EDITORIAL
Welcome to the much delayed Autumn 2022 edition of the Dorkinian. I apologise for the absence of a ”Spring” edition of newsletter. Initially there was insufficient copy to fill a Newsletter but the summary News Sheet, issued in February, provided an update for readers. My thanks go to David Mountain for preparing that update. Since then the months have passed so quickly and we are once again in Autumn! As ever, I do hope that this edition of the Newsletter finds you and your families safe and well, wherever you are reading this. 2022 has in many ways been easier than the previous two years, but there have continued to be challenges. Thank you for all the feedback and contributions that I have received since the last Newsletter was issued. As always, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the memories and stories that have been sent to me by our members over the past few months. A special event in 2022 was the planting of an oak tree at the School by Sir Erich Reich (1946-48). David Mountain and I were delighted to be invited as guests at the ceremony. A full report together with photographs from the day is on page 7. Sadly, just as we were preparing to go to press, we received the sad news that Sir Erich died peacefully on 2 November 2022. The Association’s condolences go to his widow, Lady Linda, and to his family. It is hoped to include a tribute in the Spring Newsletter. There have been a number of rôle changes within the Association over the past few months, details of which can be found on page 3. I am pleased to welcome Nick Ridley (1952-59) as our new Chairman and I offer my thanks to David Mountain for having taken on the rôle of Acting Chairman in recent times – as well as for his tireless work for the Association over many years. New talent is always welcome and we have been fortunate to have two new Committee members: John Bellamy and John Wallis. Offers of help are always appreciated, even if you do not want to join the committee – so please let us know! Last year I invited readers to submit their memories of HM Queen Elizabeth II in readiness for the celebration of her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year – a true landmark which we were priviliged to celebrate. Initially I didn’t receive any items but, of course, in September we received the sad news of Her Majesty’s death. I am grateful to Alan Fox (1946-52) for submitting a fascinating article on his memories of our late Queen. I would be happy to receive and then include any other memories and stories of Her Late Majesty – or other members of the Royal Family – in the Spring 2023 Newsletter. As well as Alan Fox’s contribution, in another bumper edition we have articles ranging from the slightly controversial ”Looking to the Future of the ADA” (page 14) to Vintage Bentleys (page 25) – as well as the usual local news, updates from the School and of course several ”Living Memories”. I hope that you will enjoy reading this Newsletter, and as always please do send me your thoughts, memories and any contributions that you think would be of interest, long or short, on whatever subject, for publication. The next edition will be issued in late Spring. I send you all my good wishes and, albeit a few weeks early, all the best for a Happy Christmas! I look forward to hearing from you. Jane Collard (née Dunk 1969 -76)ADA COMMITTEE
There have been a number of changes to the Committee over the past year. We are very grateful to David Mountain for taking on the rôle of Acting Chairman following the stepping down of Sheila Sandford on grounds of ill-health. Earlier this year David decided that it was time to hand over the ropes and we are delighted that Nick Ridley (a previous editor of the Newsletter) has taken on the rôle of Chairman. Despite living in Denmark, Nick is a frequent visitor to the UK and has already had several meetings with the school and with other ADA members. Jane Collard has assumed the rôle of Vice Chairman (whilst continuing as Newsletter Editor). Two new members have joined the Committee: John Bellamy (195664) and John Wallis (1972-79) – a warm welcome to both. Peter George continues his invaluable work as Treasurer and Membership Secretary, for which the committee is grateful. Gerry Moss remains on the committee (again, thank you) and we are also pleased to have Mike Nicholson-Florence and Mike Dobson as “honorary” members – providing additional help where required. Finally, thanks go to Michael Jarvis for his service to the Committee for several years. You can read about Nick Ridley’s plans for the Association in the minutes of the AGM enclosed with this Newsletter. ---------------------------------------------ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS
Since the last Newsletter was issued we have held two Annual General Meetings, on 4th December 2021 (delayed from the usual date of October) and on 8th October 2022. Both meetings took place in the School – a welcome return to “normality” following the restrictions of the pandemic. A “Zoom” link was also set up on both occasions, enabling more members to join the meeting – including from far-flung corners of the globe (Denmark, the Philippines and South Africa)! There are still lessons to be learnt to improve the use of technology, but the initiative was generally welcomed. Attendance “in person” was low, but 2022 saw a better turnout. Eleven people attended with a further eight members joining via Zoom. On both occasions we were pleased to welcome Chris Panting, Headteacher, to address the meeting. The minutes of the 2022 AGM have been issued along with this Newsletter. Subject to availability of the School facility again, the 2023 AGM will be held on Saturday 7th October 2023.REPORT FROM MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY & TREASURER
With sadness, I have to report that since the Autumn 2021 Newsletter and last year’s AGM, we have been advised of the passing of the following members:| Philip Anderson | (1937-44) | |
| John Culton | (1940-44) | |
| Ron Buckley | (1943-51) | |
| Graham Broomfield | (1956-63) | |
| Clive Huggins | (1949-54) | |
| Ian Fraser | (1946-51) | |
| Adrian Gould | (1946-54) | |
| Michael Treagus | (1965-72) | |
| Roger Dawes | (1943-49) | |
| Andy Thompson | (1976-80) | |
| Muriel Snushall (née Booty) | (1940-47) |
| 31 Aug 2022 | 31 Aug 2021 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Subscription Income Less : Expenditure | 2,161 | 2,301 | |
| Newsletter costs | 598 | 576 | |
| Website | 300 | 200 | |
| Other expenses | 338 | 71 | |
| 1,236 | 847 | ||
| Surplus for the year | 925 | 1,454 | |
| Funds b/fwd | 8,555 | 7,101 | |
| Funds c/fwd | 9,480 | 8,555 | |
| Represented by: | |||
| Bank balances | 11,322 | 9,805 | |
| Less: Subs paid in advance | 50 | 50 | |
| Accrued expenses | 792 | 200 | |
| Bursary provision | 1,000 1,000 | ||
| 1,842 1,250 | |||
| Funds c/fwd | 9,480 8,555 | ||
Peter George (1965–68)
Membership Secretary & Treasurer ------------------------------------FOLLOW-UP to Newsletter 58 and Winter News Sheet
As always, I am grateful to all who have written to acknowledge their enjoyment of The Dorkinian and to those who have commented on items included in the newsletter. Following publication of the Autumn 2021 Newsletter and the February 2022 News Sheet I received the following: − Maureen Rennie (Green 1958-65) wrote in response to the item about James Chuter Ede. “In the Autumn newsletter, there was an article regarding the biography of James Chuter Ede, by Stephen Hart. I wonder if any other ex-pupils remember his visit to Dorking Grammar School in the 1960's? It was some time between 1963 and 1965, when I was in the sixth form. I had been asked to be a steward at a talk Chuter Ede was giving in the school hall, one Saturday afternoon. There was an adult audience, and I don't remember there being any pupils there, except for those, like me, who were helping. I remember him talking about his time at Dorking High School for Boys and his work in government. My main memory of the afternoon, however, is of having Chuter Ede's coat, hat and scarf thrust into my arms by his personal assistant, with the instruction to put them in the staff cloakroom! I was fascinated to learn from Stephen Hart's article, that Chuter Ede was responsible for changing the status of 'British subject' to 'citizen of the United Kingdom and colonies', as my first job in the Home Office, after leaving school, was in the Nationality Department, where these terms were to become very familiar to me.” − Rob Worsfold (1962-69) contacted me following the reporting of the deaths of two former pupils. Rob wrote: “I was sorry to hear of the passing of Pete Way and Clive Huggins. I played football with both of them, in different circumstances. Pete was a year older than me but we were part of the same Second Eleven team for several seasons at DCGS. Moving on from the school in 1969 after completing my A levels I put in a season with one of the Old Dorkinian football teams. Clive Huggins was our goalkeeper and was a great source of encouragement to me and other new arrivals. On occasions he would drive me to an away match in his E-type Jaguar and I remember the sharp acceleration as we pulled away!” − David Mountain received the following correspondence from Margaret Fricker (nee Lidgey 1950-55) who unfortunately resigned from membership last year but who nevertheless enjoyed reading about former pupils and who retains happy memories of the School. Margaret wrote: I emailed my resignation from ADA , towards the end of last year. I have lived in New Zealand for 52 years and with the current Pandemic do not intend travelling back to the UK. Sadly now, at 84, I'm not sure if I will ever be able to do so. I am no longer corresponding with past pupils as many have now died. I have so many happy memories of DCGS. When working as a District Nurse in rural Cornwall I met Alan Fricker who was also working in Cornwall after spending 4 years in Australia. Alan's first words to me were ,"where have I seen you before? " The “where” was Dorking Grammar School where we were both pupils. We married and in 1970 came to NZ. Sadly Alan died in 2003, 21 months after retirement. I still have the school photo from 1953. My coronation mug is still with me too. I also have an original copy of the July 1952 annual General Knowledge Test! The latter I find very interesting.. I wish you all well. − Michael Dobson (1942-50) and Norma Hall (Youdale 1943-51) have produced a book “Dorking County School 1931 to Dorking County Grammar School 1951”. Running to 126 pages, it follows the progress of the School from its beginning, through the amalgamation of the Dorking High School for Boys and the St Martin’s Church of England School for Girls in 1931,through to 1951 when the General Certificate of Education took over from the School Certificate and the Higher School Certificate. With the occasional exception of Staff and sports team members, it does not identify particular individuals, either Staff or pupils, dealing essentially, as it does, with the progress of the School. However, it does include reference to both Old Dorkinian and Parents organisations. Written during the covid 19 period, information gathering and communication between the authors and other Old Dorkinians was largely on the internet but visits were made to the Archive of the Dorking Museum where a number of relevant documents were freely accessed. Much of the source material was from the School Magazine (The Dorkinian) which was published throughout the period covered by the book. Copies of the book at £10 (incl p&p) can be obtained by contacting Mike at mike@mddobson.co.uk
Sir Erich Reich plants the memorial oak tree (pictured with Chris Panting)
SIR ERICH REICH “80 TREES FOR 80 YEARS” - Jane Collard
Editor’s Note: As we went to press, we received the sad news that Sir Erich Reich died on 2 November 2022. It is intended that a further tribute will be included in the Spring Newsletter, but in the meantime I hope that readers will enjoy the report and summary of Sir Erich’s life as set out in the following report. On 24th January 2022, in the week that included Holocaust Memorial Day, David Mountain and Jane Collard were honoured to be invited to attend the planting of an oak tree in the grounds of the school by wartime Kindertransport refugee Sir Erich Reich (1946-48). The ceremony was part of a nationwide campaign to mark the 80th anniversary of the Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR). This national charity provides social and welfare services to Holocaust refugees and survivors in the UK. The native oak tree was one of 80 being planted around Britain thoughout the year, as part of the AJR’s ”80 Trees for 80 Years” campaign to honour people and places that symbolise the enormous contribution made to every walk of British life by refugees who escaped from Nazi Europe. Sir Erich Reich was knighted for his charitable contributions in 2010 and is chairman of the Association of Jewish Refugees’ Kindertransport Committee. He is sometimes referred to as “The Boy in the Statue”, as he is one of five children depicted in the bronze Kindertransport statue (”The Arrival”) that stands on the concourse at Liverpool Street Station in London. Arriving from Poland on the last Kindertransport before the outbreak of war, the four-year-old Erich Reich was brought to Dorking by the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, chairman of the Dorking Refugee Committee. Fostered by the Kreibich family, he first attended St. Martin’s School, and then, in the immediate post-war years, Dorking County Grammar School. He had happy memories of growing up in Dorking, which he eventually left at the age of 13, and for this reason Ashcombe School was chosen as the location for the memorial oak that Sir Erich has sponsored. The tree, which was planted in a corner of the playing field, adjacent to Ashcombe Road, will also form part of The Queen’s Green Canopy – a tree planting initiative to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
From l to r: Karen Diamond (AJR), Sir Erich Reich, Chris Panting (Head Teacher), David Mountain (ADA) and Councillor Christopher Hunt (Chairman of MVDC).
The commemorative plaque
Students and visitors listening intently as Sir Erich answers questions
1. SCHOOL LIFE
We have been grateful to Head Teacher, Chris Panting, for attending our AGMs and for providing us with comprehensive updates on school life. The following is a summary of what Chris has told us over the past year. Inevitably, the main focus in 2020 and 2021 has been dealing with and managing the school through the Covid pandemic. Whilst this had been an incredibly challenging time, it was clear that in fact Covid had brought out the best in everyone, engendering a true spirit of community. The pandemic had necessitated changes to the way in which the school worked. Parents evenings were held via Zoom. Although this meant a loss of direct interaction, it also allowed more parents to talk to the teachers. At the 2022 AGM, Chris reported that Ashcombe is now a “normal” school again. School trips and events have resumed and there is much less on-line learning and tuition now, although some has been retained. During 2021 the old air-raid shelters were removed and there is now a lovely outdoor area next to the tennis courts [Editor’s note: see pictures below]. Other rooms were also renovated. All the work had been partly funded by a £60,000 grant and by £15,000 raised by students through a sponsored walk. Building work and renovation has continued throughout 2022. The toilets have been updated and a new canteen built. The cost has been partly met through fund-raising as well as some money left over from the Covid management fund.
The new outdoor seating area, looking towards the gymnasium and new sports centre
Photo: rear of school, new seating area and pathway
2. ADA BURSARY
No Bursary has been awarded since 2019, a casualty of the Covid-19 pandemic. We fully intend to award two bursaries in 2023 and Nick Ridley and I have had preliminary discussions with Chris Panting as to how this should work. We have agreed that the School will initiate the process when the term resumes after Christmas. Students will be invited to make submissions as to why they should be considered for an award. With the help of the school, a short-list of candidates will be drawn up, with interviews then taking place. Members of the ADA Committee will be involved in the interviews and will decide on the recipients. Winners of the bursary awards will be asked to provide an update on how their life after leaving the school is progressing.3. SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY EVENT
On 9th July 2022, the School held an open day to celebrate 90 years since the formation of Dorking County School. The actual anniversary had been in 2021, but Covid restrictions made it impossible to stage a celebratory event. Several members of the ADA attended throughout the day, along with other former students and associated staff. Attendees were invited to look around the school, to view the new buildings and also to reminisce on past experiences! A selection of memorabilia from most decades was on display (see photos below). A highlight was the “Timeline of Events”, a banner running the entire length of the main central staircase, depicting events in the life of the School alongside significant events in history since 1931.
Photos show attendees chatting and perusing the items on display
Photos show attendees chatting and perusing the items on display
4. REMEMBRANCE DAY WREATH-LAYING
The annual laying of the ADA Wreath on the Memorial Gates took place on a sunny Autumn morning in November 2021. David Mountain and Jane Collard attended on behalf of the ADA, with David joining Head Teacher Chris Panting in placing the wreath. We were pleased to be joined for the short ceremony by a number of sixth form students and were treated to the playing of the Last Post by one of the pupils.
Rather than purchasing a new wreath, a donation of £50 is made each year by the ADA to the Royal British Legion.
As we go to press, Remembrance Day 2022 is imminent and a report on this year’s ceremony will be included in the next edition of the Newsletter.
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LOOKING TO THE FUTURE OF THE ADA
Jane Collard, with thanks and acknowledgement to John Hayns (1951-58) I have included this item in the hope (and expectation!) that it will provoke some feedback and opinions from readers. Over the past year there has been much consideration as to how, and even if, the ADA can move forward. Thirty years on from its formation, there have inevitably been changes and membership has been declining. However, our new Chairman, Nick Ridley, has outlined a number of ideas that he has for, in his words, “resuscitating” the Association, and discussions have begun with the school and with members of the Committee. We are fortunate enough to have new members (with new ideas and suggestions) volunteering to join the Committee and in recent weeks there have been several enquiries from former members about joining the ADA. Some of us have also recently met the School’s new communications officer and she is keen to work with us. The future is therefore looking a lot more positive than it has done for a while. A formal strategy for the Association will be prepared and discussed by the Committee. You can read more about Nick’s plans in his address to the recent AGM, the minutes of which are enclosed with this Newsletter. However, to put forward a different view, I am indebted to John Hayns (1951-58) a former Chairman and active member of the ADA, who earlier this year sent the Committee a very detailed and technical analysis of the Association’s future. In developing his analysis John used the following:- The Membership Contact List published in November 2021.
- Office of National Statistics (ONA) Deaths in England & Wales 1990-2017
- Office of National Statistics (ONA) Population in England 1971-2020
- Actuarial Life Tables for UK based on the years 2017-2019
Observations
- Within 9 to 11 years the membership will have halved
- the ADA has been in existence now for 30 years, but clearly its days are numbered. Some may be wondering for how long can it survive.
- The membership of ADA has ceased to grow. Loss of members is almost exclusively through death. Offers to fill roles and Commitee places are rare.
- Based on the membership list published with the Newsletter in November 2021, the majority of members are over the age of 60. Of the men and women, 8 men and 7 women are below 60, and over 21 members are aged 90 and above. This, out of a total membership of 241. This total does not include former school staff.
Conclusions and Questions
From the detailed anaysis it is possible to draw some useful indicators and provide answers to certain questions - which should be asked in order to ensure that ADA can continue and meet the needs of the members:- How long before members’ subscriptions can no longer finance the Newsletter and incidental expenses?
- How long can the bursary award be maintained and what can be afforded?
- The current financial standing of ADA is relatively strong. Would an increase in subscription be necessary? If so, when?
- The analysis suggests that male membership will have halved by around 2029 and that of women by around 2031.
- At what point will the terms of The Constitution be put into effect (dealing with the dissoution of the Association)?
LIVING MEMORIES
ROGER DAWES (1944-49)
Tribute written by Roger’s son, Andrew. To the best of my knowledge my father Roger Dawes was at Dorking Grammar School between 1943/44 and 1949. Throughout his life he liked to recount how he delivered Vaughan Williams’ newspaper. The Lark Ascending was his favourite piece of music and was played at his funeral. On leaving school in late 1949, he worked in Insurance on Tooley Street in London but that didn’t suit him at all. Far more to his liking was his time in the RAF where he served at Swanton Morley, Aldergrove, Kinloss, Swinderby and Thorney Island flying in Lancasters and, his favourite, Shackletons. His time at Kinloss was his proudest and in the nearby Moray Firth are where his ashes will be scattered. He then joined the BBC in London working at Lime Grove before taking up the chance to move to Cardiff in the mid-1950s to join BBC Wales. He loved his time at the BBC working as an engineer. Whilst at the BBC, he was also in the Territorial Army and led a very sociable life. He was fit too, running four marathons including New York. He is remembered as being generous and knowledgeable. He was a wonderful father to myself and grandfather to Cerys. In latter years he sadly struggled with dementia. Reading issues of The Dorkinian to him helped bring back memories of his youth. Whilst he supported Coventry City, he was happy to hear too of the rise of Dorking Wanderers during recent years.MICHAEL TREAGUS (1965-72)
Michael was born on 24th August 1954 at the family home in Brockham to proud parents Jim and Eileen, the younger brother to David and Angela. They had the most wonderful childhood with plenty of space and freedom to play and have adventures. The beautiful garden, the fields and woods, the river for fishing and exploring in Granddad’s punt and then there were the tasty treats of the Crumpet Factory. Michael went to primary school in Brockham before moving on to Dorking Grammar School where he achieved 10 ”O” and 3 ”A” levels. Michael was the more academically gifted of the siblings and was the first member of the family to go to university to study at the National College of Food Technology, University of Reading. Michael was always a keen sports player and supporter. Through school and university, he enjoyed cricket and badminton, joining the Old Dorkinian’s Cricket Club in Dorking at 16. He played 424 matches for the Old Dorkinians scoring 3,236 runs, taking 169 wickets and holding 58 catches. Michael was a lifelong West Ham United supporter through all their ups and downs. Michael graduated from university in 1976 and went to work for the Food Manufacturing Industries Research Association in Leatherhead before moving to Londreco in Hayes and then to Nestle in Croydon. Michael retired early from Nestle in 2005 to look after his Mum in her old age and later his brother who had dementia. Retirement gave him time to indulge in his hobbies. Like his Dad, Michael loved horse racing regardless of whether it was a day out at the races with friends or watching on the television. Hi-fi and hunting for bargains were also great sources of enjoyment and he continued with his love for cars through his retirement in particular his Peugeot 205 GTi that he owned from new and the Honda S2000 that he bought from his brother when he was no longer allowed to drive. Michael travelled extensively with work but preferred to holiday in England and enjoyed the peace, quiet and beauty here. Whether that be a family holiday to Somerset or spending some time with his girlfriend Kathryn and dog Beau at the holiday home he had bought with his brother on the edge of the New Forest. Family and home were important to Michael. He was always happy to indulge his nephews, Jamie and Jason, in a wet Sunday afternoon board game marathon and relished making homemade ice cream from his Nana's recipe for the family to enjoy. More recently he loved to spoil his great-nephews, Charlie and Eddie, and follow their adventures. Unfortunately and unexpectedly, Michael was diagnosed with liver and colon cancer in 2016. Through all the operations, treatments and setbacks, he looked upon his situation positively and philosophically. The distraction and companionship that his dog Beau offered were something he appreciated. Michael was such a kind, generous and gentle person and was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, partner and friend whose love, kindness and cheeky smile will be missed.RON BUCKLEY (1943-51) - David Mountain (1943-51)
Ron (known as Buck to most of us) passed away peacefully at the Hatchmoor Nursing Home in North Devon .on 22nd December 2021 I first met Buck at Poplar Road School in Leatherhead in 1942; we soon became close friends and stayed that way through 8 years at DCGS (strictly, it was DCS for the first few years!), then with the OD Cricket Club (where I can see from an ODCC booklet how well Buck bowled fast, for only a year or two before he moved away, taking 100 wickets at 8.08, at the top of the career averages!) We exchanged correspondence over many years and renewed meetings when the ADA was founded in 1992. Our first year at DCS saw the appointment of Head Master Trefor Jones (3 years later, Dr Trefor Jones) as a good augury for both of us. Buck had left School after the Fifth Form, but Taffy (as we all knew him) visited his parents and persuaded them that his talent was such that he should stay on in the Sixth Form, which led to his winning a State Scholarship and then studying Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at King’s College, London. In 1955, Buck took up a Fulbright Scholarship with a National Foundation Grant at New York State University, College of Forestry. He completed his doctorate there in 1958, and then returned to the UK to join ICI working in several places in England, finally in Stevenage. Buck took great pleasure from his family life starting with his School friendship with Shirley Webb (shown sitting together in the 1951 Prefects photo in NL 56, Spring 2020!). Their marriage in 1955 was followed by sons in 1958, 1960 and 1964, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. On their joint retirement they bought a small guest house in Lynton, North Devon, and ran it happily for 10 years before finally retiring in favour of active village life! They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2015; Shirley passed away peacefully in January 2020. A further tribute to Ron was prepared by Norma Hall (Youdale, 1943-51): Buck, Moony and Smiler are the three ‘boys’ I remember most clearly from the early years at DCGS. Nowadays Moony has become David but I still find it difficult to think of Buck as Ron. We continued our school careers in the same form for eight years, starting under the care of Miss Burton in 2c and progressing through to a third year in the sixth form. Our subject choices took us in different directions, Science for him and Languages for me. We both went on to study for our degrees at King’s College, London, but I don’t remember our paths crossing though they may have done (my memory is not very good). It was probably in 1992 before we once again met our friends from the early years and the four ‘girls’ who had been together in 1951 (Hazel, Margaret, Norma and Shirley) were reunited together with their husbands (Jim, Pete, Ken and Buck) when the ADA was formed.. Careers had taken us in different directions though some contact had been maintained, Shirley being a regular letter writer. I’ve written in an earlier Newsletter about the social activities of the four couples. I remember enjoyable visits to Devon and return visits from the Buckleys. I did try to think of Buck as Ron and managed when writing but in my memory he will always be Buck, that tall, good-looking, fairly reserved young man from our years at DCGS.DEREK PEARCE (1948-52) - David Mountain
Derek’s fourth and youngest son, Dean, kindly let us know that his father passed away on 9th December 2021. He was sorry that attendance at the funeral was restricted to members of the family only, owing to Covid cases in the family, including a significant number of those in higher risk categories. A webcast was set up for the funeral on 11th January, with Dean delivering a tribute. This was accessed by many friends who would, had circumstances permitted, have wished to be present in person. Derek had a long successful career at Friends Provident where he spent 37 years, retiring at the age of 57, thereby enabling him to enjoy, with his wife, a long and happy retirement including travel to New Zealand, South Africa and other parts of Europe. Retirement was filled with walking groups, memberships of various societies, the U3A and of course, an ever-increasing number of grand-children. Derek has been a good supporter of the ADA, and has been a regular attender at AGMs. Tributes to Derek, including the eulogy given by his son, Dean, at the funeral can be read here, on a site set up by his family. https://derek-pearce-2021.muchloved.comALAN SHERWOOD (1942-48)
Alan’s wife, Wyn, wrote to us last October to tell us that his health had deteriorated to the extent that he was unable to enjoy the Newsletters etc, so he was to be removed from the mailing list. Wyn told us a few months later that Alan died on 25th January. In response to our commiserations Wyn kindly gave us a brief report of Alan’s successful, happy life: “Alan worked for the Ministry of Labour until he and Wyn married in 1954, when he started a new career in Insurance, joining a large American Brokers based in London. In 1975 they moved to Norfolk where Alan opened a new office in Norwich, as Managing Director with 1000 staff. He retired in 1988 and enjoyed collecting antiques and going to Traditional Jazz sessions in Norfolk. The family has one daughter, two grandchildren and one great granddaughter” We can add that Alan was Football Captain in the 1947-48 season, attended the 1992 Grand Reunion and joined the ADA soon after.ANDY THOMPSON (1976-80)
Andy died suddenly on 7th May 2022, whilst out walking with his wife Sue (née Smith). A celebration of Andy’s life was held at St Paul’s Church in Dorking on 24th September and was attended by many, who shared happy memories of Andy. Andy’s passion as a historian, leading many trips to war graves and in memory of the War Poets, as well as his career as a teacher, has been remembered by many in tributes left on several social media sites.----------------------------------------------------------
We have also received news of the following: Peter Ferguson (1942-50): Mike Dobson writes “Sadly I have to report the passing of Peter [P.W.] Ferguson who, after a long illness, died recently. Peter, who always retained something of a Scottish accent, was a popular Dorkinian and a member of the Box Hill Scout Troop. He was a keen sportsman, playing football as a “defender” in the School First Xl in his two “sixth form” years. Upon leaving the School he studied Medicine and, after qualification, worked for a short time as a GP in Dorking. He then moved back to Scotland and completed his career running his own Practice. Medicine obviously ran in his family, two daughters being Medical Doctors and the third, a Nurse! A happy memory of Peter is keen (and perhaps wicked) sense of humour. Ruth Lawrence (Follett) Ruth’s sister, Linda Atkinson (Follett 1948-55) writes: I would like to record for the school newsletter that my sister, Ruth Lawrence, (nee Follett) sadly died on August 6th, 2021. She attended Dorking County Grammar School for the two sixth form years only, after we moved to Dorking, where our father had become the Congregational Church minister, (now the United Reformed Church). I joined DCGS myself in the second year, at the age of 12. Ruth and I always benefited from the Christian faith of our parents (both graduates) and also from our father’s brilliant sense of humour. Ruth was 89 years old, and had lived for a few years in a nursing home near Southampton, having suffered from dementia, after a long and active life. Both Ruth and I were fortunate in having two daughters and two sons. Ruth also had eleven grandchildren and ten greatgrandchildren (so far!). Before her marriage, Ruth had worked as a secretary at the BBC in London. Ruth and Bryan (also a DCGS pupil) lived in Dorking, Reigate and Redhill, before retiring to Devon. Their descendants and ours are now scattered throughout England, but we were always glad to reminisce about our years spent in Dorking, and the friends we made at DCGS.-----------------------------------
In addition, readers will note from the Membership Secretary’s Report on page 4 the passing of the following:| Philip Anderson | (1937-44) | |
| John Culton | (1940-44) | |
| Graham Broomfield | (1956-63) | |
| Clive Huggins | (1949-54) | |
| Ian Fraser | (1946-51) | |
| Adrian Gould | (1946-54) |
MOLE VALLEY NEWS - David Mountain and Jane Collard
”Doc” Morgan – more memories! The recent news that Chris Pratt (1958-65) has taken over the chairmanship of the Dorking Concertgoers Society from Sue Bixley (1956-63), excellent in the chair since 2008, has prompted memories of the Thanksgiving Memorial Service for the life of Doc Morgan (194574) in June 2008. The recent fascinating publication “Dorking County School 1931 to Dorking County Grammar School 1951” written by Michael Dobson (1942-1950) and Norma Hall (Youdale, 1943-1951) and publicised in the Winter NewsSheet in February has a post-1951 Appendix detailing the comprehensive ‘Old Dorkinian’ involvement in the Service, in which Chris Pratt appeared as the Choir Director; his wife Sue (Holland,195764) was in the choir, as also was Michael Dobson . A photograph in the book shows Chris conducting The Choir in “Full Voice”. Dorking – more changes in the town Many readers will remember the hardware shop ”Cummins”, which stood for many years on the corner of South Street and Junction Road. Sadly, earlier this year, this long-standing Dorking retailer closed down. It was a shop where one could purchase almost anything related to DIY – including single nails and screws without the need to purchase an entire packet! It was the classic ”Four Candles” shop (for those who recall the famous Two Ronnies sketch!) and indeed, when the comedian Ronnie Corbett passed away in 2016 the shop window contained a display of ”Fork Handles” (illuminated of course by four candles!). A much-missed traditional Dorking shop. Another closure this year has been Tudor Williams, a bed and linen shop that had traded in a prominent spot on the High Street for over 23 years, and we have also lost the Dorking branches of Lloyds Bank and HSBC. Dorking is fortunate still to have several independent traders, but they are fast becoming an endangered species. Like many other towns, there is of course no shortage of coffee shops, Nail Bars, hairdressers and estate angents!!DORKING WANDERERS FC
This Newsletter would not, of course, be complete without a mention of our local football team, Dorking Wanderers FC. Following the disappointment of the 2020/21 season being suspended due to Covid, with Dorking well placed at the top of the Vanarama National League South, the 2021/22 season proved to be Wanderers’ most successful season yet. An excellent campaign saw them progress to the play-off final against Ebbsfleet United [Editor’s note: I must admit to having felt slightly torn – Ebbsfleet were formerly Gravesend and Northfleet – technically my “home team”, having been born in Gravesend.] On Saturday 21st May, Dorking’s Meadowbank Stadium was packed – tickets for the match were like gold dust! At stake was a place in the National League – just one tier below the English Football League. In a game of high excitement Ebbsfleet took the lead but Dorking soon equalised. It looked like heartbreak for Dorking right at the end when Ebbsfleet went ahead again in injury time - but Dorking midfielder Luke Moore levelled the score in the dying seconds of normal time. So, the match went to extra time with Dorking emerging 3-2 winners through a dramatic winner from striker Alfie Rutherford. Celebrations extended well into the evening. By sheer coincidence our new Chairman, Nick Ridley, was in Dorking that day and can no doubt vouch for the jubilant celebrations in the High Street from his vantage point at the White Horse Hotel!! Dorking Wanderers are now in the 5th tier of English football, just one below League 2 (the old “Division 4”!). They are playing against teams who once graced the higher ranks. The season so far has been challenging, but so far the team is holding steady around mid-table. The photos below show the celebratory poster and also the Dorking Cockerel (situated on the roundabout at the intersection of the A24 and A25) adorned by local “knitters” in the team’s colours!
And it’s not all about the men! The Dorking Wanderers Ladies team is also enjoying a successful season under the guidance of their Chairman and coach, Calum Best – son of none other than the great George Best. The Ladies’ Team has recently been the subject of a documentary series on BBC3 (also available on BBC iPlayer) entitled “Squad Goals – Dorking ‘til I Die”. As well as following the story of the team, there are many shots of Dorking town itself. Well worth a watch!
MY VINTAGE BENTLEY! - Mike Ryan (1952-57)
Our Chairman, Nick Ridley, recently made contact again with Mike Ryan, a classmate of his. Mike now lives in Horsham and at Nick’s request has submitted this piece about his vintage Bentley. What a beautiful old car – perfect for any car enthusiasts reading this! Mike writes:
The "original " Bentley Company went bust in 1930, the remains being purchased by Rolls Royce Limited and renamed Bentley Motors (1931) Limited.
My car was ordered by Rolls Royce as a “Sales Special” for the 1938 London Motor Show, becoming a pre-production car for the new Model Range.
On completion, the car was road-registered in London, City of Westminster, the first registered owner being Bentley Motors (1931) Ltd and the registration number EYX395 as it remains today.
The car was then allocated to the factory as the `Works Trials Car".......a role it continued for nearly a year, until, with WW2 looming, the car was transferred to the Company Head Office in Conduit St and sold as second-hand to its first private owner. This allowed the factory to concentrate on aero-engine production for the war effort - engines such as Merlins for Spitfires and Lancaster Bombers.
I would be happy to provide more history but perhaps some more recent details would be more appropriate.
I bought the car as a hobby/project some 20 years ago. My wife had died, I had taken early retirement and needed to have reasons to fill my daytime hours. Having tried fishing and golf and a few other unsatisfactory options, I heard of a chap in a nearby village who having bought this wreck was persuaded by his wife to get his priorities right and order a new kitchen rather than immerse himself in yet another old car project.....!
I was lucky from the beginning. I was introduced to an ex-Rolls Royce apprentice who would help with the mechanical side, a local family owned Coachbuilders who would handle the body work / trimming etc........and now you see what can be achieved if you really want to !
Now I am past driving this beauty around and sadly have put it up for sale…