John Coles - Hansons 53-60: "It was always a treat to be invited into his seamanship hut. It was warm around the stove and often had chestnuts roasting in the autumn. He was always kind and had a lot of sea stories to tell. The hut had seamanship exhibits to fascinate young would-be sailors. He also awakened us early from our Nissan Hut dormitories."

Michael Handley - Hansons 51-56: "As well as his seamanship responsibilities he also woke up those of us who slept in the Nissen huts with a rap on the door with his walking-stick and a call of "wakey-wakey".

Robert Croucher in "Janus" Spring 1956: "At the end of the Christmas Term, 1955, the School lost the services of Mr. and Mrs. Mathews, who, though one could hardly credit it to look at them, reached their time for retirement. In his time Mr. Mathews had been a birdman, one of those intrepid air-ship navigators, who risked their lives every time they left the mooring mast, but for the past thirty-six years he has dedicated his life to training young men for the sea. His last four years have been spent with what to him was the "new school," and his unstinting labour has been of great assistance to the successful running of the School.

In his retirement at Grays (within siren hoot of the Thames) he will spend his days increasing his already extensive knowledge of the poets, bird-watching and walking in the Essex countryside. We extend our warmest wishes to them and wish them the very best of luck in the future."

Stan. Goetzee in "Janus" Autumn 1955: "By the time these notes appear again, the Unit will have lost the services of Mr. Matthews, who retires in December. He carries with him the thanks of everyone in the Unit for all he has done for us during the inevitably difficult first year of our existence, when he gave unstintingly of his time, energy and invaluable experience. May he and Mrs. Matthews enjoy a long and happy future."

Malcolm Poole in "Janus" Autumn 1955: "And Mr. Matthews is leaving us, after having inspired the sailing activities for so many years. His wisdom, his skill, and his love of the sea and of boats have always been readily available, and it is thanks to his enthusiasm and example that the Club has achieved its present thriving state."