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)

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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."

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".

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.

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

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

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

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

ic - not in the same w

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."

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.

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

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.”

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

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

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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

died November 2022

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

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

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

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)

• The Sayings of G.H. Bailey

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

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

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)

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)

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)

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 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 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)

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

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.

• Obituary in "The Guardian"
  
  
• Idem "The Eastern Daily Press"
  
  
• Janus" article re his departure

LINK ONE     -     LINK TWO     

'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".

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

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

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

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.

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)