New Penwithian Issue 17 (2012)
Secretary’s Smidgin
It has been an eventful year with the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics and Para Olympics and these are acknowledged in this year’s newsletter. Helen Glover’s tremendous achievement cannot go unmentioned and an article on the Coronation visit, the alternative version, from Brian Coak reminds some of us of nearly 60 years ago. Howard Curnow, spurred on by last year’s article on the WW1 memorial, recalls his arrival at School in 1948 and we remember Mr Fred Jarvis who was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in that Great War. You will also find the usual ‘Where Are They Now’, the Obituaries, the Photo Gallery and the latest on the War Memorial restoration.
With regard to association matters, Phil Dennis has stood down as treasurer. Phil was a founder member of the association when it was resurrected in 1993 and without him and Martin Orchard the association would most likely not exist. On behalf of the Old Penwithians Association thank you Phil for all your efforts over the past 18 years. Paul Tyreman, who recently retired from the school Staff and already on the committee, has kindly agreed to take over as our treasurer. My brother John, our chairman, who, like me, took over in 1999 when it seemed that the future of the association was in jeopardy, has also decided that he would like to hand over to a younger member. So if there is anyone out there who would consider joining the committee to help run the association please make yourself known. The duties are not onerous -2 meetings a year and the reunion if you can make it, plus anything else you may want to put into it.
This year we have also had to seriously consider the future of this newsletter. Increases in postal charges and printing costs are very worrying. More details are given in the article ‘The Future of the Newsletter’. If you have any ideas we would love to hear them. Our thanks are once again due to John Richards for editing and printing the newsletter, to all those who have contributed and to our advertisers for supporting us.
To try and boost our coffers a little to keep us afloat we intend to hold a raffle at this year’s reunion and possibly make it a feature in years to come. If you have any suitable prizes bring them along. If not, just bring your wallet! See you there on Saturday 29 December 2012 at 7.30pm.
May I wish you all and your families a very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.
Andrew Coak
Association Secretary
Where are they Now?
‘By Memories Chain We Linked Remain’
Mike Hunter (44) let me know his new address in Tunbridge Wells. Topically he is one of those who has moved from Sipson after 51 years pending the decision on Heathrow’s third runway. He asks that his best wishes be passed on to any 1944ers or ‘thereabouters’. Dr Roger James (61) currently a Reader in immunology at the University of Leicester has written in to say he was captain of the 2nd XI cricket team in his last year (68) and was given the score book to keep and miraculously still has it. It was used for the 1st Xi for the previous year so both sets of results (with all the names of course) are there. He wonders if anyone might be interested. I was rung by the barmaid of the North Inn to say that the brother of one of my old girl friends was in the bar and was l free. Slightly perplexed I went in to find David Trembath (53). David’s grandparents had lived in Pendeen and in my callow youth I had been a bit keen on his twin sister Betty. We had a good chinwag about football and sport. David has spent much of his career as a lecturer in adult education and teacher training in Lancashire? I think it was up that way somewhere. Bill Harvey (40) points out that in the School Orchestra photograph the conductor was Freddie Hodson not Frank and he was an English teacher not Maths. He was his form master during his first year in H Room. He recollects that when the class became tired of his English lesson they found it easy to divert him to tell them about his experiences in France during WW1. The only thing that Bill can remember of those lessons, 71 years ago, was how on the Western Front, if they were threatened with a gas attack, the soldiers were instructed to urinate on a sock and use it as a gas mask. John Buswell (52), but joined the class in 55, has sent in a large number of school team photographs, particularly of the 1955-58 era, many with names which have been added to the archive. I was able to put him in touch with a long lost friend, Arthur Hosken (52). Writing from Esher Tony Skinner (52) said how moving and thought provoking he had found the article on the war memorial. He also put a few names to the swimming photo in the 2010 edition. He hopes to see us at the next reunion.
It looks as if year ’45 has at last woken up. John Godfrey (45) one of our latest life members now living in London, worked as an evolutionary biologist in Edinburgh and Oxford Universities and also for the Medical Research Council. He was awarded an OBE in 2004 for services to Consumer Food Interest and published articles on Pandemic Influenza. Tom Maddern (45) dropped in to the North Inn in September with some photos from his era. One of them the cast of ‘The Merchant of Venice’ (1947) is reproduced in the photo gallery. Tom is standing on the far right. He too is a recent joined up life member. He discovered all about the association from Roger Sleape (45) while on a trip to Taunton with the Barnstable Male Voice Choir. Joe Matthews (45) rang to say that he had been in contact with Graham Paul and Graham Nicholas and they had found a hand written archive by Stan Harris about the records submitted for winning The Milocarian Trophy. They are contacting the Morrab Library to see whether they are interested.**(see below)
Chris Pollard (55) has just emailed reminding me of the day I fought John Ford in the ring and he fought Mike Gee. Bloody noses were the result. Chris runs his own shop ‘Penwith Tools and Collectables’ but he did not tell me where it is. And we have just heard from Dr Lawrence James who was on the staff from 1970 to 1980 and co-wrote the school history with Ben Batten. He wrote asking for a copy of the second edition to be sent to him in Florida. One has been dispatched. And as l go to print a letter from Ian Campbell (44) has arrived. He continues to wear his OPA tie and has among other things been discussing Rugby with two Falmouth GS Old Boys. A dangerous occupation l would suggest.
Keep letters and emails coming or pop in to the North Inn.
**Graham Paul later donated Stan Harris’ personal record book to the association for our own archive.
New life members:
Dr John Buswell (52 but joined year in 55), Stroud; Peter Maitland (56), Wrington, N Somerset ; Phil White (62) Penzance; John Godfrey OBE (45), London; John Michael Richards (46), Penzance; Ian J. Hoole (76), Plymstock; Martin Blowers (67) c/o Penzance; Clive Reynolds (58), Chipping Sodbury; Jimmy Glover (47, Penzance; Bob Buntine (63) Northampton; Ben Batten (52), Chesham; Alistair (Lester) Ross (56), Penzance (known at school as Alistair Goodman); Brian John Retallick (48), Cambridge (known at school as Brian Potter); Michael Williams (47) St Just, John Harvey (55,) Broughton, Chester ; Dr Lawrence James (Staff, Florida
If you are not already a life member of the association or know someone who is not it only costs £10 to join and we need the money.
The Coronation Visit
As regards Frank Blewett‘s ‘God Save the Queen’ article in last year’s newsletter, I think he did not tell you the whole story about our visit to view the Queen’s Coronation decorations in London. He was correct that we PGS boys and girls were packed into the steam train compartments like cattle five to six or so. I recall in my compartment there was Pearcie, Ed Richards, Brian Mitch and Roger Hurrell and self. Frank was right, most of the sooty bits and greying coloured steam from the engine pot managed to get inside the windows, eyes and one‘s mouth.
After arrival in Paddington we were permitted to hit some of the streets, ostensibly to have a geek at the decorations. We were bumbling along a street slowly when we saw three neat looking females fag in hand and bracelets around their ankles. “Promouvoir l’amitie” between Cornish lads and London gals l sauntered up to the good looking lasses to start a conversation. I recognised their London accents right away. No doubt likewise they immediately recognised me as a Cornish bumpkin from the wilds of Kernow. The one nearest snuggled up close and asked me if I wanted to ‘go upstairs‘. Her proposition was obvious but not to disturb this growing friendship between Cornwall and London I politely said, “A little later”, when the pretty girl said “Yes, with a letter“!
Rumble, rumble, clackity, clack on the sooty train from Paddington to settle down to the long journey to PZ. To avoid the obvious ennui a thought came to this writer should he chance his arm to have a little chat with a Judy on the other half of the train even though it was strictly verboten? I had just managed to get to the girls’ half of the train when l heard some giggling laughter in the compartment inside and boldly walked in when a body burst out from one of the end toilets like terminator and assaulted me with one huge thwack behind the head and I was thrown backwards into the other half of the compartment again. The body turned around and I found myself facing Dai Jones looking like thunder. He simply said, “l will see you when we get back to school”!
I retreated back to my own compartment to see my dear friend Roger Hurrell having a great kip lying down comfortably, laid out like a ling on the luggage rack above, snoozing away; where he stayed until we chugged into Penzance station to be greeted by anxious parents.
Back to school it was a beautiful day and I think it was school sports day. I tried to mingle with the other white vested athletes as if I was invisible but Dai Jones tracked me down like a blood hound. He grabbed me by the scruff and marched me inside the school room where Alan Tregenza used to teach French between doing word squares on Fridays. Dai handed me a Bible and a great wad of paper. “Right, start writing out the Bible as punishment“. “The Bible? – Christ!” and I started to write away. Some hours passed when Dai walked in and I handed in many pages of lines from the Bible then he finally said “Alright you can go now” so I bolted not waiting to hear any more.
Brian Coak
Memorial Restoration – The Latest
We eventually raised £2940 in our memorial appeal and have now applied to the Memorial Trust for a grant of £2500 to carry out the refurbishment of the WW1 War Memorial at the school. The total cost, which will include a new bottom shelf and brass railings to protect the memorial in future years, will be £5600 so there is still a small shortfall. We are hoping that this could be made up from small donations from surrounding town councils who sent boys to the school. Penzance Town Council has already donated £100 towards the costs. If it all goes ahead successfully a service of rededication will be held when it is completed.
All in the Family – First Day, First Memories
Just imagine a small boy wearing a new maroon-coloured blazer, long grey socks, short grey trousers, a white shirt and a maroon & gold striped tie. He is not feeling too comfortable today because he is surrounded by total strangers in totally new surroundings and it’s the first time he has worn these clothes which are both itchy and conspicuous. Two older brothers rapidly disappeared amongst their friends the moment you came through the school gates, leaving you to wander in through the front door into a silent world of wood.
Discomfort is momentarily lost as this small creature stands, awestruck, in the centre of a lofty hall, surrounded by varnished wood. Polished wooden floor, wood and glass classroom walls, wooden panelling, wooden shields around the balcony and wooden boards between the windows on which gold lettering spelled out the names of other small boys down the previous half century. Some of these names he would very soon get to know — brothers B.G. & J.Batten from Newlyn, T.L.Petters from Hayle — part of a long list of names of boys of this school who went on to achieve great things, and, in the case of these three, then returned to the school as teachers.
These names recorded the successful passage through academia, but the names on the boards at the end of this great hall, above the wooden staging with its massive wooden chair and lectern, these names were of those small boys who, before they became men, went off to war. Gazing at these names one is suddenly brought down to earth with the realisation that your own family name is on the board, not just once, but five times . . . How can this be? Surely in the past 11 years you have learned the names of your countless uncles, aunts and cousins yet here are names that you do not recognise.
Signaller R. Curnow; Gunner A. Curnow; L/Cpl T. Curnow; Cadet C.E. Curnow and R.S.M, G.W. Curnow all came home safely from World War l, but who are they???
To return to that small boy‘s family . . . Thomas Morley Curnow. School No. 283, stood on this same spot before the outbreak of WW1. His eldest son, Thomas James, 2358, came here in 1945. He was followed a year later by Kenneth Morley, 2447, and then two years later in 1948 by the ‘small boy’, John Howard, 2626. There was then a break until 1952 when Morley’s eldest daughter, Beatrice Annie, followed their mother (Annie Sybella Mollard, 1918) to the Girl‘s Grammar School. She was followed in 1953 by Florence May, then, back to the Boy’s Grammar School, where youngest son Robert George, 3209, walked into that same Hall in September 1955. The youngest of the family, Wilmott Elizabeth (with a front page splash in The Cornishman) followed her mother and two older sisters to the Girl’s School in 1959. Twenty years later Howard‘s daughter, Jennifer Margaret, was accepted for admission to the Grammar School in 1979, but the imminent demise of the Grammar Schools in the face of the crazy rush into Comprehensivisation led to her taking a different course.
That accounts for nine Curnows at the two Grammar Schools, but who were the five Curnows on the First World War Memorial Board above the stage at the end of the Hall? Answers to such questions can be extremely difficult to solve simply because of the sheer numbers of Curnows out there. In 1990 I held a Grand Curnow Homecoming here on the farm at St.Hilary. We had 350 from all corners of the world but it was difficult to get even first cousins to come from Cornwall. When one was invited he replied, “Reunion? What do I want a Reunion for — I haven’t been anywhere!” (He didn’t get to meet Graciella Fernandez Curnow Diaz from Cuba.)
Since then a lot of family research throughout Penwith, and across the world has resulted, today in 2012, with 315,900 names on the Curnow Family Tree, or should that be Family Forest? As with most of the West Cornwall families, over the past five centuries marriage within the local community was in reality the only option available. Consequently, in the ancient parishes of Penwith, in a line from St.Erth and St.Hilary westwards, and including the modern (C19th) parishes of Hayle, Carbis Bay, Halsetown, Pendeen, Newlyn, Penzance & Marazion, we find that more than 50% of all families have links with the Curnow Clan. I can be more precise when it comes to direct ancestry — Thomas Curnow, born 1588, who married Catherine, has 43,714 known descendants — worrying isn‘t it?
Research becomes difficult before the 16th century, largely because in these Cornish-speaking communities English government-employed enumerators had yet to arrive in their quest to list family names so as to construct a more accurate system of taxation. Research seems equally difficult in most families over the past 100 years or so. This can, in part, be put down to the great Cornish Diaspora of the 19th and 20th centuries, and the breakdown of the extended family. This in turn has led, in the years since WW2 to the emancipation of many sections of society and the partial breakdown even of the modern nuclear family. The result of this social upheavalis that we no longer know who the uncles and aunts are in the old photos and we no longer know how closely related we are to our neighbours (until we meet at a funeral), hence the difficulty of keepinga family tree up to date. But at least I have identified 60% of the Curnows on that WW1 board in the Hall . . .
Signaller Richard Curnow went on to become Headmaster of Cape Cornwall School. His brother George Washington Curnow became Head of St. Paul’s in Penzance, and surprise, surprise, Lance Corporal Thomas Curnow appears to have been my own father who was called up in the DCLI in 1918 and sent to Northern Ireland for training. Fortunately he was still there on November 11th, 1918.
STOP PRESS . . . and it looks like cousin Andrew Coak has identified Gunner A. Curnow as his uncle Arthur. With such snippets are mighty family trees grown am keen to receive any information readers may have onCurnows in their family.
NB. I am keen to receive any information readers may have onCurnows in their family. Please send to: howard@hcurnow.plus.com
Howard Curnow, St. Hilary, July 2012
Reunion 2011
It was not such a grand occasion as last year’s Centenary Dinner but over 50 old boys, including a few new faces from more recent years, turned up at the Queens Hotel for this year’s reunion of the Old Penwithians. A span of 40 years of school intake was represented with Dr Arnold Derrington from 1933 up to Roger Weeks and Paul Tyreman from the 1972 entry. Only one member of staff made it this year, Bob Coneybeare, but apologies were received from Bill Burnett who had recently had a hip replacement.
There was an exhibition of some of the photographs taken by Mr Jim Treglown in 1962 for a Cornwall Education Exhibition which included different school activities; work in the science laboratories and art and craft workshops, school sports day and swimming sports, and the camera club. Martin Blowers produced some photos from his era including the individual photo of him in his school blazer on his arrival at the school in 1967 also taken by Jim Treglown. Horton Bolitho also had discovered an old photograph which showed drill in front of the school in 1927. It is hoped that it will join the photo archive on the Old Penwithian website, together with a few more names which were added to school photographs, particularly the 48/49 era, thanks to the memories of Horton Bolitho, David James and John Trewern.
Association Secretary Andrew Coak was pleased to announce that the appeal to restore the School War Memorial had now reached £2670, which was enough to proceed with an application to the Memorial Trust for a further grant. This bid would now go ahead in the New Year. He also drew attention to the rescheduled 2011 Old Penwithians Golf Competition which was now to be held at West Cornwall Golf Club on 19 January. Late entries were still being accepted. He had also received advanced publicity for a BBC 4 programme entitled ‘Grammar School — A Secret History’ which was due to be broadcast on 5th and 12th of January at 9pm. This is the story of British grammar schools, including contributions from ex grammar school pupils such as Sir David Attenborough, Dame Joan Bakewell, Michael Portillo and a mix of less well known pupils; all who passionately believe that they owe much of their success in life to their grammar school education. He also mentioned that a request had been received from an RAFVRT officer who was researching the military record of Fred Jarvis. Fred was a well-known teacher at the school who started out as a Games Master but then went on to teach Geography and Mathematics. Unknown to many Fred had served in WW1 and had been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry with the Devonshire Regiment and the researcher was looking, in particular, for a photograph of Fred in RAF uniform while he was serving with the School Air Training Corps. Ron Prowse of the 1938 entry, himself a member of the ATC in the war years, believes he has one and is hoping to dig it out so that we can pass it on. The evening ended up with the traditional singing of the School Song accompanied as usual by Dr Nick Marston.
Those who attended and signed in:
| William Pengelly
Ian Robertson Roger Weeks Phil Dennis Roy Nicholls Gerald Jenkin Peter Brown Hedly Nicholls Terry Drew John Richards(46) William Trewern Vivian Rowe Terry Johns |
David Derrington
Arnold Derrlngton David Mann Colin Kelynack Peter Miller Tony Jasper John Harper Julian Keen Peter Keast David Nebesnuick Robert Coneybeare David James (53) |
Andrew Newport
Donald Ruhrmund Justus Hattam Ron ‘Mouse’ Prowse James Bennetts Bill Harvey Chris Jervis John Richards (59) Paul Tyreman Peter Colliver Reg Osborne Kevin Marston |
Martin Blowers
Stuart Guppy Nick Marston Frank Rowley Horton Bolitho Colin Polglase Bryan Cuddy Howard Curnow Jimmy Glover David James (47) Horton Boiitho Andrew Coak |
Fred Jarvis and the ATC
At the 2011 reunion a request was made for a photograph of Fred Jarvis in Air Force uniform for some research being done by an RAFVRT officer. Ron Prowse (38) has provided a photograph of 24 F Squadron Air Training Corps Penzance taken in 1943 which includes Mr Jarvis.
Fred Jarvis was awarded a Military Medal while serving with the Devonshire Regiment and Army Service Corps during WW1 and was subsequently a flight lieutenant in the ATC. Former member of staff Maurice Hogg recalls that Fred joined the staff in 1943 as a Games master and went on to teach Maths and Geography and will be remembered as the master who reigned as form master in Room F. He was involved with the starting up of Rugby with Ben Batten in 1952 and refereed the first Old Boy’s match in which he (Maurice Hogg) as an honorary old boy and Ben Batten played.
Fred was always the official starter at school sports say with his revolver and red cap and did the same for the swimming sports. There are many other tales about Fred including one in particular from Nico De Niet who, during ATC activities, nearly dropped a piano on him.
His death is recorded in the Old Boys News Sheet of January 1968 as follows: “It is with heavy heart that we have to announce the death of Mr Jarvis, so long a teacher of integrity and imperturbable character in this school. Many still remember him for his great interest in the school’s sporting activities and his sterling work with the Air Training Corps”.
Helen Glover
What a marvellous Sunday morning it was in July when Helen Glover with Heather Standing won that first gold medal for GB in the rowing. During the second week of the Olympic Games Graham Pearce (47) rang me from London to enquire whether Helen Glover was the daughter of Jimmy Glover who was his year at school. He was uncertain because of the age gap! I assured him that he had the right Jimmy Glover.
Graham who writes articles for the London Cornish Association also expressed some surprise that more had not been made of the connection between the Olympic flame, which had been carried from Olympus in a Humphry Davy lamp and the Humphry Davy School. He is writing an article for the London Cornish Association.
Old Penwithians Golf
Two Old Penwithians Golf Competitions have been held this year. The 2011 competition had to be postponed until January this year and the 2011 winner, for the second time, was Phil Thomas with a score of 37 points. The runner up was Andrew Coak with 36 points and in third place with 34 points was Chris Roach on count back from Frank Blewett.
This year’s competition was held on 15 November at West Cornwall Golf Club and the winner was Gerald Jenkin with a score of 41 points. The runner up was David James with 36 points. In third place, on countback, Don Ruhrmund, and in fourth Phil Thomas with 35 points. Nearest the pin was Simon Pengelly. The booby prize went to our secretary Andrew Coak. The prizes were presented at a special lunch at the club by David Tregenza, the most senior old boy present, on behalf of Roger Dugdale of Penwithian Wholesalers who sponsored the competition together with the Old Penwithians Association.
This years competitors were: John Lees, Mike Hicks, David James, Chris Roach, Gerald Jenkin, Phil Thomas, Lester Ross, Eddy Stephenson, Frank Blewett, Don Ruhrmund, David Phillips, Simon Pengelly, David Tregenza and Andrew Coak.
Obituaries
Sadly we have to report the death of the following Old Penwithians:
Robin Strick (51)
On 31 May 2011 aged 71. Robin was a Pendeen man. He did his National Service with the Army and his great claim to fame was that while stationed in Spain he appeared as an extra in ‘Lawrence of Arabia’. He went on to serve as a lighthouse keeper with Trinity House, including the Wolf, Longships and Bishops Rock, before being involved in a serious road accident which resulted in the loss of a leg. He then went to work in Bristol before retiring to Pendeen.
Johnny Walker (64)
In December 2011 aged 58. Johnny was born in St. lves and was one of the sixteen strong contingent of boys from there who joined the Humphry Davy Grammar School in September 1964. After leaving school in 1971 Johnny followed a construction course at St. Margaret’s College near Twickenham and after graduation joined the construction company “Costain”. He spent all of his working life with the company. His first job was working on the Camborne By-Pass later he moved ‘up country’ and among the projects that he managed was the M20 “missing link”. He was also in charge of the Jubilee Line construction for London Underground. His most recent, and sadly last project, was the demolition of the rather large building that was on the site of what was to be the “Shard” skyscraper in London – taking out one floor at a time due to the complexities under the ground. London Underground were confident that Johnny understood these because of his experience with the Jubilee Line.
Morely Hosken (40)
On 30 December 2011 aged 82. Born in Sancreed, Morely attended PGS during the war years. In his early days he was involved with pig production and transport but was also a great motorbike enthusiast. Later he and his wife Eira took over the Post Office at Sennen before he returned to the farming fraternity working for Lodge and Thomas for the next 20 years until 1991, when a stroke forced him to retire. Morely was a keen member of the association and regularly attended the annual reunion.
Wallace (Wally) Stevens (48)
On 11 January 2012 aged 74. A St lves boy he attended PGS in 1948. On leaving he went on to the Plymouth School of Navigation and went to sea as a navigation officer with Furness Withy for 4 years before joining the RAF as a radar engineer. On leaving the RAF he went to Australia and worked in the electrical trade. After 18 years he returned to St lves. For 3 years he worked for the British Legion before ill health forced him into retirement. He was an excellent bridge player, nature enthusiast, keen on astrology and loved all outdoor life.
George Jeffrey Williams (42)
In February 2012 aged 81. Born in Hayle he attended PGS from 1942-47. On leaving school he first worked in the rates department of West Penwith Council moving on to Public Health. In 1953 he was called up for National Service and served in Singapore where he continued in his public health work inspecting facilities used by British troops. On his return he returned to WPC responsible for Refuse Collection and Street Cleaning. He was also a well- known figure as presiding officer at the polling stations. He was a keen sportsman and played Rugby for Hayle and Cricket for Trenhayle and Leedstown.
Archie MacGeorge (41)
On 31 August 2012 aged 82. Archie’s brother Donald tells us that Archie joined PCS in 1941 and in 1948 and 1949 was Head Boy. He was a great sports follower and joined in as many sports as his asthma would allow. On leaving PCS he joined the Gas Board at Penzance and was involved in the transfer of the Gas Works at St Austell, where he met his wife Josephine, and then St lves to the National Grid. After returning to Penzance he helped to close the gasworks down and went on to Bristol in charge of the Retorts. When North Sea Gas arrived he was moved to Bath where he was responsible for the provision of gas to Wiltshire, Somerset and Avon. After several years of poor health he died on the last day of Summer.
Ortho Elwood (56)
On 16 February 2012 aged 66 one week before his 67th birthday. Ortho lived in Newlyn from the age of two and joined PGS in 1956. His wife Christine (daughter of Hughie Harvey, Deputy Head) sums him up brilliantly, when she says that he did the minimum of school work and the maximum of everything else. He umpired cricket, refereed rugby matches, organised very successful charity events and was deeply involved in school plays. He won for three years running the Capt. Hodgson prize for service. He went to the College of St Mark and St John where he always said, when asked, that he studied Bridge as a ‘main’ and Rugby as a ‘subsid’. In fact he studied Biology. He went on to teach in the Jews Free School in Camden and then in 1973 at the Parrs Wood High School in Manchester where he went on to obtain an MIBiol specialising in Ecology. He retired early and devoted much time to working for the Liberal Democrats, fund raising for charity and enjoying good food and wine.
Roger Veal (50)
I have had a little trouble getting details of Roger Veal’s death. l believe it was in Dec 2011 aged 71. “Butch” as he was known at school was a member of the 1955 First XV which appears later in the Photo Gallery. He apparently died after attending a rugby match.
Simon Edwards (59)
On October 11 2012 aged 64. After leaving HDGS Simon learned his trade as a motor technician and eventually built up his own business. He was very much into cars, surfing, music, pool and latterly golf. Unfortunately Simon contracted shingles which attacked his brain stem and he fell ill through a complaint called spinocerebellar syndrome which to all intents and purposes was MS by another name. Over the last 14-15 years his mobility became more restricted and he had to give up golf, and driving, and had to rely on a power chair to get around as he could no longer walk. He was looked after by his loving sisters Anna and Audrey. Fortunately he was able to operate his computer which kept him occupied for many an hour, as did the sport on television.
If you hear of the death of an Old Boy then please let me know so that we can include him in the next newsletter.