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Old
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OTA Members' 1900-1999 Archives OTA Members' 2000-2003 Archives OTA Members' News 2004 Archive OTA Members' News 2005-6 Archive |
Dates for 2009 Can now be found on News and Events News: Please
send you news to Stuart Davies 450th Anniversary Dinner Quite frankly a wonderful dinner was enjoyed at
New College Oxford with close to 150 OTs, current and past teachers,
Governors, the Warden of New College, ex-Holton Park pupils and even one
pupil from the Peter Dorfler Gymnasium. In short, the whole school was
represented with the oldest OT having been at school in the 1930s. Some gathered rashly in the Turf Tavern
beforehand and many more continued the night in the College’s Buttery
afterwards. In many ways the food was incidental, it was gathering of great
wit, great friendship and a common interest in the school and everyone who
had been associated with it. As ever a whole raft of sometimes outrageous
photographs can be found at www.flickr.com/photos/oldtamensians The next event is the Founder’s Weekend on Friday
and Saturday 6/7th November which promises to be just as much fun.
100 rugby players turning up!!! The Thrills and Spills evening??? |
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Missing Members: yes
we do lose members. If you don’t receive the monthly e-newsletter that
probably means your e-mail isn’t on our list. Please remember to let us know if your
e-mail changes. e-mail
changes to Stuart, the Membership
Secretary. Facebook?
Are you on Facebook? There is now a
Lord Williams’s School OTs group with over 1,000 members. If you are interested in a little bit of social history
the recently extensively updated Members News Archive 1900-1999
is well worth a visit. Please note: to aid searching for news/people this
whole site is now google
searchable. 1,000 Archived Photos: BRAND NEW...we have now added a wide ranging
collection of photos that illustrate the history of the school, the OTA and
some others of local interest. If you have any photos you'd like to add,
please send them as an e-mail attachment to the Photo Archivist along
with any information you'd like included. They will be much appreciated. |
September 2009 Phil Quarterman I am interested in the possibility of organizing a reunion
for those of us that are still around from the class of 1965. I spoke
recently to Robert Peacock, and old friend I had lost touch with. He
contacted me by phone, having found me on Google. I have also been in touch in a similar way
with Mike Matson, also class of 1965.
I spent a wonderful evening with Mike a couple of years ago
reminiscing, that actually continued until 5 am! I may be able to get over
for the 450th Founder's Day in November from my home in Portland, Oregon,
USA. At least, that's my plan. Robert Peacock I would love to see folks from our year, but is it class
of 65, or class of '58 when we all started? I think that might be more
appropriate as quite a lot left after O Levels in '63. (Bob Lewis and 2 of
the Smiths for starters). I saw Slush Lilley a couple of years ago, but I,
like so many others, have been bad at keeping in touch. Haven't heard from
Ian Ayres, although I posted a letter on Friends Re-u. I have some old copies
of the Tamensian, I am sure the new class lists are
in there. For interest in all reunions contact us and we’ll pass on your interest to the organisers. Colin Quartly (1960-65) just a few lines to say still farming at
Thame, taking life a bit steadier now - running suckler cows, instead of
dairy and converting some of the buildings into industrial lets. Enjoy a bit
of golf and a lot of shooting. I am in touch with Pete Arnold, Richard Groom,
Alan Lewis, Chris Brookes, Jim Cohen and Barry Mott plus I sometimes see DJA
Smith(last week). Son
Phillip is living in Australia near Canberra, project manager for a firm
called Designcraft, fits out a lot of museums
with their display cabinets. Phil and his partner Meg have a boy, Fergus, and
are expecting again very soon. Other son Peter lives on the farm with his
family wife Janet and children Isabel and James, he is a physiotherapist, and
last but not least daughter Joanne teaches history and sociology at Cardiff
High, she is to marry next year. I
organised a reunion for our entry year 1960 twenty years ago. Chris Brookes
who lives in the USA and was unable to attend that
one wants me to do it again now that we are 60. I am keen, let’s do
it. Stuart e-mailed me a few addresses to get started. Barbera Lazenby 1971-78 After college in Bath, (teacher training), married Rob Perry
(from School), and now have four children, 11,13,16
and 18. Eldest has just started at Bristol Uni. Living in Woodley, just
outside Reading. Now working during school hours and when weather permits as
a gardener and loving it. Rob now at a school in Bracknell. Would love to
hear from anyone out there who knows me!
Paul
Houghton 1979-1986 I
am currently living in Dunblane, Scotland, and work in Glasgow for Alliance
Planning. I am married to Lee (who is Scottish) and have two children Jack
(9) and Meghann (7). Philip
Quarterman 1958-65 I
emigrated to the US in 1974. Got Masters in
Environmental Science at Washington State Univ., Worked as a planner, then as
wetland scientist in Oregon. Been with the same firm now 14 years (WHPacific
Inc.) in Portland Oregon. Married and divorced, one son (Colin, 27). Also
musician (keyboard, vocals) and occasional songwriter. Dabble in jazz too.
Life is good, but being single gets old sometimes. Luckily, I have my son
(with whom I play music: he writes and sings), and good friends. Plus the
wonderful outdoors. What more could I need. Nicholas
Moore 1983-1990 After
Lord Bills I studied for a HND, then finally a Degree in Surveying at Nottingham.
I returned to the Thame area having completed the Degree and worked for a few
surveying companies in the Oxfordshire/Berkshire area. Sam
Carey 1978-1983 Just
met the love of my life. Met in Nov 06, engaged last month and aim to get
married at Easter. Have followed various career-paths and am now self
employed, contracting myself out to two very different clients. Still living
just outside Wycombe in a gorgeous little cottage. Would love to receive
updates from anyone who remembers me. Imogen
Harrison 1982-89 Living
in sunny Newark since 1990. Did a BTEC ND in Business and Finance (with music)
and have since worked at a Garden Centre and Landscape company, Sheriff Tool
Hire doing admin, ntl doing routing, and NCC doing admin for Youth, Community
and Play. Started part-time work again as a creche worker for Newark Children’s
Centre Otherwise I'm busy doing voluntary stuff for local child orientated
schemes, and being a governor at a local infant’s school. Married to Mark
since 1998 with three beautiful daughters, Freya, born on 24th March 2000,
Siân born on 30th September 2003 and finally 2 pushes Amelia (Millie) who arrived
very quickly on 14th August 2005 also step-daughter Leah born on 23.10.90. Susan
Orchard 1972-76 Doing
the John Cleese thing but in Blackpool, not Torquay. One lovely daughter 23, now working in London. Still working in the Expressive
Arts and at present hoping to open a new centre in town within 12 months. Lorraine
Peake 1980-86 When
I left school I worked as a dental technician for 14years. I married this
fella called Ricky in 1996 (goodun!) and have three fantastic boys aged 11yrs
and 4yrs and 2yrs who keep me very busy. After having my eldest I worked as a
Credit Controller in a Laboratory but now I am now working in a private
pre-school. I am living in Chinnor, Oxfordshire. It would be cool to hear
from anyone who remembers me. Jerry
Green 1966-1973 started
L.W.G.S. in the dark days of STOSH (1966) and left in 1973 at which time I
recall he was still Principal and the school under his guidance had gone from
360 pupils to a 3-sited conglomerate with numbers in the thousands. August Andy Benn sadly died. He’d attended
the school from 1967 until 1972. June 2009 David Green 1950-57 I
am well into a project with other OTs of my 'Salvete' year (1950) and others
to produce a booklet (possibly a .pdf file for the Website. It looks as
though it will get too big for that) presenting a portrait of a 1950s grammar
school education based on LWS. For my sins I have landed the job of pulling
it altogether, providing a background matrix of relevant historical,
educational and cultural material and assembling the fast-growing collection
of resources (everything from a Conway Stewart marble-green barrelled
fountain pen to an extract from Thucydides' Melian Dialogue in Greek) and
anecdotes. Contributions to date have come from about 12 OTs, 3 former staff
members and others. In order to get the widest possible representation of
material I would appreciate more contributions from anyone who received their
education at LWGS, as it then was in the 1950s.“If you knew any of these
masters you are sure to have something to say about your time at school
during the 1950s. What we are looking for is interesting anecdotes,
memorabilia or scanned resources (please keep resolution to a high enough
level for printing), that is: - school exercises, e.g. a written-up
experiment on Boyle's Law, worksheets, texts of essay or speech competitions,
interesting page from school textbooks, drama production photos, school
sports and other activity photos. All this is for a booklet that is currently
being prepared to present 'a portrait of a 1950s grammar school education
centred around what was then LWGS'. David Green (1950-7) has landed the job
of writing the background matrix of relevant historical, educational and
cultural material and assembling the fast- growing collection of resources.
He is well under way with the project with contributions from a number of
OTs, staff and others and can be contacted on drgreen@paradise.net.nz
. He will be attending the Founder's Day events on 6 & 7 November by
which time the booklet should be available. Now is the time to rack your
memory, write down your anecdotes, check your archives in the attic for
resources and email David." Paul Shewry 1974-79 I am
still serving in the Army and I left NATO HQ in Mons, Belgium, in December
after almost 2 years. I was lucky enough to be running the Strategic
Direction Centre there during a particularly busy time so in addition to
monitoring operations in Afghanistan, I watched over Kosovo's independence,
the deployment of NATO ships to the Horn of Africa to tackle piracy and the
Russia- Georgia conflict. I now
have a much more relaxed 12 month posting as the British Army representative
at the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies in Canberra. The focus of the
course is South East Asia and apart from all the academic work we get to
visit the militaries in China, Cambodia, Korea, New Zealand, Thailand and
Vietnam so a lot to look forward to. David Austin (1940s) has recently
died. Alan Niven 1965 –71 ... living in the desert mountains of
Arizona, away from the madding LA crowd. Clear clean air and a view over
Northern Arizona from Prescott [old territorial capitol and onetime home of
the Earps] to the San Francisco peaks behind Flagstaff. Robin
Nelson and Jackie Keirs who both taught at the school in the 1970s have
recently retired. Ben Kerwood, who
taught in the 1960s, has broken his arm. April/May Cliff Nixey This winter has been a bad
one for OTs of my acquaintance as I have three deaths to report: John Stanmore 1942-47 He lived in
Watlington. When he was younger ,he was a useful
cricketer. I played with him for The Lamb C.C. at Chalgrove. For many years , he suffered with MS and a few years ago also had a
stroke. Johnny Hill 1949-1954 He came from
Lewknor. I remember him as a lively character on the Walls bus. I played in
the same Colts rugby team as him where he partnered Drum Maxton in the
centre. For several years, he had suffered from a brain degenerative disease. Des Nappin 1950-55 We were in the same
form. He came from Oakley but lived most of his life in Brill. He was not in
the top flight of the form academically but he was on the sports field. He
captained the Colts cricket team and was full back for the Colts rugby team.
I still have a vivid memory of him dumping the Henley centre who was much heavier and taller and going at speed, into
touch. I was not surprised to hear that he had been a prominent sportsman for
Brill. He was one of the most popular members of the form so his loss will
have saddened the form. Nicola Eggby 1997-2004 Im working and
living in Spain cant speak any spainish who needs
to.... I working sales in Benidorm and live in the
Moutains about 45km away so i have peace and quiet at night now. i drive a *@&*$% old car lol its the best car iv ever
had actualy its lasted the longest anyway! i miss my
family from back home in the UK my brother has his second kid on the way 3
mnths a little boy i believe. my mum is in wantage
area and my dad in Bicester. Me and Trevor has been together for 3 years and
have a beautiful house here in spain thats all.... I
intend to move away from spain its now begining to bore the hell outta
me! Everything manarna! (2moro) so
slow pased even more than the isle of wight. Bulgaria is the nest stop
hopefully. been doing my research very good very
cheap! also becoming an estate agent have 5
propertys at the mo woohoo! anyone interested in
spian let me know! Have alot of work
to do before i can go unfortunatly not as easy as id like....... Sarah Harvey 1988-1995 Married Mike in
1999 and moved to Milton Keynes. Our first son Rhys was born in Oct 2000. Our
second son Jamie was born in May 2004. We lived in Milton Keynes for 4 years
and Northamptonshire for 2. We moved to France in 2005, I am working at an
international school just over the border in Geneva. Our contact address is
Residence les Escrochats, Chemin des Escrochats, 01710 Thoiry, France E-mail
is michael.minchin@wanadoo.fr Samantha Liles 1989-96 Went to de Montfort
University and now eight years of marriage coming up. We have been living in
Warkworth, NZ for almost two years. Best move we ever made no regrets. Loving
every minute. Not working at the moment. March 2009 Graham Thomas 1966-73 has invested in an
Australian company and now plans to take it global. KeyWay is a leader in
developing software for on-line and digital marketing and promotional
activity for brands. Recently, he was in Sydney and caught up with two OTs: Ian Benn and Sean Johnson. Kate Daleki after leaving school in
1994, Kate went to the Swansea Institute of Higher Education for three years.
‘Moved from Thame to Watermead (Aylesbury) last year. Living with my partner
who has his own structural & civil engineering company. Leo is now 6 and
Emily is 4. Not working but am kept busy looking after the kids, house and
crazy dog!’ Last month she got
divorced. Darren Dixon 1981-88 STILL down south -
just can't seem to pull myself away from it! Love it down here!! Of
the future? Same as ever - to learn from my mistakes & to take from what
I've learnt in order to be able to give back to society & help those that
need help! February 2009 Kirsten Johnson 1983-90 Live in Kent with
partner 'Singe' and our three cats. Not married, don't want kids, but we do
have a very large, well stocked fish pond. Less hastle! Hazel Gelson went to Barley Hill School
and then joined Lord Bills in 1997. ‘Still living in Thame with my partner
Rob. Working near High Wycombe for a small company as a customer service
administrator. Just living every day as it comes - nothing to exciting going
on!’ But she hopes to get married and have children soon. Ian Fowler was at the school for five
years after he left John Hampden. He left in 1998 to go to the London College
of Fashion. ‘Living in Essex with my boyfriend Adam. Been together for 13
years! Work as a Costume Supervisor for TV. Currently on Holby City &
Dancing on Ice.’ Pete Fowler 1983-91 Now living in
Northamptonshire with the lovely Jodie. Still making music
(www.myspace.com/calistouk), and now the proud father of 2 boys, Jack aged 6
and Joe aged 4. Working as a copywriter and marketing strategist for a small
firm in sunny Welllingborough. January 2009 Graham Corney: It is with much sadness
that - albeit belatedly - we announce the death of Dr Graham Corney, Fellow of St Anne's from 1987 until his
retirement in 2006. For nearly twenty years, Dr Corney took charge of St
Anne's PGCE students and Lecturer in the Department of Educational Studies.
He was a valued member of St Anne's Governing Body and will be remembered
with great affection. Before that he had been a lecturer at the Department of Educational Studies, University of Oxford,
where he authored many academic papers and books. Graham taught
Geography at Lord Williams’s during the very late 60s and into the 70s where
he was a much admired teacher. He himself was educated at Dame Allan’s Boys’
School, an independent school on the western edge of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He
died in June 2008 after an illness. Ben Kerwood who taught history at the
school in the 60s and 70s has been living for many years in Salisbury. He is
a member of the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra where he plays piccolo, was
Chairman of a local school governors school and, for
a number of years, was Chairman of the South Wiltshire branch of the CPRE. Helen Beazley is married..an event that happened not that long ago. Dawn Roberts is running Power Presentations and is
also starting up some new businesses in the area of executive coaching and
training. Katerina Spanchak is a
molecular biologist. Sexpert
‘Dr Cath’ in the Daily Mirror is Catherine
Hood. Theresa Allen -1988 My my
aren't we getting old!!!! I am married (second time) with 2 lovely
kiddies, a son who is just 10 and a 4 year old daughter. Living in the
Midlands but would love to go back down Oxford way again one day!! Tim Brookes 1974-81 is living in Milton
Keynes and is working as a technical consultant for Holchem. He is married
with two children. Wendy Thomas
who was at school at the same time is separated with two children. Georgina Hearn is still living and
working in Thame. ‘Been married to Alan for 25 years. Have two children,
Simon 21 and Lisa 18.’ Angela
McCoulloch celebrated her 25th Wedding Anniversary ‘I live 40
miles from New Orleans Louisiana . I've been Married
25 years. Have one daughter Naomi 23. Two dogs and one Cats.
All survived Hurricane Katrina .Mum, Dad and Andy all still in Thame and all
doing well. I come visit every year or two.’ News: Please send you news to Stuart Davies December
2008 Snippets:
Brief update on recent leavers. Harry Allen is studying Maths at
Warrwick as is Lucy Burgess; Pascall Ansell English/Music at
Leeds; Lucy Arthurs is reading
English and Media at Nottingham Trent; at Brunel, Parminder Baines is studying Financial Computing; Robert Banham is studying Business at
Birmingham; Jasmine Coll is
studying Maths at Birmingham, Stuart
Dossett, Economics at Sheffield, Frank
Dunn English and History at Leicester, and Fred Dunn is studying Chemistry at Bath. Alice Emerson is reading Music at Middlesex; Pia Grieg is doing a PGCE at Brighton; Louise Hall is studying Decorative Art at Nottingham Trent; Two
former students are at Portsmouth: John
Holland is studying accountancy and Stephen
Maloney Geography. Both Eleanor
Webb and Peter Vine are in
their 2nd years at Manchester studying Maths and Finance. Suzie Watson is reading music at the
Royal College of Music. Stephen
Lawrence is learning how to be an Entrepreneur at London Metro; Belinda Bridgman is reading Geography
at Plymouth, Stephen Thorpe,
Chemistry at East Anglia, Laurence Stern,
Politics in London. Alison Yarrow
is reading Psychology at Sheffield Hallam; whilst Susie Wilson is studying Illustration at Loughborough, Sarah Kirk, Illustration at
Westminster, and
Hannah Whittaker Graphic Design at
Kingston. Both Alex and Lucs Schmidt are reading Economics at Sheffield; Emily Shriver is studying to become a
Radiographer at Hertford; Rebecca
Collins-Smith is doing Education at Brighton. Also at Brighton is James Rowe studying Retail
Management, and Daniel Korn is
there studying Medicine. Sam McIver
is reading Accounting at East Anglia; Scott
Rosseter is studying Computer Games at UWE. Michelle Lang is reading Maths and Philosophy at Birmingham. Andy
Smith is studying Sports at Sheffield Hallam; at Sheffield University Esther and Rachel Adams are reading
English and Sociology respectively. Max
Bayley is reading French in London; Holly
Brown, Maths at Oxford; Vicky
Chaplin, Pharmacy at Manchester; John
Dennis, Broadcasting at Wrexham; Thomas
Hyde, Geography at Birmingham. Jennifer
Pillinger is reading Anthropology at Goldsmiths College, University of
London. Henry Smith is Sailing in
Portsmouth. Further along the coast, Helen
Evans is studying Photography at Falmouth. Please count me in for the 100 year OT dinner at
New College in September 2009. I was a boarder at Lord Bills’ between 1974-1981. I look forward to receiving
confirmation. Many thanks. Simon
Lambert Neil
Hewitt; 1982-89 I spent the first 10 years after leaving school in the joinery
trade. i then met my wife Lindsey a PA from Oxford,
we have two lovely children together, Lucy 8 and Mason 6 and live in
Bicester. I then decided on a career change and went to night school and
qualified as an electrician. Since then I have worked in various places
including Windsor Castle. Whilst working at Windsor Castle and the adjoining
barracks I gained an interest in the army and from there I joined the TA
where I progressed to a Det. Commander and spent four years with the TA . I am currently in the engineering profession working
in London. Lesley
Blaine 1980-87 My divorce hs finally come through! I am very happy with the
new love of my life Mark and my three great kids George Alice and Sophie.
Living in Oxfordshire and in the past worked at Harwell. Katie
Wales 2000-07 Having finished school, earned a place at Warwick Business
School where I am now studying towards BSc in Management. Pretty demanding at
times, but never too busy to go out with friends and have a good time!! Also
been working in between University and School times in the operations team at
company called Oxford Instruments which is all good, helps me to pay my way
and hopefully stack up some cash to pay off all these student loans I'm going
to rack up!!! Ian
Vallender was up until recently Policy Director at the NCVCCO. He has spent all
is working life in the development of policy with regards to children and
their care. Keith Hawkins, is a Reader in Law and
Society, and Fellow and Tutor in Law of Oriel College, Oxford. Keith Hawkins
(LL.B Birm., Dipl Criminol., MA, PhD Cantab.)
retired from active teaching in October 2006. His research interests are in
the sociology of legal processes, and are concerned with legal decision
making and the workings of governmental regulation in such areas as
environmental control, and occupational health and safety regulations. News: Please
send you news to Stuart Davies November Greg Green -2003 Here is an update on my status. I have
recently graduated with a 2:1 BA Hons degree in War & Security Studies
from the University of Hull Department of Politics and International Studies.
I have also completed a 3 month placement in the House of Commons, and am
back in Oxford going through the rigors of the graduate recruitment process
for the Civil Service and other Government Agencies. Alan
Townsend 1958 – 1966 Having just joined the OTA, I was
interested to see in my first Newsletter the message from Barry Yates about Eric Dyball. I had just returned from
a week in the Lake District which always brings back memories of Eric. In
1963 Eric, who I seem to remember was Junior Athletics Champion, and myself went on a 10 day cycling tour up to The Lake
District. John Keith Lear (1926-2008), has died and was buried
at Puttenham 29th August 2008. He attended Lord Williams’s as a
boarder from late 1930s to early 1940s. He was a very hard working farmer and
a tough scrum half. He had a long illness, starting with a heart attack
twelve years ago. His wife Betty looked after him at home. It's a small world!...
Whilst in the Isle of Man for my brother's funeral, I was introduced to Mr
Paul Bregazzi - himself a retired principal, I believe - who knew of 'Thame
School' through a number of associations. Its Senior Classics Master, Hugh Mullens, who moved to become
Headmaster of Lord Williams’s in 1948, had taught Mr Bregazzi, as a pupil of
King William’s College on the Island. Mr Bregazzi knew David Carr (later Head of LWS Lower School West), and was
familiar with the name of Geoff
Goodall. Best of all, Mr Bregazzi had taught in Cheltenham with a young
man called Henry Blyth, whom he
remembered fondly for his principles, his intelligence, and his early promise
as an inventor. Warmest regards, Peter
Arnold Don J C Wood 1942 – 47 After leaving LWGS
in 1947, my intended career in the army ended abruptly through an accident
playing rugby. I had a successful interview for the Hong Kong police, but
recruitment was suspended for economic reasons, so in 1953 I joined The
United Africa Company, a subsidiary of Unilever, as an expatriate trading
assistant in West Africa. UAC
was the largest commercial operation in West Africa, engaged in a wide range
of activities including produce buying and general trading, and many
specialised ventures such as vehicles, building materials, timber, shipping,
and cold storage. After
a four-week induction course in London, my first posting was to a remote area
in the Gold Coast, now Ghana, as assistant to the District Manager, a
European. I was just 22 years old. All the other managers and staff were
African. Our district covered a large area along the border with Togoland, and
was one of the principal cocoa growing regions. Responsibility
came with indecent haste, and soon I found myself in charge of our fleet of
20 lorries, the explosives magazine, the petroleum business, and several
other specific activities. I dealt with the African farmers who brought their
cocoa for us to grade and purchase, and with the traders who bought from us
everything from drums of petrol to textiles, bicycles, cement, iron sheets
and all types of provisions. Credit control and the reconciliation of cash
and stocks became important features of my life. Once a month I went to
Accra, the nearest bank, with a cashier and an armed police constable to pay
in up to £200,000 in cash. The
only other Europeans in the area were the District Commissioner and the
government officers in charge of departments such as health, roads, education
and agriculture. Social life consisted of dinner and tennis parties,
interminable weekend curry lunches, and crocodile hunts on the nearby River
Volta. This was one of the most exciting and memorable periods of the time I
spent in Africa. A
year later I was transferred to Kumasi, the largest trading and cocoa growing
centre in the country. My boss was nearing retirement, so I had to get to
grips quickly with the administrative side of the merchandise business so
that he could spend time improving his golf handicap. I also had to become
adept at haggling with the African traders who bought salt, rice, sugar and
flour by the ton, and a wide variety of provisions such as barrels of pig’s
feet and salted beef, and cases of gin and rum, all in large wholesale
quantities. We had many up-country branches in our district, which covered
the northern half of the Gold Coast, and I was sent regularly to some of the
furthermost areas to carry out administrative checks and to report on trading
conditions. After
two years I had nearly five months UK leave. I persuaded the girl friend with
whom I had corresponded energetically during the time I was away, that West
Africa was no longer ‘the white mans’ grave’, and Pauline and I were married
in Hereford in November 1955. My appointment as a manager was confirmed, and
we went to Dunkwa, a busy town in a forestry, gold mining and cocoa growing
area, with a European population of about 100, as Sales Manager. While we
were there, the Gold Coast achieved independence and became Ghana in March
1957. Initially this had little impact on our lives, except that Ghanaians
replaced many of the Europeans working for the government. Pauline and I had
our own fully furnished bungalow provided by the Company, and we enjoyed a
pleasantly social and adventurous life.
Nearly
all the European police officers had departed at the time of Independence,
and when political unrest developed, I was one of several UAC managers
“volunteered” by the General Manager in Accra to be sworn in as a
supernumerary Assistant Superintendent of Police. After
another two tours and leaves in the UK, I became a District Manager, and held
this post in several up-country areas before being appointed DM in Accra, the
capital, in 1961. Our daughter, Penny, was born in Hereford in April 1959
during one of our leaves. Five
years after Independence, the economy of the country had deteriorated badly.
UAC had already withdrawn from produce buying and was winding down the
trading business. In 1962, after several months of in-house and external
courses in the UK, I was transferred to Nigeria to be Marketing Manager of a
division within a UAC pharmaceuticals company. This was a complete change in
every way, but the economy of Nigeria was also under threat from
mismanagement and corruption since gaining Independence in 1960. There was
also political unrest resulting from the less than ideal constitution imposed
by the British government at that time. Our son, Andrew, was born in Lagos in
April 1964, but in view of the prevailing uncertainty, I resigned at the end
of that year. Back
in the UK, I joined a division of the 3M Company, with responsibility for
business with the motor and aircraft industries. Again, this was a complete
change, but immensely interesting and exciting. We lived in Dunstable, and
began to live a normal UK family life. My
fears regarding Nigeria were realised by the military coup and the subsequent
civil war in 1967. However, Africa had got into my system, and in 1969 I
accepted an offer to return to Nigeria with Lonrho, who had recently taken
over John Holt Ltd, an old established West African trading company based in
Liverpool. Penny was settled at Ellerslie, a girls’ boarding school in
Malvern, and Pauline, Andrew and I went to Kano in the far north of Nigeria,
where I became Regional Manager for my new employer. This involved overseeing
the activities of the various companies within the JHL group, and travelling
to all points in the northern half of the country. Communications of every kind were poor or
non-existent after the civil war, and my normal method of contact with Lagos
was via the telex link with Liverpool. There were several occasions when life
was made easier by pulling the plug out of the wall! When
the ‘Biafra’ war ended in 1970, there had been no contact with any of our
operations in that area for more than two years, and we had no idea what had
become of our staff or property. The few expatriates had been evacuated as
soon as the war began. As I had travelled extensively in the Eastern Region
(Biafra) while I was with UAC, a European colleague and I made a fact-finding
trip from Kano to assess and report on the present situation. We assumed,
correctly, that accommodation and food would be virtually unobtainable. We
loaded his elderly Mark IV Zodiac (no new cars had been imported for sale to
the public for five years) with mosquito nets, provisions – including fresh
water, and as much petrol as we could carry. We set off with a somewhat
reluctant driver on dirt roads that had seen little maintenance before
Independence, and none at all after it. Between
1 and 2 million people died as a direct result of the civil war, the vast
majority being civilians, and we encountered some appalling conditions. The
plight of the women and children was pitiful, but some international aid
organisations were already trying to bring some relief. Our main purpose was
to make contact with any senior Nigerian staff we could locate, assure them
of our intention to re-establish operations as soon as the situation
permitted, and to instruct them to compile as much information as they could
obtain regarding staff and property. We were fortunate in finding in Enugu a
senior Nigerian manager, well known to my colleague, who was anxious to get
back to work. After briefing him, we left with him as much of our food as we
could spare, and a supply of legal currency - (‘Biafra’ had issued its own
currency, now worthless) – to assist him in his task. We were away for about
10 days, and by the time we got back to Kano, the Zodiac was on its last
legs. I have never been more grateful for a hot shower! After
four very pleasant years in Kano, I moved to Lagos as Managing Director of a
pharmaceutical company within the John Holt group. We held sole agencies for
many leading international manufacturers, and had wholesale and retail
branches throughout the country. By
this time, Andrew had joined Penny at boarding school in Malvern, where we
had established our UK base. My work pattern changed to tours of five months
followed by a month’s UK leave, and the company paid for both children to
travel to Nigeria twice a year, so family relationships did not suffer. As the economy of Nigeria developed during
the 1970’s oil boom, JHL expanded into a group of 15 diverse companies,
ranging from heavy engineering to boat building, Pepsi-Cola bottling plants,
and motor cycle assembly. In 1979 I became responsible for the companies
engaged in general trading, merchandise distribution services, shipping
services (clearing & forwarding, air freight, and the Maersk agency),
air-conditioning and refrigeration, pharmaceuticals, and the manufacture of
trade toiletries, under the title of Chief Executive – Trade and Services. This
continued until 1984 when I was moved at short notice to Malawi, (formerly
Nyasaland), and seconded as Chief Executive of a group of companies owned by
the Malawi Development Corporation. Lonrho had taken a minority equity
interest in this company, in return for a profit–related contract to provide
management services. I learned that I was to be the ‘management services’.
That was the way our boss, Tiny Rowland, did business. It was a loss-making
operation, and the involvement of Lonrho was at the direct behest of the
President, Dr Banda, who took considerable interest in our efforts to improve
this situation. Conditions were not ideal as we had lost our main seaport,
Beira, due to the civil war in Mozambique, which surrounds Malawi on three
sides. All our imports and exports had to be routed through Durban, thence by
road through Zimbabwe, across the Zambezi at Tete, and by armed convoy via a
narrow militarised corridor in Southwest Mozambique. This added greatly to
the cost of imports, and made our exports of tea, tobacco, and sugar
uncompetitive. However, selective disposals and acquisitions, plus some
organic growth and improved administrative control, returned the group to
satisfactory profit levels. I
remained in Malawi for 6 years, and returned to the UK when I retired in 1990
aged 59, already 4 years over the normal retirement age for Africa. In
1991 we bought a house in Castlemorton opposite the village pub – just in
time for the 1992 ‘hippy invasion’. Rural life was very pleasant, but with
two acres of fruit and grassland to care for, we moved back into Malvern in
2003. We spend our time walking the hills, seeing old friends, driving around
the Loire and the Dordogne, and visiting Penny, who has lived in Connecticut
with her husband and two sons since he was headhunted in 1998. Andrew also
has two sons, and is a director of an American-owned printing company. October 2008 Andy
Arnold 1967-74 We are sad to have to announce that Andy
Arnold died last week on the Isle Of Man. The funeral will take place on
Thursday 9th October in the Isle of Man at 1245, The Old Church, Ballaugh,
then onto the crematorium for 1400. Tea to be held at the RAOB club
Ramsey. Andy was a great supporter of
the OTs, often coming to events or writing in with news. More importantly,
there will be a brief service of thanksgiving and the interment of his ashes
at St Mary's Parish Church, Thame, at 3.00 p.m. on Thursday 16th October. All
welcome. Norman taking the service. September Tina
Merrilees 1968-75 living in Bicester with my 2 dogs
that I rescued from Spain, where I used to live for 14 years, I have a great
job which I enjoy. Paula
Hawkins 1983-90 Living in Risborough - married with a houseful
of pets. Competing in Dog obedience and Agility. Working as a Diversity
Development Manager. Writing training courses. Tim
Hogston 1976-83 I am married with twin boys now age 13 and a
daughter age 15. I am a firearms police officer with Thames Valley Police,
for the last 7 years, previously a marketing manager 15 years. Still playing
football for local side and golf, still living in the area a little village
near Aylesbury, Westcott. Known to my wife as peter pan the little boy who
never grew up. Carol
Babbington 1979-1986 Hi, Married to Pete (a fire
officer), four kids- Emily 22 living in Lancaster, James 17 doing A levels
and Luke 13,Tom 5 and Bart the cat two rabbits, 3 giant snalils & stick
insects! Live in Bicester, Oxfordshire. Last year of degree & work full
time for Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Keep in touch with several people from
school still. Barry Yates
Further to this month's OTA newsletter I noticed you were asking for contact
for Eric Dyball. Tragically as far as I can remember Eric was killed in a
mountaineering accident either in Snowdonia or the Brecons many years ago. I
cannot recall exactly when but it would have been circa 1970. I have spoken
to Ian Dillamore & he has the same recollection. It was not long after we
left Lord Bill’s in 1964. Liz
Whitaker: I was recently given two books relating to Lord
Williams's School by an antiquarian bookseller
who knows that I taught at the school for many years. They were
purchased form the library of Professor Holt. Inside "A Short History Of
Thame School" by J.Howard Brown was the Oxford Times article of
1980 concerning the fate of the old grammar school in Church Road.
"Reminiscences of Lord Williams's School" by Herbert Nicolle contained two compliment slips from the author and,
more interestingly, the correspondence between him and Professor Holt
concerning the 17th century historian Anthony Wood. Professor Holt was
reassuring Mr Nicolle of Anthony Wood's attendance at Lord Williams's as a
pupil, and providing the evidence for this. It would seem that the enclosures
could be of interest to the archivist and so I am sending them to her.
Incidentally, if anyone would like either or both of the books after I have
finished with them, they would be very welcome to them. Neville Brown
1950 Yu-Ying and I hope to see several from my decade at the OT dinner in
2009. It is our wedding anniversary, and particularly apposite as I was a
student at New College. Arthur Stevens 1940 I came to the school in May 1936 as
a boarder but had my stay cut short just after the fall of France in 1940.
Father decided that all the family should be together in Suffolk. He had
business contacts in both Germany and Austria prior to the outbreak of
hostilities in September 1939 and was probably better informed than most as
to events. When I was at LWS the boys in the junior classes knew
everybody's name, there were all of 120! Looking at the 2009 dinner list I
should recognise the name of Mike Bull but regretfully I don't. Three names I
do remember are Craddock, Gomme and Rowley. Also Pope, who was the head boy.
I wonder who of my contemporaries have kept in touch with the OTA ? I still live in Suffolk so getting to events would be
difficult and it seems unlikely that I would meet any of my contemporaries. I
see that the Princess Risborough - Thame - Oxford railway is no more. I used
to be put on the train at Paddington to get to school at the beginning of
term and go home that way at the end of term. Please keep me on your mailing list as one of my old
mates might crawl out of the woodwork, (as the saying goes). With best wishes to the OTA .D J C Wood
1942-47 I hope to be at the New College dinner on 21 September 2009 which,
incidentally (and d.v.), will be my 78th birthday. Would you
please add my name to the list of those interested. Micheal
Syson, David Barnikel and I are trying to rustle up as many as possible of
our years (1945-52) to come to Founders Day this year. See you on the Day Steve
Moles -1970 I left LWS in 1970 end of first year Sixth, or rather was asked to leave by
Geoff Goodall. He made the right decision, I hold him blameless. Following a
year at High Wycombe Tech College I stumbled into rock an’ roll thanks to gig
at the student union hall by a little known group called Genesis. Seventeen
years of debauched travelling ended with my (second) marriage to a wild Hungarian women called Biscuits. We're still
together almost 21 years later; adopted three kids at the turn of the
century, and now reside in the wild flat lands of E. Yorkshire. That's enough
for now. Richard Willoughby (1950s) had sadly died. He lived in Bude on and off (more on
than off) for 55 years and was interested in and committed to local
government for thirty-five years. He was elected first to the former
Bude-Stratton Urban District Council in 1969 and then served on North
Cornwall District Council from its inception in 1973/4 until 1991. He had no
specific political allegiance and always stood as an independent. In 1994 he
went back to university and read for a degree in Landscape & Heritage
gaining a First Class Honours award. An MA in the Management of Industrial
Heritage followed this. He chaired Bude-Stratton Heritage Trust which - apart
from keeping a watching brief on what is left of the local heritage - is the
vehicle for the restoration of the Castle and its development into a heritage
and local culture centre. June/July Mark Ansell -2003 I'm coming to the end of a two-week
placement as a Broadcast Journalist at BBC Radio Derby. The highlight has
been contributing to the coverage of the Arsenal match where Derby were thrashed 6-2. Earlier in April, I did the same
placement at BBC Radio Oxford which was a brilliant experience. You can hear
the stories I covered by going on www.markansell.co.uk
The placements are part of my Broadcast Journalism Diploma at Cardiff
University, which ends at the beginning of June. Bernard Jones 1977-84 The Goodalls’ recollections were quite incredible in their
level of detail of dates and names. Fancy remembering Phil Colwell (“Phil the
Cook”) and Nancy! Reading through them brought back many memories and
reminded me of how much I had forgotten. As a former boarder I was
particularly pleased as the later years of LWS Boarding House tend to get
overlooked. It was very much how I remember it. I was only at the school for
two years before the Goodalls left but recognised much of what Geoff, and in
particular what his wife Marion, wrote. Matthew
Wells – 1983 Please add me to the list of those interested
in the reunion event at New College in Sept '09... I am also an old member of
New College, so that makes it all the more unmissable! After New College, Oxford, I went into journalism,
starting at the Northern Echo in Darlington. I joined the BBC soon
afterwards, working in daily current affairs, on programmes like Newsnight,
and The World At One on Radio 4. In 2000, I joined Channel 4 News as one of
the programme editors, but went back to the BBC in 2002, and moved to New
York, as the radio features' correspondent. After years of serial monogamy, I
got married in 2007 to an American woman called Heather, and currently, we
live in Brooklyn, New York. For those who know them, my brother Adam Wells, and sister Becky Wells - both OTs - are thriving
with three children each, and living in London. I was at Lord Williams’s School from 1952 to 1957. I will send a resumé of
my life at the school as a boarder in School House in due course. Bruce
Finch 1952-57 I am a general medical practitioner, still
full time at the age of 69 years, see www.constablecountrymedicalpractice.co.uk
I intend to write my memoirs of my life at school and subsequent career. The
book I will call "Surviving Lords Williams, the Curate's Egg!" I was
known as "Bruce "at school, although that is my 3rd Christian name. Cate Fowler
-1973 is currently shooting some episodes for The Bill. She is still in touch
with a number of ‘old’ staff including Richard
Adams, Gerard Gould and Richard
Wilson. Nick Birch 1974
I am a senior research biologist at SCRI (Scottish Crop Research Institute)
and spend my time working round the world on novel crop protection systems,
GM crop biosafety and deployment (developing countries and EU), insect
ecology and now climate change...pretty diverse! See: www.scri.ac.uk then staff pages, then Nick Birch for more
details. I've just read with great
interest the e-Tamensian for the first time and found it very exciting to
catch up on news of old friends and teachers. I've contacted a few friends
from my year (Ashley Goodall, Jack Davis, Ruald Colman, Barry???, Baz ????, Paul Sargeant, Nicholas ??? ) but still
trying to trace others, like Matt Black. I left LWS after 3 years there as a
boarder, but sadly lost touch with most of them soon afterwards...so the 2009
dinner will be great! I look forward to hearing more news from OTs. Many
thanks for keeping this going. May Ian
Benn and Sean
Johnson, who both left in 1973 and who now both live in Australia – in
Newcastle and Sydney respectively – have been in touch. Ian is teaching Maths
at university and Sean is an architect specialising in the renovation of
heritage buildings. Samantha
Coburn 1989-1993 travelled around Australia for a year after
leaving School. When I came back to England I worked my way up to Food and
Beverage Manager in the Hotel industry and then decided to travel some more. Laura
May 1982-88 Used to be "MAY" until I met my now
husband Garry Hearn, who apparently was a year above me at Lord Bills??? Have
now moved to Trowbridge in Wilts, via Dorset. Now have 2 boys Nathan and
James. . Claire
Richardson 1985-92 Since leaving school, I had a spell
of working at Waitrose in Thame, bought a house, sold a house, went
travelling around Australia and New Zealand, did my nurse training in Stoke
Mandeville hospital, worked there for a while, then moved to Leamington where
I worked at Warwick hospital, the moved in with Steve in Leicester, bought
another house, got a dog, got a cat and work at Glenfield hospital in
Leicester as a cardiology nurse, working part time. April Tara
King 1980-87 PLEASE QUIT EMAILING ME RE RE-UNIONS NOT ONLY
HERE BUT NOT SO MANY MESSAGES ON LWS GROUPS ON FACEBOOK (Err what’s Facebook
for? That’s why it’s called a Social Networking site. It’s for messages and
news. Ed.) For those interested, Tara King now lives in Spain,
taking a career break and lives with her partner Karl Edmonstrobal and young
son Tyler Jake. Fiona
Hockaday 1972-79 is teaching at Welwyn St Marys Primary School
in Welwyn, Hertfordshire. Ian
Brabbin was recently quoted in The Times on article about tea
and rising prices: “One hundred
million kilos of Puerh was sold in China last year. The stuff is so popular
they are struggling to keep up,” Ian Brabbin, head of buying at Taylors of
Harrogate, said. Indeed Ian is
regularly quoted in the media as he is one of the UK’s leading tea experts. Gloria Brown nee Eele I
started my own telemarketing business in 2004 called My Way Marketing . From
the same year, Tina Merrilees is
living in Bicester and working as a driver. Simon
Lambert who was a marketing director for Nestle and then
Marketing Director for Coffee Republic now heads Pointactive his own
marketing consultancy business that he runs out of Lewes. Dr Tim Trodd is a highly regarded GP
living and working in Hong Kong. One of his specialisms is autism. Dr Koon
Loong Chan trained at St. Mary’s Hospital, London and
completed his subspecialty training in Fetal and Maternal Medicine in
Nottingham. He specialises in obstetric ultrasound, including nuchal translucency
and detailed fetal anatomy scanning. He has extensive experience in
prenatal counselling, diagnosis of fetal abnormalities, invasive diagnostic
procedures (amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling) and high-risk
pregnancies. Mr Chan has a special interest in multiple pregnancies. He
currently works at St Mary’s Hosipital, Manchester. Janice Bowles 1971-75: We've recently
acquired business with a local firm training their staff in our equine
experience programme and are in discussion to extend it further. So
although the business has taken time to set up properly we're getting
there! We've finally found excellent facilities at the Witney Equine
college and have changed our company name to The People Whisperers
Ltd. Our
website is: http://www.thepeoplewhisperers.co.uk
The testimonials page shows comments from delegates who have
attended the programme. We're
running a complimentary demonstration evening in April, inviting businesses
to come along and see first hand what we do. Click on the Taster Day link on
the home page. I'm
also still running various hypnosis courses and seeing clients for
hypnotherapy. Snippets:
Judy Wood 1977-84 is living in
Jo’burg, South Africa, is single and has two children; Andrew Standen is living in Falmouth, Cornwall; Debs Hamilton 72-79 ‘I'm now divorced
& starting to enjoy my life. Moved into my new house near Towcester
nearly two years ago, just one daughter left at home...she is a total
nightmare at the moment ha ha! Would
be nice to hear from any of my old school friends. I'm still in touch with Denise Barnett from Chinnor, we meet
up two or three times a year, which is nice. Kim Birch, I left school in 1985 and worked for Cargo or
Carpenters as it was then and made some good friends. Left there in 1987 to
work for Alexanders in Haddenham. I married Clive in 1988. Left Alexanders in
1989 to work for a photographic production company and settled in quite
nicely and I'm still there, part of the furniture now I guess!! No kids just one wonderful dog. March 2008 John Woodvine. For an extensive overview
of John Woodvine’s acting career there is now an article in Wikipedia. Bob Overell. From a recent press
release Biotech
Startup PhaseRx
Wins $19M Pledge The
financing was led by ARCH Venture Partners, 5AM Ventures and Versant
Ventures. In connection with the financing, Steven Gillis of ARCH Venture
Partners, John Diekman of 5AM Ventures and Brian Atwood of Versant Ventures
will join the company’s board. Dr. Gillis will also
become the company’s Chairman. PhaseRx
was formed by Robert Overell of Foundation BioVentures, together with
cofounders Professors Patrick Stayton and Allan Hoffman from the University
of Washington’s Department of Bioengineering; Professor Oliver Press of the
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center’s Clinical Research Division; and Dr.
Paul H. Johnson, the company’s Chief Scientific Officer. The company has
exclusively licensed novel polymer technology from the University of
Washington from the Stayton and Hoffman laboratories that enables the
effective delivery of siRNA. “We are very excited to see this technology move
from the academic setting into the commercial realm” said Professor Stayton. Steven
Gillis, the Company’s new Chairman, said “as investors, we see siRNA delivery
as a very important area, and believe the PhaseRx polymer technology
represents a potential platform solution for issues associated with delivery
of not just siRNA but other types of therapeutics that have proven difficult
to deliver to intracellular targets”. “We are very fortunate to have such
distinguished venture groups and individuals to help us develop this
technology” said Robert Overell, President of PhaseRx, “the initial financing
will allow us to reduce this technology to practice, and the $15 million will
be used to develop it into a truly robust system for important clinical
applications.” Dr. Johnson, the Company’s founding Chief Scientific Officer,
said “I am very excited about the PhaseRx technology, which I believe has
significant promise based on my extensive prior experience in the arena of
siRNA delivery.” Dr
Stephen Castle is Director of the
Substance Use Section in the Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Health, which is part of the Australian Government Department of Health and
Ageing. Steve
is responsible for the management of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Substance Use Program and the development of Indigenous drug and
alcohol policy in conjunction with the Department’s Drug Strategy Branch. He’s
been in the Department of Health and Ageing since 1992 and has worked in a
number of areas including: primary care, mental health and acute care. Prior
to joining the public service in 1988 Dr Castle worked as a molecular
geneticist for five years after graduating from the Australian National
University with a Ph.D. in human genetics. David Shrimpton 1966-73 It is with sadness
that we report the death of David Shrimpton (1954-2007), who died on Saturday
29 December 2007 in the Kent and Canterbury Hospital. David was diagnosed
with cancer of the pancreas and bile duct in January 2007,
and throughout his illness was remarkably positive about his condition and
his circumstances, and was very much helped in this by his wife Terry and his
children Ian and Hannah. After a first career in
mental health nursing, David studied Computer Science at Oxford Brookes
University, remaining there to complete his PhD and subsequently to stay on
as a member of staff. In 1998 David joined the University of Kent’s Computing
Laboratory as a Lecturer, and in his nine years in the department he
contributed hugely to its life and work. In his most recent role as
Head of Teaching, it was David's task to negotiate and agree staff teaching
loads, and he always accomplished this onerous task smoothly and with great
good humour. The reason that it ran so well - and this was something that he
brought to all his interactions with students and staff - was his uncanny
ability to understand other people, and what made them tick. This empathy
made David an excellent teacher, on both undergraduate and postgraduate
courses, as well as an outstanding PhD supervisor, who will be very much
missed by his present and past research students. When David joined the Lab
his main research interests were in distributed systems and support for
multimedia applications, particularly the convergence of digital television
and Internet technologies. This led more recently to interest in many aspects
of the World Wide Web. David played a key role as evangelist for new web
technologies, and had taught a number of tutorials for the World Organization
of Webmasters. Its Executive Director, Bill Cullifer, said "David was an
amazing man and he'll be missed." David was also the Computing Lab's
representative on the World Wide Web Consortium; the Chief Executive of the
W3C, Steve Bratt, also extended his condolences to David's friends and
family. In tribute to David's life
and work, the Computing Laboratory will be planting a tree on the campus
later in the spring. At LWS, David passed only
one A-Level in Maths. It goes to show that with tenacity it is possible to
still do great things in later life and that people should never write off
their potential even if at first it doesn’t flourish. Paul
Hyland 1966-73 Paul is now CEO of
AIXTRON AG, Kackertstr. 15-17 52072 Aachen Germany. Kate Young (nee Bunston) left
1987 Well I've ended up not too far from Thame. I'm living in Shipton-under-Wychwood
in West Oxfordshire with my 2 kids, Ruby (12) and Will (8). I'm currently
working for a small company involved with licensing electronic journals, near
Witney. Past employment has included retail management, film extra work
(including 'The Madness of King George'}, secretarial work and a Tour Guide
at Blenheim Palace. I'm a keen tennis player with my local club and heavily
involved with my local drama group, the Wychwood Players. Ruth Parry (nee Kirtland) (left 1987)
is currently living near Bicester and is a Teacher of Physics at Didcot
School for Girls. She leads a very busy life including plenty of outdoor
activities such as mountain biking and climbing, mostly due to having a
husband in the Army and 2 very active teenage boys! Ashley Goodall – 1974 is now MD of Saatchi
Design in London. He still lives in Oxford. Jerry Axford 1966-1973 is now working
for Mouchel in Oxfordshire. February 2008 Amy Walker 1991-98 Hi all i hope
everyone is good and life is treating you all well. Here is a little of what
i have been up to since leaving school.When i left school i went and worked
in Glynswoods in Thame worked there for 5 years was good fun. Decided to move
on and went to work in an office but felt a bit clostrophobic i enjoy meeting
new people and in that environment u dont so i left there after a year. Now i
am back on home turf working for mum in A Piece Of Cake which in fact is
great fun been there for 3 years lol. I now am a proud mummy of a beautiful
baby boy called Charlie he was born on the 8th May 2007 we are so proud he is
now 8 nearly 9 months old driving us mad crawling about and chattering. We
hope to get married this year (2008) i am so excited. I thought it would be
nice to catch up with some old pals so if anyone who reads this remembers me
and fancies chatching up plz get in touch. Ta xxxx Katie Wales 2000-07 Having
finished school, earned a place at Warwick Business School where I am now
studying towards BSc in Management. Pretty demanding at times, but never too
busy to go out with friends and have a good time!! Also been working in
between University and School times in the operations team at company called
Oxford Instruments which is all good, helps me to pay my way and hopefully
stack up some cash to pay off all these student loans I'm going to wrack
up!!! Laura Bowley – 1992 Just finished a
Take That tour. Got engaged at the end of last year and expecting a baby in
July. Nicky Hienl – 1991 Worked in
Didcot in market research for a couple of years and then left to work in my
husband's firm. We got married in 2001 and we have two dogs and two (very
very small) shetland ponies who are naff-all use to
anyone (but keep the grass short). We live between Newbury and Reading in the
middle of nowhere in a lovely old cottage. We have a daughter who is five and
a little boy who is three. I am loving not working
although looking after my family (a cliche, I know - but it is true!) takes
up all my time. My husband definitely has more spare time than me!! Ruald Colman – 1974 Currently a
Police Inspector with the Met Police at Fulham London running a Safer
Neighbourhood Team , working in partnership with the
local authority, am also regularly covering Duty Officer, Bronzing or
Silvering football-mainly QPR , and other aid as required. Living in
Worcester Park, Surrey, married with two children. David Hawes 1951-1956 died in the John Radcliffe
hospital on November 30th 2007. Thank you to Colin Lewis
(1952-1957) for the information. John
Cohen 1959-1964 I got a lovely surprise just before
Christmas when an old mate Euann Kidd
contacted me out of the blue, my details having been passed on to him by Mark Haynes, another contemporary. It
was great getting back in touch so thanks for making it possible. Last time I
contacted you I promised something of what I've been doing since leaving Lord
Bill's in 1964. So here goes. I retired from fulltime work in the DTI in 2003, and am
busy doing various things now, such as keeping up with the family, being
Business Manager (and singing in) the Tunbridge Wells Male Voice Choir + off
road biking & long distance walking. Most recent were Hadrian's Wall and
half of Offa's Dyke, the other half about 90 miles I aim to finish in a few
months time. Although I had mixed feelings about the CCF, hating the
uniform and drill but liking the fieldwork & tactics, I decided to join
the army when I left Lord Bill's, but failed the medical with my short sight.
Hadn't a clue what to do, as my only experience of working up to that point
was helping with the harvest, and delivering bread and rolls to schools
around Oxford! Careers advice was non-existent for me, and i'm not sure it's
improved much since. So I joined the Govt dept for business (old Board of
Trade, then Dept of Trade & Industry. now Dept for Business &
Regulatory Reform). I moved to London, and did a lot of jobs mostly with
colleagues in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office helping UK companies
develop their export markets. I worked with US & Canadian companies to
promote the UK as a location for their European expansion. I worked in the 70s with UK companies in many sectors
organising UK govt supported group participation at international
exhibitions, conferences & seminars in Japan, HK, Korea, Singapore,
Malaysia, China, and Europe. I got to travel to these countries quite a bit
which was very interesting. It was generally very good fun and I recall
getting chucked in as a youngster at the deep end a few times, chairing
meetings of upwards of 60 bolshy and hard-bitten British export sales
managers. I then spent 5 years as a training manager in the Dept,
running management, staff appraisal & workskills training, and then did a
secondment outside to do a supply sourcing project. After that I got a job in
DTI helping the IT sector get to grips with the opportunities of the then new
single European market, and then had my job cut by the Conservative Govt
wanting to reduce the size of the civil service. In the 90s I switched to working for a joint DTI/FCO
unit promoting the UK as location for foreign investment to US & Canadian
companies, leading an excellent team in London while working with Foreign
Office mates in N America, and colleagues in the UK development agencies. It
was very rewarding work, and we had a lot of success, thanks to the economic
growth in the US & Canadian markets which encouraged many companies to
look to Europe to expand their world-wide business. I got to know NA pretty
well, which was nice because it meant I could more easily visit my family in
Texas (my mother was Texan, and I have a lot of relations there). I had the good fortune to work at a senior level with a
lot of major and middle sized American companies in most of the hi-tech
sectors, and see them set up in the UK in some cases growing to v large
operations. It was great because there was always a result to our
efforts--they either chose the UK or they didn't--always a specific result.
We were in fierce competition with other European locations like Rep of
Ireland, Netherlands,& France. But like any job
it had its challenges-- I recall one morning presenting to half the US Board
of MBNA the bank after they had flown in to the UK on an overnight flight . Within 10 minutes, most had fallen asleep! God, I
was worried as it was a major project we were pitching for! Eventually, I'm
glad to say MBNA decided to set up here, and now employ about 5,000 people
near Chester. I was v surprised to be given an OBE in 2003. One of
its highlights was chatting to David Beckham as we shuffled forward in
alphabetical order to meet the Queen. From 2003--6 I worked as DTI's
point man with the bioscience /pharmaceutical sector to encourage greater
investment in R&D and high-value operations. It was v interesting getting
to know more of the top 20 big pharmaceutical companies pretty well, and
helping to influence development of Govt's business policy in Whitehall to
keep the UK competitive for global companies when other countries are also
doing their best to attract the same international investment. In all these jobs, especially since the 90s, I had a
lot of contact with Ministers, briefing and advising on policy and company
contacts and going with them on visits to companies and meetings. Enough of that. As for job no 2... As I'd failed to get into the regular army, I decided to
join as a part-timer in 1967 and found myself in the Queens Royal Rifles,
based in Victoria, soon after part of the new Royal Green Jackets regiment
(which Euann Kidd was in as a regular). We trained at evenings and at
weekends. I had great fun as a rifleman, which I put down to Norman Lilly
introducing me to the delights of crawling around in the mud on field days.
And another seminal experience was going on a visit to an army depot
organised by Lt Col Douch whose sons were at the school. The explosives
demonstrations were incredibly impressive and I remember watching
open-mouthed as a thin strip of det cord wound around a railway sleeper was
set off, sending the top end of the sleeper 20 ft into the air. I found the infantry section commander job one of the
best, and then got made up tp Platoon Sgt.
But I wanted my own command again, so got a commission and had
fantastic fun as a rifle Platoon Commander setting up exercises all over the
place and doing lots of shooting. After one particularly enjoyable weekend
culminating in a rather noisy defensive battle using a lot of plastic
explosives as simulated artillery fire, I got back to the desk job to be
contacted by Bn Hq wanting to know in minute detail what I'd been up to and
where. Apparently a disgruntled householder on Salisbury Plain near the
training area had complained to his MP who had asked a question in the House
of Commons claiming that his house had been damaged by explosions. I was not
responsible! Then I was made Bn Anti/Tank Pl Cmdr, another great
job, with great blokes all part-timers like me. We charged around in open
topped Land Rovers with vehicle mounted recoilless guns, just before the
introduction of the Milan missile, providing the Battalion's main defence
against the expected hoards of Soviet tanks. Then I got made up to Capt and
given the Coy 2ic job. Although I had a great Coy Cmdr, and enjoyed the
training, all that admin was not to my liking (I had enough of that in my
fulltime job). With young children now, I felt I should be around when they
grew up, so resigned in 1978. Though as a reservist in the following years I
took part in some fascinating mobilisation and reinforcement exercises,
finding myself variously defending Dover Eastern (commercial) docks from
attack by "Soviet spetznaz", and taking part in exercises
reinforcing the regular units defending Germany near the E German border. I had no experience of live action thankfully, but did
get caught on Cyprus as a platoon commander with my company when the Turks
invaded out of the blue in 1976. Suddenly the exercise we were in turned
real. After hiking across the Troodos mountains we ended up putting up tents
for the refugees coming into the Sovereign Base area to escape the bombing
and shelling of Nicosia. The political situation was very uncertain as
following the coup, the Turks installed a new head
of state Nicos Sampson who had been imprisoned by the Brits as a terrorist a
few years before. Throughout my time with Green Jackets, one of the
things that stood out was working with blokes from all sorts of backgrounds
and jobs. Most were east Londoners where we were based and were plumbers,
drivers, solicitors, civil servants, warehousemen etc as well as some
unemployed. I was delighted to meet some of them again after many years being
out of touch at the Remembrance Day service and march past in London this
year. As for family, I have 4 four kids all adults, and
married my 3rd wife in 2002. Carolyn still works, as a
Hd Teacher, and wd love to get out early. She's still got 3 or 4 yrs to do.
My eldest son Rob has a family so I have 2 grandchildren aged 5 & 2.
Dominic a software developer married a girl from Beijing last year and we had
a fantastic 2 weeks in China earlier this year. Claire manages 2 branches of
KallKwik the business design & print shop, where she is doing v well. My
youngest Marc who graduated from UCL 2 yrs ago in Stats, Op Research,
Business & German, has now (after going to cook school) become a chef de
partie working for one of Gordon Ramsay's places in London--the Narrow in
Limehouse. I am immensely proud of them all! By the way, I saw my brother Jim's name on your list of
those with whom you have lost contact. He still teaches in NE London and has
two teenage sons who are doing very well. Well that's more than enough. I hope to meet you & more other OTs this year. January 2008 Helen Dutton nee Moss 1972-1978 I should have written this a long time ago but couldn't. It
is with great sadness I write to inform the OTs of Jenny
Butler nee Blaine (1972-1977) death. She died in May
having lost her husband, her soul mate, a few years before. She leaves behind
a son and daughter. Cloe Whitcombe nee Tibbitts 1972-74 I
have just read the OT newsletter Sept 2007 issue and should really have
written sooner but families being what they are .....
kept busy running a business and taxi service!!!!!! I left school in 1974 and now run
a business with husband Mike. We have 2 teenage children and live in Kent.
Hello to Annabel we were at school
together, and met up in Geneva after A levels; since then little news. Jane and Bridget (nee Thompson) will remember me also - hope all are well. Would love to get to the 2009
celebrations so will keep reading!! Regards to those who remember! I did
attend an OT lunch in Westerham in the last 12 years or so ... also I have
been busy on various school committees over the last 19 years. Colonel Martin R Lilley MBE left
1972 Sorry to have missed Founder’s Day. My
thanks to all from the OTA who have been so supportive during this difficult
time as Father comes to terms with the loss of Mother - she was such a grand
supporter of the school throughout the years of the three of us brothers and
father! I am currently in Baghdad as Chief of Staff of the NATO
Mission here. A challenging time for everyone here but with the hope and
indicators that things have started to improve and may this continue. Singing
carols under palm trees to the background of occasional gunfire and rockets
was a little bizarre at the British Embassy - shades of the closing scenes
from "Carry on the Up Kyber”! Fear not they would never have found three
wise men to follow the tracer rounds!! Will try harder to make it next year! Professor
James Simmie left 1951 is the Professor of Innovation and Urban Competitiveness
at Oxford Brookes University. His work is focused on the relationships
between innovation, productivity and the competitiveness of urban regions.
This has been developed within the context of learning endogenous growth
models and evolutionary economic theory. He worked on the ESRC Cities: Competitiveness and
Cohesion programme analysing the reasons for the innovative performance of
some of Europe's most successful cities. Subsequent work includes research
with the European Institute for Urban Affairs on an ODPM funded project
analysing the reasons for the relatively poor competitive performance of the
English core cities when compared with many of their European
counterparts. This was followed by
more detailed work on the reasons behind the relatively weak economic performance
of some of the UK’s largest cities. James Simmie has just completed a major
study of English cities for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. This
includes a detailed analysis of the competitiveness of English cities for the
State of the Cities Report. http://www.brookes.ac.uk/schools/be/planning/staff/simmie/ Anthony Weightman left 1972. Recently
returned to live in South Oxfordshire. My work for a private environmental
laboratory mainly takes me in & out of London. Fulfilled a long term
ambition in passing the 'National Council for the Training of Journalists'
exams. David Sulley left
1979 Married for 24 years now with 2 children. Have worked at the bank for 28
years!!!!!!!!!!!!! Enjoying life. My wife is French and we also have a house
in France, right on the coast. Jo Taylor 1981-88 Happily
married to Neil for nearly 2 years. Have 2 children aged 11 & 13 and 2
stepchildren. Still living in Chinnor and working as an Adminstration Manager
for a company in Thame. December 2007
Ashley Cooke
and Bonnie Cooke Head Boy and Head Girl We had a great day and are really happy to have
attended and been involved in Founder’s Day. The weather was brilliant as we gathered
at St. Mary’s Church and were delivered an entertaining and poignant service
by Rev. Daplyn which was respectfully received and allowed us to have sincere
remembrance of those passed. We were charmed with brilliant performances by
Steph’ Caulfield on flute and a song from Charlotte Smith. The congregation
sang the hymn terrifically, well done to all those who sang in Latin (we were
completely lost!). Later at school as we drank tea and coffee, it was
great to see Old Tamensians catching up with each other as well as engaging
in friendly conversation with current students of the school. The visitors’
genuine interest was apparent during the tours of the school, especially as
we showed off the brand new science block. The art installation was both thought-provoking
and fitting to the occasion. Maybe it would have been nice for some paintings
to be put on display in the buttery as well? Joan and the team did a fantastic job providing us with
a delicious roast, which we enjoyed with a glass of wine from a generous OT
and great tunes struck up by The School Jazz Band. Although upon hearing of
the cooks’ approaching retirement a collective heart sank and naturally Joan,
Vera and Kath will be sorely missed. Fingers
crossed they will return for next year’s event. Despite being very disappointed at not winning anything
in the raffle(!), we admired the Committee President
Aisling Begley’s ticket-selling skills as well as, of course, her invaluable
involvement in the event. Special mention goes also to Mrs. Kendall and
Bridget Trueman for their contributions to the day. We left with our bellies full and our hearts warmed by
the overwhelming sense of community, pride and tradition. It was nice to meet
some of the Old Tamensians as they shared their schoolboy stories with us and
no doubt a great time was had by all. We certainly hope that we can enjoy
such an event when we are older. Hannah Kroll 1999 – 2006I live in
London and study Journalism at the University of Westminster. I share a house
with 4 friends and am having a ball! Hopefully i will make some money after
studying to buy and complete a photography course, and then I can pursue
becoming a Photojournalist - something I have recently realised that I would
like to do!! Rachael Hayward 1999-2006 I am now
studying Management Studies at Aberdeen University. Bit of a change of plan
due to a change in circumstances. My mum and younger brother are still in the
Isle of Skye but my dad has just recently moved to Dubai with his girlfriend. Michael Way 1961-68 After leaving
School, Micky Way played for Oxford United until 1973. He now lives in
Abingdon and is married with two kids. Sarah Dixon 1971-78 Gwilym
(Husband Gareth is Welsh) was born on 15th April and I am now enjoying
maternity leave - better late than never. I expect to go back to after a
year, probably part time. I was able to hand my job as Innovation Process
Director to a good friend who was well qualified for it - just hope she
doesn't mind giving it back next year! I have also worked as a trained
counsellor in my spare time for the last 9 years and will hope to go back to
that too, if I can find the time. Sarah is now living in Epsom. Barry Savage was at the School from
1973-78. Eventually in the 1990s he went to university to study veterinary
science and now practices as a small animal vet in Waikiki, Western
Australia. He is single with one child...and looking for a soulmate. Piers Mettrick I am a actor and now live in Halifax West Yorkshire. I’ve been
lucky enough to have been in Emmerdale. and the 3rd
series of No Angels plus a loads of other things. Karren Gardner – 1981 Moved away for
a while but now live in Hazlemere, High Wycombe. Married to Dave have a son, Matthew aged 9 and now a baby girl, Amelie, born in
July 2005. Working from home part-time and running round after the kids is my
life at present. Have three lovely grown up stepsons, one of which has made
me a step-grandma (note the step!) to a lovely baby boy. Unfortunately don't
see much of them as they live in Barcelona, thank god for easyjet! Hoping to
get back to 'proper' work as a Medical Secretary in the future after the
potty training and nursery school trips. Working from home isn't all its cracked up to be and after 10 years struggling to
maintain the enthusiasm. Have embarked on a major keep fit campaign so watch
out for me in forthcoming marathons! My son is also into ice hockey in a big
way so I spend a lot of time ferrying him back and forth to Bracknell ice
rink and now we've started touring Europe following the GB team. For someone
who hated sport when I was at school, I now spend my week either hanging
round ice rinks, on the touchline of football pitches, rugby pitches or at
the dojo as my son is also a junior karate black belt. Not sure where he got
this sporty nature from - certainly not me! Jake Morgan 1986-93 Life has come
on fast in the last year (2007). Zoe and have a beutiful daughter, we have
named Scarlett. Heather Gough 1989 – 1997 Hi there I
am now living in Reading with my husband Rob - we have been married for 5
years - and I have 2 children - James who is 4 and Isobel who is 2 and a
half! I was working for Whitbread until I had Izzy and now I am at home
'working' (eg looking after the kids!!) Peter Arnold May I recommend to OTs a
new book, just published? The Changing
Faces of Thame, Book Two is a follow-up to the sell-out Book One. Its
author, Marilyn Yurdan (an old girl of Holton Park, but we'll forgive her for
that) has produced another highly interesting record of old Thame, and it
includes lots of mentions of Lord Williams's. The best photograph is
undoubtedly that of Headmaster Goodall, half way up the Church tower, back in
the 1960s! I understand that the Thame Bookshop will be well stocked with the
book, but it is also available from the publisher, Robert Boyd Publications,
260 Colwell Drive, Witney, OX28 5LW. Warm regards: Brett
Chowns - 1981 I am the Development Manager at the Royal Bank
of Scotland Group in Slough. I grow my business through referral. If you know
someone who would benefit from the way I work then please let me have his or
her name and number. All referrals will be followed up. Jon
Cooke 1981 Thank you for the continual good work you
do in keeping former pupils of the school up to date with news/events.
Regards Jon, Partner Allard & Associés Dear Folk, Since I left Lord Williams’s School
(about 1940) I seem to have lost almost all of my old school mates. We have
recently been flooded and are living in rented accommo-dation. I have many
happy memories of the school and of Thame, and many thanks for your past
newsletters. I wish you all the best for the future. Yours sincerely Jim
Plater (J R Plater) aged 82 More Snippets: Alexandra Allen is
studying American Studies at Swansea; Edward Atkins, Engineering at
Bath; Holly Brown, Maths at Oxford; Amy English, Psychology,
Nottingham; Helen Evans, Photography, York; Jonathan Fairey,
Music, Guildford; Sam Fitzpatrick, Business, Sheffield; Lorna Jones,
American Studies, Nottingham, James Key, PE, Brighton; Jason Lang,
Economics, Aberdeen; Lauren Michael, Politics, Dundee; Sarah
Normington, German, York; Lizzie Parson, Psychology, Bristol; Corin
Rea, Surveying, South Bank; Amy Smith, Sport, Sheffield; Sam
Smith, Ancient History, Newcastle. Snippets: Esther Adams is
studying English at Sheffield Hallam; Rachel Adams Sociology at
Sheffield; Natasha Alliston Sports at Birmingham; Emily Baker, Physiotherapy
at UWE; Max Bayley French in London; Hannah Buggey Neuroscience
at Manchester; Jack Castleman, Economics, Kent; Victoria Chaplin,
Pharmacy, Manchester; Eloise Covill, Events Management, Bournemouth; Madeleine
Croydon, American Studies, London; Simon Cyna, Politics, Keele, John
Dennis, Engineering, Wrexham; Dionne Edwards, Drama, Nottingham; Michael
Gedge, Engineering, Southampton; Robert Griffiths, Maths, Surrey; Joanna
Hanks, Psychology, Nottingham; Phoebe Henry, Art, Abingdon; Thomas
Hyde, Geography, Birmingham; Michelle Lang, Maths &
Philosophy, Birmingham; Allan Maloney, Sports, Salford; Lewis Martin,
Maths & Business, Kent; Rebecca Mawby, Medicine, Birmingham; Jeremy
Shott, Medicine, Southampton; Henry Smith, Sailing, Plymouth; Oliver
Smith, Art, Newcastle; Edward Tarlton, Psychology, Nottingham; Philippa
Taylor, PE, Edinburgh; Adam Thorpe, Middle East Politics, London; Hannah
Wiles, Fashion Retailing; Sarah Witchell, Education, Bedfordshire. November Jonathan Jessup I
went to LWGS (as it then was) in 1952 and left in 1960. I was a
contemporary and friend of George Edwards (I dimly recall going to his
wedding many moons ago) of whom I see frequent reference in the OTA news. You
also featured another of my contemporaries Richard Sherwood recently. Like
him I became a solicitor. After reading law at LSE I then spent my time in
local government, training with the Town Clerk in Oxford and ending up as
County Solicitor and Monitoring Officer in Surrey. Hence our address in
Guildford. Louise Evans I
started at Lord Williams in 1991 and left in 1998 after doing my A
Levels. I then went to the University of Wales, Aberystwyth and gained a 2.1
in Environmental Earth Sciences in 2001. When I left University I returned to
Thame and somehow ended up becoming an accountant - qualifying earlier this
year. I now live in Longwick with my partner Tom who is a dairy farmer. Nadine Redman Thank
you so much for sending the OTA e-Newsletters to Chris Redman
my son. He and I have loved reading them, especially the World War II memories.
Leslie and I were at the Grammar Schools in wartime – I was at Miss Hockley’s
– you may have heard of her! I wouldn’t imagine our boarders would have
attempted to get out – I must ask Olive Hussey who is a great friend of mine, if she knows. Of course, as I
was friendly with Leslie, and a few others, when we were at school, I used to
hear a lot about the masters and Miss Dearing, quite a character I believe.
I’m sorry that Leslie isn’t here to read about them, and also Paddy Hinton’s
(before my time) and Peter Arnold’s letters, which have been lovely to
receive. October Ralph Hoddinott 1921 - 1929 Sadly I have to tell you that Dad
passed away during the morning of Saturday 29 September. He was 94. Following
a fall in his home during the night earlier in the month he was admitted into
the Charing Cross Hospital. It was the intention to move him into a very nice
nursing home in Chiswick upon being discharged but after just a couple of
days he was readmitted into hospital with a chest infection where he died
very much at peace with himself. Thankfully I was able to spend some time
with him the day before he died. Dad was suffering from dementia though in a
way it was fortunate that it didn't really take hold till quite late in his
life. The live-in carers, who had also looked after Barbara, have been
marvellous and it is very much thanks to them that Dad was able to live in
his own home until the last month. The funeral will be at the Mortlake
Crematorium at 11 a.m. on Monday the 29th of October. Should you so wish, in
lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Alzheimers Society, c/o
W.S.Bond (Funeral Directors) 127 Chiswick High Road, London W4 (tel: 020 8994
0277). Daniel Bailey 1982-1989 Having left Lord Bills, went to
agricultural college for three years, met first wife and moved around the
country farming for a couple of years. Eventually got fed up of smelling of
cow muck and silage, divorced first wife and started work in an office
selling computers to schools. Soon got bored in an office so joined the RAF
in 2000, also got married again and have two great children. Currently
spending a lot of time away in unpleasant sandy places. Anna Kinch 1983
-1990 Just moved back to the Thame area, after living in West Sussex for 10
years & more recently Shropshire! - am still working for an airline
(Thomas Cook) but only part-time these days. My little boy was born in 2002,
and has just started attending St Josephs School in Thame. Mark Ansell -
2003 I finished a successful year as the Education Officer at the Students'
Union at Sheffield University in July. One of my main projects was to create
a media hub with 2 new radio studios and a big newsroom for the diverse media
groups set up by the students. I am heading to Cardiff next week to start a
one year masters in Broadcast Journalism James Trueman -
2003 I am back at Loughborough University studying for a PGCE in Sport and
PE. I completed a year as a Teaching Assistant at a Special School near
Loughborough and then went to work at Supercamps this summer in Aylesbury The Class of 1947
celebrated their 60th anniversary We started in Tuesday 16th September 1947
and held our reunion in Tuesday 18th September. As close as we could get it. This was held at the Fox Inn in Tiddington, with an
attendance of 19: Allan Gillard, Jim
Clark, Mike Clark, Brian Doman, Roy Cripps, Jim Howes, Ted Shewry, Bob
Williams, Alan Osborn, Brian Wallis, Ken Surrage, Jake Maxton, John Osborne,
Alan Morton, Charlie Cross, Leggy Seymour, Alan
Bushnell. It was all very informal and went well. (A photo of the reunion can be found at the OTA photo
album.) Gordon Wells
1950-57 Regarding the Sept. news letter…..I was at Lord Bill’s 1950-1957 and
we still had Stars and Stripes awarded for exceptional Good or Bad
actions/work/etc. These were in additional to the Weekly Alphas/Gammas
(Good/Bad) - awarded for each subject. We had on the form’s door each Monday
for a House Mtg. prior to lunch. The termly total (Alpha =1. Gamma = minus 1) for each
house was proportioned against 30 points for the max. number
and then pro-rata. A Star or Stripe was worth a whole point – so very
important. Each term had a main sport, which had house matches
also worth 30 for the Champions and pro-rata for the other houses. In my day, Hampden were the
best academically, and School were usually best at the sports; Wycombe were a
good second at most things. Swimming was the most embarrassing as School
house won everything and got the 30, Hampden might
get 3 and Wycombe much the same. Regards…….. Mike Bull 1939 I
much enjoyed "the brief view of the school and Thame" attached to
the Newsletter. It was news to me that the new Lord Bill's on the Oxford Road
was modelled on Teddies in Oxford. That was where I went on leaving Lord
Bill's in 1939! I did not think it was an improvement! September 2007 Dear Graham, Many thanks for your letter. I am very
happy to be reinstated as a life member of the OTs. Many thanks to you
and all concerned. Charlie Boyle – 1971 Re August Newsletter - and thanks for the
photographs. It left me both maudlin for old friends (one of the three
witches in Macbeth, Dave Parrott, was terminally ill this time last year and
I haven’t heard any more of him) and re-assured so see things familiar (the
refectory now a library), and to read names of those half-forgotten yet
tenderly remembered. Leonie Seymour 1992-99 Living in Nottingham, single with one
child and working for Nottingham Trent University as a Buyer.
Hi, I have been living in Nottingham for 6 years now and I love it, a
bit of a culture shock from Thame!! I have worked mainly in the Public
Sector, NHS, Council and now Education all in Procurement roles and i am
hoping to study for my CIPS at some point. Elizabeth Willis nee Ross 1986 – 1993 & Michael were delighted to
welcome 8lb 9oz James William on 8th July, a brother for Susannah, David and
Miriam. Sarah Rothwell nee Ross 1984-1991
started working for Aylesbury Vale District Council as Community Chest Grants
Officer in April 2007, managing a fund of £5m over the next 10 years for
Community Projects in Aylesbury Vale. If you're at the Bucks County Show on
30th August, pop in to the AVDC tent and say 'hello'! http://www.bucksherald.co.uk/template/ViewArticle.aspx?SectionID=789&articleid=3025817 Chair of the Grants Panel is AVDC Cllr Janet Blake -
you might enjoy the link below of her other role as professional fundraiser
for Age Concern Sarah is also treasurer of the Lord Williams's Festival
Chorus; the choir had a wonderful evening at the Wycombe Swan on 22nd July,
performing in a Gala Proms event for the Iain Rennie Hospice at Home. The
choir start rehearsing the full version of Karl Jenkin's 'The Armed Man' on Monday 10th
September, 7:30pm in the Upper School Hall, all singers welcome, no audition.
The choir's musical director, John Gibbons, will be working with the LWS
Music Department on a major percussion project in conjunction with the
concert on December 1st at Thame Leisure Centre. Stephen Cox – 1971
Hi Guys sorry I haven't kept in touch …those reunions at the Six Bells would be difficult for me as I live in Hamilton
, New Zealand .See www.innovations.net.nz for details on my background and
consultancy company; Innovation Associates Ltd. I left Lord Williams’s
Grammar School the year it became comprehensive -1971. I have some great
memories of the school, which have recently been somewhat focussed by the
series of archived photos. I attach one for the record of the 1967 Cricket Colts
Team. Not
sure whether we were unbeaten or never won… the memory was that I bowled leg
spin but was always hit for six due to the short boundary down by the bank on
the lower field. Further
to Stephen's memories of the 1967 Cricket Colts' performance, this is taken
from the 1967 Tamensian: By and large, it was a successful season and even
though we started slowly and badly, we rapidly picked up so that by the end
of the season many of the rudiments of cricket had been mastered. Our batting was adequate without ever reaching great heights;
our bowling often needed cooler heads - a question of stopping to think about
the situation, of bowling to the filed, of making the batsmen fight for their
runs; in short, a more mature approach. The fielding was often excellent,
though there were glaring gaps in concentration if the opening bowlers did
not get a quick wicket. Batsmen played the off-drive with the greatest
confidence but were bemused most often by the well pitched-up ball on the leg
or middle-and-leg. There should be emphasis on leg-side playing next year. On the positive side, however, there was an increasing
will to fight and win, coupled with much clamorous self criticism at a poor
performance. Next year's team should be a very good team. Those who played
this season were: Richard Baker, Cooke, StephenCox, Martyn Bourgein, Richard
Paterson, G Davis, Peter Daplyn (Captain), Tim Daplyn, Jonathan Wynn, Mike
Smith, Colin Stoakes, Witney, Tom Eason, Nigel Young, Tunna, Ady Manger, Greg
Pugsley. R P Smith R P Smith had joined the
staff that academic year on a part-time basis to teach French and help with
sport. He'd gone to Midhurst Grammar School, from which he'd won an Open
Scholarship in Modern Languages to Wadham College, Oxford in 1962. He'd spent
a year teaching in Tunisia and gained a 2nd in French and Italian in 1966. He
was well-liked by the students particularly as he rode a motor bike to school
whilst wearing leathers. I suppose today, we would say he was 'cool.' Brian Wallis Just to bring you up to date regarding our Class reunion. This year is the 60th anniversary of our first coming
together in September 1947. We started at Lord Williams' Grammar School on
Tuesday 16th September 1947. We have tried to make the reunion as close to
that date as possible. the 16th being a Sunday, we
have gone for the Tuesday 18th, to match the actual day. This year we are holding at the Fox in Tiddington and
already have had 15 positive replies. We are still awaiting a few more. We have finally located Brian Finney, but are still
looking for Ian Gordon, Arthur Harris and Barnet. Also trying to locate Nick
Goldsworthy. Peter Cook and Brian Ackroyd who joined us later. I will send a report of the reunion with pictures (I
hope) after the reunion. I visited the school a couple of years back. Came away
very sad and depressed. There appears to be no history of the school. It's as
though someone had deliberately set out to wipe out the school's Grammar
School's past. No photos any where. One felt the school was ashamed of its
history. A few of the old Headmasters and the window boards in the current
library with the Headboys’ names. John Maxton (above) being the last. It's
good to see that the Old Tamensians site is keeping the history alive. A few months back (2006), the then Head Girl wrote in
the magazine that she had heard and sung the School Hymn for the first time.
She said it was beautiful and that it should be sung more often as well as
teaching the history of the school. The hymn was sung at each Founder’s Day.
The whole school attended in those days. We also knew the history of the
school. I think, after 60 years, the turn out at our reunions tell something
of the spirit that was imparted to us. D J C Wood – Hampden
House 1942- 47 Dear Stuart I was a pupil at LWGS from 1942-47. I recall paying £5 to
become a Life Member of the OTA in 1950 or ’51, and I would be grateful if
you could tell me whether any record of this still exists. In 1953 I went to the Gold Coast, as it then was, as an
expatriate ‘trading assistant’ with The United Africa Company, a subsidiary
of Unilever. I subsequently spent 37 years in various countries in west and
central Africa, (about 35 years more than was originally intended!), and
retired in 1990 as CEO of a group of companies in Malawi. During the early years I was abroad I received The
Tamensian regularly, and attended several Founder’s
Day functions when I was on leave, including the Quatercentenary in 1959.
However, my parents left Thame in 1956, and with my many moves around the
dark continent, I regret I lost contact with Lord Williams. I recently discovered the excellent OTA website, and I
would be very interested to know whether my membership is still on record.
Yours sincerely Donald Wood. Whilst there is no historical record of Donald
paying to become a life member he has been reinstated to the OTA membership. August David Vickers As some of you may be aware, I moved to
Spain in November 2005. Having spent time working within the Spanish property
market, I have now set-up my own estate agents. Our office is based in Garrucha,
near Mojacarin the Costa de Almeria.I am an agent for Polaris World and
having been on a tour of their latest development –Condadode Alhama–thought I
would drop you all an email as I believe it will be awesome. There will be 3
Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses, 2 of which will be the
Bear´sBest.Prices start at €83,000 (£56,000)! It is possible to secure a
property for 30 days with a €3,000 fully refundable deposit. I believe this
resort will be the next La Mangaand is a great investment, especially as
these are off-plan prices –see attachment for more info and prices. Should
you require any further information, please don´thesitate to either call or
email me. Regards CalleMayor 141 Bajo04630 GarruchaAlmeriaOffice: (00 34) 950
133 703Mobile: (00 34) 616 760 409 www.indalorealestate.com OLD TAMENSIANS VETS VS CHINNOR VETS –SAT 20thOCT 2007 There is probably one last opportunity for
some of us to play together. It’s quite as simple as that! I have organised a
game against ChinnorVets on 20 Oct 07. It will kick off early afternoon and
the rest will be history! The sharper amongst you will have realised thatit
is the Rugby World Cup Final that day, however, the general consensus is that
it will not involve England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland seem to be running
out of puff.It is an excellent opportunity to celebrate some vintage years of
rugby that were played at Lord Bills and for us to all get together. It would
be great to invite DaveJones, Wazza, and Tony etc. If anyone knows their
address or any other potential attendee could you please circulate this to
them.Could I ask you reply to me to confirm your willingness to play,watch or help. Obviously there will be a rigorous
training schedule to build up to the big day and selection will be a
contentious issue (Dave and Eddie are already squabbling).As I get a feel for
numbers I will then start looking at accommodation, hosting etc. Kit, admin
etc will be sorted out at a later date.Again, please distribute this to
potential players and attendees. I plan to circulate a monthly update to tell
you whom we have got for the big day.Yours in rugby Jimmy Deans andydeans@hotmail.co.uk Hi
Bridget, I'd really like to help out in some way with the celebrations and
decided that you would be the person to contact! Perhaps you could let me
know if you'd like some more help. Jane Vaucher (1973) may have mentioned
that we met up after probably 30 years, which was really lovely. She didn't
seem to have changed one bit. It turned out that she was good friends at
Durham with one of my neighbours. I gather from the OTA website that you're
very busy these days, but it sounds interesting work. I do something slightly
related, which is 1:1 tutoring with dyslexic students at both the
universities in Oxford. Hope to hear from you. Best wishes. Jane Amies nee
Andrews (1973) July 2007 Nonny Tiffany I
have been given your address by David Kenningham, whom I knew when he was the
Head of Cheney School and I was a Governor of the School. I have been meaning
to find out more about your association for a number of years, ever since I
met a lady some years ago, who told me about a meeting that had taken place a
year before, of old girls who had been at the Girls' Grammar School in Thame. I was at the School from January 1940 until December
1942"as one of the younger full time boarders, when Miss Hockley and
Miss Messenger ran the school. It was right after the beginning of the war
when people did not know what to expect. My home was in Stockport, just south
of Manchester; my mother had recently died, and my father wanted me to be
safe! He chose well: Hitler wanted Oxford to remain intact and sure enough
while I was there in Thame, I can remember only one stray bomb falling on the
town! But as a result of this, all the boarders had to sleep downstairs in
bunk-beds in the lovely front hall. I was very upset on first visiting Thame
after we had settled in Oxford in 1974, on finding that the whole building
had been pulled down! I do not remember many local girls who were at the
school, an Austin girl from the outfitters' shop across the road, who I think
was called Gloria, and a weekly boarder whose name was Dorothy and whose home
was Holly Bush Farm near or in Bledlow. I was known at the time as "Nonn
Adams", and I have many happy memories of my time at the school. There
was very little to tell us that there was a war on, and that there was such a
happening as Dunkirk or the Battle of Britain! We really were almost
completely cushioned from the war. By the time my father and I moved down to
Surrey in January 1943, I was completely blasé about it. Perhaps you would be kind
enough to let me know if there are any other reunions in the offing: it would
he nice to meet the girls who still remember the old buildings and especially
the swimming pool where I first learnt to swim! (If any OTA's or ex-members of Thame Girls Grammar have
memories of Thame Girls Grammar School please send them in - little seems to
be recorded and searching the 'net reveals very little. It would be good to
have some record.)
Paul Houghton 1979-1986
I left Lord Bill’s at 18 in 1986, went to
Loughborough Uni. followed by The University of Nottingham, worked for a
number of years for South Oxfordshire District Council and moved to Scotland
in 2001. I now run a planning consultancy in Glasgow. I have now been married
for 9 years and have two children - Jack who is 7 and Meghann who is 5. Would
love to hear from some of my fellow classmates who, like me, are in their
40th year. Richard Sherwood 1952-1959
Thank you for the recent newsletter, seen following our return from Spain
& Portugal. It was interesting to see the Thame Show photo including a
young Eileen Price - in fact I did not recognise her. Sadly she died
some years ago but her husband Eric (OT) still lives in Thame and is
an active golfer. At the age of 81 he plays two or three times a week - on
the course at Henley by 7.30 a.m. Since the last newsletter Geoffrey Osborne (of
Towersey)who was at LWGS in the early 1940s has
died. Also, on 9 June, Joan Lilley died after a long fight against
cancer. Norman is going to miss her enormously but he has wonderful support
from his three sons and their families and from his and Joan's many friends.
St Mary's was packed for the memorial service on 22 June, attended by amongst
others Peter More and Gerard Gould. I did not get the chance to speak
to Gerard, but had a long chat with Peter who is quite evidently still
enjoying life. He has had to give up driving (and therefore his VW Camper)
but joins his family on their Gites holidays. I retired at the end of April and Shirley and I took
the caravan to Spain and Portugal for six weeks. It's a totally different and
very relaxed way of life, with many Brits buzzing off there in caravans and
motorhomes for months. It is not just them but also people from all over
Western Europe, mostly retired but some just taking a year off and intending
to go back home eventually and find jobs. Look forward to seeing you later in the year. Many OTs will have been deeply saddened to hear of the
death of Joan, beloved Wife of Norman and Mother of Stephen, Martin
and David. A splendid and very fitting service of remembrance and
thanksgiving for Joan's life was held at St Mary's, Thame, on Friday 22nd
June: the Church was filled, and many attending were wearing Lord Williams's
ties.
Peter Arnold Margaret Fulkes, John
Fulkes' mother now lives in Thame at Meadowcroft and would like to
thank the OTs at Thame Cricket Club and all of the members there for the
wonderful meal at Thame Cricket Club and promises of visiting her in
Meadowcroft, after the birthday anniversary for John. She is still
overwhelmed about the effect John had in the town. Margaret is also delighted
to see Carol Kendall regularly, and enjoys the Sunday afternoon services in
Meadowcroft. She would like to supply the reading for all to enjoy, which she
read at Meadowcroft in June after John’s birthday Annabel Edwards (nee Overton) 1971-73 Having gone as far away as London to
train as a Speech & Language Therapist in the mid-70s I have found myself
living and working in Aylesbury for the last 20 years. Despite various forays
into the independent sector I returned to the good old NHS again earlier this
year. Currently work as a Speech & Language Therapist managing staff
across Bucks in the Learning Disability Service. Really enjoy this job with
its balance of service development demands while still having some contact
with service users. Snippets: Gordon Hannah left in 1971, went to
the University of East Anglia and is now living in Ipswich, married with two
children. Cindy Gower left in 1978 and says 'I now live back in Long
Crendon, and have the children are now aged 18, 16 and 6. One just off to
University, and one off to College. Where does the time go.
I am currently single and working as a marketing manager for a health and
safety consultancy in Aylesbury.' Debbie Abbott 1980-87 is
working as a Prison Officer in Bicester. Nick Haynes is living in New
York. Alan Dix
1972-79 Hi, well at the moment i live at home with my 2 youngest children who
are just great. My other 2 live with their partners.I have
2 girls and 2 boys. i'm currently going through with
a divorce owing to my ex having an affair. Andy & Carole Arnold
We are extremely relieved to announce that we will be moving in to our new
house on the Isle of Man by Saturday 16th June, come hell or high water. We
will be having a ceremonial Burning of the Boxes to symbolise the end of our
travels round the world and the unveiling of the new combined office &
recording studio (executive shed!) will take place at a later date to be
announced. June Norman Lilley: sadly Norman's wife passed away
earlier this month. They'd first met when Norman was still at school - at
Bedford New in 1942. They had been married for nearly 60 years and came to
Thame with a young family in the mid 1950s. Ben Kerwood: now lives near Salisbury but has
been poorly for many years since he picked up a virus when visiting Burma. Marie Shipperly 1967-74
o.k it's been a while since i updated you all, grandchild no4 is a
girl, Amiee May, she really is a darling!!!!! Now
nearly 4, dont know if she will ever reach 4 though!! thought
i'd found the right man WRONG he decided i wasnt the right woman after 19yrs
(21 if you count the nice going out bit!!) I have a nice flat in Thame now,
all mine and paid for so thats a bonus. Chef at the
old fisherman in Sabbington, so you can thank me for the starters and puds if
you liked them, if you didnt it was my day off. Joking guys if you read this
from work. anyway how about some of you lot getting
in touch? would be great to see some of you again. Angela Wyse
1973-80 I live 40 miles from New Orleans Louisians .
I'v been Married 23 years. Have one daugther Naomi
21. Two dogs and two Cats. All surived Hurricane Katrina .
Kate Lazenby 1975-82 Left University of Sheffield in 1985
with a BSc in Materials Technology. Worked for IBM for a long time, married
Russ then had three children. gave up work, then
started working for myself painting and decorating between looking after the
sprogs. We now live down near Southampton and enjoy being green, growing veg
on an amateur scale in our allotment. Also
leaving in 1982 was Roger Murray, Just relocated to England after 16
years in the States, working in the museum field. Married for 16 years and
have two kids, a daughter 5yrs old and a 4 month old son. Living in Pinner. Sandra Mills is living in Buckinghamshire with a partner and
working as a PA with Uniq Plc. Julie Truran
1976 - 83 I live in Barnstable Devon with my husband and three children.
Andrew is 19 and in the army, (currently serving in Afganistan), Steven is 16
and about to go to college, Eloise is 6 and beautiful. I am deputy head and
Year 1 teacher at Appledore Primary School. Well love going clubbing with the girlies-and raving
(coz thats the bloke's preferance) - obviously music
as well. Love going out to dinner (not too fussed where as long as I'm having
fun) with my friends and more than anything......SHOPPING!lol. Love gigs, Hanging out with mates or bands, travelling
round the country, playing badminton, having a laugh, random road trips. Penny Patrick 1994 -2000 I attended Lord Williams’s from 1994-2001, and went on
to read Drama Studies at Winchester University. I have now formed a theatre company – Wet Picnic, with
two others, which has been successfully running for nearly two years. I am
now responsible for the education department, and as such am often running
workshops for children of all ages. I am hoping to take a one-day St John’s Ambulance
course.
I was amused to read about the memories of OTs in the
late 40s mid 50s. By the time I arrived at Lord Williams's in 1966, Ron
(affectionately k/a Yubba - goodness knows why) was a mellow old boy, some
years past normal retirement age, and universally popular. The great trick in a double Biology lesson was to get
Ron talking about 19 year old Prince Obolensky's brace of tries in England's
13-0 drubbing of New Zealand at Twickenham on 4th January 1936. Warming
expansively to this admirable theme, he was usually good for the first
half-hour. Then he would somehow manage to make up for lost time in the
next 50 minutes. He was kind and gentle. So of course we all
loved him. Ron had only one real shortcoming, and that was when he
umpired house Cricket games. There was no question of bias, but he
seemed to have forgotten "the presumption of innocence" i.e. the
gentle art of giving the benefit of any doubt to the batsman.
"Sledging" hadn't really taken off in Test Cricket and Ron, whose
eyesight may have faded a bit, just wasn't capable of questioning the
integrity of any bowler who could make a loud appeal sound sincere. So
low scoring by both sides. Ron Miller's last assembly was apparently a very moving
occasion. I say 'apparently' because I missed it as I was one of the
lucky ones to get a part in Gerard Gould's 1968 export of 'Julius Caesar' to
Germany, or was it 'Macbeth' in 1971? Either way we left a few days before the end of the
summer term. Suffice to say I was told that after Geoff Goodall expressed
the heartfelt thanks of generations of pupils and teachers alike Ron got a
standing ovation, which lasted at least five minutes. Of course he was
overcome, and like all really nice men couldn't understand why he was so well
liked. David has been called to
the bench since 1977 and is attached to 5 Kings Bench Walk Chambers. He
appears for the Crown Prosecution Service and Defence teams in Crown Courts
throughout London, the South East and the U.K. In the vast majority of work
undertaken, he appears as Lead Counsel. He has also been appointed a
Recorder. Jonathan Tipping
1993-2000 'Hello, I have just got back from travelling around australia,
indonesea and thialand with my girl friend Jen.....it was amazing, loved it,
..want to do it again!! at
the mo i am working hard as a industrial roofer and buying a place in
bicester, hope fully i will rent it out in a year or so and go to New Zealand
for a year.....I have got the travel bug..!! May 2007 Sarah Haworth 1992-99 Had
a baby girl! I would just like to say that, on reflection, East was much
better than West :) OBITUARIES News of two more deaths of OTs has recent reached us: Dear Bridget, Thank you for sending the Newsletter. I should
have told you before that my husband Leslie Redman has died, but I
always love reading it, especially when there is news of ‘boys’ that we knew
when we grew up in Thame. We were able to discuss items with my brother, John
Quartly, who lives in Colchester. It is interesting to see Peter and
Andrew Arnold writing in there. They were very young. When I worked with
their parents for Thame Show. In fact they and Peter were at our wedding. We
both had happy memories of our time in Thame when several boys and girls from
the grammar schools paired up. As I can’t receive e-mails, my son Chris would
take them. Many thanks Yours Sincerely, Nadine Redman. Steven Summersbee
was also at LWS, and died in March 2007. Anthony Taylor 1948
I was interested to read the note from Kim Miller referring to his father
Ronald who taught Biology and Art during my time at LWGS (I left in 1948 to
study Medicine). Ronald was an excellent teacher, approachable and
imaginative and I found him helpful and encouraging. My memories of the other
science teacher (Pin) Brown were quite different - my ears still ring from a
fearful blow. Ian Todd LWS 1948-55
Kim Miller's father - aka 'Squit' - somehow enabled me to pass my school
certificate in biology in 1955 despite describing me as the most disruptive
boy in the class. Matters came to a head in 1952 when, returning to the
labs from a violin lesson, I was told some riveting news by one of the kitchen
staff. I couldn't wait to tell my friends, Sewell and Woodward, on the back
bench. The "news" spread around the lab like the
proverbial wildfire and, as the din grew, your father's ruddy complexion
deepened until he exploded: "Todd, you confounded boy, how dare you
disrupt my biology lesson once again?” Before he could give me a gamma
black mark, I slipped off my stool, stood to attention and said solemnly:
"But, sir, the King is dead!" And so he was. King George V1 had died in his sleep. I
can't remember what your father's reaction was, but I didn't get the dreaded
gamma; and my news sense eventually got me into Fleet Street via the Thame
Gazette and other provincial papers. In my day your father was a popular master with a
generally sunny disposition but who, when riled, would tweak boys' ears hard
between his thumb and forefinger. His form of instant rough justice always
achieved the desired result - his undivided attention - but would probably
land him in court on assault charges in 2007. I also remember him as a decent
and enthusiastic cricketer who gave up lots of his own time to coach House
and School teams, and he probably improved my batting more than my knowledge
of sepals and stamens. I think he played for Thame, along with another contemporary,
Mr. Anderton, who taught geography. P Harris 1949 I have been receiving the News Sheet from Chris
Clements (county cricketer). I left school in 1949 and went as an
apprentice engineer (toolmaker) with John Allen and Son at Cowley Oxford. I
did my National Service in RAF as an Armourer working on Valiants at RAF
Gaydon Warwickshire. After National
Service I went back to John Allen’s later to become Grove Cranes working in
several Middle Management departments. When Grove moved to Sunderland I was
made redundant. I got a job as groundsman with Oxford Poly later to become
Oxford Brookes Uni. I worked there until I retired. I have now been
retired 10 years. I am enjoying WER shooting and beating in the winter months
and showing Parson Russell Terriers in the summer. Maurice Stone 1941-45 Dear
O.T.A, I write in the first instance to ask you to remove my name from the
database and thus save unnecessary postal expense. As my swansong I make the
following comments on my year’s at Lord Bill’s which were not particularly
happy ones but not unhappy. I was not the brightest of pupils which may have
coloured my outlook for I thought Dwyer was a tyrant! On the other hand
Howard Brown (Pin in my day) and George Guest (Gus) were good. I am sure many
ex-pupils will remember the remarkable speed with which Pin’s hand could
reach your cheek, it didn’t hurt physically but it did dent your pride. The
rest of the staff appeared to change very frequently during those war years.
These failings did not however prevent those more academically capable to
rise to great heights. Whilst the school was not able to help me in my chosen
calling probably some little bits rubbed off. I did attend Founder’s day on
two occasions, played in a rugby match once and the meal in the Old Barn at
the Spread Eagle once, thus are the sum totals of my support for the OTA over
some 60 years. In subsequent years I did manage a Nat. Cert. in
Electrical Engineering at Cowley Road Tech although long since incorporated
into Brookes. I am in contact with and have been for many years with all of
the ’Old Boys’ in Thame. April OBITUARIES It is with regret that we announce the passing of two Old Tamensians John Raymond Dance Attended LWS during the war, and died in December 2006 aged 80. Geoff
E.T. Osborn Also attended LWS during the war, and died in March 2007 aged
79. Oliver Mott 1990
- 1997 I have been living in Nottingham for ten years now (give or take) and
work as a Crime Scene Investigator for Nottinghamshire Police, so as you can
imagine pretty busy! Still playing rugby, for Nottingham Casuals RFC though don’t get to play every week because of work. I got
married in January this year to Steph in Suffolk and am still missing the
honeymoon to Hong Kong and Thailand. No plans for children yet, more concerned
with moving house and going on holiday! Still in touch with a few of the boys
though as Mum and Dad have moved to the Lake District don’t go back to Thame
that often. Hopefully will make it back for OT’s this year and maybe even
play in the match! Kim Miller 1955
- 1961 My father,Ronald Miller was a teacher
at the school from 1933 to1968 and taught me(or rather tried!) Biology and
Art. I worked for 40 years for the Ministry of Agriculture(later
DEFRA), firstly at Oxford and latterly at Reading; where I still live. Happy to hear from anyone who knows me or knew my
father. Anna Webley -
2003 After leaving LWS Anna went to University of Sussex to study law - and
is still studying.
March John Birch taught at Lord Williams's for a short time in the
mid 1950s. 'When I left School I undertook somewhat undistinguished National
Service in the army for two years before proceeding to train as a Physical
Education Teacher at Loughborough College in 1951. During my army service I
was stationed in Preston and recall visiting a Wells contemporary M.J Minett
who was 1st X1 scorer when I was Cricket Captain and who lived near Cheadle
Hulme a delightful hillside country retreat on the outskirts of
Manchester. Where is he now? Jeremy Cockcroft was educated at Lord Williams's where, in 1977,
he won a scholarship to St. Catherine's College, Oxford University, where he
read for a degree in Chemistry and obtained a 1st class BA honours degree. In
addition, he took quantum chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical pharmacology
as supplementary subjects, obtaining a distinction in the latter. This was
followed by a DPhil at Oxford University with the experimental research being
carried out at the Institut Laue Langevin, Grenoble, France. The research
involved the use of powder neutron diffraction to study phase-transitions and
orientational disorder in hexafluorophosphates. He was then fortunate to be
offered a research position in the group of Prof. Arndt Simon at the Max
Planck Institut für Festkörperforschung, Stuttgart, Germany, to carry out
neutron diffraction experiments of interest to the group. It was at this time
that he became involved in the powder diffraction of magnetically-ordered
materials. Following marriage in 1989, he and his Chinese wife, Xiaoling,
decided to return to the United Kingdom. In 1991 he was offered a temporary
position by Prof. Judith Howard in the Department of Chemistry, Durham
University. One year later he was offered a permanent lectureship in the
Department of Crystallography, Birkbeck College, University
of London, where he now works. He has taught symmetry and powder diffraction
on the MSc Crystallography course for several years. Together with Dr. Huub
Driessen, he has developed the symmetry course material for the Advanced
Certificate in Protein Crystallography on the Web. More recently, he has been
involved in setting up an Advanced Certificate in Powder Diffraction on the
Web. He is actively involved in many research projects that involve
experimental and computational powder diffraction, both in the laboratory and
at central facilities. Many of the research projects have strong industrial
support. He has recently set up a powder diffractometer in the laboratory for
low-temperature work and is heavily involved in the CCP14 project at
Daresbury. Mr Stephen Stewart - Assistant Headteacher & Key Stage 4
Co-ordinator at Henry Box School, which he joined in
September 2005 from Lord William’s. (He had been Head of the Modern Foreign
Languages Faculty) In 2005-06 he was Key Stage 3 Co-ordinator with responsibility
for the welfare of students in Years 7-9. From September 2006 he has assumed
similar responsibilities for students in Years 10 and 11. William Jaundrill MA (Cantab) MSc Head of Department. William
graduated from Jesus College, Cambridge and took up his first position as an
assistant Mathematics teacher at Lord Williams’s. He then moved on to become
second in the Mathematics department at the Royal Grammar School, Guildford
and subsequently held the post of Head of the Mathematics at Sir William Perkins’s
School, Chertsey for 13 years. He moved to Caterham School in 2002 as second
in the department. He is also master in charge of
badminton and has a keen interest and involvement in choral music. Tony Halliwell has been Principal at Wellbech College since
1999. Educated at Penlan School, Swansea, and at universities of Swansea
(microbiology, biochemistry) and Lancaster (education management). Previously
Headmaster at Bentham Grammar School, Senior Housemaster at Rossall, and
various posts at Lord William’s School, Thame, and Lancaster Royal Grammar
School. BSA training provider; member of York Boarding Research Group, of
SHMIS Professional Development Committee, of Institute of Traffic Management
Administration, and of Army Regular Commission Board. Publications: In Loco
Parentis – Management Issues in the Residential Environment. Michael Saich (1942-47) After
leaving school at 16, having spent one year in the sixth form, I went off to
London to work for Lloyds Bank in Victoria. I stayed there until I did
National Service in the RAF, spending most of my 2 years at Hullarington in
Wiltshire. I had decided not to return to the Bank, and joined the
Anglo-American Oil Company (subsequently named Esso Petroleum).I stayed there
working in both Purchasing and Computer Departments until the opportunity
arose for me to take early retirement in 1985. This proved to be an excellent
move, and gave my wife and I the chance to indulge in travelling - and in
recent years to spend much time with our three young grandsons. Greg Price (year of 2003) I
recently received news that I was awarded an internship placement at the
Houses of Parliament. it is for a period of 4 months
being attached to an MP of my preference, hopefully being the Conservative
Shadow Minister for Homeland Security or Shadow Home Secretary. This
placement is due to start at the beginning of my 3rd and final year of my
degree next September. February Claire Anderson 1998-2005 is in Australia.' Hi i have just
finished my year out having been to Australia and i loved it so much that i
am having another year out and going to university in 2007. OZ is the
best.... Samantha
Quaterman 1997-2005 I am a full time mum now with one child
and expecting another on the way :) i am also engaged in a serious
relationship :) Living in oxford building a great life for myself ;)... Lydia Pritchard 1993-2002 I have just finished 3 years at
University, where I have gained a degree in Performing Arts. Now I have to
face the big bad world and try and get some work! I'm an out of work actor!!
Aargh!! I'm also a solo singer songwriter and recently went into a recording
studio to record a demo album. Hopefully I'll be able to make a living from
doing what I love...performing. In musicals, on stage with my band, on TV,
I'm not sure where I'll end up but fingers crossed I won't be eating bread
and water forever!! Apart from that I'm going to train to be a teacher so
that I have something nice and cushty to fall back on if it all goes tits up! Helen Holden 1995-2002 Its still only 4 years after i
finished 6th form, i wasted 6 months before getting a 'proper job' and have
been in my current job (sales) for about 3 years now. It is going well and
because of it I have a nice car, can afford to go out when ever i want and
most importantly shop!!! Laura Hilsdon 1995-2002 I got married in June (2005) to my
wonderful husband Adam, in Warwickshire where we now live. It was an amazing
day - the hottest i can remember!!! (Pic included) Me
and my Twin Vanessa
are starting to look different - as much as two identical twins can really!
Little sis Kimi and her partner had a beautiful baby boy - Bailey Rhys Thomas
in April 2006 and i only missed the 'event' by 15 odd mins!!! But the most
amazing experience of being the first to greet such a bundle of joy into the
world :) Hope you are all wellsmates are ok, i'm here to get in touch with
now if u want to, i'd love to hear from u xx Am applying for the RAF as an
Officer after Christmas so hopefully get excepted so i can start to earn as
soon as possible!!! Automatic promotion from my degree!!! whooooo
hoooooo!!! Hoping to move further south nearer home, better RAF Officer
Housing down there :) A
few months ago, we were asked a question about Arthur Jesse Briars.
Since then Trudi, the Schools archivist, has been
able to find out more information. Arthur was born 8th February 1891 and
joined the School on 19th September 1902 as a day scholar. David Munday 1960-67 is living in Sydenham with his wife Val.
They have two children, Tom and Peter who both went to Lord Williams's. Val's
sister and brother, Wendy and John Whittle, were also pupils in the 70s and
80s. So quite a dynasty. Christina Citrone 1974-79 I trained as a
nurse then went to college to study psychology. I now work in health
research. I've just gone back to work after taking a career break to look
after my three children, I'm married to Des and now
live in Hertfordshire. Fiona Tompkins 1984-91 I am still in
Princes Risborough with partner Colin and have three lovely children,
Alexandra aged 8, Jessica 6 and Thomas 3. Worked for eight years as a P.A and
then had children. Would love to hear from anyone from the good ole' days. Jerry Green 1966-73 is working in procurement for Green Cell. They are suppliers of fresh
produce and, in the UK, are based in Dartford. Martin Corrall also 1966-73 is working as a financial consultant
for Wesleyan Medical Sickness. January Paul Wheeler 1958-65 Living in Woodstock. 'After
leaving school spent 30yrs+ as a police officer. No longer serving officer
but still work for the Thames Valley force as a civilian, must be mad!
Married Maureen in 1970 but sadly she died in 1993.' Melanie Orrow-Whiting 1972-79 I am now living in Gloucestershire, with
two children Amy (17) and Nicholas (13) and work for Marks & Spencer. Sally Whittle 1980-87 went to Westminster College in the early
1990s and now lives in Lincoln and is married with two children. Tanya Sellwood -1989 'I am married with 4 kids: a girl, a boy
and twin boys. I married my boss {Ronnie} who I love so much. I am now living
in Newport Pagnell in a five bedroomed house and as from this January I'm
Deputy Manager of Lathbury Manor, the care home where I work. It's lovely: a
24 bedroomed set in five acres af land out in the countryside. I am also an
assessor and iv for nvqs in health and social care.' Richard Smith 1966-73 A news story from the BBC: Richard Smith whose
company specialises in aircraft technology has launched a 'designer'
wheelchair that was originally made for his daughter. Richard Smith was so
frustrated by the lack of suitable wheelchairs that he decided that he could
do a better job himself. "A lot of companies aren't prepared to put in
much production investment, but I also think there's a lack of
imagination," Mr Smith told BBC News Online. Mr Smith, from Leominster,
Herefordshire, hired two graduates in industrial design and worked with them
to produce the Chunc. 'I started working on this
three years ago, when Sophie, who was then 12, started to have to use a much
bigger wheelchair. And I frankly found the products that she was using too
heavy, too cumbersome, not really fit for the purpose and quite stigmatising
as well." The
HR Smith Group has come up with a wheelchair that uses bold colours and
lightweight composite materials resulting in something that has a similar
appeal to a Swatch, a Smart Car or a Dyson vacuum cleaner. 'All the parts are
individually designed even down to the nuts and bolts, so when you put it
together you have a wheelchair that actually looks as though someone's
thought about it,' said Mr Smith. The
chair is designed to 'grow' with the user, and will require periodical
adjustments as the child develops. It folds so that it can be carried in the
boot of a family hatchback. The Chunc has been crash-tested for people
weighing up to 54kg and has just been put on the NHS list of approved
wheelchairs. The next stage, according to Richard Smith, will be to refine
the design and increase the maximum weight to 75kg. "We're hoping to
complete that work next year," he said. Asked whether he has his sights
on other areas of the disability market, Mr Smith said a lot of interest has
been expressed in a powered version of the Chunc. "Let's get this one
right first though. Richard
along with his wife Sarah started The Martha Trust, a charity in the
mid-1990s that opened a home for the severely disabled. Recently, he wrote a
paper for the Policy Studies Centre on the charity sector and the problems it
faces. Greg Pugsley wrote that he is currently in Phnom Penh and will
be there until February, when he will return to Chiswick. Bob Overell was
visiting the UK from Seattle and met up with Derek Stoakes and Graham Thomas. Mark Ansell (left
2003)I graduated from Sheffield Uni (BA Social
Policy and Sociology) in July 06. Since June, I have been working as the
Education Officer of the Students' Union having been elected in March.
Despite the very hard work and testing nature of the job, being the
sabbatical officer of the Students’ Union has been thoroughly enjoyable and
fulfilling. The skills gained from being Head Boy have certainly come in
handy. I’ve been working on an incredible range of issues affecting students.
A highlight has been working hard to engage students on the Keep The Cap On
Fees campaign. We have met with, written to and hassled MPs from all of the
three main political parties on the issue and were delighted to get 150
students from Sheffield Uni down to London for the national demo in October
06. I have also engaged with postgraduate students and ensured that we have a
full and active postgraduate research committee and thriving postgraduate
society. Bridget Trueman (nee Thompson) (left
1972) I graduated this December from Reading University with my MA in
Inclusive Education with management and ICT. I was very pleased to get a
first in my dissertation, and three of the six modules. Overall I achieved
Merit. I have been working in Reading since September 2006, as Head of Inclusion
at Prospect Technology College. The post includes that of SENCo (Special
Educational Needs Co-ordinator). Various items under my remit include English
lessons for non-speakers, self-esteem and life skills classes. The school has
just been moved from special measures to satisfactory with aspects of good –
a huge achievement from staff and pupils alike. For those that understand
teacher jargon, my year 7 class (28 pupils) has 7 statemented pupils, 8
School Action Plus and 8 School Action along with others that can barely
speak English. Reading has a large population of workers from Poland, among
other nationalities. (Statemented pupils get money from the borough to
support wither their behaviour difficulties or
special educational needs or both. The other 2 categories are for pupils with
specific needs that are not as great as those of statemented pupils.) James
Trueman (left 2003) Following in Mum’s footsteps! He is working at an EBD
(Educationally Behaviourally Disturbed) school outside Loughborough as a TA
(Teaching Assistant). This is rather challenging as some of the statemented
pupils can require three adults to look after them; their statements are for
both behaviour difficulties and special educational needs.He has a place at
Loughborough University to study for a PGCE in PE during 2007 – 2008. Pete Stratton -
2005 Hello everybody. You can keep updated with what I'm doing at http://blog.myspace.com/petestrat Am training with YFC, in media techniques. As the guy
who was training us had to start the course late
because his wife had a baby, our training was just quicker and more intensive
and honestly I prefer it that way. A lot of my editing learning however was
done by trial and error, as we needed to produce a music video and a
promotional video in a very short space of time,
hence I’ve seen a lot of 3ams in the past weeks. Our training however isn’t
just those couple of weeks, we will be trained and
reviewed every few weeks throughout the year, that way of learning works
really well because it means we get an opportunity to be actually doing work
whilst we learn. Kath Stratton -
2002 Hi everyone. Well if it had been a change of lifestyle I had
wanted, I couldn’t have come to a better place. Where last year I spent days
longing for things to do, this year it feels strange to get an evening off.
Where before I felt like Miss Anonymous in huge East London, I’m now
recognised by vast numbers of school children as I walk down the street here
in Nottingham. Finishing working at the drug rehab in August was really sad,
but at the same time I felt ready to move. I felt at home as soon as I
arrived. The church for which I work is really involved in the community and
I’ve listed the work I do in a typical week. Schools work: Christian clubs,
self-esteem club, life skills workshop, classroom
support.Church work: Youth Club, Sunday morning kids club, students work,
Parents and Toddlers, addiction support group and (once or twice a month)
prison ministry. Frances Wood (nee Tickner) - 1981
Dear Friends. We wish you a very happy New Year. We have been on the move
once again! This time just two miles up the road from Thame to Long Crendon
Village. Our home church is just 5 minutes’ walk through the village. Some
people thought we were slightly mad buying such a run down old 50s property.
It certainly has been hard work, long hours and plenty of frustration into
the bargain but having the extra space has been well worth it. Then there is
the 100-foot garden, which we have enjoyed this summer with lots of barbecues
and space for the children to play games. I have been dashing from pillar to
post with a variety of jobs in the school and out of it as well as doing some
study in order to qualify as a nursery nurse. Geoff continues to be
self-employed knocking peoples’ houses about, fitting kitchens and bathrooms
and lately sub-contracting for Magnet. He passed the big 50 this year!
English life continues to be very different compared with Africa, where we
worked as missionaries with AIM. Fiona Webb (nee Hockaday) 1972
- 1979 Working
in Milton Keynes - Headteacher of a First School. Still happily married to Andrew
Webb 1969 - 1974. We have two daughters Eleanor (15) and Alexandra
(9). Still in contact and have fun with: Jane Fewell, Stephanie
Butler, Nicola Holland, Ianthe Brownrigg, Helen Moss and Rose Poulter. John Sharpley -1950 Wrote
recently to say that he'd attended an OT luncheon on the 27th
October at the Five Bells in Clyst Hydon, Devon attended by four OTs: Patrick J A Davison
– 1948; Peter W Forbes
– 1951; Michael J
Brown – 1950; John
E Sharpley – 1950. Due to the success of this event another
is planned for 2007.Are there any other OTs in the area who would be
interesting in meeting up? 'I also attended Peter Holt's funeral in
Manchester College on 10 November. Only discovered two other OTs. One chap
named Harris who left in the mid 1950’s and Bob Eaton. Bob was a contemporary of Peter Holt. They
vied to be top of the form, but Peter usually won.However Bob did win the
Victor Ludorum twice in the mid-1930s.He continues to play the organ at
Manchester College from time-to-time.' |
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Old Tamensians’ Association: Keeping You in Touch and Involved |
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