ADA Newsletter No. 16 Spring 2000

Last time I started by sending special good wishes to Gladys Arlett; this time, on a sadder note, we thank her for a very full and moving appreciation of Rosa Baigent who died in January. Sheila Sandford, who was also present at Rosa's funeral, has added her tribute.

We are grateful to Ruth Currey (Dyer) for persuading her sister‑in‑law, Mary Dyer, to tell us about the life of John Dyer who died in April 1999; and to Joan George (Duffield) for writing about her classmate from 1943 Yvonne Porges (Bishop). We have just heard that Derek Patten (1950‑56) has died, but have no details at present.

By chance, we have obtained a tribute to Dr Trefor Jones, from his son Alun whom Paul Mills was trying to persuade to join the association. I hope our readers will not feel that we have overdone the tributes this time. Perhaps I should warn those of a nervous disposition, when mention of Dr Trefor Jones is made, that a photo of him appears later!

It's excellent to see so many new members listed in The Chairman's Report. Chance seems to have been a good recruiting officer in some of the instances ‑ such as Neil Perry, near whom I was placed at a Ruby Wedding party last summer. He reminded me that he had been wicketkeeper when I was Second XI captain, but readers will no doubt be relieved to know that the picture reproduced on the photo page represents the year when David Everett was captain! (Several other ADA members present). Neil's other photo (I promise to return your photos and magazines soon, Neil!) is surely remarkable in showing 9 members of the Association, now that David Knott has joined us. David has lived on Tobago for the past 40 years, and just happened to meet Tom Mangold who was on honeymoon in Tobago! Congratulations to Tom on marrying Kathryn Parkinson, and on appearing in Nigel Dempster's column in the Mail! If the photo is of good enough quality it will appear on the photo page!

Hebe and Doc continue to provoke fond memories ‑ Shirley Green has a copy of Phaudrig Crohoore, costing 3/9d, and Joy Taylor (Spencer, daughter of Jim Spencer) remembers Doc's stirring introduction to 'Jerusalem' in school assemblies, and how Brian Mills suffered from the special emphasis on 'dark satanic mills'. My daughters and I can empathise, having had to put up with 'the purpled headed mountain' which was probably sung more often than 'Jerusalem'.

Rob Worsfold has kindly responded to my query in No. 15 about the fate of 'White Gates' where Ralph. Vaughan Williams lived for many years. Rob's father took part in the Leith Hill Music Festivals for 50 years from 1947 to 1997, and was presented with an attractive wooden plaque on his retirement. He attended rehearsals at 'White Gates' on several occasions in the late forties and early fifties, and once took Rob to a rehearsal at the Dorking Halls taking great delight in pointing out RVW to him, even though he was only six at the time! Worsfold Senior has given me 5 sides of anecdotes relating to RVW, and I would be happy to send copies on receipt of an A5 s.a.e. Regarding the fate of 'White Gates' Dr Cole related that the house had an unfortunate end. Despite the installation of central heating, it was essentially a summer house, and proved to be unsaleable, and was demolished.

The Old Dorkinian Cricket Club, celebrating its 50th Anniversary, has produced an even better booklet on this occasion. Everyone who has ever played for them gets a mention, including someone called Tracy Moorshead! Also there are photos which will bring back memories. A cheque for £5 and an A4 s.a.e. to Dave Wilcockson will secure a copy.

Umbrella ‑ one was left at the last'. Reunion/AGM in October 1999. An adequate description together with reappearance on 14th October 2000 would reunite with owner!

David Mountain April 2000

65 Broadhurst, Ashtead

Surrey KT21 I QD

Tel: 01372 273227

Email: David.H.Mountain@BTIntemet.com

April 2000

DIARY

MILLENNIUM GET TOGETHER 10th June 2000 ‑ waiting list only ‑ see Sheila's note.

ADA Golf ‑ possible fixture in September; if interested please contact Harold Child now!

REUNION/AGM ‑ Saturday 14th October 2000 ‑ full details with next Newsletter.

BUT all of you please think of names for the next Committee now!

COPY for next Newsletter to the editor by 1st August 2000, please.

MILLENNIUM GET TOGETHER

10 JUNE 2000

The Autumn 1999 Newssheet gave details of a proposed Millennium Get Together on 10 June 2000. The response has been excellent and your Committee has decided that the event should take the form of a tea party.

Because so many of you were well organised and got your new diaries out during the first couple of weeks in January, we are in the happy position of having a small waiting list for places at the Get Together!

If you would like to come, don't let that news deter you, but please contact Sheila Sandford to see what the position is before you send in a cheque.

Sheila Sandford

73 Copthorne Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 7EE

Telephone/FAX: 0 1372 – 372936 E‑MAIL: s.sandford@freeuk.com

From the Chairman.

Firstly, I would welcome a whole host of new members which I have pleasure in listing here to show how we are growing! Colin Batts, Avril Baxter, Annabel & Eleanor Bower, John Brewer, Keith Carnelly, Shirley Cox, Roger Cullis, Pam Dyer, Alan France, Pat France, Jenny Gyte, Pamela Haas, Tony Harber, Ken Holloway, David Knott, Tom Mangold, Katy Martin, Gerry & Jennifer Moss, Neil Perry, Nick Perry, Richard Rossner, Peter Savage, Ann Scrivener, Graharn Smith, June Snellgrove, Terry Stenning, John Stimpson, Joy Taylor, June Tipping, Diana Wakeford and Heather Wood. I hope you will all find your, membership both happy and rewarding.

The main thing which has occupied your Committee over the last six months has been the project for the re‑erection of the Memorial Gates which, as most of you know, were originally dedicated in 1949 and then were subsequently removed and almost scrapped to make way for the motor car! I am delighted to report that progress on the project has been excellent due to the hard work and dedication of John Hayns and his band of helpers [sub‑committee]. On the "progress" side we are in the position that the layout, design and location have been completed and agreed to the satisfaction of all those concerned, most importantly the School, and the formal Planning Permission of the Mole Valley District Council is currently being sought. Once this permission has been granted we shall be in a position to place the necessary contracts to begin construction. Thus, at that stage we will also begin to commit money and so we come to the financial aspects!

At the outset of any discussion of the finances, I have to thank the membership of the Association most warmly for the fantastic response to the "buy a brick" campaign. Of our total numbers, well over one‑third have responded and the sum so far contributed is in excess of £2000 ‑ yes "two thousand pounds". Thank you and well done. Of those who have not responded and still wish to do so, let me say it will never be too late!! The above sum together with the reserve in the Association's coffers gives us a good start and these together with the surplus money from the 1992 reunion, which is currently lodged with the School, should be getting on for enough to cover costs. However, there may still be a shortfall so I might yet be back!!

Concerning the money lodged with the School, there is a single lone voice from the membership which believes that this source should not be used for the Gates project. Do any others of our membership feel the same way? If so, would they please let me know.

On another topic, you will recall that the last Newsletter talked of the setting up of an "archive" for "Dorkinian" memorabilia. It now seems unlikely that we will be unable to do this "in house" but we have had preliminary discussions with the Dorking Museum and something may come of that in due course. I guess at the moment, it's a case of "watching this space".

An important date for your diary every year is the second Saturday in October, the “regular" date for the Reunion Lunch preceded by the AGM. Hopefully, this year will be particularly notable because it remains our objective hold a short re‑dedication Service of the re‑erected Memorial Gates on that day, the 14th We cannot firm up on this yet because a lot has to be achieved to between now and then but, if all goes well, we would expect to hold the function at something like 10.15 a.m., that is, before the AGM. Anyway, keep your eyes peeled for details which will appear in the Autumn N/L or the AGM "call up" papers. I look forward to a "better than ever" turnout this year, it could become a "major" reunion! Meanwhile, best wishes to you all for the Summer.

Mike Dobson

From the Membership Secretary ‑‑‑

Membership stands at 350 at the time of writing, with a very healthy figure of 16 new members joining since the October reunion, including two sisters who have not yet left school. Congratulations to our Chairman for his irresistible letter to school leavers!

However, we are in a flexible condition at present; I recently contacted 65 members whose subscriptions are overdue, and am receiving an average of 3‑4 cheques and grovelling letters a day. By the time you read this, we may be anywhere between 296 and 350. Realistically, it is highly unlikely we shall be below 300.

Please, in future, do not pay a subscription unless you receive a proforma with your autumn Newsletter; but if you do receive one, please do pay it! Before you forget.

Subscriptions are due on September Ist each year, unless you pay by standing order (as all the good guys do), in which case the date is December 1st.

I have been so charmed by the response of my Spellcheck to some of your surnames that I put the whole membership through it in an idle moment one day (knowing that names like Dale and Mountain are quite safe!). Most of the suggestions it made were predictable and boring, but there were a few gems, which I thought you might like to share.

Arditti = Aridity

Bruinvel = Brainless

Carnelley = Carnally

Dobson = Doubloon

Haresign = Harassing

Maynard = Maenad

Morley = Morally

Parr = APR (!)

Simmons = Simian

Snushall = Sunshade

Treagus = Triages

Sandford = Sangfroid (well. we all knew that, didn't we?)

Rosemary

John Gent's Bits:

The Ashcombe Dorkinian Association Bursary

The following Press Release was sent to local newspapers:

AMANDA HAIRE AWARDED A.D.A. BURSARY

Ashcombe pupil Amanda Haire is seen receiving the

1999 Ashcombe Dorkinian Association Bursary from Mr John Gent,

the Association's Treasurer.

Not only has Ashcombe pupil Amanda Haire passed her A‑levels to gain admission to university to read English, she has also been awarded the 1999 Ashcombe Dorkinian Association Bursary for academic excellence

The Bursary, currently valued at £250, is awarded on an annual basis, and is intended to augment other funds at a university or approved college of tertiary education within the European Community. The ultimate aim of the Bursary is to extend opportunity to worthy pupils and to promote academic excellence in former Ashcombe School pupils.

The Ashcombe Dorkinian Association also donates 3 award prizes to the School for services to the School Community. All former members of the Ashcombe School and the earlier constituent Dorking Schools are eligible for membership and are especially welcome in the ADA.

The Ashcombe Dorkinian Association Prize

The 1999 ADA Prize for services to the School Community was awarded to Jago Channell who also obtained four A‑grades in his A‑levels.

Ashcombe School Awarded Gold Star Status

The Chief Inspector of Schools has awarded the Ashcombe School Gold Star status,

being amongst the top 80 secondary schools in the entire country.

'We are obviously very pleased with this award," said Headteacher, Arthur Webster. "What is really important though, is that recognition of the quality of the service has been achieved without altering the basic things which we stand for. The ethos of The Ashcombe School is unchanged".

Continuing, Arthur said the country was full of excellent schools, and he pointed to The Ashcombe's OFSTED report last May which highlighted many outstanding features in its educational provision.

"The School is now also a Language College and in partnership with other local schools, colleges and businesses we really are working together for the benefit of all the community in this area of Surrey", stated Mr. Webster.

Ashcombe Dorkinian Association Now 'On The Web'

Following the announcement in our last Newsletter, I am pleased to advise that The Ashcombe Dorkinian Association has a page on the School's Website: http://www.ashcombe.surrey.sch.uk.

In addition the "59/61'ers", whose 40th Anniversary Reunion is described below, also have a separate site which may be contacted at: http://go.to/dorkinian

Anyone wanting to contact the Association can contact John Gent at: johngent@mail.com , or any of the Committee Members whose e‑mail addresses were in the Autumn Newssheet.

40th Anniversary Reunion Held by the "59/61'ers"

The "59/61'ers" (those pupils who left the DCGS in the Fifth Form in 1959 or the Sixth Form in 1961) held their 40th Anniversary Reunion on 25^th March. It was also their contribution to the Millennium celebrations!

Of the 100 or so who were on the original 5th Form class list (see Autumn Edition No. 1I of 'The Dorkinian', where all 5th Form classes from 1958 to 1974 were listed), we have managed to contact 67, and we had an attendance of 4I at the Reunion.

The Reunion was held as a buffet‑lunch in the Garden Room of the White Horse Hotel in Dorking, commencing at 11.30am. Although no overseas members were able to attend, several did travel from as far afield as Scotland and Cornwall. Eventually we had to leave at 6.00pm. to make way for another function. However, several members adjourned to the Surrey Oaks hostelry where the 'reunion' continued (I can't remember till when, so we must have had a good time!).

Photographs of the Reunion, together with Dorking Scenes and pictures of 'The Way We Were!' have been posted on the internet at: http://go.to/dorkinian

(this website was superseded by www.ashcombedorkinian.com in which some of these pictures still exist)

The 40th Anniversary Reunion of "The 59/61 'ers" of

Dorking County Grammar School, 25th March. 2000

(Behind) : Pearl Kerr, Angus Kerr (L to R): Judith Rodgers, Jacquie Beagley, ... Ann Hanson,

Rowena Ford, Jenny Gyte, Madeleine Woods

(F): S~ Huggett, Roger Bowe, John Gent, Alan Caley,Rowena Ford

Judith Rodgers, Jacquie Beagley, Jenny Gyte, Ann Stringer General View

More Pictures of "The 59/61'ers" Reunion

Frances Atkinson, Carol Southworth, Frances Watson, Margaret Hill Bryn Jones, Annabelle Cooper

A Not‑So‑Old Photograph

I am pleased to be able to show a wonderful picture of our erstwhile ADA Secretary, Sheila Bowers. was taken in the days when we used to have our October AGM Reunion lunch in the School's Canteen a it was 'all hands to the wheel' to clean it up before the members arrived. Ah, those were the days!

The School's Magazine 'Accent on Ashcombe'

It still never fails to impress me how expansive are the School's activities nowadays. The latest issue of 'Accent' (No.5) was as issued in March and I summarise some of the more salient points mentioned:

Awards Evening December 1999:

The principal guest was Ms Mary Jacobi, advisor to the Board of HSBC Holdings plc., and who has also held posts in the White House under Presidents Reagan and Bush. She presented the students with their awards and 'held the audience spellbound' (quote from Accent), recounting her rise from rural Mississippi to heady days in Washington.

Visits to/from Abroad

Last October, 32 A‑Level Economics and Business Studies pupils, accompanied by 3 adults, went on a six‑day trip to Prague to gain an insight into local, regional and international problems facing this former Communist country.

Also in October, the School welcomed a party of 16 students and 2 teachers from the Heinrich Boell Gymnasium, Troisdorf, Germany.

A team of pupils from the Ashcombe School are presently participating in the British Schoolgirls' Ski Races in France, hoping to emulate last year's achievements of the White twins, Jean and Erica. For the first time, a boys' team has also been sent to the British Schoolboys' Races in Switzerland. A group of approximately 50 pupils is also going on an American ski trip. Makes me tired just thinking about it!

Notwithstanding the "beef crisis", The Ashcombe is doing their bit for entente cordiale, welcoming 2 separate groups of French pupils, numbering 12 and 19, from Chantilly and from Gouvieux respectively.

Not to be outdone, the Swedes also sent a delegation of 13 from Karlskrone!

There's also a report and photo of a group of students from The Ashcombe and Reigate College on a joint Latin‑Classical Civilisation visit to Greece, last October

And finally, (well I hope not literally!), the Head Boy, Richard Williams has been selected from over 400 applicants to take part in an expedition to Lahaul, in the Himachal Pradesh, India, with the British Schools' Exploring Society. The 3‑month expedition will leave England in September and will comprise 24 Gap Year students and 9 experienced leaders.

Language College Award

The prestigious national Vektor Award for the Teaching of Modem Languages Through Technology was presented to the Head, Arthur Webster, at the Technology Colleges Trust national conference in Nottingham, last December.

Chinese Lessons Begin

With The School now being a Language College, even more importance is being placed on such studies, and the first Chinese lessons began last October. For those interested, courses last 10 weeks!

Changes in Curriculum for 16‑18 year‑old Students

Accent devotes quite a bit of space explaining the changes in the curriculum for 16‑18 year old students, which are being introduced to broaden post‑16 studies and enable students to make a more informed choice of a Higher Education course.

School's Production of Chess

Once again the School put on a wonderful production last December: this time it was "Chess". These productions are almost professional and really are to be recommended to any of you who can make it.

Sports News

Stuart Kerr, Lower 6th, won 7 medals at the Southern Cross MultiDisability Swimming Championships in Sydney, Australia, opened up this year to international athletes as a pre‑run to the Olympics.

Not to be outdone, 10 girls represented The School at the Surrey Secondary Schools' Swimming Championships in January, returning with a first‑place Surrey badge, a trophy and certificates. The lower School did well for themselves also, picking up 2^nd, 3rd,^,4th , 6th, and two 7th places in a variety of events.

In Rugby, Simon Lowe (U16), has played for the Surrey ‘A’ XV this year and is close to making the 1st XV. The U13 won the Effingham Tournament this year, beating Winston Churchill 15‑0 in the Final.

In Netball, the U19 Girls finished 3rd in the qualifying rounds of the County Tournament. The U14's are still unbeaten this season! So too are the U12's!

Tom Love, David Croker and Mark Nickols have all been selected for the U19 County Football Trials.

The Ashcombe achieved notable success in the Schools' TSB Cross Country Cup, with 3 out of 4 teams qualifying for the SouthEast Regional Round.

The ADA Bursary

Accent gave good publicity to the fact that Amanda was awarded The ADA Bursary.

Rosa Baigent

Accent also noted with regret the death of Rosa Baigent, who was Secretary at The School for 40 years, first at the DCGS, and then at the Ashcombe. It mentioned that she received the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977 for outstanding public service. The School was represented at Rosa's funeral by Miss Goswell.

John P Gent

Rosa Mary Baigent 23/09/1919 – 02/01/2000

The end of an era occurred on 2nd January, 2000, with the death in hospital of Rosa Baigent, the School Secretary for almost 40 years. Everyone who passed through the school from 1938 to 1980, staff and pupils, knew or knew of Rosa. When asked to write an appreciation, I wondered where to begin. There were so many facets to her life but underneath it all, the characteristics which stood out were her pleasant personality, willingness to help others, an ability to rise to any occasion and a loyal friend and confidante to many.

Rosa cams to North Holmwood with her parents when she was six months old and lived in the same house there all her life. She attended North Holmwood village school and. on leaving, obtained a job at J&W Attlee Ltd, Millers & Corn Merchants. Her

secretarial skills were obtained by attending evening classes at Dene Street Institute. Her long association with the school started in 1938 when, encouraged by her Mother, she applied for the advertised post of School Secretary. She

was interviewed and, with typical humility, was rather over awed by the occasion, feeling that she was out of her depth academically. However, she was offered and accepted the post and never looked back.

She joined the A.T.S. in 1942 and served in the forces until 1946 and from her reminiscences she had a "rattling good time"! She returned to her post as school secretary in 1946 and from then until she retired in 1980 she worked under five headmasters and one acting head, all of whom must have found her encyclopaedic knowledge and expertise invaluable. This would have been particularly so in 1976 when the new Ashcombe School was formed from the closure of the Grammar School and the Mowbray Secondary School. Her expertise regarding school procedures and financial matters was second to none and prompted some to remark that Rosa 'ran the school'. Whatever job needed to be done, she was there, no matter how menial the task.

Rosa was liked by all who came in contact with her and she was highly respected by pupils and by staff, both teaching and non teaching. The number of people who attended her retirement party to wish her well was proof of this respect and esteem.

A highlight of the school year for Rosa was the end of the Summer Term tennis tournament which she thoroughly enjoyed. Tennis was another of her abiding interests. She was a member of the Dorking Tennis Club for over 35 years and a regular in the Ladies Doubles team. She first won the Ladies doubles title in 1949 and then, partnered by Audrey Hughes, she won the trophy in 1957, 1958, 1964 to 1969 and 1971, ten years in total ‑ no small achievement. She was a very popular member of the Club and I am told her sponge cakes and quiches were in great demand.

Rosa was a great asset yet again when, in 1990, work started on a re‑union to celebrate the school's 60th anniversary.

The Headmaster asked, via letters to newspapers, for volunteers to assist in the organising. Needless to say, Rosa volunteered and found herself appointed as Secretary to the Committee. She worked tirelessly for two years dealing with all the correspondence, researching lists and numerous other jobs, all without use of modern technology. Rosa coped with it all on her ordinary typewriter. The hard work of the Committee came to fruition over the weekend of the re‑union in September, 1992, when around 1600 ex‑pupils and staff attended. Rosa derived great pleasure from the renewed contacts she made with ex‑pupils across the country and in fact across the world.

Almost the final chapter of Rosa's life occurred on 23rd October, 1999, when the ex‑members of the O.D. Ladies Hockey Club (it ceased to exist about 25 years ago) decided to have its fifth reunion and invited Rosa as 'guest of honour' to celebrate her 80th birthday. Although not in the best of health she was determined to come and had a very memorable day which she continued to talk about for weeks. She was admitted to hospital three days after this event and did not return to her home.

Her long association with North Holmwood will not be forgotten as for some time she had been responsible for typing the Church magazine.

I sincerely hope that from reading the foregoing it can be appreciated why Rosa was honoured in 1977 with the award of the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal. The school was indeed very fortunate in having a School Secretary of the calibre of Rosa and Rosa herself was very proud to have been associated with the school for such a long time. It is doubtful whether her like will be seen again.

Gladys Arlett

Rosa's Funeral attended by Sheila Sandford and many others

On Friday, 14 January 2000, a number of Old Dorkinians and former staff members joined a congregation estimated to be over 100, which packed St. John's Church, North Holmwood, to pay their last respects to a very special lady.

The Vicar paid a warm and moving tribute to Rosa and these words kept recurring: happy, popular, helpful and cheerful. Emphasis was placed on her career as School Secretary at Dorking Grammar School for forty‑three years, interrupted only by war service. A number of Headmasters have had cause to be very grateful for the enormous amount of careful, painstaking work that she did quietly in the background. Pupils, staff and parents all had great respect for her and she got on well with everyone, from the youngest pupil to the most senior staff member. She remained loyal to the school, despite the changes when it became Ashcombe School. Out of school, her great passion was tennis and she was reckoned to be one of the best players in the district. She had a very long association with Dorking Tennis Club.

Following the service, family members and closest friends went on to the Crematorium. For the rest of us there was an opportunity to exchange a few words. Representing the Old Dorkinians were Gladys Arlett, Valerie Barter (nee Crane), Harold Child, Pam Dyer (nee Stenner), Mary McTigue (nee Bowring), Robert Miller, Peter Mills and Sheila Sandford, together with former staff members Mrs. Jo Taylor (nee Secretan), Mrs. Felicia Taylerson and Miss Dorothy Keenor.

Unfortunately other local members of the present Ashcombe Dorkinian Association Committee were prevented from attending by illness, whilst other Committee members live too far away.

In accordance with the wishes expressed by Rosa's family, the Ashcombe Dorkinian Association has made a donation in her memory to the League of Friends of Dorking Hospital.

John Dyer (1927‑1999)

John Dyer, who died suddenly on 18th April 1999, attended the School from 1939 to 1946, and went on to obtain a Degree in Civil Engineering. After a year of practical experience he went to Imperial College and gained a Diploma in Hydro Power.

John then went to Adelaide, South Australia, where he was involved in the design to raise the height of the Myponga Dam. Over the years he became an expert in water supply and disposal, and as a result travelled and worked widely in Europe and in the Middle and Far East, particularly Malaysia, Manila, Hong Kong, and China where he was involved in designing a new port on the Yellow River ‑ because of the strong currents, especially at flood times when many clippers had capsized in the past, it proved a very interesting project. Unfortunately, Britain refused to fund the project, so it went to the Japanese.

As a relaxing sideline, John enjoyed working on restoration of old buildings ‑ alterations and improvements as well as imaginative design helping to solve problems for others. He was always avant garde in his attitude, and amongst the earliest to adopt working with computers.

With a wide ranging mind he was always in demand. He was highly regarded by those for whom and with whom, he worked and many wrote to say how much they admired his meticulous work, his immense ability and calm approach, and, above all, his integrity.

Yvonne Porges (nee Bishop) 5th March 1932 to 6th June 1999

People who started in the School in 1943/44 and others who were there in the following years may remember Yvonne and will be sad to learn of her death.

In our class she was one of the few girls to read Science. She went on to Regent Street Polytechnic to take a London University Degree in Zoology, then moved to an appointment at the Water Pollution Research Laboratory in Stevenage and later at University College Hospital. She returned to her studies to take a Post‑Graduate Certificate at the London Institute of Education which led her to a teaching appointment in a Technical College in Acton.

In 1960 she married Fred Porges, one of identical twins who were both engineers. Yvonne and Fred had two children, Sonia and Richard, and when they were of sufficient age, in the early 70's, she resumed her teaching career. Her qualities became apparent when teaching at the Central Tutorial College where many of her students were from overseas with little knowledge of English. Yvonne usually helped them to get a least "B" grades at each level. On one occasion a Chinese student who could speak only a little English but was unable to write in the language expressed dismay because he could not hand in written homework. Yvonne told him to write it in Chinese. She then chased around to have it translated and returned the script duly marked. Student centred teaching does not come much better than that! Latterly she did some supply teaching and was sometimes landed with primary school children. All her experience had been at secondary level and she was apprehensive with her new role. However, she rose to the challenge and soon much enjoyed teaching young children.

In 1977 she developed rheumatoid arthritis which, over the years greatly inhibited her ‑physically but with her enquiring mind she successfully studied one of her other many interests ‑ Geology. She showed enormous determination in the field course work facing declining physical mobility and associated pain and gained a good Honours Degree at the Open University. Subsequently she developed heart problems leading to her death on June 6, 1999. To the end of her life she maintained a passionate interest in tortoises, terrapins and all creatures great and small! Others in our class may remember the excitement she exhibited on the day the tortoise came out of hibernation. She will be greatly missed by her husband, children, four grandchildren who gave her much pleasure, and indeed by her many friends.

Joan George (Nee Duffield)

Dr Trefor Jones (1908‑1984)

He was born in Aberdare in South Wales, one of five boys and two girls. His father was a schoolteacher and eventually a headmaster in Aberdare. Dr Jones was educated at the Grammar School in Aberdare and then the University of Cardiff where he gained first class honours in French. While at University he played soccer for Cardiff City and gained an amateur Soccer cap for Wales. He met Marion, his wife, when they were twelve in Aberdare and were married when he was on his first teaching post at Truro School in Cornwall. She was also a teacher but had to hide the marriage as married women were expected to resign their teaching posts. Dr Jones then came to London to teach French and just before the Second War he was appointed Head of French at Woking Grammar School in Surrey where he coached soccer and was very involved in the Air Training Corps.

It was from Woking that he was appointed Headmaster of Dorking County Grammar School in 1944 at the age of 36. It was his first experience of teaching in a mixed school but gathered around him a first class team of teachers, many of whom stayed at the school for a long time While at Dorking he completed a Ph D thesis on the life and work of a 18th Century French educationalist ‑ so he became Doctor Jones. He left Dorking County Grammar School in 1957 to become Headmaster of the Latymer School in Edmonton in North London, This is a mixed Grammar School of 1200 students with a very long history Here, as at Dorking, he was very successful and built the school into a major academic centre in North London The games, music, drama, as, well as the academic successes were very much of his inspiration. He retired at the age of 60 but continued to live in North London where he worked in support of people who were teachers but not in schools or colleges ‑ teachers at Hendon Police College, in Industry and in Commerce‑ He played some golf and was very involved in the local Rotarv Club. He died in 1984 after a day on the beach with three of his grandchildren ‑ the youngest of the three had been singing at Glyndebourne and Dr Jones had seen the performance the night before. His ashes were buried, as were his wife's in 1997, in the Churchyard in Mickleham ‑ so in some ways he had come home to Surrey and Dorking.

Dr and Mrs Jones had three children. David was Professor of Genetics at the University of Hull and is now Professor of Biology at the University of Florida in the USA. Alun was ordained and after work in parishes and at Hampton Grammar School became Headmaster of Archbishop Tenison's School in Croydon. He is now the Anglican Vicar of Twickenham in Middlesex. Avril, who like Alun went to school at Dorking County Grammar School trained as a nurse arid has lived in Toronto in Canada for the last thirty years. They have produced eight grandchildren between them with whom Dr Jones spent much of his time on retirement ‑‑ all eight went to University which no doubt pleased his academic ideals.

Alun Jones

Hebe and Doc

Once again, it has been a pleasure to receive and read the newsletter. Thanks to all of you involved in its production. The several mentions of Doc: and his lasting influence are heart‑warming and for him, I think, always slightly astonishing. I'm sure that when he chose 'Phaudrig Crohoore' as the first piece of any magnitude (15 minutes, was it?) he had no idea that he was creating memories for so many.

Recent photographs of people one remembers as 30 or 40 something are pretty daunting, and the 25 years we have been in Australia have aged more folk than us. But somewhere lurk facial expressions that make one say, 'Well, of course it is!' So to Alan and Molly Posner, Alick Fowler, Peter Mills and Sandy Hughes I say, 'I see you in* there, pretending to be senior citizens!'

There are serious gaps in the membership of those of us who started in 1939, our introduction to secondary school being accompanied by learning how to get into underground shelters, among other strange customs enforced by a hierarchy of grown‑up people called 'prefects' and a positive multitude of gowned teachers.

I wonder where these good folk are, with whom I spent my growing‑up years. Valerie Pratt, Eileen Ewing, Dougie Eaglen, Leslie Fairweather, Ann Kingston, the Johnson twins (who once got locked in an upstairs classroom at lunchtime with Doc during their joint piano lesson. The experience shook him up!), Harold Seward, Peter Willett, Leah Cohen, Pauline Bray. And more! But that will do for starters. Nice to see Bert Randall is as energetic as ever.

We, too, enjoyed Maureen Collins' visit, and a quick chat with Janet Blackburn. Any of you meandering through Australia should not hesitate to ring (08 9561 1125), email (Ignpress@iinet. net. au) or doorknock. Beds are available, even at short notice. Emails of course, are welcome at any time. I love 'em. A visit from Alan Griffiths, now resident in Sweden (Roger's brother and Mr Griffiths' son) last year was extremely pleasant. We remembered together many of the oddities of school life. I see he is not a member. (Rosemary please note). He has a fund of reminiscences and we were sad to say good bye to him and his charming wife Anita after an all‑too‑short visit. The photo of A J Rivett with the 1930‑3I football team brought back mixed memories. He was headmaster in 1939 ‑ who else recalls the door opening once a week, and the small but very authoritarian figure of Mr Rivett standing there, detention book in hand? I bet David Burt does! 'Detentions!' AJ would bark, and read a list of names. Then, 'All right?' I don't remember anyone challenging him. Lastly ‑ fan and Sue Jures (Ian left in the mid‑60s) recently sent me a book, DORKING REVISITED, pictures compiled and captioned by Keith Harding. Imagine my amazement when I opened at an early page to see our old house in Howard Road, a picture taken in 1870. Many of you used to visit us there, after concerts (for scrambled eggs) or simply for a get‑together. It was not entirely unknown for an anxious parent to ring after 1I pm to check on the whereabouts of a sixth‑former who, hearing the phone, would scamper to the front door and disappear. And I could go on. But I won't ‑ enough is enough. All good wishes from both of us. Hebe and Doc.

Alan Randall (1936‑40) "The stuff of Memories"

It was the Chairman's request for contributions towards the proposed Memorial Gates that started the train of thought that kept me half awake for much of the night. How many old friends from those pre‑war school days I wondered were still around today?. Very occasionally over the years I have chanced to run across someone from those earlier times and if my small sample is representative, then life has not treated us too unkindly ‑ which must at least say something about the education we received at the old Dorking County School.

For myself though I have few fond memories of the school having never held it in high regard ‑not then and not now. In retirement having served for ten or more years as Chairman of the Governors of a local co‑educational grammar school of similar size and design I cannot avoid drawing comparisons. What, I wonder would OFSTED have made of it in the thirties.

County Schools were an experiment peculiar to Surrey. In concept they were intended as a step above the ordinary Grammar Schools. ‑ Selection being of course by scholarship ‑ I can remember taking the examination at the old St. Martins School and being foxed by the question "What is four times a quarter of four and a quarter." I think I worked it out to be 5 and half! Despite this contrary evidence the pupils were a bright bunch but the main contrast between then and now was the attitude and approach of the teaching staff. With few exceptions my impression was that they were rather detached seeing themselves in an authoritarian role where we the students were there to learn rather than them being there to teach. Learn or Leave was the creed so anyone unfortunate enough to fall behind in a subject for whatever reason ‑ too bad! The teachers were not however untypical of the day. They were high‑principled men and women certain of their competence, in their subjects and who took pride in their rectitude ‑ if not in their results. This did little towards fostering the happy and relaxed atmosphere, which nowadays is considered to be an essential environment. By contrast today the pendulum seems, in many instances, to have swung too far in the opposite direction.

Looking back I am struck by how compartmentalised we all were. Not only was there little contact between pupils in different years, even between different forms in the same year but also between the sexes. We sat at four rows of desks, two for girls on one side of the classroom and two for boys on the other. We each had separate school entrances and playgrounds and of course quite separate sessions for games and PE. I honestly cannot recall speaking to any of the girls in my form all the time I was there ‑ isn't that extraordinary? At least it gave me plenty to make up for in later life. Thank goodness all this has changed. I used to be reminded of this righteousness when visiting schools in the Middle East where this type of regime still obtains. It was quite a cultural shock when the Sydenham Girls School evacuated to the Town and shared the school's facilities using it each afternoon. Soon little notes were being left by the boys in their desks but innocuous as these were, once the rather matronly teachers got wind of what was going on there were detentions flying in all directions.

My one lasting achievement which is indelibly etched on my memory was to learn how to learn to write:‑

"Je ne dois pas parler dans la salle de classe"

Having written this sentence many many times for Miss Williams, including the time when I apologised for having written it 100 and 1 times. She promptly awarded me another 200 and 2 lines for having the temerity to anticipate a next time. On reflection I think she was justified.

Aside from Mr. Bradshaw two other Masters of the pre‑war era deserve special mention both of whom joined the school on what I believe was their first appointment. Dr. Cole the music master who worked closely with the late Dr Vaughan Williams producing the Leith Hill Annual Music Festival and who was organist at St. Martins Church. Dr Cole went on to enjoy a very distinguished musical career. The other name I have in mind is Mr. Harper who came as Head of History around 1936 or 7. He was an inspiring teacher so it came as no surprise to me that he should resign at the earliest opportunity on the outbreak of war to join the Army where he rose to the rank of Brigadier. On demobilisation he was appointed Headmaster of Tiffin School in Kingston where he went on to become one of the most highly regarded Heads in the country. He was a sprightly ninety plus when I last heard of him just a few years ago.

These personal recollections which may not be widely shared may come as a surprise, even as a shock to some and especially to those whose experiences are of latter days. The war changed everything and schools were just a small part of the social upheaval. Nevertheless after all the eulogistic contributions that customarily appear this may serve to slightly redress the balance otherwise readers of the association bulletins might be forgiven for believing that the School was the acme of perfection. Not everyone looks back, if not in anger, certainly without ever feeling that schooldays were the happiest days of their life ‑ I was fortunate in that the outbreak of war provided an opportunity to escape.

000 ‑‑‑ 000

Note:

After serving in the RAF Alan became a lecturer at what is now Cranfield University. He went into business becoming Chairman and Chief Executive of a Group of Companies concerned with Education provision, producing educational films, text books and equipment. In this capacity he travelled throughout the world and served on a number of DES (as it was then) educational 'committees and led missions overseas. In retirement in Devon he served as Chairman of Governors at Churston Grammar School for ten years. He has been married to Dorothy for 54 years they have 4 children and eleven grandchildren.‑ three of whom are currently scholars at Reigate Grammar School ‑ the old enemy.

Frank Kerr (1931‑36) reminisces ‑ "on balance, it's all been pretty good”

Well well now, it's a long time since we walked over the recreation ground through an inch or two of soggy clay paths the first day the Grammar School opened. "I remember it well" as some Frenchman used to sing.

Still see Arthur Lowndes every month for a drink or two, go down to a Sussex pub to see Tony Lowman ‑ we were all in the same form with one of the Carder girls.

We all did a bit of aviating during the war. Arthur and Tony were RAF pilots. Sadly, Maurice Norgate and Willie Luff were killed flying with Bomber Command. I dropped bombs on towns during the war ‑ I notice that we still can't pin‑point targets any more than we did then. Did it once too often and got clattered, so I suffer from a little disease called 'multiple gun shot wounds'; for all these years have sported a glass eye ‑ now plastic as they are cheaper for our Government and last longer. Never did get the proper pension out of the politicians ‑ hate 'em all ‑ lying idlers that they are.

I ran into Tony Ansell during the war ‑ his father ran a building business in Ockley. I had just left hospital after jumping from a crashing Wellington and fetched up at a convalescent home ‑ and there was Master Ansell propping up the bar. He was a rear gunner on Stirlings, a hazardous occupation, even worse than Halifaxes. Tony was a great character who played cricket and football for Ockley; sadly he died a year or two ago, and I miss him.

Think my best memories of the School relate to Miss Robinson, the co‑Head Teacher. She took a great interest in the books I read, and evidently in me; she was a very kind lady indeed. Apart from that I didn't really achieve very much at school ‑ I wanted to get out into that great big wide world with lots of books and lots of girls.

We had a couple of sons at the School ‑ they got pretty good degrees ‑ must get their brains from their mother.

However, I had a great and happy working life running the operations side of the old British European Airways. We achieved a lot ‑ 'automatic' landings in fog (then the clean air act came along so no more drawn out fogs any more ‑ you can't win 'em all!) At least we used British made aircraft, Vikings, Viscounts, Vanguards, Tridents, Comets ‑ so there you go!

Sitting here looking over my kitchen garden in Cliftonville where I have lived all these years, difficult, grouchy, growing vegetables, reading books and newspapers, playing respectable golf at Effingham, for over 40 years (hate new members), large whiskies, with a half decent red wine in the evening in front of a coal fire ‑ on balance it's all been pretty good."

ASHCOMBE DORKINIAN ASSOCIATION GOLF Harold Child, calling all golfers

A disappointing turn out did not deter from another enjoyable day on 30th September when we met at Clandon Regis for our Autumn Meeting, which incorporated another match against Dorking Golf Club Elders.

A considerable amount of work had taken place on the course since we last visited it and it was evident that it was by no means complete. Whilst the course was generally in good condition, one or two players did spend time searching for balls among a large number of stones in an enormous deposit of excavated soil which ran parallel and adjacent to one of the fairways.

Both lunch and evening meal were of a very high standard was served by a very friendly staff and consumed in a very relaxed atmosphere. This gave us a great opportunity for a great deal of light‑hearted conversation and banter. Our thanks go to Bernard Burbidge for his own hospitality and for giving us the opportunity of using his member's day in this way.

Match Result: Dorking Elders 264 points Association 228 points

Association Prizes:

1^st David Mountain 36 points

2^nd Roger Griffiths 31 points

Best front 9 Mike Scotcher 16 points

Best back 9 Harold Child 16 points

Longest Drive Bernard Burbidge

The prize for nearest the pin went to Jeff Arnold of Dorking Elders.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday 20th April at Temple Golf Club, near Maidenhead, by kind invitation of David Everett and is restricted to those players who took part at Clandon last autumn.

Esther Cooper (Joan Harrison 1943‑51) promised a happy holiday in Greece!

We had a late Summer holiday in the Peloponnese, seeing Athens, where 64000 people had just lost their homes and many died. We met St. Paul's Corinth, experienced earth tremors and a Spartan hotel (where I got locked in as the bus was leaving), found Olympia and other amazing sites overwhelmingly beautiful at sundown, and Delphi‑ quite magical as the dawn came up; Philip of Macedonia, Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar all sought the Oracle at Delphi where every stone in one long wall was hewn a different shape and size from every other (as a hedge against quakes) and remains unscarred in fascinating situ. The oldest olives I have yet seen were of 2000 years in Gethsemane at Old Jerusalem, but there are many in Greece of great age, and wonderfully contorted.

I had long ached to see the land of the origins of western music, superb art, and democracy. My worn knee bravely fought the craggy heights but soon put my back into spasm. And so it was we found ourselves at the hotel at Athens with a drummer practising in a very near‑by room while a noisy dance was In progress. Our balcony doors opened on to an M25 type motorway near a bend! (as well as a band) dividing us from a take‑off runway (the other side of the road) at the main Airport with incessant traffic all night and next to a fairground full of screams and pop music. The new loo ran water noisily and ceaselessly, and we had to keep the balcony windows open as the air-conditioning only re‑cycled the room's heat. Early in the morning the new roof was tiled above our heads, and hammering and shouting re‑commenced. After breakfast Stephen went shopping and I lay on the bed in discomfort. It was then that the drilling of the concrete started. I suppose, as it was just outside the door and went on for much longer, this seemed almost worse than the revving of the aircraft engines, tho' nothing like as scary. Probably because of tension, my lumber region became suddenly intolerable and I threw my head back in agony, anguish and dire misery. My head then jammed in the modern, expensive, designed iron bedhead, leaving me with the aphorism 'Lie back and think of England'. I had no alternative until I realised the impossibility of the situation was not dissimilar to the complete lack of ladies' loos in The Yemen. I then thought of the Yemen, but it didn't help. I had previously realised that workmen were constantly walking the balcony and could see me, if not walk my room. But now that I needed their help they were no longer there. I consoled myself with the thought that they could never have heard me against the traffic. Anyway, screaming with my head caught in iron is not my idea of spending a holiday, so I didn't. Interesting to have tried my English though, while looking relaxed with my feet up. I have no Latin.

The inevitable questionnaire with questions or. 'How would you rate your hotel?' posed an interesting dilemma, as we were the first to use the 'suite' 'at 'no extra cost' AND receive an 'OFFICIAL RECEPTION' which included a presentation tray of drinks and delicacies. What could we say? After all, we had been wished a very happy stay.

Ron Thompson (1959‑66) plans to retire to Thailand

I miss being able to visit the School, and my old teachers ‑ are any of them still there? A few years back I met Dorothy Keenor ‑ she looked exactly the same as when I left school oh so long ago. The Reunion (when was it? 1992?) (yes, Ed.) was a special event in my life. Within 10 minutes of entering room O, I was 18 again, as were all my friends. It was surprising how we slipped back into being naughty teenagers again. We even had a lecture from the Secretary about consuming alcohol on school premises!

I've been in Bangkok for 15 months now, and likely to stay here for another 10 months or so. Before that, 5 years in Bangladesh, a year in India, and a couple of spells at Sumitomo's Head Office in Tokyo.

I divorced in 1992, and remarried 4 years ago, and thinking about starting a second family ‑ who knows! Just in case you'd like a pie for the magazine, I'm attaching one taken after the Hash in Tokyo, with my new wife. Do you know about the Hash (The Hash House Harriers)? It's an ex‑pat running thing in which alcohol plays a significant part. It was started in the 30's in Malaysia, and after a short gap for WW2 has now grown to some 2000 Hashes worldwide. It's a nice way to meet fellow ex‑pats, away from the workplace and the same faces crop up all over the world. Haven't seen any Old Dorkinians though!

I plan to spend the rest of my days in Asia, and have recently bought a couple of acres in Northeast Thailand, which we are filling at the moment, ready to build a little retirement place ‑ all too close! I miss a few things about England (mainly the horse scene, which was a major part of my life before I left in 1993). I manage to ride here, but it's not quite the same. The Royal Horse Guards Club is in the centre of Bangkok, and although the cantonment is very pleasant, it's not quite the same as riding over the Downs or the Mendips. And of course no sound of the horn, or of the hounds as they find in that little covert.

Any of my old friends passing through Bangkok please say hello, and please note my email addresses (shown elsewhere in this edition).

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE DORKING AREA NOW? Robert Miller reports

Threat to St. Nicholas Church, Great Bookham

This Grade I listed building which dates back before the Norman Conquest was found, last September, to have structural decay needing some £75,000 to be spent to save it. But just 6 months after a major fund raising drive was started, £90,000 has been given by more than 200 families and individuals who visit the church, together with other donations, and a substantial grant from Mole Valley District Council. The extra £15,000 will be set aside to pay for future repairs or improvements to the church.

Literature and Wine Combine

Dorking's Performance Arts Library will be transferring to Denbies vineyard in May, and it is hoped that there will be a grand opening ceremony in July. Work began late last year to transform a wing of the winery building from a wine tank storage area into a purpose built library.

Dorking Pump Corner under Floodlight

One of Dorking's focal points, Pump Corner, a three‑way junction, together with its old pump which at one time supplied the surrounding area with its only source of water, will soon be floodlit in the first phase of a programme to floodlight prominent sites in the town, including the War Memorial and the Dorking Halls.

New Tourist Centre at the Dorking Halls

A tourist information centre has been set up in the foyer of the Dorking Halls as part of an overall redevelopment of the box office, and will be open (from 11 am to 4pm) six days a week from now until September. The counter will be able to book a 'bed for the night' in hotels or bed and breakfast accommodation in the area. Guides and maps will also be available together with information on nearby attractions.

BOX OFFICE 01306 881717 email: dorking.halls@mole‑valley.gov.uk

David Bellamy on Box Hill

Botanist and Television Celebrity David Bellamy went routing through the undergrowth of Box Hill to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. This was set up in 1959 under the guise of Conservation Corps, and its first working party was sent to Box Hill to clear scrubland. At that time Mr. Bellamy happened to be passing with another botanist on a field trip, became involved with the working group and has retained his interest to this day as vice chairman of BTCV.

The future of Betchworth Castle?

The crumbling remains of Betchworth Castle, thought to date from the 10 Century, within the grounds of Betchworth Golf Club and owned by Mole Valley District Council, are creating great concern for "preservation bodies". So bad is its condition, it has been closed to public access for a long time now because it is considered unsafe. Heritage Lottery funding is unlikely unless some form of public access can be provided. The repair bill could be over £200,000 for just a basic consolidation of the remains! At present the Council carries out a programme of vegetation control on the standing remains, but no work has been done on the structure of the building which appears on the English Heritage register of buildings at risk. However, the Council are to prepare a conservation plan for possible future funding.

The future of Betchworth Castle?

It was all happening in Dorking High Street!

Three events occurred within minutes recently in the High Street! A pensioner was knocked down by a motorcycle and an ambulance arrived to find that lucidly the man was unhurt. However, yards up the street, the paramedics were forced to do a U turn as an elderly lady had collapsed and needed to be taken to East Surrey Hospital in Redhill. A few moments later police who had been at the scene of the accident spotted a man they wanted, and promptly arrested him.

THE STAR & GARTER HOTEL as remembered by Mike Dobson

Reading Robert's piece on the Hotel in the Spring Newsletter together with the Editor's inserted comment, has prompted me to recount a story which might be of some amusement.

In the late 1940s to prevent Science Sixth Form students from becoming un‑cuItured it was decreed from on high that they should receive one English and one French lesson a week or, more correctly, every seven days, because at that time the School was working a ” seven day week".

In the Autumn term 1949, the task of tutoring the English lesson fell to Mr P.L.Helm or PLLM as he was known to us Sixth Form scientists. In those days the final day of term finished around mid‑day and, as the Editor has noted, the practice was to adjourn surreptitiously to the Star and Garter before departing on our various ways. Thus, were members of UVI Sc to be found in the public bar of the S&G where discussion got round the merits or otherwise of various of the School Staff

Christmas came and went and the New Year found us eagerly awaiting[!] our first English lesson. PLLM duly arrived and, settling himself firmly on his desk, proceeded to recount in the greatest detail our views of the various School Staff He remebered our dialogue remarkably well and, much to our chagrin, went on to suggest that we should expand those views into a full discussion as a suitable topic for the lesson!

How it went from there I cannot quite remember but, fortunately, PLLM had to keep it all fairly quiet because otherwise he would have had to admit to his own waywardness in the adjoining lounge bar of the S&G on the last day of term, like the rest of us!

OLD DORKINIAN CRICKET CLUB ‑ Season 2000 Dave Wilcockson, Hon. Sec.

The club celebrated its 50th anniversary at the recent dinner where several of the committee which 'established OD cricket in 1949 were present. After completing their first overseas tour in 1999 they are off to Germany in July. A provisional list of the new season's fixtures is set out below:

May 6 May 7 Westcott H

13 Burgh Heath H 14 Churt A

20 Chaldon H 21 Bookham H

27 Reigate Priory A 28 Blackheath A

Jun 3 Old Cats. H Jun 4 Chidd'gfold A

10 Blindley Heath H 11 Holmbury A

17 Burgh Heath A 18 Whyteleafe A

24 Oakwood Hill A 25 Chadwick A

Jul 1 Wimbledon Utd H Jul 2

8 Woldingham H 9 Ockley A

15 Warnham H 16 Newdigate H

22 Chaldon A 23 N.Holmwood A

29 (Tour) 30 (Tour)

Aug 5 Reigate Priory H Aug 6 Wood'sterne A

12 Australia H 13 Bookham A

19 Woldingham A 20

26 Nutfield A 27 Chadwick H

Sep 2 Old Cats A Sep 3 Guildford C A

9 Blindley Heath A 10 Burgh Heath A

16 Warnham A 17 Westcott A

23 Bletchingley A 24 Southwater A

30 S.Nutfield A

OLD DORKINIAN FOOTBALL CLUB Peter Mills, Press Secretary

The Club has just completed its 70th season, and while not emulating the exploits of recent seasons, it has been one of quiet consolidation.

The Senior XI are to be congratulated on finishing 4th in Senior Division 1 of the Old Boys' League, the highest position they have ever reached in their history. For a time it appeared that they might even gain promotion to the Premier Division, but they could not sustain their efforts in the closing weeks of the season.

They achieved home and away victories over Old Minchendonians 3‑1, 1‑2, old Kingsburians 6‑2, 0‑2, and Old Vaughanians 9‑1, 1‑2. They also reached the quarter finals of the London Old Boys' Senior Cup but suffered an away defeat at Premier Division Old Wilsonians ‑ losing 3‑0 at half time, they fought back to equalise by full time, survived extra time, but were beaten 7‑6 in a sudden death penalty shoot out!

The remaining 4 league sides all retained their places in their respective divisions. In Intermediate Division (South) the Reserve XI also managed 3 home and away victories against Old Reigatians Reserves 2‑1, 0‑2, Old Josephians 5‑2, 1‑2, and Old Paulines 3‑1, 2‑3.

The Veterans' XI, led by Paul Etheridge, continued to prosper, completing a programme of ten fixtures.

Tony Pankhurst retained the Club's leading goalscorer's trophy, the Houldridge Cup, with 25 goals.

David Williams, the OD's goalkeeper, has recently achieved a Club record 10 appearance for the Old Boys' League representative side, starring in the League's 3‑1 victory over the Yorkshire Old Boys' League at Leeds.

The Club has been honoured by an invitation to host the League's representative fixture against Cambridge University at Pixham. Lane next October.

(In the original Newsletter, there followed here a list of email addresses. Most of these are now redundant and anyway we will not list publicly members’ details).