The Dorkinian No 59 Autumn 2022

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.

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS

Since the last Newsletter was issued we have held two Annual General Meetings, on 4^th December 2021 (delayed from the usual date of October) and on 8^th 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 7^th 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)

In addition, 4 members have resigned for personal reasons. At 31st August 2022, the membership stood at 248, a decline of 15 over the year. I have attempted to contact those members who have not paid their outstanding subscriptions for 2021/22 and have had some positive responses. I will continue to work with members to recover the amounts due. There can be all manner of reasons for non-payment, bank error being a major cause, and I will only remove names from the Membership List after discussion with the Committee.

The financial results for the year to 31st August 2022 are shown below:

		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

Although subscription income has decreased, reflecting the decline in membership numbers, mainly through natural causes, the financial resources of the Association remain strong. Bank balances amounted to £11,322 (2021 – £9,805).

An amount of £1,000 was provided in the 2020 accounts to cover Bursary awards intended, at the time, to be presented at an Awards Evening in December 2020. The bursary selection process was interrupted by Covid issues so no awards were made then or indeed in the following year. The provision made has been carried forward to cover bursary awards to be made at a future date.

Expenses increased to £1,236 (2021 – £847).

The surplus for the year amounted to £925 (2021 – £1,454).

Peter George (1965–68)

Membership Secretary & Treasurer

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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 “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.

The ceremony was attended by a number of school members and guests, who were welcomed by Chris Panting, Head Teacher. In his welcoming address, Chris quoted from the memories that Sir Erich had recorded for Dorking Museum’s oral history project in 2019.

[Editor’s note: A transcription and extracts from Sir Erich Reich’s interview for Dorking Museum’s oral history project may be found at https://dorkingmuseum.org.uk/sir–erich–reichinterview]

Sir Erich addressed the audience and stressed the need to look forward, not back, and to be motivated to do good for others and ”to leave the world better than you found it”. He also emphasised how lucky he had been to be so young and therefore not to really know what was going on when he arrived in Britain. His young age had enabled him to block out all the anxiety of his life before the war, which older children could not do.

There were also speeches from the (then) Chairman of Mole Valley District Council, Councillor Christopher Hunt, and from Karen Diamond of the AJR who read the commemorative plaque.

The plaque reads: “This native oak (Quercus robur) was planted in 2022 by the Association of Jewish Refugees in honour of our own 80th anniversary and Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and with thanks to the people of Dorking who helped Holocaust refugees like Emilia and Josef Kreibich, who found refuge here from Südetenland in 1939 and who fostered four-year-old Viennese-born Erich Reich for eight years.

“The tree is also in loving memory of Erich’s parents, Mina and Schapse Reich, who died in the Holocaust.”

After the ceremony and speeches, attendees were invited back to the School Library for refreshments. A group of students from the school asked questions of Sir Erich, with Head Teacher Chris Panting commenting that the special visit had brought history alive for the pupils.

NEWS FROM THE SCHOOL – Chris Panting and Jane Collard

                                   

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 school is part of an Academy chain with Therfield (Leatherhead) and Carrington (Redhill). David Blow, the former Head, drives this initiative. The school did not want to become part of a big chain, although more schools might join the current Academy. There are currently (October 2022) 1,481 students at Ashcombe (including 3 pupils from Ukraine) and the sixth form has around 270 students.

The school is over-subscribed for the fourth year in a row (5 years ago it was 100 below capacity). Staffing levels are good, but remain a challenge. Salary is an issue in the South East and it has been necessary to recruit from overseas. There are concerns for 2023 with the issue of increases in the cost of living and the threat of strike action by teachers. Funding is tight and there are no further efficiency savings to be made. Cuts in funding will mean that pupils will suffer.

Alison Reed retired as Deputy Head in the summer, after 35 years. It is pleasing to note that Alison was honoured with a Bronze Lifetime achievement award at the National Teaching Awards ceremony.

There are some big challenges ahead. Funding and staffing levels will continue to be big issues. Above all, there remain concerns for the well-being of students. The pandemic had an immeasurable effect on the mental health of many pupils and this is an area that will continue to be addressed.

The school is very grateful for the support of the ADA and members are very welcome to visit the school at any time.   

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 9^th 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.

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:

1. The Membership Contact List published in November 2021.
2. Office of National Statistics (ONA) Deaths in England & Wales 1990-2017
3. Office of National Statistics (ONA) Population in England 1971-2020
4. Actuarial Life Tables for UK based on the years 2017-2019

Unfortunately, space limitations in this edition of the Newsletter prevent the inclusion of

John’s full analysis and projections, but they are available should any reader be interested in more detail [Editor’s note: please contact me directly]. By plotting graphs and extrapolating from national life expectancy data (NB: the source of the data in items 2,3 & 4 above is based on large population samples), John has applied a projection to the ADA population. A summary of John’s conclusions and questions is set out below:

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:

1. How long before members’ subscriptions can no longer finance the Newsletter and incidental expenses?
2. How long can the bursary award be maintained and what can be afforded?
3. The current financial standing of ADA is relatively strong. Would an increase in subscription be necessary? If so, when?
4. The analysis suggests that male membership will have halved by around 2029 and that of women by around 2031.
5. At what point will the terms of The Constitution be put into effect (dealing with the dissoution of the Association)?

Editor’s comment: So, what do readers think? There is plenty of food for thought here. On the one hand, there have been some very positive ideas this year on how the Association might develop and we have “new blood” on the Committee. But the analysis by John Hayns does also highlight the challenges faced. I would be very interested to receive comments and suggestions as to how members view the ADA and its function. All feedback will be reviewed by the Committee. Any update will be included in the next Newsletter.

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THE CONSTANT QUEEN – QUEEN ELIZABETH II

Alan Fox(1946-52)

“Be patterns, be examples in all countries, places, islands, nations, wherever you come, that your carriage and life may preach among all sorts of people, and to them: then you will come to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone.” (George Fox 1656)

With the outpouring of emotion and memories stimulated by recent events surrounding the death of Queen Elizabeth II, I was reminded of the above quotation as well as the dedication to ‘Service’ that she made at the age of 21 never realising that within 5 years she would be thrust into the forefront of our national life for over 70 years. It was a promise that she endeavoured to keep even though she was surrounded and challenged by some circumstances similar to those that many of us have experienced.

My conscious memory does not go back to when I was born during the latter part of King

George V’s Reign, nor do I remember the difficulties surrounding the Abdication of King Edward VIII. However, I do have a distinct impression of the Coronation of King George VI in May 1937, when my father drove his black Austin 7 to show us some of the celebrations. We were living in Woking at the time.

World War II, especially Sunday 3rd September 1939 the day that War was declared, was somewhat different and I can recall certain events with clarity. We had moved to Dorking in January of that year but in 1940 my parents toyed with the idea of sending my sister Aileen and me to distant relatives in Florida. However, the King and his family stayed in England, Windsor to be more precise; and then a ship, the City of Benares, was torpedoed on its way to Canada and 77 children lost their lives which put paid to my parents’ plans – so we stayed in what was later called ‘Doodle-bug Alley’.

In those troubled days our news came through the wireless (no television then) and daily newspapers. In our house the wireless was switched on just before 8 o’clock and we heard six pips followed by the words similar to, “This is the BBC Home Service and here is the 8 o’clock News with Alvar Lidell reading it.” Each newsreader gave their name so that as we learnt to recognise it we knew it was not a fake newscast.

My parents varied their reading by switching between the Daily Telegraph, News Chronicle, Reynolds News and Sunday Express, and my main interest was in the maps and photographs. There were two photographs in particular that caught my attention. The first was when I saw a photograph of Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret in Girl Guide uniforms – mainly because I had enrolled as a Wolf Cub in September 1941. The second was when Princess Elizabeth joined the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service) and the newspapers published two photographs, one of her driving an Ambulance and the second with her head under the bonnet of an Army vehicle fixing a fault. This intrigued my father because he was in a Reserved Occupation at the beginning of the War – he was Chief Engineer in Dorking’s London Transport garage, and became a member of the LDV (Local Defence Volunteer) later to be named The Home Guard made famous in peace time with the TV series Dad’s Army. After his youngest brother was shot down and killed in October 1942 he volunteered and was seconded as a civilian to a UKCC site at Hamadan in Persia where he was responsible for coordinating the servicing and repairing of military vehicles. In the mid-20s and early 30s he had volunteered for the Army and learnt to drive tanks (including experimental ones) and armoured cars on Salisbury Plain. He had been trained by Rolls Royce in Derby and by Riley in Coventry during his enlistment in the Royal Tank Corps, so his knowledge of servicing and maintenance of tanks and other military vehicles was of the highest standard and therefore invaluable.

So, I grew up in a household which had respect for some of our political leaders and the Royal Family, and in many ways the news of King George VI’s death on February 6th 1952 and memories of the Sixth Form girls crying in the school’s dining room and bringing tears to my father’s eyes, brought about a family discussion around my recent visit to Edinburgh Castle to receive my King’s Scout Badge and Certificate. The possible visit to Windsor

Castle to attend a St. George’s Day Parade was in doubt, but later we heard that our Queen had agreed that although the Royal Court was in Mourning (for three months in those days) those of us chosen should not be disappointed. Everyone in the Royal Party, including the Queen who was taking the Salute, was dressed in black. A sad event had brought about my first sighting of our Queen. However, on Coronation Day on 2nd June 1953 I was undertaking my National Service training at RAF Yatesbury in Wiltshire, where, after a Parade, I joined a coach party and spent the rest of the day at Weston-super-Mare and not lining the streets of London.

It was during the Summer Vacation in 1956 that I next saw her. A party of ‘Pilgrims’ were walking from the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral to Chichester Cathedral. Each of the participants was carrying a symbolic Prayer Book given to them by the Bishop of London to present to the Bishop of Chichester to deliver to a recently built church in Crawley New Town. One of their overnight stops was in Dorking and I was asked to organise a Barn Dance – those poor feet!   The next day at breakfast I decided to join them. One night on our trek through The Weald and over the South Downs we slept under the stars at Easebourne Priory, and shortly after setting off the following morning we passed though the grounds of Goodwood House only to see Prince Philip playing Polo, with the Queen watching.

Serendipity! Just as my next sighting was. I was teaching in London when my friend Tony Bravery, who had become the Scoutmaster of my old Scout Troop, the 10th Dorking, wrote and asked me if I would like to join a visit to The Gang Show directed by Ralph Reader at the Victoria Palace Theatre near Victoria Station. It was a pleasure to meet some old friends and greet new members of the Troop.   We had just settled in our stall seats when everybody started standing, cheering and clapping as we saw Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip entering the Royal Box, and an occasional glance confirmed that they were thoroughly enjoying the performance.

My final sighting was with (my wife) Susan when I received an invitation to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. It was a sunny day and I clearly remember the date – 22nd

June 2010 – my sister’s 75th Birthday. Although we did not talk to the Queen or the Duke of Edinburgh we absorbed the atmosphere of the experience and were able to take tea and walk all around the Garden in that June sunshine.

From my late Teens to my late Eighties there has been that constant figure which together with her family and my family has given me an anchor from which to experience life’s pattern with all its ups and downs and thus on the whole remain cheerful.

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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 22^nd 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 60^th 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 9^th 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 11^th 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.com

ALAN 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 25^th 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.

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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.

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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)

Muriel Snushall (née Booty)           (1940-47)

Tributes to, or memories of, any of these former members would be welcome.

 

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 5^th 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…