Newsletter of The Old
Thorntonians Association (Clapham)
“Education is the leading of human souls to what is best, and making what is best out of them.” John Ruskin (1819-1900)
No
13 July/August 2010
Obituary
Don
Appelbe (1938-43): died 4 June
2010. One of the small group, as
currently identified, of HTS pupils evacuated to Chichester, Don attended the
two “mini-reunions” at the High School for Boys (8 October 2009 and 11 July
2008). Brother James, also an OT
(1944-7), recalls: “He liked the area
so much that he retired to Chichester.
He served in the Royal Navy and had careers in banking, time and motion
study with Unilever, and latterly in local government. He was keen on his garden, DIY and had a
wide circle of friends playing bridge. He leaves behind his wife Muriel, son
Paul, daughter Sally and three grand-children.”
Stephen Browning
Did
you know Stephen, a pupil who joined in around 1961? If so, his sister Carolyn would like to hear from you. She writes: “I am trying to track down photos of my brother Stephen who
passed away at the age of 21, in about 1971.
I was only nine years old at the time, and unfortunately I have no
photos of him. I’m not sure when he
left, but I know he went on to college to study electronics. I would really appreciate it if somebody had
a photo of him. I can’t even remember
what he looked like.” Carolyn has also
posted the appeal on the Association’s Guest Book page. Ted Hayward has pointed out that there are
two whole-school photographs on the site, taken in 1962 and 1966, and it is
therefore likely that her brother would be in one or both of them. If any OTs
do recognise Stephen from these – or any other – sources please let Ted know.
As previously advised, the next (sixth) reunion will
be held at The Windmill on Saturday 25 September; the usual notice is
attached. Replies are requested only if
you plan to attend.
Membership
Many thanks to all who have renewed their
subscription, which as agreed at the AGM is for an extended (ie, two-year)
period, to 31 December 2011. A number
have decided not to remain in membership – and for this reason the current
total is 97, including two Associates – but the Committee hope that they will
still be able to keep in touch with the Association generally, eg, by browsing
the website and coming to the reunions.
Rejoiners will of course always be welcome!
The OCs, formerly known as CHALOBS, have recently
launched their own website: www.oldcicestrians.com It also contains a link to our own
site. Ted Hayward has already given
this information to those OTs who were evacuated to Chichester and are known to
have access to the internet.
Colin Walder
(1968-72): I
attended HTS from September 1968 to February 1972, although when I began my
secondary education the new building was not available straightaway and the
pupils travelled to Archbishop Tenison School (in the Battersea area, I think); we went there until the new buildings were
opened.
I had lessons in both
the new and old buildings. I played
trumpet in the school orchestra, which was run by Mr David Crawley, and I
remember the very high ceiling in the stepped practice room where we also had
lessons, and the amazing theatre facility where we played on a few
occasions. I have a grainy picture of
the orchestra.
As music was my 'best'
subject I also remember Professor Taylor, who taught music theory. He was a “classic” schoolmaster with the
black gown.
I do not remember ever
seeing a school magazine during my time and I certainly don't recall any
photographs of Mr Heaton-Page, fearsome gentleman that he was.
I think the Deputy
Head's name was Mr Edgler.
I played for the school
rugby team run by Mr Ackland and Mr Williams, and the head of sport was Mr
Allott – you didn't dare give him any
back chat either.
Mr Thompson was a
grand old gentleman of 80 who taught English and meted out punishment using a
small cricket bat which he called “The Livener”, for obvious reasons!
Sports afternoon was
held at either Rose Hill or Priest Hill in the Sutton area, and I remember one
of the highlights was seeing David Webb, ex-Chelsea player, coming to see the
football team.
The old ATC hut had a
dilapidated old flight simulator in it and parades were carried out on the
bottom playground behind the old buildings.
Derek
Yandell (1945-52) recalls his final-year “Canada
experience”: I
was in a maths class with Mr Yorke when a small, very nervous boy came in. “What do you want, boy?” asked Yorke. “Please, sir, the Head Master would like to
see Yandell.” “Well, I suppose you’d
better go,” Yorke said. So I followed
the small messenger, feeling rather nervous myself.
This
was towards the end of Gaskin’s first year as Head, and he and I had not been
very friendly. He had introduced
Prefects’ caps and, in my view, spoilt
the House system. However, we shared at
times a similar sense of humour. His
first words were “Would you like to go to Canada?” I replied that I would but that I was in a double maths lesson.
He
explained that a Bradford business man, W H Rhodes, had set up a fund in the
1930s for 40 boys to visit Canada each summer.
He had acquired a great admiration for the country and its people and
wanted to share his enthusiasm with others.
The trips were discontinued during WW2, and I think that mine, in 1952,
was only the second since the end of the war.
The
group consisted of 16 from London and eight from each of the other cities: Bradford, Birmingham and Glasgow.
The
London group met at what was then County Hall and travelled by train to
Southampton, where we boarded the Samaria (Cunard line). This was quite an eye-opener for us: a shopping centre and a lift in a ship! In addition, we enjoyed amazing food, partly
because, I think, there was still rationing in England. Furthermore, each evening there was dancing
to a live band. I had been learning to
dance, Victor Sylvester-style, for several years and was therefore very popular
with sundry ladies amongst the passengers.
We
started our visit in Quebec and toured the city by coach, so that we were able
to enjoy its quaintness and the many different styles of architecture. We then moved on to Montreal, which is very
different with its many modern (at the time!) buildings and copies of some
famous structures.
The
next stop was Toronto, where we were
entertained to lunch by the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, and then by coach on to
Niagara. Here we were able to walk
under the Falls and, over lunch, high up in a
hotel, we could see all of them – a quite amazing sight.
We
had a short break from touring, during our visit, to stay at a “holiday camp”,
which was most unlike Butlin’s. It was
log cabins next to a lake and everyone, except myself, enjoyed swimming and
canoeing. I was excluded as a
non-swimmer but had pleasant walks through the trees.
Our
final visit was to Ottawa, where we were taken to the Royal Mint, the National
Gallery and the Parliament buildings.
We
made our way back to Montreal to join the Ascania, where we said goodbye
to Dougie Gordon, the Cunard representative who had looked after us so
well. We all (40 of us) sang “A Gordon
for Me” as the ship pulled away, and I’m sure Dougie was wiping away a tear or
two!
The
return voyage was disappointing as the weather was poor and we all had
tonsillitis in various degrees. I had a
very sore throat and spent the crossing in the library.
There
was an Old Rhodians Association for some years whose activities included
holding an annual dinner at County Hall.
I attended for eight years but few of my group did. The Association probably disbanded when
County Hall closed.
OT
doyen Wilf Finbow (1931-6) shares a few memories of the 1930s: Prewar school journeys
and visits were limited. However, one
in 1932 took us to Eastleigh, just outside Southampton, then the Southern
Railways’ main depot. We witnessed at
close range – no protective clothing in those days – the spectacular casting in white-hot liquid metal of one of the
huge driving wheels of the steam monsters.
We
went by rail down to Southampton docks to tour RMS Berengaria, a
passenger/cargo ship (no cruise liners then).
Years later I discovered that Berengaria (d 1230) was Queen Consort of
Richard Cœur de Lion. Most liners in
those days were christened with mythical or historic names.
In
1935-6 Leo Russell and Campbell took a train to Ashford, Kent and cycled down
to Rye Harbour, a hamlet isolated from the old port of Rye on a vast, flat
shoreline formed as a result of sea recession.
We camped by the Martello Tower.
There was only one little general store on the “front”, and we became
friendly with the owner and his daughter Honor, who joined us for a chat – and
a share of Campbell’s apple fritters.
We
left school and then war intervened:
those happy days became just a memory.
However,
in (I believe) 1948, there was Rye Harbour, featured in The Times or The
Daily Telegraph. Secret German
invasion plans had been found: the map
showed Rye Harbour as “Tonbridge” – 30 miles inland! An incompetent spy had seen the fascia board of the little shop,
Tonbridge Stores, not realising that it was the owner’s name, and that his
daughter was Honor Tonbridge!
Still
on a German theme, in or around 1935 we had an exchange(?) visit by a group of
students from that country. They were well-built, smart, blond Aryans. It was strongly rumoured that one was a
nephew of a prominent Nazi, later executed.
Little did we, or they, appreciate that we would be “crossing swords”
four-five years later. On their return
they probably reported back that, judging by us slaphappy schoolboys, Britain
would be a pushover!
From the
Pages of The Thorntonian
Autumn 1959: In Memoriam
W. R. John
1918-1949
C.
W. Gribble 1920-1954
With deep regret we
have to record the death of two former Masters for whose long and faithful
service the School will always be grateful.
None of the present boys knew Mr. John and few knew Mr. Gribble, but
hundreds of Old Boys will remember them with admiration and affection.
Mr.
John joined the Staff in 1918 as History and Economics Master, and in 1937 he
succeeded Mr. Hart-Smith as Senior Master.
Shortly after coming to us he instituted our first Advanced Course in
modern studies, the success of which was proved not only by brilliant
examination results but also by the subsequent careers of many of his
pupils. During the war he was in charge
of the South-West London Emergency School, a post abounding with difficulties
which only his remarkable energy enabled him to overcome.
Mr.
Gribble joined us in 1920, became Senior French Master shortly after, and in
1949 succeeded Mr. John as Senior Master.
On his retirement in 1954 I paid a tribute in The Thorntonian to
his admirable qualities of mind and character. [The text of this
piece will be published in a future newsletter. Ed] He was an excellent teacher and a man whose
humour and quiet charm of character endeared him to boys and men alike.
If
I may add a personal note, it grieves me that one of my last sad duties is to
record the passing of two old friends and to express our profound sympathy with
John, Mrs. Gribble and their families.
*C.E.Jeremy
*Whose own passing is
recorded in the magazine extract reproduced in issue no 7, November 2008.
Autumn 1943:
S.S.
“CERAMIC”
In
1936 our School adopted the S.S. Ceramic, at that time the longest
single funnel liner. In December, 1942,
after two successful engagements with enemy submarines, our ship was torpedoed
and sunk by a U-boat during a heavy gale in the Atlantic. According to the German radio there was only
one survivor, ands we can only express our heartfelt sympathy with the
relatives and friends of all who shared the fate of this gallant ship and
record the gratitude of all Thorntonians for having been privileged to
associate with the magnificent seamen who formed the ship’s company.
During
the years of peace the Ceramic was engaged in bringing home from
Australia and New Zealand dairy produce and meat for our food and wool and
minerals for our industries. In a
letter to the School in 1940 Captain Elford wrote: “I would like all the Masters and Boys to know that the thoughts
of my Officers and Myself often go out to them.” Although an attack of pneumonia kept Captain Elford away from his
Ship for a short time, he resumed command in 1941 and remained with her to the
end, a great captain of a great ship.
The
Ceramic was built in 1913 for the Shaw, Savill and Albion Line and
during the first world war carried more Australian soldiers than any other
vessel. Afterwards the ship was
completely overhauled, the cabins rebuilt and supplied with hot and cold
water. A gymnasium and verandah café
were built on the boat deck and the .latest talking picture and broadcasting
system installed. Many of the latest
films were shown. Below decks there was
refrigerating plant for freezing butter and mutton and for chilling eggs,
apples and cheese. Old Thorntonians
will recall the lively descriptions by the officers of the cargoes, voyages,
and adventures of our ship during the years which immediately preceded the
second world war and the fine June afternoon when Captain and Mrs. Elford
visited us to present the “Ceramic Cup” to the School Captain, Hope, and the
“Ceramic Marine Library” to the School.
Others may remember a later occasion when Hope and Captain Elford
discussed Ship Adoption in the television service of the B..B.C.
Our
debt to the Merchant Navy is undiminished, and Thorntonians all over the world
will be proud to learn that the School has now adopted three more ships. May we hope that when peace returns we will
continue to acknowledge and to discharge our debt to those who risk their lives
at sea in order that Britain may live. *T.S
*Unidentified, but probably a
senior pupil.
A
photograph of the ship is on the website.
Go to Memorabilia on the Home page menu and click on Miscellaneous.
Also Autumn 1943: ITEMS
OF SCHOOL NEWS
The School field is
producing food, and the allotments thereon are really a very creditable sight,
the soil being far superior to that which tried all the skill of the School
gardeners at Chichester.
Summer
1937: A NEW CALENDAR
May
I suggest that the School adopt the new calendar which has proved so popular in
America? This calendar divides the year
into 13 months of four weeks each, instead of the present arrangement of 12
months, with fractions of weeks at the end of each month. These fractions of months – with seven
months of 31 days, four of 30 and one of 28 – make calculations exceedingly
difficult, a difficulty which is obviated by the new calendar.
The
thirteenth month would be known as “Sol”, and would consist of the last 13 days
of June and the first 13 of July, being placed between these two months so as
to cause the least possible disturbance
of the present position of the months.
December
would have 29 days, and the last week in that month, 8 days. But this eighth day would be given the
non-weekday name of “Year Day”, and would be observed as a public holiday – as
would the last day of June on a leap year, to be known as “Leap Day”.
The
#advantages of such a system are obvious.
Every year, every quarter, and every month would fall on a Sunday. Each day of the week would be bound to fall on one of four dates
– for example, every Tuesday would be on the 3rd, 10th, 17th, or 24th.
All
School functions would thus be regularized, including beginnings and endings of
terms, half-term holidays, Speech Days, and organized activities on Wednesday
afternoons.
Obviously,
there would be no need for printed calendars, and the current date and its
weekday name could be seen on clocks and watches.
Within
recent years, more than 500 large businesses in the U.S.A. and Canada have
adopted this calendar, and it has even been urged by the U.S. government
delegate, which goes to show their confidence has not been misplaced.
Until
other schools could be induced to join in this tremendously beneficial scheme,
a table for the conversion of dates of the old calendar into the new revised
one could be hung in some prominent position in the School.
*I
.Hazard
#But
perhaps not fully appreciated or understood by the contemporary educational and
other authorities in the UK!
*1931-8;
killed in action during the Second World War.
He is commemorated on the replacement plaque displayed at Lambeth
College’s Sixth Form Centre, South Side, Clapham.
Teaching Staff
The
1960s list (E & O E, as with those for earlier years already circulated )
is attached.
Magazine Query
As
a follow-up to the article by David Whiting, reproduced in no 11, and also
prompted by the reference in Colin Walder’s contribution (foot of page 1), the
Editor is trying to ascertain whether a school magazine, regardless of title
and format, ever appeared after 1963.
His enquiries so far indicate that publication of that known as The
Thorntonian probably ceased with that year’s issue, but if members who were
at the school from the 1960s onwards have any further information Ted Hayward
would be pleased to hear from them.
(excluding temporary appointments)
TEACHING
STAFF: 1960s
Dorrington,
B J F
|
Head Master (1956-66; died ?1999) |
Jones, D G |
History (1960-3) |
Read, S W
|
Acting Head Master (1966-7; died May 1968) |
Kent, H
A |
English Literature |
Davies, W R
|
Acting Head Master (1967-8) |
Lambert, A W |
French (1931-61) |
Heaton Page,
R A
|
Head Teacher (1968-71) |
Lees, J G |
Technology (1960-2; succeeded Littlewood) |
Allott, J
|
PE (1958-?) |
Linden, S J |
German
(1950-1970s) |
|
Ayres, S |
English |
Littlewood,
A N |
Technology (1959-60) |
|
Barlow, P |
English (1962-) |
Luce, … |
English |
|
Bayliss, J E |
Languages
(1962-3) |
McKie, H B |
Head of Mathematics (1961-) |
|
Bennett, R |
? (1961) |
Marshall, A L |
Art (1959-) |
|
Black, D |
Science (1959-?) |
Marshall, D J |
Geography (1965-) |
|
Bonner, C B |
English (?-1963) |
May, S
|
Geography (1946-?; died 1973) |
|
Bracey,… |
? |
Millhouse, A |
Mathematics (1964-) |
|
Bradford, … |
? |
Morecroft, … |
?Mathematics |
|
Cairncross, … (Ms) |
?English |
Moscrop, C D |
Technology
(1963-?; succeeded Lees) |
|
Chatterley, A |
Music
(1957-61) |
Murphy, P |
Mathematics, Physics (1961-2) |
|
Comer, J |
Geography (1960-?) |
Newton, D R |
Chemistry (1964-) |
|
Cooper, W J |
Latin (1928-62,
and subs part-time; also i/c Sixth Form) |
Noel, … |
French |
|
Cotterell, R B |
Latin (1962-3) |
O’Malley. J |
? (?-1962) |
|
Creutzberg, J |
Mathematics (1959-?) |
Parfitt, … |
French |
|
Cribb,, G S |
English (1963-?) |
Phillíps, J B |
Biology |
|
Crofts, F W |
Science (1960-?) |
Pollard, M B |
English (1959-62) |
|
Cryer, E |
History
(1963-) |
Porter, … |
? |
|
Cullen, A P |
French (1961-?) |
Prendergast, D |
English |
|
Davies, G |
Mathematics (1964-?) |
Price, K C G |
Science (1959-60) |
|
Dodsworth, G W |
Physics (1962-?) |
Read, S W |
Chemistry ((1932-68) |
|
Donaldson, G |
Mathematics (1961-?) |
Rees, C G |
Technology |
Doolan, J
|
English |
Robertson, T P |
PE (1962- ?) |
|
Downing, … |
? |
Rose, Dr… |
? |
|
Dyer, D H |
Economics/Gen Subjects |
Rutherford, R I |
? (?-1963) |
|
Eastman, C A (Ms) |
Mathematics (1966-) |
Sandford, A G |
Head of Latin (1963-?) |
|
Edgeler, J D |
Deputy Head |
Shakespeare, R A |
History (1962-3) |
|
Elliott, ... |
? |
Smith, W H C |
? (?-1962) |
|
Evans, R E |
Mathematics (1963-?) |
Street, B J |
Latin, French (1963-?) |
|
Firth, B C |
Senior Master |
Taylor, F L |
Music (1961-8; died 1972) |
|
Fitch, … |
? |
Thomas, P |
Mathematics |
|
Foster, E |
Art and Design |
Toes, … [?Tose] |
Geography
|
|
Gaweron, W F K |
Business Studies |
Trott, N |
History |
|
Haggard, B (Rev) |
Religious Education (1962-?) |
Wareham, W (Ms) |
?English |
|
Hammond, B (Rev) |
Religious Education (1961-2) |
Weeks, … |
? |
|
Hearne, … (Mrs) |
Biology |
West, D R M |
French, Russian |
|
Hems, G |
Mathematics
(1962-3) |
Willerton, D A |
French (1962-?) |
Hofmann, W F
|
Physics (1947-1970s) |
Williams, H |
Head of Chemistry (1968-?) |
|
Howard, F A |
Technology
(1962-3) |
Wilson, … |
History |
|
Hughes, F E |
Religious Education |
Woods, R G |
Mathematics (1960-?) |
|
Johncock, B K |
Latin |
Yorke, S V |
Mathematics
(1946-61) |
|
Jones, A A |
English (1959-62) |
|
|
|
Jones, B W |
English (1962-?) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chapple, E W G |
School Secretary
(1961-?; succeeded Mr Bennetton) |
|
|
__________________________________________________________________________________
The Editor welcomes
contributions for future issues. Please
post or e-mail them to Ted Hayward, 31 Linfields, Little Chalfont, Amersham,
Bucks HP7 9QH; ted.hayward@btinternet.com
Association President: Jimmy Hill OBE Website: www.oldthorntoniansclapham.org.uk