Allchin A. Coulter M. Girling M. Hutchinson D. McPhee S. Piriyani B. Shuttleworth J. Warren 'Bunny'

NEEDING CONFIRMATION

Mr Davies

= those passed whom I KNOW about; there are certainly others

Bailey G.H. Cox J. Goetzee S. Hutton P. McNichol ? Poole M.A.R. Skailes R. Waters I.H.C.
Barker R. Cox P. Gorman B.S. Hyde Jim & Enid Middlebrook B. Price W. Slarke ? Watkins A.
Bell I.R. Croft L. Green D.G. Illes J.D. Mitton A. Rabjohn R. Smitherman J.S.H. Watts M
Birtles J. Cromarty R. Hall C. Johnston L. Morgan D. Ramm ? Southgate G. Westlake C.
Bond P. Cutler D. Halls W. Johnstone T.J. Morris J.C. Ramsay J. Strickland ? Woolford L.
Bowen T. Dugdale ? Hanson R. Jones C. Mudd F.S. Rees P. Taylor J. Woollett R.J.
Channon M. Elms R. Harmer C.F.J. Josselyn P. Murcell-Head P. Richardson P. Taylor H.S.J. Wright P.S.
Chidwick A. Eldergill C. Harper ? Lewis H.C. Newman-Sanders W. Richardson Ian 'Butch' Taylor P. Young K.

UNKNOWN DATES

Dawson Wynn
Warren Gerry
Warren Jenny
Enid Hyde

Clark B. Anne Evans Hassell-Smith A. MacKenzie J.C. Norman Robinson J. Thomas C.A. Wright S.
Clayton N.

Evans I.G.

Hawes C. Marshall A. Palmer ?? Rowland R.V. Thornbery D.R.  
Clifford A. Farley-Pettman K. Hindle K. Matthews J.E. Pearce Simon Sadler A.P. Tong S.S.  
Cobb R. Fowler J. Hudson D. Maxfield H. Pillai J.K. Salmon B. Turner B.  
Corner S. Fynn A. Hutchinson R.P.D. McDonald S. Piper H.K. Shakeshaft M. Underwood C.
Richard J. Woollett
Dick
9/79-7/89
9/62-7/64
9/62-7/64
10 years
2 years
2 years
Headmaster
Teacher
Asst. Housemaster

History
Halls

WHS had four quite exceptional Headmasters, and Dick Woollett was the last. I knew him as Asst. Housemaster of Halls during his first stay at the school. He was very kind, and often invited groups of boys to watch "The World at War", the great BBC series on WWI, in his flat on the first floor between Halls and Johnstons.

He also did his best to help me when I applied for a place at Merton College, Oxford (he was a Fellow of All Souls), giving me both interview and other practical advice. Once we met up in London and watched "Far From The Madding Crowd" when it came out. I had studied Thomas Hardy's "The Mayor of Casterbridge" for 'O' Level, and that film was stunning. Dick was always a class act, and I greatly admired him for taking on the formidable challenge of WHS during its last decade. He told me some years ago when we met on the occasion of one of our barge cruises that Taffy had greatly encouraged him to go for the Headship - which was nice. They had of course worked together in Halls in the early 60s. He now lives in retirement in Ipswich.

In 2018 I was invited to his 80th birthday party in Ipswich, organised by Barry Clark. A good number of OBs were there and their love for their old Head was obvious. Here are a few photos. (Chris Snuggs - October 2020)

Colin Hall   ?/?-12/90 ? Teacher Science
??? Dugdale   ?/?-7/88 Teacher CDT (Design)
Bill Price ?/?-7/89 Teacher
Housemaster
PSHE Geog (?)
Halls

WHS had four quite exceptional Headmasters, and Dick Woollett was the last. I knew him as Asst. Housemaster of Halls during his first stay at the school. He was very kind, and often invited groups of boys to watch "The World at War", the great BBC series on WWI, in his flat on the first floor between Halls and Johnstons.

He also did his best to help me when I applied for a place at Merton College, Oxford (he was a Fellow of All Souls), giving me both interview and other practical advice. Once we met up in London and watched "Far From The Madding Crowd" when it came out. I had studied Thomas Hardy's "The Mayor of Casterbridge" for 'O' Level, and that film was stunning. Dick was always a class act, and I greatly admired him for taking on the formidable challenge of WHS during its last decade. He told me some years ago when at Taffy had greatly encouraged him to go for the Headship - which was nice. They had of course worked together in Halls in the early 60s. He now lives in retirement in Ipswich.

Tony Bowen   ?/?-7/88 ? Teacher PE Games

WHS had four quite exceptional Headmasters, and Dick Woollett was the last. I knew him as Asst. Housemaster of Halls during his first stay at the school. He was very kind, and often invited groups of boys to watch "The World at War", the great BBC series on WWI, in his flat on the first floor between Halls and Johnstons.

He also did his best to help me when I applied for a place at Merton College, Oxford (he was a Fellow of All Souls), giving me both interview and other practical advice. Once we met up in London and watched "Far From The Madding Crowd" when it came out. I had studied Thomas Hardy's "The Mayor of Casterbridge" for 'O' Level, and that film was stunning. Dick was always a class act, and I greatly admired him for taking on the formidable challenge of WHS during its last decade. He told me some years ago when at Taffy had greatly encouraged him to go for the Headship - which was nice. They had of course worked together in Halls in the early 60s. He now lives in retirement in Ipswich.

B. Piriyani   9/88-7/89 1 year Teacher
Asst. Housemaster
CDT (Design)
Hansons
Graham Southgate   ?/?-7/88 ? Teacher
Asst. Housemaster
Religious Instruction
Corners

WHS had four quite exceptional Headmasters, and Dick Woollett was the last. I knew him as Asst. Housemaster of Halls during his first stay at the school. He was very kind, and often invited groups of boys to watch "The World at War", the great BBC series on WWI, in his flat on the first floor between Halls and Johnstons.

He also did his best to help me when I applied for a place at Merton College, Oxford (he was a Fellow of All Souls), giving me both interview and other practical advice. Once we met up in London and watched "Far From The Madding Crowd" when it came out. I had studied Thomas Hardy's "The Mayor of Casterbridge" for 'O' Level, and that film was stunning. Dick was always a class act, and I greatly admired him for taking on the formidable challenge of WHS during its last decade. He told me some years ago when at Taffy had greatly encouraged him to go for the Headship - which was nice. They had of course worked together in Halls in the early 60s. He now lives in retirement in Ipswich. during its last decade. He told me some years ago when at Taffy had greatly encouraged him to go for the Headship - which was nice. They had of course worked together in Halls in the early during its last decade. He told me some years ago when at Tafduring its last decade. He told me some years ago when at Taffy had greatly encouraged him to go for the Headship - which was nice. T

Paul Murcell-Head   9/87-7/90 3 years Teacher Languages
Harold Maxfield   ?/?-7/87
/-7/87
Head of Department
Asst. Housemaster
Maths
Johnstons

HS had four quite exceptional Headmasters, and Dick Woollett was the last. I knew him as Asst. Housemaster of Halls during his first stay at the school. He was very kind, and often invited groups of boys to watch "The World at War", the great BBC series on WWI, in his flat on the first floor between Halls and Johnstons.

He also did his best to help me when I applied for a place at Merton College, Oxford (he was a Fellow of All Souls), giving me both interview and other practical advice. Once we met up in London and watched "Far From The Madding Crowd" when it came out. I had studied Thomas Hardy's "The Mayor of Casterbridge" for 'O' Level, and that film was stunning. Dick was always a class act, and I greatly admired him for taking on the formidable challenge of WHS during its last decade. He told me some years ago when at Taffy had greatly encouraged him to go for the Headship - which was nice. They had of course worked together in Halls in the early 60s. He now lives in retirement in Ipswich.

Andrew Chidwick   9/87-7/89 2 years Teacher
Asst. Housemaster
Mathemetics & IT
Johnstons
Barry Clark   9/87-7/90     WHS OB / Hansons 58/65

WHS had four quite exceptional Headmasters, and Dick Woollett was the last. I knew him as Asst. Housemaster of Halls during his first stay at the school. He was very kind, and often invited groups of boys to watch "The World at War", the great BBC series on WWI, in his flat on the first floor between Halls and Johnstons.

He also did his best to help me when I applied for a place at Merton College, Oxford (he was a Fellow of All Souls), giving me both interview and other practical advice. Once we met up in London and watched "Far From The Madding Crowd" when it came out. I had studied Thomas Hardy's "The Mayor of Casterbridge" for 'O' Level, and that film was stunning. Dick was always a class act, and I greatly admired him for taking on the formidable challenge of WHS during its last decade. He told me some years ago when at Taffy had greatly encouraged him to go for the Headship - which was nice. They had of course worked together in Halls in the early 60s. He now lives in retirement in Ipswich.

Andy Marshall   9/85-7/89 4 years Deputy-Head
Teacher
Coach

Geography
rugby

WHS had four quite exceptional Headmasters, and Dick Woollett was the last. I knew him as Asst. Housemaster of Halls during his first stay at the school. He was very kind, and often invited groups of boys to watch "The World at War", the great BBC series on WWI, in his flat on the first floor between Halls and Johnstons.

He also did his best to help me when I applied for a place at Merton College, Oxford (he was a Fellow of All Souls), giving me both interview and other practical advice. Once we met up in London and watched "Far From The Madding Crowd" when it came out. I had studied Thomas Hardy's "The Mayor of Casterbridge" for 'O' Level, and that film was stunning. Dick was always a class act, and I greatly admired him for taking on the formidable challenge of WHS during its last decade. He told me some years ago when at Taffy had greatly encouraged him to go for the Headship - which was nice. They had of course worked together in Halls in the early 60s. He now lives in retirement in Ipswich.

Stuart McDonald   9/85-7/89 4 years    

WHS had four quite exceptional Headmasters, and Dick Woollett was the last. I knew him as Asst. Housemaster of Halls during his first stay at the school. He

 
  Mr Davies   83-85?   Maths    
Kevin Cooper: "There was also a maths teacher by the name of Mr Davies he was a young teacher a Oxford graduate who was only 22/23 had milk bottle glasses and a whizz kid on the tech of the day with the IBM and commodore computers - I think there were 6/8 at the time."
H. Kevin Piper   8/82-7/89 7 years Teacher Drama

WHS had four quite exceptional Headmasters, and Dick Woollett was the last. I knew him as Asst. Housemaster of Halls during his first stay at the school. He was very kind, and often invited groups of boys to watch "The World at War", the great BBC series on WWI, in his flat on the first floor between Halls and Johnstons.

He also did his best to help me when I applied for a place at Merton College, Oxford (he was a Fellow of All Souls), giving me both interview and other practical advice. Once we met up in London and watched "Far From The Madding Crowd" when it came out. I had studied Thomas Hardy's "The Mayor of Casterbridge" for 'O' Level, and that film was stunning. Dick was always a class act, and I greatly admired him for taking on the formidable challenge of WHS during its last decade. He told me some years ago when at Taffy had greatly encouraged him to go for the Headship - which was nice. They had of course worked together in Halls in the early 60s. He now lives in retirement in Ipswich.

Anthony Clifford Lurch 9/81-??
9/83-7/84
9/81-??
7 years
Teacher
Asst. Housemaster
Housemaster

Orwell
Orwell


replaced Bob Skailes on secondment

He was a top man. Probably a bit liberal for the older generation but very compassionate & fair. Spent my last term doing a production with a great gang of guys, and he gave us free reign & access to all things in drama ( literally had my own keys for the drama rooms & costumes stores!)
(Ross Moynihan - Orwell 79-84)

Anthony Clifford was a good guy. (Ray Brady - Orwell 79-83)

HS had four quite exceptional Headmasters, and Dick Woollett was the last. I knew him as Asst. Housemaster of Halls during his first stay at the school. He was very kind, and often invited groups of boys to watch "The World at War", the great BBC series on WWI, in his flat on the first floor between Halls and Johnstons.

He also did his best to help me when I applied for a place at Merton College, Oxford (he was a Fellow of All Souls), giving me both interview and other practical advice. Once we met up in London and watched "Far From The Madding Crowd" when it came out. I had studied Thomas Hardy's "The Mayor of

Simon Pearce 9/81-7/87 7 years English
David Morgan   9/80-7/88 8 years Teacher
Housemaster
CDT (Design)
Hansons

WHS had four quite exceptional Headmasters, and Dick Woollett was the last. I knew him as Asst. Housemaster of Halls during his first stay at the school. He was very kind, and often invited groups of boys to watch "The World at War", the great BBC series on WWI, in his flat on the first floor between Halls and Johnstons.

He also did his best to help me when I applied for a place at Merton College, Oxford (he was a Fellow of All Souls), giving me both interview and other practical advice. Once we met up in London and watched "Far From The Madding Crowd" when it came out. I had studied Thomas Hardy's "The Mayor of Casterbridge" for 'O' Level, and that film was stunning. Dick was always a class act, and I greatly admired him for taking on the formidable challenge of WHS during its last decade. He told me some years ago when at Taffy had greatly encouraged him to go for the Headship - which was nice. They had of course worked together in Halls in the early 60s. He now lives in retirement in Ipswich.

Stuart McPhee   9/79-7/84 5 years

Biology & Chemistry
Asst Hsemaster Berners

 
LINK 1
"I Iook back with very fond memories at my time in Woolverstone. I taught Biology (and some Chemistry) for 5 years at WHS, which was my first teaching post. I joined at the same time as Richard Woollett and we became good friends. I was very sad to read about the death of Martin Gillott last year - one of my star pupils! I was also Assistant Housemaster of Berners working with Peter Sadler. I remember showing Saturday night films in the Hall and stopping boys smoking behind the curtains! I also ran AV in the days where we had to record BBC schools programmes for use in lessons. I seem to remember being Careers Master for one year while someone was on secondment. I am a keen bridge player and some sixth-formers asked me to teach them how to play bridge properly. We eventually won the East Anglian Schools Championships and went on to play a final at Eton. I myself became a bridge Grand Master and played in several World Championships. I left WHS to become a computer programmer with BT in Ipswich. I had a successful career in technology and still work as a freelance technology transformation director. I also breed racehorses in the UK, France and Australia - lots of winners but no Derby triumph yet!!

Best wishes to all my former pupils and colleagues - AND everyone else!"
Allan Fynn   9/77-?/? Teacher Drama
Ms Anne Evans   9/77-?/? Ancilliary Teacher remedial Junior school

Edmund Mensah: "Mrs Evans was my favourite teacher - helped us understand the environment of boarding-school education fresh of primary school- Most of us were fragile lost sheep on a big farm. When you most needed your mum, she was a great surrogate mother, bless her. Taught us how to bake aged 12 - stuck ever since, and helped with being homesick."

Kevin Young 9/76-7/88 ? Teacher PE - Rugby - English
 
Philip Taylor
Freaky
9/74-?/? Teacher English
Anthony Watkins   9/87-7/88
9/74-7/75
9/74-7/75
1 year Teacher
Teacher
Asst. Housemaster
Chemistry
Biology
Berners
 
Patrick Richardson   9/74-?/79 5 years Headmaster History

It was a devastating blow for the WHS community when Patrick Richardson was killed in a car crash in 1979, just as the death of Robert Vickers Rowland had been some years previously, though he was no longer at the school at the time.

I was not at the school in 1979 and hope that someone else will write something suitable.

In a way, I feel overawed still, after all these years, so insignificant in achievement when compared to this man. What a colossus of music at Woolverstone! His encouragement of talent, those great productions, his putting together of orchestras of such quality for a small school, and when we needed a boost, getting in such good pro's that we could listen to and admire. I remember in particular several first-class violinists and then a wonderful oboeist for "Amahl & the Night Visitors".

M the Night Visitors".

Keith Farley-Pettman   9/74-?/? Teacher Metalwork
Richard Rabjohn
Dick
9/73-7/86 13 years Teacher Maths
Anthony Mitton   9/73-7/74 1 year Teacher English WHS OB - Johnstons 62-69

HS had four quite exceptional Headmasters, and Dick Woollett was the last. I knew him as Asst. Housemaster of Halls during his first stay at the school. He was very kind, and often invited groups of boys to watch "The World at War", the great BBC series on WWI, in his flat on the first floor between Halls and Johnstons.

He also did his best to help me when I applied for a place at Merton College, Oxford (he was a Fellow of All Souls), giving me both interview and other practical advice. Once we met up in London and watched "Far From The Madding Crowd" when it came out. I had studied Thomas Hardy's "The Mayor of Casterbridge" for 'O' Level, and that film was stunning. Dick was always a class act, and I greatly admired him for taking on the formidable challenge of WHS during its last decade. He told me some years ago when at Taffy had greatly encouraged him to go for the Headship - which was nice. They had of course worked together in Halls in the early 60s. He now lives in retirement in Ipswich.

John Cox   9/71-7/73 2 years Teacher English
Robert Skailes
Tats
9/71-7/8?
9/83-7/84
9/64-7/71
????

5 years
12 years
7/8?
Head of Department
secondment
Teacher
Housemaster
Chemistry
Bermuda
Chemistry
Orwell

 
John Taylor   1/71-?/? Teacher
Housemaster
Maths
Hansons

uragement of talent, those great productions, his putting together of orchestras of such quality for a small school, and when we needed a boost, getting in such good pro's that we could listen to and admire. I remember in particular several first-class violinists and then a wonderful oboeist for "Amahl & the Night Visitors".

Merlin was creative to his fingertips, but also determinedly practical - a "get-it-done" person - brilliant at getting orchestras, actors, producers and the powers to be to put it all together. And of course, he had a great image - rubbing shoulders with Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears, always off at Aldeburgh or somewhere. agement of talent, those great productions, his putting together of orchestras of such quality for a small school, and when we needed a boost, getting in such good pro's that we could listen to and admire. I remember in particular several first-class violinists and then a wonderful oboeist for "Amahl & the Night Visitors".

For us lower school kids he was pretty heroic - not in the same way as Bill Coutts or Mickey Baranyai of course, but in an equally devoted sort of way. And

John Robinson
Smokey Joe
9/70-7/90 Head of Department German

a way, I feel overawed still, after all these years, so insignificant in achievement when compared to this man. What a colossus of music at Woolverstone! His encouragement of talent, those great productions, his putting together of orchestras of such quality for a small school, and when we needed a boost, getting in such good pro's that we could listen to and admire. I remember in particular several first-class violinists and then a wonderful oboeist for "Amahl & the Night Visitors".

Merlin was creative to his fingertips, but also determinedly practical - a "get-it-done" person - brilliant at getting orchestras, actors, producers and the powers to be to put it all together. And of course, he had a great image - rubbing shoulders with Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears, always off at Aldeburgh or somewhere.

For us lower school kids he was pretty heroic - not in the same way as Bill Coutts or Mickey Baranyai of course, but in an equally devoted sort of way. And

Mrs ????? Slarke   4/70-7/70 1 term Teacher
James Fowler   6/70-7/72 7 terms Teacher Maths
David Hutchinson   ?/?-12/69 2 terms Teacher
Asst. Housemaster
Coach
Geography & Maths
Hansons (2 terms)
Sailing (Asst. to Poole)
David J. Hudson
Hudbud
9/68-7/86
18 years Deputy-Head   1/69-9/74 - Acting HM while GHB was recovering from heart attack

In a way, I feel overawed still, after all these years, so insignificant in achievement when compared to this man. What a colossus of music at Woolverstone! His encouragement of talent, those great productions, his putting together of orchestras of such quality for a small school, and when we needed a boost, getting in such good pro's that we could listen to and admire. I remember in particular several first-class violinists and then a wonderful oboeist for "Amahl & the Night Visitors".

Merlin was creative to his fingertips, but also determinedly practical - a "get-it-done" person - brilliant at getting orchestras, actors, producers and the powers to be to put it all together. And of course, he had a great image - rubbing shoulders with Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears, always off at Aldeburgh or somewhere.

For us lower school kids he was pretty heroic - not in the same way as Bill Coutts or Mickey Baranyai of course, but in an equally devoted sort of way. And

L. Croft   9/69-7/70 1 year Teacher English
John C. Morris   9/69-?/?
9/73-/
Teacher
Housemaster
History
Halls

In a way, I feel overawed still, after all these years, so insignificant in achievement when compared to this man. What a colossus of music at Woolverstone! His encouragement of talent, those great productions, his putting together of orchestras of such quality for a small school, and when we needed a boost, getting in such good pro's that we could listen to and admire. I remember in particular several first-class violinists and then a wonderful oboeist for "Amahl & the Night Visitors".

Merlin was creative to his fingertips, but also determinedly practical - a "get-it-done" person - brilliant at getting orchestras, actors, producers and the powers to be to put it all together. And of course, he had a great image - rubbing shoulders with Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears, always off at Aldeburgh or somewhere.

For us lower school kids he was pretty heroic - not in the same way as Bill Coutts or Mickey Baranyai of course, but in an equally devoted sort of way. And

Bill Newman-Sanders   9/69-/ Teacher Physics & Maths

ic - not in the same w

Christopher Underwood
Piggy
9/68-12/70 2.3 years Teacher English
POST WHS PHOTOS:   2000     2020

Louis Parperis - Orwell 63-70 : "Chris Underwood married Miss Mead, the Sick Bay Assistant Matron. Chris was a very fine tenor and eventually abandoned the struggle to engage adolescents in the rich pleasures to be found in English to pursue an even more challenging career as a singer and coach, which he does now in Edinburgh; at least, that was the case at the time of Doc’s memorial service."

Richard Hayter - Corners 65-71: "He left to teach in Tulse Hill but later became a professional voice coach and I believe is at The Royal Conservatory of Scotland. He sang the lead tenor part when we performed "Carmina Burana". I still remember his performance. Amazing."

Mick Wenlock - Johnstons 65-70: "Piggy was Mr Underwood, who was an English Teacher for a couple of years. He was also Assistant Housemaster in Johnstons. He was a good man and a good teacher. And, as Richard Hayter says, he was an amazing soloist in "Carmina Burana" which was put on in Woolverstone; both Richard and even myself were part of the performance! His nickname was "Piggy" because he kind of had that look; it was a friendly nickname, not an antagonistic one."

CARMINA BURANA LINK
C. Westlake   4/68-7/68 1 term Teacher history
Rev. T. J. Johnstone   1/68-7/68 2 terms Teacher English
??? Ramm   9/68-7/69 1 year Teacher Woodwork replaced Ben Turner away on a course
B. S. Gorman   9/68-7/69
9/68-7/69
2 terms
2 terms
Teacher
Asst. Housemaster
history
Halls
R.P.D. Hutchinson   1/67-12/69
4/68-12/69
5 terms Teacher
Asst. Housemaster
Maths & Geography
Hansons
Colin J. Hawes   9/76-12/90
9/74-7/75
9/75-4/76
14 years
1 year
2 terms
Head of Department
Sabattical Year
Teacher
Asst. Head Hansons
Biology

Biology
U15 Rugby Coach
Head of Careers
Head of 3rd Year

WHS had four quite exceptional Headmasters, and Dick Woollett was the last. I knew him as Asst. Housemaster of Halls during his first stay at the school. He was very kind, and often invited groups of boys to watch "The World at War", the great BBC series on WWI, in his flat on the first floor between Halls and Johnstons.

He also did his best to help me when I applied for a place at Merton College, Oxford (he was a Fellow of All Souls), giving me both interview and other practical advice. Once we met up in London and watched "Far From The Madding Crowd" when it came out. I had studied Thomas Hardy's "The Mayor of Casterbridge" for 'O' Level, and that film was stunning. Dick was always a class act, and I greatly admired him for taking on the formidable challenge of WHS during its last decade. He told me some years ago when that Taffy had greatly encouraged him to go for the Headship - which was nice. They had of course worked together in Halls in the early 60s. He now lives in retirement in Ipswich.

S. S. Tong   4/66-7/66 1 term Teacher English
R. Elms   4/66-7/66 1 term Teacher Physics left to do V.S.O. in Nigeria
Michael Coulter   4/66-7/89
4/66-?/?
21 years +1t Head of Department
Asst. Housemaster
Art
Halls
from Rising Brook School in Stafford

In a way, I feel overawed still, after all these years, so insignificant in achievement when compared to this man. What a colossus of music at Woolverstone! His encouragement of talent, those great productions, his putting together of orchestras of such quality for a small school, and when we needed a boost, getting in such good pro's that we could listen to and admire. I remember in particular several first-class violinists and then a wonderful oboeist for "Amahl & the Night Visitors".

Merlin was creative to his fingertips, but also determinedly practical - a "get-it-done" person - brilliant at getting orchestras, actors, producers and the powers to be to put it all together. And of course, he had a great image - rubbing shoulders with Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears, always off at Aldeburgh or somewhere.

For us lower school kids he was pretty heroic - not in the same way as Bill Coutts or Mickey Baranyai of course, but in an equally devoted sort of way. And

N. A. McNichol   9/66-12/66 1 term Teacher Biology
??? Strickland   4/66-7/66 1 term Teacher Maths
Peter Bond   1/66-12/67 2 years Teacher Asst. Housemaster English
Johnstons
from Trinity College, Cambridge - several years in army, 5 yrs teaching in Malyaa, then Sidcup G.S.
C. Jones   4/66-7/66 1 term Teacher Maths from Cambridge
Neil Clayton   9/65-?/82
?/69-?/70
9/65-?/82
18 years
1 year
18 years
Head of Department
secondment
Asst. Housemaster
English

Berners
died October 2021

Neil Clayton had a long and successful career at WHS, hugely omnipresent in dramatic productions and credited among other things with inspring Ian McEwan to become a writer:

McEwan’s experience at Woolverstone, as related in the Times Educational Supplement in 2000, was typical. McEwan recalls that he was “mediocre” until the sixth form, when he fell under the spell of Neil Clayton. Ex-Cambridge, the young teacher was cynical about the world at large, enthusiastic about cricket in particular and infectiously excited about poetry and literature. He had “the ability, without a great deal of effort, to communicate a passion for reading widely. His classes were fun . . . He wasn’t afraid of difficulty and he knew we would be proud of undertaking something different.”

??? Harper   4/65-7/65 1 term Teacher Biology
P. Rees   9/65-12/65 1 term Teacher English
A. P. Sadler
Peter
9/64-7/90
9/70-7/90
9/64-7/70
26 years
20 years
6 years
Teacher
Housemaster
Asst. Housemaster
History
Berners
Halls
John Ramsay
Plonk
9/64-7/88
9/70-7/88
22 years
18 years
Teacher
Asst. Housemaster
Physics
Corners (in later years Housemaser)
J. C. MacKenzie   9/64-4/66 5 terms Head of Department
Asst. Housemaster
Art
Orwell
Michael Watts   9/63-3/68 5 years Deputy-Head
Head of Department

History/Geography
from Ardingly College - left to be HeadmasterYarm Grammar School

way, I feel overawed still, after all these years, so insignificant in achievement when compared to this man. What a colossus of music at Woolverstone! His encouragement of talent, those great productions, his putting together of orchestras of such quality for a small school, and when we needed a boost, getting in such good pro's that we could listen to and admire. I remember in particular several first-class violinists and then a wonderful oboeist for "Amahl & the Night Visitors".

Merlin was creative to his fingertips, but also determinedly practical - a "get-it-done" person - brilliant at getting orchestras, actors, producers and the powers to be to put it all together. And of course, he had a great image - rubbing shoulders with Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears, always off at Aldeburgh or somewhere.

For us lower school kids he was pretty heroic - not in the same way as Bill Coutts or Mickey Baranyai of course, but in an equally devoted sort of way. And

Colin Eldergill   9/63-4/65 5 terms Teacher
Asst. Housemaster
Chemistry
Johnstons
D. Cutler   9/63-12/63 1 term Teacher English previously taught in Siam & Nigeria

way, I feel overawed still, after all these years, so insignificant in achievement when compared to this man. What a colossus of music at Woolverstone! His encouragement of talent, those great productions, his putting together of orchestras of such quality for a small school, and when we needed a boost, getting in such good pro's that we could listen to and admire. I remember in particular several first-class violinists and then a wonderful oboeist for "Amahl & the Night Visitors".

Merlin was creative to his fingertips, but also determinedly practical - a "get-it-done" person - brilliant at getting orchestras, actors, producers and the powers to be to put it all together. And of course, he had a great image - rubbing shoulders with Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears, always off at Aldeburgh or somewhere.

For us lower school kids he was pretty heroic - not in the same way as Bill Coutts or Mickey Baranyai of course, but in an equally devoted sort of way. And

getting in such good pro's that we could l
Roger Barker   9/63-7/70 7 years Teacher
Housemaster
Maths
Corners
I. H. C. Waters
Dick Drip
9/63-7/70
?
???
7 years
?
Teacher
Asst. Housemaster
Coach
French/German
Berners
UX13 rugger team
from R.G.S. High Wycombe

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Barry Salmon   9/62-7/89 27 years Head of Department Music

Barry was a hero to anyone who did music at the school. Wow, here was a guy who actually wrote music! We hadn't realized that ordinary people could do that, only Mozart and the like.

But then perhaps Barry wasn't 'ordinary'! Creative, cheerful, encouraging, patient, he got it all together, he got things done. He performed, and he got us to perform. He played a massive part in the creation of the Woolverstone musical legend.

Barry is a true WHS legend, and it was a privilege to have learned and played with him. (Chris Snuggs - Jan 2003)

Janus article on arrival of Barry at Woolverstone

J.E. Matthews   9/61-7/63 2 years Teacher French & German left to be Head of Modern Languages, Eltham College
Peter J. Cox   4/76-?/?
9/61-?/?
Head of Department
Teacher
Science
Physics
from Woodlands School, Coventry - plyed rugby for Coventry

died November 2022

Carey F.J. Harmer   9/61-7/64 3 years Asst. Housemaster Corners

way, I feel overawed still, after all these years, so insignificant in achievement when compared to this man. What a colossus of music at Woolverstone! His encouragement of talent, those great productions, his putting together of orchestras of such quality for a small school, and when we needed a boost, getting in such good pro's that we could listen to and admire. I remember in particular several first-class violinists and then a wonderful oboeist for "Amahl & the Night Visitors".

Merlin was creative to his fingertips, but also determinedly practical - a "get-it-done" person - brilliant at getting orchestras, actors, producers and the powers to be to put it all together. And of course, he had a great image - rubbing shoulders with Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears, always off at Aldeburgh or somewhere.

For us lower school kids he was pretty heroic - not in the same way as Bill Coutts or Mickey Baranyai of course, but in an equally devoted sort of way. And

getting in such good pro's that w
P.S. Wright   9/61-12/61 1 term Teacher History
Keith Hindle   4/61-7/61 1 term Teacher   had just left Solihul School - went on to Oxford
Mrs ????? Barraclough   9/60-7/61 1 year Ancilliary Teacher Speech Training
Michael Girling   1/60-7/63 3.5 years Teacher Maths left to be Head of Maths at Tulse Hill, London

knew Bailey well as a kind, competent and innovative Headmaster under whom the school continued to develop and excel. His wife was hugely supportive, and in my year taught the Lower VIth ballroom-dancing in the gym. His daughter Angela lived on the premises and attended Ipswich High School, seen generally as the creme de la creme of local girls' schools - and which of course eventually took over Woolverstone Hall.

GHB had a brilliant career and was a worthy successor to Smitherman, though at the time there was a rumour that Leslie Johnson was disappointed not to have been offered the position. He, too, would have been an excellent Head, and is one to whom WHS owed a huge amount. (Chris Snuggs - October 2020)

There is a moving tribute to G.H.B. from Hudson on this

Adrian P Allchin
Chinny
9/60-12/66 6 years Teacher
Asst. Housemaster
Maths & Geography
Orwell
left to be warden of Tynemouth Field Centre, High Borrans near Windermere
             
Steve Wright
9/60-7/63 ??? History

I knew Bailey well as a kind, competent and innovative Headmaster under whom the school continued to develop and excel. His wife was hugely supportive, and in my year taught the Lower VIth ballroom-dancing in the gym. His daughter Angela lived on the premises and attended Ipswich High School, seen generally as the creme de la creme of local girls' schools - and which of course eventually took over Woolverstone Hall.

GHB had a brilliant career and was a worthy successor to Smitherman, though at the time there was a rumour that Leslie Johnson was disappointed not to have been offered the position. He, too, would have been an excellent Head, and is one to whom WHS owed a huge amount. (Chris Snuggs - October 2020)

There is a moving tribute to G.H.B. from Hudson on this

George H. Bailey
Bill
9/60-7/74 14 years Headmaster

I knew Bailey well as a kind, competent and innovative Headmaster under whom the school continued to develop and excel. His wife was hugely supportive, and in 1965 taught the Lower VIth ballroom-dancing in the gym. His daughter Angela lived on the premises and attended Ipswich High School, seen generally as the creme de la creme of local girls' schools - and which of course eventually took over Woolverstone Hall.

GHB had a brilliant career and was a worthy successor to Smitherman, though at the time there was a rumour that Leslie Johnson was disappointed not to have been offered the position. He, too, would have been an excellent Head, and is one to whom WHS owed a huge amount. (Chris Snuggs - October 2020)

Charles A. Thomas
Tooms
9/56-7/76
4/59-12/66
20 years
8 years
Teacher
Housemaster
Chemistry
Corners

In a way, I feel overawed still, after all these years, so insignificant in achievement when compared to this man. What a colossus of music at Woolverstone! His encouragement of talent, those great productions, his putting together of orchestras of such quality for a small school, and when we needed a boost, getting in such good pro's that we could listen to and admire. I remember in particular several first-class violinists and then a wonderful oboeist for "Amahl & the Night Visitors".

Merlin was creative to his fingertips, but also determinedly practical - a "get-it-done" person - brilliant at getting orchestras, actors, producers and the powers to be to put it all together. And of course, he had a great image - rubbing shoulders with Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears, always off at Aldeburgh or somewhere.

For us lower school kids he was pretty heroic - not in the same way as Bill Coutts or Mickey Baranyai of course, but in an equally devoted sort of way. And

H. J. S. Taylor
Sid
9/59-7/63 5 years Teacher History Leeds University Dept. Education

In a way, I feel overawed still, after all these years, so insignificant in achievement when compared to this man. What a colossus of music at Woolverstone! His encouragement of talent, those great productions, his putting together of orchestras of such quality for a small school, and when we needed a boost, getting in such good pro's that we could listen to and admire. I remember in particular several first-class violinists and then a wonderful oboeist for "Amahl & the Night Visitors".

Merlin was creative to his fingertips, but also determinedly practical - a "get-it-done" person - brilliant at getting orchestras, actors, producers and the powers to be to put it all together. And of course, he had a great image - rubbing shoulders with Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears, always off at Aldeburgh or somewhere.

For us lower school kids he was pretty heroic - not in the same way as Bill Coutts or Mickey Baranyai of course, but in an equally devoted sort of way. And

Dr J. D. Illes   9/59-7/60 1 year Teacher Maths
Patrick H Hutton   9/59-7/65 6 years?? Head of Department English

Patrick was a much-loved teacher at WHS who imbued us with his deep love of language, literature and learning, making Chaucer, for example, seem fascinating and even magical. He was such a civilised, erudite, cultured and positive man, yet so easy to get on with: never condescending, always helpful, whether on drama, poetry on on the more practical aspects of life, such as planning a career, finding a job. He had a wry sense of humour, too, and I never remember him in an ugly mood. He was a terrific contributor to culture and general school life at Woolverstone, not least with his massive involvement in school dramatic productions. He was a great purveyor and communicator of quality in all his work and human relations.

As usual, one regrets not cultivating his friendship and company more. Some time after leaving Woolverstone in the middle of the 6th form he invited me to dinner at his house in Barnes. Must have been just after he'd left Woolverstone to go to Westminster School or somewhere. I was uncertain about what to do, where to go - parents urging me to 'get a job' and so on. Yet Patrick would have none of it. "You should be at university, no ifs or buts," he said. His encouragement left a big impression on me. I did eventually get to university, and in large part thanks to his encouragement. Of course, I lost touch thereafter as one does, and the loss was mine.

I'll never forget him setting us a general English question in the Lower VIth. "Why is a rose beautiful?" I think that was the first time I began to think. A genuine and terrific guy. We were lucky. (Chris Snuggs - Jan 2003)

Robert J K Cromarty
Jock
9/59-7/71 12 years Teacher Classics

feel overawed still, after all these years, so insignificant in achievement when compared to this man. What a colossus of music at Woolverstone! His encouragement of talent, those great productions, his putting together of orchestras of such quality for a small school, and when we needed a boost, getting in such good pro's that we could listen to and admire. I remember in particular several first-class violinists and then a wonderful oboeist for "Amahl & the Night Visitors".

Merlin was creative to his fingertips, but also determinedly practical - a "get-it-done" person - brilliant at getting orchestras, actors, producers and the powers to be to put it all together. And of course, he had a great image - rubbing shoulders with Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears, always off at Aldeburgh or somewhere.

F

Brian Middlebrook
Stringy
9/58-4/69
9/65-7/69
9/58-12/58
11 years
4 years
1 term
Teacher
Housemaster
Asst. Housemaster
Latin
Halls
Corners

Learning latin may not seem much fun to today's generations of first-formers, but to a South-east London backstreet kid it was a romantic affair, reminding me of those Billy Bunter stories I used to lap up after a hard day's clambering over the bombsites at the bottom of the road. (This was 1955!!)

I never met Hurree Jamset Ram Singh, but Brian Middlebrook played the part of Welch. I never heard him use the word 'construe', but he did his best to teach us latin in an old Nissen hut near the tuckshop. He was a kind and patient man that all of us respected, but none of us feared (which is as it should be). At the time, we weren't 100% convinced of the use of latin, but in retrospect it was worth every second of effort in teaching us about the origins and structure of our own language.

He played a major role in school activities, including coaching sporting sides. He was like so many of them, simply unforgettable for me. Thank you Brian. (Chris Snuggs - Jan 2003)

Benjamin R Turner
Ben
9/74-?/?
9/58-7/74
9/61-7/?
Head of Department
Teacher
Asst. Housemaster
Handicrafts
Woodwork
Berners

Ben taught me woodwork for 5 years, and I was rather sad to have to give it up in the 6th form. He was a bit gruff, but never unkind, and his lessons were great. They followed a similar pattern to Fred Mudd's science lessons: a demonstration at the front of the class and then we trotted off to try to copy what he had shown us. Over the years we made a number of small pieces of furniture and other things. I made a small table and some shelves: both survived may years but eventually got lost in yet another house move. But the techniques he taught me were incredibly useful and I have done a huge number of DIY projects involving wood, including dovetails!

We met after many years at a reunion in Woolverstone and during a tea session at Doc Thornbery's I was able to chat to him about what he have taught me and how much I appreciated it. Sadly, he died not long afterwards. (Chris Snuggs - Jan 2003)

David F Green
Ernie
9/58-7/64 6 years Head of Department Art

One of the many special things about WHS was the focus - conscious and/or unconscious - on teamwork. Each team has its stars, but Ernie was probably not the first to come to mind. Gently, kind, unassuming, quiet (I never heard him raise his voice) he did his best to teach non-artists how to draw and paint. He didn't turn us all into artists, but I remember his classes being agreeable, peaceful, interesting and a welcome change from everything else going on. But in one area he definitely was a star. We all remember the dramatic and musical productions, though probably think first of the actors and musicians, but during his time at WHS Ernie did a huge amount to make the sets for all productions nigh-on professional. I never heard or would imagine anyone saying after a production: "I didn't think much of the sets."

Like the stoker in the engine-room, the ship would not have moved without him. (Chris Snuggs - October 2020)

Derek R Thornbery
Doc
9/58-7/81
5/59-7/61
5/59-7/61
?/?-?/?
23 years
10 years
2 years
Teacher
Housemaster
Asst. Housemaster
Coach
English
Orwell
Corners
cricket & rugby
LINK 1     -     LINK 2      -     LINK 3

Derek Thornbery achieved the rare distinction of becoming a legend in his own lifetime among those who know him best, his former pupils. Who could watch " Chips" or "Dead Poets' Society" without Derek Thornbery and his total devotion to and involvement in his life's work springing to mind? His creation of the Orwell House music phenomenon is legendary, but he was active in all areas of school life, often running a cricket team, for example. AND he was an excellent flautist in the school orchesta..

I remember his late Friday afternoon stories in English, "The Ruhn", for example. Did he read this to every generation of Woolverstone kids? He also taught us clause analysis, and somehow made it interesting. Has this ever been taught in schools since Woolverstone?

He was never short of a cheerful word. I remember sitting next to him in the orchestra during rehearsals for "Mother Courage". After a particularly long wait while the actors were getting their act together, he turned to me and said: "They also serve who sit and wait." Ignorant that I was, I only realized much later how clever this was!

One other thing about Derek (and not the least important) was that he clearly loved the English language and was able to share and communicate that with and to us. English is extraordinarily rich and beautiful (as I am sure most nationalities would describe their own language before I am accused of languageism - or indeed racism). We read and listened to stories, we analysed language doing clause analysis (do they even DO that these days?; we explored new words and their etymology. I didn't know Neil Clayton, but I imagine he was similar, as was Patrick Hutton, who did Chaucer with us when we were a bit older. It was exhilarating with him to see the language of Olde England and how it has developed over the centuries. With DT, some of my most vivid and pleasant memories are of wandering across the main field on a summer's afternoon to a late-afternoon class of English with Derek T and him reading us a story: "Prester John", "The 29 Steps" or "The Ruhn" about an alien collecting human specimens to take back to their own planet - and so on. I'm pretty sure we also did precis with him, a really useful but demanding skill. The English language is at the heart of everything else really, and it was beautifully taught by DT.

He was truly "the right man, in the right place, at the right time."
(Chris Snuggs - Jan 2003)

Simon Jones - Johnstons 60-65: “I still remember during Rugby Choir practice if he heard somebody singing out of tune, he would stop the singing and instruct the culprit to sing on their own. He would also stop us during actual performances. He always wanted us to produce our best.

Another vivid memory is that he occasionally used to jump up on the desk at the front of the class if he was getting excited about something he was telling us.”

Jim Hyde
Jimmy
9/58-7/67
9/61-7/67
9 years
6 years
Teacher
Housemaster
Geography
Johnstons
LINK 1   -   LINK 2   -   LINK 3

Jim Hyde was a WHS colossus, and not only intellectually. I can't possibly do justice to this man, who gave so many years of complete dedication to the school and boys, both as a supreme teacher of geography and as a housemaster, not to mention his "Young Farmers" and other activities.

I wasn't in his house, but once on the touchline watching a 1st XV game he confided in me his regret at not being able to take on a Headship, given that he was not a practising Christian and would not be able to carry out the religious role and duties required of a Head at that time. I have no idea why he suddenly opened up to me; I was in the 5th form and certainly didn't know him all that well, but I guess this was a matter he felt quite deeply about.

When Peter Brown, Mike Bysh, Jim Atkinson and I organised a reunion at Pin Mill after a 40 absence from school, we were fortunate enough to meet up with him. Sadly, Enid had died a year or so before, which hit him very hard. But he was very pleased to see us and invited us round for tea. I reminded him of something he'd once said, when a boy whose name I forget said to him. "How comes you are so clever, Sir?"

He replied. "I'm not that clever; I'm just 5,000 books ahead of you." But of course he was very clever indeed - and an unforgettable personality. One cannot think of WHS without thinking of his contribution. It will sadly no longer be possible to see him again, but he will always remain a part of what made us. (Chris Snuggs - December 2011)

Enid Hyde       Teacher French, Russian
SEE LINK

Chris Snuggs Berners/Halls 58-64: "Enid was a highly-accomplished woman: a polyglot and botanist of considerable repute, and a marvellous support to Jim Hyde throughout his distinguished WHS career. It is possible that many WHS boys did not realize the scale of her accomplishments at the time."

Mick Wenlock Johnstons 65-70: "I met her a few times at various meetings in the Housemaster's apartment to watch some significant TV program or for a social call. As far as i know she never taught a class at Woolverstone but she played a very important role for me in my last year at Woolvo. In 1970 it was 'O level" time for the fifth. It was also the time I peaked in my unpleasant attitude. I managed to tick off two of my Teachers (Pete Sadler and Mr Shakeshaft) to the point where they banned me from their classrooms. I, of course, was the one who precipitated the blow by being a supremely objectional twat.

So in that spring term I spent those class periods either wandering aimlessly or studying in the 5th form common room at Johnstons. It took Edith about a week to gently knock on the door of the common room and to ask me if I was ill. I told her what I was doing. She asked if she could help me with the French revision - I had no idea until that point that she was a good linguist. For the rest of that term and then again in the summer term when there were no classes she persisted in stopping by a couple of times a week and taking me through exercises in French. It is because of her that I made my way through "La Chanson de Roland". For that feat alone she deserves my lifelong thanks.
My top two 'O' Level results were French and History."
J Birtles
Joe
9/57-7/60 3 years Teacher Physics
 
J. K. Pillai   1/57-7/57 2 terms Teacher ?
B. Davies   9/56-12/56 1 term Teacher ?
H. C. 'Doc' Lewis   9/56-?? Teacher ?  
Stanislaus Walter
Arnold 'Stan' Goetzee
Stan
9/55-7/76
9/62-7/76
9/55-7/62
21 years
7 years
Teacher
Housemaster
Asst. Housemaster
Maths
Hansons
Hansons
Louis Parperis: "The family came from The Netherlands and he, his brother and sister were second or third generation. He had an uncle called Stanley who was killed at the Battle of the Somme, hence my knowledge of his name as I had written ‘Stanley Goetzee Is Fat’ on the front of John Morri’s Maths workbook and Stan announced that: ‘Stanley Goetzee is not fat; he died etc’ and went on to advise the class of his full name. I missed all this as I was in the B set for Maths being taught by the late Roger Barker, but was given a full account by young Master Morri when I rejoined him en route to the next lesson."

In a way, I feel overawed still, after all these years, so insignificant in achievement when compared to this man. What a colossus of music at Woolverstone! His encouragement of talent, those great productions, his putting together of orchestras of such quality for a small school, and when we needed a boost, getting in such good pro's that we could listen to and admire. I remember in particular several first-class violinists and then a wonderful oboeist for "Amahl & the Night Visitors".

Merlin was creative to his fingertips, but also determinedly practical - a "get-it-done" person - brilliant at getting orchestras, actors, producers and the

Dr A. Hassell-Smith 9/56-7/62 5 years Asst. Housemaster Halls


Chris Snuggs: "I remember Hassell as my Asst. Housemaster in Halls in the early 60s as a kind man whom one could never imagine slippering a boy. What we didn't realize at the time was that he was a top scholar, even though his title was obviously Dr. Was he the ONLY WHS teacher ever to hold a PhD? He went on to have a long and distinguished career after WHS and leaves fond memories."

Louis Parperis: Alfred Hassell Smith, who died in 2013, was an eminent historian specialising in the social history of the 16th century, particularly in Norfolk where he was born and spent much of his life. He became a professor in the history department at UAE which is where I came into contact with him, without realising he had once taught at Woolverstone. He was married, but not to the delightful yet redoubtable Joan Kynaston-Shaw, a lifelong spinster and a very accomplished makeup artist whose skills contributed enormously to school productions.

Michael Shakeshaft
Shakey
9/55-7/81
9/57-7/70
9/55-7/81
26 years
13 years
26 years
Teacher
Housemaster
Coach
French
Berners
badminton
PROFILE LINK


Shakey was apocryphally famous for throwing boardrubbers, including out of the window of his classroom. However, I knew him for 6 years, including 2
as my Housemaster in Berners, and I never heard, saw or knew of him doing an unkind or thoughtless thing. He was a consummate teacher and gave
his heart to WHS, including many school trips in his holidays and of course the badminton club over many years. His was an awesome career and life.
(Chris Snuggs)

Merlin Channon 9/55-7/62 7 years Head of Department Music
COMPENDIUM LINK
In a way, I feel overawed still, after all these years, so insignificant in achievement when compared to this man. What a colossus of music at Woolverstone! His encouragement of talent, those great productions, his putting together of orchestras of such quality for a small school, and when we needed a boost, getting in such good pro's that we could listen to and admire. I remember in particular several first-class violinists and then a wonderful oboeist for "Amahl & the Night Visitors".

Merlin was creative to his fingertips, but also determinedly practical - a "get-it-done" person - brilliant at getting orchestras, actors, producers and the powers to be to put it all together. And of course, he had a great image - rubbing shoulders with Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears, always off at Aldeburgh or somewhere.

For us lower school kids he was pretty heroic - not in the same way as Bill Coutts or Mickey Baranyai of course, but in an equally devoted sort of way. And yet I seem to remember him being a good communicator even with unimportant little oiks in year 1, interested in our musical progress, always encouraging - even though he was always very busy! Never heard him play the cornet enough, but when we did it was exciting.

Musical experiences at Wolverstone remain unforgettable for me - more than that, sublime, exciting, participative, creative, magical. He was not called Merlin for nothing. We thought he was irreplaceable when he left to become a Schools Music Inspector in the West Country, but then along came Barry Salmon ...... (Chris Snuggs - March 2003)

Chris Fuller:) Practical as well as creative, Merlin was the one who brought girls to Woolverstone so that we wouldn't have to dress up as girls in all his productions. For most of us, that was a double blessing!

Malcolm A. R. Poole
Stretch
9/54-12/87
9/68-12/72
9/62-7/68
32 years
4 years
6 years
Teacher
Housemaster
Asst. Housemaster
French
Halls
Hansons

LINK ONE     -     LINK TWO     

M.A.R.P. - as he always signed his "Janus" articles - was a towering presence at WHS, and not just because of his height, which earned him his nickname from early in the school's life. For nearly three decades he made an immense contribution to WHS, as teacher, Housemaster and sailing supremo. And he taught me French for 6 years and inspired me to become a teacher of French myself.  I met him once again in the early 2000s and was able to thank him. "I'm glad you found your niche," he said over lunch in the Butt & Oyster. Unforgettable days. (Chris Snuggs - Jan. 2003)

Chris Fuller 2003: ‘Stretch’ Poole was a master who had the gift of being a figure of authority whilst at the same time being a ‘mate’, and being able to convey to one which particular aspect was appropriate at any given time without a word being spoken. In addition to his academic duties he ran the Sea Cadet Corps and the ‘Sailing Club’, as it was known in my day, in a very friendly manner without compromising the safety of the boys under his charge.

In about the fourth form I decided that I enjoyed hauling capsizers out of the Orwell rather more than waiting around in the freezing water to be hauled out myself. I will be forever in Stretch’s debt for the judgement/courage that he showed in allowing me to command the rescue cutter (a not inconsiderable piece of kit in terms of size and value) with very little input from him. It did wonders for my self confidence. He also showed a great deal of forbearance when I managed to run it aground one Sunday afternoon on a falling tide which required me to go and own up and request permission to miss the Sunday Service to retrieve it when the tide had risen again – it was granted without a word of admonishment as I recall.

His French lessons were a mixture of hard work and fun, especially the anecdotes and it is a shame that I let him down by not getting a pass in the written 'O' Level (the oral was alright). Anyway, by that time Shakey was teaching me French (or trying to).

Charlie Palmer   54-?   Teacher Latin & Roman History  
             
Ian Richardson
Butch
12/54-1/59 Teacher
Asst. Housemaster
Latin
Johnstons
John Tuddenham (McGown): "He taught Latin ... spoke various Chinese dialects .... was in Military intelligence during the War!!! He could actually converse in Latin!!!!
Peter Josselyn   9/54-7/60 6 years Teacher
Coach
English
cricket & rugger
left to go to Shawnigan Lake School, Vancouver

 

 

There is a "COMPENDIUM" article about Peter here.

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Robert Vickers Rowland
Rommel
9/53-3/61
1/59-3/61
8 years Head of Department
Housemaster
German
Johnsons
to be Head of City of Coventry School in Shropshire - kiled in car crash Feb 1964

Mr Rowland was a really impressive guy: a fighter pilot in the war, a 1st in German & English at Birmingham University and by all accounts a great teacher: one of those formidable pioneers who really put WHS on the map in establishing its academic excellence and credibility. I hardly knew him, but there is a tribute to him on the LINK right. He was killed in a RTA a few years after leaving to take up the Headship of The City of Coventry Boarding School, a loss profoundly felt by all who knew him. (Chris Snuggs - October 2020)

LINK

 

's that we could listen to and admire. I remember in particular several first-class violinists and then a wonderful oboeist for "Amahl & the Night Visitors".

 

Ian R. Bell   9/52-7/60 Teacher
Ron Gould - Corners 51-55: "Ian Bell was wonderful. When he found out that I was from a Jewish family he told me some of his wartime experiences. He was in Military Intelligence; was one of the first British officers into Bergen-Belsen. He told me then that some of the things they found were still Official Secrets (this was 1955). There was a fictionalized documentary a few years back, but he was not mentioned. I contacted the director about the film, and was told that they were forbidden to mention Military Intelligence being there. I wonder what is still being kept under cover."

Nigel Fletcher - Halls 53-61: "I remember Ian Bell well. Fairly extreme left-wing views. Visited me in hospital (rugby) bringing Silas Marner for me to read."

Leslie Woolford Willy 9/52-7/55 3 years Head of Department Art

In a way, I feel overawed still, after all these years, so insignificant in achievement when compared to this man. What a colossus of music at Woolverstone! His encouragement of talent, those great productions, his putting together of orchestras of such quality for a small school, and when we needed a boost, getting in such good pro's that we could listen to and admire. I remember in particular several first-class violinists and then a wonderful oboeist for "Amahl & the Night Visitors".

Merlin was creative to his fingertips, but also determinedly practical - a "get-it-done" person - brilliant at getting orchestras, actors, producers and the powers to be to put it all together. And of course, he had a great image - rubbing shoulders with Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears, always off at Aldeburgh or somewhere.

For us lower school kids he was pretty heroic - not in the same way as Bill Coutts or Mickey Baranyai of course, but in an equally devoted sort of way. And yet I seem to remember him being a good communicator even with unimportant little oiks in year 1, interested in our musical progress, always encouraging - even though he was always very busy! Never heard him play the cornet enough, but when we did it wa

Raymond Warren Bunny 9/52-7/55 3 years Head of Department Music

In a way, I feel overawed still, after all these years, so insignificant in achievement when compared to this man. What a colossus of music at Woolverstone! His encouragement of talent, those great productions, his putting together of orchestras of such quality for a small school, and when we needed a boost, getting in such good pro's that we could listen to and admire. I remember in particular several first-class violinists and then a wonderful oboeist for "Amahl & the Night Visitors".

Merlin was creative to his fingertips, but also determinedly practical - a "get-it-done" person - brilliant at getting orchestras, actors, producers and the powers to be to put it all together. And of course, he had a great image - rubbing shoulders with Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears, always off at Aldeburgh or somewhere.

F

William Halls   9/51-7/53 Housemaster Halls
John Shuttleworth   9/51-7/53 Teacher
Asst. Housemaster
Maths
Corners
Richard Cobb   9/51-12/57 6 years Teacher
Asst. Housemaster
Geography
Halls
died of cancer: http://www.whs-archives.net/staff/comments/rtcobb.htm

Dick was one of the youngest masters of the original crew in 1951. Was very sorry to learn of his death. I was taught Geography by him for three years before my parents decided to emigrate to Oz in '54. He was truly a great teacher with ability to communicate enthusiasm for the subject. I think he regarded me as lazy because I could never translate my interest in English, Latin and French to other subjects. The truth was that his classes were very competitive, and even a minor lapse would result in one's not being able to catch up. My own lapses were quite extended. Once I had to wait about two weeks for broken spectacles to be replaced--and I lacked the bottle to get myself reseated at the front where I could see the blackboard. End of story.

He would reminisce about his experiences flying Swordfishes in the Fleet Air Arm and visiting Lough Neagh, Maracaibo, Trincomalee--places which would get special attention in Geog lessons. And he would say: "Don't let anyone persuade you to die for your country. It is not worth dying for anybody!" (A lesson I have been pleased to remember. It was strongly reinforced by my own father, an artilleryman and Tobruk POW who survived many horrors including an air crash, and enjoyed the peace until 1995 when bone cancer finally got him at age 85.)

As a Cornerite, I didn't get to know Dick well 'out of hours', but heard many favourable reports from friends who were in, eg, the Young Farmers club. And he seemed to be a saint in comparison with the Asst. Housemaster to whom I did have to relate daily, none other than the maths master, John Shuttleworth, the abominable Shuffs. (But that is another story - a long and painful one!) (Brian Jenkins - 2003) 

William Halls   9/51-7/53 2 years Teacher
Frederick S. Mudd
Fred
9/51-7/61
9/51-7/61
10 years Teacher
Housemaster
Physics
Orwell
went to PRS Wilhelmshafen    -  

Fred was a founder member of the school and played a huge part in establishing it as a centre of excellence. I had him for physics in my first two years before he left for Wilhelmshafen. His lessons were the most excciting in my WHS career. French was my best subject but to be honest it could not compete for fascination value with the magic of physics. We did a LOT of experiments with gases, water, electricity, weights and all the rest. I was sorry to se him leave at the end of my second year, but he had done 10 years at WHS and wanted a new challenge, for which I admire him. I have tried to find what became of him at the PRS in Germany, but failed. (Chris Snuggs - October 2020)

 

 LINK

 

Leslie Johnston
Jonny
9/51-7/63
9/51-7/63
9/51-7/54
12 years
12 years
3 years
Acting Head
Deputy-Head
Teacher
Housemaster


latin
Johnsons
LINK

Leslie was a huge contributor to and influence on the development of WHS. Throughout the first decade he provided tremendous moral, intellectual and practical support to Mr Smitherman, not least in dramatic productions. He was a towering presence. There was a rumour that when Mr Smitherman decided to leave he had hoped to replace him, but was passed over, and soon left to take up a headship at Cheadle Hulme School. Mr Bailey was an inspired choice, but Mr Johnston's departure was a big loss for the school. He was my first latin teacher, and I'll never forget our first lesson. He strode majestically into the classroom, hardly said a word, just wrote the declension of 'insula' on the board and made us recite it for 20 minutes - OLD SCHOOL STYLE!. But I never forgot it! (Chris Snuggs - October 2020)

From Nov. 1977 Newsletter: Leslie Johnston, housemaster, history teacher, deputy head and acting head during his time at Woolverstone from 1951 to 1959, passed away peacefully, aged 82, on Friday 10 October. His younger daughter Meroe Wilson wrote that he had been resident in a nursing home for a year. She said that it was tough on Leslie because he wasn't able to be in his own home with his wife Valerie. However, those that looked after him were extremely compassionate and caring in their work and they did a marvellous job. His older daughter Erica had arrived from California, where she now lives, and with Meroe saw him in the morning. The family are members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and they held a small gathering at home on Sunday 19 October when they had a quiet celebration of Leslie's life. Some of you may have seen the notice in the Times. The house he founded carried his name until the closure of the school. All OWs, colleagues on the teaching staff, support staff and pupils, that knew him will have their own memories, particularly those old Johnstonians who were there during his stewardship.

Steve R. Corner
Pop
9/51-4/76

9/63-7/59
Head of Department

Housemaster
Biology & Head of Science
Corners

In a way, I feel overawed still, after all these years, so insignificant in achievement when compared to this man. What a colossus of music at Woolverstone! His encouragement of talent, those great productions, his putting together of orchestras of such quality for a small school, and when we needed a boost, getting in such good pro's that we could listen to and admire. I remember in particular several first-class violinists and then a wonderful oboeist for "Amahl & the Night Visitors".

Merlin was creative to his fingertips, but also determinedly practical - a "get-it-done" person - brilliant at getting orchestras, actors, producers and the powers to be to put it all together. And of course, he had a great image - rubbing shoulders with Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears, always off at Aldeburgh or somewhere.

For us lower school kids he was pretty heroic - not in the same way as Bill Coutts or Mickey Baranyai of course, but in an equally devoted sort of way. And

Ivor Glyn Evans
Taffy
9/50-7/70
9/53-1/65
9/50-7/3
Teacher
Housemaster
Asst. Housemaster
Coach
Maths & P.E.
Halls
Hansons
rugger
LINK   -   POEM
Woolverstone gave great opportunities to anyone with talent and motivation. But it's true that sport had a special place in the school, and rugger was the king of sports. And rugger at Woolverstone was and always will be associated with "Taffy" Evans. The ethos had been established from the early days, and year after year saw great teams run out onto Church Field on a Saturday afternoon to play hard, open, attacking rugby. The players were fit and tough, well-trained, techically-correct, tactically-aware and highly-motivated, and this was down to Taffy's influence - supported of course by many of his colleagues over the years. We loved the game, even though some of us missed the football (soccer!) we'd known at primary school in London and elsewhere, but which at Woolverstone (till the 1966 RODEO at least!) was limited to Sunday afternoon kick-abouts on Orwell Side.

Taffy was hard, and this wasn't always appreciated, but then so was his game. He was tough, but he forced us to be tough, too. Woolverstone wouldn't have been the same without him.
(Chris Snuggs - October 2020)
Roy Hanson
Sandy
9/50-7/74
?/50-7/62
24 years
12 years
Teacher
Housemaster
Metalwork
Hansons
also taught woodwork in the early years
I have a lot of respect, still, for Sandy Hanson who not only taught me how to work generally with metals and basic welding but also showed me the rudiments of climbing and did something to repair the damage to my small artistic abilities which had suffered under the mountain of chips/resentment that Mike Coulter had shed my way. Ernie Green had agreed with me and my primary school that I could paint, in my rather messy, primitive way; Mike Coulter seemed blinded to that by his views about "poor kids in't back end of Leeds doing better work wi' blunt stick and ...." whatever. I was young enough to believe him and give up. Being a small and gentle man but none the less effective for that, Sandy also helped dispel some of the macho bollo present at the time amongst us 'ruggerby football' types.
(Tone Horwood - Corners 62-69 in March 2003)
 
John Shuttleworth   9/51-7/53 2 years Teacher
Asst. Housemaster
Maths
Corners

Shuttleworth had a 3 wheeler as well as the Lagonda .... he crashedthe former near Freston Hill sometime. Rumour was, that a particular boy, who shall remain unidentified, had interfered with the brakes. Shuttleworth seemed to enjoy giving the slipper to bare bottoms across his knee after we were in our pyjamas in the evening. He left shortly after that car crash, I believe.

#top

J.S.H.S. was an exceptional educationalist. He took on the challenge of launching what some must have thought was a crazy experiment and in ten years turned it into an extraordinary school achieving the highest standards in academia, sport and culture. After indisputably succeeding in his mission, Smitherman - not content to rest on his laurels - left to take on another challenge at a military school in Hong-Kong.

After my 11+, I was interviewed by Smitherman sometime in 1958 at County Hall in London. Managing to impress him with my humble persona and be offered a place at WHS was the defining moment of my life. (Chris Snuggs - October 2020)

FULL PROFILE HERE

After my 11+, I was interviewed by Smitherman sometime in 1958 at County Hall in London. Managing to impress him with my humble persona and be offered a place at WHS was the defining moment of my life. (Chris Snuggs - October 2020)

After my 11+, I was interviewed by Smitherman sometime in 1958 at County Hall in London. Managing to impress him with my humble persona and be offered a place at WHS was the defining moment of my life. (Chris Snuggs - October 2020)
  Ms Wynn Dawson ?/?-?/? ? Teacher Domestic Science