Old Tamensians: Alumni News 2004

Michael Spencer the current Headteacher will be retiring in August 2005. (See News and Events.)

Kate Curtis who used to teach at Lord Williams's as Head of Modern Languages, has been appointed as the new Headteacher of Wheatley Park School.

John King 1949-1955 is a retired music teacher and now lives in Norwich.

Ian Borsing who left in 1978 is running a pub in Taunton and would be love to see some old school friends across the other side of the bar.

What news of more recent leavers...? April Spary -2004 is at university in Canterbury; Simon Gray -2003 writes, 'Am off travelling the world shortly then going to uni studying law, better late than never.' Thomas Kendall-Smith, 'I am in my last year at uni studying Sport with Media. Am planning to go around the world with my girlfriend (Sam) when we have finished.' Kate Kendall, 'In the final year of my Theatre and Media Degree. The weathers bad in Wales, the accents strange but still having a good time. I'm now off to Australia for a year away.' Ruth Butler, left in 1999, 'I live in a village near Bicester, am married and work in the disabled aids industry.' Steven Tracey left in 1995 and is now in the pub trade. 'After Thame, Chinnor and Stone, got myself a cracking pub in a tiny village near Brighton after a brief jaunt up north. I don't know how I ended up in the pub trade because as you know drinking and pubs have never really interested me that much. Funny old world.' He still plays rugby and now enjoys shooting as well. Suzanne Robinson is studying veterinary medicine at Emmanuel College Cambridge, and Simon Bates is reading English at St Annes, Oxford.

Ian Beverley is happily married with 2 kids, living in North Yorkshire. Left the RAF after 22 years, now working in Northallerton as Director of Procurement for the Northern Procurement Group.

Jason Shipperley left in 1990, Studied at OCFE for 2 years and have gone on to work for a few airlines and corporate business houses with relation to the travel industry. Currently work in Medical Repatriation in SW London as an Account Manager. Married to my beautiful Italian wife and very happy.

Anton Keyte 'Having left Lord Bills in 1994 before finishing my A levels, I never did go back to study, I did finally get my hair cut short though! I have done a number of different jobs since dropping out, from care work with autistic pupils (the reason I dropped out), to retail store management for a computer company. I am now a Sales Account Manager for Databiz, a CD and DVD duplication company in Kidlington near Oxford.

Chris Giles 1966-73 I've been living in Orkney for 15 years with Gill, my wife of 27 years and my two children Kate (22) and Harry (18). I've been teaching for 26 years in London and now here after studying at Trinity College, Oxford. I'd love to hear from fellow ex pupils.

Bryan Clayton Joined Royal Fusiliers 20/6/1950 as National Service intake. Transferred to the 2nd Battalion Queens Royal Regiment at Iselohn, trained and served as a drummer in Corps of Drums, Discharged June 1952. Served in TA after the colours in 262 Regt. Airborne Royal Artilley until 1956. Returned to the City on demob working for stockbrokers. In 1974 went into the banking industry until retiring in 1989. Heavily involved in amateur motor racing from 1959 to 1992. Own a 33 foot motor cruiser and a classic MG.

Graham Thomas' extraordinary new book Extremes: Contradictions in Contemporary Japan is now on sale (just in time for Christmas). You might have seen some rave reviews in the national press - it takes an original perspective on his life and travels through Japan. Stocked by both Waterstone's and Ottakars, it is also available to order through your local book store or can be purchased on line at www.amazon.co.uk www.amazon.co.jp or www.amazon.com

Nicola Barton (now Roche) left 1986 Hello there! I have just looked at the website for the first time and see that I am on the missing list. My name then was Nicola Barton. I am now Nicola Roche and am living near Pontypridd in South Wales. I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the upper sixth in 1986.

Andy Arnold. This is a note to let everyone know that from the end of February 2005, Carole and I will be moving from Lincoln to the Isle of Man. We are travelling there again at the end of January to finalise jobs and somewhere to live (temporarily) before finding exactly what we want.

November

Dr Cliff Nixey 1950-58 has recently been awarded the BOCM-PAULS Cup for outstanding service to the British Poultry Industry. He recently retired as Technical Director of British United Turkeys Ltd who are responsible for the breeding of more than half the world's turkeys, having been with them for 41 years after leaving Reading University. He has formed a consultancy company, Poultry Xperience Ltd, to maintain his contacts with the industry.

An invitation: an OT is mounting an art show with recent graduates from Goldsmiths' and is inviting all OTs to the Private View. Who knows, you might discover the next Damien Hirst or Sam Taylor Wood. 

Private View: Monday 29^th November 7-9pm

Show Runs: 30^th November – 12^th December, 10-5pm Mon – Sat, 11.30-5.30pm Sunday.

Place: St Pancras Church, Euston Road, London NW1 2BA. Nearest tube: Euston or Kings Cross.

J W Fountaine 1934-39 I was a day-boy for the first three years then a boarder for two. I enjoyed the friendship and loyalty of the latter. We were ruled by a rod of iron by A.C. Dyer (Headmaster). I passed School Cert. in ’38 (with 5 credits) and left LWGS after one year in the 6^th. We were taught cricket and rugger by R Miller and this he did very well. I played rugby for Aylesbury RFC until I was 33, badminton at Thame until age 63, and a little tennis. At School I played 1^st XI cricket in 1938 & ’39 (wicket keeper and vice captain) and 1^st rugby in 1938 & ’39. I have met and chatted to 5 of that 15 this year 2004: H Cox, J Smith, F Fowler, H Smith and H Lear. We are all in our eighties. I first played for the OTs in 1939 and played for the last time for them 20 years later in 1959. I joined my father on a mixed farm at Ashendon. I continued this until I sold my last livestock in 2001. This was a very enjoyable and rewarding way of life. I have 2 daughters, 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandsons

Charlotte Partington left 2003 Charlie from the Thame Leisure Centre. I have left the Leisure Centre to go off to university. I am studying Hospitality and Leisure Management at the University of Gloucestershire in Cheltenham. Take Care, Charlie

Gerard Greenway writes, 'Geoffrey Rushton left 1981, a.k.a. John Balance, has died after an accident at home. Details and e-mail for a book of condolence can be found at the website of his band Coil: http://www.thresholdhouse.com '

As electronic bands go, Coil's pedigree is nearly flawless; they can trace their ancestry right back to the very band that gave 'industrial' music its name: Throbbing Gristle. Coil were formed in 1983 by vocalist and percussionist John Balance, a member of the Throbbing Gristle offshoot band Psychic TV. However, the band really kicked off a year later when Balance began a creative and personal partnership with Throbbing Gristle co-founder (and fellow PTV member) Peter 'Sleazy' Christopherson.
Coil have always been about exploring the nether reaches of electronic and ambient music. Their approach to composing and performing has always revealed a fascination with the occult, with live shows often taking on a ritualistic aspect. Coil's full-length debut, 'Scatology', found them working with another titan of industrial music, Jim 'Foetus' Thirlwell, and established their basic sound: unsettling mood pieces, with the strongly implied feeling of an altered state of being. This psychedelic aspect of Coil has stayed with them ever since, and perhaps reached its peak with their album 'Love's Secret Domain', their 1991 take on acid house and the ecstasy-fuelled UK dance culture at the time. While not exactly danceable, it certainly showed that they could get a groove going when they put their minds to it.
The band has always had a fascination with the visual arts as well, and unsurprisingly, their forays into that area have been in keeping with their musical interests. They accompanied their cover of 'Tainted Love' with a controversial video starring Mark Almond (naturally) as an avenging angel, and it found its way into the New York Museum of Modern Art's collection.
And although none of their music ever showed up in the film, they were commissioned to contribute music to the movie adaptation of Clive Barker's 'Hellraiser' (the tracks were subsequently released on a mini-LP). Coil also worked with cult director Derek Jarman on his film 'The Angelic Conversation'.
In '92, Coil signed to Trent Reznor's Nothing label (the Nine Inch Nails headman has been a lifelong fan) and have continued in a more 'Love's Secret Domain'-styled beat-orientated (but no less sinister!) direction, both under their own name and under the pseudonyms ELpH and Black Light District. For the past few years, the core of Coil has consisted of Balance, Christopherson and fellow fringe-dweller (and frequent Julian Cope sideman) Thighpaulsandra; together, with the occasional collaborators, they've continued their explorations into the inner depths of the id.

An interview with the late John Balance aka Geoffrey Rushton can be found here.

Karen Dodwell 1973-1978 My father, Maurice Dodwell (a Wenman schoolboy himself) recieves a copy of the newsletter which I saw at the weekend and has prompted me to write. Friends will know me as Karen Dodwell. I have fond memories of Jo Evendon, Belinda Robson, Melanie House, Alison Shaw, Lynn Shurrock, Stephanie Broom, Tony Cozzi, Adam Carey, Brett Clemo, Paul Robertson - this names only a few, but loads of people come to mind. Good to see news on the site from so many names I remember, including Pete Merrow-Smith (ex brother-in-law) and Jan. I am now married to Robin Osterley, with two grown-up stepdaughters, and sons of our own, Jonas 6 and Dominic 2. Apart from being a mum, I am kept on my toes with a challenging job at Pearson Education as Product Information Manager, having previously worked various jobs in the publishing industry including a long stint at Pergamon Press working for Robert Maxwell, and then for Prentice Hall as Inventory Manager of academic and professional publications. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.

Clive Dickinson who left in 1970 is an author living near Ledbury in Herefordshire. He has written many well-recieved children's books including The Lost Diary of Tutankhamun's Mummy. He is part of the Complete Editions team with Gyles Brandreth and Michele Brown, who between them have compiled many books ranging from crosswords to jokebooks; from fact books to fiction. He currently edits many of the Manchester United titles for Madcap Publishing, and also ghost-writes celebrity autobiographies. His sister, Claire Dickinson, a founder-member of the Lower 6th Removed class, is married and lives in Dorset.

Jane Andrews (now Amies) 71-73 has written to us from Oxford.

Professor Anthony Taylor 1940-47 who had a long and distinguished career in neurosciences, retired in 1995 but is a Professor (Emeritus) at Imperial College, London.

Margaret Evans who starred in several School plays during the late 1960s - but who attended Headington School - has her own company producing audio tapes for the blind.

Jane Hussey (now Wells) is living in Bedfordshire and working as a nurse.

Stephen Tofts now has his own company specialising in management training and development: Benchmark.

Valerie Morris, the OTA's first female President, finally succumbed on 5th November, to a brain tumour after a long, brave and gallant fight. Howard Goodall writes: 'Valerie Avern nee Morris died of a brain tumour in the first week of November. She had been seriously ill for a long time. She leaves a husband and children and her funeral was in Slip End, near Luton, Beds, on Tuesday 9th Nov at 2pm. Those who were at Lord Bills' in Val's time will remember her amazing energy, good humour, warmth and friendliness. I don't know if I've ever met a kinder person than her. She always put other people's well being before her own. She did well at everything she got involved with - which was most things - but especially music. She lived in Chinnor and others a little younger than me may remember her sister Yvonne, another key member of Robin Nelson's chamber choir of that period. Val will be greatly missed.'

During the course of the year, the following OTs and staff - not previously noted in our News- have sadly passed away during the last year: Tom Martin, Bethany Surman, Rory Anderson, Tim Roberts, Matthew Hughes, Nadine Smith and Jo Henderson.

Quick snippets on recent leavers: Philip Alcock is studying for a degree in Aerospace Engineering at Manchester; Clare Gallagher is in her final year studying Fashion Design at De Montfort; another Manchester student is Rachel Moore who's in her 3rd year studying Psychology; two alumni are both doing teaching training at Gloucester: Sarah Reeves in her 3rd Year and Michael Smith who hopes to become a primary school teacher. Emma Steedman is studying Beauty Science at Aylesbury on a two year BTech, and Fay Warwick History and Politics at Oxford Brookes. Stephanie Howes is in her 2nd year of training to be a physiotherapist; Julia Morrow is reading History at Liverpool; Ellie Isaac is studying Physical Education at Brighton with the goal of becoming a PE teacher at Secondary level, and Alexander Stevens, Architecture and Structural Engineering at Sheffield. Ed Britton started studying at a Music Theatre college in London but has recently left. Jack Law is at Nottingham University. Hannah Redwood is in her 2nd year of a BA (Primary Teaching with Design specialism) at Brighton University. Louise Holmes graduated from Birmingham with a 2:1 and is now reading for a Master's in Publishing at Oxford Brookes. Helen Jones is a 3rd Year medic' having returned from a year in Tanzania. Lisa Freeman who gained a Masters in International Human Rights Law is now training to be a barrister. Tim Hewitt is reading Maths at Nottingham. Isobel Heafey is in her 2nd year reading French at Sheffield. Paul Turner, who has battled with leukemia for the least five years, is doing a part-time Level 2 NVQ in carpentry and joinery in Aylesbury.

Steve Quartermain 1966-73 is Chief Planning Officer at Hambleton District Council in North Yorkshire.

October

David Taubman left 1975. I am teaching music in Sussex having just started at Eastbourne Technical College. I've written a novel about jazz and made several records. I'm married and have a son, Max, aged eight. Living in the Sussex countryside, happy, getting fat (can you believe it?)

Petrina Kingham 1975 - 1979 Please add me your long list of members. I was originally at Lower School West untr School West until moving to the Upper School in 1975/6. I remember David Carr as Headmaster of LSW and was lucky enough to perform as Mrs Beaver (don't laugh) in Howard G's &quotn Nelson's Chamber Choir during the 'golden era' and was the angel Gabriel in the not much mentioned musical 'Star'. I love your idea of a reunion concert in 2009. I might be on my zimmer by then, but count me in! I'm currently living in Lewes, East Sussex (quite near Simon Lambert in fact) with my son, a dog and a flock of sheep! After a long and stressful career in brewing, I have taken time out to read Law at Sussex University. I remember my days at Lord Bill's with great affection. Among the more musical of us, I recall Josie Dixon and Karen O'Brien (both I think went on to Oxford). John Green and Richard Simpson also stand out in my memory as being exceptional actors. What ever happened to them? Many people may not remember me but may remember our shop in the Buttermarket, 'Kinghams Records and Tapes.' I loved visiting the website and hope to come along to a reunion before your grand event of 2009!

Anna Webley, who left 24 years after Petrina - in 2003 - is also studying law at Sussex.

Andrew Logan's Alternative Miss World is, as he puts it, 'a surreal art fair for all-round family entertainment.' It will be held on Friday 22nd at Cirque in London's West End, starting at around 9.00pm. Julian Clary will co-host the event and judges include Peter Blake, Brian Eno, Zandra Rhodes and Boy George. It's returning after a six year absence and, as Time Out says, 'there is nothing quite like it.' OTAs will be especially welcome and the bigger the wig the better.

Links include the official Alternative Miss World Site, What's on Where, London Theatre Bookings, Channel 4, and Jack Hanley.

Mary Limbird I taught biology at Lord Bill's from 1970 until 1972. I lived in the boarding house for the first term and was one of only three female members of staff. I am amazed to find so many people I remember on the website, especially in the photos. I would have loved to have come to the reunion for Colin Brookes but unfortunately am unlikely to be able to get there. Do please pass on my email address and give him and other contempories my good wishes. I am still teaching - most recently deputy head of a school in Somerset, but it's not too long until retirement.

Jeremy (Jim) Kershaw 1973 -1979 I was a boarder at Lord Bills from 1973 - 1979. I've read a few notes from others that boarded at the time, and hope that my memories are happier than some. I was never a great scholar, although I did manage to rake together a reasonable bag of "O" levels before launching myself on the great wide world! I never had my head flushed down the toilet, and I seem to remember the bashings were more idle threats than actual events. I was certainly called a pleb, but this was rather standard boarding school vocabulary and many carried the title, handing it down to those in years below in due course. I certainly think that life as a boarder was fairly easy, and I wonder if in today's litigious society boarders would be given the liberty and freedom that we were then. Certainly we were allowed into Thame on a daily basis, and permission to travel further afield to Oxford was readily granted at weekends, a blind eye was turned to our hitching, (thus saving precious cash). Some may remember me because I was always playing with model aeroplanes. The staff were very understanding of this, and a few of us were even given a room to ourselves (when the smell of balsa wood glue, aircraft dope & model engine fuel became too evasive in the dormitory!) After leaving school I joined the construction industry and for the last few years have been a director of a major house-building company based in the Midlands. I still live just outside Oxford and pass through Thame from time to time.

Ann Matthews I was at the school in 1950-52 doing science in the 6th form. I was taught physics by Mr Bunney. Would like to hear if anyone remembers her.

John Sanders 1937-40, I now live in Australia.

Tony Denson who left in 1965 Did computer science degree at Leeds University followed by a PhD at Leeds. Then spent 20 years in the computer industry before becoming a flying instructor. I now run Leeds Flying School at Leeds & Bradford airport.

Peter Banbury -1962 Have spent virtually the whole of my career in and around the book publishing and printing industry. Now running a company providing publishing services for conference organisers. Moved to East Anglia in 1977 and now live with wife of 35 years, Kate, on Norfolk/Suffolk border near Harleston.
Married daughter, Helen, in London and son, Alastair, in Tokyo with Miho and their daughter, Hannah.
Trying to trace 'best man', Morley 'Gurney' Slade last heard of moving to Egypt for Plessey in 1977. Anybody in touch please let me know.

Daniel Lindenbaum 1979 until 1984. I was a boarder. I was in some of the "Old Time Music Halls" that Colin Brookes used to put on.

Peter Timms who left in 1962 After some 38 years working for NatWest Bank I was offered and took early retirement in 2000. I now have a part time job (couple of days a week). Spend most of my time playing golf, watching Kent and the village side play cricket, visiting France (we are 5 min untes from the channel tunnel terminal) and generally relaxing !
I have been married to Sandra Kinch for all but 27 years. We have a son (Richard) who is at Manchester Univ. and a daughter (Lucy) who works for P&O/Stena in the personnel dept.

Neil van den Broek, I left Lord Bills in summer 1997. Just quickly browsing the Friends Reunited site, I saw the Founder's Day reunion and tribute to John Fulkes (JF). Finally finished my degree! Man alive, I'm not gonna be a student anymore! Argh! What am I gonna do? Get a job?!?!?! Still swimming just been selected to swim for Great Britain in the European Champ's just before Xmas so am training really hard for that. Lifes all good!

Esther Matthews (now Hunt) 1973-1979 I have recently enjoyed reading all the news on the website. Deborah Mathews who also left in 1979...After a few years of doing nothing much I trained as a nurse at the John Radcliffe in Oxford. As soon as that was done I went off travelling and worked in a bar. I moved to London in 1989 am still here. After doing a degree I am now a manager in the NHS. I would never thought it possible...and Simon Mathews also 1979. Having resided in various parts of the country, now trying to put roots down in South Lincolnshire - my wife is originally from hereabouts! Have been married 3 years now & have 2 terrific kids - Samuel, aged 4 & Ellie, nearly three. I am firmly embedded in the food industry, suppling top quality hotels & restaurants with top quality foods.

Steve Gardiner who left in 1977 is another alumni living in Western Australia. Married to Mandy Joiner in 1987, have 4 kids David (14), Emily (12), Jack (4), Adam 3 as at October 2004. Living in Western Australia. Visting UK in June 2005! Looking to contact the following people from days gone by: Mike Burr and Paul Bartlett (Gonger). Now enjoying the sunny climes of WA and no UK rat race!

Richard Groom 1960-67 I work in Leeds as sports journalist puttting out commentaries, stories, videos & data on the Orange phone network. Live in wilds of North Yorkshire with Maggie. Stopped playing football, cricket, rugby because of injuries. Still running (just); still climbing (slowly); still writing my first novel (even more slowly).

Martin Corrall 1966-73 is a financial advisor in Wales. He writes to say he is still in regular contact with John Saunders.

Pikey Pearce is on-line.

'Sadly, Colin Brookes cannot now attend the planned 'Colin Brookes' reunion on 6th November. But if you were planning to be part of it, please still come and enjoy the company of other OTs and have a 'non-Colin Brookes, Colin Brookes' reunion.' Colin himself writes: "Sad news I'm afraid! My proposed visit to Thame for the reunion has been sabotaged already. Unfortunately the weekend in question corresponds with my 'coming of age.' It's official - the time has come for me to fulfil my destiny and join the ranks of the wrinklies. Apparently the family has arranged a 'secret' celebration that weekend. I feel obliged to go along with anything that's been decided but must admit to mixed feelings. There is no doubt that it will be a delightful occasion but the fact remains it would have been great to see you all again. Ah well! The summer musicals meant so much to me, and still do. There were trials, tribulations, heartaches and frustrations but I like to feel that in the majority of cases the end justified the means. I have always regarded the latter part of the summer term to be the happiest and most rewarding part of my school year. It was always so heartening to see the response not only of the cast but also of the audience. I consider it a privilege for me to have been allowed to escape the confines of the laboratory every year and enjoy a world of fantasy in the company of so many terrific pupils and friends....well once again sorry! My thoughts will be with you. In the meantime - I suppose I must apply for my bus pass, arrange for a free eye test, enquire about a Saga Holiday and join the militant blue rinse brigade as they march in protest to Downing Street. Have a great day. Fond memories, Colin.'    

David Smart writes: Dear Bridget, feel free to give our e-mail address to anyone who is interested. My first memory of boarding school was the first night as soon as lights out, the tallest 2nd year leaned over the partition with words to the effect that we first years were 'plebs', if we were cheeky we would get beaten, and if we sneaked, we would get beaten badly. As my brother had been cheeky, the same was expected of me, unfortunately, I rose to the challenge and for the next 4 years the 'die' was set for me. The climax physically was Matron calling me in and asking how I had collected 40 bruises aged 12 years. I remember being tied up to hot radiators, head flushed in the toilet, spread eagled on a table and painted, locked in a wardrobe and basically becoming a punch bag. I had 40 bruises on the outside, but the bruises inside lasted longer. I believe it was when I was 30 years old that I knew I was free. I had a vivid dream, I saw Jesus on the cross and knew that he had suffered and not been able to defend himself. Through that, I was set free. Up to 30 years of age I had a fear of authority figures, it was as if I carried (spiritually) a sign that said 'if you abuse me, I won't fight back.'

Three years after my dream, I was involved in an evangelistic outreach to Glastonbury Festival. I saw a 20 year old man with his girlfriend, I thought God was telling me he had been bullied at school, so I walked up to him to share this spiritual insight! It was spot on, he was quite distraught and immediately broke down in tears, his secret hurt revealed. I told him I had experienced the same. I asked where he was from, when he answered Thame. 10 years between us, same boarding school, same pain. I don't know how many thousands of people were there, but our paths crossed and the topic was healing of an abused past. I knew again that God cared that much for him and for me. I wasn't the only one.

I believe that some may be able to shrug off and move on, personally at 30 years old I was struggling. I know that there are others like the guy at Glastonbury for whom it hasn't been that easy. To some extent, I must have replicated the same behaviour to younger pupils, so its not for me to stand in judgement, but 30 years later, its important to break the silence. David.

(Editor's note: David originally included other allegations of serious abuse but we decided jointly not to include these. This contribution has certainly provoked thought. Not all complimentary. There are some who feel that these things should be kept private, that it hardly helps the reputation of the School, and that it is likely to generate bad feeling. When we discussed it at the OTA Committee Meeting in September, the conclusion was that we should not be shirking these issues. Was there bullying at the School? Of course there was. Bullying is a problem that won't go away within our education system. Much of the time it is minor and transitory but it is undeniably true it can also lead to serious consequences. Bullying will not disappear but if we ignore it, then we side with the bullies. In addition, we should not deceive ourselves that everyone's school days were wonderful. Many of us harbour only fond memories, some couldn't care one way or other - it was just a period in their life - but for a few it was more traumatic. One ex-pupil I know resolutely refuses to come to any event as he says his school days were the worst period of his life. Another OT reported talking to a lady in Thame who became very upset when she recalled the bullying that afflicted her at what was then the Wenman. The OTA could, of course, ignore reality and present only happy memories. It was our judgement that such censorship sits uneasily with the founding principles of the School.)

Victims of bullying can seek advice at www.bbclic.com

Dale Russell 1972 – 1979 Just thought I'd drop you a short(-ish) line to share a few recollections of my spell at Lord Williams's and give you an update on how I'm getting on. First though, let me start by adding my condolences at the recent death of John Fulkes. He was an inspirational English teacher and did much to encourage me to read as wide a variety of literature as possible; something I maintain to this day. He was also generous by nature and, when he learnt that my parents had moved to Dorset, took it upon himself to chauffeur me home for the holidays without any thought of accepting the petrol money on offer. Last October I popped into the School to give my partner a quick overview of where my formative years were spent. This fortunately coincided with Founder's Day - I was delighted to meet John again after some 23 years and he seemed to be as full of good cheer and boundless energy as when I'd seen him last. His death must be a great loss to both Lord Williams's and the Old Tamensians. As a boarder I have some abiding memories of the school; most good, although some perhaps not so. In the latter category, I would definitely have to include walking through town to the old Lower School after missing the bus on numerous occasions - and I see, from scanning your Members News page, that I was not alone in having had the dubious pleasure of my head immersed in a toilet. I also still shudder when I recall the too- frequent cross-country runs on Sunday's that were an abomination to one so tender in years.

Overall though, there were certainly more good than bad memories. Being the school 1st XI cricket scorer during an unbeaten run stretching over many years until 1979 was one of them, although I suspect Neil Jenkins has still not forgiven me for dropping that catch when he was on a hat-trick at Witney! I remember Gerald Howat taking over the reins of the cricket team and immediately organising the construction of an excellent pavilion so that I could scribble away in the dry. I also remember the drawn match against one of the county sides (Sussex or Surrey I believe) that Gerald arranged to celebrate the construction. I'm not sure he was ever aware that there was another 'secret' competition among the team to see who could be the first to slog a cricket ball straight through one of the windows. Fortunately this never happened during my tenure as scorer although Ade Collins did send one ball whistling over the top of the roof. Other memories include the debating sessions that were held during lunch-times, visiting the Oxford Union and, ultimately, going on to win the Syson Speaking Prize. Taking part in 'Cavalcade', appreciating the many Chamber Music Concerts, square-bashing with the CCF and, of course, Harris becoming almost perpetual House champions.

As for life outside of school, I moved to Gloucester and joined Royal Mail where I remained for 23 years, most of that time spent as their Communication and Press Manager, until redundancy last year. Finally, I've begun to develop a new career in web-based animation and I thought you'd appreciate this link http://www.pi.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/bianca/school.html. It shows a panoramic photograph from 1979, which can be rotated left and right by altering the position of your mouse. If you wish, I'd be delighted to forward the animated files on to you for inclusion on the Old Tamensian site.

John Peacock's daily diary can now be found at Guitar Craft Diaries.

September

Alan Brewer After an abortive move to Spain, I am now working for the Fire Service and living at Tiverton, Devon.

Neil Davies 1973 – 1980 writes to say he has moved to Kingston, Surrey.

One of our oldest members, Richard Duke 1920-1924 died on August 17^th 2004 aged 96. His son writes 'I believe that he was President some time in the 1970s. He was very active onto his 90s and was driving until he was 91! His education at LWGS stood him in good stead throughout his long life and he had fond memories of his time there. Michael Duke.'

Matthew Hall 1990-1997 Fortunate enough to be Head Boy in my final year. I was greatly saddened to hear of the passing on John Fulkes this year. Unfortunately I was away in Nigeria when this happened and with great regret was not able to attend the funeral. He was an enormously influential figure in my life and in so many of my fellow pupils and his contribution can't really be put into words. After discussions with a few of my contemporaries, we feel it would be nice (and a fitting tribute) to get as many of our year together as possible. This would be during the weekend of Founders’ lecture November 5^th, and celebration evening: and Founders’ Day November 6^th to catch up and have a pint or two in memory of JF and all that he gave to us. Many of my year, like myself, were unable to attend the funeral and feel therefore that some kind of re-union would be appropriate. I would like to have the contact details of anyone who left the school in either '97 or '98 so that I may go about organising what is hoped will be a very informal, yet special re-union. Anyone who would like to be put in contact, write to ota@waitrose.com and I’ll pass it on – due to the data protection Act, I cannot just hand on contact addresses without permission. Bridget.

Gloria Brown has contacted us with news about her new business development company: 'I started targeting electronics companies, as I have an electronic distribution background in sales, after working for MEMEC PLC. But funny enough the word got around and I was approached by a lot of different companies, for example I won a contract from a vintage music company called Past Perfect who offer music from the 1920s, 30s and 40s. Also, I have been doing work for a local company called IT Solutions, pushing their server support and services'. So if you need some proven telemarketing to develop new business, please contact Gloria. On a personal note, Gloria is still living near Thame with a wonderful husband - she married when 19 - and she has one son.

Bonnie Dawn Roberts (Dawn Roper when at school) has created a web-site to promote her business Power Presentations. This is aimed at two markets: executive and schools - where she's had great success. All enquiries for business are welcome.

Robert W Harrison 1942-48 passed away on Sunday 5^th September aged 73. His funeral was held on September 14^th at St Thomas Church, in Simpson, Milton Keynes.

I was most sorry to learn of the death of Bob Harrison in September. Enquiries at our last reunion had revealed that he had for long been unwell. My memories of him both at school and at his Father's farm, are of a warm and very good-natured soul amongst whose friends I was glad to be counted. My belated condolences to his sister and wider family. John Russell.

Barry Mott 62-69 I am now living and working in the Lake District - Windermere, running a guest house with my wife, Anne. I found the move from Thame quite traumatic but we are feeling much more positve about life. Windermere was a good choice for a thriving business.  We would welcome any O.T's at 'Holly Lodge', open all year (except Christmas and when we decide to take a break!!). e-mail: anneand barry@hollylodge6.fsnet.co.uk or see our website: www.hollylodge20.co.uk Our daughter Laura is getting married in January to Harry (she is a Physiotherapist in Tunbridge Wells), and our son Oliver is a Scenes of Crime Investigator in Nottingham. They are both OT's and we can pass any messgaes on for them. I would like to have Michael Cook's e-mail address if possible { MC sent a message in August.} We played rugby together and have not seen each other for about 20 years!!

Martyn Read 56-63 can be often heard narrating audiobooks. He has recorded for Isis, including The Tesseract by Alex Garland, In the Heart of the Country by H E Bates, Winston Churchill by Robert Blake, Ben in the World by Doris Lessing and Tales of the Old Countrymen by Brian P Martin. Have only just caught up with OT news. Phil Quartermain & Gerard Gould malign me in accusing me of being the member of the cast of 'The Taming of the Shrew' who forgot his entrance & came on as Petruchio looking at his watch & saying 'Sorry I'm late, I was delayed in the Market Place'. This dishonour actually fell to the Head of School House [Head Boy?] David 'Dean' Martin who was Petruchio. I played a humble servant named Tranio, on stage at the time & trying not to laugh, and I recall the incident well. I also recall P. Quartermain and one Peter Ruygrok looking extremely fetching in drag as serving wenches/romantic leads. Their secret is safe with me. DOES ANYONE HAVE A CONTACT FOR ROBERT SANKEY [1956-1963] now living in the Bath area? I'd be most grateful for any info. It goes without saying what I feel about John Fulkes. Thou good and faithful servant. John Aylward 1958-1963 In July, he & I went on a tour of the school - his first visit since leaving. He has lived in Nigeria for 20 + years, is married to Esther and has a daughter Faith. Will pass on his e-mail address to anyone interested.

Nick Newton Fletcher is a behavioural ecologist and an expert in wild chimpanzee behaviour. He is currently Assistant Director and Leverhulme Research Fellow, Budongo Forest Project, Uganda.

Rick Strodder 1975 G'day Bridget I'd love for you to pass on my email details to any others now living in Australia (I'm in Melbourne) and of course, add my email address to any I love getting the updates keep up the good work... love to make it to a Founder Day one of these days. Warm Regards Rick

Sometimes gap year students in Australia would like a friendly face to visit. Would anyone like to be on a list for such students?

Gordon Wells: Hampden House 1950 - 57:- Exact contemporary of Flaps Nixey, Nick Wolfrey, Casa Whitehouse, Drin Tarr, Ray Hawes, Tony Buckle, Stan West, Mouse Dawson (who sadly died last year), Tony Arber, John Goodyer, Fuse Shurrock, Perry Lock, Brian Porter etc etc. I played Cricket and Rugby for LWGS and was in the 1st.XV when each of the 3 Maxton Brothers were Captain in turn. I managed to get into the Oxfordshire Schools XV in my last year at Thame playing Wing Forward - (we didn't have "Flankers" then !!). Like several other people who have put pen to paper, I feel a large debt of gratitude to HM (Hugh Mullens) for his guidance and influence on me and particularly in my case also to Mr. Bunney and to Mr.Lilley for getting me into Physics. On leaving Lord Bill's, I worked at the Atomic Research Establishment, Harwell for 10 years during which I had a Bursary to attend University in London. A short spell at the RMCS at Shrivenham followed but sadly I didn't finish my Ph.D. I joined Pressed Steel Fisher (part of BL in Oxford) and had several years in various Research Depts. in the Motor Industry in Oxford and the Midlands including running the Anti-Corrosion Consultancy for BL at Gaydon, Warks. The last 14 years of my working life was as Laboratory Manager in one of the Jaguar Cars sites, working as a Materials Engineer specialising in Painting and Body build techniques. I married whilst at college to Chris and we have two children - Anne is a Physiotherapist with her own practise in Coventry and Peter works in Wilmington, N.Carolina, both are married and have two children each. Having moved house several times around the Oxford area, we have lived in Kenilworth since 1981. The only school friend I see regularly is Tony Buckle, although I do swop news and meet Cliff Nixey and Nick Woolfrey on occasions.

Several of our year met and attended Founder's Day Service last year but I found it a little disappointing with the severely truncated form of service compared to the one we had in the Mullen's years and there didn't seem to be any school representation except for the Headboy and Headgirl. I retired a little early in 2000 and spend a couple of days each week in the local Primary School as a voluntary Helper on IT and I'm also on the Board of Governors. .

I still do a little consultancy work in the field of Paintshop Solvent Emission measurement and control which keeps the brain active and I spend some time mending and building PCs for friends. We travel a little and visit the USA to see our son and family there and until recent trouble with my knees we regularly walked in the Lake District.

Philip Jones 1975-1981 I loved my time boarding at Lord Bills. Did very badly in the class but enjoyed all the drama and sport. Contemparies include Richard Kershaw, Simon Lambert, Jon Cooke, Matthew Briggs, the Lougher brothers, Rupert Vessey, Gary Few, Cato from Norway and many others. Great memories of Drama and in particular Howard Goodall's first musicals (The Lion Witch and the Wardrobe, and Oliver). After leaving in '81 I did a number of jobs and some travelling before joining the Army. I'm still serving after 17 years. I was commissioned into the Royal Welch Fusiliers and have since served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Cyprus, Canada, Belise, Germany, Zimbabwe, S Africa, Zimbabwe, Congo, Iraq and a few more besides. I am now stationed in Brecon, Mid Wales at the Infantry Battle School where I am the Chief Instructor, Major. It is excellent to hear about you all.

Peter Arnold 1960-1967 President OTA 1986 News - firstly I was deeply saddened by the news of John Fulkes's untimely death. John and I used to play together as very young children (i.e. 5-8 years old). I only have to smell baking bread to be transported back to Park Street, Thame, where Mr Fulkes was a baker and Mrs Fulkes ran the Post Office. Secondly I have suffered from Sarcoidosis for 12 years, which has tended to limit my dynamism and capacity to involve myself in OTA business. Sorry! Thirdly I was able to get up to Yorkshire and take part in Mike Fethney's funeral service. I spoke on behalf of the Tamensians.

August 2004

Georgina Hubbard who left in 1995 is currently working for the Oxfordshire Healthcare Support Services as a Web Developer. I am responsible for maintaining "OxWeb" (Oxfordshires' NHS intranet), setting up best practice - research/justifing cost of making a piece of technology/software standard, and any additional public facing web sites.

Lament have just played Thame Football Club before heading back to Brighton. Their next gig is currently planned for 4th November in the Hobgoblin, Brighton.

Kendra Simpson is organising a meet in the evening at Murphy's Craic (behind the Abingdon Arms) on Saturday 2nd October 2004 for all those who will be 30 this coming school year. ('Tell any school friends you're still in touch with.Following uni' I taught for three years then gave up to become a mum! Pete and I now have two children, Luke and Emily.')

Hooray! Even thought the Independent said 'it was a surprise' Simon Burnett made the final of the 200m freestyle "race of the century". Congratulations. (See Latest News for more.)

Anton Dudnikov Moved away after GCSEs due to parents moving, now at Oxford University.

Mark Brown 1977-1981 (I was one of the Boarders) Having looked at the OT Website today, I find you have me down as a missing member. I am still about and would very much like to be added to your mailing list if possible. After leaving school I joined the Civil Service, and now find myself providing IT/Network Support (Still in the Civil Service). I live not far away in Bicester. I am married to Arianne and have a 14month old daughter called Tia.

Michael Cook 1963-70 was in touch recently from Australia. (If all the OTs in Australia want each others’ details, Bridget can pass them on but, she says, 'I need your permission before passing on such info though.')

Patrick North left 2001 Am currently in my 2nd year of a drama studies degree at King Alfred’s College Winchester.

John Maxton a former head boy has been created a life peer.

Teresa Dodd (now Butler) left in 1980. 'I have twin girls who are now 4. I'm married to John and I live in Ludgershall, near Brill. We're into Land Rovers and classic cars and I'm just about to start doing some music again - pre-kids I was writing and recording with 2 other musicians and it's been too long since I did any serious singing! I'm currently studying to become a life coach, which I love.'

Rebecca North 1993 - 2000 daughter of Patrick North 1964 - 1971 was engaged to Gavin Beckley of Headington on 15.02.04 - the wedding is planned for May 2006 - and has just achieved a 2:1 in Educational Studies and Early Childhood Studies following three years at Oxford Brookes University.

Nona Hawkins-Smith 1971-1973 married John Baker last July in Bexhill on Sea. 'We met on a course in Sussex but John was living in Wheatley so I have come 'back home'. Having just completed the Certificate in Christian Counselling we are setting up a practice based locally'

Mark Ansell who left in 2003 has just started a placement with BBC Oxford writing for the website on youth arts in Oxfordshire. Check www.bbc.co.uk/oxofrd/blast The more hits the site gets, the better!

Jon Banks is living in splendid isolation in deepest Hertfordshire under the shadow of the Black Mountains. He was recently visited by Graham Thomas - the two of them had last seen each other in 1980 at a party in Blackheath, London. Jon has his own building renovation business so if any OT needs work done on their house, Jon can be contacted via the OTA. Another OT from the same era is also living in one of the country's more isolated communities - Chris Giles is a schools drama advisor based in Orkney. (The National Drama Conference.)

Howard Goodall is advising the 2012 Olympic Bid on developing a cultural programme that will run alongside the Games.

Tom Spencer - 1999 Still at uni in Bristol doing an MSc in International Relations which finishes in September. Have started looking for post uni jobs and might be off to the big smoke soon to seek my fortune (via Thame though...) Recently became an uncle. Nice.

Stuart Gregory - 2001 I'm now working in Thame at the Brothers Hair Salon as a stylist. Have just returned from working abroad in Cyprus in a hair dressers over there. All fun and looking forward to doing more travelling in the next year. Don't really spend my nights out in the area. Can usually find me in London or Brighton. Oxford is my home town though and thats where most of my friends are. Do still see some of the old school lot and have met up with a few for drinks and chats. Just came out of a long relationship (3 years) long for me. And just wanted to see what everyones up to now. I can safely say that I'm nothing like the short fat spotty school boy I once was.

David Mosely - 1972 is a flute player in Opera North, Leeds. Married since 1981. Son aged 21 daughter aged 18. David lives in a village north of Leeds, and also manages and plays in the Empyrean Ensemble.

Paul Shewry 1973-78 I am still in the Army and have recently finished commanding 6 Bn REME, a busy 2 1/2 years which included tours in Kosovo and the Gulf and a stint providing emergency fire cover in Newcastle during the Firemens' strike. Following command, I was promoted to Colonel and I am now at HQ Land in Wilton as DACOS Logistic Plannning.

July

Roger Allan 1976 is currently living in Thame but is thinking of moving to the US; Neil Davies 1980 is living in London, working part-time in IT at Canary Wharf and spends the rest of his time as a house dad. Nigel Nicholson 1980 spent a long career in the RAF and now works as an engineer with British Airways at Heathrow Airport. Robert Nicholls 1983 is living in Phoenix, Arizona, Director of Finance for a US based Electronics and Telecommunications firm. He is married to Wendy for 12 years and have two boys 11 and 8 who love soccer (sorry football!) He keeps in touch with Stuart McRae, Andy Mcstay, Roger George, and Jeremy Lowe. Penny Diffley 1987 writes: I'm now a Doctor (God help them) and start work in August as (almost!) the oldest junior in town. Currently experiencing a curious mixture of excitement and sheer terror... Plus relief at finally getting a wage again to pay off my enormous student debt. Kelly Surman 1989 writes: I am currently living in Warrington and have two small children. I have been working in Basingstoke, Leeds and now Sandbach for a Chemical Company. My daughter is starting school in September so it has prompted me to think about Lord Williams's. Vicky Noy 1995 is living in London, working for a law firm and running marathons.

Philip Burnham is attempting to break the Blind Folded Land Speed World Record, later this summer. Philip, who lives in Thame and currently teaches in Leigh-On-Sea, hopes to raise £3,600 for the Blind Sport Charity, by breaking the current record, that stands at 144.7 mph. Philip’s feat will take place at Elvington air base, near York, in a Formula One car, loaned by racing driver, Matthew Mortlock and any individuals or businesses (whose company will feature on the body work of the car) who would like to make a donation, can phone 01702472410 and leave a message. The record-breaking attempt will be filmed by the BBC, and an independent company who makes films for Sky Sports and Channel 4.

A number of teachers familiar to many OTs will be leaving Lord Williams’s School this month. Judy Basford will retire having worked at the school since 1971. Sally Ibbett will be leaving the Art department after 18 years, and the School's SENCO, Lucy Mettyear, leaves her post after 5 years to work as an Inclusion Consultant for Oxfordshire LEA.

Mary Clarke 1984-1991 After graduating with a BSc in Sports and Exercise Science, I spent some time travelling before ending up in Cambridge where I worked for the MOD and joined the TA as a medic. In Febuary 2003, I was called up to serve in the Gulf to work on ambulances. We started in Kuwait and finished outside Basra. I returned home in May and started a Sports Massage course in Oxford. I am now qualified as a personal trainer, nutritionist, body and sports massage therapist, and currently working in Oxford. I would be glad to hear from anyone who knew me.

June

Nona Hawkins-Smith sends news that she is now living in Wheatley having recently moved from the south coast.

There are now four OTs on the School's staff: Pete Daplyn, Geoff Branner, Rachel Vickers and Kate Walkinshaw.

David Dillamore 1956-63 is MD of his own management consultacy Quality Quest who provide a wide range of Quality, Health, Safety, Environmental, Reliability and Information Security System services. He lives in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear.

Helen Beazley 1971-74 writes under the name Helen Carey and is the author of LAVENDER ROAD, SOME SUNNY DAY and ON A WING AND A PRAYER. She also paints and writes short stories, articles, film and TV.As a former management and HR consultant, she runs 'creativity in management' courses for companies wishing to develop innovative thinking in their staff. She is an experienced and eclectic reader, and is on the judging panel for the Harry Bowling Award, The RNA New Writers Competition, The Greek Experience Short Story Competition, The SW Magazine Short Story Competition. She has close links with a number of publishers and literary agents for some of whom she also reads and assesses manuscripts.She runs a number of writing courses some of which she developed in conjunction with Louis de Bernières. These have been highly popular and successful in bringing writers to publication sometimes for the first time.More recently as a result of the courses she has become involved in private coaching and mentoring of writers providing support and advice as they progress through their individual projects.

Patricia Head (nee Foster, PGCE 1987-88, MA Education 1991-93) has been appointed Head of The Grove School, Balderton. She was previously Deputy Head at the School.

Charles Boyle 1964-71 is now Director of the Architectural Studies Programme, Papua New Guinea University of Technology, Lae, PNG. he is an Australian registered, UK trained architect and spent 14 years in the Solomon Islands. Ran architectural practice Pacific Architects. Established local NGO Hybrid Technology. Wrote the book 'Disaster Resistant Construction for Traditional Bush Houses.' Presented numerous conference papers (notably) in Beijing and Oxford. Now completing a Doctorate in Tropical Architecture. Member of the Baha'i community for 25+ years. Extensive theatrical, media, exhibition experience, trained fireman. Former: Samaritan, member of Lions Club, Spanish Honorary Consul to the Solomon Islands.

May

Dear Bridget I was saddened to read of Mike Fethney's death. He was perhaps an unsung hero of my generation of LWGS's youth, but definitely a hero. I remember his Yorkshire accent and very down-to-earth Christianity - the sort I could have subscribed to if I had had an ounce of spirituality. Mike had also propped for the United Services, Portsmouth and beneath the unforced gentleness there was a no-messing firmness. Perhaps a 'school boy's story' but a local farmer discovered this to his cost when he fired some lead over Martin (alias Myrtle) Griffin's head; Martin was filching apples from what used to be the orchard behind Highfields, and the orchard belonged to the farmer. Unfortunately for the farmer, the entire scene was witnessed by Mike, who duly leapt over the Highfields fence into the adjacent field, raced over to said farmer, and flattened him with a single blow. The ensuing warning was gruff, and the dazed, supine farmer did not see fit to offer any opposition .... Nor did Greenacres/Highfields residents ever have cause to fear repercussions from subsequent apple-filching. Nigel and I annually filled our games lockers to bursting with illicit fruit, until the orchard made way for the new Upper School's games fields. And that we did so with impunity was down to Mike Fethney. Just for the record, Dave Tomlinson and I reckon Mike left LWGS (as it then was) in the summer of 1966 to return to Yorkshire. Best wishes Willy Cooke.

Simon Burnett has been selected for the Olympic Swimming Team and will travel to Athens with the team in August. He is currently National Champion for the 200m freestyle and it is this event that he will compete in both as an individual and as part of the relay team. Simon’s brother, James, is still at school in Year 12.

Desmond Slay has died from cancer. A more expansive appreciation of his life can be found on Obituaries but he was recently a devoted President and Chairman of the OTA.

Dr Stephanie Halford 1974-81 is a Lecturer in Molecular Genetics at the Department of Medicine, Imperial College, London.

Dr Stephen Andrews 1968-76 is the Senior Prosthtist at Southmead Hopsital, Bristol.

Brian Digweed 1953-62 is the Accounts Officer for the Refugees Study Centre at the University of Oxford.

Sally Bailey 1980-87 is now presenting a radio programme on Mercury 96.6, which covers north London and Hertforshire. You can text Sally a request on 82122* or email the studio at corecontrol@ musicradio.com

Michael J Fethney who taught history at the School in the early '60s has recently died.

Sarah Greenwood 1980-87 (now Wilkins) is running her own kids fashion shop in Thame - Fish Kids Wear.

Adrian Jackson 1968-75 is founder and Artistic Director of the Cardboard Citizens Theatre Company. As well as the deviser of a large number of plays for the company, Adrian is a well-travelled teacher and translator. He has worked as Augusto Boal's translator on four books - most recently Hamlet and the Baker's Son, Augusto Boal's autobiography. Adrian has taught Theatre of the Oppressed work in many contexts, throughout Britain, in Ireland, France, Hong Kong, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa and India. Adrian was previously Associate Director of London Bubble, where he directed a punk rock musical Too Much Too Young by Catherine Johnson and a number of Forum Theatre projects for communities including Irish Travellers, Deaf people, and adults with learning difficulties.

Andrew Goss 1959-67 is this year's Honoury President of Weymouth Rowing Club.

Annabel Overton, Dawn Roper, Andy Arnold, David Lilley, Katie Overton, and Liz Reece, were among those at the Spring Lunch. Following lunch, it was decided to put together a Reunion built around - though not exclusively - those involved with 'La Vie Parisienne.' More details can be found under Reunions.

Robin Nelson Dear Bridget, Very good to hear about your plans. It is a pity, but I can't do your lunch in May, as I am organising a Birdwatching event in Gloucestershire that day. I'd be happy to conduct the choir, but I wouldn't know how to get them together. Please keep in touch but bear in mind I'm still v. busy as I'm acting D.O.M. at Sherborne School until Christmas though retired from Marlborough College.

Robin was educated at Calday Grange Grammar School,Wirral. He gained an Honours degree in Music at Christ's College, Cambridge where he was also Choral Exhibitioner. Then he started teaching at Lord Williams before becoming, in 1982, director of Music at Marlborough College, a position which involved directing the accomplished Chapel Choir. For the last twelve years Robin has been an Examiner for the Associated Board both in the UK and Abroad as well as a member of the Association of British Choral Directors. Robin composes mostly choral music. Much of it is published by Banks Music Publications and has been performed by prestigious choirs including the National Youth Chamber Choir, the Choir of Clare College Cambridge and the Cathedral choirs of both Winchester and Wells. Marlborough College Chapel Choir have made two recordings featuring several of Robin's ompositions. I sing of a Maiden appears on the CD Anthems & Carols from Marlborough College Chapel Choir (Priory Records), Out of your sleep, Lute Book Lullaby and Tomorrow shall be my dancing day all appear on the most recent CD, Advent to Christmas (Priory Records).

(You can buy CDs of Robin conducting the College choir at a number of sites on-line.)

David Swan is an internationally acclaimed pianist whose been living in Canada since the early '70s.

Chris Clements 1966-1973 has been working for many years for rm.plc the leading supplier of software, services and systems to UK education. He played cricket for the Oxfordshire senior team until he was 35, and now coaches and manages them. He lives in Wheatley.

April 2004

Graham Thomas 1966-1973 was recently elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

John Fulkes died unexpectedly on 19th April. John had been the School's Head of Sixth Form since the mid 80s and a member of staff since 1975. He'd also been on the OTA Committee for nigh on 30 years, serving as President and Secretary during that time. His death leaves a void as he was dedicated to to the OTA and did much to keep it flourishing. The Obituriespage captures what a magnificent life he led and all the comments we've recieved. As Gerard Gould wrote: "Dear John - my farewell to you must be Horatio's to Hamlet: "Good night, sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."

An account of the funeral has been added to the web site.

Robert Banbury 1955-1961 as a boarder, following which I had my final year in the sixth form as a day boy leaving in the summer of 1962 to study in London. Reading the website revives many memories and I would appreciate regular updates. A contemporary of mine was Morley Slade who I see has provided a note about his current activities. Morley was our best man at our wedding and I lost touch with him and Nicky when Kate and I moved to Norfolk and he took a posting to Egypt in 1977.

Jeremy Drew 1970s ish These days I am running a successful record company which owns its own studio and mobile recording facility. 2 years ago we recorded the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at the Bournemouth Winter Gardens for a CD that was released through Classic FM.

Phil Quarterman 1959-65 I was in England in November, and paid a wonderful visit to Gerard Gould, to whom I owe so much. As it happened, he was about to attend the Founder's Day service, and there was to be a reunion of my year, but unfortunately, I had a trip to North Wales planned with my brother. My nephew, Jonathan Quarterman, who is an OT, along with his brother Thomas, pointed me to the Website. I took A-levels and the Oxford entrance exam in 1965, with Gerard's encouragement, and went up to St. John's College, graduating in 1969 with a degree in English, where I had the distinct privilege of studying under John Carey (later Merton Professor). From there, to Newcastle, for a post-graduate diploma in Town and Country Planning (1971), with support from the city of Manchester. I spent the summer of 1970 researching inner-city housing conditions in Manchester, then returned after graduation for a spell as a planning assistant (1971-74). I'd spent part of the summer of 1971 in the U.S.A.. Things were stagnating in Manchester (even United were going through a bad spell), so I applied to graduate school in North America and shipped out for a summer in Massachusetts, staying with a group of artists at a farmhouse in the woods. Luckily, in the meantime I was accepted into the Environmental Science Program at Washington State University, and was able to continue my big adventure. WSU (affectionately known as "Wazzu" to its alumni), was a fun place, and life in the Pacific Northwest suited me. I graduated in 1977, and found a job as a rural planner in Oregon. I married that year, and have lived in Oregon since. My career continued to describe a broad curve, from rural planning to coastal resources, then to wetlands. After 17 years in the public sector, I joined a consulting firm (W&H Pacific) in Portland in 1995, where I am now Senior Wetland Scientist. I get back more frequently now, as my parents are alive, but not in the best of health. Gerard is at present my only contact with the school, though I did drop by a few years ago, and met with Peter Daplyn (whose brother Mike was my exact contemporary both at LWS and Oxford). I spoke with John Harwood a couple of years ago on the phone. He's been in New Zealand for many years. I hear news of Andrew Gibson from Gerard and other contemporaries at St. John's. I read through the web site with great interest. Two items noted there I recall vividly. One was Martyn Reed as Petruchio making his belated entrance, checking his watch, and apologising for being held up in the marketplace (his story anyway). Gerard related this one to me in November. I witnessed it from the wings! I played the part of the Hostess (at age about 12, the only time I played in falsies, true to the Shakespearian practice). The other item, more mundane perhaps, yes, I do remember the huge model railway layout for the 1959 celebration. I contributed some pieces. I still have my old set stored in the basement, with my initials scratched on the pieces I lent out. I am still a steam freak, by the way. The CCF photo posted features my classmates: Eric Dyball, Alan Townsend, Mike Matson and Dave Smith. What do I do for fun? Music mostly. I play keyboards and sing (rock, folk), and occasionally write a tune or two. I played football for many years. Hiking, river rafting, gardening, botanizing. Keeping up this ol house I bought recently. Well, I hope you'll forgive my long silence. I owe so much to my old school, and would welcome contact from my contemporaries.

Hans Helmut Aris 1939-1943 and Ernst Gunter Aris 1939-1944 We came to England from East Prussia on January 6tb. 1939 by "Kindertransport"and under the auspices of foster parents, including A.C.Dyer. the then headmaster, we were soon deposited at Lord Williams Grammar School, as boarders. It was very difficult at first, as we knew no English language, but we were soon made to feel part of things there. Although I was far from being the best pupil at LWGS, the discipline, training and teaching stood me in good stead in later life. I shall always be grateful to my foster parents, 3 wonderful families in Long Crendon, and Mr. AC.Dyer, for giving my brother Helmut and me an excellent start in life, which our parents were unfortunately not able to do, because of Hitler. Helmut left school in 1943, and after due appraisal of my educational prowess, it was decided that I would not benefit from another year at LWGS, so I left there in 1944.

Having a great interest in motor cars, it was decided that Birmingham, the centre of the motor industry at that time, was for me. I began training as a motor mechanic, by day, and studied at Technical college 4 evenings a week and attained Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering. I then went into engineering and worked my way up to become Works Director in a small engineering company employing about 200 people. I retired in October 1993 when I was 65.

Helmut will be 77 in August and I will be 76 in October. We have attended several reunions of the Old Tamensians over the years, but both feel that our contemporaries are fast fading away! And so we will not be attending any more. The above is a short summary of my life in this country to date, which you may wish to print. I send my best wishes to all.

Keith Wright 1949-54. I took over Wright's Bakery after my father’s death in 1968 and retired in 1998. Have lived in Chearsley (near Thame) with my wife Beryl for 41 years. We have 4 children, all married, and 6 grandchildren scattered around the country which keeps us busy visiting them all. I am still enjoying retirement after 5 years, spending time in our large garden and travelling at home and overseas.

Gordon Josiah Wedgwood 1934-1942 At Lord Williams School I was no academic but I excelled on the running track. I was in the Air Training Corps at L WS and was mad about aeroplanes. I had hoped to join the RAF as aircrew but was unable to pass the eyesight test. Instead I joined a Government sponsored Engineering Cadetship scheme to train as an Engineering Officer. I was drafted to Northampton College of Technology for a 2 ½ yr course in May 1943. The course finished after the war had ended and I spent my two years of National Service in the Army. The Cadetship Diploma was approved by the three Engineering Societies which enabled me to take up a post in the Scientific Civil Service at the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) Farnborough. I couldn't believe my luck! The RAE (originally called the Royal Aircraft Factory) was Britain’s foremost aeronautical establishment. It began in 1908 when Cody made the first flight in the UK and it produced all the aeroplanes for WW1. Between wars the RAE built several Wind Tunnels and started aeronautical research for the embryo aircraft industry. In WW2 RAE was responsible for several inventions which helped the war effort. Post-war, RAE built Supersonic Wind Tunnels to discover how aeroplanes could cope with supersonic airflow, which contributed to the aerodynamic success of Concorde. Among the areas of work in which I was involved were:

a) Major strength testing of wing fuselage assemblies of aircraft

b) The problems of use of "Perspex" for cockpit canopies at high altitudes

(differential contraction)

c) The problems of survival of pilots who had to eject at very high speeds

d) A short period in the Accident Section. There were three others from L WS working at the RAE at this time. From 1944-1983 Peter Forsyth made a significant contribution in the Metallurgy Dept. where he was a leading authority on metallic fatigue and stress corrosion. His brother, John Forsyth, worked in the Metallurgy Dept., the Airworthiness Dept., and in the Accident Section. Then I met Danny Norman in the early 1960s. He was a Naval Commander in the Air Service and was Commander Flying RAE for several years. When I retired, I designed a model aircraft to carry a camera and with a unique device to determine the position of the aircraft, made about 200 panoramic photographs, over 5yrs. I photographed Sites of Special Scientific Interest for the Nature Conservancy Council. I am currently helping the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust to produce a Museum to record the work of the RAE, which was disbanded in 1983. My particular contribution is preparing displays to commemorate the work of the Accident Section when investigating the cause of the Derry crash during the SBAC Show in 1952, and the two Comets in the Mediterranean Sea in 1954. I'm also preparing a display illustrating how an ejection seat works. Over the last few years I have been restricted by Cardiac problems and a recent minor stroke; however I am improving.

Alan Bushnell 1948 – 1956 Having read in your last newsletter the contribution from Ian Todd and his reference to Paul Rich, together with the separate item about John Maxton (all three of whom I remember well), I have been inspired to submit these few lines about myself. I too was privileged to be at L.W.G.S. during the headship of H.G. Mullens to whom lowed a tremendous amount for my eventual place at St. John's, Oxford , to read Greats. I also remember with affection Messrs. Bevan, Guest, Miller, Bancalari, Anderton, Bunney, More and Seal, amongst others, as well as Mr. Mullens' sister, Ruth. In my last two years I was entrusted with challenging parts in the School Play, namely 'Hamlet' and 'King Lear'. Coping with the youthful Dane I found exhilarating (strange to relate?), but playing the old man put years on me! After Oxford I taught at Burford School for 27 years, becoming Head of English and Latin and also Senior Master. Extra-curricular activities included being in charge df1st XI cricket and producing plays and musicals. After taking early retirement in 1988 I did some further A level teaching, private tuition and some proof-reading for Blackwell’s. Nowadays I enjoy life in the village of Ducklington, just outside Witney; as well as involvement in Church and Village Hall affairs and being on the Primary School Governing Body. My time is spent in gardening, playing bridge and, together with my wife, helping to amuse and follow the progress of our six grandchildren, three of whom live just around the corner! The other three live in Durham where our son has followed in my footsteps and is a master at Durham School. I send my best regards to anyone who may remember me from those happy days of fifty years ago.

Norman Good 1937-44 and 1959-83 My wife and I have just returned from a holiday in Tallahasse, Florida. We spent a wonderful fortnight as guests of Dudley Witney (O.T.1937-42) and his wife, Melanie. Dudley sends his greetings to all OTs who were at LWGS during the war years. While we were over there we telephoned Tony Joslin, another one of our contemporaries, who now lives in Manitoba, Canada.

Bob Thrussell says 'Please tell Gerard Gould I am glad he is still alive and kicking, same to Mr Lilley thanks.'

Rick Strodder I don't know why I didn't think of this years ago. I was delighted to find your web site. Please add me to you data base and send anything you have. I attended Lord Williams Grammar/Comp in the early 70's, as did my sister, Sarah Strodder. I would just love to hear from people that I shared time with. strodder@optusnet.com.au

Michael Syson 1944-1952 I have been reading with interest all the news of contemporaries and others. I am still working as a locum solicitor although I left the City where I was a partner with Kennedys in 1991. I married Lavinia in 1963 and we have one married son. I have seen reference to Paul Rich and would very much like to make contact with him again. I would also like news of Michael Bolton who left around 1951 when he was living in Twickenham and Ian Cooper who left around the same time and later emigrated to Australia. He went to Sydney and we corresponded for some time and then we lost contact. I read French at school with Dr Woolfs (who died in the late 80’s or early nineties) and we remained good friends virtually until his death. I used my French extensively in business and for some years was a Counseller at the French Chamber of Commerce in London. Recently, I have spent some six months in Nice and am returning there shortly. It has been difficult keeping in contact with the School and any news from contemporaries would be most welcome.

March

From Amanda Brunt Amanda.Brunt@acnielsen.co.uk I wonder if anyone could help me with some research into my family history.My great uncle was Derek Edmund Teden (1916-1940) and I have seen his name in the OTA members' archives. He attended LWGS in the 1920/30s. I do not know if his brothers (Basil Leonard Teden and Frank Collingridge Teden) were also pupils. Please could you let me know if there are any documents, photographs of Derek and/or his brothers that I might be able to see? I noticed a small number of possible contemporaries still contributing, if anyone remembers any of the Teden boys I would love to hear from them. Thank you in advance, Amanda. Dear Amanda, I have looked through some of the records of the School around the mid-late 20s, when Derek was at the school. (I'm afraid it is unlikely that there is anyone left in the OTA who was also at the school at the time.) There is one complication and that is I believe that both Derek and Basil were at the School but many of the records give no initial, just the surname. Some of the records include: 1) In 1926 'Teden' came 2nd in the Junior 25 yards. 2) in 1926 again, 'Teden' played for the 3rd Junior XI Cricket against Dragon School and was out for a duck. 3) In 1927 'Teden' was awarded House colours (Harris House) for combined sound work in work, games and societies. 4) In 1927, 'Teden' came 10th in the Paperchase. 5) In July 1927, D Teden won the Form 2 Prize for Natural History. 6) In the same month 'Teden' came 2nd in the U13 100 yard and 1st in the U13 High Jump and Long Jump, and another 'Teden' came 2nd in the Junior 220 yards. 7) In 1928, 'Teden' was still scoring 'stars' for Harris House. 8) D E Teden appeared in HMS Pinafore as a 'Sailor' in Feb 1928, and later that year 'Teden' won the U13 High Jump. In the swimming, 'Teden' won both Junior 60 and 20 yards and came second in the breaststoke. 9) Mrs Teden donated 10 shillings to the Swimming Bath Fund. 10) In 1929 'Teden' was 2nd in the 100 yards for the U13 and first in the Long Jump. 11) That year, 'Teden' came 2nd in the Junior 60 yards swimming and first in 'Style' and he passed his swimming test. 12) He also started to play for the soccer 2nd XI. 1928-29 D.E Teden won House Colours for Harris. 13) In 1930, 'Teden' played one game for the 1st XV. 14) B L Teden left the School at the end of 1930. Thereafter, there are no further mentions of D.E Teden in the School Magazine until his death is recorded whilst fighting in the Second World War.

Janice Bowles has a new web-site promoting her successful business. Well worth a look and well worth trying out.

Mark Hassall is a much published Reader at the Institute of Archeaology, University College London specialising in Roman inscriptions, Roman army and classical technology, particularly Greek and Roman catapults.

Keith Hawkins has published numerous books on law and in particular the parole system including Law as Last Resort: Prosecution Decision-making in a Regulatory Agency in 2003; The Uses of Discretion 1995; The Parole Decision, A Guide 1977; Parole: A select bibliography with especial reference to American experience, 1971; Deprivation of Liberty for Young Offenders 1967. Keith is a Fellow of Oriel College Oxford and, among many distinguished positions he held, was on the Parole Board for England and Wales.

Joanne Wood - 1998 is working as a dancer after going to Swindon College, Milenium Dance and working as a Beauty Consultant for Estee Lauder.

Do you remember Lament, the band formed by 'A' level students two years ago? OK, I know they only left the School last May. Well Dave Vine, Thom Mills, Alex McCredie and Matt Ryan are still going strong, living and studying in Brighton and gigging across the UK.

Everything you need to know about James Webley - who was at the School in the 1990s and then went to Sussex University -can be found on his Live Journal blog. Another alumni blog, this from John Peacock, can be found at Grangousier. Also he has another site dedicated to his music. Are there other OT bloggers out there?

Message from Sarah Rothwell 1984-91, who joined the LWFC choir committee in January 2004. Lord Williams's Festival Chorus has a new Musical Director, John Gibbons, MA Cantab FRCO Hon ARAM, and a new rehearsal night - Monday evenings, 7:30-9:30pm in the upper school hall in term time. The next concert is on Saturday 27th March in the Thame Sports & Arts Centre, performing an Opera Gala and Karl Jenkin's Mass for the Armed Man Suite, accompanied by Ealing Symphony Orchestra and soloists Susannah Andersson and Adrian Thompson. Tickets cost £8.50, concessions £7, under 16s £1. Available from Thame Tourist Information or Sandra Claridge on 01844 208629. If you would like to join the choir, next term we will be singing an updated version of G&S Iolanthe. In the autumn term, we will be singing Vivaldi's Gloria, Handel's Zadok the Priest, and Alan Hovhaness's Magnificat. Please come and join us - the choir is a mixture of Lord Williams's parents, pupils, teachers, former pupils and others who just enjoy singing. Annual subscription £45 - membership is free to Lord Williams's pupils, but under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Jonathan More - the bearded one - and Matt Black - the mean and lean one - form the UK's most ancient duo of dance music producers : Coldcut. From their debut EP Say Kids What Time Is It? to Ninja Tune's current triumph, Coldcut have focused on bringing the best possible dance material to their audience. They refused to take part in today's massive commercial recuperation of dance and rave culture and focused instead on producing classic breakbeat, tapping into the broadest possible array of influences. They own the label Ninja Tune.

Sadie Burchmore who in 1979 was selected to represent Britain in the Junior Show Jumping team is still show jumping and taking part in British Eventing.

Peter Logan who boarded at the school in the 1950s is one of the UK's finest artists. He was born in Witney, Oxfordshire, in 1943 and studied at Oxford School of Art (1961-63), Camberwell School of Art, London (1963-66) under Robert Medley, and the Slade School of Fine Art (1966-68), specialising in theatre and film studies. Peter has made kinetic sculpture since 1968. Early pieces, which performed aerobatics, were powered by electricity and controlled electronically. From 1978 he has worked on outdoor sculpture using wind power, the character and strength of the wind determining movement. The success and control that the artist has in the way these sculptures work depends largely on their technical excellence, and Logan has built up a high degree of skill over the years, learned mostly from the engineers with whom he has collaborated. This is a highly demanding way of working, as the elements of chance have to be harnessed positively, and any weaknesses in the design can result in the sculpture being destroyed. Peter exhibits his work against architecture and in wild places, locations as diverse as London's Economist Plaza in St James's and the beaches of Neeltje Jans in Holland.

Paul Reeves 1985 - 1990 continues to flourish as an opera singer. Over the last year he has appeared as Parson and Badger in The Cunning Little Vixen in Bruno Czechoslovakia - Jan 2004; Commendatore (Don Giovanni) Cover for Welsh National Opera - June 2003; Zebul (Jeptha – Handel) Cover for Welsh National Opera - May 2003; Colline (La Boheme) for Diva Opera - July-Dec 2003; Sparafucile (Rigoletto) for Diva opera - April-Dec 2003; Sparafucile (Rigoletto) for Scottish Opera (Cover) - Jan 2003

Dr Catherine Fursman 1985-1992 is now a researcher in chemistry in Berlin. Among her recent published research papers is 'Pulsed ENDOR studies of short-lived spin-correlated radical pairs in photosynthetic reaction centres.'

February

Graham Stowell I used to teach at the school - 1982-88 and would be interested in keeping in touch. Pleased to see you have a thriving association.

Gareth Williams I joined the OTA in 1976 when I left school and returned to Cardiff to live. Since then I have kept up with news through the regular newsletters from the association. Despite only returning to Thame a couple of times in the last 28 years, I have recently been in touch with a few old friends via the Friends Reunited website. Now that the OTA website has brought back further memories, I must make the effort to make the relatively short trip to revisit. I am currently working at a steelworks in Cardiff as an Engineering Team Leader, specialising in Instrumentation and Control. I have been married to Becky for 18 years and have two daughters, Laura aged 14 and Kate 12. I would be pleased to hear from any of my old schoolfriends, or indeed anyone who remembers me, I'd be especially pleased to hear from anyone who has any photos from those increasingly dim and distant days, as I have very few. Keep up the good work.

Kate Robson 1991 - 1998 is a digital artist based in Nottingham and London. She completed a BA in Contemporary Arts at Nottingham Trent University, setting herslf the task of interrogating the relationship between the audio and visual senses by creating audience interactive installations that included aspects of phtography, sound, video, web design, performance and text. University work placements created opportunities for working directly within the industry at Nottingham's Now and Expo Festivals, and a love for working with others saw collaborations with people as far afield as Byam School of Art in North London, a theatre company on Manchester, the genetics laboratory of Leicester University, and a small farming village in Buckinghamshire. Kate is currently studying at the London College of Music and Media for her Masters in Computer Arts and she has published a web-site.

John Sanders (1937 or 38) I joined LWS as a boarder and so was a contemporary of R A Bennett and his cousin Joe Lidington. I lived in Thame since my late mother ran the Abingdon Arms. George was a very fine athlete and ran extremely fast in the 440 yds - my very best wishes to him. My time at LWS was seemingly average. I played rugby, swam in the pool, joined the Scout troop under Mr Purvey - he also doubled as a French master - a good one, too. I was a member of Harris House and proud of the green flash on my cap. All the other Houses wore their appropriate colours on their caps. I am finding it hard to recall the names of my contemporaries, and after all I am approaching 80 and have not enjoyed great health for some 12 years. But I am eating, breathing and here - so every day is a bonus. I particularly remember one A R P Shields coming to LWS from Chard in Somerset - sat next to me in fifth form. I understand he was killed while serving with Bomber Command. My very dear friend was Joe Castle, of Castle's newsagents. All the Castle boys went to LWS and I count myself fortunate to have known them, particularly John - eldest, was a sergeant V.R. pilot - 1938 and finished up - 1945 as a wing commander. Henry was in oil, Joe served with OBLI and young Peter was in the Navy. I had a great regard for Ivor Shrimpton. We had a boy Cooney from Chinnor and another Nottage from Watlington but that is my total recall. I served in the RAF in the '39 to '45 war in a very minor role - did a little time overseas and ended up in Italy from where I was demobbed in 1946. Spent the next 20 years in earth moving and then emmigrated to Australia with my wife and family and am still here. Good place and great climate, gets warm at times but the winters aren't too bad. If you want snow, you've got to travel interstate to get it. My youngest daughter - then aged 11 years - had never seen snow when we took a trip to Cooma and surrounds; back in 1985. She really had no comprehension but it didn't stop her skiing. I would really like to make one more trip back the UK and then I could have a last look around the old place but I don't think this will happen. Thank you for all the good work in collating and distributing the Newsletter, and have a great 2004.

David Bradnack. One of the icons of the teaching staff (German) during the late 1960s through the 70s, David is still rambling and orienteering in the Bucks and Oxon area.

January

Jonathan Quaterman 1990 - 1997 studied a BA in Fine Art at Plymouth University and is now living and working in Brighton. Check-out his web-site.

Richard Coutts 1989-1994 went on to study A-Levels at the Royal Grammar School and is currently studying architecture at Nottingham University.

Pat O'Shea, formerly Head Teacher at the school, is currently Education Officer in the Oxfordshire LEA Schools Branch and was recently appointed as an Advisor to the Learning and Culture Scrutiny Committee.

Greg Pugsley has an on-line gallery with a small selection of his photos. These are exhibited in various locations in London and if anyone wishes to hold an exhibition (including in wine bars and restaurants) or wants to buy a print, please e-mail Greg.

Jamie Manger 1969-76 Have just found the OT website and found it very interesting to read the news and try and recognise old colleagues in the photos, particularly the ‘1972 all school rugby photo’ where I can spot myself, brothers Ady & Phil and several others. I remember my year as having a very strong rugby side, being unbeaten for three seasons as Under13’s, 14’s and 15’s. I used to meet OTs whilst playing cricket for Tiddington, rugby for Wheatley and living in the Thame area, but that was some time ago now. I still play the odd game of cricket. My academic prowess at Lord Bills was summed up by Mr More on the day I left commenting that “I would be missed on the sports field”! For the last ten years I have been Head of Finance for a Property Management Company (a subsidiary of the Hanover Housing Association) in Hemel Hempstead, and live in Tring. If anyone wishes to get in touch, my e-mail address is james.manger@hanover.org.uk

(Editor's note: Wheatley RFC started in 1971 and a number of LWS players were recruited that first season to swell its ranks: Jerry Axford, Chris Clements, Graham Thomas, Ady Manger, Bill McGowan among them.)

Chris Williams Just seen the website and thought I'd add myself to the list. I'm now Communications Manager/Press Officer at Oxford United FC, writing and editing the programme and website, travelling round the country with the team and enjoying the feeling of being at the top of the league after a couple of seasons of being rubbish! I quite often appear on local TV and on the radio, talking nonsense about the mighty U's, and anyone coming along to games runs the risk of hearing my deep manly voice making the announcements! Check out www.oufc.co.uk Given that I never made the first team, I just made the first team laugh, my continued involvement in professional sport will come as a shock to those who remember me as a willing but unable striker for the very underrated Etheridge first team circ 1980!! Chris Williams Oxford United Football Club The Kassam Stadium Grenoble Road Oxford OX4 4XP tel: 01865 337500 e-mail admin@oufc.co.uk website: www.oufc.co.uk For all the latest on the U's subscribe to our official text service. Text CLUB OXF ON to 88442

(Editor's note: I sent an e-mail back to Chris mentioning that Mickey Way was the first (and only?) LWS student to make the United squad.)

Nigel Cooke is appearing in David Hare's The Permanent Way at the National.

John Woodvine has become one of the country's most distinguished actors since the early 1960s. A summary of his appearances can be found here.

Peter Daplyn appeared in the Channel 4 series That'll teach 'em.

Simon Burnett is one of the country's top swimmers and competed in the 2003 World Swimming Championships.

Laura Bowley is a succesful dancer and can be seen here.

Richard Priestly who taught Classics at the School until 1982 and was Commanding Officer of the CCF is now Head Master of Newport Free Grammar School in Essex.

David Robertson 1959-1962 Calling Old Tamensians who finished school in the early 60's. I am organising a Coast to Coast walk across the Pyrenees to take place in June-July, 2004. The idea is to start on the Mediterranean and finish on the Basque coast. About eight weeks in all but people can slot in and out along the route. I am looking for a small group of experienced walkers. One aim of the project is to raise cash for cancer research and any help in this area would be appreciated. Any enquiries to robertson@arsys.es

Tristan Beeley Hello people of, and formally of, Thame. Hope all is well out there. I lived in Thame up until 1994 when I moved to San Diego, California. I still miss the place. I would love to hear from my fellow classmates that went to school with me at John Hampden and Lord Williams. I've got quite a lot to tell about whats happened since I moved. So please contact me if you can.

Simon Briggs (finished A levels 1996) and Mari Walters (finished A levels 1995) are travelling together in New Zealand at the moment. We have just finished 9 month jobs in Hamilton, NZ as Biomechanics lecturer and consultant, and Intensive Care doctor respectively. Having a wonderful time, on to Oz soon. Best Wishes to all from our years at Lord Bills.

Sarah Minchin (nee Harvey) 1988 - 1995 Moved from Milton Keynes to Irthlingborough in Northamptonshire last April. Still commuting to jobs in Milton Keynes but housing a lot cheaper! Our son, Rhys, turned 3 last October. I am now about 5 months pregnant with his little brother or sister who is due mid-May. A very exciting time! My sister Claire Graham (nee Harvey) 1990 - 1997 is coming up to her 2nd wedding anniversary. She is living in Southampton with her husband and their baby girl, Eloise, who was born in October and all are doing well.

Jemma Way left 2003 My first term of university at University College, Northampton has gone extremely well. I've made loads of new friends, my course 'Sport and Exercise Science' is brilliant and I'm obtaining high grades, which I'm pleased about. I'm really fitting in, and enjoying getting back into doing work. It's hard at times with very few books available to a lot of people, so the internet has been my saviour!! You would think for the amount of books you had to buy and the loan you get, they would be slightly cheaper, mine have added up to around £150-£200 with more still to come, it's crazy, but hey!! Exams have already begun and before I knew it, it was the Christmas break. I made it into the 1st team rugby, playing full back, which I'm enjoying a lot - although I did break a rib a few weeks ago, which has put me out of sport for 3 weeks. The campus is really nice, not to big, but not to small, with all halls situated on campus which is good. I've been lucky enough to get into the newly built halls, they're rather lovely with an en-suite, you couldn't swing a cat in the rooms but they're cosy. I've decorated it with photos of everyone from school. My flat mates are also very nice and I've even managed to rope a few into playing rugby, they haven't had a game as they're too scared, but I'm slowly toughing them up! hehe. For a supposed sporting university the facilities are not what I imagined: the girls usually get the short straw with changing rooms and equipment etc, but we're better at our sports, being top in our leagues and boys failing badly at the bottom! Not sure what else is left to tell you really. Thanks for a lovely evening at the OT's reunion, I was very pleased with my Mary Jane Bugg 'Contribution to girls' sportsmanship' trophy. It meant a lot and I felt much appreciated. I really enjoyed myself and it was nice for most - if not all of my year - to get back together in the same room, which probably won't be happening for a while.

Nicola Haynes 1981-1988 After a BSc in Chemistry at the University of Liverpool, I spent four years at Sellafield with British Nuclear Fuels, starting in Commissioning Engineering and moving into adult training for THORP Chemical Plants. I retrained as a Primary teacher at the University of Manchester in the mid-nineties and then taught in Macclesfield for 6 years, mainly Y3 and Y4 (first and second year Juniors in old money!), falling into a maths co-ordinator's role. Two years ago I took up a post as Numeracy Consultant for Halton LEA, where I work as part of the Advisory Service to raise standards in primary schools in Runcorn and Widnes. This has been a dream job, combining adult training with teaching maths to many children in the 4-11 yr age range, and has been full of many "magic moments" where I can literally see understanding dawning due to the use of practical activities instead of the deadly worksheet or textbook. For this evangelical zeal, I need to thank Alan Cook, first for teaching me in LSE, then allowing me back as a sixth-former to work in his classroom and discovering for myself how important it is to provide a useful mental model of a concept, but above all "Alfie" Bradley, for a dedicated four years at the Upper School, including two brilliant years in double Maths A level (how sad does that sound?!) - if I can impart half of his enthusiasm to the children I teach, I'll have done well.

Chris Bagley 1949-1954 I've recently retired and live in Cheshire, after a wandering career as a sailor, journalist, medical researcher, and university professor in Britain, Canada and Hong Kong. I am keen to have news of Harry Cowan, my contemporary at LWS. I was part of the experimental language stream under Dr. Wolf, learning German - this was a useful skill to acquire since my first job after graduating was translating scientific German in a medical research centre. I later met Dr. Wolf in London where he was teaching adult education students - doubtless a more receptive group than the bolshy kids he used to teach!

Alison Jeffery left 1995 I have taken the plunge to apply for VSO and have been accepted, with a placement in Pakistan, where I will be helping local colleagues to provide in-service training. My departure date is in early March and the placement will be for 2 years. So having got the vaccinations out of the way I am now attempting to learn the basics of Arabic script before I go!

David Higgs 1966-72 After school and a gap year in Oxford I did my higher education at the Universities of Wales, and Manchester before spending a few years teaching in the Middle East. After that I joined the British Council and have spent 20 years with them managing programmes in Europe, Africa and South Asia. I am currently Deputy Regional Director for Southern Africa and live in Pretoria with my wife Alex and my youngest daughter Olivia. Her older sisters Amy and Molly are at boarding school in Taunton. My brother John was also at LWGS now lives in Perth Australia and works in materials management.

Frances Wood (Nee Tickner) left 1981 Recently returned to Thame after many years as a missionary with her family in Africa. Husband Geoff is training as a bricklayer / plumber etc with a view to returning to build in Africa. People in Thame are very pleased with his excellent kitchen fittings.

Morley Slade 1955-1962 I have been looking at the OT website, in particular the OT News from the Past for 1975, which must have been the last time I communicated with the OT! In those days it was probably all handwriting, hence my appearing as Morley Slater instead of Morley Slade. (Now fixed - Ed.) Anyway, I moved on from Plessey ( who were later taken over by Siemens and the name lost) in 1986, and joined Racal in 1988 after a brief spell with the infamous International Signal and Control (who were later taken over by Ferranti and the name lost). I rose to the dizzy heights of a Technical Director with Racal before they too were sold (to Thomson-CSF, and the name lost). Shortly after this event, in 2001, I took early retirement and am now enjoying a relaxed but busy life doing voluntary work, enjoying my growing hordes of grandchildren and making things in my workshop. One of my voluntary occupations is working in the loco shed at the Mid-Hants Railway, on full-sized steam engines. This follows a life-long interest in railways which started at Lord Williams's. Does anyone remember the gigantic Hornby Dublo railway layout we built for the Quatercentenary fete in 1959, under the guidance of Bogy More?

Ashley Goodall (1974 – 79) I have a new job at Fitch in London- development director for worlds leading design group- now part of Martin Sorrell's WPP empire- so very pleased to hear from anyone keen on getting their identity, communications, annual reports, website, brand and retail environments sorted.

Andy Deans, Jonty Pawsey, Dominic Byrne, Richard Robey, Joff Trott, Richard Travers, Steve Fairn, James Tewson, Pete Cogram, Dave Steen and Jessica Collins met on Tues 16th Dec 2003 in London. We were all from the 1977-1984/5 era. A great time was had by all and all were in good form. Many of the above are going to be meeting and racing in the 'Round the Island (Isle of Wight) Yacht Race' starting June 26th at Cowes.

C.J.Staples 1954-61 Hampden House, 1st XV Rugby,Oxon Schools Rugby,Senior Athletics Champion 1960, Senior Cross Country Champion 1959, 60 & 61 (crossing the River Thame in flood was no fun ), NFU Scholarship, Reading University. Lived in Edinburgh since 1966 working in the agri-business sector retiring as Chairman of Grainfax Ltd in 2002.

Liz Reece (Thompson) 1976-78 I am still self employed as a careers consultant - my work varies from providing career guidance to writing curriculum materials for publishers, from researching the benefits of guidance activities to assessing school careers programmes. Recently I have been training staff in a prison which really opened my eyes. I live in Tackley, North Oxon, with my teacher husband and our two boys now aged 11 and 9. I still sing - a recent trip to Norfolk reminded me of the Lord Williams' trip many summers ago to that part of the world, stopping at Cromer and Wells - any of you out there remember it? Robin Nelson and Graham Corney were the star staff from then - any news of them? I'd love to hear from any of you who remember me! lizreece@btopenworld.com

Michael Brown 1943-50 For those of us not strongly personally motivated, and brought up to V form level under the austere but not wholly unsalutory regime of A C Dyer, life was always going to be too easy following release therefrom. I was, however, lucky enough to glean sufficient scraps of information in the VI form to enable me to read medicine at Oxford, where I acquired a first class facility with a punt pole. There followed several years in various grades of junior hospital doctor - very hard graft but some of the best times. Later came general practice in Watlington, - the place where, some years before, I had daily caught the bus to that institution that is our common bond. Others will remember those buses: the A. J.s and Commer, always offering the joyous hope of breakdown; and the drivers; the one ludicrously ill-humored; the other cheerful but quite unable to complete a phrase without an obscenity. I wonder if anyone ever hears of David Welch, an able collaborator in time wasting during the year. May I also send best wishes to Fred Seal whom I remember with affection and respect.

Members News 1900 - 1999

Members News 2000-2003