Roger Evans - Corners 68-75: "Clearing out at home, came across the ante-1970s school clarinet, which the clarinetists among us may remember prior to said dates. A Boosey and Hawkes, London fabrication in B-flat. The case is also the original immitation croc. Bought this off the school around 72/73. Haven't played for at least 15 years. Have the beginners/learners music book somewhere too. Blew down the pipe today, and after a cloud of dust, actually got tones to play without squeaks. .. guess it may be a time to practise Xmas carols."

Jon Kemp - Corners 73-80: “I remember taking 'my' Violin back and forwards between Germany and School. Must have looked like a schoolboy mobster.”

Roger Evans: “Know the feeling - every security check at airport opened my case ...”.

Richard Hayter - Corners 65-71: “I did the same, Jon. Travelling to Berlin in 1965/66 with my violin. Can’t play any more.”

Chris Snuggs - Berners/Halls 58-65: “NICE PHOTO,Roger! I haven't played my clarinet since 1965. Somehow I knew that I would never have such a musical experience again as I had at WHS. Anything else would have been a supreme anti-climax.”

Eric Coates - Corners 57-64: “If it’s the one I blew down in the 60s then I can assure you it is totally unplayable. Give up now!” (Chris Snuggs: Eric - it’s only unplayable by non-musicians! LOL!!”)

Roger Evans: “Doubt it. Did you blow down the wrong end?”

Eric Coates: “Ah! That explains it. The teacher was a miserable old sod called Benson (or similar). The instrument was never in good condition - with leaky pads. I mostly mimed when playing in an orchestra - too afraid of emitting an ear-splitting screech.”

Roger Evans: “I must admit I changed all the pads, and replaced several springs - and wrapped thread around the cork joints to lessen the wobble. But it worked.”

Ian Suter - Halls 53-60: “Hey Eric. Did you blow hot, or did you blow cold?”

Eric Coates: “Nah! Just north of lukewarm.”

Chris Snuggs: “A rare sighting of the Suter! Worth 30 points in my "I Spy OBs" booklet .... I do miss those.

As for ‘Miming it’ - join the crowd. Actually, I had two other techniques to cope with an impossible score when I went on a Music Weekend at Norhgate School. I think I went to two in all, both at Northgate - no idea why we didn't go to IHS at Westerfield Road, which I never saw until last year when I went for a walk in Christchurch Park and environs. There were two goals for the Music Weekend: 1) to make music in a new environment and 2) impress some girls. I leave it to you to work out which had priority.
So there I was stuck in the woodwind section surrounded by enchanting demoiselles and the score was handed out. I had never seen it before and when I did I nearly fell off my perch. When Daisy Hill (I think it must have been her) waved her baton I did my best, but the first result was sort of Eric Morecombe with Andre Preview. "I'm playing all the right notes but not necessarily in the right order." I got some withering looks from the gals surrounding me, who had obviously pssed grade 21 after having had expert tuition from the age of two, so I was forced to deploy my second ploy (always wanted to say that!), which was to play every OTHER note rather than attempt each one. That at least would have blended in with the others. However even that was just beyond my capabilities (it was to be fair a very fast piece - perhaps even "The Wlliam Tell Overture") - so I also resorted to miming - which of course fooled nobody except the audience watching from afar. So I failed to achieve either objective, but did actually get some looks of sympathy from the young lady nearest to me ..... who was in truth a bit odd it must be said ....”

Andrew Campbell - Corners 68-??: “I was third violin in the orchestra. Never practised. I remember miming during the tricky bits!” Roger Evans: “You preferred the guitar, I know. And I remember you practising chord after chord after... and I see you still play.” Andrew Campbell: “How’s the spring cleaning going, Roger? Find anything else interesting?” Roger Evans: “Well, from the Woolvo days, I have my 4th year "tea table" in mahogany and formica top and a chess board, made with 64 light and dark brown veneer squares all separately stuck to a board and framed. Didn’t think it would interest anyone so I didn't post.” Andrew Campbell: “ Brings back memories! I made this bedside cabinet which I still use.”

Roger Evans: “Great, amazing having kept these so long. My table lays idle in shed; what is it that holds one back to scrap it? Memories?”

John Dawlings - Orwell 64-71: “My brother (and father) had clarinets just like that. Robert, my brother, was pretty serious about it and did grade 8 in both clarinet and piano. I think he still plays the organ at his local church. Wish I had continued - only made grade 6. Was wondering whether it’s worth polishing this one up of mine: new pads, springs etc. But it probably costs more than the instrument is worth.”

Chris Snuggs: “GRADE 6!! NOT TO BE SNIFFED AT! Well done ....”