Service - originally as a medical laboratory scientist and more recently as IT Director for the Welsh Blood Service. After a couple of false starts, eventually did my degree in maths through the Open University. Married with three children and one grandchild, and living in Cardiff.

Adam Courtney - 1989 Work in computers (surprise) as a consultant, contracted to HP. Have been self employed for the last 4+ years, kind of tired of the IT world fancy a career change but hey it`s a living. Bought a house in Bury, then built a house in Bury where we still live.Getting married in June to my fiancee Claire...she's the best thing to ever happen to me. (I'm being watched)

Susan Lowman - 1976 My family moved from Chinnor in 1973 to buy a hotel in Lostwithiel, Cornwall. I met my (now ex) husband, Steve, when I was 13 and we married on my 20th birthday.
We moved to Somerset in 1981 where Steve joined the Police service and our first daughter was born. Stacy is now 23 and works in the film industry in London (currently working on Little Britain) and Dean, 21, is a very intelligent new-age hippy who works with people with learning disabilities and is about to bundle up his possessions and travel the world in his camper van...
Steve and I divorced 3 years ago and I now live with Mike in the beautiful village of Stogursey in Somerset where we enjoy a really peaceful life walking the fields and making wine...
I work in admin for Bridgwater Social Services.
I am still best friends with Brigitte Crome (now Brundle). We used to live next door to each other in Lower Icknield Way but she now lives up Chinnor Hill. I still regard Chinnor as my spiritual home and visit when I can....well that's about it really...bye.. .

Sean Johnson 1971-73 B.A. Dip. Arch. Oxford, MSc (Arch)(Cons) is an associate of Clive Lucas Stapleton and Partners, architects and heritage consultants in Sydney. He has worked as a conservation architect in Sydney and the UK for the past 18 years and has been involved in projects such as the conversion of Somerset House, London, and restoration of the Railway Institute Building, Surrey Hills in Sydney. His recent work includes the restoration of two landmark Victorian mansions, Swifts at Darling Point, and Rona, Bellevue Hill.

Graeme Dyer 1992-1997 I left after GCSEs, went on to get a degree in 2004 and now live in Bristol.

Adele Fowler -1994 Still alive....just! Lived in Thailand for four years - perfecting my beach bum talents.Worked in Oz for a bit and been back in Blighty for about the same.....how depressing.... ! I am now a mum and have a beautiful baby girl called Amelie. So I have now given up work (hurrah!!), and am full time mum for the moment. It' s great - now cooking like a demon - Mrs Rowland will be pleased. Hello to all!

Robert Sankey 1956-1963 I was at school as a boarder and am keen to find contemporaries after all these years.

Alison Jeffery - 1995 Although I have been in Pakistan for over a year as a volunteer through VSO (www.vso.org.uk), it took me 6 months to get to a permanent placement, due to problems with the one I accepted before I left the UK. I am now living in the middle of the stunning Karakoram mountain range in northern Pakistan, where I work as a teacher trainer. I am working in three schools and with a small teacher-training centre. The teachers' skills are limited and many of them have had little or no previous training. Small changes will, hopefully, make a huge difference to the education they offer. One of my schools is literally at the foot of 7000m Rakaposhi! There aren't many better views in this world than the ones I see every day! Blossom time has just finished and the valley is once again green after the barren greyness and endless cold of winter.

(Link here for a fascinating diary of a trek in the region.)

Bev Godfrey (nee Roebuck) 71-77 Thanks for your latest email which mentioned putting our profession on the website - would it be possible to do this and if so how? I now run my dad's company (Sprint Sports & Leisure Ltd - started in Chinnor while I was at school) offering corporate and leisurewear with embroidered logos. Thanks.

Roger Holland 1968-73 Living just south of Bristol. After about 24 years being married, I am now divorced. I have 3 children aged 22, 19 and 11. Still working for Lloyds TSB, my first job started at 16, although last year I was seconded to the Bankers Benevolent Fund (a charity for bank employees and their families) to help them set-up a new support service to beneficiaries.

Hannah Green I am of the class of 2005 , I am just finishing my A-level course. I am hoping to attend the University of Southampton to read history. I particularly enjoyed my time at lord Williams's owing to two things. Firstly the fantastic team that makes up the history department at the school, and secondly my role in the debating society. I was the first female president of the debating society and while I was president, we were glad to welcome distinguished politicians such as Boris Johnson to the School and also hold a regular selection of debates that I hope continues further. The history team at Lord Williams's was brilliant and has thus inspired me to read history.

Mark Trueman Mark is part of the Senior Student team at LWS. He has a place at Glamorgan University for Autumn 2005, and hopes to study chiropracty. He was influenced in this decision because there is an excellent Tang So Doo coach in that area. Mark began to train for this martial art less than 2 years ago. He gained silver & bronze in the Southern area championships in 2004, followed by 2 bronzes in the Nationals. This year he gained gold & bronze in the Southern area championships and a bronze in the Nationals - narrowly missing the bronze in free-fighting.

May

Pamela Lloyd - 1999. Having graduated from Bath Uni in June 2003, I went for a bit of a look round the world, came back to the UK and am now working for an environmental consultancy in Abingdon and living in Thame.

Lauren Oxlade - 2004. I' m at uni