Old Tamensians: Alumni News 2000 - 2003

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News for 1900-1999

2000: Jim Sutherland 66-71 had been in the Navy for 14 years, leaving as Weapons Engineering Technician. He was a member of the Society of Environmental Engineers. Paul Shewry 73-78 was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army; Cdr Tim Frazer, Cdr David Lilley and Lt. Col Steve Lincoln were all working in Whitehall; Andy Dean 77-84 was also in the Army. Mark Brown 74-81 was a Higher Executive Officer in the Civil Service and working in IT. Georgina Russell -82 was working as an Operations Manager for a comic and card accessories firm. She lived in Milton Keynes and was married to OT Steve Newman. Davey Leaning married Elaine, Kate Neal was engaged to John, and Mathew Jenkin was teaching history in South Wales - all 82-89. Lucy Fowler 85-92 was teaching at Epsom Primary School. Catherine Fursman 85-92 was finishing her PhD in Chemistry at Oxford. Chloe Lafferty 90-97 had graduated from Liverpool University as an Orthophist. John Fulkes gave the Founder's Day lecture: Lord Williams's in the Community: A Personal Reflection. Both Geoff Cornish 1950-57 and Jon Polden 1950-57 had contacted the OTs on the same day. Mark Brown 1974-81 first joined the Civil Service but then moved into IT and was working in Didcot as Higher Executive Officer. He was a boarder (some of his peers included John Bryan, John Cook and Simon Lambert), and was lucky enough to have recently returned from a guided tour with Mike Shorthouse his tutor for some years. Kendra Simpson 1985-92 had given birth to a son. Claire Rich 1985-92 had travelled to Australia and Africa for a year. Ian Maughan died suddenly. Brian Page 1940-47 also died - he was well-known for his sporting prowess and on several occasions represented the RAF at Lords. Kirstan Holmes was a primary school teacher. Alan Osborn 47-52 was known at school as Osbourn 1 as opposed to John Osborn was was Osborn 2. After taking retirement he was now heavily involved with geneaology and the University of the Third Age. Andy Arnold 67-73 is working with Hunting Aviation in Lincolnshire. Tony Yates 68-75 was a member of the Systems Group within Brunel's computing service. Jo Rycroft-Malone 77-83 was living in Haddenham and working in the R&D function of the Royal College of Nursing. She was also trying to do a part-time PhD. Kathryn Taylor 77-83 had spent the last 8 years teaching in Kenya but was now living in Surrey with husband Richard and four children. John Crouch who also left in 1893 had started student life late and had just gone-up to Oxford to read history. Thalia Simpson 82-89 had a second child, a daughter called Jessica and was still living in Paris with husband Sylvian Lescop. Davey Leaning 82-89 was getting married, as was Dominic Calder Smith, and Chris Shaw 82-87. Catherine Head 84-91 had studied American and Commonwealth Arts at Exeter, and after garduation worked for Kingfisher becoming Ad Manager for Woolworths. In 1997 she married Jonothan, who'd she met in her first year at University, and after several more years working in London decided life was better outside and were now back in Exeter where catherine was now working as Marketing manager for the University. Bob Hewson 89-94 was Captain of the 1st XV and Deputy Head Boy. He went to Exeter and whilst there ran the Student Radio Station. After graduating with two degrees he joined Barclays and was working on their Graduate Development Programme. He was still playing rugby for both Barclays and Phoenix, his village team. He wrote to say he was still in contact with a number of '94 leavers, including Sam Jordan (working in marketing in SW London), Tom Payne (farming in Wales), Liz Trew (marketing in Covent Garden), William Luther (had just passed out of Sandhurst and had joined the Coldstream Guards), and John Holman. Eddy Young was living in Mexico with his wide Pippa and daughter Joanna. Stuart Green was living near Witney and working for TWR. Keith Barnes had left Oxford-based engineers Young and Webb to join as a partner with enginnering consultants Hill Cannon based in Harrogate. However, Keith was working out of Reading and offering structural and civil enginnering consultancy services. He was living in Chalgrove and in regular contact with a number of contemporaries. Clare Turnball was working for Kyocera Electronics, a Japanese printer company, and living in Reading. Harald Purser 36-43 died at his home in The Elms after many months of ill-health. He was 74. After leaving school, he trained as an electrical engineer, then worked at Farnborough before joining EMI for 40 years. The Golf Day took place at Studley Wood; there was also a second golf day to commemorate the 1st anniversary of the death of Roy Holland, owner of Holland Sports in Thame. A reunion was held in the Spread Eagle for those who left the 6th Form in 1978. Graham Thomas 66-73 had opened a new Saatchi & Saatchi office in Tokyo, along with an art gallery. Roger Nixey -61 was living in Cullompton, Devon where he owned the golf store at Padbrook Golf Club and was also selling and repairing sewing machines. Robert Banbury -61 had spent virtually the whole of his career in and around the book publishing and printing industry and was now running a company providing publishing services for conference organisers. He moved to East Anglia in 1977 and now lived with wife of 35 years, Kate, on Norfolk/Suffol k border near Harleston. Married daughter, Helen, in London and son, Alastair, in Tokyo with Miho and their daughter, Hannah. Peter Timms, after some 38 years working for NatWest Bank was offered and took early retirement in 2000.Now spending most of his time playing golf, watching Kent and the village side play cricket, and visiting France. Married to Sandra Kinch for all but 27 years with a son (Richard) who is at Manchester Univ. and a daughter (Lucy) who works for P&O/Stena in the personnel dept. Michael Barrett -1963 took early retired from DiverseyLever (Unilever Group), as Food Hygiene Specialist / Training Manager. Now he was part-time Company Secretary for his brother's business (Primary Designs - racing exhausts) and Deputy Chair of Training Committee of Society of Food Hygiene Technology. Hobbies were mountain walking, gardening and photography. Married with 3 daughters. Mark Haynes 1958-64 was Managing Director of The Wheelchair Lift Company based in Long Crendon. Lived in Chearsley with Wife Jana (Cowler) and two grown up sons Howden and Russell.

Missing Members at the time included: Richard Abram, Philp Andrew, Paul Ashford, Alexander Birch, Mathew Birch, Alistair Calder, Rebecca Calrk, Dean Clarkin, Adrian Collins, Terence Connor, Michael Cook, Rowland Coobes, Philp Cram, Debra Crook, Clive Dickenson, Ian Dillamore, Stuart Edwards, Janet Ford, Ben Forster, Stuart Gibson, Paul Glenny, Ruth Good, John Grammar, Paul Gratwick, Lorraine Gurney, Louise Halstead, Robin Harrison, Chris Heap, Fiona Hockaday, Ann Holroyd, Martin Honour, Paul Houghton, Stephen Hunt, Julia Irvine, Ingrid Jeffreys, Bernard and Dominic Jones, Anthony Joslin, Hubert Keys, Nigel King, Janet marsh, Robert Mitchell, Dominic Oakeshott, Dawn Preweitt, Rolf Provan, Jill Roberts, Nicola Rudd, Robert Shankey, Ian Smith, Lyn Tremlett and Peter Yeomans were all listed as 'missing' from the address list in 2000. (If you're reading this now, and have not yet contacted the OTA please do.)

2001: David Price (1966 - 1973) who had been living and working in Taiwan, died of cancer at his parent's home in Towersey. Gerald Beere 43-50 had, after 29 years service, retired from the European Space Agency. He'd been living in The Netherlands for nearly 32 years but had now returned to the UK to live in Yorkshire. David Green 50-57 (and also a teacher 93-94) was recovering from a hip operation. Dr Cliff Nixey 50-58 had been awarded the Rupert Chalmers-Watson Trophy for services to the UK turkey industry. Mike Barrett 56-63 took early retirement from Lever. He had studied at Brighton College of technology and then began a career in industrial detergents, mostly in the UK but also in Scandanavia and the Middle East. He and his wife plan to travel, and also to publish some walking booklets on the 'web. He was also a qualified trainer in Food Hygiene. Sandra Rutson 76-83 had gained a PhD in Chocolate Rheoplogy sponsored by Rowntree and had spent 5 years processing fats with Unilever. She was now a housewife and had been married to Rob Cryer 76-83 for ten years. Rob had spent 10 years with ICI and was now with PPG as their European IT Manager. Andrea Walker 80-86 had got married in 1999 was was now living in Warwick and teaching in Banbury. Mathew Jenkins 82-89 was married in Cowbridge with many OTs present including Davey Leaning, Neil Yates, Vicky Schofield, Gavin Ebeling, Mathew Wagstaff, Charottle Fraser, Richard Newman and Oliver Vass. Imogen Sellers 82-89 got married in 1998 but since the birth of her daughter had left her jon with ntl to look after young Freya. Deborah Walker 82-89 studied English at Middlesex and then went on to complete a PGCE at Exeter. She was now teaching English as a second language at Astor School, Dover, and living in Maidstone with John. Helen Patterson was a full-time student at Brunel studying Occupational Therapy, and also a mother to 7 year-old Zach. Brother Rob was a science teacher in Hereford, having gained a PhD in Geology. Keir Thorogood 91-99 having taken a gap year was now on a four year degree course in Event Management at Leeds. Elder brother Joel was working as an IT consultant for CMS and living in Aylesbury. Inga Thorogood 83-90 finished her degree in Maths with Russian at Durham in 1993. She then spent a year au-pairing in Paris and then worked for PWC for six years becoming a chartered accountant. She was now working for First Quench, a drinks company, as their Financial Accountant, lived in Hertfordshire and had got married in 2001. Katherine Ellis 84-91 was awarded a PhD in Molecular Paristology working on the malaria parasite. However she was now training as a Patent Lawyer with Williams, Powell and Associates. Jemma Paton 90-97 graduated from East Anglia in 2000 and was undertaking a PhD at the University of Buckingham, researching Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Andy Lambert had left advertising and was working for Visa in Singapore. James Petts 94-98 had completed a law degree at Reading and was now at The Bar. Oliver Vass was doing very well as an osteopath. 'Beefy' Burrough 37-43 died earlier this year playing golf. He played for Saracens after leaving the school. Richard Albury-Bennett, formerly of the Royal Agricultural College, died on his farm in Kwa Zulu Natal. Bev Bevan and Herbert Nicolle, the OT President, also both passed away. Jane Bugg, David Munson and David Youens were made honoury members of the OTA. Paul Boddington -62 lived in Ashby-de-la-Zouch with his wife Irene (married for 35 years). He worked for the Coal Board after leaving school then went to Zambia for 4 years where he worked in the copper mines. Then back to Coal Board before being made redundant on 1990 He was currently a Project Manager in the NHS in Leicestershire. Brian Goodger - 62 was teaching at the University of Greenwich. He lived in Tonbridge (in Kent), and married to Helen with two sons, aged 18 and 13.

2002: Using a gift from Graham Thomas, the OTA funds the restoration of Lord Williams' tomb. Jon Banks 1966-73 Runs his own engineering company from Hertfordshire. Morley Slade 1955-1962 Now retired after an interesting career in defence systems engineering. I have three married children who are now producing grandchildren. Avid reader of the Old Thamensians Newsletter. Margaret Ridgway I was at Lord Williams from 1988 - 1995. Peter J Allen 1957-1962 I left Lord Williams’s in 1962, did A levels at Ranelagh School ,Bracknell then worked for two years before going to Stockport College and then on to Bradford University for an MSc course in Marketing. My work has mostly been connected to export and in particular to Africa. In 1980 I started my own company which I still run from a base in Cardiff assisting a number of international companies with their sales to English speaking Africa. I still live in Lisvane, Cardiff with my wife Jennie. We have three grown-up children, Julianne, Jamie and Heidi. Nothing has changed since my school days. I am still mad about sport and play cricket for my village and golf as often as possible. It has been my pleasure over recent years to meet some of my contemporaries at the OTA golf day, so ably organised by Barry Yates and I attended our year's reunion when Barry was OTA President. I would be delighted to meet any of my old friends if they ever come this way or if they happen to live in the African or European countries I still visit.

Gordon Jones -1964 Leaving school I became the very last "A" level Student Apprentice at RAE Farnborough. Spent a few years developing Flight Simulators and Avionic Systems, before joining the then fledgling Digital Equipment Corporation. There I helped germinate the seeds of what has become the Software Industry. For the past 12 years I have been helping provide you all with mobile phones, more specifically the development of Radio Data Services. Along the way we have produced 4 daughters, which over the years seriously involved me in figure skating; currently enjoy fast cars and motorbikes, occasionally ski, and race off-shore yachts (which included Fastnet 97 and 2003). Now almost universally known as Don, How do nicknames stick ? No answers from Old Thamensians please. The latest update (Aug 2002) is my recent early retirement, I thought this was very early until I found many of school mates have already made it! Now what are we all going to do.

Steve Hunt -1966 Spent 22 years at sea and moved ashore into port management in the late 80s. Transferred to Australia in 1993 to run cruise operations for P&O in the South Pacific until made redundant in 2000. Currently running operations of Sydney Ferries and doing some consultancy work as well. Married to Jan ( 26 years this year) and have two sons Ben and Sam 21 and 18 respectively. Live in Sydney with plans to retire to Vanuatu in about 5 years subject to plans working out.

David Stringer -1966 First career in financial services, latterly in training & development, until 1992 when I set up my own consultancy. Work now varied and fun, including the Far East and Middle East. Also have some connections from the 6 years I enjoyed dabbling in the music business, in the seventies. Still crazy, after all these years...

Greg Holliday 1960 -65 Self employed travel agent. Married with two kids, 24 and 20 Live in Weybridge, Surrey Still in regular contact with classmate Ian Golding.

Malcolm Wright -1964. Still working - 25 years in Further Education as teacher and Vice Principal. Now living in Cornwall. Married with 4 sons (all left home). Spare time is used up birdwatching, listening to Bob Dylan (still after all these years) and wearing anoraks.

Peppi Talylor's rings were recently featured in Vogue.

Martyn Read 1956-63 I have been an actor for thirty years [thanks to Gerard Gould, whom I still see] surviving on the breadline. After career as jobbing actor in Rep, TV, Film, Radio and Gas Board Training Films, I am currently to be seen advertising fish as Captain Birds Eye. This vindicates Headmaster Nelson's leaving report: 'It is difficult to see what he's going to do with his life'. It would be good to hear from any of my year.

Ken Hathaway 1970-1977 After leaving in 1977, I had a year out doing absolutely nothing of any significance, then went to the University of Southampton, gaining a degree in English Literature. Decided against further study, and entered the world of publishing, where I still am. I am managing director of a small publishing company based in Ramsbury, Wiltshire. I have been married since 1981, and have two children aged 17 and 15.  Despite my woeful athletic performances at Lord Bill's (contemporaries will confirm) I now keep active by cycling and mountain walking, and have a keen interest in photography. Some of my efforts in the latter field can be viewed on www.hathaway.org.uk, mostly photographs of a recent safari to Kenya, not quite matching the globe-trotting exploits of some OTs, but fulfilling a long-held ambition nevertheless. I rarely see mention of my particular year entry in the Newsletter, but it would be great to hear from (or of) anyone who remembers me, especially boarders of the era.

Jon Polden 1951-8 (I think!) After 9 years’ semi-retirement during which I continued to work part-time with pupils who have Statements of SEN at the school where I was SENCo for 20 years, I have now taken up full time work there. But I have finished teaching altogether, with considerable relief. 130 sheets of paper used to report on the progress of 5 pupils to people who will probably never even look at it, seemed a complete waste of time and resources. I am now the Receptionist instead - and really quite enjoying myself. It has forced me to curtail some other activities but I've only 18 months to go so what the hell. Thanks for all that you do and best wishes to everyone.

Christopher Staples (1954-61) Hampden House, School Prefect, Senior Cross Country Champion 1959,60 &61, Athletics Champion 1960, 1st XV Rugby, School Tennis, Oxon Schools XV Rugby, N.F.U. Scholarship, Reading University 1963-5. 36 years in the grain/agriculture business in Scotland retiring this year. I would be interested in any 1961 leavers’ reunion in the future.

Tony Yates (1969 – 1975) Currently working as Head of IT for Friends of the Earth.

R H Thomas 1949 – 1952 Dear Mrs Trueman, thank you very much for continuing to send me The Old Tamensians Newsletter which I find most interesting in spite of the fact that It was 50 years ago that I left to become Head of History at Solihull. I had been at LWGS only three years, Mr Mullen having given me my first job in 1949. Few people could possibly remember those days but I still hear from Fred Seal, Dan Woolley and Julyan Bunney. Those were very happy years for my wife and me. We continued to live in Oxford: I commanded the CCF at LWGS, though having served in the Navy during the war, I knew little of Army manoeuvres which were introduced into the CCF by the visiting soldiers from Bicester. Anyway it was a very happy time & I owe a great deal to Mr Mullens with whom I corresponded until his death a year or two ago.

Lorraine Woodley (Left mid 1990s) has played ‘Lady Anne’ in an adapted version of Richard III. An independent film company produced a short version of the play, setting it in Brighton in the present time, using the Shakespearean language. She has also taken part in a ‘Sprite’ advert on TV. She is also dancing, recently performing at the Lucin Bayliss Theatre as part of the Islington Dance Festival. In between her theatrical activities, she is doing freelance teaching.

A W Higgs 1929-34 was clerk to the School Governors & Lord Williams’s Almshouses Trust 1951-78, has moved from Suffolk to Fleet in Hants.

Andrew Skinner 1972-1977. After initially working for King Harry Foods in Thame, I moved to Bristol (in 1985), I got married (one son) then divorced, and worked in the Meat industry. I then did a couple of years each with Safeway and Tesco travelling all over Europe as a Food Technical Manager for Meat and Dairy products. During my time with Tesco, I was also part of a team that managed GM foods out of the business and got to spend a short time in Canada looking at Non GM products. In early 2000, I returned to manufacturing Industry as Technical Director for a meat products company. Along the way I have also served as Chairman for 'The Society of Food Hygiene Technology' (SOFHT) through which I met another OT wearing his lapel pin at one meeting, Mike Barrett (1956-63) who now assists in the SOFHT work as Examiner for the Food Hygiene training arm !! During 2001 I realised that the calling to work for myself was finally too strong to resist any longer and so decided to leave the 'corporate rat race' and set up my own Food Safety and Hygiene, Advisory and Training company (checkout  www.t-q-s.co.uk for more info). Life is good here in the South West of England but I do still return to my roots as often as possible to see the rest of the family who stayed in the Thame area (Brother Stuart left LWS 1979, Sister Anita left LWS 1982). If there are any of my year in the South West feel free to get in touch.(andrew@t-q-s.co.uk)

John Russell 1941-48. My years at LWGS were 'Dyer years' 1941 to 1948- as a wartime evacuee day boy for most of that period, -aged 10 to 17 years old,- I am particularly appreciative of both the education and the shelter received at Thame. Like Desmond Slay, I have some understanding of the enormous task Dyer had: both masters and pupils arriving and leaving overnight... and with little or no warning ! -the former having their 'weaknesses': -the latter, having God-alone-knew what recent memories of the German-occupied Europe that had been their homeland. A wartime history of life at LWGS would make interesting reading.... there was even a little 'Black Market' trading going on in such goodies as eggs and chocolate !... and that's only the pupils! And the Thame milkman who very occasionally stepped over the threshold to deliver the midday milk: then we had super farm fresh butter!

Clare Pearson [nee Markus] 1978-1980. I left in 1980 and went on to train as a Physiotherapist at Kings College London. After qualifying in 1983 I worked in Oxford, London and Berkshire until 1998 when we moved to Ottawa Canada where we still live. I married Neil in 1989 and now we have 2 children Ben and Anna[11 and 8]. I would love to get in touch with anyone who remembers me particularly Helen Johnson and Kate Baker. I have been in sporadic contact with Carmel Tildesley who is in New York and Ali Shaw who when last heard from was in Bristol and has 2 boys.

Peter Clarke 1977-84. You might like to know that I'm currently working as a shift manager at Pharmacia (a multinational pharmaceuticals manufacturer, in process of being bought by Pfizer, the world's largest) in Morpeth, Northumberland.

Peter Torrs 1940-45. I was at the school for your records from the beginning of 1940 to the end of 1945 when the war was on it must be history to you. I didn't go to the last gathering as I was away, and do not remember many of the pupils I was at school with, only the ones I used to travel with on the train from Princess Risborough. I have been retired now for 7 years now and find I don't have much time to sit as the family always find things that need to be made or repaired, that’s enough for now.

Rebecca Ireland 1992-1999. Has moved from Chinnor to Nottingham.

Bridget C. Trueman nee Thompson 1971-72. Lives in Thame with her husband and two boys, James (16) (year 12) and Mark (14) (year 10). They both attend Lord Williams’s School, studying for their A2 and GCSE exams respectively. Bridget teaches at Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School in Marlow. She teaches A and AS levels in Computing and Biology, GCSEs in ICT, Biology, Physics and Chemistry and is Key Stage Three co-ordinator for Year 8 Science. She also writes material for the School Intranet, specifically for learning skills. She has full responsibility for KS3 Science, and is about to take on full responsibility for Year Head for Year 9 and SENCO for KS3.   www.waitrose.com/~bctrueman

Jane C. Vaucher nee Thompson left in 1974. Until recently lived in Fontainbleu near Paris, with her husband, boys David (17), Christopher (15) and daughter Sophie (11). Jane combined being a mother and a secretary at a language school near her house. The family is now living in Houston Texas where David has gained a place to study at Rice University.

Liz C. Reece nee Thompson 1976-78. Liz lives in Tackley with her husband and two small boys. She has one of these 'portfolio' working arrangements - self employed for the majority of time, providing careers consultancy in such things as guidance, training, writing materials, and assessing across a wide geographical area; and employed for a small amount of time, with the local careers service to provide training and curriculum development for schools. She would love to be contacted by anyone who remembers her (or even who wants careers help!)

Oliver Mott 1990- 97. I'm currently working in Nottingham trying to get a job in forensics, something along the line of scenes of crime.

George Edwards Left the then LWGS in 1960 and retired at end 1999 after just over 39 years in banking. Married for 35 years with two children - son 32 and daughter just nudging 30. Now dedicating his life to visiting all those places and countries that have been on his/his wife's "must see" list for many years. Achieving this, neatly coincides with the other ambition of spending the childrens’ inheritance!

Jonathan Archer1966-1973. I travelled for a year with Martin Corrall to New Zealand and Australia before going to University. I then took a Business Studies degree and 20 years later took an MSc at Sheffield (part time). I have worked in Logistics (Distribution and Warehousing) since leaving University and I am currently employed with Exel as a Commercial General Manager within their Retail Sector. I have been married for 22 years with two children aged 19 and 17.

Alison Jefferey Left 1995. I graduated from Warwick University, with a first in a science degree with qualified teacher status, 18 months ago. Since then I have been the Year 4 teacher in a small primary school in a deprived area of Leamington Spa. I am now job hunting for teaching post number 2, which could, potentially, take me anywhere, but is likely to keep me round the Leamington or Coventry area, or take me to Sheffield or York!

Tom Crampton Smith Property developer, living near Oxford.

Mark Crampton Smith Prep school teacher at a school close to Brill.

Neil Yates 1984 – 89. Married Vicki Schofield (85 – 92) in Carlisle April 14th 2001.

Helen Ferris (Nee Radwell) 1985 – 91. Married Phil Newport on 18th December 1999. Helen trained as a nurse at Addenbrookes in Cambridge after completing her degree at Hull.

Andrew Goldsmith 1982 – 89. Married Nicola Colley June 2nd 2001.

Sarah Rothwell (Nee Ross) 1984 –1991. Spent 2 years as an administrator at Thame Community Hospital then went on to Tring as Senior Administrator for the Iain Rennie Hospice at Home www.irhh.org

Dr Claire Sheppard 1984 – 1991. Married Squadron Leader Matthew Lewis in Shabbington on 11th March 2001.

James Sheppard 1983 – 1990 and his wife Polly have one daughter Mollie, and her sibling. Mark & Carolyn (Nee Chaplin) Warner 1982 – 1989. Had Jacob in February 2000, a brother for the elder child Benjamin. Michael S Collinson 1956 – 61 is interested to know whether there is a reunion for his year group. He lives in Gloucesteshire. Eddie Bishop 1959-1966. And still alive ! he says.

Martin Corrall 1966-73 Managing Director BIGwebshed Limited trading as imediat Unit 1 George Street Industrial Estate Huntingdon PE29 3BD tel 01480 411176 fax 01480 413789 mobile 07785 760182 email corrall@BIGwebshed.com

Norman S. Good At Lord Williams’s as a pupil: Entry date - Sept.1937. Leaving date - July 1944. As teacher: Entry date - Sept.1959. Leaving date: July 1983 Semi-retirement-Sept. 1983 to July 1997. Total teaching period - 50 years! Lives near Shaftesbury.

Adam Lazaruk is working in his parent's newsagents, the Chocolate Box in North Street, Thame. Lynne Trasler is now Lynne Heard, living in Bicester, with husband Phil, expecting their first baby in August. Sarah Minchin (nee Harvey) 1988 – 1995. My news is that I'm living and working as a teacher in Milton Keynes with my husband, Mike (we were married August 1999 at St Mary's, Thame) and our 17 month old son, Rhys. I can be contacted through the Friends Reunited website. Rachel Paton (nee Hussey) 1986. Living in Haversham. Dan Wooley I taught with Mr Bevan and was Mr Mullens’s first teaching appointment, your report brought back many happy memories. Andrew Skinner 1977. Has moved to Stoke Park in Bristol.

Chris Hargreaves is living in Booragoon Australia. (A number of other OTs are in Australia too including Paul Glenny, Stephen Castle, Angus Crampton-Smith, Roger Allen, Ian Benn, Mike Kingston and Sean Johnson - Ed).

Lynne Trasler (nee Heard) Is living in Bicester with husband Phil, expecting their first baby in August.

Mike Barrett I was most excited to see on the OTA newsletter that we have a website, He found the school site for me which I found of much interest. Good luck with the site, and I hope it will facilitate contact between "older" members. I have lost touch with the 56-63 year group to which I belong.

Peter Douch I left in 1968 and have long been settled in Colchester, Essex. Nowadays I am employed to help Essex County Council and Essex people win more bids from the lottery good causes and from other sources of external funding. My brother Mike, the leading sportsman of his era at school, continues his successful PE teaching career by running the school-based PE teacher training course at Thomas Telford School in Shropshire.

Helen Dutton (nee Moss) 1972 – 1978. Married in April 2001. She and her husband are expecting their first baby in April 2002. Christine Moss 1975 – 1980 has just had her second child, a son called Jack. Christine & her partner live on the edge of Dartmoor, in Mary Tavy. Laura Moss 1980 – 1985 lives in Cardiff where she went to university. She is a consultant specialising in cancer.

David Hayter 1967-1969. I have just come across Lord Williams’s website. Very interesting and extremely well presented. Since leaving, I have spent most of my time overseas (Thailand, Viet Nam, Laos, Cambodia, Bangladesh), working in various non-government development organisations (VSO, OXFAM, Terre des Hommes, Stiftung Kinderdorf Pestalozzi). I currently run the Mines Advisory Group (Manchester based) landmine action organisation in Cambodia (www.magclearsmines.org) and was formerly in Laos. We have about 500 Cambodian personnel working on clearing land-mines in four provinces. Wishing the school continued success.

Roger Allen 1953—58. Lives in Western Australia. “I have lived in Australia for almost 30 years. From the Lord Williams’s School internet site, the school has radically changed from my days when it was boys only. I would love to hear from any of my contemporaries if they are available. I was in the same class as Peter Jordan who last time I talked to him about 4 years ago was the Butcher of Thame.”

Stuart Earley 1984 – 91. Now living in Reading with wife Jo, nee Withey (84 – 89) and daughter Olivia.

Christopher North1951—1956. I am married to Elizabeth and we have two grown up daughters. I have been retired for 10 years and spent most of my working years with IBM.We currently live in Milton Keynes.

Jane Lucas (nee Good) left '77. I would like to catch up on some old friends. At the moment you have 2 of my nieces at your Lower School (Hannah and Kelly Good) where Mr Harding is. (He used to teach one of my brothers but not me, and apparently he hasn't changed).

Greg Dickinson 1986-1990. After doing a Law Degree and Legal Practice Course I've worked in IT (who hasn't!), practised law for a while, and am now in Legal Publishing. I'm married to Vicky and we have a lovely (if noisy) 7 month old baby boy called Henry! I am now Platinum Account Manager, Lexis Nexis Butterworths Tolley USA.

Pete and Jan Merrow-Smith At the end of this year we are considering a move. I wouldn't mind coming back to the UK if I could take up a teaching role at Lord Bill's but otherwise I think we may travel to some other remote part of the globe instead and so continue with our adventures. We hope Jan can finish her BMus in Music Education from the University of Pretoria first. Then perhaps we can get jobs in the same school. Presently she teaches in a private primary school while I teach in the government secondary school. If we do decide to stay I will have to be working for someone other than the government. It has been a real eye-opener working in a developing country! We do enjoy life here and have had a few OTs out to stay. Eddy Young came out for his honeymoon and Kev Laxton has been a couple of times. My brother Nic came over a few years back too. They've all enjoyed the bush travel and fine weather, the wildlife and the wide open spaces. I think if we do move on it may have to be to Oz or NZ, just so we can find a similar climate and the open space. Of course, we won't be employing a maid there like we do here, so it would be back to the graft of washing, ironing, washing up the dishes and emptying our own garbage! But then perhaps we won't be walking in to find a spitting cobra on the lounge floor either.

Joanne Heydon I left Lord Williams in June 1998 and went straight on to do a 3 year degree at Bristol University. I now hold an unconditional offer to study for an MSc in Management Science at Warwick University.

Derek Stoakes1966-1973. Has a vet’s practice in Ledbury.

Richard Smith 1966-1973. Runs his own very succesful hi-tech engineering business in Worcestershire.

Graham Thomas 1966-73 Having left Saatchi & Saatchi after nearly 20 years working there, is now a writer, a political activist, Trustee of several charities, and a founding partner in the innovations company Visionary Thinking.

Peter Douch: I left in 1968 and have long been settled in Colchester, Essex. Nowadays I am employed to help Essex County Council and Essex people win more bids from the lottery good causes and from other sources of external funding. My brother Mike, the leading sportsman of his era at school, continues his successful PE teaching career by running the school-based PE teacher training course at Thomas Telford School in Shropshire.  

Helen Dutton (nee Moss) 1972 – 1978 married in April 2001. She and her husband are expecting their first baby in April 2002. Christine Moss 1975 – 1980 has just had her second child, a son called Jack. Christine & her partner live on the edge of Dartmoor, in Mary Tavy. Laura Moss 1980 – 1985 lives in Cardiff where she went to university. She is a consultant specialising in cancer. Christopher North 1951—1956 I am married to Elizabeth and we have two grown up daughters. I have been retired for 10 years and spent most of my working years with IBM. We currently live in Milton Keynes.

Jane Lucas (nee Good) - 1977 I would like to catch up on some old friends. At the moment you have 2 of my nieces at your Lower School (Hannah and Kelly Good) where Mr Harding is. (He used to teach one of my brothers but not me and apparently he hasn't changed).

Greg Dickinson 1986-1990 After doing a Law Degree and Legal Practice Course I've worked in IT (who hasn't!), practised law for a while, and am now in Legal Publishing. I'm married to Vicky and we have a lovely (if noisy) 7 month old baby boy called Henry! I am now Platinum Account Manager, Lexis Nexis Butterworths Tolley USA.

Sally Bailey, 1980-87 Galaxy 101's former breakfast show presenter has defected to GWR Group to present the Mix-networked CoreControl countdown show.

2003: New President Boards are mounted in the Old Refectory.

December 2003

Bruce Finch 1950 – 1957 I am a general medical practitioner in Suffolk where I have been in practice since 1970.

Louis Busuttil Though I remain a Cranfield lecturer (Senior Lecturer, Air Transport Group College of Aeronautics, Cranfield University) running the Air Transport Group's Statistics, OR, and Forecasting courses I will be working for Cranfield part time from 1 Jan 04 allowing me more time for Revenue Management consultancy. Please keep in touch, best regards, and Seasons Greetings.

Adrian Goodall who left in 1978 writes, 'With an energetic & demanding family and a young business to support, it isn’t easy to make time to come up to Thame for school events or reunions. I’m sure there are many more like me! But I have been in touch with a few old friends recently and that has been fun, and I’ve recently managed to play a bit of cricket again and wondered how the OT team is picked each year – I could be interested.

Paul Evans, who up until last year taught at the school, is now teaching English at Cranford House School in Moulsford.

Recent leaver James Buchanan is at Bath University studying a four year degree course in International Managment and German. He has published his own home page with insights in to school life. (Wonderful picture of John Fulkes.)

Alan Bushnell 1948 – 1956 Having read in your last newsletter the contribution from Ian Todd and his reference to Paul Rich, together with the separate item about John Maxton (all three of whom I remember well), I have been inspired to submit these few lines about myself. I too was privileged to be at L.W.G.S. during the headship of H.G. Mullens to whom l owed a tremendous amount for my eventual place at St. John's, Oxford, to read Greats. I also remember with affection Messrs. Bevan, Guest, Miller, Bancalari, Anderton, Bunney, Moore and Seal, amongst others, as well as Mr. Mullens' sister, Ruth. In my last two years I was entrusted with challenging parts in the School Play, namely 'Hamlet' and 'King Lear'. Coping with the youthful Dane I found exhilarating (strange to relate?), but playing the old man put years on me! After Oxford I taught at Burford School for 27 years, becoming Head of English) and Latin and also Senior Master. Extra-curricular activities included being in charge of 1^st Xl cricket and producing plays and musicals. After taking early retirement in 1988, 1did some further A level teaching, private tuition, and some proof-"reading for Blackwell's. Nowadays I enjoy life in the village of Ducklington, just outside Witney; as well as involvement in Church and Village Hall affairs and being on the Primary School Governing Body, my time is spent in gardening, playing bridge and, together with my wife, helping to amuse and follow the progress of our six grandchildren, three of whom live just around the corner! The other three live in Durham where our son has followed in my footsteps and is a master at Durham School. I send my best regards to anyone who may remember me from those happy days of fifty years ago.

Victoria Smith 1989 - 96 graduated from the University of Wales and is working in PR.

Reed Cutting is now a retired secondary-school science teacher. He taught on Nantucket Island (MA) for 5 years, followed by 33 years in the Marblehead (MA) public school system. He was an early pilot teacher for IPS starting in 1964 and has continued teaching the course and its sequel, Energy, for 30 years. He has been active in IPS teacher-training for more than 35 years, including eight summers as an instructor at SCI's national workshop at the Colorado School of Mines. He has been a member of the writing team since 1993. For two summers, Mr. Cutting was responsible for bringing IPS to teachers in Caracas, Venezuela (under the auspices of USAID.) He was a Fulbright exchange teacher at Lord Williams's School in the 1980s. Mr. Cutting holds a B.A. from Wesleyan University and an M.A. from Colgate University.

John Balance is Coil. Their next gig is on May 14-16, 2004 at Camber, East Sussex, England Venue: RE-TG Festival at Camber Sands Holiday Resort.

Sean Franklin 1977 - 1982 trained as a chef. In the past he worked at The Jolly Sailor and the Spread Eagle in Thame.

Kim Love 1988 - 1995 took a degree in Imaging and Media Communications at the University of Bradford. After working in Manchester with ScreenFX, recently moved to London.

Adam Courtney 1988 - 89 is currently working for Eurocontrol in IT.

James Meek 1980 - 1987 is an IT and communications expert currently working for Energis in Reading. Previously he worked for Cable & Wireless and the BBC among others. In 2001, he took a year off and travelled around the world.

Geoff Branner 1965 - 1972 is Oxfordshire Secretary of the National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers, and is a teacher at the school. He is also responsible for keeping the old Cadet Hut in use.

Colin Stoakes 1964 - 1971 is still farming in Tetsworth.

November

Andrew Logan 1956-1959 has had a busy year with a significant number of shows including “Alternative Miss World Filmshow”, University of Hertfordshire, St Albans; “Universe of Smiles” - sculptures and jewellery, Flowers West Gallery, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California, USA; Workshops, Newtown Festival, Newtown, Mid Wales; “The Heart of the Matter” - sculpture for About Face Theatre Company, Leominster, Herefordshire; Commission and Workshop: “Water feature” - large outdoor sculpture for Oldford Community First, Welshpool, Powys; “Simplicity & Splendour” - sculpture for Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire; Jewellery Workshops, Berriew Show, Berriew, Montgomeryshire, Mid Wales, and performances at the Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture, Berriew, Montgomeryshire, Mid Wales.

Bev Roebuck (now Godfrey) left in 1977 and went to Stratford College to do a Travel & Tourism course.  I left after several three terms, as being out of area (living in Oxford and college in Warks) didn't qualify for a grant and it was impossible for Mum and Dad to fund my lodgings and everything else. After a short spell at 'Molins' in Risborough, landed lucky in the Purchasing Department at Rank Xerox in Uxbridge. Stayed there until I married Dave Godfrey (also ex Lord Bills and whose Dad taught at School) and moved to Lancaster with Dave's job. Moved around the country but are now very settled just outside Chesterfield in Derbyshire.  I am running Sprint Sports & Leisure, the company my Dad set up while I was at school and Dave has set up his own business supplying and calibrating instrumentation that measures water flow and quality. We have two teenage daughters, an aged (19) cat, one house rabbit and an aviary of birds. My brother Steve Roebuck was a couple of years behind me at school and is a policeman living just outside Milton Keynes.  Would love to hear from anybody who remembers us. I am in touch with Teresa Cross who lives in South Africa and visits the UK occasionally. She is married to a South African and now has two lovely children.

(I went to school with David from John Hampden, right through our teenage years (in the Scouts together as well has being in the same form), and I know Bev from our time in the CCF. Colin Beadle)

2003 Leavers: A number of last year's leavers are currently studying at Sheffield including Mark Ansell (Social & Political Studies), Isabel Heafey (French and History), A.P. Stevens (Engineering and Architecture) and Ellen Ward (Linguistics).

Elsewhere, Claire Barron is at Queen Mary's & Westfield studying History and Journalism, Ellie Issac, Physical Education in Brighton, and Isobel Noy, Footware Design in London.

News of recent leavers: Helen Jones and Helen Lee are studying Medicine at Birmingham, Naomi Heydon is studying Management Sciences at Warwick, Richard Moore is at Plymouth studying Engineering, Julia Morrow at Liverpool studying History, Polly Steiner is studying Fine Arts at Hastings and Gemma Watts, Medicine at Southampton.

Paula Knall who left in 1998 is currently doing an Open University degree in Biology.

Judith More 1971-1973 is working for a publishing company in Lewes, and living in central London.

Ben Forster 1969 - 75 Very interesting to read the recent letters - particularly the one paying tribute to Gerard Gould. I would very much like to echo the writer's sentiments. Gerard Gould had a terrific influence on me. His infectious enthusiasm and encouragement never wavered. He had the ability to nurture potential where lesser masters had long given up. It was his encouragement that helped me apply to Drama School, and go on to have a successful career as an actor. I shall always feel grateful to him and remember him fondly. I hope he reads this. There are so few teachers who have the patience, kindness and understanding of men like Gerard. There is one other from my time at Lord Bills though...Colin Brookes (Bones) Whether it was teaching Biology, directing the Musical or as a Housemaster, Colin was always dynamic, witty enthusiastic and encouraging. A more balanced individual one could not hope to meet. Thank you for your work Bridget. I determine to come to next years OT's.

Cameron Naish 1965-1968 After leaving Lord Bill's, I worked for a few years for Oxford solicitors, Morrell, Peel and Gamlen. On 10 November 1975, I started a casual clerical job in the Civil Service - just notched up 28 years service - not bad for what was to have been a temp job. These days I am based in Sheffield, working for Dept for Education and Skills. For the past 15 years I have mainly worked in IT training and support.Until a couple of years ago, when DfES decided to have training delivered by external firms, I managed the departmental IT Training Team. Since then, I have spent the past two years on loan to a number of different public sector bodies helping them rollout new IT systems. I am currently seconded to NHSU, the new corporate university set up to serve the learning needs all levels of staff in the NHS. Great to see you have the website up and running - recognised a few names as I browsed through. Sadly I only found it today. Making Founder's Day might have been a laugh.

Peter Garner 1963 - 1971 is a Global Account Manager working for Vodaphone. He lives in Wiltshire, based in Newbury but still travels abroad frequently for work. He reported once spotting PE Master Dave Burgess in the Falklands but we don't know whether this was before or after DB was in Nepal!

Tim Daplyn 1964 - 1970 is a vicar with the Church of England, a rural Canon and a broadcaster on religious matters. He has kindly agreed to lead the next Founder's Day service.

Brian Robb 1967 - 1973 has spent many years living abroad -including the Far and Middle East. But now he's back in the UK and runs his own business in the Lake District.

Attending Founder's Day included:

Steve Moles I couldn’t make Founders’ Day, too much going on right now, I'm off to Brussels on Monday so I owe it to the kids to be home.Would you please pass a message to Gerard Gould for me? As you may know from my note on friendreunited, I spent the first twenty years of my life as a roadie travel the world with rock bands. Now I write for a living. Two factors contribute to my success in the writing field, and both emanate from Lord Bills. The never ending stream of 500 and 1000 word punishment essays I received for my countless misdemeanours has given the me confidence to never be undaunted by deadlines. And the ardent promotion of written expression that Gerard Gould imparted to me - I can still recall now my Damascene moment; when suddenly I understood I had the ability to make a direct connection between my subconscious imagination, and the tip of my pen. He more than anyone, did that. A charming, elegant and urbane man, I remember him most for his indefatigable sense of style; while all around him boys clamoured to grow long hair and look scruffy. He kept his own council and never wavered. Great stuff for the impressionable.
Geoff Goodall was a great headmaster too, even if he did 'invite me to leave'. It was unquestionably the right decision for me and for him.

Thank you for organising such an excellent Founders' Day - it was a memorable event in so many ways. A good service in St. Mary's, an excellent lunch, some bracing fresh air at the matches and being able to renew lost contacts. I urge all OTs to come next year, it was great fun! Regards Andy Arnold

Dear Bridget, thanks for all your hard work which is making it possible for us all to catch up with our happy past again. You're a star! In spite of driving for six and a half hours I wouldn't have missed it for the world. 35 years is a long time not to visit the school and I fully intend to be back next year. It was wonderful meeting Gerard Gould, Peter Moore and Norman Lilley again, as well as my contemporaries - George Edwards. Peter Traies, Danny Hedge and Ross Menham. I look forward to more news from you. Many thanks, David Martin (who's currently teaching in Exeter).

Saddened to hear of Ivor Shrimpton's recent passing: he used to live just round the corner from me in Thame. Best Wishes, John Russell. (1941 - 1948)

Just a quick note in case any of my contemporaries are at the reunion and ask after me (I left in 1972). My name is now Chris Hargreaves, but when I was at school it was Chris Heap. I’m living in Perth, Australia, not far from John Higgs, who was a couple of years ahead at of me. Feel free to pass on my email, or my phone number, (61) 419908550. Regards, Chris.

On attendance at Founder's Day: I'm coming - probably with Tony Buckle, Colin Shurrock and Nick Woolfrey to the Service - we were 1951-7. Regards........Gordon Wells

My name is Andy Butler and I left in 1972. I definitely plan to attend next weekend, although probably only until mid afternoon or so. But I will be there for the service and the lunch. This will be my first real contact with the school for upwards of twenty years, so I am looking forward to it.

Malcolm Bloomfield here. Alison and I will definitely be attending on Saturday but will not be in Thame in time for the Church service. Where will the coffee be served?? Do you still require raffle prizes?? Look forward to seeing you again, Malcolm.

Dear Bridget, thanks for your reply. I don't know how you find the time, especially as I gather you are a techer. Many thanks for your wonderful work! Just to let you know that I have sent John Fulkes a cheque for £9 for Nov. 8th. and that Danny Hedge (left 1961) is also intending to come. What is the venue for the events listed on the programme? As I haven't been to Thame since 1968 I don't know where things are going to happen. Best wishes David Martin

Norman Good It may interest OTs that I have recently been entertaining Dudley Witney (Witney i ) 1937-42. He was a classmate of mine at Thame Grammar School throughout the war years. He moved to Canada after the war, where he has lived ever since. Dudley and I came up to Thame a few days ago and visited John Dance who was another of our contemporaries. Sadly, John is severely handicapped, suffering from Parkinson's disease which confines him to home and wheelchair. Later we shared a pub lunch with Geoff Osborne at Towersey - altogether a day of reminiscences.

Really enjoyed visiting in May but unable to get over for the reunion in November. Have a great time and maybe catch up with you all in 2004. Best regards. Steve Hunt, Sydney, Australia.

October

Richard Walker trained as a chef and has worked in Tring before taking over the Six Bells in Thame this year. (See full story in News and Events).

Janice Bowles 1971 - 1975 is living in Thame and is running her own successful business. More details on her web site.

Steve Castle1968 - 1975 I will be in England for Founders' Day this year, but don't know if I will be in Thame at the moment. As I left school in 1975, I would be interested in knowing who else from around that time has indicated they will be attending. I will be out of e-mail contact from Saturday, 25 October, but can be contacted at my mother's house in Thame. I live in Australia.

Roger Allen 1953 -1958. There is mention of another Roger Allen on the website but it is not I. My namesake attended Thame Grammar (we knew it as this rather than Lord Williams for everyday use) much later than myself but would be interested in hearing from him. Would also be interested in anyone who went to Sandhills Primary School - I left there in 1953. (Roger, the Editor went to Sandhills from 1959 - 1966).

I live in Perth, Western Australia and maybe we should start an Australian Chapter of OT? Anyone interested? (Contact via ota@waitrose.com with permission to forward your e-mail address).

Dawn Roper 1971 -74 has now returned to London after living in Italy for some time.

Paul Robertson I arrived from S.A. in July 1977, along with 2 brothers and two sisters. My older brother, having already left school in SA then attended Aylesbury College for a year. Now in partnership in civil engineering in Maidstone, Kent. The others, Mike, Jane and Bridget - all went through Lord Bills. I am in glass and framing in the UK construction industry. Mike has worked in high finance in the city for many years and is still traversing the world. Jane and Bridget both in London, married with families and combining sales / marketing roles with home life. Mum still lives in Thame.

Dr Cliff Nixey 1950-58 has been elected chairman of FAIP, a European organisation representing the interests of farm animal breeding companies within Europe. He is in his 41st year of working for British United Turkeys Ltd who produce more than half the world's turkey breeding stock.

David Robertson 1959-1962.  After leaving I spent a couple of years in London and then moved to Spain. I ended up doing a degree in Hispanic Studies at the University of Liverpool and a few years later took up a Lectureship in Spanish at the University of Stirling. In !998, and after twenty five years, I took early retirement and moved back to Spain. I am in touch with a number od old classmates, particularly Peter Hawkins, David Dillamore, Paul Boddington, Ray Boxall. I had some contact with Danny Hedge and Andrew Goldsworthy in the sixties and Andrew has reappeared from time to time. When I last spoke to him about two years ago he was living in Almeria, Spain but was comtemplating a move.

Helen Beazley 1971-4 We will finally be moving into our new house next week. It is only 15mins off M4 Marlborough/Hungerford Junctions so we are hoping for lots of visitors! Love Helen and Marc xx

Geoff Goodall 1964-79 Having seen the year groups targeted for Founder's Day on 8 November, I thought I would try to come along. I will be picking Gerard Gould up at 2.00pm and should be around by 2.30pm. I enjoy reading all your emails, but have not until very recently had any time to visit. I have now given up full-time work and do part-time educational training sessions, and school inspections. I hope that you are in good spirits. I admire your energy and drive. All good wishes, PS. I'm now the oldest surviving previous Headmaster!

Alan Friend 1963 Seeing Gerard Gould's comment on David Martin's Petruchio brought back a vivid memory of one performance when he was due to enter stage right but for some reason was delayed (a visit to the Rising Sun perhaps). After a hiatus which seemed to me as prompter to go on for ever, he appeared stage left and with great aplomb pulled up his tights, looked at his watch and apologised to those on stage that he had been delayed in the marketplace. Brilliant improvisation. David might also be interested to know that the words of Hannibal Rock which must have come from the 1960 boarders sketch night still echo round my befuddled brain.

In 1963, on leaving Lord Bill's I studied Chemical Engineering at Imperial. I had a wonderful time there and just scraped a degree. Having proved that I was not going to be a very good Chemical Engineer, I decided to try my hand at Personnel Management, first in the Chemical industry, then in Electronics and finally, with J. Lyons in the Food industry. The last few years were particularly good as I moved into a role in Training and Management Development. In 1995 Lyons was broken up and sold off. I was redundant and can truthfully say that it was one of the best things that have happened. I moved into another Training role with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea where I enjoyed myself enormously. However, after five years I decided that I could retire and move to Spain to fulfil an long held dream of doing up an old house in the sun. I suppose in part I have John Aylward to blame for this ambition as I was captivated by the lifestyle I saw his parents living when he invited Martyn Read and me to their retirement home in Tarragona in the summer of 1962.

As far as family are concerned, I married Catharine, whom I met whilst at university and we have three sons; Stephen, bass guitarist with The Vessels - next record due in November, Matthew, a strategic planner in the drinks industry - good perks, and Chris, currently taking a year off to travel the world.

I have had a lifelong interest in jazz. Kindled, I think, by David Martin, Danny Hedge, Spider Noon and the other members of the Cell Block Five. Thanks guys. Sorry I shan't be able to come to Founders Day, its a long way from Antequera. Now isn't that a song.........

Mike (Spike) Thomas 1984-1990 After leaving Lord Bills I soon found myself in London working as an antique camera specialist (not a joke). After a year or two I moved on to imaging licensing for the advertising and publishing trade, then Internet and IT consultancy. At the peak of the .com boom I relocated to Stockholm, Sweden to establish the Nordic operation,two company acquisitions, 150 staff and 18 months later I quit as the bubble burst. Now 3 years later I'm Senior Account Manager for a software company, still based in Stockholm, no plans on leaving as I now have a wife, 18 month old son and another due January 2004. I have absolutely no contact with anyone I went to school with. If you did know me, drop me a line.

Peter Parker 1935-42 Would like to contact Joe/Joss/Josh Wedgewood, who previously lived in Chinnor.

Gerard Gould says:- Thank you for the OT Newsmagazine. I will try to come to the Founder’s Day on November 8^th and I am greatly looking forward to seeing David Martin again. I vividly remember his wonderful Feste in ‘Twelfth Night’ and his virile Petruchio in ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ when we had to fend off nightly queues of adoring fans all wanting their glimpse of David. Please publicise Nigel Cooke’s appearance October 7^th – 25^th. Nigel is not only appearing in it, but he is also producing the play – so much is at stake. It’s a wonderful play and was the hit of the Paris season 2 years ago where I saw it and recommended it to Nigel.

Dan Healy 1984-1991 After School I took a year out and went to France where I did a ski season in Les Deux Alpes and worked on a campsite in St Tropez. I went to Bournemouth University in 1992 where I studied Financial Services. In my four years at University I managed to fit in another ski
season in Meribel, placements in a couple of stockbrokers in Perth and Melbourne and a placement in Barclays International in Poole (- not quite so glamorous!). I graduated from University in 1996 and, having enjoyed the seaside so much, decided to make my life in Bournemouth. I have been working for JPMorgan (formerly Chase Manhattan Bank) for seven years now where I am currently a Project Manager. I have extremely fond memories of Lord Williams and am still in touch with Ian Green and Steve Bell. Keep up the good work with the Newsletter - it is always makes fascinating reading !

Geoff Cornish Thank you for sending me the most recent newsletter. Those of us in far-flung places certainly appreciate the work that you and others do to keep us in contact. There were several references in it which brought back memories. I was saddened to read of the death of 'Mouse' Dawson, a contemporary of mine. He was often kind enough to share his lunch with me, a great treat for a "deprived" boarder! Tony Tomlyn's reference to Mr More's BSA struck a chord - I think I must have been on the other side pushing! I once cleaned it (not too well, I confess) for a Scout Bob-a-Job and accidentally spilt some very precious petrol! I remember all the people in David Martin's note (46 years down the track - ouch!) - as David intimates, they were indeed good times.

September

Andrew Arnold 1967 - 1973 Left LWS in March 1973 and went to work for Lightfoot & Lowndes solicitors in Thame's High Street as a temporary stint before joining the RAF.  After completion of training he was posted to the RAF Communications Control Centre at Stanbridge near Leighton Buzzard and a year later to the infamous RAF Gatow in (then) West Berlin, some 120 miles behind the Iron Curtain where he spent his time annoying the East Germans.  He met his wife Carole whilst serving there and they were married in 1976, returning to North Yorkshire the following year where their daughter Natasha was born. Posted as an instructor to St. Athan in South Wales in 1980 and to the old HQ Fighter Command at Bentley Priory in North London in 1982 where he worked with Air Vice-Marshal Ken Hayr, his final overseas tour was to Sek Kong in Hong Kong's New Territories where he also worked for the British Forces Broadcasting Service as a presenter, scriptwriter and programme producer.  Returning to the UK in 1987 he went initially to RAF North Luffenham and finally to the RAF College at Cranwell for nine years before retiring in 1996.  Currently working at "another RAF station"  the family have recently moved to a new house in Lincoln and share their neighbourhood with low flying aircraft and equally low flying (and noisier) geese and swans. Old Tamensians passing through would be made most welcome.

David Martin 1953 -1961. I’ve just had a great couple of days when Danny Hedge (1954 to 1961) came to stay with me. He contacted me through Friendsreunited and we got back together for the first time since 1969. We’ve had a nostalgic time reminiscing about our time at Thame and looking at all my old photos. We’ve decided that we will go back to Thame on Founder’s Day this year. We are very keen to contact our old mates and wonder if you have contact addresses for any of the old boys who left in the 1960 to 1962 period. We are particularly keen to contact our close friends Nick Crew, Pete Savin, Alan Noon, Andrew Goldsworthy. Also do you have contact details for any of the staff from that period, especially Gerard Gould and R.F. ’Peter’ More, both of whom had a real influence on our life? (We have both contacts, which were passed on - Ed).

Brian Robb I left in 1973 and being in the same year as Andrew I would be interested to hear more and to understand if you require any funds. FUNDS??? – always!!!

John Cooper 1969- 1977 married to Sandra with 2 lads, Andy 13 and Jamie 10 living in Tauranga, north island of New Zealand. working as a psychiatric nurse on an in-patient unit.given up playing rugby, back playing football!!!

Alice Overton left in1978 and was recently in touch.

Angus Crampton Smith I left the school in 1980 to Join the Royal Navy.  I transferred to the Royal Australian Navy in 1992 following a 2½ year exchange posting where I met my future wife.  Now working as an IT consultant in Canberra.  Still happily married with 3 children and having a ball. More details available at www.crampton-smith.com

Nigel Cooke 1968 - 1975 Acting succesfully and recently produced and starred in a new production in London. Married with two children and lives in London.

Keith Bowley 1967 Happily married, and living in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, with wife Linda and two lovely daughters. Have worked with Windsor Life Assurance ever since leaving Bristol University. Resigned from position as Executive Director in 1988 and have worked as a systems consultant ever since, still with Windsor Life 3-4 days per week.
Also heavily involved with various Christian ministries and Trusts - mostly relating to the Renewal movement which has flowed from Toronto and other places over the past 10 years.

Mike Cook writes from Perth: Just to let you know that four of us from the 60's are living in Australia:
Michael Cook. ( Head boy in 1970) living in Perth. Housemaster at Guildford Grammar School. Retired from Rugby. Still passionately English. Big game against the Springbocks in four weeks here in Perth.
John Higgs.(1970) lives close to Michael Cook. Daughters are best friends. What a small world. Works in the mining industry.
Richard Paterson. 1964 - 1970 lives in Victoria. He is in touch with us in the West. I met up with Richard in Cairns, Queensland last year. Hoping to meet up with him over the World Cup.
Willie Paterson 1966 - 1971 is over in Melbourne, working as an agricultural consultant.

Dave Higgs 1965-72 Works for the British Council currently lives in South Africa.

Greg Pugsley 1966 - 73 Photographer and mini-cab driver based in London.

August

Lucy Pearce I was a pupil at Lord Bills from 1980 - 1989, maiden name Lucy Williams.

Recently we have heard from Vicky Brackley who left in 2000, Alison Smith at the school from 1980-1987, George Wright, Robin Clark from 1989 to 1996, Rosalind Blackhall (nee Hearne) who left in 1987, Mark Ashton, who left Lord Bills in '89, Tim Wagstaff '96 and
Andrew Saunders who left in 1987, Liz Brawn whose year of leaving was 1996, and Sue Curryer who left in July 1982

Derek Witchell 1961- 68 I am still living in Thame with Debbie (nee Sladden), Chris and Sarah. But not for much longer. I'll be making my bid for freedom on 27th September at Oxford Cathedral where I will be ordained Deacon in the Church of England after three years part time training on the St. Albans and Oxford Ministry course. So it's goodbye to my career as an Architect and hello to a curacy at Bloxham (just south of Banbury). The family will be staying in Thame till June next year so Chris and Sarah can complete A and GCSE courses at (where else) Lord Bills, so I'll be a commuting curate, a motorway minister for a while.

Heidi Tipping 1989-96 I have 2 younger brothers, Paul 22, and James 14 who is still at Lord Bills.

Andrew Butler I started at Lord Bill's in September 1965 and left in July 1972.

Imogen Sellers (nee Harrison) I left Lord Williams in 1989, moved to Newark in 1990. I worked at ntl (Midlands) from 1995 until 2000. Married Mark in 1998 and had a daughter, Freya, in March 2000. I now work part-time as an administrative assistant for Notts County Council's Youth, Community and Play department and am a voluntary Parent Representative with the Children's Fund for my local estate and committee secretary at my daughter's pre-school. I am expecting my second child towards the end of September 2003.

I recently attended the reunion at The Spread Eagle hotel in Thame with Andrea Walker. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and visited some old haunts, although we were disappointed that we didn't meet up with more people. Maybe in another 15 years or so................................

James Buchanan left in 2003 I'm going to Bath University at the end of September to study International Management and German

Ben Delo Ieft in 2002 with four As at A-Level and is now studying Mathematics and Computer Science at Worcester College, Oxford.

James Trueman I'm going to Loughborough University at the end of September to study Joint Hons Chemistry & Sports Science

July

Graham Thomas 1966 - 1973 is far too old to be a Dad but none the less Kai-chan was born on 31st July.

Peter Clarke 1984 has been living in Durham for several years, working in the chemical industry. He is now taking a year out in Hong Kong organising the music for Shatin Anglican Church.

Stephanie Clarke 1990 lives just outside Cambridge and works as chief computer nerd for St Catherine’s college. Last year she & a friend put in an entry to Technogames. They made the final but unfortunately their robot, called ‘Not the headless chicken’ got stage fright on telly and failed to finish the course. They plan to enter again next year.

Mary Clarke 1991 lived until recently in Cambridge and is a member of the Territorial Army. In February she was called up and spent several weeks in Iraq helping to crew an ambulance, coming under fire more than once. She is now temporarily back in Thame seeking a new job.

Judith Clarke 1990 recently got married for the second time. Her new husband was formerly the choir master of Clifden Cathedral. Judith has 2 children from her first marriage – Victoria (7) and Benjamin (2) and works in Bath in direct mail marketing.

June

Jackie Keirs the school's first dance teacher is still active on the Oxford theatre scene and has recently directed productions for the Oxford Dance Company and the Oxford Operatic Society.

Graham Corney who taught Geography in the 1970s is now a research doctor at the University of Oxford's Department of Educational Studies. His research is into issues focusing on geography teaching and learning, and on teaching and learning for environmental education and sustainable development, especially teachers' knowledge, beliefs and understanding, and classroom practice, and student learning.

Geoff Hayward 1966-73 is also a research doctor in the same department; a university lecturer in Educational Studies, co-leader of Theme 3 of the ESRC  Research Centre on Skills Knowledge and Operational Performance (SKOPE) and co-ordinator of the Educational Policy Research Group in the Department of Educational Studies.

J.M Goodger and his brother B.C Goodger remain leading figures in the academic study of judo. They have published a number of books and many papers for academic journals. Both were members of the British Judo team.

Robin Harrison had a wide experience of the concert platform from a very early age, both as a soloist in recitals and concertos and as a member of many varied chamber groups. During his vast career he has been heard in frequent broadcasts for the BBC and other European and South American radio networks. His concerts include several appearances at the Cheltenham Festival of British Contemporary Music and the Sir Henry Wood Promenade Concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in London.On the occasion of his long awaited New York recital debut at Carnegie Recital Hall the New York Times observed “Robin Harrison is an impressive pianist.” Born in London, England, he studied first with Frederick Bailey of High Wycombe and then won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music, London, where he studied with Harold Craxton. After being presented with the Silver Medal and Albanesi Prize he was awarded an Italian Government Scholarship for further studies in Rome where he was offered a place in Maestro Carlo Zecchi’s class at the Accademia di Santa Cecilia. Later, he studied at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, and ultimately, he returned to London to work under the guidance of the late Ilona Kabos. Former Head of Piano in the Department of Music at the University of Saskatchewan, Mr. Harrison has made guest appearances with leading Canadian orchestras and is well known to the Canadian audience for his many recital braodcasts on the CBC. He has performed at the Centre D’Arts Orford in Quebec, and has been a guest artist for the American Liszt Society Festivals in Canada and the United States. Now retired, Mr. Harrison resides with his wife, Marilyn, as owners of Harrison Hill Bed and Breakfast in Margaree, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and would welcome OTs to visit. He has continued to be very active in music, giving concerts and recitals, examining for the Royal Conservatory of Toronto, adjudicating festivals, presenting workshops, and also teaching privately. In addition, he has taught music history at the University College of Cape Breton. His hobbies include reading, bee-keeping, cooking, wine-making and, of course, music! In April 2002 the Royal Academy of Music in London, England, elected him an associate for his career in Music.

A 1995 on-line interview with Tom Hassall can be found here. His many positions have included CEO of the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England and he is currently President of the ICOMOS-UK. Some of you might have seen recent letters he wrote to The Guardian and Independent on the need to protect Iraq's treasures.

Gayle Grove-Palmer wasn't at Lord Williams' but attended Headington Girls School until 1971. However, she will be well-known to some, as she helped in a number of our drama productions. After spending ten years abroad, living in Africa and Hong Kong, she's now back in the UK, and this year is celebrating her 20th wedding anniversary.

Ashley Goodall 1970s is a Director at the brand and retail consultancy Market Place, based in Abingdon www.marketplace-consultancy.co.uk

Mike Burrows 1961-68 has recently contacted us. He still lives in Norwich.

May

Ralph and Tim Kiggell 1970s Ralph is a succesful artist and lives most of the time in Bangkok. Tim writes textbooks for MacMillan, and lives in Dublin. Mother Phyl, who taught at the school in the 1970s, still lives in Oxford and paints. Both Ralph and Phyl held exhibitions as part of the recent Artsweeks, the Oxfordshire Visual Arts Festival.

Elizabeth Willis (nee Ross) 1986-1993 and Michael are expecting twins in October/November 2003.  Elizabeth is being very sick, but looking forward to the arrival of cousins for Erin Rothwell, Steve and Sarah's ('84-'91) baby who arrived last September.

Craig Tostevin 1975-80 (Boarder) asks 'by the way, when did the boarding side of the school close & why?' Regards Craig.'

Mike Barrett 1961 would like to contact anyone from his year group

Graham Thomas 1966 - 1973 I'm writing - but discovering that the moribund publishing world demands patience - and setting up a global innovations and leadership practice with three friends. (Visionary Thinking has its own web site). A new project is my involvement with politics, and the setting up of the Peoples Alliance, a radical political party. Locally, I'm helping with a conservation charity, and a children's charity (with Karen Draisey from Holton Park School, and one of the three Maids in the Colin Brookes' production of The Mikado). Perhaps the most surprising news is that a baby is on its way: delivery is scheduled for 31st July 2003.

Peter Clarke 1977-84 I'm now based in Hong Kong, working as a full-time director of music at an Anglican church here.

Helen Beazley 72 - 74 Just to let you know that we are moving on Wed 7 May to Hungerford, Berks.

Janice Bowles 1969 - 1975 Living in Thame and has set up her own, highly recommended hypnotherapy and alternative medicine practise.

Russell Kilmister 1966 - 1972 Cutting a CD, and setting the local music scene buzzing.

Bridget C. Trueman (nee Thompson) 1971-72. Lives in Thame with her husband and two boys, James (17) (year 13) and Mark (15) (year 11). They both attend Lord Williams’s School, studying for their A2 and GCSE exams respectively. Bridget teaches at Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School in Marlow. She teaches A2 and AS levels in Computing and Biology, AS level in ICT, GCSEs and KS3 year 9 in ICT, Biology, Physics and Chemistry and is Key Stage Three co-ordinator for Years 7 & 8 Science. She also writes material for the School Intranet, specifically for learning skills. This academic year she has also taken on full responsibility for Year Head for Year 9 and SENCO for KS3.  

April

Gerald Beere 1943 -1950 Reading, with interest, the Newsletter and, in particular, the section "OT Member's News" has prompted me to mention that I am now retired. After nearly 32 years as expatriates in The Netherlands my wife and I returned to the Old Country in January this 2001.  We now live here in North Yorkshire in a new house attractively designed on the lines of a converted Yorkshire Barn.
I retired from the European Space Agency (after 29+ years’ service) at the end of November 1997 shortly after my 65th birthday.  Believe it or not but my wife and I delayed our return to the UK for a couple of years or so until our much loved very old cat passed away. The delay was due to the quarantine laws still being in force where an 18 to 20 year old cat would have suffered greatly with 6 months in kennels.  Anyway, being retired, not much has really happened since the autumn of 2001 that is worthy of a news update.  My wife (Elizabeth) and I live on a new estate of 80 houses surrounded by very pleasant undulating North Yorkshire countryside on the edge of the Vale of York.
I must say it is difficult to believe that I left LWS over half a century ago…

March

Andy Harrett became the new Headteacher of Langtree School, Woodcote, Berkshire in January. He had previously been Deputy Headteacher at Lord Williams’.

Hal Fowler left in 1985 and later married Kim Wilder pop star and garden expert. Hal has worked extensively in film, televisio and theatre. His film work includes the lead role of Bunty in Terrance Ryan's "The Brylcreem boys" with Gabriel Byrne and the lead in Roy Oxlade's "Plato's Revenge". On television he has appeared as Corin Purdon in "For Valour", "Alas Smith & Jones" and "The Bill". His theatre credits include the title role in the Rock Theatre of Budapest's "Dorian Gray" at the Bloomsbury Theatre, London, Alex in "Aspects of love", Filch in "The Threepenny Opera", Billy in "The Gambler", Snout in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and David in "Godspell". He created the roles of "Yusopov" at the Sydmonton Festival and "The Minotaur" in "The Challenge". He also regularly records and performs in concert in Hungary. Hal played "Cousin Kevin" in the English musical version of 'Tommy' alongside Kim Wilde. They met during this production. Hal proposed to Kim in June 1996 in France, and he became Kim's husband on September 1st, 1996. Hal subsequently starred in the musical "Martin Guerre". In 2001, he started working in the musical comedy "Under the Doctor".

Dr Catherine Hood Dr Catherine Hood is the face of Discovery Health and presenter of a regular strand on BBC1’s 999 programme. She also fronted the popular programme Evening Surgery, a six part series on medical issues for Meridian Television, various programmes on BBC Knowledge and Second Opinion on Granada Talk TV.

She also appears regularly as an expert guest on programmes like BBC Breakfast News, BBC Heaven and Earth Show and Open House with Gloria Hunniford on Channel 5

Catherine is also an experienced writer, she is currently the health columnist for M, the award winning Mirror Magazine having previously done the same job for Be magazine. She has written articles for many of the best known women’s magazines in addition to her academic publications. All of this work has made her the ideal choice as medical adviser and consultant to a number of PR campaigns, involving giving presentations to journalists and hosting and appearing on radio and television programmes.

Dr. Hood is qualified to present on all areas of General Medicine. Her special areas of interest are in women’s health and sexual health as well as in aspects of medical ethics and communication. As a young and enthusiastic doctor, she particularly enjoys working with younger people and is interested in all aspects of their health, but she has a sound knowledge of many difference areas of medicine and healthcare. During her medical career, she has been a Senior House Officer in General Medicine and in Genito-urinary medicine, worked in surgery and spent a while specialising in haematology. She now works regularly in Genito-urinary medicine and General Practice.

Dr. Catherine Hood is Honorary clinical lecturer at Oxford University and Fellow of Ethox (the Oxford Institute for Ethics and Communication in Health Care Practice). Her work focuses on the development of communication skills reaching, with the aim of helping doctors develop skills that will improve their communication with patients, help them share information effectively and allow individuals to become active participants in their medical care. She is Medical Consultant to Oxford University Press and Project Director of the Image Resource Scheme to produce audio-visual material for the first edition of a multi-media version of the Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine and Clinical Specialities. These are two of the most consulted textbooks in medicine and the project to put them on CD-ROM is the first of its kind. She studied medicine at St Anne’s College Oxford, producing and presenting educational medical videos while she was there and has gone on to gain several prizes and awards for her medical work. Catherine used to work as a professional actress,so is well used to performing and very at ease in front of the camera or behind a microphone in a radio studio. She is an experienced public speaker and corporate presenter and host, particularly in the field of medicine and medical ethics.

Jane Tewson Has been one of the UK's leading lights in developing new forms of charity. In the space of fifteen years she founded Charity Projects, Comic Relief, Pilotlight and One20. She has been awarded the CBE, advised the UK government, sat on the Princess of Wales Memorial Committee, and in 2000 was named by The Times as one the UK's Top Ten innovators. Currently, she lives in Melbourne with her husband and children.

Andrew Millar 1984 – 1991 I briefly taught ICT, but am now back to just English & Drama. You might be interested to see my website www.englishanddrama.org.uk

Ian Todd 1948-53 I was at LWS during the headmastership of H G Mullens, a splendid chap with a lot of style, who got me my first job as a junior reporter on the Thame Gazette.Not on merit you understand, the proprietor /editor John Castle was an Old Boy! I ended up as a journalist on The Sun for 25 years. I was particularly interested in reading members’ news on the Website, to learn that R C Thomas, who was a history master at LWS from 1949 – 52, still keeps in touch. Another charming man, who, in his notes, failed to mentioned that he coached an unbeaten Colts rugby XV. After years without contact, I now have an urge to catch up with news of the school and my contemporaries.I recently met up with Paul Rich (1948-54) who was a padre in the Parachute Regiment for many years and is now a vicar near Farnham, Surrey

John Maxton 1947- 1954 was MP for Cathcart Glasgow before stepping down in 2001. John won the seat in 1979 when he defeated the Conservative incumbent Teddy Taylor. At the time this was a shock defeat.

February

Richard Priestley writes: On leaving UCL, I trained as a teacher at the Institute of Education, London, before taking my first post in a grammar school in Winchester. Three years later I became Head of Classics at Lord Williams's School in Thame, Oxfordshire. In 1984 I moved to Newport Free Grammar School as Deputy Head, and in 1991 I was appointed Head of the same school. I still teach classics and am very keen to keep it going in my 11-18 comprehensive (in spite of the name!).I still manage to take groups of children to Rome and Pompeii to try to enthuse them with my passion for the classics.

Jerry Green 1966 - 1973 has set up an on-line gourmet food company and has asked us to publicise it. Of course!

Gourmet Selections Ltd. 161a Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth, Herts  WD3 7DW Tel: 00 44 (0) 1923 776100. Fax: 00 44 (0) 1923 776487

e-mail: info@gourmet2000.co.uk

www.gourmet2000.co.uk

Gift baskets for all occasions, Truffles, Foie Gras, Terrines, Cassoulets, Confits and much more.

I don't know whether alumni get a discount...but you can always ask.

Emma Dixon -1983 may well give a discount to Old Bills at her garden centre near Brighton: Quercus, the urban garden centre, 54 Station Road, Portslade. Tel: 01273 411901

Adam Dodwell 1984 to 1991 is now working as the MIS/Registry Manager at Rycotewood College, Thame, Oxfordshire. adodwell@rycote.ac.uk

Jennifer Morel (Youens) 1981 – 1987 Married Tony at St. Mary’s Church Thame on 31^st August 2002. They now live in Wooburn Green. Jennifer is Events Manager at Baker Mckenzie Lawyers in London.

David Kenningham was Head of Physics at RGS from 1968-1972. He went to Kenilworth as Deputy-Head, became Head of Oxford School, and finally Head of Lord Williams, Thame. He has now retired and is working on special projects for Oxfam.

Gordon Wedgewood 1934 – 42 is slowly recovering after a replacement valve operation to his aortic artery. Unfortunately he suffered a stroke as a result. He would welcome phone calls from anyone of his era. ota@waitrose.com will supply the phone number, if you give his nickname.

Tony Tomlyn (Anthony) 1948-1954. I have now fully retired and moved away from Thame, even though generations of my family lived there. I read the Tamensian with interest knowing a great many of the people of all ages. This is also due to my daughter Lucy having attended. My performance at the school was of little merit, nevertheless it has proved a good foundation throughout my working life. Having finally retired I can look back with satisfaction that I have had most interesting and enjoyable careers. In many ways I thank Julian Bunny for inspiring me in his science lessons especially where electrics were concerned. I note in the newsletter that Mr. Wooley was mentioned. I thought he was Donald Wooley and I remember his old car called Nelly or something like that. We often had to give him a push after school to get it started as in fact we did with Mr. Moore’s BSA Bantam after which he disappeared in a cloud of smoke towards Oxford. After leaving school to the relief now doubt of many masters I became an electrician. I then wanted to improve on that so I obtained a post with the Ministry of Defence at the Rocket Motor Research Establishment Westcott. Fortunately I managed to get a government concession for further education. I finished some years later at the Oxford Polytechnic which enabled a number of promotions. There are lots of stories I could tell about my career at this point, suffice it to say wind tunnel testing at Pyestock work at Farnborough, water projects in Scotland and working with WW2 German rocket scientists to name a few. Then came Mrs Thatcher with her hand bag and spoiled it all with privatisation. Morale was at a low ebb so I looked for another job. I took a post with The Mobil Oil Company as their wholesale electrical engineer. Off to the Thames estuary and the oil installations where I set up new HSE electrical safety standards. During this time I served on many Committees, Associations and Institutes where we compiled HSE and British Standard regulations. Having then completed this for the Mobil UK terminals I was asked to look at the electrical installation standards of the petrol stations. We took samples in and around Birmingham and drew up the requirements to update all Mobil Stations. So that was the UK petrol stations covered. Then I was asked to look at some of the European stations. This was an interesting time with lots of travel covering areas from Norway in the north to helping to design and build a petrol station under the rock of Gibraltar. Fortunately I have always worked with a superb bunch of people and that has made working life so enjoyable. Then along came BP, who more or less took over Mobil. I then took early retirement and moved in to what could be called my fourth career.

I took a post lecturing in electrical engineering at Aylesbury College from where I have finally retired and coincidentally have handed over the electrical section to a colleague from my Westcott days. Finally I say thanks to Lord Williams’s and those long suffering teachers. I have now learned first hand the problems they endured.

I have two children and two grandsons. Lucy who also went to Lord Williams’s lives in Oakham with her husband Richard, they are just a few miles from where we live. They have one son Freddie. Our son Hedley is a Major in the Army. Having started out in the Navy, he is married with one son Hector. My wife Rhona retired as an Oxfordshire head teacher and enjoys the tranquillity of this area of the country.

I am a local church warden and we belong to a number of associations, we have a dog and so we are both keeping fit and busy.

January 2003

Richard Meyrick c1970 Now an internationally recognised concert pianist. His extraordinary playing has been lauded by the international press, and by such acclaimed musicians as Vladimir Ashkenazy. He has recently given recitals in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, and this month will play the Wigmore Hall. He is also director of the Piano Studio in London.

© 2005, Old Tamensians Association. Keeping you in touch with Lord Williams's School