PDF Newsletters – May 2009
Friday, May 15th, 2009Sulian Newsletter May 2009
Headmasters Letter May 2009
Archive for May, 2009
Newsletter Part 2 – May 2009
Friday, May 15th, 2009The Diary for 2009
28th May NHSOB Golf Match at Newport
Mick Moore has once again organised a team (the chosen ones) to travel over The Bridge for this annual fixture. The only change is that it is now against a Newport High Schools Old Boys team as time takes it’s toll. We are defending our title and wish the boys well against the boyos!
19th June Association Golf Day at Bath Golf Club, Sham Castle
A reminder for the Old Sulians’ Golf Day. Normal venue, Bath Golf Club, Sham Castle, Bath
9.30am tee time for morning Medal (for those with the stamina) and Old Tosser’s Tankard (7 holes for those with a little less stamina). Coffee (included) and bacon butties (self pay) available in the Clubhouse from 8.30am.
Lunch served from 1.00pm. Afternoon (2.15pm start) Stableford. Evening Dinner and prizes at 7.30
The price should be the same as last year i.e. £35 all inclusive (how do we do it?) but it will depend on overall numbers.
PLEASE give Mike Wood a clue if you will be there!! And feel free to pass the details on to other Golfing Su’s
Mike is on 01225 335250 or mike@systemagic.co.uk
23rd July Medieval Meander (Walking Treasure Hunt)
Once again Sue Trude, bless her, (that’s not what some say afterwards!!) will help you travel from the Abbey Churchyard, (Start opposite the Pump Room from 6 pm ‘till about 7), to find your way, aimlessly wander or in desperation retreat, to The Bath Cricket Club on North Parade. Teams of maximum size 4, if you compete alone you have no one to argue with or blame! Please let me know how many you are bringing by the 17th as we have to print the clue sheets. 01225 832207 or committee@oldsulians.org.uk
17th October Annual Dinner at Bath Cricket Club, North Parade
Full details in the Autumn. Rest assured the speeches will be short, the company will be delightful and we will probably have beef even though dear old Bryn James is no longer with us.
More News
I was overwhelmed with a response to the detail of the Secretary’s report in the last issue that winged it’s way in from my Flying Instructor Nick ‘Biggles’ Bowers (1966). I reproduce it as follows:
While trawling through the letter rack, I came across a copy of the Old Su’s Newsletter Feb 2009; put there upon arrival, awaiting a suitable opportunity to read the contents – which I have now, rather belatedly done.An item in the Secretary’s Report caught my eye – the bit about Glyn Maddox and the sailing dinghy. Construction of the beast (or rather beasts, for there were two!) was accomplished by a stalwart band of about eight volunteers who stayed after school for a couple of hours, once a week (Tuesdays if my memory serves me correctly) to learn the intricate art of boat building. The starting point was a set of drawings and a stack of timber components. I may be doing the gang a disservice, but I do not recall anyone (including Glyn) having any substantial previous experience of building boats but, of course, the standard of woodworking was kept well up to scratch, by Glyn’s inimitable style of encouragement. At length, the first of two very smart Heron Class dinghies emerged from the workshop and, as reported by the Hon Sec in his report, was taken to Shearwater for its first trial. There was little if any wind that day, so all we were able to accomplish was a couple of interminably long tacks across the lake and the acquisition of proof that the thing would indeed float! As for the eventual fate of those dinghies, I have no information, other than a faint recollection of talk about participating in sailing races on the river at Saltford. Whether, or not any such excitement was undertaken, I cannot say – I certainly did not have any further contact with the products of our woodworking labours.
Another of our year, Ian Potentier, currently being cajoled into joining up (!) recently confirmed the detail over several jars of an interesting brew at our joint 61st birthday bash in the depths of wild Wiltshire.
Another memoir came from George Glass (1944). The full text can be found on our web-site but for a taster :
My years at school were between 1940 and 1944 from Monkton Combe Preparatory School; not the best of years for the school or pupils – due to the war, Bath blitz, temporary kitchens on the car park in front of the Headmaster’s study, clothes rationing, gas masks, shortages of food and the good things of life. But in spite of it all we survived.
The staff, under the watchful eye of Dr Taylor, kept things going remarkably well. Latin and History were a nightmare under Dancy and James, my only encounters with Matthews were with the ‘dap’. Nevertheless I enjoyed French with Froggy Holden, English with Mr Birt, Art with Mr Whitacker, Science with Mr Hambleton.
In my class was Roger Bannister – a ‘bright lad’ who as a junior won the senior cross-country event, and Raymond Leppard who always played the piano at morning assembly.
You can rather gather I was not an academic at school but a ‘plodder’ and enjoyed rugby and athletics. Nevertheless I obtained 2 School Certificates enabling me to start on my career.
But do not forget the wartime working holidays organised by Mr Hambleton and others, collecting pit-props at Bovey Tracey and harvesting camps in Worcestershire – digging potatoes or if you were lucky, picking fruit, but do watch out for the land girls!
The Headmaster, Dr Taylor, organised on a Saturday night that the 5th and 6th forms from CBBS and CBGS should get together to learn decorum and to dance under the teaching of Madame A Carter. Being able to dance to Victor Silvester strict tempo has served me in good stead ever since; having met Diana, D R Wakefield, there we eventually got married in 1950 and have been together ever since. I must mention my older brother J R Glass 1935-41 who was called up during the war, obtained his wings in Rhodesia and was killed in Italy flying spitfires.
Charity Cycle ride.
Old Sulian RFC stalwart Toby Herlinger is cycling from St Austell to Bristol over three days starting on the 19th June.
He is participating on behalf of the South West Children’s Hospice and would appreciate any support Sulians could offer. The cycle ride covers 250miles.
He has set up a Just Giving page listed below.
www.justgiving.com/tobyherlinger Thank you in advance for any contributions.
The Gryphon Year Book
The School is producing a year book to which we have been invited to contribute. The picture of Rich and Terry should appear in radiant black and white with a few words about The Association.
It is also hoped to include details of the School’s status, achievements and staff amongst other things and to publish by the end of term. Full information will be found on the School and the Sulian websites. I will provide full details in the September Newsletter for those that would like to purchase a copy and find out what is going on at the old Alma Mater.
Newsletter Part 1 – May 2009
Friday, May 15th, 2009NEWS
Annual General Meeting.
Around a dozen hardy souls ventured forth to Lansdown to see Terry Lee (1952) hand on his jewel to Rich Wood (1991), our new President.
Coerced into the Treasurer’s job by his late Grandfather, Bill Wood, some 11 years ago, Rich is the first ex-Beechen Cliff pupil to hold the office. I think he also shares the distinction along with trusty Trustee Neil Blake (1982), of being the only members of the Committee still at work! At a subsequent Committee meeting, Terry was presented with an engraved plate to mark his 2 years of service. And in another coup, Tony Buss (1955) was co-opted onto the Committee following the resignation of Gerry Gibson (1952) for health reasons. Other officers were re-elected.
No volunteers materialised for the post of Social Secretary so, for the present, we don’t have one. A limited social calendar can be found overleaf.
The Book
Terry Light and his band of stalwarts are beavering away on the book ‘Basement to Beechen Cliff’. The current aim is for a number of profiles of eminent Sulians, a brief history of School, and lists of Headmasters, Head Boys, Sulian Presidents and the like, where they can be found and verified. He is desperately seeking pictures of the School pre-Beechen Cliff and of the new building in progress. If you have, or know of any pictures or memories from the Guildhall era stashed away in your cellar or attic, please get in touch with Terry: 01225338619 or e-mail: terrylight@oldsulians.org.uk or via the Editor.
Social Events
As noted above, we currently have no organiser. I will continue with the Dinner for this year and Sue Trude does all the work for the Treasure Hunt for which we are very grateful. The Ladies Night scheduled for March was cancelled because of insufficient numbers, that is well less than 30. This used to attract 70+. Perhaps it has run it’s course. Perhaps we need different entertainment, or do we need entertainment at all? We have moved from November to January to March to try to accommodate as many as possible. Should we return to November? Are there any other events you would support? My request in the last issue regarding a possible coach trip was met with a stoney silence. Is this a No? If you fancy a trip to RHS Wisley, Ironbridge, the Imperial War Museum or the like, please contact the Secretary whose details are at the foot of the page.
Membership
The current membership stands at 265. Despite an ageing demographic we have shown a steady if slight, increase over the last 10 years or so. E-mail has improved the options for communication and we are getting 400 to 500 ‘hits’ a month to our website. Indeed, last November we achieved 1000 visits with 140 alone on one day just after Tony Sweet died. We are trying to do more to archive documents and photos on the web but it’s the same team doing the work! If you have material we can use, please get in touch And on one more related point, I regularly receive requests from new or prospective members for contact details for their contemporaries. My normal response is to provide a list of names from the same era with the offer to forward any letters. We do not provide our mailing list to anyone other than occasionally to School but in ‘the old days’ we published an annual membership list for all to see. In these days of data protection we will continue to be circumspect but if you feel strongly that you do not wish your whereabouts to be disclosed to anyone, please tell me!
Additions this time see Brian Waller (57), John Russ (49) and Bernard Swift (53) all taking Life Membership, whilst Len Richards (38) and Russ Colwill have passed on.
Old Sulians RFC
A dismal season for results but a good spirit and some encouraging rugby I am told. The Annual Dinner was on 8th May, and they are off to the Bournemouth Sevens at the end of the month.
In a new development Coaching has been the provided to the Rugby Teams at Beechen Cliff.
‘49 ers Reunion
Rapidly approaching! Alan Blake has promises in the high 20’s for the gathering on Friday 17th July. It’s still not too late to join in. If you took your School Cert in 1949 contact Bubbles on 01761 471088 or 49ers@oldsulians.org.uk
The School
Peter Powell reports that the Annual School Concert goes from strength to strength with some excellent performances by a large number of students. Once again you will find enclosed an update from the Headmaster for which we are very grateful. AND I have just seen the School Chef (whatever happened to the Cook?) on local television promising snails and frogs-legs before the end of term! This week is SALAD Week! To see what the poor dears have to endure, visit: www.beechencliff.org.uk/food/menu.html. Now in my day…………….
And remember the new ties, selling well, are only £10 from the Hon. Treasurer.
Charity Cycle ride.
Old Sulian RFC stalwart Toby Herlinger is cycling from St Austell to Bristol over three days starting on the 19th June.
He is participating on behalf of the South West Children’s Hospice and would appreciate any support Sulians could offer. The cycle ride covers 250miles.
He has set up a Just Giving page listed below.
www.justgiving.com/tobyherlinger Thank you in advance for any contributions.
Headmasters Letter – May 2009
Friday, May 15th, 2009Dear Old Sulians,
The spring and summer terms stretch ahead into the far distance and I can almost hear the clinking of Pimms glasses and the sound of leather on willow …. Perhaps this is all more hope than expectation but it is useful to remain optimistic!
Academic aspirations are high for this summer. We would expect around 75% of our boys to leave Year 11 with five or more good GCSE passes, many of them achieving at the very highest levels. For many of them the promise of Sixth Form life awaits, a promise sadly denied a large number of external applicants. The Sixth Form has been inundated with applicants and it will number over 300 in September, effectively doubling in size over the last ten years. Our boys will face strong competition from around 100 new girls into the Sixth Form, coming to us with impeccable references and a very strong academic profile. We anticipate that as many as 25 of our new Lower Sixth will have Oxbridge potential.
The cultural life of the school thrives; ‘hard on the heels’ of the ‘Children of Empire’ play, our boys have been involved in the Theatre Royal’s production of ‘Oliver’, taking on the roles of ‘Oliver’ and ‘The Artful Dodger’ – to great acclaim.
Our Art exhibition takes place in June and this will give visitors another opportunity to admire the work of some very talented young artists and photographers. If you are able to come along and view the work, we would be pleased to see you.
Sport, as always, will play a large part of school life this term, particularly the aspiration of our cricket teams to add to the Headmaster’s growing silverware – they have all been instructed on the basis of the Spartan principle – ‘Come back with this shield or upon it’! We will be in a position to give you an update on their achievements in July, as well as a report on the Forty Club match and the 1st XI vs MCC game at Lansdown. Let us hope that the weather will allow the boys to make the most of the packed schedule planned.
The Music Block project continues ‘apace’ and the plans are now being drawn up by architects. We still have a shortfall in our funding but hope to work with possible partners to try and make this up. The addition of this resource will allow the exceptional qualities of our music teaching and talented pupils to be recognised more widely – and to give them the environment they deserve.
The ‘Ten Tors’ hike, Centurion challenge and Sports Day will supplement a packed term of events, culminating, of course, in the reunion of the ‘49ers in July. We look forward to welcoming this esteemed group at that time, although you are all welcome to visit us at any time.
In July I will write in rather more detail, updating you on any further progress and achievements – in all areas of the corporate life of the school.
Yours sincerely
Andrew Davies
Headmaster
Len Dyer R.I.P.
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009Very sadly I have to report that Len lost his fight with the Big C on Tuesday, 12 th May. I know he was hoping desperately to hang on for the ‘49 ers re-union, but it was not to be.
Len’s funeral was held at Haycombe Crematorium, Bath, at 1 pm on Thursday 21st May. Many Sulians were present along with his family and many, many friends.
We all extend our sincerest condolences to Beryl and their family.
George Glass (1944) Memories
Thursday, May 7th, 2009March 2009
Dear Roger,
Thank you for the chat we had over the phone the other day and your advice. I pen therefore a letter of my life, if there is anyone out there left who was at CBBS during the war years who would be interested.
My years at school were between 1940 and 1944 from Monkton Combe Preparatory School; not the best of years for the school or pupils – due to the war, Bath blitz, temporary kitchens on the car park in front of the Headmaster’s study, clothes rationing, gas masks, shortages of food and the good things of life. But in spite of it all we survived.
The staff, under the watchful eye of Dr Taylor, kept things going remarkably well. Latin and History were a nightmare under Dancy and James, my only encounters with Matthews were with the ‘dap’! Nevertheless I enjoyed French with Froggy Holden, English with Mr Burt, Art with Mr Whiticker and Science with Mr Hambleton.
In my class was Roger Bannister – a ‘bright lad’ who as a junior won the senior cross-country event, and Raymond Leppard who always played the piano at morning assembly.
You can rather gather I was not an academic at school but a ‘plodder’ and enjoyed rugby and athletics. Nevertheless I obtained 2 School Certificates enabling me to start on my career.
And do not forget the wartime working holidays organised by Mr Hambleton and others, collecting pit-props at Bovey Tracey and harvesting camps in Worcestershire – digging potatoes or if you were lucky, picking fruit, but do watch out for the land girls!
The Headmaster, Dr Taylor, organised on a Saturday night that the 5th and 6th forms from CBBS and CBGS should get together to learn decorum and to dance under the teaching of Madame A Carter. Being able to dance to Victor Sylvester strict tempo has served me in good stead ever since; having met Diana, D R Wakefield, there, we eventually got married in 1950 and have been together ever since.
I must mention my older brother J R Glass 1935-41 who was called up during the war, obtained his wings in Rhodesia and was killed in Italy flying spitfires.
Briefly my life was as follows:
Articled pupil with Mr Bevan-Jones in the Corporate Property Office, City of Bath for a year and passed the first examination of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
Joined the Old Sulians RFC and had many matches with local clubs, not forgetting a little beer drinking under the control and supervision of John New.
Called up for National Service, Bodmin. Passed a W.O.S.B., trained at Newark and obtained a commission in R.E. Work Services finally serving 18 months in Malaya.
On return joined Nixey and Jordan Chartered Surveyors in Bath and studied for 3 years as an articled pupil to become an Associate of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Experience followed at Aldermaston A.W.R.E, Bristol and 3 years in Trinidad through the Crown Agents with the Works and Hydraulics Department.
Back to the UK and Birmingham. After working for two firms, managed to obtain a Partnership with A.G. Robottom and Partners eventually becoming a Fellow of the RICS, retiring in 1992.
All during this time I kept up my golf, having played before the war at Lansdown, Bath. Joined Moseley Golf Club eventually becoming Captain and President and have just been made an Honorary Member.
Played for the Worcestershire 2nd team and became Captain of the Worcestershire Seniors. I was also a member of the Chartered Surveyors Golfing Society, was Secretary and Captain of the Midlands section and eventually National Captain.
While a member of St Andrew’s Golf Club in Trinidad I represented Trinidad and Tobago in golf teams versus Jamaica and Barbados.
My wife and I have been members of Aberdovey Golf Club for 20 years where we have had many golfing holidays.
I was happy to become a Life Member of the OSA, reading the newsletters, sadly reading of the death of many of my contemporaries.
I do regret not having taken more of an active part in the affairs of the OSA but the distance between Birmingham and Bath is considerable and there is always a time limit on what one can do.
Having started this letter I am now obliged to finish it. I hope it is not too long-winded but no doubt you know how to precis!
Yours sincerely,
George P. Glass
Russell Colwill R.I.P
Thursday, May 7th, 2009Sadly Sulian, legendary rugby player and former local ‘Bobby’, Russell Colwill died last Saturday.
The funeral is at Haycombe, on the 8th of May.
From Brian French: Very sorry to hear of Russell’s passing. He was always a 100%er on the rugby field.RIP
From ‘Henry’ Fielding: Deep sorrow at the news of Russell’s passing . A great team man and provider of some funny moments despite some personal setbacks . On more than one occasion I recall him fielding the high ball from the kick-off only for it to hit him in the face due to his poor eyesight . A hard man though , injured at Keynsham he drove himself to hospital to have 34 stitches put inside his mouth.
.