A good cliche/ is never wasted, so our circulars follow the bus routes: none for ages, then two at once. However we do have items to report and proceed accordingly:
1. School Visit
We took advantage of a kind invitation to visit the school ground last weekend and confirmed much of what had been reported in our last communication. Half the construction work only was completed but the builders were keen to reassure visitors that all would he ready by the end of July, well in time for the September opening. There is a new entry road a hundred yards from the old school gates which leads to the perimeter road bordering Berners field, leaving the cricket area untouched. The buildings to the right from the courtyard to the old Assembly Hall seem, by and large, to exist as before except that they have been internally altered. The Orangery and former Chemistry lab have been stripped, uncovering one wood-panelled room that I do not recall ever seeing. Apparently this was referred to as the Billiards Room.
My own meanderings only took me as far as the space where Halls and Johnstons once stood, in the middle of which arose a steel girder shell which we believe will be a new Sports Hall. Elsewhere, the Main Buildings had been restored to former glory, particularly noticeable being some of the ceilings. In all, there is enough recognisable identity for an Old Woolverstonian to make reference wherever appropriate.
One or two of the visitors proved at least as interesting as they included one gentleman who had left Woolverstone 54 years ago, being the resident son of the butler to the last occupying Berners family. Another lady had lived there in the 1920's, daughter of another employee of "Jack" Berners. She was keen to inform me that a former resident of Corners House had been the mother of Dennis Wheatley, the novelist.
It will, in fact, be Ipswich High School who will be the new residents. One of the teaching staff remembered the musical week-ends hosted by themselves, Northgate Grammar, and Woolverstone. She recalled the awe in which Merlin Channon had been held by the local teaching fraternity of the time - another unappreciated Woolverstonian credit.
Finally, we met the Headmistress, a very pleasant lady, who saw no problems in our displaying memorabilia on the school grounds. Her immediate suggestion was to encourage us to liaise with the Old Girls of Ipswich High to explore areas of collaboration. We are duly obliging. It does raise the question, however, about how far you might wish us to proceed. Integration, perhaps? This may be an issue which finally stirs your responsive juices.
2. Steve Corner
To the adolescent mind, "staff" describes a cordon of discipline keeping rebellious spirits at bay and free-wheeling thoughts attentive to matters at hand. The piercing stare, the sharp bark, the well-aimed piece of chalk and the unexpected thud as textbook meets cranium are but a few of the array of weapons at the disposal of the professional teacher. Yet the most effective coercions include the skills of articulation, patient understanding, thorough knowledge and presence. The wing that housed the Biology lab was Steve Corner's domain and his presence was always felt.
Rather belatedly, we learned that Steve Corner died last summer. Not knowing the man, this writer is in no way qualified to pay a personal tribute. I remember only a small, gruff person with nicotine-stained fingers, the possessor of a twinkle in the eye that seemed indigenous to all members of the Woolverstonian staff.
However, as a solitary voice arising from the sea of mediocrity that passed through his hands, I can recall a teacher who was patient, accommodating but with the right distance between him and his charges, completely knowledgeable in his subject and, when pushed, explosive to the power of command. Indeed, he expanded his nature to its mortal limits, to quote a poem.
As befits a man after whom a Woolverstonian house was named, Steve Corner was a bedrock of our schooldays, an integral part of the fabric that shrouds our memories because he and his presence was always there. It takes a few decades and some grey hairs before we truly appreciate the quality and calibre of our educators but we finally. do. For my part, I regret that I did not tell Steve Corner this. It was ever thus.
3. The Old Woolverstonian Dinner
Like the Olympic tradition, we have gone back to our roots. The Old Woolverstonian Dinner will be held at:
The Marlborough Hotel Henley Road Ipswich on
Saturday, 14th November 1992 -
Reception: 7.00pm & Dinner: 8-8.30 pm
Tickets will cost £34 each and £29 for members of WHOBA (and we remind all former members of staff that they are associate membe•s of WHOBA) Partners are welcome, of course. However, there are only 64 places available so we require reservations as soon as possible and ALL monies due by July 25th.
Accommodation will be left to your own devices but there may well be offers such as has already been received from Derek Thornbery who is happy to share his abode with a couple of needy travellers. The Marlborough informs us that there are 22 doubles and 6 singles available. A special rate can be obtained at £40 person per night, including breakfast, or £90 per person for 2 nights which includes breakfasts and dinner.
Enclosed is a form which you can complete to give us an idea of your dinner intentions. Also, we have used the opportunity to glean some ideas from you regarding the Association which we hope will give us more guidelines than we have now. Please note that we have provided a pre-addressed envelope requiring you only to complete the form and lick a stamp!
4. News
Very little considering the time elapsed since our last communication but we can report that the Red Lion evening was well attended by some fifty or sixty Old Boys and Derek Thornbery, whose presence so delighted the throng that a whip-round was organised to ensure his return to Suffolk was in a limousine. Old Boy ties were a best-seller which enabled the committee to have a reasonable bet on the Derby.
An effervescent letter was received from Angela Bailey, who wished to nominate Torn Carter to act as line-judge for the All Star Woolverstone XV and promote Jack Lonergan to the worst of the Lower Fourth teams. Talking of the nominations, Derek Thornbery reminded us that James Cottrell never participated in a losing house or school match in his seven-year stay at Woolverstone and would undoubtedly be a candidate for the All Stars. Michael Volpe telephoned to'advise that Ade Sopara had been spotted in BBC TV's "Casualty" whilst Neil Pearson had been spotted in "Drop the Dead Donkey". David Howard (1961-68) has written in from the USA.
Finally, Graham and Barbara Lassiter wish to advise that, following their screen debut as extras in the forthcoming first episode of the new series of "London's Burning", featuring Ben Onukwe again, they will be available for autograph signing and interviews on a limited basis.
5. Goodbye and Farewell (Part 3) I'm afraid that those inconsiderate b*****s on the committee have refused to accept my resignation on the grounds that I can still write these circulars.
6. Miscellaneous
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