WHS "Janus"  - May 1996 -   Editor Roger Friend (Johnstons 58-63)   

The Newsletter of the Woolverstone Hall Old Boys Association


EDITORIAL: I offered to take on the role of editor of the WHOBA newsletter after I received John Percival's penultimate edition. In that edition you may recall that John made an appeal for someone to take on the job, as he had health problems. There was a veiled hint that the OBA would fold unless someone came forward, so believing it to be a relatively simple matter of waiting for news to arrive from OWs, putting it on the word processor and reproducing it periodically, I volunteered for the job. Having heard nothing for about six months, I assumed that someone with a better pedigree had been awarded the post but a short phone conversation and an immediate visit from Graham Lassiter made me begin to realise the commitment I had undertaken.

The job has been far harder than I thought it would be but I have enjoyed it, particularly the support and encouragement that I received from John Percival. Sadly, John passed away on 27 April, which is a great loss to WHOBA and to many of the OWs that knew him. I hope that by dedicating this edition of Janus to John, it does credit to his efforts over the years.

HOT NEWS: Sean Collins (Berners 67/74) wrote from New Zealand where he lives with his wife and three daughters and has a quantity surveying and project management practice. He has offered food and shelter to any OWs in need if they come to the Antipodes, subject to two conditions. One, that he returned their records/books/cheese ration in 1974, and two; he doesn't owe them any money. Sean said he was proud to have been a Bernerite and went on to say that his friends represent a true cross section of society. The common denominators are that all have opinions (which are wrong) on everything, they all say please and thank you and they are all kind to animals. (Have any of them backed Winnie? - Ed) He attributes this method of judging people's values to his years at Woolverstone. What Woolverstone values do you use to assess people?

Martin Offiah starred in the Union v League showcase at Maine Road with his six tries for Wigan against Bath. In a newspaper article of uncertain origin and vintage, it was reported that Martin had played cricket for Essex after leaving school. How many other OWs have played county cricket? Dickie Mayes played for Kent and Brian Workman for Suffolk. Do you know any others?

Brian Middlebrook (Latin 58/69) and his wife, Dulcie or "Matron", would like to see any OWs that live in the North East, especially of their vintage. They can be contacted at 5, Fieldhouse Terrace, Durham City (0191 386 6665).

MEMORIES: Keith Farley-Pettman recalls his arrival at Woolverstone for interview at the end of the summer term of 1974. It took place after exams had been completed and he recalls being ushered into "Bill" Bailey's study, which was occupied by three or four boys watching Wimbledon on the television. When "Bill" finally appeared the only thing that Keith can recall of his interview, was a walk from the study to the cricket square and the quote "some of us just like to have boys around the place." He was confronted with the full interview panel, including the formidable Mrs Chaplin, in the library. Do any old teachers wish to share their reminiscences of their first trip to the school? One of the boys watching Wimbledon was Brooks, but he cannot recall his first name. Does anyone remember him? He is the same Brooks that was a stage technician in school productions, partnered by Stan Cunnington. Does anyone know where either of them are now?

QUESTIONS ANSWERED: Steven Durrant wrote to say that he was unable to join the exclusive roll of OW fathers and sons. Steven asks whether Alex (Corners 54/59) could be a relation and goes on to say that he would be happy to stalk family trees with him. Steven lives in London and is about to start an MSc in Systems Analysis.

He wrote nostalgically that "long after most memories blur into nostalgic resolution I shall recall the beauty of the Orwell estuary with great clarity." It was Keats who said:

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever:

Its loveliness increases; it will never

Pass into nothingness."

Brian Middlebrook responded to David Howards (Halls 61/68) musings about how the Romans spoke. He said that they doubtless had accents, but that Dulcie, who is not gifted in the Classics, has a theory that they didn't speak Latin at all. She claims that no sensible people would torture themselves trying to compose anything but the simplest sentence in such a ridiculously complicated language. Latin, she claims, was just for the likes of sadists such as Cicero, Caesar and Livy!

Malcolm Poole, who holds the distinction of being the longest serving Old Woolverstonian, 32 years, wrote regarding multiple brothers. He confirmed that parents certainly trusted Halls to look after their children. He listed four more names; Kentish (Edward, Roderick, Rolphe and Michael), Wheeler (Stephen, Christopher and Michael), Brown (Larry, Nigel and Sean) and Patten (Matthew, Simon and William). Can anybody name any other sets of four or more?

Leslie Johnston, who was 80 last August, wrote to confirm that the first dramatic performance at Woolverstone was outdoors and was "Man of Destiny", in which Ian McCulloch (51/57) played Napoleon. He cannot remember whether the others mentioned also appeared in it, but he pointed out that an early "Janus" will tell us.

QUESTIONS POSED: Sean Collins (Berners 67/74) wrote saying: "according to Robin Skinner (Johnstons 67/74) Jack Bruce once used the upstairs urinal in Johnstons. As luck would have it I used the same facilities no more than six months later!" Did Jack Bruce visit Woolverstone and if so for what reason? Was he related to, or the friend of, an OW or did he perform?

OUTFITTERS: Roger Gibbons (Hansons 65/72) sent some rather sober news from "the county town we all know". Grimwades, the outfitters to the school that succeeded J & J Edwards, has ceased trading. In a straw poll conducted in the tea room on the first floor, Roger believes they had been in existence for 60 years. One of the staff said it was nearer a hundred but as she worked there the implication was that it just seemed that long! He managed to have a rummage around the shop and was lucky enough to find twenty school badges. He donated some of the badges, which have been added to the collection on display at Woolverstone.

Philip Evans (Johnstons 70/77), writing from Australia, where he is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Forestry at the Australian National University in Canberra, also mentioned the closure of Grimwades. He said that they still had two badges. Were these two that had been missed by Roger? He went on to say that his mother, who lives near Ipswich, and Mrs Bates, mother of the Bates brothers, David (Orwell 71/78) (Philip did not give the other name - Ed), were given a badge each when an assistant learned that their sons had attended Woolverstone.

Roger has offered to be the Ipswich correspondent (a sort of Clark Kent? - Ed) for "Janus" and will be sending copy, when professional pressures allow. He reminisced about the Ancient House in the Buttermarket, a bookshop subsequently occupied by Dillons, which is now empty. He feels Ipswich is not Ipswich without Grimwades and the Ancient House Bookshop. However on a happier note, due to popular demand the Tolly Cobbold Brewery has reopened and is brewing some very interesting ales. He goes on to say that a guided tour of the brewery and a visit to the tap room is of great value and should not be missed. (Only those OWs that stayed on until age 18 ever got the opportunity to sample this famous local brew, so you may not necessarily recapture your youth by a visit to the tap room -Ed)

UPDATE: Arni Halling (Johnstons 71/73) has written asking for Peter Silvey's (Hansons 66/73) address. His missive has been sent on and the latest development in a long saga is awaited. Any out of court settlements or blood letting, will be reported in later issues. Howell Lewis (Hansons 61/65) also asked for a letter to be passed on to Ron Tudor . Has a revenue earner may have been identified - a mail box service - and does WHOBA need a commercial manager, to develop and exploit the potential revenue?

Peter Sadler, who lives in Ipswich, still does some teaching and works part time for the Suffolk mobile library. Helju Cross (79/80), his daughter, is in Hong Kong with her civil engineer husband and two daughters. Tanja, his youngest daughter lives in Reading and works for Barclays International. Peter would like to hear from OWs.

TROPHY: Sean Collins (Berners 67/74) thinks that the idea of a trophy is excellent and that the form it should take ought to be a bronze cast of Dickie Mayes' beret, mounted on a section of timber, suitably cut and polished, from one of the Church Field rugby posts. He goes on to say that the award should be made on the basis of personal academic achievement to the pupil that goes from being a "2b no hoper to winning a place at Oxbridge". He believes it would be more justly deserved than being awarded to a consistent 1a achiever and he concludes that it reflects what the ideal of our experimental school was all about.

A decision must be made on the trophy to be presented, soon. Does anyone wish to add any more suggestions or support any of those already made?

NEW BLOOD: Hamish MacPherson (Johnstons 64/71) has discovered the OBA via Derek Thornbery. He was a 1st XV player and played rugby for the Old Boys after leaving school but has lost contact with his former colleagues. He would like to get in touch with Paul Cooper (Orwell 64/71). Can anyone help?

Philip Evans (Johnstons 70/77), who is married with three children, emigrated to Australia 10 years ago and recently became an Australian citizen. After leaving school he went to the University of Wales, where he gained a BSc in 1980 and a PhD in 1985. Until going down under, he kept in touch with Mick O'Driscoll (Corners 70/77), but his contact with OWs is now via television, watching Neil Pearson catching crooks or Martin Offiah scoring tries.

Philip's brother Nick (Johnstons 73/79) is married with one child and is a police sergeant in the Thames Valley Police Force, which he joined after leaving Scotland Yard. Philip believes that he has bumped into the odd OW during his career! Send details of Nicks whereabouts, Philip.

Ken Radford (Berners 66/73), has lived in Redruth for 10 years, after giving up 7 years of driving a black cab around London and hating every minute of it. He is a landscape and maintenance gardener, a profession which developed from a relaxation activity, and he specialises in horticultural therapy, gardening for those with special needs. He is in the initial stages of starting up a charity relating to gardening health. Ken wishes to express his thanks to biology teacher Colin Hawes, because at the mention of xylem and phloem cells to customers he "knows the job is mine". He says his love of the outdoor life was influenced by the number of times he hid in the bushes by the tennis courts to have a quick fag. He would be happy to hear from local OWs.

ARTICLE REPRINTED: P. M. McMaster (51/56), who was in 1a at the time had a poem, which he titled Woolverstone Hall, published in the Autumn 1952 Janus
(vol 1, no 2). There must have been a
feeling of impending success at that time. Does anyone know where he is now
or what he is doing?

It stands near the River Orwell,
A school not yet renowned,
But we hope in the Annals of History
A place for its name will be found.
Winchester, Rugby, Eton, Harrow,
Are boarding schools of fame,
And we hope among these,
Woolverstone Hall,
For one will have its name.
We have no ancient customs,
No traditions quaint and old,
But we boys are very proud
Of our colours, blue and gold.

CONFESSIONS: After a quarter of a century Harvey Angel (Hansons 64/71) has a strictly without prejudice confession to make. He is wondering if "the reported bomb scares (see Janus, January) had anything to do with two bits of fun I had around that time. Both made a huge noise. The first was an army thunderflash, which I had to strike and lob into an empty field. It certainly livened up a tranquil Suffolk afternoon! The second was a theatrical maroon, which I let off late at night near the sick bay. All I needed for that was a battery and a long length of wire. I misjudged my escape because people came running from everywhere and I was stuck between the bang and the crowd. What I did was to hide and then mingle with everybody looking for the non-existent damage. It was all done for a laugh with no risk to person or property. Did someone panic and call the police?"

In the last edition, Derek Thornbery reported that he had received a visit, whilst out, from Oligario, who had left no contact address or phone number. A letter from Phillippe Oligario (Johnstons 80/85) has cleared up the mystery. He said that he had not left any contact point as "I was attached to a long term girlfriend and the female that was accompanying me at the time was not the long termer. So in the event that it should have been mentioned that I was in Ipswich when I had said I was windsurfing on the south coast, there would have been a war!" He has let the truth surface as he is no longer with the "long termer".

Phillippe will be in touch soon.

DISPLAY: Fred Moughton (Hansons 51/57), who does an admirable job in organising the permanent exhibition at the school, has been working hard to maintain the steady growth of items. Following an appeal for books and publications in Janus he has received two historical novels written by Alan Fisk (Corners 61/65), "The Strange Things of the World" and "The Summer Stars". He has also added a copy of "P. G. Wodehouse, Man and Myth" by Barry Phelps (Halls 52/57) and "Limericks" by Leslie Johnston. If you have had a book published, please send a copy, preferably signed and with your house and vintage..

The original "Janus" collection is now complete thanks to Leslie Johnson who supplied the final missing copy Vol 1 - No 2, that is if, as according to Bob Cromarty, the last edition was produced in 1977. The collection of official school photographs, however, has come to a standstill. With the exception of 1956, all from 1951 to 1964 are framed and on display. Beyond 1964 the collection has only 1977 and 1982. Was a photo actually taken in 1956? Does anyone have one to bequeath or loan for copying? And surely there must be some inveterate hoarders that have some post '64 school photographs.

Looking for a new challenge Fred has started to collect OBA newsletters and Janus' from the time that Graham Lassiter and John Percival resurrected the Association. If any OW has newsletters from earlier times, he would like to add them to the collection.

MUSIC: Ray Conroy (71/77) has recently been in touch and lives in Notting Hill. He is an executive in the music industry, his role being to "kick arse". He went on to say that Martin Briggs and Steven Young (when were they at Woolverstone?) reached number one in the popular music charts, with Pump Up The Volume. Fred Moughton passed on the information that John Cuffley (Halls 51/54) was the drummer of the Checkmates, who had also had a number one hit with Emile Ford entitled "What Do You Want to Make Those Eyes A t Me For?" Does it qualify for the longest song title?

Several other OWs are, or have been, involved in the music industry. Research shows that many more OWs have made records or appeared on them and there have been references to them in previous copies of Janus. If you have been involved in any productions, please send a copy, together with some background information. Do you know of an OW connection on any other number one hits? Merlin Channon had at least one concert/opera recorded. Even if you do not have copies, send details of any recordings, in which OWs have been instrumental (or vocal)!

VISITORS: At the crack of dawn one February morning Colin Burton (Johnstons 62/68) arrived at Heathrow, on a business trip from Australia. He came weighted down with some old Janus' and some alternative magazines - Number and Reflections. Does anyone have any others to add to the archive? When Colin arrived at his parents house in Northampton, he found some photographs, which he has taken back to Oz with him so that the OW godfather, Graham Lassiter, can have copies. England was only part of his world "business" trip. He also stopped over in Singapore, Germany and the USA, but that must have been relatively easy for him, as he and his family have travelled in the war zone of former Yugoslavia.

VISITS: Roy Hanson and his family recently took a trip back to Woolverstone, organised by Derek Thornbery. It was particularly nostalgic for them because the permanent display is situated in what was once part of their home. They recorded the scene on camera for posterity and it is hoped that their visit is just a taster for future trips. We have a very good relationship with Ipswich High School, thanks to Sheila Martland, the bursar, and Valerie McCuish, the head of school. Should any OW wish to make a visit, make sure that arrangements are made through Derek Thornbery or Fred Moughton (or via me - Ed).

Roy's daughter Jill Mayer is a contemporary of the 57 intake but she was seldom seen at the school because during term time she was a boarder at the Quaker School in Saffron Walden. She lives in Kingston upon Thames and is married to Laurie the well known presenter/newsreader with Sky, formerly with the BBC.

MUSICIANS WANTED: Phillippe Oligario (Johnstons 80/85), of Jazz Bug Records, wrote to say that he is about to begin putting an album together for release sometime in August. He would like to keep those involved with the production inside the Woolverstone fringes and he is looking for three or four "shit hot" musicians (a music industry term? - Ed). He is seeking a bass player, a lead guitarist capable of playing a diverse range and a couple of backing singers. Phillippe has just invested £ 10,000 in a studio "set up" and it would helpful to have an extra pair of competent hands to assist in the recording process. As a politically correct employer the successful candidates do not have to be young or from Phillippe's era. As it is only session work there will not be much money available; only expenses for travelling. However they will have the experience of working on an album and they will achieve immortality on the album cover. If anyone would like to audition, he can be contacted on 0956 656210. In the event of the record being a hit is there any chance of sending a cheque to cover your subs?

IN MEMORIAM: It is with regret that this edition carries the news of the death of two Old Woolverstonians. Mrs Evelyn Bailey and John Percival were both important figures in the development of the school and the Old Boys Association. Mrs Evelyn "James" Bailey, the widow of the school's second headmaster George (60-74), passed away on 29 March, aged 87. She left a son, Michael, and a daughter, Angela.

John (Halls 56/62) passed away on 27 April, after a history of illness which had left him incapacitated for several years. John leaves a widow, Wendy, and son, John. John was a leading figure in the "new" WHOBA, having resurrected it from its previous collapse.

OBITUARY: Graham Lassiter wrote: "On 27 April I lost a friend who had a profound effect on my life. When I started to reform the OBA one of the first people to offer help was John Percival. I did not realise at the time how much help he would give. Without it I doubt if I would have succeeded in my ambition. His unflagging enthusiasm and drive coupled with the provision of office facilities made the task so much easier. I found that the easiest thing to do was let him take charge, not that I could have stopped him. His boundless energy and drive was what I needed and I don't think the OBA would have achieved its aims without him.

"Throughout his illness John refused to be an invalid, apart from when he wanted Alan King to push him around in a wheelchair. He lived life the way he wanted, ignoring doctors who told him he would not last six months unless he changed his lifestyle. That was a challenge and not being able to resist a challenge, by sheer bloody mindedness he stretched six months to three years.

"Although he had no religion I would like to think of him in the afterlife organising Scrabble contests and explaining the rules of yet another parlour game he had invented. He never achieved his ambition of becoming the captain of both the national cricket and rugby teams but there were some things that were beyond even him. I suspect that, in the light of recent cricket results, he was waiting for the call. Had it come you can be sure that he would not have let the side down.

"John, like many OWs, had a great love for the school and even called his horse Woolverstone Hall. I won't call her a race horse because many of you know that she hasn't quite got to grips with it yet. Had John managed to instill some of his character into her it would be the biggest prize winner since Red Rum. Goodbye John, I'm really going to miss you."

Alan King (Hansons 57/64) added that John did not believe in reincarnation or eternal life and his local vicar was well aware of his atheist views but that did not stop them becoming friends or him from dropping in for tea with Wendy and an ear bashing from John. He and Wendy devised a service, which, though Christian in form, was one that John would have approved of. It included two tracks of John singing his own songs. The Old Boys were represented by Mike Farbrother's wife Maddy, Phil Bennett, Chris Hopkirk, Paul Baker and Alan, who gave a short address about John's time at Woolverstone and his determination to see the school live through the OBA.

SNIPPETS: Angus Johnston (Hansons 57/61) wrote from the Isle of Iona, where there are not many OWs but for several years, about 20 years ago, Meroe Wilson (nee Johnston) spent time working with Angus. He went on to say that she is an excellent cook.

Angus also said that he, like many other OWs, came to Woolverstone from an army school in Germany. Some of the army schools have annual reunions in London and a visit is planned to one of the schools in 1998. If any of the alma mater would like further details, Angus can be contacted at Carraig Bay, Isle of Iona, Argyll, PA76 6SP (tel 01681 700355 or 700304).

Nicholas Collins (Berners 62/69) is trying to contact Noddy Clayton and has offered to make a donation of £50 to WHOBA (proof in writing is in the safe! - Ed), if anyone can supply his telephone number and/or address. In a letter to David McAdam he wrote that he is convinced that Don Crowter (Johnsons 61/66) is among the most gifted furniture designers he has ever seen.

While looking through the 1975 issue of Janus, David Otway (Hansons 53/60) noticed the name Sean Kelleher (Hansons 69/76), captain of rugby. David was the secretary of the London United Banks and he recalls Sean was selected to play, as was Adrian Thompson (Johnstons 71/79) of Harlequins. Did any other OW play for them?

Jeremy Page (Berners 65/72) played rugby for Coutts, and in a fixture against Felixstowe in 1976, he played against Peter Sadler and John Morris. Jeremy was also vice president of Coutts cricket club and secretary of the badminton club. (No wonder you never get hold of a bank manager - Ed)

THE HORSE: Harvey Angel (Hansons 64/71) is unable to pay his subs, because he lost the money on that "nasty horse, Woolverstone Hall". He went on to say that it ought to run on a clockwise racecourse instead of at Lingfield and over a distance of one mile instead of six furlongs. It might then stand a chance of winning something. (If you have a good win over the next few weeks, Harvey, could you hang on to £ 5.00 of it long enough to put in an envelope and send to Fred Moughton? - Ed)

The horse did run at Wolverhampton in March, where she ran a great (the syndicate secretary's word! - Ed) race, nicely tucked in behind the leader, and she broke with the horse that eventually won. Although the syndicate was pleased to see her not fading as the leader went for the winning post, she finished several lengths behind the leader but several lengths ahead of the field. The meeting with the Belgian butcher has been postponed.

REUNION: Eric Coates organised a reunion of the class of '57, those reaching 50 this year, at Andy Hunton's restaurant in Highgate. It was well attended by 31 OBs and teachers. There were several others that would have attended but for other commitments. Representing the teachers were Dick Woollett, Malcolm Poole, Michael Shakeshaft, Derek Thornbery, Michael Girling, Bob Cromarty, Barry Salmon and Jimmy Taylor. In his quest to get as many OWs along as possible, Eric traced several OWs not on the list, including Gerald Donaldson, Martin Hudson, Paul Gait and Chris Cooper. It was a very worthwhile exercise and one that could be successfully organised by any OW determined to succeed.

APPEAL: The cost of producing "Janus" has been minimal, as paper, envelopes and copying facilities have normally been provided at no cost. I am about to move on and the use of these may no longer be available to me. I will continue to compile "Janus" but would like an OW, who has access to A4 paper, envelopes and a photocopier to help me. I look forward to hearing from you.