Obituaries

1994 

Mark Lindgren (died in 1999) 

On 1st March 1999, during what was to be a wonderful holiday in Africa before starting work, 

Mark was killed in Uganda by armed Hutu rebels from Rwanda. He was twenty-three years 

old. 

In a service of Thanksgiving that filled St. Albans Abbey, we were reminded of all that had 

made Mark a very special person. Mark’s school friends, university friends, girlfriend and 

sister all remembered the love of life, love of people, love of Wolverhampton Wanderers and 

happy smile that we had seen in such abundance when he was a pupil here at 

Haberdashers’. 

Mark joined us in 1989 at the age of thirteen from Beechwood Park Preparatory School. 

From the start he set himself very high standards, both academically and in extra-curricular 

studies. He was a student with a host of talents; he represented the School in cricket and 

cross-country as well as playing rugby, tennis, squash, badminton, hockey and chess for 

Calverts. 

Mark was especially proud of being one of the cricket team which won the U16 County Cup 

in 1992. Mark also played the clarinet in orchestral works. One of the first pieces he 

mastered was "The Entertainer", so it was nostalgic to hear Peter Edwards play the piece so 

wonderfully at the Thanksgiving Service. 

Following splendid G.C.S.E. results, including seven grade As, he went on to achieve A 

grades in his ’A’ level subjects - Latin, French and History. He especially enjoyed the 

quizzes, dinner and balloon debates of the Classics Society, but decided to concentrate on 

modern languages for his degree and secured a place at Nottingham University from which 

he obtained an upper second in French and Business Studies. 

Despite all his achievements and his many skills Mark remained an unassuming and modest 

young man with a delightfully dry sense of humour. Gentleness was of his very essence and 

he was always generous in his praise of others whilst seeking no glory for himself. Mark

emembered the little insignificant things about people that made them realise that they were 

important to him, and thus he raised their own self-esteem. Everyone who knew him enjoyed 

his company. 

1993 

Giles (Jolly) VAN COLLE (died in 2000) 

It is sad to report that Giles was murdered on 22nd November 2000, outside his optometry 

practice in Mill Hill, London. The funeral was well attended by old friends from 

Haberdashers’, with some even cutting short foreign trips to pay their respects and offer their 

condolences. 

Giles was well liked at school; his willingness to volunteer and dedication to the cause made 

him an asset to anyone organising a house or school event. Similarly, his infectious laughter 

and permanent, if slightly inane grin quickly earned him the nickname “Jolly”. This was only 

varied during the course of the Gulf War when, as opposed to the rest of the year who 

continued with the business of playing football, “multiple buying” in the tuck shop queue and 

such like, Jolly spent six weeks with a radio glued to his ear, constantly broadcasting 

updates from Kuwait to those around him, and in the process briefly becoming known as 

“Kate Adie”. 

One of the most important events in Jolly’s school career was the compulsory week’s work 

experience after G.C.S.Es. At the age of 15, he had already decided to make optometry his 

vocation, but it was the week he spent at a spectacle and lens manufacturer that truly 

reinforced this conviction. It was an inspired decision. Optometry was a career to which he 

was ideally suited as both a scientist and as the strongly community spirited person he is 

remembered as a loving son and brother, and a great, solid friend, Jolly’s absence is a loss 

to all who knew him. Jolly was unable to take a gap year before university, so whilst many of 

his close friends were abroad he became involved in the lay leadership of his local 

synagogue community, serving as the youngest member (by far) of the Synagogue Board of 

Management and as the Representative on the Council of United Synagogues. This

development might have been, in fact, probably had been, predicted, as whilst serving as 

Chair of the Jewish Assemblies committee at School, Jolly had considerably raised the 

levels of dedication and organisation for what had previously been a somewhat ad hoc body. 

Just two years after qualifying as an optometrist Jolly decided to invest in his own practice. 

This enterprise required a great deal of time and effort and it is fair to say that in the short 

term his social life was less active than it might otherwise have been. He still found the time 

to supervise pre-registration optometry students at an evening clinic at the Institute of 

Optometry, helping patients both young and old. He was a member of the Edgware Chapter 

of “Business Network International”. 

It was outside and apparently in connection with his shop that Jolly was killed - a 32 year-old 

former employee has been charged with conspiracy to murder Giles, and will appear at the 

Old Bailey in due course. 

It is so difficult to express in words the great tragedy that such a marvellous, mature and 

dedicated young man was taken from this world, so early in what was sure to be a 

successful life as a local businessman and a community leader. 

As a response to this tragedy, and as a way of continuing the work that Giles had only just 

begun, Giles parents and friends have established The Giles Van Colle Memorial 

Foundation. The principal objects of the Foundation are twofold: 

1. To support communal projects aimed at and initiated by 22 - 35 year-olds; and 

2. To make an annual award for original research into paediatric optometry. If you would like 

make a contribution to this extremely worthwhile cause, and help build on the rich legacy 

that Giles has left behind, please send a cheque or charity voucher made payable to: 

The Giles Van Colle Memorial Foundation 

1 Greenhill Way,Wembley Park, 

Middlesex HA9 9HL 

1991 

Philip W Davis (died in 1995) 

1990 

Stephen Zatman (1971-2002)

The members of the Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences mourn the loss of our friend 

and colleague, Prof. Stephen Zatman, who was killed in a automobile crash on July 9. He 

was 30. 

"Stephen Zatman was one of the premier young geodynamicists in the country, who had 

tremendous potential to be an outstanding teacher and mentor," said Raymond E. Arvidson, 

Ph.D., James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor and chair of the Department 

of Earth and Planetary Sciences. "In spite of his brief time with us, he was very highly 

regarded and made an outstanding impact in our department. He will be greatly missed by 

his family, his colleagues, and the University at large." 

Zatman joined the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences July, 2001. He earned a 

bachelor’s with honors from Cambridge University in 1993 and a master’s in 1995 and PhD 

in 1997, both from Harvard University. Zatman conducted research on the Earth’s magnetic 

field, using measured variations in the field from observatories and satellites to infer the 

workings of the dynamo at the center of the planet, and understand the deformation of the 

Earth’s crust, in particular the slow crumpling or rifting of relatively stable regions in the 

middle of continents. 

A funeral was held July 12, in Detroit, Mich. Zatman is survived by his wife Dana and his 

daughter Molly, both of University City, his father, Merton, and mother, Carol, of Great 

Britain, and one brother, Michael, who lives in the Boston area. 

1988 

Ian Laurie (died in 1989) 

1986

Matthew Hall (years at School 1975 - 1986) 

It is with great sadness, but also with great pride, that I write this tribute to my brother and 

fellow Old Haberdasher Matthew Hall, who died peacefully after a stroke brought on by 

cancer, on 23 December 2011. 

Matthew had many fond memories of his time at HABS, having joined the Prep school at the 

age of 7 in 1975. Whilst he left as House Captain of Hendersons and he was a keen 

sportsman it was his prowess on the stage that I and many others remember his school days 

most for with lead roles in Captain Stirrick, Albert's Bridge and The Pirates of Penzance to 

name a few. 

After Nottingham University, Matthew started a very successful career in the city, which 

culminated in him heading up Deutsche Bank's International Sales Group from London. 

Whilst he had an unbridled enthusiasm and love of work, Matthew managed to strike a 

superb balance. His family and friends never played second fiddle. Indeed when the severity 

of his cancer became clear his concern was more for how it impacted those closest to him 

than him himself. 

For Matthew, his wife Lizzy, son Jack and daughter Josie were always his greatest 

achievement. 

For me the greatest tribute to Matthew was the 100s, including many school friends, who 

came to his funeral and later on a thanksgiving for his life. He achieved more in 43 years 

than most achieve in a lifetime. He is sorely missed, but leaves memories of a man of great 

love, caring, enthusiasm and happiness. 

Written by Matthew’s brother Michael Hall. 

Jamie W.S. RUMBLE (1979-86) 

Jamie Rumble died in the early hours of 14th February 1995 after a long and brave battle 

against cancer. He was only 26. However, in those short years Jamie achieved more than 

most do in seventy - gaining success in everything he tried. He also lived every moment to 

the full - touching all those who knew him with his friendliness, warmth and joy for life. 

Jamie joined Haberdashers' Aske's School in 1979 and his talents soon became obvious 

both in the classroom and on the sports field. Jamie captained year obvious both in the 

classroom and on the sports field. Jamie captained year teams at cricket and hockey and 

was to represent the School at first team level in hockey, cricket and rugby (with an

impressive debut against Singapore Police on the School's 1986 tour to the Far East). 

However, Jamie's sporting love was golf, and having been junior captain at Moor Park, 

Jamie soon progressed to being Hertfordshire Junior Captain. He also led the School 

through to the finals of the Schools Golf Foundation Tournament for the first time in 1985. He 

also took an active role in many other aspects of school life. In addition to being a talented 

artist Jamie was House Captain of Meadows, a School Prefect, C.S.M. of the Army C.C.F. 

Section and co-editor of the school magazine, Skylark. 

Somehow in the middle of all this Jamie found the time to gain straight 'A's in the sciences 

and to gain a scholarship to Cambridge University. Most important of all to Jamie however, 

were the great friendships he forged in seven happy years at Haberdashers' - a point 

emphasised by the large number of contemporaries present at Jamie's funeral. 

Jamie went up to St Catharine's College, Cambridge in 1986 and immediately took the new 

challenges of student life into his stride - making friends with everyone he met and having 

sufficient energy and enthusiasm to combine a hectic social life with successful academic 

and sporting careers. Again golf was the focus of Jamie's efforts. He won his first blue as a 

freshman in 1987, and went on to win a total of three blues - the second and third as 

Secretary and Captain of the Society. Cambridge beat Oxford in each of those three years, 

and Jamie himself won all six of his individual games. His crowning glory was undoubtedly to 

lead Cambridge to a surprise 11 1/2 - 3 1/2 win in the 100th Varsity Match at Rye in 1989 - 

with the whole team dressed in Jamie's favourite tartan Plus-Twos! 

Despite the pressures of playing golf three days a week, Jamie was a keen student and 

graduated with a First in Natural Sciences in 1989. On top of all this Jamie was also 

President, and an extremely active member of the Kittens, the prestigious College Sporting 

Club. 

After a brief period as a graduate trainee with Proctor and Gamble, Jamie decided to 

broaden his horizons and spent a happy summer in France working in Cognac, before being 

selected for an Operation Raleigh expedition to participate in conservation and community 

projects in Zimbabwe. The trip was to change Jamie's life - he not only discovered a way of 

life that was to provide the perfect outlet for his talents, but he was also to meet his future 

wife, Mary on the expedition! 

On his return to England, Jamie however first spent 18 successful months in management 

consultancy before he realised that he wanted to work for something he believed in, and in 

which his tireless energy would do some good. Consequently, Jamie approached Operation 

Raleigh and, despite having been diagnosed with cancer, was appointed commercial 

manager in 1992. He was soon promoted to Commercial Director with responsibility for 

securing funds and expedition recruits from large commercial companies such as British Rail 

and Guinness.

Another match was completed when Jamie married Mary in April 1993. The wedding was at 

St James', Friern Barnet where both were active members, sitting on the social committee 

and taking part in amateur dramatics productions. Despite his worsening condition, Jamie 

continued to give his all to his job and to live life to the full. He faced up to his dreadful 

disease with courage, humility and humour: typically Jamie never complained and spent 

more time thinking of others and looking forward. The only visible sign of illness was the 

reduction in Jamie's golfing commitments - he was to play his last game before Christmas 

against the Curtis Cup Captain. Otherwise, Jamie's passion for life shone through as clearly 

as ever, and he was obviously determined to make the most of his limited time - working 

until the day before his death. 

Sadly, no miracle came. Jamie's battle finally ended in the London Bridge Hospital. No 

words can describe the hole he has left in many people's lives - a point borne out by the 

amazing turn out at Jamie's funeral. Jamie was one of a kind, a man who no-one ever had a 

bad word for and whose sheer wholehearted passion for fun and life will never be forgotten. 

A great friend has been lost, but so many happy memories. I pray they may be of some 

comfort to Mary and Jamie's parents. 

The Rumble Fund has been established in Jamie's memory through Raleigh International to 

support the education of young people in Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe. Over £15,000 has 

been raised so far. Any donations can be sent to Raleigh International, Raleigh House, 27 

Parsons Green Lane, London SW6 4HZ. 

Keith Dawson 

D William Preest (1968 - 2005) 

died 19th October 2005 

Doug Yeabsley reported that "It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of 

William (Bill) Preest. Many of you will remember him as an outstanding musician, 1st XI 

Hockey and 1st XI Cricket player. He was also very able and after studying languages at 

Durham was a high powered lawyer in the city. He leaves a widow and two young children - 

a girl and a boy." 

His widow Helen has subsequently informed us that Bill died from Sudden Adult Death 

Syndrome. She added that Habs have just agreed in 2008 to accept a defibrillator to be 

placed into the school from money raised by her through SADS UK (Sudden Adult Death 

Syndrome) so that if any boy at the school should need urgent medical attention it will be 

there for use. 

1985

Alex C.K. HSIEH (-1985) 

aged 31 in 1998. 

Alex went from Haberdashers to Queen’s College, Cambridge to read Mathematics. He was 

an excellent scholar and was ranked in the top five of the Part II Mathematical Tripos list. He 

was also a keen and natural bridge player, competing at national level for both school and 

university. He went on to take a masters degrees in theoretical physics and computer 

science at Stanford University, where he also became a committed Christian. While working 

for Oracle as a software engineer, he was diagnosed as having Hodgkin's Lymphoma which, 

sadly, led to his untimely death. 

(Text edited from the Queen's College web site) 

1984 

Andrew Hewitt (died 2003) 

1982 

Robert C MARTIN (1980-82) was tragically killed, in July 1986, whilst climbing in the Cuillin 

Hills on the Isle of Skye. As with all who have ventured in to the mountains, Robert had not 

only a great love and appreciation of their grandeur, but also a deep regard for their dangers. 

It seems bitterly ironic that such a tragic accident should have happened to a gifted and 

safety conscious mountaineer as Robert undoubtedly was. 

Robert attended the School for the two years of his sixth form education. In his short time, he 

achieved both academic and sporting success, becoming a prefect and representing the 

School at cross-country and athletics. At home, he was a member of the Harpenden Venture 

Scouts group, being its Chairman for a time. After leaving, Robert gained a degree from 

Goldsmith's College of London University, where he was president of the mountaineering 

club during his second year. Joining BP in Aberdeen, as a geologist, Robert was following in 

his father's footsteps, since the latter had been with the company over 30 years. 

1981 

James R. F. KENT (1976-1981) 

died on 7 September 1985, nine weeks before his 21st birthday. 

James was the son of John (1947-55) and Muriel Kent. 

In his five years in the Boarding House, James made a useful contribution to the life of the 

School. His sports were in particular swimming and javelin-throwing, but he was also a

cricket-scorer and his special talent was revealed in his meticulous work for the stagelighting 

team. 

He showed a real interest and much skill from a very early age with anything mechanical 

and, having decided against pursuing A-level courses after leaving school he found 

congenial work as a storeman at a garage close to his home in Petersfield, Hampshire and 

was able to devote much of his leisure time to working on cars and on his own and other 

people's motorbikes. He became known as something of a trouble-shooter who took 

extremely good care of his own machine and would take great pains to put to rights those of 

others, often working far into the night. He tuned and serviced the machines of two friends 

who raced at Brands Hatch and Snetterton and who were thus prepared to put their lives in 

his hands, a responsibility which he was well aware of and which he fully accepted. He was 

quite a well-known figure in Petersfield and had also recently become involved again with 

stage-lighting for amateur operatic and dramatic groups in the town. 

His careful car-driving and riding were a by-word among his friends, but on the evening of 6 

September 1985 he was returning home on his motorbike along a country road when, having 

already negotiated a right-hand bend, he rode onto the grass verge, where he began to lose 

control of the machine. He almost regained control but was unable to avoid hitting a wooden 

fence, which he demolished. He was flung off and tragically, his crash-helmet came off - it 

was found still correctly done up, 40 yards along the road - and he sustained such severe 

head injuries that he died in hospital three hours later. No other vehicle was involved and it 

appears most probable that he took action to avoid an animal or animals on the road, of 

which drivers are warned in that area. 

James' popularity can be gauged from the fact that nearly 200 people, many of them of his 

own age, attended the Service of Thanksgiving for his life. Among those present were 

Nobbly Tanner and Mr David Davies representing the School, who gave the address. The 

Association extends sympathy to his parents, John and Muriel and his sister Catherine on 

their tragic loss.

1978 

Martin Baker 

It is with the most painful regret that we have to announce the death of Martin Baker, OHA 

President and Secretary, and former Captain and President of OHRFC. 

Martin had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in November 2012 and had been 

undergoing hormone control and chemotherapy since then. He died peacefully at The Sue 

Rider Hospice in Nettlebed on the evening of Tuesday 19th April, having transferred there 

from home just a couple of days previously. Our thoughts and love are with Martin's wife 

Connie, family and friends. 

It is difficult to articulate just how stoic and matter-of-fact Martin was about his illness and 

how bravely he bore it. In May 2013, he summarised the situation as "One of those things 

and I will enjoy everything I can for as long as I can." He certainly did that, tirelessly 

continuing to work for the Association and rugby club until just a few weeks ago. His legacy 

is wide and deep and all OH offer Martin a debt of gratitude for his relentless hard work. 

As Connie said, "The school association and rugby have been the biggest force in his life 

and he values the wonderful and often hilarious memories of all your rugby trips and the fun 

you had at home and abroad. I know that he cares dearly for you all." 

Details of the funeral will be communicated as appropriate, as they become known. 

We want to give the final words to the man himself, taken from an email he sent to the OHA 

Executive Committee and OHRFC at the end of March: 

"At the present time I don’t want to see people, not because I am feeling particularly antisocial 

but mainly fatigued I think. Even spending 10 mins with people will wipe me out for the 

day. I welcome all your emails but I would prefer to be remembered as someone active 

rather than someone confined to bed.

People are very kind. It’s very humbling, but so uplifting to hear from my OH friends. I have 

had so much fun at Habs and I shall always be grateful for the day that I first crossed the OH 

portal. I can’t possibly contact everyone individually so I’m hoping that the message gets 

round as widely as possible. 

As you would expect, Connie has been my rock and is doing every single thing she possibly 

can to help give me the best quality of life. Without Connie I couldn’t cope with all that is 

involved and which will no doubt worsen despite the best palliative care possible. 

I feel relatively compos mentis today so we are taking the opportunity to send a short update 

and I hope this message will reach as many of the rugby, OHA and School groups as 

possible. 

My latest results at the start of March 2016 show that the final chance of a new type of 

chemo treatment is not working, I am feeling very fatigued and drifting in and out of sleep. All 

days are different but I have had to take a decision to conclude all my OH related matters. 

The Iain Rennie hospice and palliative care team are second to none, they have taken over 

my day to day treatment from the oncology team. The plan is to stay at home then to move 

on to the hospice if necessary. 

So a brief message of thanks to all my OH friends and maybe we will meet again in the 

Clubhouse in the Sky.” 

Rest in peace, Martin, and a boundless thank you for your energy, hard work and 

enthusiasm, but most of all the pleasure of your friendship on the pitch, at the bar and 

around the meeting table. A true gentleman and consummate Old Haberdasher, never to be 

forgotten.

Eulogy for Martin Baker 

We’ve all known today was coming. Ever since that ominous message three and a half years 

ago: The world-stopper, the sledgehammer in the face, when we realised that Martin, our 

great friend Martin, was going to die and there was nothing that he or we could do to stop it. 

Yet when I met him a few weeks later and we talked about it, I was amazed how matter-offact 

he was. As usual, he’d done his homework, he’d listened to what he’d been told, he’d 

worked out what he could do and what he couldn’t do and he was just getting on with it. 

There was no self-pity. On the contrary, he didn’t want his illness to be our problem but that 

was just typical of the man. Whatever you threw at Martin, he sorted it out and got on with 

life without any fuss. That he could be like this with his cancer was quite astonishing and 

remarkably brave. 

Connie recently said that it isn’t a fight against cancer because you can win a fight but you 

can’t win against cancer, and of course she was right. A lot of people would have fallen into 

a deep depression and gone home and waited to die but not Martin, that wasn’t in his DNA. 

Martin didn’t do lost causes. If we were losing 30-0 with five minutes to go, he’d still give 

everything he had. 

Martin was Secretary of the Old Haberdashers Association for the last 15 years. When I last 

saw him, he said that it was this work that kept him going. In fact, the reverse is even more 

true: It was his work that kept the Old Haberdashers going. 

Martin was a great administrator and networker and he found out that two of the country’s 

top oncologists, Nigel Cowan and Nick James, were both Old Haberdashers. He got in 

touch, went to see them, got a second opinion, got a third opinion, he discussed the pros 

and cons of the various options and alternative treatments. He did try to fight it and of course 

he lost but not without trying and at least he put the game into extra time. 

I first met Martin at school. He was a few years below me but stood out, not just because of 

his red hair, but because he was good at everything – rugby, hockey, cricket, work. Martin 

went on to King’s College, London and got involved with college sport. He did however find 

time to start playing a few games for the Old Haberdashers and when he left King’s to start 

his career with BT, he became a full-time Old Haberdasher, cementing his place in the first 

team. Fly Half in the winter, fast bowler in the summer. 

When I became Captain of the rugby club, he was the obvious choice as Vice Captain. 

When I bought my flat in Ealing and then my house in Brentford, he was the obvious choice 

as lodger. They were great times. We had a lot of fun, at times perhaps too much fun, and 

it’s always good to think back to all the stupid things we did together and to be honest 

carried on doing together. 

When I left the UK, our lives remained entwined. He was usher at my wedding, I was Best 

Man at his wedding, he was godfather to my daughter and then six years ago, I was Witness 

on that wonderful day near here at Cliveden when he married Connie – a marriage that was 

to be cut short so tragically. 

Martin wasn’t a dynamic leader. He led by example. It was the things he did and little things 

he said that influenced us and moved us in the direction he wanted to go. 

Similarly, he wasn’t the loud guy down the pub. Having said that, there were a few occasions 

when he did get a bit over-excited, when the funmeter went onto red and a shout of 

“disgraceful” would boom out, often when the subject of French people or White Van drivers 

arose. It was of course all half-hearted because Martin was a very tolerant man. He never

had a bad word for anyone. He was also one of the few people I know, who had no enemies. 

He was universally liked because what you saw, was what you got and what you got was a 

man who was decent, loyal, honest, a true gentleman. All perhaps old-fashioned values but 

all of them virtues. 

Martin was never the centre of attraction but he was always there and he was always there 

because no matter whether you were picking a rugby team or working out who to go out with 

on a Friday night, his was always the first name down on the teamsheet. We wanted him 

there because we knew we could rely on him. Martin enjoyed life and we enjoyed being with 

him, which is why it is so sad that he has been taken from us. 

They say that every cloud has a silver lining but, on days like this, it’s difficult to find one. 

There is one though and the silver lining is that we were lucky enough to have known him: 

Martin Stanley Baker, the Duck, the guy with the loft insulation up his jumper. If we close our 

eyes, we can picture him now: probably in one of those jumpers, almost certainly clutching a 

pint glass to his chest, face slightly reddened, double chin and that trademark Baker grin, the 

one that would always turn into laughter as his whole body shook, shoulders going up and 

down. All of us have fond memories of him and we all have our own Martin Baker stories, 

which we will be telling later on, and no-one can take those memories from us. We truly were 

lucky to have known him. 

Big men leave big holes and the biggest one of all is the one Connie now finds herself in. 

Martin recently referred to Connie as the rock he could rely on to keep going and whilst he 

was brave, she was equally so, and in the coming days and weeks and months, it is our 

duty, all of our duty, to help her back on her feet and, when she is ready, to get used to life 

after Martin. And Connie, genuinely we are all there for you. 

And so, it is time to say farewell: Martin, you were, you are and you always will be our great 

friend and as you drift upwards to that great Clubhouse in the sky, you should know that part 

of you will remain here, in our hearts and in our memories. May you rest in peace. 

Charlie Betteridge 

4 th May 2016 

Final Eulogy for Martin by Past President OHA and OHRFC - Peter Vacher

This is certainly the first time I’ve been asked to give a eulogy in a pub but then again it may 

just be appropriate given Martin’s companionable and gregarious nature and the amount of 

time he spent in rugby clubhouses, pint in hand! 

Many of you knew Martin better than me so I can only say I was very touched and honoured 

to be asked by Martin himself to add my few words to what Charlie has already said so 

eloquently at the crematorium. 

I think the first thing is to say how admirably Martin handled this awful illness, his reality in 

the face of the inevitable, his stoicism, his lack of self-pity, that phlegmatic quality that so 

many of us recognised and valued. His fortitude and determination to continue coming out 

to Elstree earlier in the season and his bravery when facing the certainty of the outcome 

were genuinely inspirational – obviously in the latter stages it was Connie who bore the brunt 

of this and we can only say a heartfelt thank you, Connie, for all that you did for Martin. As 

he said, “Connie has been my rock – without her I couldn’t have coped.” 

Rather than just dwell on his illness and the last few months, what I’d like to do is to pay 

tribute to Martin’s involvement with OH rugby and his willingness to take on a variety of 

administrative roles in both the rugby club and the wider Association. I was lucky enough to 

be Rugby club President for three years in the early 1980s at a time when Charlie and Martin 

were successively Captains and thus observed the team spirit and collective friendship that 

they both fostered at first hand. Patricia and I were delighted to have been part of Martin’s 

wider circle at that time and to be caught up in the teams’ heady slipstream. We toured with 

the club to France where I discovered the beneficial qualities of constant supplies of 

Armagnac and we defeated a top French side but were denied a final game when the pitch 

froze. Then there was Holland and in later years many more great touchline moments. It 

was Martin’s idea to give Patricia a gift to mark her ready and continuous support of the 

team – after all she did sew on the numbers on the back of the 1st XV shirts each year! A 

typically thoughtful gesture. 

Martin had first played for the OH 1st XV way back in the 1977-78 season, making eleven 

appearances under the captaincy of Doug Yeabsley while still a schoolboy. He was on the 

wing in that famous game in September 1978 when OHRFC defeated the visiting team from 

Akron, Ohio. And so the process continued, Martin usually playing at fly-half, although in the 

early years there were appearances at full-back and on the wing, those long raking kicks to 

the bottom corner his trademark, nothing fancy, getting the line going and winning games. 

By the year of the Dutch tour he was Captain and that season we had 23 wins from 32 

matches. Of course he continued to play and was a 200 Club member by April 1986. I 

don’t know how many games he played for the club after that – we’d need Nobbly or Martin 

himself to tell us that but what was absolutely clear was his commitment to the club, his 

unquestioning loyalty and those enduring friendships. 

As he said himself, “I have had so much fun at Old Habs and I shall always be grateful for 

the day when I crossed the OH portal.” 

He was President of OHRFC for three years from 1998 and amazingly found time to play 

cricket for OHCC from 1978 making 75 1st XI appearances and 91 for the club’s 2nd XI and 

was a keen tourist going on the OHCC tours from 1979 – 1996 and working on the OHCC 

tour committee with Mike Filer. All in all, it seems there was nothing that Martin wouldn’t do 

for the OH in all its forms. I don’t know whether he shot or played golf for the OH but I’m 

sure he would have had anyone asked him. Then again there was his involvement with 

CLOB where in later years he looked after fixtures and also sat on the Middlesex Committee 

as our representative. Martin was well known and hugely respected right across the rugby 

spectrum and indeed, we have received many messages and condolences from rugby 

people. How did he ever find time to go to work?

Away from the sports field, we asked a lot more of him. He was on the OHA Executive for 

years representing the rugby club, and then became our first professional administrator, 

having retired from BT, and what a marvellous job he did for us. He pioneered the widely 

praised Electronic newsletter, re-tuned the web-site, produced the minutes and generally did 

everything and more that might have been expected of him. 

He was a mine of information on all things OH, knew everybody and responded to 

everything, while keeping a steely eye on the rugby club, acting as its Treasurer and 

Secretary while enjoying the jaunts to overseas international matches with his chums. 

Someone said to me last week that he had the habit of listening quietly at meetings to all the 

to and fro and then summing it all up with a short succinct phrase. As Alan Newman 

observed, he seemed to have no ego, just quietly, calmly, getting on with things, a smiling 

presence, not given to overmuch chat but just happy to be among like-minded friends. 

Invariably polite and gracious, Martin was a very special person, that’s for sure. 

As Connie said, “The school association and rugby have been the biggest force in his life 

and he valued the wonderful and often hilarious memories of all your rugby trips and the fun 

you had at home and abroad. I know that that he cared dearly for you all.” 

That feeling is reciprocated totally by everyone in this room, I know – we too cared dearly for 

Martin and we’ll miss him terribly. We made him our President this year – but sadly he left us 

far too soon - all we have to do now it to carry things forward as he would have wanted us to 

do. RIP Martin. 

Peter Vacher 

4 th May 2016 

Oscar M MOORE (-1978) 

died in September 1996 at age 36. 

Journalist for, among others, Time Out, Punch, I-D, The Times, The Mail on Sunday, The 

Evening Standard and Screen International (where he was appointed editor-in-chief). 

He also published a novel entitled 'A Matter of Life and Sex'. 

He wrote a weekly column in the Guardian between 1994 and 1996, which was a moving 

account of Moore’s life with HIV and AIDS. It was later published as a book called "PWA" -

Person With AIDS. PWA was adapted into a stage play and was performed in London's Drill 

Hall theatre in October 2001. 

Lt. Col. DAVID M LIMB MBE PARA (1971-1978) 

died unexpectedly on 11 Aug 2000 whilst on leave at his home in France. 

He was just 39 years old. He had been in command of 3 PARA for a week, and he was 

looking forward to joining the Battalion at Colchester when it formed up after its Anns Plot 

move from Dover. 

I first met David at Sandhurst in 1982. He was an Army Scholar and had been at Oxford 

University. We were on different courses and he had already been accepted by the 

Parachute Regiment. But even then, it was clear that David was something special. He was 

articulate, gregarious and athletic, despite only being just over five and a half feet tall. He 

was also well-read and intelligent. More importantly, he was clearly going to be an 

outstanding soldier and officer, and it was not surprising that he won the Queen's Medal 

when he passed out of Sandhurst, as the outstanding graduate of his course. 

Prior to joining 3 PARA, he took part in a successful expedition to the Himalayas led by Jon 

Fleming. Six years later, we served together in 1 PARA in 1988-9 when he was the Adjutant 

and I was the Signals Officer. In the intervening period. David had continued his very 

successful military career. Initially with 3 PARA as a PI Comd, he then had served in Uganda 

with the British Military Training Team, after which he was awarded an MBE at the age of 24 

for assisting in the evacuation of British nationals during a coup. There then followed 18 

months as ADC to Gen Geoffrey Hewlett in Norway. 

David was an outstanding Adjutant and it was then that he really made his mark. His 

enthusiasm, drive and positive attitude were hallmarks of his 2 years under John Keith and 

Dick Trigger. He involved himself in all aspects of Battalion life, not just limiting himself to Gl 

matters. He knew virtually all of the Battalion by name. I particularly recall his fiercely 

competitive spirit which always came to the fore during inter-company sports, or even whilst 

playing a quick game of squash. In everything that he did, David gave his all.

After he left 1 PARA and before going to Staff College, David served with I RGJ as a Coy 

Comd in Germany. I was not at all surprised when I heard that he had managed to be 

deployed on Operation GRANBY in 1990/1, serving as a Liaison Officer between British and 

US Headquarters. He did extremely well in the Gulf and he was awarded the Bronze Star by 

the Americans. This was another significant achievement. 

After completing Staff College, David returned to 1 PARA as a Coy Comd, serving in both 

Northern Ireland and Aldershot. He did his major's staff appointment also in Northern 

Ireland, serving at HQNI on the Operations/Policy staff. He worked extremely hard during 

this period, and it was of no surprise that he picked up his promotion to Lt Col at the earliest 

opportunity. Quite rightly, he was then posted to the Staff College as a member of the 

Directing Staff. His students thought the world of him there. 

David was then chosen personally by SACEUR, Gen Wesley Clark, to be his British Military 

Assistant. This prestigious appointment suited David down to the ground. It was high profile, 

very important, dealt with big issues and was great fun. He enjoyed getting involved, and his 

role during the Kosovo operations in 1999 was significant. 

I remember speaking with him in the middle of the bombing campaign, when things were a 

little tense between SHAPE and the MOD, where I was working. Despite the incredible 

pressure and high pace of life, David relished the excitement of the moment. He enjoyed the 

military networking and he excelled at the verbal jousts in which he actively engaged. David 

was always worth a good argument and, often much to my annoyance, he was very rarely 

wrong. His experience, intellect, original thought and boundless energy made for a powerful 

combination. 

But for all the enjoyment of his staff appointments, it was as a leader that he excelled. He 

loved his soldiers and he relished commanding them. He could not wait to take over 3 PARA 

and it is much to the loss of the Battalion that he was not allowed to make his mark on them. 

David Limb was a great friend. He was utterly loyal and great fun to be with. He had so many 

talents and was hugely gifted. He kept himself frantically busy with his various hobbies such 

as flying and freefall parachuting. Nobody else could have coped with his hectic lifestyle. 

David leaves behind his widow, Amanda, whom he married in 1994. and their young 

daughter, Alice. He was a devoted husband and father, and our thoughts and prayers must 

go to them, and his parents, Roy and Olive, and his brothers Robert and Andrew, and his 

sister Helen. 

David was one of the most able and gifted officers of his generation. His flair, sense of fun 

and bouncy approach to life will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. We have all 

lost a great friend. The Army and the Regiment have lost an outstanding officer. JGL

Above article appeared in The Yearbook of the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces 

2000 

Simon Weston writes: 

One detail I remember is that Dave won an Army Scholarship to Sandhurst whilst in the fifth 

form. These were very well sought after and valuable awards gained in fierce competition 

with candidates from across the country. 

When one thinks of David, the mind conjures a full on guy, a 100 percenter. He never did 

anything without giving it his best shot and this was sometimes quite tiring for those trying to 

stay up with him. He was ambitious, but he never let this affect the way he behaved towards 

others. I will always remember his kindness and consideration; nothing was ever too much 

trouble. I stayed with him at weekends whilst a boarder at school, shared a plastic sheet to 

sleep under whilst on C.C.F. exercise and later collapsed in his rooms at Oxford, when the 

Pimms at the boathouses was too strong and the distance back to my own place too great. 

Dave was always willing to help and share and it was this that made him a true friend. A 

week or so before his death he called me at home. This was probably the first time I’d heard 

from him in five years. He was travelling up the M6 to a meeting prior to taking over his 

command and wondered, subject to his timetable, whether he could pop across to 

Shropshire to see Angela and me. 

Having ascertained that he was due in Yorkshire that evening and Kent early the following 

morning and that the detour would add at least 100 miles to his trip, I suggested we should 

meet another time, but it didn’t seem to matter to him. 

Whilst at Oxford, he led a similarly full life. I vividly recall dinner parties held in his rooms, for 

which he did the catering. How he managed to cook three and five course menus on not 

much more then a camping stove I shall never know, but the thought still brings a smile to 

my face! 

Martin Baker writes: 

A real life action man who led a very active life - immersing himself in everything he decided 

was worth doing. A real enthusiast and an inspiration to those around him. He was fully 

involved in the full range of school activities and hard working and able enough to gain a 

place at Christ Church College, Oxford. He was keen enough to play any sport that was 

available, playing rugby in the year teams early in his time at the School and playing 1st. Xl 

hockey in 1977 and 1978 (winning full colours). He was more keen on active and challenging 

sports such as mountaineering and the activities of the Army section of the C.C.F. He was 

willing and personally motivated to take on responsibility which saw him in the full range of

positions including School Sub-Prefect, Prefect, C.S.M. of the Army section and House 

Captain of Hendersons. 

I met David on our first day at Haberdashers’ in 1971 and will never forget his infectious grin, 

boundless enthusiasm, drive and ambition. He was an asset to everything he was involved 

in and his death is a huge loss to all who knew him. I attended his funeral at R.M.A. 

Sandhurst and the occasion was a fitting tribute to David and reflected his huge 

achievements and the impact of his personality on everyone who met him. 

1977 

Jeremy Jeeves (1970 - 1977) Passed Away 15th May 2015 

Jeremy was diagnosed with a stage 4 glioblastoma in November 2014 and sadly passed 

away on 15th May 2015. Jeremy worked as a Librarian in Harrow for many years and was 

fund raising for research into the effective treatment of brain cancer until just a few days 

before he died. 

1975 

Colin Crouch, 1956-2015. Passed away 18th April 2015 

Obituary provided by Colin's cousin, David Crouch 

Chess lovers have lost a witty, passionate and prolific writer about the game, who nurtured 

some of its young talent. 

Colin Crouch, who has died aged 58, won the British under-16 championship in 1972 with 10 

wins and draw, soon after he started playing club chess in north London. He became an 

International Master two decades later and scored memorable wins against Grandmasters. 

He wrote 15 books on chess and continued to blog daily until the end of his life. The title of 

his website summed up the modesty and humour that were central to his appeal: “Mainly on 

the evolution of top level chess, or at least to the limited extent that I am able to understand 

what is going on.” 

“It is always a treat to read a book by Colin Crouch,” wrote Washington Post chess columnist 

Lubomir Kavalek, and his books attracted players at all levels. His final work on Norwegian 

chess wunderkind Magnus Carlsen was well received.

“Readers could relate to him because he was a very honest writer, critical of his own 

mistakes and willing to admit to them, he never lectured readers,” said John Emms, editor of 

Crouch’s last five books for Everyman Chess. 

Aware of the temptation to embellish a dull game, Crouch poked fun at chess writing in the 

British Chess Monthly: “White threatens to thrust the flagship of his armada forward with the 

galloping move e5, leaving his discomforted steed on f6 feeling like Yasser Arafat at a 

barmitzvah.” 

Born in Bushey, Hertfordshire, Colin was the son of John, a civil servant, and Audrey (nee 

Jackson). As a small boy he learned to play chess from his father at their family home in 

Harrow Weald, which remained his home until his death. He began to play competitively at 

Haberdashers’ Aske’s school in Elstree and then at Christ’s college, Cambridge, where he 

took geography, completing a doctorate at Durham University on unemployment in mining 

communities. Crouch was an active Fabian and Labour party member. 

In 2004 a stroke severely damaged his health, leaving him in a condition where he could 

barely walk, had damaged arms and “only half of one eye working”. While others might have 

given up the game, his instincts were to play chess seriously “to recover my thought 

processes”, he wrote. 

In 2008 and 2012 he won silver medals at international chess Olympiads for the blind and 

visually impaired in Greece and India. “It meant a great deal to him that he’d actually been 

able to prove that he could still achieve at the top,” said Chris Ross of the Braille Chess 

Association. 

Crouch’s burly, bearded form and distinctive chuckle were well known in chess circles. He 

had a passionate dedication to coaching younger players every week in Harrow Chess Club, 

among them future International Master Lorin D’Costa. 

“Nothing would give him more pleasure than seeing one of his juniors doing well,” said Nevil 

Chan, the club’s president. 

“He was a chess giant, but at the club there was no ego, it was all for the love of the game 

and helping other players.” 

He is survived by a brother, Richard, and a sister, Elizabeth. 

David Wray (Died 21st November 2014) 

David Keith Wray (1975 leaver), passed away on 21st November 2014 aged 57. 

David A Cahal (died 2003)

Steven M KITSON (-1975) 

died on 12th November 1997 aged 41. 

After the Sharpeville massacre in South Africa 

1974 

Francis Edward CAREY "Fred" (1967-74 Dec) died September 1990 

Fred came to the School as a Boarder in 1967 with his brother David. Fred was an 

immensely popular member of the Boarding House and an integral part of the School 

community. He was a staunch member of Hendersons. He participated keenly in his year's 

rugby and hockey teams. Fred was a prefect, an Aldenham House Senior, a member of the 

Royal Navy cadets and captain of the School Rugby Second XV in which he was a fierce 

and determined competitor in the position of Prop and a formidable member of the School 

Hockey 2nd XI in which he brought to bear his full range of Prop forward skills. He 

concentrated on sciences at A-level and won an exhibition to Christ's College, Cambridge 

where he went up in October 1975. 

Finding his progress barred by a plethora of good props (including two future Oxbridge 

Blues), Fred's 1972/73 season was in the 3rd XV, with a fixture list of only seven games. 

Accordingly, he was able to find an outlet for his competitiveness with games for the 

OHRFC, the first, of which was on 29th September 1972, when he assisted the 'C' to beat 

the School 3rd XV by 34-8 - evidently gaining him a place in that side, for the remainder of 

the autumn term. Fourteen other appearances for the OHRFC (mainly in the spring term) 

included two for the 'A'. 

With a successful School 2nds, in 1973/74, Fred confined himself to School football, so that 

his final term saw him leading the side. Nevertheless, with a blank date, on 2nd November 

1974, he played the first of another dozen games for the OHRFC 'A', with four other 

appearances including a Skylarks game on the 39th Easter tour, when he played in the back 

row against Paignton 2nd. Regretfully, from the OHRFC viewpoint, he was only to play three 

more times for the club, ending with another junior tour game, at Estoe, on 17th April 1976. 

At college Fred continued his rugby activities and rose to be captain of the College First XV 

and a member of the Marguerites Sports Club. Fred concentrated on his engineering studies 

and after successfully graduating from Cambridge he spent by all accounts a very enjoyable 

and productive year at Heriott Watt University in Edinburgh. 

Fred settled down in Scotland to build his successful career in the oil and petroleum industry. 

After Heriott Watt he worked for a number of employers (including BNOC, Enterprise Oil and 

Amerada Hess) and finally moved South to Reading which he used as a base whilst working

in London and on secondment abroad. He was seconded to Norsk Hydro in Oslo during the 

year before he died. 

Unbeknown to many of his close friends, Fred had skin cancer diagnosed in 1988 and 

underwent treatment, which he was told had been successful. Despite this, a malignant 

tumour re-appeared in 1990 and despite Fred's brave and noble struggle, he died in 

September 1990. His courage and fortitude during the period of his illness exemplified the 

enormous strength of his character and the firmness of his resolve. 

Fred will be remembered for his dogged determination, his utter integrity, his reserves of 

strength, calm, good humour, patience, tolerance and logic which he could bring to bear to 

smooth the way in any situation and solve any number of problems and crises. 

Fred remained a committed rugby supporter and player and, as a born optimist, was always 

enthusiastic about the prospects for the recovery of the Welsh team. 

His funeral in Reading was attended by Clive Aston (1963-74 Dec), Peter Cull (1965-74 

Dec), Harry Hyman (1963-74 Dec), David Mushin (1967-74 Dec), David Woodruff (1965-74 

Dec) and Otto Chan (1968-75 Dec). We extend our sympathy to his wife Jackie, his mother 

and brother, David. 

1973 

Philip P. LEHAIN (1968-73) 

Died on 30th September 1998 at the age of 43 after a brave fight against cancer, which had 

been discovered about 12 months earlier. 

The funeral was attended by a very large number of friends from the Haberdashers' 

community, with many making long journeys to pay their respects. The wide age range, from 

those who had been senior officers of the O.H.R.F.C. when Phil started playing to those who 

had been starting to play when he retired, showed the appeal and the impact of the man. 

Philip enjoyed his schooldays, particularly excelling as a singer and on the choral trips to 

Europe. This was reflected in his enthusiasm to take part in Alan Taylor's final school 

concert in the company of many old friends and particularly Richard Jenkins. He was a 

member of Joblings and a sub-prefect. He was always part of the lighting and effects team 

for school plays and was enthusiastic about canoeing and pottery. He was a member of the 

Navy section of the C.C.F. which he saw as one long Outward Bound course. 

Philip went to University in London where he studied law and realised a great ambition when 

he was called by Inner Temple in 1978. He found a place in chambers in London and began 

his very successful career as a barrister. By the time he died Philip was a senior member of

his chambers and among the leading people in his specialist field of medical negligence and 

personal injury. His head of chambers gave an extremely eloquent and moving eulogy at 

Philip's funeral, which made it clear that Philip was a popular and highly respected member 

of his profession. 

Philip made his debut for the O.H.R.F.C. 1st XV on 29th November 1975 as a hooker and 

soon became the first choice for that position. He was greatly respected in Old Boys' rugby 

as a first class technical hooker, always winning his own ball, a fair share on the opposition's 

put in and was an accurate line out thrower. He played his 200th 1st XV game on 18th 

January 1986 to become a member of the O.H.R.F.C. 200 club, a fact of which he was 

conspicuously proud. He continued to play for the 1st XV until 1989 by which time his 

number of 1st XV appearance had reached a very creditable 285. He played in the very 

successful teams in 1984-85 and 1987-88, which established new records for the number of 

1st XV matches won in a season. 

He was an extremely loyal and committed member of the Club ensuring consistent 

availability despite his demanding legal career. There were a number of times when he had 

to appear in court on a Monday morning sporting black eyes or other battle scars, a fact 

invariably remarked upon by the presiding magistrate or judge! Philip enjoyed the postmatch 

entertainment, and "held court" with his front row and legal colleague, John Beagley 

and fellow academic and intellectual, Mark Archer in the bar. Their brow beating of fellow 

players, officers and their partners was hugely enjoyable and all done in the best possible 

taste. 

Philip did not always come on the annual rugby tours but when he did he ensured that an 

impact was made. A trip to Guernsey is particularly memorable as Philip managed to fall 

asleep hidden in a luggage rack, defeating all the efforts of a ship wide search at St. Peter 

Port and only waking up on the onward leg to Jersey. A very unimpressed crew safely 

returned him on the way back a few hours later. 

Philip subsequently became a very promising rugby referee until he found the demands of 

career and family life too great to allow him to continue. Philip also played cricket for the 

O.H.C.C. and was an enthusiastic if slightly unorthodox spin bowler. 

Outside of school, work and the O.H., Philip was at great pains to ensure that he enjoyed a 

wide range of activities and interests. He went fly-fishing with his family from an early age 

and continued to do so whenever able. He enjoyed walking and the countryside in general. 

He was enthusiastic and competent at D.I.Y., although he often had to be talked through 

each stage of a project by a rather anxious father on the other end of a phone line! 

Philip enjoyed life to the full, he had his Porsche, was taking flying lessons, he skied most 

years and was generally enjoying the fruits of his labours. Philip was devoted to his family

and they to him, he was an extremely proud father (sending James to Haberdashers' and 

ensuring that Harriet would join the Girls' School this September) and enjoyed a loving 

relationship and real friendship with his wife, Claire, whom he met at University. 

It is, quite simply, a tragedy that he died at such an early age at the peak of his powers. A 

great friend, father, husband, son and brother has been lost and the sadness is beyond 

words. But there are a great deal of happy memories which are the consolation and I hope 

some comfort to Claire, James and Harriet and to Philip's mother Joan and to his sister and 

brother, Clare and Julian who have all been great supporters of Philip and of the O.H.R.FC. 

Martin Baker (with the assistance of Joan Lehain) 

1972 

Nigel Purcell (died 4th July 2013) 

Nigel died suddenly on 4th July 2013. 

1971 

John L CAMPBELL (1964 - 71) 

John Laurie Campbell died unexpectedly of pneumonia on December 19th 1987 in Oban, 

Scotland aged 34. 

Since leaving college John had worked as an accountant in the oil service industry which 

necessitated lengthy periods living overseas in Saudi Arabia, Libya (including a stay at the 

pleasure of Col. Gadaffi), Texas and Nigeria. 

Whilst his pastimes tended to be of a cerebral nature, he did turn out for the ‘C’ XV and the 

2nd XI on occasions and supported, in a non-playing capacity OHRFC tours to the West 

Country and Paris. He was an excellent bridge player; who played competitive bridge 

against players of international standard and, only shortly before he died, had won a 

tournament in Scotland. His wit and generosity will be missed by those who knew him. JAH 

1969 

Miss Joan Pridmore (died 1995) 

Clive H AMSTEIN (1963-68) 

died in hospital in Leicester on 4th June 1991 aged 41.

The son of Charlie Amstein (President OHA 1971-72), Clive became seriously ill after a 

business trip to America in April 1991. Clive underwent a series of heart operations whilst 

also suffering from serious infections. His fighting spirit amazed both medical and nursing 

staff, although those who have seen Clive in action in any of the many sports in which he 

took part would realise that this typified the person he was. 

Whilst at school Clive played rugby, water polo and captained the swimming team. 

In 1968 Clive went to Bristol University to read zoology where he gained a 2.1. After 2 years 

research at Liverpool University he went on to undertake a further 2 years for an MBA. 

During the last 2 years there he became a hall tutor. 

Clive joined Beecham Pharmaceuticals as a rep in Liverpool but quickly moved up the 

management tree becoming a brand manager and having the responsibility for launching 

important new products into the British and European markets. His success helped him to be 

promoted to the European Headquarters of Beechams in Brussels where he was involved in 

international marketing. After 3 years in Belgium he went to work for Fisons in the 

international marketing of pharmaceuticals; based in Loughborough and living near Oakham 

much of his time was spent travelling the world. 

It was considered that the school never realised Clive's full potential at rugby. Clive started 

playing for the Old Boys as a schoolboy in 1966 playing 14 games, mainly for the 'C'; that 

year he actually played in 2 games with his father. The following year he played for the 

school 1st team as well as 10 games for the Old Boys (4 for the 'A'). It was not until he went 

to Bristol University in 1969 that he made his first appearance for the OH 1st team (against 

UCS on 4th January 1969). Clive played 151 games for the Old Boys including 50 for the 

first team. 

Clive will probably be best remembered for his great achievements in the international 

shooting world. Whilst at school in 1968 he went to Canada as a member of the UK CCF 

team. He shot in the Queens final 5 times and achieved 17th position on one occasion, a 

remarkable achievement. He went to the West Indies with the British team and also won the 

Scottish and Welsh Open competitions in one year. As well as being selected into the British 

team at Bisley, Clive was also Vice Captain of the Hertfordshire team. 

Clive met Lyn whilst at Beechams and they were married on 19th May 1979. They have 2 

girls Chloe and Laura aged 9 and 7. 

The funeral was held at Exton Parish Church near Oakham on 12th June 1991. Amongst 

over 150 people at the funeral were Robert Crabb, Jeremy Herbert, Malcolm Tappin, David 

Vanstone, Michael Caldwell, Richard Winney, John Hassan, Tony Cairns and W R Tanner.

Clive was a popular person with a tremendous sense of humour. He has left many happy 

memories with the numerous friends he made in all his different pursuits. 

To Lyn, the children, his parents, Charlie and Rosemary, we offer condolence for their tragic 

loss. 

1968 

Keith JM Sichel (died 2001) 

Lt. NICHOLAS TAYLOR, 1950-1982. (written by Dr J Wigley 2012) 

This year is the thirtieth anniversary of the tragic death of Nicholas Taylor, OH, killed in 

action on 4 th May 1982 whilst flying a Sea Harrier from HMS Hermes in an attack on the 

Goose Green airstrip in the Falklands Islands. 

Whist at Haberdashers’ Nick played fives, swam in the school team, and was a member of 

the 2 nd XV. After leaving school, he played for the Old Haberdashers’ Rugby Football Club 

from 1967 to March 1976, and turned out for a Services soccer team until he was concussed 

during the following season. 

He spent eighteen months training at RAF Cranwell, then switched to the Fleet Air Arm. His 

flying duties took him toNorthern Ireland, where he flew helicopters at 200 feet overBelfast, 

then to a course on Sea Harriers, before he was posted to the Royal Naval Task Force that 

was sent to theFalklands. A contemporary wrote 

“Nick was a natural athlete and a tough competitor at a wide range of sports. He displayed a 

rare talent at almost everything he cared to turn his hand to, the sports already mentioned 

and in addition sailing, skiing, gliding and, of course, his greatest love, flying. As a pilot he 

achieved the highest accolade of being selected as a Test Pilot at 

theEmpireTestFlyingSchool, a position he sadly never filled.” 

“Nick was a man’s man and the kindest person you could ever wish to meet. He has left so 

many happy memories he will not be forgotten by the numerous friends he made in so many 

facets of his life. Those of us who had the privilege of knowing Nick at school will be grateful 

for having met such a fine young man who, as the press described, died a national hero. No 

parents could be more proud of their son and no wife more proud of a husband.” 

Until the end of the 1970’s Nick had flown Sea Kings, then he crossed into the fast-jet 

training cohort. In the Spring of 1982 he had just completed the Sea Harrier conversion 

course and joined 800 Squadron, with which he went to theFalklands. On Tuesday 4 May 

1982 theU.K.forces mounted a three-ship attack on the Goose Green airstrip during which

Nick’s plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire as he went in to the target. His plane exploded and 

hit the ground very close to the airstrip. 

Nick was the first U.K. casualty of the Falklands War. His body, still in its ejector seat, was 

recovered by the residents of Goose Green and, with Argentine supervision, buried nearby 

with full military honours. The grave is now fenced off and marked with a proper headstone. 

Its inscription reads “In proud memory of a dearly beloved husband, son and brother, shot 

down while flying for the country he loved.” It is tended by the islanders, who hold an annual 

service on the anniversary of his death. 

The Old Haberdashers’ Association held a commemorative rugby match 6 March 1983, 

when a crowd of several hundred OH and friends, including Nick’s parents, was present to 

honour the memory of their son. The OHRFC President hosted a lunch for them before the 

match. Afterwards a memorial plaque in Nick’s honour and a framed colour photograph of 

the two rugby teams (OHRFC and CLOB) were placed on the wall over the fireplace in the 

Clubhouse. The school placed a plaque in the Chapel in Aldenham House, appropriately not 

far from the First and Second War memorials. 

1967 

John PEARSON (1956-67) 

died 15th April 1997 

Address in St Alban's Abbey on April 24th 1997 by Sir Richard O'Brien 

"I first met John Pearson in 1983. He was then in the full flight of his career as a civil servant 

in the Department of the Environment. On this occasion he was on the short list of people 

being interviewed for the temporary post of Secretary to the Commission on Urban Priority 

Areas then being set up by Archbishop Robert Runcie. For the next two and a half years or 

so I worked closely, very closely indeed, with John on the preparation of a report which was 

to be entitled 'FAITH IN THE CITY'. I came to know him well and shared the growing 

admiration which he inspired in the commissioners. I can see him now, at one of our 

residential weekends at ease with himself and others, good humourdly chatting but always 

underneath serious and purposeful. The job may have been a temporary one but the impact 

he made on all of us both personally and through the report was permanent and lasting. 

"During recent days I have been asking myself what it was about John which made such an 

impact on myself and others? What qualities did he possess? How was it that people who 

had not known him for long felt comfortable with him? Such questions cannot be answered 

in a single all-embracing sentence. John was too varied and too wide ranging - he looked 

through too many windows for that simple approach to be adequate.

"Let me say first that he was a superb professional, with all that that implies to so many of 

you who have come here today to honour him and to mourn him. He understood the work 

which had to be done and the tasks which had to be undertaken; he tackled these in such a 

way that confidence was generated in him and in our ability to rise to the demands imposed 

by our remit. He saw the boundaries, as it were, and was determined to reach them. I am 

saying something about clarity of mind and a lot about discipline and I am suggesting that in 

his relaxed informal way he was setting standards of achievement for us all. 

"Yet there was more. He had a remarkable capacity for grasping issues quickly and then 

elucidating them for the benefit of all of us. He possessed the skill to marshal the relevant 

statistics and information needed to provide a basis for the report's recommendations. He 

was a meticulous drafter, a word-spinner of real quality: we were often astonished, as one of 

us has said, at how quickly he could turn our incoherent speech into fluent prose. 

"This is a sad, sad day. But it is not my last word. I feel overwhelmingly a sense of gratitude 

to John for who he was and what he did, for me and for many others. I shall not forget him." 

Richard Michael Goldman (1947 - 2012) 

Richard Michael Goldman was born in Londonon the 4 th December, 1947. He grew up in 

Cricklewood with his parents and older brother, Gordon (also a Haberdasher’s pupil). He 

attended Haberdashers school and gained A levels in science subjects. However, he was 

not quite sure of his future path, so on Gordon’s recommendation, their parents took Richard 

to a careers advisor. The advice given, after all sorts of tests and interviews was intriguing. 

The conclusion was that Richard would either make a very good accountant – or a religious 

leader! As it happened, Richard managed to shine in both of these areas. 

From the start it was a very disciplined training as regards accountancy. The exams are not 

easy and Richard often rose early to study before his working day at Malvern & Co. inGreat 

Portland Street, where he eventually rose up the ranks to become a junior partner. In 1975 

he met Jill, a secretary/PA, who also sang and wrote songs. They met on a blind date and 

were married a year or so later, setting up home in Wembley. Around six years later, Richard

and another accountant started their own company and worked from an office in Queen’s 

Park. Jill and Richard’s son, David was born in 1983. Not long afterwards, Jill became a part 

time arts journalist and Richard was most supportive – a real hands-on father. David is now 

28 and works in sales and marketing. 

As regards Richard’s abilities, he was (perhaps because of the scientific study he undertook 

at Haberdashers) excellent at predicting the weather! He also was looked upon by his many 

clients, as not just their accountant, but also, as their friend to whom they could speak freely 

– and not be judged. The amount of glowing letters Jill has received after his passing, are 

testimony to this fact. He was very quick to take new technology on board – even though 

this happened relatively late in life. He also remembered and used his French and Spanish 

from school. This ability was most helpful on European holidays! 

In 1987, Richard followed Jill into the Buddhist faith; practising Nichiren Buddhism – based 

on the chanting of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo to bring out Buddhahood, or the most positive 

state of life – and was much loved by his friends in the lay organisation, Soka Gakkai (a non- 

Governmental organisation of the UN). He was also active in the local community and 

played a leading role in working for the welfare of residents in Wembley. 

Richard died suddenly of heart failure on the 30 th of May 2012. Jill and David have lost their 

best friend and supporter, whose sense of humour, common sense, and kind, cheerful 

personality kept them afloat through life’s ups and downs. He is sadly missed. 

Provided by Jill Goldman 

1966 

John Forrester (1966 leaver), historian, philosopher and writer, born 25 August 1949; 

died 24 November 2015 (Guardian 5 th December 2015) 

The historian and philosopher John Forrester, who has died aged 66 after suffering from 

cancer, advanced the study of psychoanalysis, its history, key figures, clinical practice and 

social significance, both in Britain and farther afield. Based in the department of history and

philosophy of science (HPS) at Cambridge University, this brilliant, deft and warm-hearted 

man brought boundless curiosity, unsurpassed stores of information and tough questioning 

to bear on Sigmund Freud’s talking cure and its place in the modern world. 

From his PhD thesis, published as Language and the Origins of Psychoanalysis (1980) and 

immediately translated into French, to his magnum opus, Freud in Cambridge, completed 

but yet to be published, John was passionately engaged with his subject, though, being at 

heart a follower of the French Enlightenment, never a zealot. He continually enjoyed the 

conundrum that psychoanalysis – which he recognised had aspects of a faith or even a cult 

– presented to a sceptic of his rationalist temper. His life’s ambition, he explained to his 

daughter, Katrina, was to reconcile Freud, the doctor of the soul, with Michel Foucault, the 

critic of medical regimes of all kinds. 

He brought a historian’s empirical mind to the task while practising the analytic method of 

watching out for inconsistencies and contradictions, through which the deepest meanings 

would emerge. His 1996 paper If p, Then What? Thinking in Cases examined, against a 

background of logic and classification that had developed since Aristotle, how 

“psychoanalytic discourse combines two unlikely features: it promises a new way of telling a 

life in the 20th century, a new form for the specific and unique facts that make that person’s 

life their life; and at the same time, it attempts to render that way of telling a life public, of 

making it scientific”. A collection of 20 years’ worth of further explorations along these lines, 

Thinking in Cases, is also due to appear. 

John was also a highly effective catalyst: over the decades, he organised crucial 

interactions, seminars and reading groups, including a notable series in the 1970s when 

French practitioners came to England to meet and talk to luminaries in the humanities, such 

as the literary scholar Frank Kermode and the scholar of French literature and 

studies Malcolm Bowie. 

Attracted to sensitive, difficult subjects: in 1986 he wrote a provocative essay on Rape, 

Seduction, and Psychoanalysis, and followed that with Truth Games: Lies, Money and 

Psychoanalysis (1997), a fascinating, slippery book about different ways of lying – to oneself 

and others. At the time of his death he was involved in research funded by the Wellcome 

Trust into a range of subjects including reproduction, IVF, surrogacy, genetic modification 

and gender assignment. 

From 2007 to 2013, at a time of strain on academic values, he ran HPS adroitly and 

resiliently. In lectures as well as books, he was filled with a playful appetite for experience 

and knowledge, and was a gifted storyteller: an essay on the wary, prickly interactions of 

Freud and Einstein shows his acute insight into human character, while Freud’s Women 

(1992), written with his partner, the writer Lisa Appignanesi, displayed the couple’s exciting 

archival archaeology and flair for dramatic portraits, as they showed how a great man is

sustained by family and friends, and unfolded the crucial role that female analysands, 

patrons, and Freud’s daughter and successor, Anna, played in his life and thought. 

An imposing figure, even when he was young, John could appear scary, as it was clear he 

knew so much and thought so clearly. He had a domed head that made him, especially after 

chemotherapy, somewhat resemble a venerable oriental sage. He could be tenacious in 

argument, but his voice was unexpectedly gentle and confiding. Some political issues, 

among them the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, used to spark tense disagreements between him 

and some friends. 

In a quiet, rather feline way, John could also be mischievous. At his inaugural lecture as 

professor at Cambridge, his 2002 account of Freud in Cambridge, he told us that Michael 

Ramsey (the future archbishop of Canterbury), aged six or so, announced “I am going to 

marry Mummy”. To which Ramsey’s elder brother, Frank, the future mathematician and 

logician, replied: “How can you be so silly, Michael? Don’t you know that you can’t marry 

your mother until she is a widow?” 

Born and brought up in north London, John was the son of Reginald and his wife, Minnie 

(nee Chaytow), who had marched together to protest against Oswald Mosley and his British 

Union of Fascists. A graduate of the LSE, after the Second World War Reginald worked on 

the Marshall plan and became a senior international civil servant in the Organisation for 

European Economic Co-operation (now the OECD). Later, he set up as an independent 

consultant. He died when John was 21. After taking a degree as a mature student at the 

Open University, Minnie became a social worker. 

John went to Haberdashers’ Aske’s school in Elstree, Hertfordshire, and then on to King’s 

College, Cambridge, where he graduated in natural sciences (1970). A Fulbright scholarship 

took him to Princeton University and work with Thomas Kuhn, whose ideas spurred his 

approach to case studies. 

He returned to King’s as a research fellow (1976-84), and then joined HPS as a lecturer. He 

was made a professor in 2000, since when his research students have spread around the 

world: they include Alison Winter, who wrote a seminal study of Mesmerism as her PhD 

thesis, and the psychoanalyst Darian Leader. Abroad, John held visiting posts in the US, 

Brazil, France, Italy and Germany, and spent a particularly productive and happy year in 

Paris in 1993-94. But his home was in north London with Lisa, whom he met in 1984 when, 

as deputy director of the Institute of Contemporary Arts, she invited him, presciently, to take 

part in a series about Desire. They married in 2013. 

Later in life, he became marvellously affable and unequivocally life-loving: “John could draw 

the finest thread of silver from the most leaden of clouds,” said one friend. He was always

full of shrewd observations and zest for a whole range of pleasures, from growing splendid 

dahlias and roses to competing at chess to a high level on his computer. 

John bridged the distinction between the hedgehog and the fox explored by Isaiah Berlin, 

since there was nothing he did not know about his subject, but he was also curious about – 

and good at – almost everything else. His work changed the contours of a discipline and 

fertilised the thought of a scholarly and clinical community worldwide. 

He is survived by Lisa, Katrina and his stepson, Josh. 

1965 

Dennis Marks, born July 2 1948, died April 2 2015 

Obituary taken from the Daily Telegraph 4th April 2015 

Dennis Marks, who has died aged 66, was a producer and director who became head of 

music at BBC Television, working on programmes such as Omnibus and Arena and 

acquiring a formidable reputation as one of the great television documentary makers of our 

time; later he was general director of English National Opera, attempting to steer the 

company through the financial and artistic minefield of the mid-1990s, often with one hand 

tied behind his back. 

Marks was one of the best-known faces in the arts , turning up at performances, openings 

and press conferences full of knowledge but wearing his learning lightly. Passionate and 

irrepressibly enthusiastic, he had a remarkable ability to see the potential in people, whether 

musicians, actors or administrators, and his gentle – and sometimes not so gentle – words of 

encouragement enabled many to realise their ambitions. 

At the BBC he brought the cameras into Glyndebourne and commissioned new operas for 

the small screen, such as Mark-Anthony Turnage’s Greek. Yet his broad tastes and curious 

intellect led to programmes on all aspects of the arts, ranging from African rock to the roots 

of jazz. Even after leaving the corporation Marks was the go-to man when Radio 3 dedicated

entire days of programming to composers such as Berlioz, Walton and Janácek, curating an 

ideal blend of informed commentary and carefully chosen repertoire. 

Later he reinvented himself as an urbane, informed and entertaining writer, broadcaster and 

traveller, with programmes such as Little Moscow in Israel for Radio 4 in June 2013, 

exploring the effect of immigration from the former Soviet Union on the culture of the Jewish 

state. 

Dennis Michael Marks was born on July 2 1948, the son of Samuel and Kitty. After 

Haberdashers’ Aske’s School in Elstree, he went up to Trinity College, Cambridge, where he 

took a first in English. He joined the BBC in 1969 and was soon making a name for his lively 

and informative programmes on the arts – particularly on music. 

By the age of 24 he had commissioned Michael Frayn for a series called Writers’ Houses, in 

which living writers talked about dead ones in the environment of their homes – in this case 

in Laurence Sterne’s house. It was just one of many friendships that Marks cultivated and 

nurtured over his career. The Witnesses, made with Melvyn Bragg in 1976 for the 2nd 

House series, was a 75-minute documentary on writers and the Spanish civil war, while The 

Promised Land (1980) was a richly impressionistic film that looked at how Whitechapel had 

long been a cultural melting pot for immigrant communities arriving in Britain . 

Arriving at ENO in 1993 Marks inherited a deficit of £2.2 million and rising; even with the 

anticipated dawn of New Labour, funding remained uncertain. In 1997, frustrated by his board’s 

lack of direction and embroiled in a debate over whether to move the company out of the London 

Coliseum to what Rodney Milnes described as “deepest, darkest Southwark”, Marks resigned. 

Marks had a strong sense of loyalty to those around him, becoming known at the BBC for his 

support of both his colleagues and the trade unions. It was a trait that he brought to ENO, resisting 

the board’s calls for redundancies and opposing greater use of freelance workers, arguing that 

“the team spirit of the company would fracture”. 

After leaving the Coliseum Marks threw his immense energies into an even wider variety of artistic 

projects, often with a travel-related theme. He had contributed to the popular Great Railway 

Journeys of the World in 1981; 30 years later came Wandering Jew: the Search for Joseph Roth, 

about the writer who vividly depicted the fall of the Austro-Hungarian empire. 

Meanwhile, his books on music included Janácek’s Gypsy Love, the story of how the Czech 

composer’s work was reinvigorated after he fell in love with a woman some 38 years his junior. 

Latterly he was working on a biography of Michael Tippett, a composer whom he felt had been 

unjustly neglected .

Marks sported a beard that varied in length over the years – Frayn once described him as looking 

“like an Old Testament prophet”. When not travelling he described himself as an “eclectic cook”, a 

description to which his many friends could attest. 

He married Deborah Cranston in 1972. That marriage was dissolved and in 1992 he married Sally 

Groves, a music publisher. She survives him, with a son and a daughter from his first marriage. 

Michael Palmer (died 1998) 

1964 

Chris Squire (1964 leaver) born March 4 1948, died June 28 2015 

(obituary from Daily Telegraph 30th June 2015) 

Chris Squire, who has died aged 67, was the bass player and co-founder of the British prog 

rock group Yes and the only constant name on its complicated family tree. 

Founded by Squire with lead singer Jon Anderson in 1968, Yes rose to fame in the 1970s as 

part of a movement (with bands such as King Crimson, Genesis, Emerson Lake & Palmer 

and Jethro Tull) to produce a more sophisticated rock sound, characterised by songs with 

complex structures that often drew on classical or jazz influences, using suite forms, multiple 

tempo changes, unusual time signatures and poetic lyrics. 

After opening for Janis Joplin and being signed to Atlantic Records, the band gained a large 

and devoted following with albums such as The Yes Album and Fragile (both 1971), Close to 

the Edge (1972), Tales from Topographic Oceans (1973), Relayer (1974) and Going for the 

One (1977).

Critics tended to dismiss prog rock as pretentious and overwrought, yet Yes inspired almost 

cultlike devotion among teenagers with intellectual leanings who found an atmospheric, 

almost mystical, depth to their music lacking in other rock bands. Yes in its various 

incarnations continued to fill stadiums for more than 40 years. 

Squire, described by one critic as “perhaps the most nimble bassist this side of the late John 

Entwistle” (whom Squire much admired), was the only band member to feature in all of Yes’s 

studio albums and also wrote many of its songs. He remained its one constant through some 

20-odd changes in the line-up, only retiring earlier this year when he was diagnosed with 

leukaemia. 

The son of a taxi driver, Christopher Russell Edward Squire was born in north-west London 

on March 4 1948. He was educated at Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School, where he sang 

in the choir, but which he left aged 16 after being suspended for wearing his hair too long. 

He got a job selling guitars at Boosey & Hawkes in Regent Street, buying his first 

Rickenbacker 4001 bass using a staff discount. 

Squire recalled that as a teenager he had been “into Paul McCartney and Jack Bruce”, but 

that most of his inspiration came from John Entwistle of The Who. “I got a Rickenbacker and 

Rotosound strings and I played with a pick, because that’s what John was doing at the time,” 

he recalled. “Musically, I learnt a lot of his and The Who’s licks and tried to emulate their 

energy and attitude.” 

By his account he developed his own contoured tone and spidery playing style (integral to 

such sprawling tracks as Long Distance Runaround (1971) and Roundabout (1972)) while 

recovering in 1967 from a bad acid trip which landed him in hospital for a couple of days: “I’d 

had lots of good acid trips prior to that. But I made the mistake of trying some acid some 

friends of mine had homemade. That knocked me back, and I did sort of hibernate in an 

apartment in Kensington and spent quite a few months — maybe as much as a year — just 

playing bass.” 

Yes weathered the late 1970s when the advent of punk made prog rock seem absurdly overthe-top. 

During the 1980s, the group was nearly torn apart when the mass of solo projects 

and personnel splits led to a legal battle over the rights to the name, between a breakaway 

group led by high-voiced lead singer Jon Anderson and another featuring Squires. 

The row ended in reunion, however, and Anderson continued to front the group until he was 

forced to bow out in 2005 after developing a serious respiratory condition. 

In addition to his work in Yes, Squire, known to his band-mates as “Fish”, also released a 

solo album Fish Out of Water in 1975 and was a member of the supergroup XYZ, alongside 

Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and Yes drummer Alan White. 

He is survived by his third wife, Scotty, by their daughter and by four children from his 

previous marriages.

Robert Gerald (Rob) Matthewman - passed away May 2015 

John Matthewman (1965 leaver) has written to advise that his brother, Rob Matthewman 

(1964 Leaver), died at the end of May 2015. He died very quickly. He had 6 daughters. John 

writes : "We played rugby for the Old Haberdashers together, he loved his time with Julian 

Littlewood as captain." 

Roger Walters writes - "I have vivid memories of playing with Rob under Julian's leadership. 

They were indeed happy days. I remember Rob's forthright approach to playing as a quick, 

open-side flanker. A no-nonsense type of player, direct and uncomplicated Always 

enthusiastic and always going forward." 

1963 

Bryan Heiser, who has died of polio aged 67, spent most of his adult life fighting for the 

rights of the disadvantaged and, through the poetry he wrote, highlighting life's subtle twists 

and turns. He was perhaps best known as the pioneer of Dial-a-Ride, a free door-to-door 

scheme for people with disabilities who cannot use public transport, which was launched in 

London in 1980 and now operates throughout Britain. 

Born in Rugeley, Staffordshire, Bryan was brought up in Finchley, north London. He won a 

scholarship to Haberdashers' Aske's school in Elstree, Hertfordshire, then went on to read 

philosophy, politics and economics at Durham University and, on a Fulbright scholarship, at 

Harvard. 

Bryan contracted polio at the age of 27 on a hedonistic trip to Morocco. He found himself 

paralysed and in an iron lung and from that point on always used a wheelchair. But, as 

Bryan put it: "It isn't what you've got, it's how you use it: if you define the race you needn't 

lose it!" 

For 17 years from 1980, he worked for Camden borough council in London – latterly as an 

internal ombudsman, helping to solve the problems of local residents. Bryan also undertook 

a research project on the lot of under-fives in the borough. He launched the first Dial-a-Ride

in Camden, with funding from the Manpower Services Commission and later a grant from 

Camden council to buy the special vehicles required. Within a few years, with support from 

the Greater London Council, the scheme had expanded throughout London, and then, with 

government funding, around the UK. 

As an independent consultant, Bryan was appointed by Hillingdon council to investigate the 

disputed ownership of Stockley Park, a large piece of land to be developed within the west 

London borough. Then, in 2001, the health minister, John Hutton, appointed him to the 

National Care Standards Commission, describing Bryan as "a leading player in the 

development of disabled and older people's rights and services". 

In 2000, Bryan had been appointed special adviser on disability to the board of Transport 

for London and he continued in this role through Ken Livingstone's two terms as mayor. 

Bryan played a role in making TfL buses wheelchair-accessible, and this was one of his 

proudest achievements. He was an ardent supporter of bendy buses, which provoked lively 

debate with some of his more entrenched London friends. 

With a passionate interest in the arts, Bryan was chair of Drake Music, a technology and 

music charity providing disabled musicians of all ages with routes into music. He was an 

active member of the Poetry Society, running a weekly poetry group in his house in Camden 

until, in 2005, we moved to Norfolk, where he embarked on a master's degree in creative 

writing at the University of East Anglia. 

We met in 1997 and married in 2005. I survive him, along with Thomas and Olivia, the 

children of his first marriage, to Sue. 

David John (died 1998) 

1962 

Peter WESCOTT (1955 - 1962) 

died in June 1991 

I remember Peter most from our days at school where he demonstrated a maturity and 

presence much beyond his years. Nonetheless he had a delightful sense of humour which 

would manifest itself in league with others of us, often intent on mirth at the expense of a 

master or someone in authority. 

Peter was a good all-rounder, both academically and on the sporting field, where he was 

captain of the First XV. He became Head Boy and took a place at Gonville and Caius in 

History, having shown his determination and ability to work hard, rather than rely solely on 

innate talent.

In later life, Peter was an ambitious and determined man who undertook a range of 

entrepreneurial ventures which many others would not have dared. He had business 

courage although finally it was his business misfortunes which led to his sad death in June 

last year. Peter will be well remembered as an exceptional Old Haberdasher who dared to 

succeed. 

Peter Felix 

It was during our last at school - the first at Elstree - that I became aware of the high 

standards which Peter set himself and for which I always admired him. A fearless flanker, he 

was always there in the midst of the fray - often to the white knuckled dismay of mother on 

the touchline! In the prefect's room he was a supportive and dependable deputy school 

captain before taking over the senior position himself. Subsequently Peter became a lifelong 

friend whose career and family life I knew from his Cambridge days, through the early 

accountancy stage to his eventual and established family and entrepreneurial years at 

Cookham Dean. 

Peter will be remembered for his roguish sense of humour and love of pranks. This 

contrasted with a sometimes reserved and more serious self that was equally engaging to 

those who knew him well. 

It is a great sadness for all his friends, his father Lionel, and particularly for Judy and their 

two teenage children that Peter is no longer amongst us. Let them and us remember the fun 

he was, his loyal friendship and his determination to succeed. 

Bill Lewes 

Having played for the Colts and B2 XV, while still at the school, Peter restarted his 0HRFC 

career in 1965-66, after coming down from Cambridge. Although not taking his football too 

seriously, during his four post-graduate seasons, he appeared in five of the remaining six 

sides in operation at the time, missing out the 1st XV. Accordingly, half of his sporadic 

appearances were with the W and 'C', in which there were quite a number of players of his 

own calibre, albeit of rather ancient vintage. His last game was on 25/1/69, when the 'C' 

drew with Alleynians - just before the onset of several weeks of ice and snow. His 

membership of the Association coincided with its formation in 1962/63. 

1961 

Dr John Buckingham (passed away August 2015) 

John left Haberdashers' with an enthusiasm for chemistry and won a First at the University 

of Southampton before gaining his D.Phil from the University of Sussex, which was followed 

by work in Switzerland and Sheffield before assuming a role as lecturer in Chemistry at

Westfield College, part of London University. In 1978 he co-authored The Atlas of Stereo 

Chemistry, co-authored with the highly regarded Chemist, Professor William Klyne. 

In the early 1980s John left academic life to become Editor of the Dictionary of Organic 

Compounds, a complex challenge as the Dictionary had not been brought up to date for a 

number of years. The Dictionary was finally republished in 1987 and John continued to 

remain an expert in the field of natural products, contributing to other books and journals. 

John also wrote books for general readers. In 2006 he used his literary prowess and 

scientific knowledge to write Chasing the Molecule about the history of Chemistry as a 

science, acclaimed as “a very different book, verging on a novel in style with the discipline of 

a reference text”. In Bitter Nemesis (2007), he explored the history of strychnine, first as a 

medicine and then as a poison throughout Western Europe. 

He was still working when he died. He was the co-author of the Desk Companion of Natural 

Productswhich is to be published posthumously in November, and will include a dedication. 

John loved playing Bridge, a valuable life skill that he gained at Habs' and founded a Bridge 

Club in the South West of France where he lived in his latter years. He also adored classic 

cars and sadly he was killed in a road accident in Austria in August of this year. He leaves 

behind two daughters, four grandchildren and one great grand daughter. 

John SV Green (died in 1990) 

Simon J. ENGLISH (1955-56) 

died early 1999 

As a member of Russell's house, Simon English's interests were towards cricket and cross 

country and was a keen member of the S.S.U. Leaving in 1961 he was an occasional visitor 

to Borehamwood for social events and was a member of the O.H. Rifle Club where he was a 

keen shooter in a number of disciplines. Simon shot regularly at veterans meetings as well 

as the L.M.R.A. league.961 he took up a career in mechanical engineering. 

Roger Deakin (1943 - 1996) 

Copy of Roger's Obituary from the Daily Telegraph dated 22 Aug 2006

Roger Deakin, who died on Saturday aged 63, was a writer, documentary-maker and 

environmentalist; he enjoyed a considerable following among those who care about the 

environment, particularly about the fields, rivers, waterways and trees of England. 

Deakin wrote highly readable articles about these and other matters for newspapers and 

magazines, including The Daily Telegraph and BBC Wildlife. He was a co-founder and 

trustee of Common Ground, the group that promotes and celebrates the interdependence of 

nature and culture. One of its activities of which he was particularly fond was the promotion 

of "Apple Day", a celebration of the English apple and its trees. 

What brought him international fame, however, was his book Waterlog (1999), which 

recounted his adventures during his self-appointed mission to swim across Britain from 

Cornwall to the east coast. He swam across bays, up and down rivers, along canals, through 

lakes and ponds and, on one occasion, a swimming pool. 

The undertaking was inspired by John Cheever's short story about a young man who swims 

home across his neighbours' pools after a party on Long Island. Deakin believed not only in 

the right to roam but also in the right to swim. 

Beyond all his learning, his ability to connect with other people and his gentleness, he had 

an unconventional streak. He believed in what he called "Wild Swimming", feeling that 

nature was there to be energetically enjoyed. 

Waterlog was written in a style that was perceptive, learned, amused, and typically selfeffacing, 

and its insights into the countryside as well as into the condition of England itself 

won it admirers as far afield as Australia, Japan and California. 

As a sequel to that success, Deakin embarked on a journey which was to take him across 

the ancient woods of the world, covering hundreds of miles on foot, traversing the woodland 

and forests of more than a dozen countries including Portugal, Belarus, Ukraine, Poland, 

Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan and Australia. During this odyssey he 

was attacked by dogs, stalked by a wolf, shot at by a peasant who thought he was a bear, 

and confronted by a venomous King Brown snake as he crawled up a gully in Australia. 

Happily, before he became ill he was able to complete his book Wildwood: A Journey 

through Trees, and he had a meeting with his editor from Hamish Hamilton several days 

before he died. Part memoir, part natural history, part travelogue, the book examines the 

mutually dependent relationship between human beings and trees. 

Roger Stuart Deakin was born on February 11 1943 at Watford. His family was originally 

from the Midlands, and his father worked as a railway clerk. Roger was educated at

Haberdashers' Aske's School, Hampstead, and Peterhouse, Cambridge, where he read 

English under the guidance of Kingsley Amis. 

After Cambridge he went into advertising as a copywriter. His accounts included one for 

Royal Navy recruitment, and he would later recall how he spent days on an ageing destroyer 

sweeping for imaginary submarines off Portland; when the moment came to return to port, 

the captain put the ship almost on her side, full speed ahead against wind and tide, to make 

home in time for the crew's evening entertainments. 

Advertising and London did not not suit Deakin, so he used his savings to buy a rundown but 

commodious moated farmhouse, Walnut Tree Farm, with about a dozen acres, near Mellis, 

in Suffolk. For three years he taught English at Diss High School, where he was an 

exuberant and effective teacher; he received visits from ex-pupils for the rest of his life. 

Meanwhile he started to restore the house and dredge the moat; he acquired more fields, on 

which he grew hay and wild flowers; and he planted a wood. He then turned his hand to 

producing and directing documentary films on subjects such as allotments, rock'n roll in 

Essex, stable lads in Newmarket and the East Anglian country and western singer Hank 

Wangford. It was at this time that his interest in the countryside, and in writing, began to 

blossom. 

He wrote a number of programmes for Radio 4, including The House, a diary about the 

ecology and restoration of his home; another, Cigarette on The Waveney, charted a journey 

down his local river in his canoe, called Cigarette. Deakin was a man utterly without 

pomposity. 

He was invariably courteous, and considered political correctness a discipline for the dull. At 

Walnut Tree Farm he was the picture of an involved, enthusiastic and informed countryman. 

Roger Deakin married, in 1973 (dissolved 1982), Jenny Hind. They had a son, who survives 

him, as does his partner, Alison Hastie. 

Wikipedia Entry 

Roger Stuart Deakin (born 11 February 1943 - 19 August 2006) was an English writer, 

documentary-maker and environmentalist. 

Deakin was born in Watford, Hertfordshire. Educated at Haberdashers' Aske's and 

Peterhouse, Cambridge, where he read English, Deakin first worked in advertising as a 

copywriter and creative director. He was responsible for the National Coal Board slogan 

"Come home to a real fire". Following this, he taught English at Diss Grammar School for 

three years.

In 1968, he bought Walnut Tree Farm, a semi-ruined Elizabethan moated farmhouse on the 

edge of Mellis Common in Suffolk, near Diss, which he rebuilt and developed over many 

years and where he lived until his death from a brain tumour. This had first been diagnosed 

only four months previously. The house and its surroundings were the subject of two BBC 

Radio 4 documentaries, The House and The Garden, that he produced. A further 

documentary, Cigarette on the Waveney, covered the subject of a canoe trip down the 

nearby River Waveney. He also made several television documentary films covering 

subjects as diverse as rock music, Essex, Hank Wangford, allotments and the world of horse 

racing. 

Deakin was a founder director of the arts and environmental charity Common Ground in 

1982. 

In 1999, Deakin's acclaimed book Waterlog was published in the United Kingdom by Chatto 

and Windus. Inspired in part by the short story The Swimmer by John Cheever, it describes 

his experiences of "wild swimming" in Britain's rivers and lakes and advocates open access 

to the countryside and waterways. Wildwood appeared posthumously in 2007 and describes 

a series of journeys across the globe Deakin made to meet people whose lives are intimately 

connected to trees and wood. In November 2008, Notes from Walnut Tree Farm, a collection 

of writing taken from his personal notebooks and largely focusing on the wildlife and ecology 

of the area around his farmhouse, was published to high critical appraisal. 

Deakin appears in The Wild Places by Robert Macfarlane. The TV documentary The Wild 

Places Of Essex, also by Macfarlane, includes scenes shot at Walnut Tree Farm. Waterlog 

inspired a one-hour documentary, Wild Swimming, on BBC Four in August 2010 presented 

by Alice Roberts. It is stated in it that he was the source for the voice of the swimmer in Alice 

Oswald's 48-page poem; Dart, about the Devon River Dart. 

Deakin married Jenny Hind in 1973 with whom he had a son, Rufus, before the marriage 

was dissolved in 1982. Deakin died in Mellis, Suffolk. He is survived by his partner Alison 

Hastie and his son. 

Review of Wildwood: a Journey Through Trees - written by Will Self and published in 

the New Statesman 12th July 2007 

Roger Deakin's Waterlog was the literary gem of 1999. The conceit was simple: the author 

set out from his moated farmhouse in Suffolk to swim across Britain in a succession of 

streams, rivers, ponds, fens, tarns, lochs, pools - natural and man-made - and, of course, the 

sea itself. Emulating the protagonist of John Cheever's classic short story, "The Swimmer", 

Deakin created a special kind of literary classic, at once a travelogue, a discourse on natural 

history and an investigation into the culture and mores of our island people.

I read a lot of books - but Waterlog was one of my favourite kind, not only because of its 

subject matter, but also because of its methodology: the pitting of the individual psyche 

against the tumult of being itself. I didn't know Deakin - who, as well as a writer, was a filmmaker, 

broadcaster and environmentalist - but like many other fans of the book, I felt as if I 

did. His was a witty sensibility, as happily afloat on the whirlpools of mutable time as he was 

on the sinuous rills of his beloved water. 

Few books make you change your habits; this one changed mine, and those of several of 

my friends who read it. We became, if not as accomplished wild-water swimmers as its 

author, certainly passionate converts, ever ready to plunge into the turbid brown Avon - even 

in icy May - or scull out into the choppy Channel. Deakin's basic message - that swimming in 

wild water makes you happier and better adjusted, both to your habitat and its inhabitants - 

was confirmed with every scamper over the pebbles, each heart-stopping plunge into the 

elemental bouleversement. 

Then, last year, the news came that Deakin had died, aged 63, of a brain tumour. All that 

vigorous, onrushing motion stilled by the scuttling crab - it didn't seem right. But he had 

managed to finish, in the last few days of his life, the manuscript of a second 

book: Wildwood. 

It's inevitable that a book as keenly anticipated as this one should prove, if not exactly 

disappointing, somehow disorienting. I wanted the same experience as Waterlog - but 

Deakin provided a different form of immersion. Gone is the straightforward trajectory through 

water and in its place comes a path as convoluted and knotty as its subject matter. Gone, 

too, is the lightness of writing about the natural world that made it possible for a city dweller 

such as myself, who doesn't know his ash from his elder, to make believe that he's happily 

feral. 

Despite growing up in Watford, Deakin became an enthusiastic naturalist when he was a 

schoolboy. On botanising trips to the New Forest organised by his teacher, the eminent 

entomologist Barry Goater, Deakin immersed himself in the close study of flora and fauna. 

In Wildwood he returns to Dorset, and in Goater's company walks the same paths, 

cataloguing sylvan diversity. Deakin quotes the 19th-century agriculturist William Cobbett 

approvingly: "What are these deer for?" He lauds Cobbett for his practicality and lack of cant, 

yet so many would-be modern Cobbetts are distinguished by their capacity for the selfrighteous 

homily. Deakin never stoops to that. Although a committed environmentalist - he 

was a founding trustee of the arts and environmental pressure group Common Ground - he 

didn't build wooden tubs in order to thump them. His passion for the natural world and anger 

at its degradation are expressed through the praxis of conviction: he is the antithesis of a 

high-profile eco-warrior, hopping between jets on his way to the next earth summit. 

Long time resident in Suffolk, where he took over a dilapidated, cruck-built farmhouse and 

reconstructed it himself, Deakin managed his own smallholding, swam in its moat, turned 

wooden bowls on his lathe and - in homage to his friend, the wood-sculptor David Nash - 

created an Aboriginal-style wiltja out of living ash trees. Some of the most moving passages 

inWildwood concern this philosophy, woven out of the living wood of Deakin's copses and

hedges. Sitting at his desk, sharpening a wooden pencil and observing the quotidian - yet 

special - place he had created, Deakin allows his mind to take flight through time and space, 

brachiating through a forest of fact and fancy. From the walnut burr veneers of which Jaguar 

dashboards are made (and in this section Deakin, a motorist himself, is notably deft) to the 

propellers of First World War aircraft, he locates wood as an ur-substance: building material, 

art object and artefact; a furniture of the world that, like the ridge pole of a tent, supports the 

canopy of effulgent life. 

His obituarist in the Guardian, Ken Worpole, located the two poles of Deakin's life-work as 

the anarchism of Colin Ward and the Anglicanism of Ronald Blythe - both Suffolk 

neighbours. From childhood holidays in this neck of the woods, I feel I have some affinity 

with Deakin's milieu, the hippy proto-greens of Barsham Faire and "Coypu Comix" in the 

mid-1970s, who were, in their turn, the lineal descendants of the Woodcraft Folk and, before 

them, the Men of the Trees. This is a Janus-faced tradition, politically, with one visage set 

woodenly on the sacred groves of the past, the other on the more pliant saplings of futurity. 

It's a furrow perhaps best ploughed in Patrick Wright's masterful history of 20th-century 

English environmentalism, The Village that Died for England. 

Of course, unlike Deakin, I've lived out my life cocooned by synthetics rather than minutely 

observing the creation of cocoons. Part of what makes Wildwood a bewildering read for the 

non-naturalist is Deakin's complete absorption in his chosen subject: he augurs his way into 

his material, following the narrative grain from the ethnology of ravens to the construction of 

writing desks. In truth, I found him weakest as an art critic; and although his writing on David 

Nash in Wales, Mary Newcomb in Suffolk and John Wolseley in northern New South Wales 

is undoubtedly impassioned, I'm not sure his exploration of the allusiveness of man-made 

artworks matches the precision with which he describes natural processes. 

Deakin supplely weaves withies of observation together, covering journeys to the Spanish 

Pyrenees in search of the rare Albères cattle that browse the cork oaks; a wintry trek through 

the Bieszczady woods of the Polish-Ukrainian border; a study of the human diversity of the 

Pilliga forest of northern New South Wales; a stroll through the chestnut groves of the 

Hérault and the olive ones of Lesbos. The most spectacular of his travels is a trip through 

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, where he encounters local arboriculturists who harvest 

amazing wild walnut forests, and visits the ancestral home of the apple. 

Yet, enthralling as these travels are, it's back home in England that Deakin's writing takes 

flight, especially in his descriptions of his own Suffolk homeland. His intimate accounts of 

hedging, coppicing, grafting, pruning, and eventually planning and turning his beloved wood, 

may have made me feel inferior, but I experienced atavistic stirrings and desired to go tree 

climbing once more. 

Even now, sitting in stony Stockwell, south London, with his posthumous gift on my lap, I'm 

moved to consider what exactly is the benefit of Deakin's brand of raised, woody 

consciousness? Not all of us can live the life of praxis that he did, yet on finishing Wildwood I

found myself thinking more concretely about the trees - and wood - in my life than 

heretofore. Even if it's only the carbonised briar in my tobacco pipe, the planed pine of my 

custom-carpentered desk, the cedarwood in my cigar humidor, Wildwood has provoked me. 

Perhaps this year, under Deakin's influence, I will finally learn to tell my ash from my elder. 

1960 

Christopher John Curry 

Christopher John Curry died on 28th February 2012.Born on 5th September 1940, he started 

at Haberdashers' in 1951. He went from there to Northampton College, part of London 

University, but now the City University and graduated with a BSc in electrical engineering. 

He became a Chartered Engineer and Member of the Institution of Engineering and 

Technology. For most of his professional life he worked for Tampax Ltd starting as a project 

engineer in 1968 and rising to Vice-President International when the firm became 

Tambrands. He opened and became responsible for plants in Ukraine, Russia and China. 

After redundancy in 1994, Chris started his own business called Manufacturing Lead 

International working as a management consultant for various organisations. He specialised 

in businesses in Eastern Europe and he lived in Finland for a time crossing the border into 

Russia each day to supervise a paper mill. He retired in 2005. He was married to Delia for 

45 years and leaves children James & Nicola and four grandchildren. 

Barry ALBONE (1952-60 Dec) 

Died suddenly on 11th February 1991. 

All-round sporting ability was clearly evident in Barry's school career, which saw him 

awarded colours or half colours for rugby, cricket and basketball. Playing for the 1st XV in 

1960 he took part in the last match staged against OHRFC 'A’ at Chase Lodge. A school 

prefect, vice-captain of Joblings and a L/Sgt in the CCF (Army section), Barry passed his '0' 

levels in 1957 and 'A' levels in 1959-60. 

In both the OHRFC and OHCC, Barry's story is one of outstanding achievement, confirmed 

by his membership of both of the sporting 200 clubs. In rugby he played 236 1st XV games 

(291 in all, plus appearances for the LXIV Club, etc.) beginning with the Old Cranleighans in 

October 1961 and ending with a win over Wellington during the 38th Easter tour in April 

1974. Probably the best prop forward of the post-war era, he scored 7 tries for the senior 

side - positively care-free high scoring for a member of the front row fraternity! Acting captain 

in 1968/69, he was a vice-President during 1979-87. 

Despite being heavily involved in a commercial career (he held a number of senior positions 

in a career of more than 25 years with Colgate-Palmolive) Barry was also able to dedicate 

his considerable talents to the cricket pitch. A genuine all-rounder, he made 212 1st XI

appearances from July 1960 (as a schoolboy) until May 1976. Barry scored 2,103 runs as a 

middle-order batsman and took 29 wickets as a change bowler -when not performing both 

acrobatically and effectively as a wicket-keeper. Behind the stumps, he made 28 stumpings 

and took 75 of his 115 catches for the 1st XI. He also made 17 2nd XI appearances and 27 

for the Sunday XI, the last of which, in August 1976, was his final game for the OHCC. Barry 

was vice-captain 1st XI 1967-69 and a vice-President 1982-91. 

Following his departure from Colgate-Palmolive, Barry set up his own business as a 

marketing consultant. Particularly sad to report, he was due to marry in April of this year. 

Large numbers of OH and business acquaintances attended Barry's cremation service. 

1959 

Robin Cole (Haberdashers 1954 - 1959) 

Robin died of inoperable cancer whilst he was a pupil at Haberdashers. He was born in 

Watford in 1943 and died in Hendon in 1959. He is buried in St Margarets churchyard, 

Edgware. 

The Reverend Canon Roger Mason B.D., B.Sc. (Econ)., A.K.C. (Haberdashers 1952-59) 

Roger attended the school when it was based at the Westbere Road campus. He would be 

the first to admit that his schooldays, particularly in his early years, were not to be the 

happiest days of his life. Nevertheless by the time he reached the sixth form he was to 

enjoy both extra-curricular and academic success. He was appointed Company Sergeant 

Major of the school cadet corps and at a combined schools cadet camp at Aldershot, he 

was awarded a tankard for being the best NCO in South East England. In fact he was so 

keen on things military that he seriously considered an army career but was let down by his 

eyesight. He obtained 5 “A” Levels, unusual for those days. 

Roger enjoyed, on occasion, being that little bit different and promoted a resurgence of the 

straw boater as headgear for the summer term. He rowed for the school and was later to 

row for King’s College (London) at Henley. He also became a member of London Rowing 

Club, a membership he retained for the rest of his life. 

On leaving school he entered the Inland Revenue. He studied at night school and gained a 

degree in Economics from London University. However he realised that he was being 

called to the Anglican Ministry and commenced his theological studies at King’s College.

During this period he met his wife Jean, sister of the former Middlesex and England fast 

bowler Alan Moss. Roger and Jean were to have a happy marriage with four children and 

six grandchildren. 

After graduating, for the second time, Roger and Jean went off to Warminster for more 

practical training in the ways of the ministry. His career commenced and progressed. He 

was a curate in Enfield, a Rector to two rural parishes in Shropshire, where he gained 

mentions in the national press for using a pony and a trap to carry out parish visits. 

He returned to London and served as vicar at St Mary’s Willesden for 10 years. He involved 

himself heavily in education, serving on various Brent Council Committees, it was a passion 

he held for the rest of his life. 

He decided it was time to move on and was appointed to St Mary’s, Prittlewell (Southend on 

Sea) where he spent eighteen years, the bulk of his ministry. During this period he was 

appointed as a Non-Residentiary Canon of Chelmsford Cathedral. 

At the age of 65, having overcome one brush with cancer he decided to retire. Roger and 

Jean moved to Melton Mowbray. Unfortunately he was diagnosed with further cancers and 

thus began his five year battle with that dreadful disease. He overcame a major operation 

and the lure of parish work proved too strong and he came out of retirement and took up his 

final challenge as a part time assistant priest to several parishes in Rutland. Unfortunately 

after several setbacks he eventually succumbed to his illness and died on 27 th January 

2012. 

Written by Clive Bender February 2012 

Peter B Woolstone (died in 2002) 

Julian Littlewood (died in 1989) 

Derek J Semlyen (1952 - 59) 

died on 26th August 1987, at the age of 45. 

After playing once, as a schoolboy, for the OHRFC, Derek returned to the club in the 

1960/61 season and played spasmodically for the next five seasons, making the last of 30 

appearances on 14/11/64. During this time he had worked for the family's photo finishing 

business, but then trained as a solicitor. 

In 1973, he joined Henman, Ballard and Co (later Henmans) in Oxford, as an assistant, 

subsequently becoming a partner and helping to build up a successful personal injury

litigation department. Derek was a founder-member of the Oxford and District Solicitors 

Association, which has instituted an annual prize for trainee solicitors, as a memorial to him. 

For some years, in the 1970's, Derek was on the committee of the Oxfordshire Squash 

Racquets Association and organised the county's Open Squash Championship on a number 

of occasions. He was Chairman of the Governors of the Clifton Hampton Primary School and 

a member of the Parochial Church Council, organising fund-raising events for the school, the 

village hall and, in particular, an annual open air concert in aid of the Parish Church. On 28th 

November 1988, there was a performance of Mozart's Requiem in St Paul's Church, 

Culham, in his memory. 

He leaves a widow, Jean, and their children, Charlotte, Katherine and Thomas. 

1958 

Keith Ernest George Coggins 

24 May 1940 – 26 April 2015 

Obituary provided by David Coggins. 

Keith died suddenly on 26 April. He was born at the beginning of the Second World War in 

Bristol. The family moved to London in 1942 and he later followed John and I at the school 

in Westbere Road, leaving in 1958. 

On leaving school he joined the National Coal Board as a management trainee and as was 

the custom in those days we all played rugby with the Old Boys at Boreham Wood. In 1964 

he married Vivian and worked for several companies until he took up an appointment in 

Saudi Arabia in 1978. On his return from Saudi Arabia he continued his varied career 

running a number of businesses including The Downing Arms near Cambridge. 

In 1990 a business took him to Johannesburg in South Africa where he was later joined by 

Vivian and they both continued to operate the business to the present day. My wife and I 

visited them a couple of times in South Africa when we enjoyed the company of their social 

group of all races and met a young ethnic South African girl who he has been sponsoring 

through school and who is now in her final year. 

Keith leaves a son and daughter and three grandchildren. 

1957 

Michael D Kustow (1950 - 57) - died 29 August 2014

Michael David Kustow, producer and writer, born 18 November 1939; died 29 August 2014 

(obituary taken from The Guardian, 1st September 2014) 

Michael Kustow at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, central London, in 1968, where he 

successfully rode the alternative wave. Photograph: Chris Morris/Rex 

Not many people in the arts over the past half-century in Britain had as big an influence 

behind the scenes – writing, producing, proselytising – as Michael Kustow, who has died 

aged 74 following a heart attack. For someone who never really felt he belonged, Kustow 

was nonetheless involved in many of the greatest artistic enterprises of our day. This activity 

was always pursued under the aegis of some outstanding figure he admired as a creative 

father figure: Arnold Wesker at Centre 42 at the Roundhouse in London, Peter Hall at the 

Royal Shakespeare Company (and later the National Theatre), Jeremy Isaacs at Channel 4 

and Peter Brook at the RSC and in Paris. 

Kustow was always a cardinal, never a pope – except for the period from 1967 to 1970 when 

he successfully ran the Institute of Contemporary Arts, which moved into its magnificent new 

home on the Mall, within hailing distance of Buckingham Palace. Even then he was uneasy 

with his status, worried that he might not catch the new surge of the alternative culture in so 

palatial a setting. But he did, masterminding, for instance, a fantastic series of plays, events 

and exhibitions dedicated to the surrealist poet Guillaume Apollinaire, and signing out with a 

memorable fiesta celebrating comic books, entitled AAARGH! 

Kustow's complicated view of himself – part vanity, part insecurity – was best expressed in 

his autobiographical memoir, Tank (1975), in which he adopted a third person, K, to describe 

his youth, his background, his sex life and his cultural enthusiasm. It's one of the best books 

of the decade, and a fine example of the sort of radical, intellectual energy that defined the 

movements of the era. 

A brilliant writer and critic, Kustow positioned himself at the heart of cultural politics at home 

and abroad, a true internationalist with an incredible contacts book. He was equally at home 

with underground poets, high-ranking television executives, troubadours, actors and 

alternative comedians. His cultural appetite was voracious. He was the only person I ever 

encountered jogging on Hampstead Heath who owned up to listening to Harrison Birtwistle 

on his earphones. 

Born and brought up in Golders Green, north-west London, Michael was the son of Mark and 

Sarah. Mark came from a Russian immigrant family, and sold children's clothes in a shop in 

Bermondsey, in the south-east of the city. Sarah came from a Polish immigrant family, 

worked as a secretary and was very interested in literature. Thus Michael was a secondgeneration 

English Jew, and identified from an early age with Kafka, James Joyce and 

Brecht. He was educated at Haberdashers' Aske's school, then in Hampstead, and Wadham

College, Oxford, where he read English and was a contemporary of Melvyn Bragg, whom he 

regarded as a smoother version of himself. 

His leftism was at once natural, heartfelt and fashionable: after Oxford, where he was 

enthralled by the New Left and worked in undergraduate theatre alongside John McGrath, 

Ken Loach and Michael Billington, he joined the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and 

went to Israel to work on a kibbutz. 

He took a boat from Haifa to Marseilles and joined Roger Planchon's Théâtre de la Cité in 

Lyon, one of the great Brecht-influenced postwar companies, which performed classics in 

the suburbs. Planchon was Kustow's first professional father figure. As well as teaching 

English and translating with the company, he appeared in minor roles in important Planchon 

productions such as The Three Musketeers, touring in Germany. 

Back in Britain, he became a postgraduate in the Bristol University drama department, 

finding a sympathetic nexus of activity with Harold Pinter's first play produced there, Charles 

Wood and Peter Nichols writing in the city and Tom Stoppard working on the local paper. But 

in 1962 he was drawn to London by Wesker's Centre 42 project at the Roundhouse, and 

then the following year by Hall's RSC. Wesker was Kustow's ideal of "a messianic Jew", 

while Hall was a role model in applying the standards of the literary critic FR Leavis to 

Shakespeare in developing a militant classicism; against which Brook was busy reacting and 

churning up controversy. 

Some RSC directors disliked Kustow's intellectual flamboyance, dismissing his influence and 

that of the American director Charles Marowitz, Brook's associate on the Theatre of Cruelty 

season, as pretentious. But Kustow and Marowitz widened the company's range and, in the 

RSC magazine Flourish, which Kustow edited, created an invaluable outpost of criticism and 

debate. 

Kustow's first book, The Book of US (1968), was an account of Brook's anti-Vietnam war 

protest play US, which he scripted alongside the poet Adrian Mitchell and the playwright 

Denis Cannan. After four turbulent years he was ready for the even more volatile world of 

the visual arts at the ICA, leading his troops into the Mall in April 1968, shortly before 

Parisian students occupied the Odéon theatre during the May riots; the coincidence was not 

entirely inappropriate. 

When Kustow rejoined Hall as an associate director at the National Theatre in 1973, he took 

charge of visiting foreign companies, in-house exhibitions and what became known as 

platform performances, highlighting the work of Brecht, Philip Larkin, Groucho Marx and 

Robert Lowell. In 1980 he directed Simon Callow in a performance of all Shakespeare's 

sonnets; Callow was also involved in performances of Kustow's new translation of 

Stravinsky's The Soldier's Tale.

And then, ever in search of the new departure, he joined the new Channel 4 in 1981 as 

commissioning editor for arts programmes, calling in contacts and favours with a dizzying 

frenzy and, as recounted in his book One in Four (1987), a journal of his penultimate year at 

the channel, unbounding elation. 

Kustow's programmes tended to shadow the establishment arts world, even record specific 

events, notably Brook's Mahabharata epic (the film was completed in 1989), rather than 

break new ground. But his default setting was the shock of the new and the cutting edge, so 

he never really invaded Bragg's South Bank Show territory. 

Kustow left Channel 4 and formed his own production company in 1990, working with his 

former RSC associate John Barton, as well as Hall, on programmes about Shakespeare 

workshops and the elephantine genesis of Barton's theatrical epic about the Trojan war, 

finally filmed as Tantalus: Behind the Mask (2001). Two further books, theatre@risk (2000) 

and Peter Brook (2005), remain eloquent testimony to a sustained engagement with the 

performing arts, the first in particular containing astute and vivid critical writing on figures as 

various as Ariane Mnouchkine, Mark Ravenhill, Ken Campbell, Alan Ayckbourn, Robert 

Lepage and the brilliant South African satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys. 

Kustow's first marriage, to his Oxford contemporary Liz Leigh, ended in divorce. In 1973 he 

married Orna Spector, and they divorced in 1998. He later lived with Jane Shallice for more 

than 10 years, and is survived by his sister, Alexandra, and brother, Lionel. 

Michael R Hunt (1950-57) – died 14 th July 2014 

‘Competitive but Modest’ 

The following obituary was compiled by John Jeffers and Robert (Bob) Adams and with 

grateful thanks to Michael’s wife Catherine for her many contributions. 

Michael was born in Harrow on 8 th January 1939, brought up in Kingsbury, but interrupted by 

wartime evacuation to Halifax. He joined Habs in 1950, but we (JJ & RA) were privileged to 

have shared earlier school years with him. One of us (JJ) attended the same primary school, 

Fryent in Kingsbury, where Michael was captain of his school football team, also being 

selected to play for the Wembley schools side. RA, at another Wembley primary school, on 

3 or 4 occasions found himself and Michael on opposing sides. The result of these 

encounters was, not surprisingly, nearly always a victory for Fryent. But Michaels’s 

academic abilities were also already well to the fore. As the son of a local businessman he 

was exceptional in all aspects of school life, being also the school captain at Fryent in the

year prior to obtaining admission via the 11+ and school entrance examinations to Westbere 

Road. 

At Haberdashers he soon made his mark in a variety of sports, ultimately becoming a 

member of the Rugby 1st XV, the Cricket 1 st X1, and the athletics team. He was also a 

competent boxer – RA well remembers his demolition of an opponent in an inter-house 

match resulting in the referee, Mr Hewson, stopping the fight after about 30 seconds of the 

1 st round. As a cricketer ‘The Skylark’ of Autumn 1956 described him as ‘a bowler very 

difficult to hit and who often removed settled batsmen’ and ‘His action is well worthy of 

imitation. His batting has been disappointing, but he has taken several good catches.’ In 

1957 he was reported as being ‘one of the best fielders in the side’. In an inter-school 

athletics match Michael won the long jump, an achievement repeated at the school sports 

day winning this event for his house (Meadows). Earlier, he had been runner-up as Junior 

Champion at the school annual sports day, only being pipped by Barry Shaw, who as well as 

being the Junior Southern 3 A’s title holder, subsequently took all the school sprinting and 

high jump records. 

Michael’s success in both sporting and academic activities continued unabated, not least his 

being an integral part of the initially somewhat controversial Edgware Rovers XI that won the 

Wembley Youth football League in 1954. That year also saw the team, composed of 

Haberdashers pupils, (including JJ) winning the Wembley Rotary Cup at Edgware Town's 

ground in front of over 1000 spectators. A very proud moment for all involved because they 

had beaten many teams of boys from soccer playing schools - which of course at that time 

Habs, was not. 

Having spent 3 years in the 6 th form to take S-level, Michael's years at Westbere Road 

enabled him to blossom as a very high achiever and a State Scholarship to Bristol University 

was his due reward. This was a highly significant event in Michaels’s life as it was there 

that he met wife-to-be, Catherine, just before their graduation. The pair had been part of a 

group of 8 students on a camping holiday, armed with small tents, 2 primus stoves and a VW 

van. There were just 2 girls and Catherine did most of the cooking. One day a certain 

awkward soul would not eat Catherine’s ravioli, so she then prepared him an omelette only 

to be told it had not been properly cooked. Being just about to hurl the whole pan at the 

ungrateful fellow, Sir Galahad Michael intervened and calmed things down, thus 

demonstrating his inherent management skills. This impressed Catherine sufficiently that 

they started going out, eased by the fact that they lived on the same underground line – 

obviously quite a long journey as they have kept up travelling together for no less than 

52 happy years. They married while Michael was studying for his PhD, much to his father’s 

dismay as he thought he should wait until he could support his wife. But somehow 

Catherine overcame father’s opposition, to the extent that for a couple of years she had 

Michael as dependent relative on her tax return!

After his PhD Michael joined CEGB as a research chemist where he stayed for five years, 

but he decided this job was not for him. Now with two young sons Stephen and Graham, he 

was looking for greater opportunities. Catherine’s father, always immensely proud of his 

son-in law, was on a train to London telling his fellow passengers that Michael was looking 

for a job. One of these turned out to be PA to the MD of Akzo Chemicals UK, who said she 

would ask her boss if there were any vacancies. Accordingly Michael was asked to send in 

his CV to the HQ in the Netherlands and as result he started work with them. As a huge 

multi-national this gave him the chance to do many different jobs and he rose steadily 

through the company, ending his career as Chief Executive of the UK operation. 

Michael was a devoted family man; there was nothing he would not do for his boys. 

Whenever he returned from a business trip, there was always excitement to see what 

present he had brought back, whether the first Walkman from Japan, a baseball glove from 

America or a cool 1977 T Shirt from Hawaii, his gifts were always well thought out. Of 

course, having their dad back to play football with them was even better than the presents. 

Later in life this devotion was carried on to his daughters-in-law and grand children. He was 

so proud of his family. 

As a sportsman Michael was always super-fit so it was a shock to be told, aged 50, that he 

had a brain tumour which needed major surgery. Characteristically he never gave up and 

was back at work in 3 months, at first part time, gradually increasing to full time. He lost the 

hearing in one ear, which as an accomplished pianist he loved music, and, he was sad that 

he could hear nothing in stereo. His company gave him great help and everyone respected 

him for his bravery and loyalty and the support he gave to all his employees. Not 

surprisingly after this episode his attitude to life changed with a tendency to live for today, a 

wise course. Unfortunately the tumour recurred 10 years later but luckily could be treated 

with radiotherapy, although he was told that ‘time was not of the essence’ so he and 

Catherine set off on a 3 month round the world trip. As he could not rush around so much, 

they invested in a motor home called HUMPHREY, and had 12 years of fabulous trips all 

over Europe. 

Michael continued to indulge in many activities at his home in Sidmouth, including among 

many others bridge and golf and being a member with Catherine of the East Devon 

Luncheon Club. Chance meetings between JJ and Michael on the golf course, and RA at 

the luncheon club, we re-met after a gap of 40 years. 

Michael died at home in Sidmouth on the 14 th July 2014, aged 75 years. His funeral was 

attended by a large gathering of his friends and relations from many parts of his life, 

including JJ and RA, two of his OH friends. We and many others recognise Michael as a 

fine man in every respect and consider it an enormous privilege to have shared a small part 

in his life.

Anthony P HUGHES (1952-57) 

died on 27th February 1997, after a long and brave fight against cancer. 

Anthony was a pupil at the School under the headmastership of Dr. Taylor and was in 

Calverts House. He had many fond memories of his school days including a special one for 

a certain T. E. Carrington whose name still evokes memories for two generations of Old 

Boys! 

Anthony maintained his links with the School by sending his only son Patrick (1977-84) to 

follow in his footsteps. After leaving school at 17, Anthony qualified as an engineer at 

Hendon Technical College and joined de-Havilland in Hatfield. After a period of National 

Service he joined the Ministry of Defence where he had a number of notable achievements 

in the field of aero engines. In the late '80s he was promoted to Assistant Director Helicopter 

Projects. 

Anthony lived a full life with a selfless devotion to his family and the church. He was a keen 

angler and lover of music. He has supported the School and the Girl's School in a number of 

choral concerts. His swansong was due to be Alan Taylor's farewell concert in 1996 however 

ill health finally forced him to the audience were he at least had the pleasure of watching his 

son perform in his place. 

Anthony will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, and our thoughts 

are with his wife Ann, son Patrick and two daughters, Katharine and Joanna. His funeral took 

place on the 5th of March at St Edmund The King, Northwood Hills. Old Boys present were 

P G. Hughes (1977-84), P J. S. Vacher (1945-55), A. R. T. Marsh (1977-82). 

Adrian Marsh 

1956 

John Horrocks - died 18th May 2015

His brother Peter writes - 

I am sorry to let you my brother John died this morning. He had not been well since 

Christmas and they found he had cancer which had spread. He had a very enjoyable and 

successful life. 

Peter Vacher writes - 

Tony Alexander, John Hanson and I plus John's brother Peter were the OH contingent at 

John's funeral yesterday which was otherwise very well attended. There was no eulogy as 

such or speeches, just a very brief overview of his life from the Minister. John and Peter both 

played for OHRFC. 

Lord Brittan of Spennithorne, born September 25 1939, died January 21 2015 

The following obituary was published in the Daily Telegraph on 23rd January 2015. 

Lord Brittan of Spennithorne, who has died aged 75, overcame a humiliating end to his 

ministerial career during the Westland crisis to become the longest-serving and most 

effective of Britain’s European commissioners. 

Widely respected for his intellect and capacity for hard work, Leon Brittan made his 

reputation in the early 1980s as a formidable administrator with an unrivalled grasp of the 

details of his brief, a talent that had previously made him a successful QC.

Suddenly brought into Margaret Thatcher’s Cabinet in 1981 — promoted over the head of 

Nigel Lawson to chief secretary to the Treasury — he proved highly effective in imposing 

detailed control on public spending, an intellectually demanding task that his predecessor, 

John Biffen, had found too unpleasant (or too difficult). 

As home secretary after the 1983 election, Brittan imported a raft of ideas for updating 

criminal justice, including stiffer sentences, and easing restrictions on using tape-recorded 

witness statements and on independent prosecutions. He produced many reforming Bills 

and tried to streamline Home Office bureaucracy; senior officials reckoned him the only postwar 

home secretary to realise what was wrong with the department and try to remedy it. 

Brittan was one of the few Cabinet members who could privately persuade Mrs Thatcher that 

her initial reaction on a particular issue was wrong, and his willingness to argue with No 10 

contradicted the popular caricature of him as a placeman. 

Yet though he was one of the most gifted of her ministers, he was short on political judgment 

and sensitivity. Myopic-looking and unashamedly intellectual, Brittan’s manner was widely 

interpreted, especially by press commentators, as patronising, even contemptuous. In her 

memoirs Mrs Thatcher recorded: “Everybody complained about his manner on television, 

which was aloof and uncomfortable.” 

Where the public saw arrogance and coldness, Brittan’s friends noted precisely the opposite: 

a shy, humorous and exceptionally kind man and, improbable as it might have seemed to 

outsiders, the object of real affection. Even in a wider circle he was notable for being 

completely free of malice or spite. Yet the criticism that he was too clever for his own good 

and short on common sense dogged his career. 

These failings came to the fore in 1985 when, in response to rising Tory anger at “Left-wing 

bias” in the BBC, Brittan tried to pressure the corporation’s governors to prevent the 

screening of a Real Lives documentary on Northern Ireland, an effort which, since he did not 

succeed, left him looking simultaneously authoritarian and ineffective. This episode 

prompted Mrs Thatcher to move him, against his wishes, to the Department of Trade and 

Industry in September 1985. She was also influenced by backbench Tory complaints that 

Home Office questions, in which Brittan was pitted against Labour’s Gerald Kaufman, who 

shared his Baltic Jewish origins, was “like being in a foreign country”. 

The DTI should have been an easier billet, well suited to Brittan’s backroom talents, and his 

speech at the party conference soon after brought him an unexpected standing ovation. But 

then came Westland.

The Westland company of Yeovil, Britain’s only helicopter manufacturer, was in financial 

trouble and sought to be bailed out by Sikorsky, its American counterpart. The Sikorsky bid 

ran into immediate opposition from the defence secretary, Michael Heseltine, who claimed 

that the Americans would turn Westland into a “metal-bashing operation” and suggested the 

company look for a European buyer. 

When Heseltine convened a meeting of the national armaments directors of France, Italy 

and Germany, as well as Britain, to agree a policy whereby they would only buy helicopters 

designed and built in Europe, he put himself at loggerheads not only with the Westland 

board but with the prime minister and her trade and industry secretary, who felt it was wrong 

for the government to prevent any particular solution to Westland’s problems. 

This disagreement erupted into a political crisis, with the arguments played out in Parliament 

and the press, mostly to the advantage of Heseltine, lobbying frantically behind the scenes. 

Then extracts were leaked from a confidential letter in which the solicitor-general, Sir Patrick 

Mayhew, accused the defence secretary of “material inaccuracies” in the presentation of his 

case. 

Following Heseltine’s dramatic resignation in mid-Cabinet on January 9 1986, it emerged 

that Brittan had authorised the leak, albeit with what he thought was No 10’s consent. On 

January 24 he offered his own resignation. 

Brittan’s departure at the height of the worst internal crisis of Mrs Thatcher’s premiership 

was the direct result of his loyalty to a prime minister he regarded as a friend. Inevitably, he 

was seen as the fall guy, a necessary sacrifice to save Mrs Thatcher herself. “He meekly 

accepted the role of scapegoat,” Lawson recalled. “Had he made public all he knew, she 

could not possibly have survived.” Perhaps in acknowledgment of this, Mrs Thatcher broke 

with tradition in expressing a clear desire in her reply to Brittan’s letter of resignation to have 

him back in Cabinet as soon as possible. But he was never rehabilitated, and in 1989 left for 

Brussels. 

Leon Brittan was born on September 25 1939, the younger son of Lithuanian Jews who 

arrived in the country as refugees in 1927 and settled in Cricklewood, where his father was a 

doctor. Leon’s elder brother, Sam, would become a respected columnist on the Financial 

Times. 

From Haberdashers’ Aske’s School, Leon won a scholarship to Trinity College, Cambridge. 

His ambition to succeed in both law and politics was clear: he gained double Firsts in English 

and Law and became both president of the Union and chairman of the university 

Conservative association. After a scholarship year at Yale, he was called to the Bar by Inner 

Temple in 1962 and became a leading libel lawyer, taking silk in 1978.

Two years before, Brittan secured a change in the law of contempt of court in a case that 

involved The Daily Telegraph. Its reporter Nicholas Comfort had named a ward of court in 

the paper, and the Official Solicitor brought prosecutions for contempt against the Telegraph 

and the Slough Evening Mail, which had repeated the story. 

After a three-day trial in the High Court both papers were found guilty. The Telegraph’s 

counsel advised the paper to accept the conviction, but Brittan, representing the Slough 

Evening Mail, insisted on appealing and so both papers had to contest it. He won, 

convincing Lord Denning that it was ridiculous there was no permitted defence against a 

charge of contempt. In the interval he told Comfort, whom as a young barrister he had taught 

at Trinity, “I don’t think we got this far in the syllabus, did we?” 

After being rejected for 14 safe Conservative seats, Brittan was elected MP for Cleveland 

and Whitby in February 1974. The seat disappeared in boundary changes and in 1979 he 

won the far-flung Yorkshire farming constituency of Richmond, representing it until he 

resigned to join the Commission in 1989; the future Conservative leader William Hague took 

his place. 

Brittan’s initial reluctance to go to Brussels owed much to his affection for his constituency. 

He may have been an improbable countryman but he became an enthusiastic one, with a 

passion for cricket. Whatever his defects as a national politician, he was a popular local MP. 

Within two years of entering the Commons, Brittan became Opposition spokesman on 

devolution, then on industrial relations, and played an important part in framing Conservative 

trade union reforms. In Mrs Thatcher’s first government of 1979, he became minister of state 

at the Home Office under Willie Whitelaw who, with Sir Geoffrey Howe, became his main 

political supporter and mentor. 

It was Whitelaw who recommended him to Mrs Thatcher as a suitable replacement for Biffen 

in 1981. His promotion as the youngest member of her Cabinet was announced at a party 

given by Sir Geoffrey in No 11 Downing Street to mark Brittan’s marriage to Diana Peterson, 

a divorcee with two teenage daughters. Lady Brittan would go on to chair the National 

Lottery Charities Board and be appointed DBE. 

Although Brittan’s appointment as a commissioner was reckoned by some of his friends a 

poor and belated consolation for his loyalty to Mrs Thatcher, Brussels gave full rein to his 

talents. Serving first as competition commissioner, he demonstrated not only a lawyer’s 

mastery of detail but also a steely determination to force through the principles of fair 

competition against entrenched national interests.

His ability to plough through and absorb mind-numbing detail won him the admiration of staff 

at the Commission, and his willingness to learn languages (he became fluent in French and 

German) earned admiration from colleagues and European politicians; the president of the 

Commission, Jacques Delors, rated him “one of the most brilliant men I have ever met”. 

In 1993 he was appointed vice-president of the Commission and given the crucial trade 

portfolio, a job that pitched him into the centre of the tortuous Uruguay round of the General 

Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (Gatt). Brittan’s mastery of detail proved crucial in reaching 

agreement with the Americans later that year, a personal triumph which saw his reputation 

as a high-powered if aloof intellectual transformed into that of a deal-maker on a grand 

scale. 

Yet Brittan’s successes won him few friends; his unshakeable faith in the power of reason 

left him little sympathy for emotionally tinged arguments in favour of French farming. The 

Gatt negotiations were notable for an explosive encounter with the French foreign minister 

Alain Juppé in which Brittan saw off French attempts to scupper the EC-US Blair House 

Accord limiting farm export subsidies. 

Although this triumph kept the Uruguay round alive, the French never forgave him. “He was 

good,” a German official at the showdown was quoted as saying, “but maybe he was too 

good.” 

French opposition effectively sank Brittan’s hopes of succeeding Delors, and put paid to his 

hopes of the crucial eastern Europe portfolio after the installation of Jacques Santer. Santer 

had assured Brittan the job was his, but at the last moment voted for the Dutchman Hans 

van den Broek, a volte-face which caused Brittan to consider resignation. 

Brittan also paid the price for growing Conservative Euroscepticism under Mrs Thatcher and 

her successor John Major. He sought to counter this in speeches and articles despite 

personal attacks in the British press, some of which bordered on the anti-Semitic, and a 

relationship with Major which was no better than cool. But his support for Britain’s entry into 

the EMS and the Euro put him increasingly at odds with his own party and with sentiment in 

the country. 

Brittan was among the commissioners who resigned en masse in 1999 following allegations 

of nepotism against their French colleague Edith Cresson. Within days of clearing his desk 

at the Berlaymont he was appointed vice-chairman of the merchant bank Warburg.

The last year of his life was overshadowed by rumours, including the allegation that as home 

secretary he had failed to act on a “dossier” prepared by the Conservative MP Geoffrey 

Dickens detailing alleged child abusers within the British establishment. 

Brittan published two books on Britain’s role in Europe, The Europe We Need (1994) and A 

Diet of Brussels (2000), arguing for the nation to become more fully engaged. 

Leon Brittan was sworn of the Privy Council in 1981, knighted in 1989 and created a life peer 

in 1999. 

He is survived by his wife and his stepdaughters. 

Laurence A Usiskin (1950-1956) 

died April 1997 

He was eminent in Orthodontics as Senior Lecturer,Examiner and Sub-Dean at Guys and St 

Thomas' Hospital Dental School.He was a very fine clinician in his chosen field,as well as an 

exemplary member of community and family, but he tragically died suddenly from natural 

causes. His loss has left a huge gap in our family life,and he is remembered with a lot of love 

especially by his wife Susan, and children Helen and Michael. 

Alan Usiskin 

David Saville (1956) 

David died on 25th January 2012 after a distinguished ministry in the Church of England. 

He was at one time Vicar of Christ Church Chorleywood and a Rural Dean. In 1991 he 

joined the staff of the London diocese as an adviser for evangelism and finally was Rector of 

Hackney. In 1997 he was made a Prebendary of St Pauls Cathedral 

James Wigzell (1956) 

James died peacefully at home on 26th February 2012. 

1955 

Alan Morris (1955) - died Tuesday 8th December 2015

Alan was born in Harrow on 14th December 1936 and grew up in Kenton, Middlesex. 

He attended Uxendon Manor Primary School. 

During the 2nd WW his father was in the Army in India and Burma. In 1943 Alan was 

evacuated, as were so many children, from the Home Counties, first to Birmingham, where 

his mother joined him, and then to Cardigan Bay, which he enjoyed. 

His father finally returned home in March 1946. As for many others it was a deeply affecting 

episode in his family’s life. 

At the age of 11 he gained a scholarship to Haberdashers’ Aske’s Hampstead School. 

He was a member of the Methodist Church in Kenton and was a keen member of the local 

Scouting movement throughout his teenage years. At 17yrs he joined the Rovers, and he 

has celebrated annual reunions with his Rover friends until this year. 

From 1955-59 he trained at University College Hospital – a friend remembers they dissected 

a cadaver together in Anatomy class, and he qualified as a Doctor in 1960, having gained 

the Ericksen Prize in Surgery in 1959. 

He then went on to gain experience in different areas of medicine, including working in 1965 

at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for Children in the paediatric surgical unit. 

He then moved into General Practice and from 1969 to 1973 worked in Warsash 

(Southampton), Edinburgh and Witney. He was offered a partnership in a group practice in 

Chesham in 1973 where he remained a GP for 32 years.

He became a single handed GP in 1994 in a 2-up 2-down rented accommodation, and then 

bought Aureole House in 1994, a former public house, then offices, then transformed into a 

general practice. He retired in 2005. 

In 1984 he met Sylvia, whom he married in 1986, and settled down to a happy family with his 

wife, stepson Alex, and then Christopher who was born in 1988. Alan continued to develop 

his professional knowledge and attended many courses, with a special interest in ENT, and 

was an active member of the Royal Society of Medicine. 

In 1999 he was awarded the Fellowship of the Royal College of General Practitioners. In a 

letter to his mother he noted that as well as recognition of good work it meant paying a 

raised membership fee! 

Outside of his professional life he was actively involved in the local Rotary club, of which he 

was president in 2007, the Leyhill Golf Club and enjoyed staying in touch with old friends 

from Haberdashers’ through the Old Habs Assoc., including the Old Habs Golfing Society. 

He was also a founder member of the Old Habs Target Rifle Club, shooting at Bisley, which 

was also a sport that his wife enjoyed. In later years he changed to match rifle shooting. 

He had been a member of the Berkhamsted Choral Society in the 1970s, and in the last few 

years he and Sylvia sang with a local choir. He was also learning Spanish. 

He enjoyed travelling and recent holidays have included South America, Pakistan, NZ, 

Canada, the Caribbean, and most recently, earlier this year, Burma/Myanmar, to visit the 

country that his father had been in during the war. He also enjoyed trips to Spain. 

Since 2007 he has been the president of the Amersham Hard of Hearing Club, because of 

his interest in ENT, and he was on the committee of the Chesham Sick Poor Fund. 

He enjoyed life, his family, and was interested in people! 

Eulogy given by Alan's son, Chris Morris : 

Before I begin I would like to thank all of you here on behalf of my mother, my brother, my 

aunt, myself and everyone else in the family, for all of your efforts to be here today, to help 

us mark my fathers’ passing. We appreciate you all taking the time to be here, but I would 

like to make a special mention to the Rotary Society who cancelled their Christmas lunch so 

that they could join us. I would also like to thank the Singing for Pleasure group which Mum 

and Dad were both a part of who kindly asked if they could sing today in Dad’s memory. 

One thing which we always knew but became so much more apparent in the time since his 

passing is the amount of people Dad knew and how many friends he had. Each of you here

had your own relationship with my Dad, each of you has your own set of memories and your 

own individual way that you would describe him. I hope that, in this eulogy that I offer, you 

will recognise some part of the man that we all knew, and a man who will not be forgotten. 

Getting to speak to some of you since Dad’s passing has highlighted some of the fantastic 

qualities he had which were seen by so many people. A way that Dad has been described 

many times over is as a true English gentleman and I could not agree more with that. 

Dad would take an interest in all those around him. One thing which would never cease to 

amaze me was that he could take almost any of you here today and he would be able to tell 

me about everyone who was in your family, how he first met you and an unbelievably 

detailed description of exactly what you had been doing for the last few years. This summed 

up Dad because he loved being around people and you knew that when he was finding out 

about you, he truly cared. 

Getting to speak with you all meant that we were also able to hear about all the good that 

Dad did. He was not a boastful man and growing up with him, my brother and I were lucky 

enough to be around an intelligent, kind hearted man. No matter what he was doing, he 

would be able to make time for you with a wonderful smile on his face. 

Another quality of Dad’s which will be well known is how he would never be found to do 

things half heartedly. His passion for the medical profession was second to none. I don’t 

think he ever saw it as just a job; Dad wanted to help people and would go above and 

beyond to make sure his patients were well cared for. His house visits would often go late 

into the night for this purpose, but he would never complain or expect special thanks, that 

was just what he did. 

As well as everything I have mentioned, Dad cared most about his family, and there were 

lessons from him that he never had to actively teach me but I was able to learn by just being 

lucky enough to be around him. The relationship between him and my mother was one of 

true mutual love and respect, their dynamic to watch was always fantastic and they had thirty 

years of wonderfully happy marriage together. For myself and everyone else going to visit, 

you would always be greeted by a house full of laughter and stories of all the great thing they 

had been doing and people they’d been seeing. Especially in the time since retirement, they 

visited some amazing places together in the last few years like Pakistan, Peru, New Zealand 

and most recently Burma, which he visited as his father was there during the war. 

My brother Alex always had the most lovely relationship with Dad, always joking together 

and Dad was so impressed with everything that Alex did. From him and his family were a 

huge source of pride for my father. From my brother, Dad gained a wonderful daughter-in 

law and three grandchildren who he could not be prouder of. Having been able to see Dad 

together with his grandchildren was a real gift and I want them to know that he could think

more of you than he did, he knew you were very surely that you would each go to do great 

things and would want you to all be happy in what you did. 

Dad’s sister Susan and her family, which includes a brother-in-law, nephews, nieces –in-law 

and lovely great nieces were also a huge part of his life. 

One of my favourite things about Dad was the cheekiness he had, which was epitomised by 

his obsession keenness of keeping and not discarding of things; not quite hoarding but it did 

take up a whole room. When this all got a bit much, then mum would mention he should 

move of it, she would then be very happy to see that this had happened, only to walk into the 

shed and see everything had migrated to there. Dad did point out, with a wonderfully cheeky 

smile, that as requested, it had been moved. 

Outside of work, Dad was a keen golfer and shooter and would organise and attend many 

events for both of these. After asking him how he had done that day, I was sometimes less 

convinced that it was about the sport when he would take more time describing how 

wonderful the meal and dessert had been. He mainly though enjoyed the company of those 

he got to play with, I know many of you are here today and he had a lot of respect for you. 

Being part of the Rotary club was a huge passion of Dad’s and I know that he would wear 

his Rotary pin with pride. The work that all of the Rotary do is something which we greatly 

respect and some of the projects were just amazing. I remember the most extravagant 

project which I heard about most recently was building a Zambian Roundhouse which is a 

real sized thatched hut in the grounds of a school. It was by all accounts a very impressive 

structure and Dad was very proud to see it finished. 

Where Dad had many passions, what he cared most about was family. Mum and Dad 

enjoyed thirty years of wonderfully happy marriage and my brother and I were lucky enough 

to grow up in a house full of smiles and laughter. 

He had a loving sister and brother-in-law who he cared greatly for, a wonderful daughter in 

law and three amazing grandchildren who loved him dearly and called him ‘Pops’. He also 

had three nephews and a niece. Alan’s nephews, Matthew and Andrew, shared his love of 

sport, enjoyed accompanying him on interesting trips to the Royal Society of Medicine and 

thought no Christmas was complete without his quiz boards which was a general knowledge 

game he would create every year. 

Dad will be remembered as a kind man and a good man. He had a wonderfully cheeky smile 

which could brighten up any room. He will be missed by many in the community but we must 

remember that he lived a good life and that should be celebrated.

All of us were lucky to know an intelligent, kind hearted man who will be greatly missed but 

not forgotten. A truly special gentleman. 

Ray Kipps (1955) – died Sunday 22nd April 2012 

Ray made a valuable contribution to OHRFC as both player and President and of course, 

also to the OHA as its President in 1995-96. 

Ray was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and only given four months to live, but he showed 

his resilience by surviving this long. He spent his last months in Clare House Nursing Home, 

Hersham and during this time he received excellent care. The Home requires more exercise 

equipment for their patients and the family decided that, taking account of Ray’s many 

sporting interests, it would be a good memorial to him if some equipment could be donated. 

Discussions with the Home have revealed that a set of parallel bars costing about £500 

would be a great help. The parallel bars were officially presented to the Nursing Home in 

early October 2012 and here is a photo of the plaque. 

Transcript of the Tribute to Ray given by Dr David Brown 

Ray was born in November 1935, as the only child of Steve and Ruby Kipps. Steve and 

Ruby had a wonderfully long, harmonious and caring relationship, and a relaxed, convivial 

and optimistic attitude to life. These attributes were transmitted in full to Ray, and to his 

relationship with Gill, and now to Chris with Emma. Perhaps there is a “Kipps gene” for life 

enjoyment and enhancement – there certainly is physically in that friendly contented Kipps 

smile which, in Ray’s case, even the trauma of fighting an overwhelming cancerous invasion 

could not suppress. That lovely smile is seen also in Chris, was so evident in their other son 

Lawrie and is now obvious in Chris and Emma’s daughter Evie. Let’s hope it spreads further 

as a lasting tribute.

I first met Ray in 1947 when we were 11-year old “freshers” in form 2S at Haberdashers 

school in Cricklewood. I can’t now remember exactly how and why we developed a 

friendship – we weren’t in the same houses (Ray was in Meadows, I was in Russells); we 

didn’t have any specific school interests in common – Ray was much the more sporting, and 

excelled in Rugby, whereas my limited sports activities (mainly running and athletics) were 

more solo affairs; and we weren’t in the same subject groups except for chemistry and 

physics. 

Perhaps it was just the fact that we didn’t live far away from each other – I lived in Hendon 

and Ray lived in Cricklewood Broadway, in a flat above the Victoria Wine company, where 

his father Steve was the “licensed victualler”. Hence Ray acquired an intimate knowledge of 

the drinks trade, which stood him in good stead in later life, as many will appreciate. 

Certainly our proximity allowed us to spend the weekends avoiding doing too much 

homework. Some things we did together were cultural, like going to the Royal Festival Hall to 

listen to a series of concerts illustrating the history of music. Some were less cultural, like 

sampling London’s pubs on a Saturday evening (and walking home to his flat along the 

Edgware Road when the evening ran too late and the last bus had gone). We also found an 

excellent way of countering Sunday boredom, through the fortunate circumstance that my 

parents had their main meal at lunchtime whereas Ray’s had adopted the more continental 

habit of eating in the evening, so we could enjoy two lunches – a post-pub lunch in Hendon, 

then later to Cricklewood for dinner – the perfect arrangement for two growing lads. 

Our friendship became further cemented by joining Pop Oliver’s School harvest camps in 

North Cadbury where we learnt to drink scrumpy. This was forced in us by the fact that Pop 

proscribed us from drinking beer – notwithstanding the fact that scrumpy was much the 

stronger, as we soon found out. 

Then we started going on long summer cycling holidays together, in England and abroad. 

For example one summer we cycled through Devon & Cornwall for several weeks on the 

princely sum of £15. This we did by staying in barns and working on farms doing such jobs 

as cleaning out pig-sties – I still have an image of Ray chasing a brood of piglets around the 

farmyard which he had inadvertently let out from their pen – they’re incredibly slippery 

squirmy little things to get hold of – and the smell of pig shit followed us for several days. 

On another occasion we spent a month in Norway and Sweden – part of the time with John 

Davies, another OH who unfortunately drowned a while later. In this trip we ended up in 

Skjolden, at the head of the Sognefjord, about 150 miles north of Bergen from where we had 

to get our boat back to England. We had been told we could get a boat from Skjolden to 

Bergen so asked when it was due. We were thinking in terms of hours, but got the answer 

“on Tuesday” – that was on the preceding Friday! So we stayed above the only cafe for 3 

days, living on a diet of cornflakes and fresh salmon. Then when we eventually got to 

Bergen, we were accosted late at night on Bergen dockyard by 3 drunken sailors, one of

whom was brandishing a knife and shouting out something in Norwegian. We thought our 

end had come. However, when we explained that we were English, the knife-wielder broke 

into broad Scots. It turned out that he had been in the British navy in the war and was trying 

to sell his knife to get money to get back to his ship. We couldn’t help, of course, having 

none ourselves. 

On these and other cycling holidays Ray was a wonderful travelling companion. His relaxed 

attitude to life came into its own. For instance, when it was hot and we had to stop at a 

convenient pub to quench our thirst, he was quite happy to spend the afternoon in the sun in 

a convenient meadow, rather than pushing on. Only once do I remember his feathers being 

a little bit ruffled, when his bike chain came off going down a hill outside Oslo past a flock of 

girls – Ray let out a strong (and in those days forbidden) expletive, only to hear the girls 

giggling –they were English! That’s one of the few times I’ve seen Ray blush. 

Life moved on, but Ray and I remained close friends through the years. Ray was my Best 

Man and I was his. We both accepted the honour of being Godfathers to each other’s first 

born child and our two families have spent many happy times together over the years. We 

also enjoyed many more holidays with Ray and Gill, and made new friends with them, and 

these holidays too were always enhanced by Ray’s sunny temperament. 

After leaving school Ray entered Kenchington Little and partners for a period, then in 1960 

enrolled in the Royal Engineers for his National Service. He was stationed mainly in Cyprus 

at the time of the Greek-Turkish dispute, where (among other things) he became a cricketer 

and rugby player on Her Majesty’s service for the RE and met another great friend, David 

Pearce. After returning to Blighty in 1961 on account of his mother Ruby’s illness, he rejoined 

Kenchington Little and partners for a life-long career in civil engineering. 

Throughout his life, Ray’s over-riding passion has been the Old Haberdashers Association 

(of which he was President in 1995-6) and especially of the OH Rugby Football Club as both 

player and past-President. It was in such activities that his laissez-faire approach to life 

became supplanted by dynamism, particularly on the rugby field. And it was through the 

Rugby Club that he first met Gill. In later life this dynamism also showed through in his work 

as Branch Meetings Secretary for NADFAS (the National Association of Decorative and Fine 

Arts Societies), for which he organized many events. 

Life for Ray and Gill has not always been easy. They lost their second son Lawrie at age 

21from Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and their daughter Julia has had a longstanding illness. 

And now Ray’s own life has been prematurely cut short by an invasive kidney tumour. Even 

here Ray proved an exceptional patient – although first diagnosed 4 years ago, with a 

prognosis of 4 months, he outlived that prediction many-fold (so much for statistics) but 

eventually and inevitably succumbed to the enemy within. Throughout Gill has proved an 

even more exceptional wife, nurturing and caring for him through ever-increasing degrees of

infirmity, at home, in hospital and in his final abode at Clare House nursing home, borne up 

by her continuing strong religious faith. 

Ray will be sorely missed by all of us here today. All our sympathies now go out to Gill and 

to their son Chris and family. And finally some small, but vital compensation: although Ray 

himself is no longer with us, his genes go marching on. Not everyone is blessed with that 

sort of immortality. 

OH at Ray's funeral were : Mr & Mrs David Maconachie (David was Ray’s brother-in-law); 

Phil & Tessa Alterman; Donald Wells; Rodney Jakeman; John & Caroline Egan; Mike & Joan 

Bovington; David Heasman; Tony Alexander; John & Liz Hanson; Peter & Christine Shiells; 

Malcolm and Jane Tappin; Robin Mathew; Duncan McLaren; Melvyn Steele; Brett Rolfe; 

John Parker;Alan Woolford; Ian Powell; David Yeadon; Mrs Pat Cook;Peter & Patricia 

Vacher. 

A tribute to Ray written by Peter Shiells 

Ray was not a large man, but his courage on a rugby field merited him a place in OH rugby 

folklore. His height remained constant but in later years his girth increased due becoming a 

gourmand. He played more than 200 games for the OH 1 ST XV over a period of 19 years 

from 1955. He started as a wing forward and later reverted to centre at a time when OH 

probably had the two smallest centres in Old Boy rugby. His pal in the centre was John Boon 

and they together with Phil Alterman competed for the shortest player. In one photo John 

and Ray were sitting on the ground and to Ray’s continued chagrin it turned out that JB had 

taken a brick with him to elevate him above Ray! 

I well remember when Ray was doing National Service inAldershot(55-56)he managed to get 

(ex Secretary, and ex Colonel(?)) Arthur Jenkins to request his release on Saturdays to play 

for the OH. I picked him up at Guildford on a number of occasions and delivered him to the 

ground, played alongside him but never found out how he got back to Aldershot. He was 

probably enjoying his freedom at a party somewhere. After demob the après rugby activities 

continued in bachelorhood, but he did manage to turn out for the Skylarks on many Sunday 

matches. He was one of the limited number of owners of aSkylarks tie marketed so well ( but 

not necessarily supplied) by Tony Pettet. 

He was an avid tourist from his first tour based in Monmouth in 1956 as a teenager (where 

he surprised Ellis Cinnamon by asking for a whisky mac on a last orders round) through a 

period where he enjoyed many of the bar games and post match drinking, to the time when 

he supported the team as president. At Wiveliscombe one year, he played in the rain at 

scrum half and came off the field so coated in the red mud he was indistinguishable from a 

piccaninny.

Ray played for the army when stationed in Cyprus after his Aldershot days but I think that he 

really enjoyed the ambience of the London Old Boy club scene. We enjoyed the early CLOB 

dinners arranged by Alan Cooper and Chris Robinson and he and I dropped in to the Old 

Paulines where we were always made welcome after internationals at Twickenham. He put a 

lot back into the game as president of the OHRFC in 1987-88 and was an organiser of the 

Past Player lunches at the club for a long period. 

He was president of the OHA in 1995-96 and represented the club together with John Egan 

on AROPS for a number of years. 

Details of Ray's Rugby career 

Ray played at blind side wing forward whilst at School and played in the 1953 1st XV 

captained by Harold Couch which won all but one match. 

At the Old Boys he played both wing forward and centre three-quarter. 

Club debut Axv .v. Old Albanians 29/1/55 as a Schoolboy – drew 3-3 

1 st XV debut 10/12/55 .v. Old Paulines Won 8-5 – Ray was later a frequent visitor to Old 

Paulines due to its proximity to his home. 

100 th 1 st XV appearance 10/10/64 v Old Askeans Lost 0-3 

150 th 1 st XV appearance 8/4/66 .v. Cross Keys on Easter Tour. Lost 3-26. OH played Cross 

Keys, Tredegar and Lydney on that tour – must have been tough! 

200 th 1 st XV appearance 12/10/68 .v. OMT. Lost 0-14 

Final appearance for 1 st XV .v. Taunton 16/3/74. Lost 0-19 

Ray was 1st XV vice-captain under the captaincy of Philip Alterman. 

Ray was OHRFC President 1987-89. 

Nigel A. FULLER (1947-55) 

died 7th December 1998 

Nigel was the outstanding schoolboy of his time - academically he was always near the top 

of the best sets and eventually went onto read chemistry at University College, London.

He was School Captain, captain of rugby and cricket and house-captain of Hendersons. 

Additionally he represented the School at athletics and basketball, was a member of the 

choir, the science society, the sociological society, the geographical society and the music 

society. He was the holder of the Haswell Charteris Black memorial prize for sport and 

played rugby for both the Middlesex and Mill Hill Public Schools' XVs and cricket for the 

Hornsey Public Schools XI. 

Nigel was the third of four brothers, his father working for the Bank of Australia and 

becoming a financial adviser to the Australian government. His occupation took him and the 

rest of the family to Australia during the 1939-45 conflict and this is where Nigel spent his 

early years. On their return they settled in Kenton and Nigel won a much sought after 

Foundation Scholarship to Haberdashers'. His younger brother Adrian followed him to the 

School and also excelled as a scholar and sportsman. 

After his graduation from University College, Nigel worked for the Medical Research Council 

at Mill Hill and at that time met and married Ann. He moved to Scotland Yard in the forensic 

science laboratory where he became a principal scientific officer and was considered to be 

one of their very best brains. He was a member of the Blenner Hasset committee which 

considered the suitability of 'breath tests' to control drink driving and he subsequently played 

a leading role in the development of the breathaliser. 

Additionally he was something of an expert in drugs and toxicology and was a master in the 

investigation of fires, shoemarks and toolmarks to name but a few. His involvement with the 

Old Boys began while at school when he started playing rugby. Indeed he was a regular 

member of the 1st XV during the Easter term of his final year. This was in a time when 

schoolboys were allowed to play senior rugby and when the Club fielded seven sides a week 

on a regular basis. He was a certainty to play second row with his size and height but one 

can only wonder with his surprising speed (he sprinted for the School) and fine ball handling 

skills what impact he may have made at centre or at full back. In total he played 421 times 

for the 1st XV and was club captain in the 1967/68 season. 

Nigel was great company but in truth a very private person who appeared to have few 

concerns other than where his next pair of outsize boots or shoes would be found! He and 

Adrian were proficient at cockney rhyming back slang - an extremely difficult and bewildering 

form of communication. They were often 'going for a kettle' an activity banned by John Stagg 

before 1st XV matches. 

Nigel's uncles, Leslie and David Gooch (both O.H.) influenced him and his cousin Guy 

Dexter to play cricket for Pinner where he opened the batting and the bowling for many 

seasons and was captain of the Club when they won the Mayor of Harrow's knock out cup in 

1963.

He was the perfect 'team player' always first choice in his position, reliable, skilled, training 

hard and constantly working for the side both on and off the field. Always good humoured, 

he was vastly popular with a fund of ready quips or pithy comments. 

Life, however, was not quite so idyllic as it seemed. His father had a series of strokes which 

left him permanently disabled and his son, Peter, was diagnosed as having leukemia and 

after four years of treatment died aged six. Furthermore his much loved brother Adrian died 

tragically after collapsing on the rugby field whilst playing for the O.H. 1st XV at 

Borehamwood. Together with this his marriage to Ann became untenable and they 

separated. 

In 1988 he was forced to take early retirement due to ill health, but fortunately by this time he 

had met his long term partner Jenny and they lived together for over twenty years. 

Following retirement he was a regular visitor to the Club House, mostly to club functions, 

including the 200 Club for which he was doubly qualified. He remained good company and it 

was obvious that he took great pleasure and much pride in the activities and achievements 

of his two daughters-Ruth by his marriage to Ann and Joanna with Jenny. 

It was after a surprise visit to see Ruth and Sam, his 11 month old grandson, that he 

collapsed and died in hospital two days later. Nigel's funeral was held at Pinner Parish 

Church and was extremely well attended including many Old Haberdashers. 

Nigel was a gentle giant of a man, much loved by all who knew him. He will be greatly 

missed. 

David W Bulstrode (1951 - 55) 

died suddenly on 1st September 1988 in his 48th year. 

Some years after starting as a junior clerk with Lloyds Bank, David accepted an offer from 

Slater Walker, Jersey, to set up a lending department. When the firm collapsed in the mid 

1970s its Jersey Operation was taken over by Lazards, in which he became a director. By 

now David had concluded that his business life seemed permanently based on the island, so 

he and Sylvia (whom he had married in 1965) had moved to Jersey from Hindhead. Having 

also joined the board of Marlar Estates in 1978, he broke away from Lazards entirely in 

1982, in order to concentrate on developing his property business. This necessitated 

business trips to London and, as these twice coincided with the 1950-59 Decade Dinner, his 

five attendances included two as the winner of the long Distance Tankard! 

Latterly as the chairman of the company owning the Queens Park Rangers, Fulham and 

Chelsea grounds, he played an increasingly important role in the affairs of the Football 

League. After becoming Chairman of Queens Park Rangers, David was elected to the

Management Committee and had come under pressure to stand for the office of League 

President. Some of his plans, in particular the proposed merger of Fulham and QPR were 

bitterly opposed, but, as a life-long fanatical football supporter, he considered this to be the 

true solution of financial survival. His openness and charm were recognised by many of his 

opponents and went a long way to defuse animosity. Only time will tell whether his ideas 

were ahead of his era. 

He leaves a widow, Sylvia, son Paul and daughter Katrina. 

1954 

Peter Vacher writes 

WARREN LEIGH 1936-2016 

Born and brought up in North London, Warren joined the school at Westbere Road in 1948 

and left after a year in the sixth form to commence articles, eventually qualifying as a 

solicitor five years later. After a short period in private practice, he moved on to the Civil 

Service to work for the Post Office in the Property Law Department which he helped to 

found, staying on under the aegis of British Telecommunications and rising to become 

Director of the department. 

When the decision was made to outsource his department in 1992, Warren elected to leave 

work early and went on to enjoy a lengthy retirement in Stanmore which enabled him to 

pursue his interests in cricket, opera and jazz, these happily supported and often instigated 

by his wife Irene, whom he married in 1969. Their daughter Susan was born two years 

later. 

Warren survived two serious bouts with cancer and we resumed our friendship after a long 

hiatus when a mutual friend brought us back in touch just a few years ago. I had last seen 

him in 1987 at the OHA Centenary Ball held at the school when he and Irene were the 

guests of the Hyman family. As a member of the MCC Warren took me to Lords and in turn 

he joined my yearly jazz appreciation class as a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic 

contributor. We met up frequently at concerts and I was always happy to hear about their 

latest visit to New York and to share jazz experiences. Irene and Warren joined us at the 

Swanage jazz festival and it was always a pleasure to get together for a meal and to 

exchange views about the latest happenings on the jazz scene. 

In more recent times, Warren joined the moveable feast that is the Old Lags lunching group 

and re-connected with a number of his contemporaries. His death on March 7 came as a 

terrible shock and our heartfelt condolences go out to Irene, Susan and her family, including

his grandsons Joel and Nicholas. Patricia and I will miss him as a friend and as a veritable 

mine of information on all things cultural and musical. 

Peter Vacher [1946-1955] 

1954 

Dan Tunstall Pedoe (1954), cardiologist and chief medical officer of the London 

Marathon, (December 30, 1939 - February 13 2015). Obituary taken from The Times 

27 th February 2015 

Twins Dan and Hugh Tunstall Pedoe attended the School but left in 1954 and moved to 

Dulwich College. 

Medical director of the London Marathon who helped to make the race safer for thousands of 

runners. When the London Marathon was first mooted in the late 1970s there were concerns 

that giving ordinary members of the public the opportunity to run more than 26 miles on the 

streets of the capital would put hundreds of lives at risk. The fear was that unfit runners 

would push themselves just as hard as highly trained elite athletes with potentially fatal 

consequences. The race founder Chris Brasher was determined that the event would be a 

people’s marathon, open to anyone who completed the necessary training and Dr Dan 

Tunstall Pedoe was the man who assured him that this could safely be achieved. 

Tunstall Pedoe, a distinguished cardiac consultant, was appointed founding medical director 

of the London Marathon in the build-up to the first event in 1981. Known to his marathon 

colleagues as “Dr Dan,” he was to remain in the post for 27 years, becoming arguably the 

world’s most experienced doctor in marathon medicine and leading the way in setting 

medical standards for marathons. 

Nick Bitel, chief executive of the London Marathon, said it was hard to overstate Tunstall 

Pedoe’s contribution to the race and to the health issues around long-distance running in 

general. “He really invented marathon medicine,” said Bitel. “He was hugely respected not 

only among his peers in this country but around the world. He set up the whole system that

provides medical aid to the runners and really the London Marathon would not be in the 

place it is today were it not for his contribution.” 

Tunstall Pedoe worked unpaid at every marathon in London for years. In the early days he 

did not allow his professional involvement to prevent him from taking part himself. He was a 

more than respectable distance runner and recorded a best time of 3hrs 8min This was all 

the more impressive given that he did not complete his first marathon until he was 40. In 

addition to London, he ran marathons abroad, including the New York race on several 

occasions. 

His recipe for medical safety was simple and it still underpins the medical philosophy behind 

the marathon today — prevention. Tunstall Pedoe required that anyone with a known heart 

condition or who experienced shortness of breath or chest pain during light exercise should 

see a doctor before continuing with their training. He also required all competitors to 

complete a 15-mile run sometime before race day. 

When he started, Tunstall Pedoe was the only doctor officially attached to the event and he 

was assisted by two physiotherapists, one podiatrist and a small number of personnel from 

St John’s Ambulance. Twenty years into his tenure staffing levels had grown with nearly 40 

doctors, 50 physiotherapists, 30 podiatrists and well over a thousand St John Ambulance 

personnel attending the race. 

Tunstall Pedoe’s confidence that marathon running was capable of being safely achieved by 

vast numbers of ordinary people was borne out by the statistics. In the first 20 years of his 

stewardship there were eight deaths at the event, all but one of which were heart-related. In 

that time 530,000 people had completed 2.5 million hours of competition, running nearly 14 

million miles on London’s streets. The death rates gave runners a one-in-66,250 chance of 

dying. 

Peter Hamlyn, a consultant neurosurgeon and director of sports medicine at St 

Bartholomew’s and the Royal London hospitals called Tunstall Pedoe “a remarkable man”. 

He added: “Their record in cardiac resuscitation makes the London Marathon one of the 

safest places in Britain to have a heart condition.” 

In 2000 Tunstall Pedoe edited Marathon Medicine published by the Royal Society of 

Medicine, a collection of papers based on a symposium on best practice in medical 

standards at marathons that covered the history of endurance training, the social 

phenomenon of marathon running, marathon myths and medicine and the effects of ageing 

on marathon runners. 

Dan Tunstall Pedoe was born in Southampton in December 1939, the eldest of identical twin 

boys. His brother Hugh, who survives him, is a research cardiologist. An elder sister died 

when they were young. The boys father was Daniel Pedoe, the son of an immigrant from

Poland, who was a distinguished mathematician and geometer. Their mother, Mary Tunstall, 

was a geography lecturer who Daniel met when they both taught at Queen Mary College in 

Mile End, east London. 

The twins had an interesting childhood. They were educated at Haberdashers’ Aske’s school 

and then Dulwich College, but spending some of their holidays in foreign locations such as 

Sudan, Singapore or the United States, depending on where their father was working. Both 

boys secured scholarships to read medicine at King’s College, Cambridge. Tunstall Pedoe 

followed up with a Phd at Wolfson College, Oxford, which he completed in 1970. Its subject 

was “Velocity distribution of blood flow in major arteries of animals and man.” 

Hugh Tunstall-Pedoe is Emeritus Professor of Cardiovascular Epidemiology, based at 

Dundee University since 1981. Training in medicine and cardiology in London, he joined 

Jerry Morris’s MRC Social Medicine Unit in 1969 to start a heart-attack register in East 

London. ‘Volunteered’ as Rapporteur by WHO coordinating the multicentre study, he 

remained Rapporteur to WHO studies for 34 years. Joining Geoffrey Rose as senior lecturer 

in epidemiology at St Mary’s for seven years from 1974, he worked on the United Kingdom 

Heart Disease Prevention Project, and taught epidemiology. 

Dan Tunstall Pedoe married Diana Robin Shankland in 1968, three years after returning 

from a spell working as a junior doctor in India. He had developed an abscess in his tooth in 

India and was treated at Barts where his future wife — always known as Robin — nursed 

him. She predeceased him last year. They had three children; Nadine is a geography 

teacher, Simon a logistics manager and Ian a music entrepreneur. 

After a spell living in Oxford and a year in San Francisco, Tunstall Pedoe moved to Hackney 

in east London in 1973 and worked as a consultant cardiologist and lecturer at Hackney 

Hospital and Barts. He loved teaching and continued well past retirement. At Hackney 

hospital he took a small department and built it up, specialising in non-invasive techniques 

using ultra-sound to measure blood velocity. He was chief of the commissioning team for the 

new Homerton Hospital when Hackney closed and he founded the London Sports Medicine 

Institute at Barts , which he ran for several years. 

Tunstall Pedoe was passionately committed to the NHS and rarely took on private work. In 

later years he was dismayed by the continual crisis within the service. He saw marathon 

running and exercise in general as a great way for people to live the kind of healthy lives that 

the NHS was founded to support. 

An energetic individual, Tunstall Pedoe had many pursuits outside his work. He enjoyed a 

lifelong passion for photography, specialising in micro-photography of insects. He was also a 

keen astronomer and chess player. He had suffered from Parkinson’s disease for a number

of years and died of a heart attack. In his running days, to keep his training on track, he 

would go out in all weathers, day or night, usually accompanied by the family’s pet dog. 

John Walker (1954 leaver) – 1936 - 11 th October 2013 

It is sad to record the passing of Johnny Walker. 

Recollection of him at Westbere Road, Haberdashers’, is of a young man interested in sport, 

the R.A.F. section of the C.C.F, and evidence of achievement in economics. He was part of 

the school first tennis team and was awarded colours. He left school in the academic year 

1953-54 

He, and many, were aggrieved by the death of his older brother, Michael, in a plane crash 

about the year 1954. For John, National Service in the R.A.F was spent in Germany. 

During his active life in stockbroking, he also helped individuals to finance projects. Just 

lately it even included setting up a programme for MRI scanners. 

His constant connection with Old Haberdashers’ Golfing Society for over fifty years is noted. 

The records show that he was appointed captain for three spells, and was secretary for a 

period till 1975. In that era he won most of the society’s trophies. He was a long term 

member at Ashridge Golf Club, his handicap in the teens. 

Lately his health lessened, and he lived with a list of diagnoses. We would discuss these, out 

at lunch in Great Missenden. He was reliant on the staunch support of his wife Sylvia. When 

confined to a chair he was comfortable in Rayners Residential Care, nearby, a tribute to the 

Matthews family ,the owners. 

In earlier years he was keen on stylish cars. At the completion of his funeral service on 

Friday 25 October, his coffin was borne out of the church fairly swiftly to the theme tune of 

F1, The Chain. The mourners followed a white E type Jaguar, in procession, through Little 

Missenden . 

His supportive family, not least Sylvia, included sons Dominic, Luke, Guy and daughter Lisa, 

and their children, as well as his first wife Desiree, mother of the four. The sons spoke with 

humour , in the pulpit, of their father’s life. Lisa read a tribute.

He would have been so joyful to see the picture of Charlie, his latest grandchild, and 

Charlie’s mother, Lisa, included here. 

1953 

Tony Skrimshire died 12th September 2014 

Tony Skrimshire C.Chem, FRSC, FIFST, passed away suddenly at home on 12th 

September 2104. Retired Director of Heinz UK, Freeman of the City of London and 

Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Feltmakers. Beloved husband of Margaret, 

devoted father to Jane, Katharine and John and loving grandfather to Sebastian, Alice and 

Abigail. 

Don Cooper died August 2013 

written by Mike Ive 

I first met Don when we both joined the entry class at Priestmead Primary School in Kenton 

in 1942. We did all the chidrens' parties together, but were not always in the same class, I 

was envious of him because he already had a girlfriend three months older than him. We 

both moved to Habs together although I don't think we were ever in the same form. I 

imagine that the thing people from our year will remember most about Don was the winter's 

morning when there was snow in the playground over ice and the more adventurous were 

sliding about all over the place and Don, determined to outdo everybody, set off from the 

edge of the playing field at Westbere Road down the slope towards the kitchens achieving a 

really high speed but unfortunately forgot that under the heap of snow protecting the 

windows was a very large pile of coal or coke - I was one of those who part carried him to 

the sickbay from where he was rapidly transferred to the old Redhill Hospital at Edgeware 

they patched him up threw away virtually all his clothes, cut most of his hair off and released 

him after three days - his parents were not pleased! 

I think Don left before the sixth form and I do recall, that as soon as he had completed 

National Service, having an invitation to his marriage to that same five year old, 

Adrienne, that he had known so many years before. I blotted my copybook because I was 

serving in Malaya and on the day sent a congratulatory telegram to the brides home, but 

forgot that the army regards any telegram as needing to be delivered immediately and 

Adeienne's family was not impressed at recieving a telegram before five in the morning. But 

the marriage was a resounding success and Don & Adrienne had two sons, moved into a 

fine house and bought a villa in Southern Spain and were excellent hosts. Don started 

working as a salesman for a stationery firm but soon moved on and set up his own company 

which did remarkably well and gained a very good reputation. Then tragedy struck, 

Adrienne died in her early fifties. Don was inconsolable and cut himself off from everyting,

he refused to talk to his friends, tried to ignore his own sons, sold his company, sold his 

house and moved into a small flat and seemed to be waiting for his own end. 

One of his sons virtually dragged him to the funeral of someone who we had both known at 

Priestmead , but Don was so confused and kept talking about Adrienne as though she was 

present, that his presence did not help. So it wasvery sad but no surprise to hear he had 

gone. 

So there you have it - Don was an energetic teenager, a devoted husband and father, a 

successful businessman, a shattered widower and finally a very sad and sick old man 

David Maconachie 1934 - 2012 

David Maconachie passed away on Saturday 29th October 2012. This is particularly sad as 

David was the brother-in-law of Ray Kipps, who also died recently. Their wives, Gill and 

Anne, are sisters. David was school captain in 1952, a talented cricketer and played many 

games for the OH rugby club. He lived in Sussex and was an officer in the Sussex Society of 

Rugby Referees. He was a well respected referee in Sussex in the 70s and 80s and 

continued right up to the age of 75 when he was appointing referees at all levels through-out 

the week over the last 15 years and still covering for referees in mid-week doing 30 to 40 

games a season. A great supporter of the Sussex Referees Society and could be seen 

supporting new referees on a Saturday or just enjoying Sussex rugby. The Sussex rugby 

clubs view of David was that he was “a true gentleman, a person who made a real difference 

to our game, a genuine loss”. 

In 2009 David was presented with an International referees shirt donated and signed by 

Wayne Barnes plus a 'reward the volunteer' certificate and tie awarded by the English Rugby 

Football Union.

David has been refereeing for 38 seasons for Sussex and in the Middle East, the United 

States and various venues in Europe. 

He worked on the principle of 'I have kit with me so I am available to referee wherever we 

are'. David was known to referee 3 games in a day rather than say that there was no-one 

available. On many occasions over the years the Sussex County and Schools Union have 

recognised his contribution. 

Stanley Crossick 1935-2011 

Stanley Crossick, the founding chairman of the European Policy Centre, one of the earliest 

Brussels think-tanks, died on Saturday (20 November) at the age of 74. Although he had 

been suffering from ill-health for the past ten years, his long interest in European and 

international affairs remained undiminished: he had just returned from China, where he took 

part in a conference on the EU-China strategic partnership. 

Crossick was born into a Jewish family in 1935 and grew up in north-west London. He was 

educated at the Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School and went on to study law at University 

College, London, qualifying as a solicitor in 1959. It was in the 1970s that he became 

involved in international legal affairs, while working for Franks Charlesly and Company, and 

subsequently for the Council of Bars and Law Societies of the European Community – in 

which role he helped ease the path for UK solicitors to work in Brussels. 

Ian Forrester, a partner of the law firm White & Case, said that Crossick's special talent 

showed itself in his recognition that lawyers needed to understand the political process in 

Brussels rather than concentrating merely on legal principles. Crossick built on this approach 

when he formed the Belmont European Community Law Office in 1979. According to 

Forrester: “What he was good at needed a vehicle.” 

That developed into what would nowadays be described as a public- affairs consultancy, 

through which he developed a wide experience of the interaction between business and the 

EU institutions. 

In 1996, together with Max Kohnstamm (Obituary, European Voice, 28 October), who had 

worked with Jean Monnet on setting up the European Coal and Steel Community, and John 

Palmer, the European editor of the Guardian, Crossick founded the European Policy Centre. 

Their aim was to create a serious pro-European think-tank in a field that was dominated by 

the Centre for European Policy Studies. Hans Martens, the EPC's chief executive, said: “The 

EPC would not be what it is today without the vision and guidance of Stanley Crossick.” 

Crossick will be remembered for his passionate commitment to European integration and his 

belief in the Community method of Monnet, where European integration is built through a 

series of gradual steps and strong EU institutions. He was a strong believer in Monnet's 

axiom: “Thought cannot be divorced from action.” 

His admirers remember him as a good listener whose ability to find solutions lay in his ability 

to see all sides of an argument. He was made an officer of the Order of the British Empire 

and, in 2003, a member of the French Ordre Nationale du Mérite.

In recent years, Crossick had developed a strong interest in EU-China relations, becoming a 

senior researcher at the Brussels Institute of Contemporary Chinese Studies. Song Zhe, 

China's ambassador to the EU, paid tribute to him: “Stanley never hid what he thought. He 

gave relentless criticism to whatever policies or action he did not approve, whether they 

were from the Chinese or the European side.” Song said that while he disagreed with 

Crossick on many issues, he appreciated his “outspokenness and candidness”. 

The Chinese also treated him with high esteem in line with traditional respect for the elderly. 

This, the ambassador wrote, was because they present their “wisdom and experience as a 

beacon that sheds light upon our path, warning us against bumps and hurdles”. 

David Edward, formerly a judge at the European Court of Justice and a professor of law at 

Edinburgh University, who knew Crossick for almost 40 years, said: “No conversation with 

Stanley was ever dull. Ideas poured out of him for others to take up.” As technology 

developed, the ideas poured out in the form of prolific blogging: Crossick posted some 500 

entries on subjects ranging from European politics to the Middle East peace process, Iran 

and China. 

For several years, Crossick contributed comment pieces to the pages of European Voice. 

Tim King, the newspaper's current editor, said: “Stanley was a good friend to European 

Voice and, because he was an energetic enthusiast, to many other enterprises in Brussels. 

He was of a generation for whom the construction of the European Union was a noble cause 

– he and I grew up in the same part of London and he once recounted to me seeing the 

fascists march along streets that I know well. So he was serious about the EU, though ready 

to break into laughter about most things, given half a chance.” 

He is survived by his wife Dahlia, daughter Elizabeth and son Jonty. 

Victor Mathias (1953) 1938 - 2012 

Born in Willesden Green on 14 January 1938, Victor Mathias said that his career was 

decided practically from birth by the fact that both sides of his family ran timber businesses. 

He was one of the large post-war intake at Haberdashers’ in Westbere Road in 1948. He 

remarked that his story was that of so many “bright” kids in the neighbourhood. At primary 

school, he had been used to topping the class. At Haberdashers’ he soon found himself as 

a little fish in a big barrel. Of the thirty boys in the first form, three went on to earn entries in 

“Who’s Who”, two became world renowned professors of medicine, one became a Fellow of 

Christ Church, Oxford and a number of others entered teaching either as university dons or 

in secondary education. By contrast he described his career as very modest. In his own 

words, with typical wry humour “I worked quietly for 43 years in my father’s timber-yard, until 

he died and I retired in the 1990s. During all that time, I used to boast that our family firm 

employed only one person and we were grossly overstaffed”.

He left Haberdashers’ after ‘O’ levels in 1953, but his further education continued as an 

evening student at the City of London College, the London School of Economics and 

Birkbeck College. He summed up his situation during those 14 years thus - “until 5:30 in 

those days I was an office worker, from 6:00 onwards I was a student”. 

Part of his philosophy for a happy and fulfilling life was to find what one is best at and 

specialise in that as a labour of love. He found that he had a talent for Italian, ending up with 

an honours degree in the language and several impressive looking diplomas awarded in 

Viareggio for a series of summer courses that he attended there in the 1950s. Later he took 

up teaching Italian privately in London and had pupils whom he described as “seeming to 

enjoy paying for my lessons” over a period of many years. 

No account of Victor’s life would be complete without an emphasis on the role played in it by 

chess. Having played no part in the thriving chess activity at the school, he “discovered” the 

game in 1972 when Bobby Fischer hit the world’s headlines. From that point he took every 

opportunity to develop his chess skills. Although he admitted to having never been more 

than a reasonably competent club player – being known as the Drawing Master because so 

many of his games ended in draws - he began to specialise in playing chess very slowly i.e. 

by post, where there is no adrenaline rush but each individual has time to play the best 

chess he is capable of. In 1990, after writing several successful articles for ordinary players, 

he took over a quarterly chess publication – “Popular Chess” - which he managed and edited 

as a one man operation for almost a quarter of a century. In 1994, he began to run a 

national Postal Chess Club for ordinary players which has thrived for almost 20 years and 

that was appreciated particularly by players living in remote parts of Britain where they 

cannot easily find an opponent against whom to pit their chess wits. 

In 2009, BBC4 having decided to make an hour long programme about chess and wanting to 

cover the game in all its aspects enquired “Is there anyone left who still plays chess by 

correspondence?” They were directed to Victor, as his Popular Chess Postal Club was just 

what they were looking for. He was interviewed at some length and was allowed during the 

programme to make the case for playing chess as slowly as possible. 

Another of his hobbies was participating in quiz nights and in organising quizzes. 

Opponents recognised that any team that he was in was formidable and that his teams had 

a record of winning. Indeed some team members believed that, even on his own, he would 

have won most contests. As a quiz organiser he didn’t bother to write down the questions. 

He only wrote down the answers, which list he gave to the markers, who themselves rarely 

knew the questions to which the answers applied. 

Victor married Maureen, a dentist, in 1969 and he described her as “the finest wife anyone 

could wish for”. They lived in Northwood for most of their married lives and had two sons, 

Graham, who also went to Haberdashers (O.H.1981 – 1988) and Barry.

By his own admission Victor was a one man operation – whether in business, or in chess 

publication – and yet in this there was also a contradiction. To some he may appear to have 

been a loner and yet another of his personal characteristics was the remarkable way that he 

kept in touch with a wide circle of friends, remembering birthdays and sending annual 

greetings, and random notes, keeping in touch with school friends from his days at 

Haberdashers and before and since. Drawing on his encyclopaedic memory when others 

would have depended on notebooks and diaries and lists he remembered everything that 

was important to him. 

He arranged reunions of his classmates every few years – a close circle of those with whom 

he had been at school at Westbere Road and not only did he keep in touch with them but, 

indirectly, he encouraged them to keep in touch with each other. The “gregarious loner” or 

as he saw himself – “He was his own man”. 

Victor Mathias died from leukaemia on 18 January 2012. 

Michael Heppner 

1.Feb.2012 

1952 

Barry Neale Parker died 8th September 2012 

Barry passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday September 8th 2012. He follows his 

much-loved wife, Gwen, and sorely missed son, Kevin. He is survived by son Giles and 

grandchildren Elena, Daniel, Katy and Jasmin. Barry was an officer in the Meteorological 

office at Bracknell, and was very involved in the Wokingham Society and later the Berkshire 

Local History Association. 

Terence HE (Terry) Field (died 2002) 

Keith R Chamberlain (died 1995) 

David L Stern (1948-52 Prep) 

died suddenly on 2nd July 1989 during an asthma attack. He was 49. 

David received his secondary education at Dover College and played his first game for the 

OHRFC on 11th January 1958, in the C XV against Old Askeans. In the following season he 

made his 1st XV debut against RNC Greenwich. However, the club was already blessed with 

excellent hookers, in Philip Alterman and Roger Leverton, and David had to serve a long and 

happy apprenticeship in the "Ex A" and "A" XVs before becoming first choice senior hooker

in 1970/1 and 1971/2. A serious eye injury caused his retirement on 25th March 1972, when 

he had played 359 times for the club, 69 for 1st XV, 153 for the A and 97 for the Ex A. 

David enjoyed life to the full and thrived on pressure. Unless he was abroad on business, he 

would be at his office from 5am until 7pm every day. Yet he had time for everybody and 

always saw their best sides. He was a regular at the 1950-59 decade dinners, past player 

reunions and other social events and his friendly humour is remembered by all. 

In May of this year, David and Rosemary celebrated their 25th Wedding anniversary with a 

surprise party arranged by their three children, Paul, Sarah and Sally, coinciding with 

Sarah's 18th birthday. Among the family and friends present were their wedding guests, Jan 

and Duncan McLaren ('55) and Pat and Roger Leverton ('56). 

David's funeral took place at Hendon Cemetery on 7th July. The ceremony was conducted 

by the Rev. Michael Lacy, who in his excellent address referred to David as being always at 

the centre of the action, be it the front row, family or business. Above all, he said, David 

would wish to be remembered with laughter, not tears. The funeral arrangements were 

conducted by Keith and Clive Leverton and amongst the mourners were his brother Colin, 

Tony Alexander ('62), Philip Alterman ('49), John Boon ('56), Michael Ewer ('56), Neil 

Forsyth ('45), David Leverton ('53), Duncan McLaren ('55) and Jan, John Parker ('56), Chris 

Robinson ('48), Melvyn Steele ('59), Peter Stevenson ('46), Nobbly Tanner ('35), Patricia, 

wife of Peter Vacher ('55) and Libby, wife of Paul Watson ('56). 

Michael (Mike) John Keen (1935-1991). 

Mike played on the Haberdashers’ School rugby and athletics teams, leaving HAHS in 1952 

with a state scholarship to Oxford University, continuing on to Cambridge University where 

he received his doctorate in geology. At Oxford he continued playing rugby and also 

competed in swimming and rowing. In 1961 he accepted a position in the Geology 

Department at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with a cross- appointment in the 

Geophysics and Oceanography Program in the Department of Physics and Atmospheric 

Science. In those early years he established the first Canadian university program in marine 

geophysics and the first marine geophysical expeditions undertaken from a Canadian 

government oceanographic research vessel. 

Mike remained at Dalhousie University from 1961 – 77, serving for several years as 

Chairman of the Department of Geology, later as Assistant Dean of Science, during which 

years he trained a number of outstanding young scientists in the field of marine geosciences. 

His textbook (“An Introduction to Marine Geology”, Pergamon Press 1986) made a major 

contribution to marine geoscience education.

Mike had a strong commitment to linking science to national issues, and he had the vision to 

recognize the importance to Canada of the newly negotiated UN Convention on the Law of 

the Sea (UNCLOS) which allows expansion of nations’ offshore economic zones based upon 

submarine geological structures. Although international boundaries can be easily established 

on land, offshore boundaries are sometimes disputed, and this has proven to be more 

frequent now that exploitation of undersea oil, natural gas and mineral wealth is 

technologically and economically feasible. For Canada, the nation with the longest coastline 

of any country and with promising extensive offshore hydrocarbon deposits, national marine 

boundaries in the Arctic are open to challenge by several countries. 

In 1977, Mike left Dalhousie University for the Geological Survey of Canada, where he was 

appointed Director of the Atlantic Geosciences Centre at the Bedford Institute of 

Oceanography in the greater Halifax area. Being appointed to a senior position in the federal 

government enabled Mike to assemble the key people and the required funding to undertake 

needed research to address some of these submarine boundary disputes facing Canada, 

and working with the Canadian Department of External Affairs, he provided technical advice 

that Canada took to the World Court in The Hague and to discussions on these issues being 

held with other nations. Mike was the driving force behind the publication of a major 

synthesis of current knowledge of the offshore geology of Eastern Canada. 

During his years with the federal government, Mike was one of a few who, at that time, 

supported women going to sea on research vessels, and he battled with a stubborn 

bureaucracy who felt otherwise about that particular issue. That was a battle he won; 

fittingly, Dalhousie University has established the Michael J. Keen Memorial Award, 

presented annually to the outstanding female student in the second-year of the Earth 

Sciences degree program. 

In recognition of his scientific contributions, Mike was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society 

of Canada in 1974, and in 1986 he received the Logan Medal of the Geological Association 

of Canada. During the late 1970s and 1980s, Mike served successively as president of the 

Atlantic Geoscience Society, the Geological Association of Canada, the Canadian 

Geological Foundation, and the Canadian Geophysical Union, and also as Chair of the 

Canadian Geoscience Council. The Geological Association of Canada established the 

Michael J. Keen Medal, which is presented annually to a senior scientist who has made 

important contributions in the fields of marine or lacustrine geology. In 1994, a 50 km 

submarine trough at the edge of the continental shelf in the NW Atlantic Ocean, with depths 

greater than 3000 metres and a profile similar to that of the Grand Canyon, was named the 

Michael Keen Canyon. 

In a four-page ‘note of appreciation’ regarding Mikes contributions to education and 

research, the Geological Association of Canada’s scientific periodical noted that Mike “had a 

superb high school and undergraduate education and a mind to retain most of it for the rest

of his life. With that background, he could make leaps of faith and see connections in a 

scientific problem long before his colleagues wrote down the first equation… He was a 

person who made a difference in peoples’ lives, who looked for the best in others, and gave 

the best he had.” 

1951 

Professor Raymond Cuninghame-Green (1933 - 2013) 

Obituary provided by David Duke-Evans, as sent to the Queen's College Record 

Raymond Cuninghame-Green, Professor Emeritus of Industrial Mathematics at the 

University of Birmingham, was, both individually and in collaboration with eminent 

colleagues, a pioneer in the field of mathematics-based operational research, his most 

outstanding achievement being his discovery of the new system which he named maxalgebra, 

also known today as tropical mathematics. He died on 9 June 2013 some three 

months after suffering a severe stroke. 

Raymond was born at Hendon in 1933, attended Haberdashers’ Aske’s School, and 

matriculated as a scholar of Queen’s in 1952. His 1955 Oxford degree in Pure Mathematics 

was followed by a PhD from Leicester in 1960. The direction of his career was probably 

determined by his first occupation as a cyberneticist in, successively, the computer, steel 

and food industries and in the hospital service, after which he spent some years as 

Professor of Management Mathematics at Twente University, Enschede; there he 

volunteered the courtesy of delivering his inaugural address in Dutch after a short intensive 

study of the language and met the requirement of lecturing in Dutch after one year. 

Raymond was appointed to the Chair of Industrial Mathematics at Birmingham in 1975, 

beginning a period when he laid the foundations of management mathematics. He was head 

of the university’s School of Mathematics from 1994 to 1997, and retired in 1999 whilst 

remaining research-active. His first paper on max-algebra had been published as early as 

1960 and altogether, in addition to a number of highly respected books on his subject, he 

wrote some 50 peer-reviewed research papers. 11 of these, co-authored with a principal 

specialist colleague and collaborator, Professor Peter Butkovic, can be downloaded from 

http://web.mat.bham.ac/P.Butkovic/max.html 

Professor Butkovic, who worked intensively with him until 2009 and maintained their 

occasional working meetings until December 2012, summarises Raymond’s authoritative 

academic status by identifying him as the first to realise that the maximum cycle mean is the 

principal max-algebraic eigenvalue of a matrix, and categorises some examples of his 

numerous other achievements as the analysis of max-algebraic linear systems, linear 

independence, rank, residuation, duality, maxpolynomials, the discovery of the characteristic

maxpolynomial, rational functions, and the proofs of several results for irreducible or finite 

matrices that were later proved in full generality in the 1980s and 1990s by other authors, 

including the complete description of (max-algebraic) eigenspaces, the cyclicity theorem or 

spectral projector. Most of these demonstrations appeared in Raymond’s lecture 

notes Minimax Algebra, Lecture Notes in Economics and Math Systems 166, Berlin: 

Springer 1979, since cited by over 600 other researchers in twenty countries and 

maintaining its significance for the continuation of the development of tropical linear algebra 

today; a scanned copy can be downloaded freely from Professor Butkovic’s abovementioned 

website. This work seminally influenced the widening of max-algebraic 

applications, which crossed the boundaries of mathematics and are now used in areas as 

different as computer science, phylogenetics, modelling of cellular protein production and 

railway scheduling. 

Non-mathematicians would doubtless feel more at home in Raymond’s professional 

company to know that his typical lessons also encompassed such a topic as waste limitation 

by study of the ‘milk tray problem’, reflecting a strong interest in assisting industries, such as 

clothing and footwear manufacture, the carpeting and upholstery sectors, container 

construction, sheet glass cutting and many others, to deal economically with the tasks 

imposed by design. 

Raymond twice served as a council member of the Operational Research Society, was an 

editor of the Operational Research Quarterly and a foundation co-editor of the IMA (Institute 

of Mathematics and its Applications) Journal of Maths in Management. He participated 

widely by invitation in international conferences and projects in Europe, China and USA, 

including for example the Mathematics Genealogy Project sponsored by North Dakota State 

University. He rated his visits to China as among the most professionally rewarding of his 

occupational travels. 

A close friend from boyhood, Victor Tunkel, Secretary of the Selden Society, recalls 

Raymond as one of the most memorable of many colourful school contemporaries - original, 

with a mercurial wit, a mischievous sense of humour and a brilliant facility with words, adding 

that he was multi-talented, “indeed, I recall being surprised to learn that he had made his 

career in mathematics”. They spent many hours together at the piano, both playing by ear, 

writing sketches for their own amusement, heckling at Speakers’ Corner, and subjecting 

friends to harmless pranks. Other school contemporaries have also testified to Raymond’s 

reputation for puckish jocularity; this certainly remained with him as an undergraduate, and 

was augmented by a ready wit and an ingrained kindliness towards others, all of which 

attributes underlined his natural sociability throughout his life. I myself recall a chess game, 

all in the mind, no chess set, between Raymond and a future Joint British Chess Champion, 

Leonard Barden (Balliol), during a slow train journey from Oxford to London, a game they 

resumed and completed on the return journey to one another’s entire satisfaction.

Although never one to blow his own trumpet too loudly in public, Raymond left an indelible 

reputational mark on his profession. He lived a full and rich life, his warmth and friendship 

touching the lives of people in many countries. He is loved and missed by his family and 

friends. 

Dr John Alan Mathews (died 24th April 2013) 

John was born on the 19th June 1934 in Herne Hill, South East London, to Henry a 

wholesale confectioner and chess enthusiast and Dora, his much beloved mother. During 

the second world war he was evacuated with Dulwich Hamlet School to Sussex, but then 

chose to join his sister Jean at the Jewish School for the Deaf. 

At the age of 7, John and the family relocated to Caversham where he went to Reading 

School and he first met his future wife Wendy. Their school playing fields were adjoining and 

their parents had been acquainted before the war. 

In 1944 when John was 10, the family moved to Wembley Park, North West London and 

John transferred to Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Boys in Cricklewood. He felt the school 

prepared him well for his adult life and he remained intensely loyal to it. He was delighted 

every time he heard a reference to Haberdashers’, particularly the humorous way it was 

referenced in Alan Bennett’s play, ‘The History Boys’ in which the headmaster says: ” We're 

low in the league. I want to see us up there with Manchester Grammar, Haberdasher Askes, 

Leighton Park... or is that an open prison?” 

At the age of 17 John was offered a place at Jesus College , Cambridge to read medicine 

which despite his young age, he accepted. There John joined the Roosters, an esoteric 

fraternity, where an annual ‘breakfast at lunchtime’ was held on ‘Hangover Sunday’ and at 

which the noble tradition of processing backwards whilst singing the Welsh national anthem 

was perpetuated. A recent invitation to the forthcoming ‘roost’ was received by Wendy his 

‘esquire’. 

John was a man with passions (some would say obsessions). He approached all the things 

which mattered to him with dedication and stubborn determination. Music was his central 

passion: the axis around which all other aspects of his life revolved. 

He remembered being taken by his mother at the age of 7 to hear the Palm Court Orchestra 

in Heelas department store in Reading . At that time, each movement of a classical work 

was released on a separate record and Dora had only purchased the first three movements 

of what became one of his favourite symphonies. John found out much later at a live 

performance of this symphony that it had 4 movements. He narrowly escaped the 

embarrassment of premature applause.

John received immense enjoyment from playing the violin and over the years he was 

instrumental in organising events at which music would unite four generations of the family. 

He particularly delighted in playing trios with his Uncle Martin on the violin and Uncle Alan on 

the piano and encouraging his children and grandchildren in their musical interests. 

In 1957, John finished his clinical training at Guy’s Hospital, married Wendy and after a few 

years moved south of the river, living in Walton- on-Thames. After his appointment in 1970 

as a consultant Rheumatologist at St Thomas’ Hospital, he and the family moved to 

Roehampton, South West London where they lived for 30 years and brought up their three 

children. 

He approached his medical career with characteristic attention to detail. One of John’s 

mantras was “always be an expert in something, no matter what or how small”. He himself 

became an expert on medical conditions of the neck and went so far as to gain personal 

experience by breaking his own in a skiing accident in 1997. He survived and testament to 

his determination to ‘continue as normal’ he made frequent cycling trips wearing his 

stabilising halo vest, much to Wendy’s consternation. 

Besides being a dedicated clinician, John was held in high regard by his colleagues, 

students and patients alike. His trainees’ fondness for him was evident at the reunion he 

organised for them in 2011. On one occasion Wendy overheard a conversation between 

medical students in a lift in which he was identified as ‘the cuddly one’. 

He connected his passion for music with his work by establishing a unique National Health 

Service clinic for musicians with musculoskeletal conditions. The clinic continues to thrive at 

St Thomas’ Hospital. 

In his retirement John had been writing a book, reflecting his life’s interests. He explained 

that it could be read from either end. Musicians starting their reading from the front would 

find information relevant to their conditions, whereas specialists reading from the back could 

find medical details of how to treat those conditions. Throughout, the book is peppered with 

anecdotes which would be interesting and amusing to friends, colleagues and family alike. 

Recently John had become fascinated by the connection between music and the brain: its 

relevance to performers as well as the profound psychological effect music has on listeners. 

He was due to co-chair a meeting on the subject at the Royal College of Physicians in 

London next month 

His meticulous attention to detail extended past music and work . Be it buying a stereo 

system a paracetemol or most importantly a KitKat, the same thorough research would be 

required to reach a decision. ‘Which?’ magazine never reviewed KitKats, but John would 

have been the authority had they done so. When travelling abroad he would often take a

British KitKat so as to perform a blindfolded comparison with the local version. He had even 

been known to add his KitKat addiction to important medical documents. 

Other passions must not go unmentioned. In no particular order, these included: Arsenal 

Football Club, buying last minute tickets for concerts and theatre, Marmite, kippers for 

breakfast, arguing parking fines, writing letters of complaint, asking awkward questions at 

medical meetings, wearing worn-out clothes, getting a good radio reception for radio 3, 

cricket and football coverage. 

John was a well-loved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, colleague and friend. He 

will be greatly missed by all that knew him. 

John M Gibson (died 19th November 2012) 

Information supplied by Richard Rowlinson. 

John died aged 78 after a period of ill health. Born in Wimbledon in 1934, he was evacuated 

to the Lake District during the war years. He started school there but then moved to Kenton 

and finished his education at Westbere Road. He was a member of the rowing club and 

coxed the 1 st eight. 

After leaving school in 1951, John was called up for National Service and two years later he 

began a career with the Midland Bank. 

John married in 1959 and set up home in Chesham,where his two children were born. 

In the seventies he was appointed manager at the Leigh on Sea, Essex, branch and as a 

result the family moved house to Little Baddow, a village near Chelmsford. 

John was heavily involved in local community work throughout his life. While living in 

Chesham he was appointed chairman of the local Parish Council and often found himself 

treasurer of various committees. He became a church Elder in Little Baddow. 

With retirement from the Bank coming a little early for John’s liking , he spent a few years 

working for M&G, the unit trust group, in Chelmsford.

In retirement John and his wife,Shirley, travelled extensively but still found time to play 

bridge regularly and to bowl throughout the year. 

John is survived by his wife,a son and a daughter. 

Terence HE (Terry) Field (died 2002) 

Keith R Chamberlain (died 1995) 

David L Stern (1948-52Prep) 

died suddenly on 2nd July 1989 during an asthma attack. He was 49. 

David received his secondary education at Dover College and played his first game for the 

OHRFC on 11th January 1958, in the C XV against Old Askeans. In the following season he 

made his 1st XV debut against RNC Greenwich. However, the club was already blessed with 

excellent hookers, in Philip Alterman and Roger Leverton, and David had to serve a long and 

happy apprenticeship in the "Ex A" and "A" XVs before becoming first choice senior hooker 

in 1970/1 and 1971/2. A serious eye injury caused his retirement on 25th March 1972, when 

he had played 359 times for the club, 69 for 1st XV, 153 for the A and 97 for the Ex A. 

David enjoyed life to the full and thrived on pressure. Unless he was abroad on business, he 

would be at his office from 5am until 7pm every day. Yet he had time for everybody and 

always saw their best sides. He was a regular at the 1950-59 decade dinners, past player 

reunions and other social events and his friendly humour is remembered by all. 

In May of this year, David and Rosemary celebrated their 25th Wedding anniversary with a 

surprise party arranged by their three children, Paul, Sarah and Sally, coinciding with 

Sarah's 18th birthday. Among the family and friends present were their wedding guests, Jan 

and Duncan McLaren ('55) and Pat and Roger Leverton ('56). 

David's funeral took place at Hendon Cemetery on 7th July. The ceremony was conducted 

by the Rev. Michael Lacy, who in his excellent address referred to David as being always at 

the centre of the action, be it the front row, family or business. Above all, he said, David 

would wish to be remembered with laughter, not tears. The funeral arrangements were 

conducted by Keith and Clive Leverton and amongst the mourners were his brother Colin, 

Tony Alexander ('62), Philip Alterman ('49), John Boon ('56), Michael Ewer ('56), Neil 

Forsyth ('45), David Leverton ('53), Duncan McLaren ('55) and Jan, John Parker ('56), Chris 

Robinson ('48), Melvyn Steele ('59), Peter Stevenson ('46), Nobbly Tanner ('35), Patricia, 

wife of Peter Vacher ('55) and Libby, wife of Paul Watson ('56). 

1950

Tom U Burgner (died 2001) 

1949 

Brian Sewell (OH 1949), art critic, author and columnist, born 15 July 1931; died 19 

September 2015. (Obituary taken from the Guardian 19 th September 2015) 

Brian Sewell, who has died aged 84, was for many years the best-known, most outspoken 

and most widely read art critic in Britain. His column in the Evening Standard was loved 

by London’s strap-hangers, even when they knew nothing about the artists he was laying 

into. In recent times, he wrote with equal fury on a vast range of other subjects, particularly 

the postures of political leaders, which eventually won him the Orwell prize for political 

writing. 

In and out of the art world, Sewell was a controversial figure, but he excited huge affection 

from those who knew him – including me, as his next-door neighbour for 10 years. However, 

he also incurred the wrath of museum curators and art dealers, many of whom thought him 

thoroughly disagreeable. On 5 January 1994 a group including Sir Eduardo 

Paolozzi, George Melly, Bridget Riley and Marina Warner wrote a letter of protest to the 

Evening Standard claiming that its art critic was “deeply hostile to and ignorant about 

contemporary art” and that the capital deserved better than Sewell’s “dire mix of sexual and 

class hypocrisy, intellectual posturing and artistic prejudice”. 

The fracas proved much to Sewell’s advantage. The following day, he and his opponents 

traded insults on television and within weeks he was named the arts journalist of the year in 

the British Press Awards. He later posed naked on the cover of his unrepentant book, The 

Reviews That Caused the Rumpus (1994). 

The sharpness and vitality of Sewell’s pen were complemented by his ultra-posh voice. Even 

he would admit his speech had “some of the intonations of Vita Sackville-West”. Much 

sought-after as a broadcaster, often for Any Questions and Question Time, he was 

affectionately and ferociously lampooned by French and Saunders on TV, and in Dead 

Ringers on Radio 4. Although Sewell could give as good as he got, memorably dressing up 

as the art-loving nun Sister Wendy for a TV Christmas special, he was always a reluctant

“personality”. He did not enjoy being mocked by Paul Merton on his second appearance on 

Have I Got News for You. Though his six-part Channel 5 series, The Naked Pilgrim: The 

Road to Santiago (2003), attracted millions of viewers, his broadcasting career ended 

with Brian Sewell’s Grand Tour of Italy (2005), which he described as an “incompetent 

failure”, and a one-off TV film, Dirty Dalí: A Private View (2007). 

Brian was born in Market Bosworth, Leicestershire, and brought up by his mother, Jessica, 

and stepfather, Robert Sewell, in Kensington, London. Almost half a century later, he 

discovered that his real father was the composer Philip Heseltine – pen-name Peter 

Warlock – who had killed himself seven months before his son’s birth. He described his 

mother as “an artist of sorts”, and at the age of four he was taken to the National Gallery and 

found spellbound by Murillo’s The Heavenly and Earthly Trinities and Dürer’s The 

Madonna With the Iris. 

At 11, he became a day boy at Haberdashers’ Aske’s, an independent school in Hampstead, 

at a good time to indulge his “rampant sexual nature”. On leaving school, he toyed with the 

idea of becoming an artist – he received lessons from his mother’s former lover,William 

Coldstream – or a violinist. On Desert Island Discs he would describe his national service 

(1952-54) as one of the happiest times of his life. There he learned how to get on with 

people and formed a deep non-sexual fondness for his fellow soldiers. 

In 1955, Sewell became a star pupil at the Courtauld Institute of Art, London, and a 

particular protege of the newly knighted director, Sir Anthony Blunt. In later life, Sewell 

dismissed as “unthinkable” the idea that he and Blunt had been lovers, though in 1958, after 

he had gained his art history degree, it was partly through Blunt’s influence that he sailed 

into a senior job at the auctioneers Christie’s. Though his knowledge and eye were never 

disputed, many of his colleagues found him waspish and impossible to deal with. 

To console himself, Sewell had secret lunches with the young Bruce Chatwin, later to write 

On the Black Hill, and who was suffering in his own way at Sotheby’s. In 1966, Sewell 

resigned from the auction house and became a freelance art adviser or “errand boy”, making 

long trips across Europe. The turning point in his life came in 1979 when his mentor, Blunt, 

was exposed as a Soviet spy. Mobbed outside his house, Sewell became a household name 

overnight – and indeed his face and voice created such a powerful impression that he 

seemed to have upstaged Blunt himself. 

Alan Bennett’s television play A Question of Attribution (1994, based on a one-act play 

first seen at the National Theatre in 1988), imagined an encounter between the Queen 

(Prunella Scales) and Blunt in his capacity as surveyor of the Queen’s pictures. In order to 

represent Blunt, James Fox chose to play the role in Sewell’s voice. Among those whose 

attention had already been caught by Sewell’s remarkable persona was the new editor of 

Tatler, Tina Brown, who quickly conceived the idea that he should become her up-andcoming 

magazine’s art critic.

His first Tatler column appeared in June 1980, focusing on the work of his friend Salvador 

Dalí. Four years later he was approached by the Evening Standard and invited to become 

the paper’s art critic, a post that he seized upon. 

Sewell took pleasure in his writing, using baroque language and long sentences, rich in 

sexual and scatological terminology, to attack those contemporary practitioners of art whom 

he saw as derivative. He complained that most contemporary art – with the notable 

exception of the Chapman Brothers – was of “scatterbrained triviality” and even at its best 

“merely a puzzle to be solved, of no aesthetic value”. What was needed, he thundered, was 

a united opposition to all this rubbish. 

He was equally dismissive of many of the 20th-century’s most hallowed masters. Ben 

Nicholson was a “minor craftsman”, Gwen John “an extreme example of the archetypal silly 

woman”, LS Lowry “tedious, repetitive, lacklustre and stereotypical”. He mocked Lucian 

Freud for “allowing his paintbrush to crawl into a woman’s crotch with the insistence of a 

caterpillar into a cabbage heart”. 

In Sewell’s view, Picasso produced in his dotage “some of the saddest, most 

degraded, humiliating, repetitive, tedious, uninspired, obsessive and crudely painted 

banalities that have ever masqueraded as art”. He lashed out at Andy Warhol – “Few men 

have had a more destructive influence on art” – and showed no mercy for his old teacher 

Coldstream: “As a painterly influence, the harm he has done is extensive.” 

In the 1990s, Sewell began to write on a host of other subjects. His boyish interest in cars 

had already found expression in a regular feature in the Evening Standard. Now he claimed 

that vivisection had achieved nothing in terms of a cancer cure, lambasted viewers of Cilla 

Black and readers of Jeffrey Archer, dismissed the Princess of Wales as “a silly young 

woman”, and complained that while travelling in Gascony and Aquitaine he was never once 

offered proper mayonnaise. 

He continued to be sincerely outrageous. Political subjects excited him most. He believed 

the Iraq war was thoroughly immoral, and when Tony Blair asked people to trust his 

government, Sewell responded: “Trust them? I would sooner trust ferrets to feed a pet rabbit 

lettuce.” 

As a neighbour, though, he was kind-hearted, offering advice on cars, leaking gutters and 

problematic cisterns. He loved animals devotedly and was particularly attached to the dogs 

he had picked up abroad or in a rescue centre, even those with disagreeable personalities. 

When I first met him, he owned a Jack Russell called Mrs Macbeth. “I dislike Mrs Macbeth 

intensely,” he confided. “She’s horrid. She’d been taken to the vet to be put down for 

generally unpleasant behaviour – she’d bitten a baby – and the vet asked if I could take her. 

Within minutes, she had bitten me.” When he moved house, he methodically dug up the

emains of eight dogs and reburied them in his new garden. “I wanted them with me,” he 

explained. “If they’d been humans, I wouldn’t have cared a fig.” 

In recent years a serious heart condition did not restrain Sewell from driving his gold 

Mercedes at high speed, drinking vast quantities of coffee, falling in love or expressing ever 

riskier views in print. But he grew increasingly wistful about the course his life had taken. “In 

emotional terms I’ve made a mess of my life,” he said. Being an art critic, he believed, had 

destroyed his private life. “I try to stand apart. Nothing matters more than intellectual probity. 

The critic must be prepared to sacrifice even his closest friends.” 

Perhaps it was in this spirit that he eventually produced his bestselling two volumes of 

autobiography, Outsider and Outsider II (2011 and 2012), which began with his ramshackle 

childhood, unhappy time at school and the epic sex sprees he enjoyed as a young adult, and 

went on to present Christie’s in the 50s as “a den of amateurism and low-level corruption”. In 

Outsider II he retells the Blunt affair and ends by describing himself as “a Cassandra 

bewailing the end of the ancestral arts that have served mankind so well since his 

beginning”. The books are full of salacious material – or “pure filth” as one reviewer put it. 

In 2013, he published Sleeping with Dogs, a book celebrating a lifetime of canine 

attachments. Here he confessed he often slept with four dogs at a time and revealed that 

the once hated Mrs Macbeth had eventually become a pillar of the community. His final book 

was The White Umbrella (2015), a tale about Mr B and his pet donkey, Pavlova, intended to 

impress on children the need to take responsibility for the environment. 

Sewell claimed to hate his celebrity status and remained wry about his homosexuality, a 

condition he described as “an affliction”. Asked if his writing had done any good, he replied: 

“None whatever. I haven’t had the slightest effect on anything in politics or the arts.” 

Despite these brave admissions, an ever-worsening heart condition and then cancer, Sewell 

was high-spirited to the end: passionate, cruel, kind, far-sighted, puffed up, self-hating – and, 

the author of many secret acts of kindness, always loyal to old friends and new. 

Daily Telegraph Article - An article by Angela Wintle taken from the Daily Telegraph 

magazine 7th March 2015 

John Foster - passed away 10th April 2015 

John passed away peacefully on April 10 th this year. He had suffered in his last few years 

from Alzheimer’s. As this progressed, his fleeting insights into his situation caused him much 

frustration which he handled with great dignity. This was matched throughout by Angela’s 

love, devotion and strength.

John, together with his brother Dee, joined Haberdashers at Hampstead in 1943. He 

represented the school in most sports, rugby, cricket, athletics and boxing, from where 

lifelong friendships were formed. He continued his rugby and occasional cricket with the Old 

Haberdashers for years, and became a regular on the touchline alongside Nobbly and Dick 

Cook when his sons were playing many years later. 

As well as rugby and cricket, he was also a keen fisherman and golfer, but his greatest love 

was skiing. This started from a school trip to Wengen in 1947, run by John Dudderidge, and 

gave him his lifelong love of skiing and the Alps. 

Sadly, tragedy struck John’s family in 1958 when his brother was killed in action as an RAF 

pilot in Aden and this affected him deeply. 

He had met Angela while at school. Boat trips to Bisham Abbey, and the Norfolk Broads, 

gave way to National Service and training as an Architect, before they married and settled to 

life in Walton on Thames. They moved to Radlett in 1966, where their sons David and Paul 

attended Haberdashers at Elstree. 

He spent his working life as a professional architect, working at John Laing and for much of 

his career at Kyle Stewart, where his notable achievements included designing the 

prestigious Southwark Crown Courts in London. Little known was his skill as a fine artist, 

which he would indulge from time to time. His perfect job could easily have been The Boys’ 

Own illustrator. 

They eventually retired to South Devon in 1997, where John’s natural gift of humour would 

delight his grandchildren on their many visits, during which he would ensure their continued 

education in the classics: Ben Hur, The Magnificent Seven and Last of the Mohicans. 

His passing and release from Alzheimer’s, allows us to look back clearly on a good life full of 

happy memories, on a man who was courteous, kind, devoted to his family, and overflowing 

with a natural generosity of spirit and dry humour that was always so easily given. 

He is sadly missed by Angela, David and Paul and all his family and friends. 

David Greenwood - passed away 22nd February 2015 

Robin Matthew – passed away 27 th September 2014 

Robin had a long and distinguished OHRFC career. He made 225 appearances for the 

1 st XV, starting on 11 th March 1950 against Sutton (8-8 draw) and ending on 16 th March 1963 

against Hull & East Riding (3-25 loss). He made his 200 th appearance against Old Paulines 

on 18 th November 1961 (3-6 Loss).

He was involved with a large number of significant projects to improve the ground and the 

clubhouse – notably the building of the stand, the clubhouse extension and the false ceiling 

in the main clubhouse. 

Robin was also a stalwart of the OH Golf Society and managed the annual fixture at his club, 

Chorleywood, for a number of years. 

He married Jackie in 1968 in Northwood Hills and their son, Angus, was born in December 

1969. 

Peter Shiells writes – “his career was in architecture working for a private practice involved in 

renovation of churches. His many appearances for the OH 1st XV are logged in Tanners 

records. A twinkling No8 with (speaking as a centre) a habit of clearing a lineout by spearing 

the ball (American football like) into the hands of our centres - at least it moved the point of 

attack! Robin, Dick Cook and I had a close friendship and we spent a lot of time after the 

games analyzing the beer and the tactics and smoking the odd cigarette - Robin usually 

appeared with only one left in a packet so we had to resort to Dick's woodbines. He 

remained a bachelor into his thirties and therefore was a stalwart of Easter tours and in due 

course the OH golf society. I started playing golf later but can remember some legendary 

weekend visits to Hunstanton which Robin had been involved in for some time. It seemed 

that this event became a sort of summer Easter tour as people like Gilbert Husband and 

Jumbo Jackman were on hand. Robin played his golf at Chorleywood and after the death of 

Michael Cloote organised the team of OH to play there until 2013. I remember his infectious 

chuckle.” 

Mike Ive writes – “although I frequently travelled to and from Hampstead with Robin, I 

haven't seen him since leaving the old place and the only thing I might have been able to 

add to the proceedings might have been the fact that initially Robin was not the most 

punctual of arrivers until the day when he arrived nearly half an hour late for the first lesson 

in the morning which happened to be taken by the Mouse who commented that at that rate 

Robin would be late for his own funeral - not such a common phrase in those days - Robin 

was so taken aback by such temerity that I can't recall him being late again!” 

Robin’s funeral was attended by a large number of OHA members : Donald Wells and 

Scotty, Rodney Jakeman, David Heasman, John Egan, Peter Shiells, Peter Mackie, Mike & 

Olga Dichlian, Brett Rolfe, David Brown, Tony Alexander, John Parker, Malcolm Tappin, Ian 

Powell, Alan Morris, Harold Couch, John Lidington, John Hanson, Peter & Patricia Vacher. 

The eulogies were given by Robin’s son Angus and by Mark Robinson (Robin’s stepson and 

son of the late Chris Robinson). Angus has kindly sent me a copy of the eulogy he gave at 

Robin’s funeral which I reproduce below :

“I want to thank everyone here for taking the time out to come and give Robin a fair send off. 

Being the man he was, I know he would be more than a little embarrassed by all the fuss 

but delighted nonetheless. Robin, as I always called him, was to me a private man, polite, 

dignified, understated and respectful. Qualities that in today’s world are in scarce supply, or 

somehow considered unfashionable. 

Robin, here are my reflections on you. 

Robin, the father - quite simply….you gave me space to be my own person, I now realise 

how lucky I was in this regard. You let me find my own way. I thank you for this. 

Robin, the sportsman - Robin loved his sports and his sports clubs loved him. When our 

local tennis club needed an extension, it was Robin who built it, with his own fair hands. 

When Haberdashers Old Boys, his beloved school and rugby club, needed a grandstand, it 

was Robin who stepped up to the mark. I recall with great pride and as an impressionable 5 

year old, the improbably massive structure that was his creation. The Old Habs clubhouse 

seem to feed my imagination as a boy, the long ago faded team pictures of a handsome Dad 

with hair, the smell of liniment and stale beer, the warm cosy fire. Wonderful memories and I 

know he cherished greatly both the club and the game itself. I think it was with great sadness 

that I eventually took up playing hockey! 

Robin, the architect - As a young boy and in my capacity as surveyor’s assistant, it was my 

time spent on Robin’s architectural ramblings that kick started my interest in buildings and 

especially my love of churches. I enjoyed being around him because he was unfailing patient 

and kind to me. Sometimes we would have a pub lunch together after a hard day’s work, 

what a treat it was to be able to spend time one on one with my Dad in such surrounds. 

Robin, the laughter - Finally I would like to pay homage to Robin’s sense of humour, perhaps 

his greatest gift. I’m sure most of us have been fortunate enough to experience first-hand his 

contagious laugh and the sheer joy expressed through his contorted face. Family occasions 

with Robin and my late uncle Stan, were a blessing. These men were seriously funny and I 

will never forget, even as a young boy, the laughter and merriment that accompanied my 

parents entertaining, often late into the night. A private person perhaps but also a person so 

generous of spirit, that he could fill any room with his laughter and humour. 

Robin, I thank you.” 

Here are some additional memories of Robin provided by Angus : 

“OH was in Robin’s blood. I was always rather fascinated by what it was that generated such 

affection for the OHA. He obviously loved his rugby and played for a great many years at

OH. But he was always recalling with great fondness the personalities, Easter tours etc. It 

was almost as if I knew these people without ever having done so. He did in fact meet my 

mother there, Jackie Matthew who was social secretary for a while. She came on tours and 

met Robin that way. 

On the subject of tours, Robin would always come alive when the subject of the West 

Country came up. As a child every holiday we had seemed to have a tour memory for him. 

To say he enjoyed them was an understatement. Robin didn’t talk about the past much but 

he did clearly delight in talking about Old Haberdashers and his countless tours. I believe 

there is even footage on YouTube of a distant tour that he went on in the 60’s. Actually 

makes for rather fascinating viewing… 

So Robin was responsible for planning and helping to construct the old stand that has now 

gone. He also helped build the changing room extension that included that massive bath. As 

a child I have memories of the club house as being this fantastic place, the smell of liniment, 

the noise of studs on wooden floors as the first team jogged out onto the pitch and the steam 

from that bath. I will always carry those memories. The bar of course was also a place of 

fascination for me and again, I put my love of beer and its smell down to formative years at 

the OH club house. It Was always rather odd to see your Dad with hair in pictures of long 

ago 1 st teams. He seemed to me quite dashing, Brylcream and all. Not like the middle aged 

Dad he would have been at the time. As you can see, the OH club house left rather an 

indelible mark on my 6 year old brain! 

At his funeral I was totally blown away by the number of people who attended. It was fitting 

that the chapel was crammed with golf friend, tennis friends but above all OH friends. He 

would have been delighted but also embarrassed at the fuss. He was a genuinely humble 

man, unassuming but also possessing of a hilarious personality. He could light up a room 

with his laughter and you couldn’t fit another laughter line on his face! Hope this helps….I 

really must visit the club house sometime.” 

Norman GM Stares (died 1990) 

William R (Bill) Gibben (died 2002) 

C Gordon SPIERS (1941-49) 

died on 15th July, 1990. 

Gordon was in the School 2nd XV and the Swimming VIII. On completion of National Service 

in the RAF he tried a variety of civilian jobs, but soon rejoined the Service, and was 

commissioned in the Equipment (later Supply) Branch. His postings included RAF Negombo, 

Hong Kong, Clark Field, in the Pacific, Abingdon (Twice), Rheindahlen, Thorney Island, 

Khormasksar (Aden), Gaydon and Upavon. He also served twice in the Ministry of Defence;

ut he was a practical man and had quickly displayed an aptitude for Air Supply Duties. He 

thus spent much of his career as a specialist organiser of Mobile Air Movements Teams, 

taking part in most of the campaigns and exercises involving swift transportation of service 

units and supplies around the world. 

His final posting was for 9 years, based at Brize Norton, where as a squadron leader he took 

part in supporting activities for the Falkland Islands campaign. He retired from the RAF only 

2 years before his untimely death at the age of 60. 

In 1956 he married Ann Hutton, sister of Michael J Hutton (1948-1955). 

Despite a busy service career Gordon enjoyed a very happy married life, and he possessed 

a variety of accomplishments. He was a natural raconteur, became a knowledgeable 

countryman, with considerable expertise in gardening, etymology, taxidermy and cooking. 

He was also a fine shot and talented artist with both pen and brush. 

He leaves a widow, Ann, and his four children, Ben, Shaun, Kevin and Jane, and brothers 

George W (1931-36) and Reggie J (1940-47). 

Alan R. BOVINGTON (1940-49) 

passed away at Chard on August 1996 and was buried in Taunton on August 7th 1996 

surrounded by immediate members of his family and some close friends. 

Alan, was vice-captain of the School in 1948 and Editor of the Skylark. He was a regular 

member of the O.H.R.F.C. 'A' XV making his 1st XV debut on Boxing Day 1950 at Weston- 

Super-Mare. He continued, usually in the 'A' XV as pack leader, but captaining the side in 

1954-55 and 1955-56, before hanging up his boots in December 1963, in the Ex 'B'. He also 

made 39 senior appearances in the O.H.C.C. 1st XI. 

After school he went to the Imperial College and gained his B.A., B.Sc., A.R.C.S. C. Eng. 

and became a Barrister at Law. 

He followed this with a distinguished 16 year career at the North Thames Gas Board 

culminating in being Assistant Secretary to the Board and manager of the Management 

Services Department After a three year stint at Dexion he became Departmental Planning 

and Programming Officer of the Greater London Council. He left London to become Director 

of Planning of Anglian Water Authority where he was responsible for forward planning, 

services, water resources and the computer specification and hardware selection. He took 

early retirement and went to grow mushrooms with his beloved wife, Cherry, at his side in 

Chard.

He and Cherry were blessed by the birth of twins and it was a major tragedy in both of their 

lives that one of them developed a tumour in the brain which led eventually to a loss to the 

family with considerable impact on everyone concerned. 

A major influence in Alan's life was his military training where he was a Second Lieutenant in 

the National Service of the Royal Artillery and where he eventually became a Lieutenant 

Colonel of the London Scottish Territorial Service. 

Alan was a man who gave complete loyalty and sincerity to everybody he was in contact 

with and in turn inspired a similar loyalty and affection from the people to whom he was close 

This degree of loyalty was unusual even in his era, and would be even more unusual in the 

present era and it heightens the sense of loss which everyone associated with him will feel. 

Peter Freitag 

John L BOUCHERAT (1944-49) 

died on 8th August 1990. 

Leaving the School with his matriculation, John studied as an accountant. After qualifying, he 

eventually joined Stofforths, in Chichester, but was forced to retire towards the end of 1989, 

when he was diagnosed to be suffering from motor neurone disease. Although he lost the 

power of speech, John remained mobile for the ten months of his illness, during which his 

strong faith (he had been head server at Chichester Cathedral for some time) and his sense 

of humour enabled him to cope. He died peacefully, at home. 

Having been a member of the 2nd VIII at the School, John maintained a strong interest in 

rowing, in particular, attending the Regatta at Henley, where he had entry to the Stewards' 

Enclosure. 

After a contemporary had encouraged him to join the Association, in 1984, John attended 

both the biennial reunion dinners of his decade, in October 1985 and March 1987, as well as 

the Centenary dinner in March 1988. However, the remainder for the 1940-49 decade 

dinner, in April 1989 brought an apology - possibly because the lengthy night journeys back 

to Chichester were becoming rather too frequent. 

He leaves a widow, Angela. 

1948 

Geoffrey M Scholl (11th January 1932 - 30th May 2015)

Keith Scholl writes - Geoff was always proud to be an Old Habs man often seen wearing his 

OH tie. After National Service in the RAF he became a salesman for several Oil Companies. 

This led to various moves around the country ending up in Lutterworth Leicestershire. He in 

later life specialised in carburation for fleet use with LPG His two younger brothers, both Old 

Habs were at his funeral wearing their OH ties too! 

Reverend Canon John Knowles-Brown AKC (1941-48) 

(Obituary written by Keith Dawson) 

John Knowles-Brown died on 3 March 2014 at the age of 84, following a short illness. 

Although he was a good age, his death came as a shock to all who knew him because, until 

the last days of his life, John had been full of zest and youthful spirit. Our sympathy goes to 

his wife, Pamela, and daughter, Hilary, in their loss and we remember a friend who was a big 

man in every way. 

John Henry Knowles-Brown was born in Whetstone on 10 February 1930. He was a pupil at 

Hampstead and a member of Russell’s during and just after WW2 (1941-48). His family had 

many connections with Haberdashers and Russell’s. His father, Frank Henry Knowles- 

Brown, attended the school from 1909, just a decade after the move from Hoxton to 

Cricklewood. Frank’s brother Arthur, and John’s uncle on his mother’s side, were also HABS 

boys at that time. John’s son, Matthew (1970-77), who was Vice-Captain of the School in 

1976-77, died tragically young in 1983. 

At school, John was a keen member of the CCF, enjoyed rugby and was an enthusiastic 

cross- country runner who represented the School and ran with the Highgate Harriers. With 

typical diffidence, he always claimed not to be in any serious way academic but he had a 

keen mind and a highly-tuned intuitive sense. He retained strong feelings of loyalty and 

affection for the School. When I came to know him in Sidmouth he often talked to me about 

HABS in his time, and in Matthew’s. We went together to a number of OH West Country 

Dinners in the past 15 years and I had planned to take him and Pamela to the next Dinner 

on 14 October this year. 

From a very young age John had felt a call to the ordained ministry. It is said that the family 

called him its black sheep because nobody else had ever before imagined doing anything so 

outlandish as becoming a clergyman. However that may be, he first acted on his sense of 

calling when he was 16 or 17 by going to a national conference under a schoolboy selection 

scheme. Young John was told to come back after he’d done his National Service. 

So it was that John gained invaluable experience of life as a national serviceman in the RAF 

Police from 1948-50. At 6’4” he must have been a convincing sight! That experience at an

end, John entered King’s College, London, to read Theology. In 1954 he was ordained a 

Deacon of the Church of England, in the diocese of St. Albans. His first curacy was at St. 

Andrew’s, Hertford, and it was while he was at Hertford that he married Pamela whom he 

had known since they were teenagers together in the local church youth club. Then in 1958 

he and Pamela moved to the parish of St. James in Bushey where John was appointed to a 

second curacy. 

After three years in Bushey John went back to the RAF, serving as a Chaplain from 1961 to 

1965, including a happy two-year posting with his family to Famagusta in Cyprus during an 

unusually peaceful interlude in the island’s civil war. 

Returning to civilian life in 1965, John began his first incumbency at the church at Farley Hill, 

in Luton. The parish was on a large council estate and services were initially held in a multipurpose 

hall-church. In his seven years in Luton John achieved two big changes. He pushed 

through and supervised the building of a new church. He then discovered that the land 

where it was built had belonged to a French Abbey dedicated to St. John the Baptist in the 

time of Henry II, and so the church of St Michael and St George became the Parish Church 

of St John the Baptist. 

In 1972 the family moved to Totteridge where John became Vicar of St Andrew’s, the church 

where he had gone to Sunday School and where his father had been a member of the 

Church Council. John served St. Andrew’s for 23 years until his retirement in 1995. During 

that long ministry John Knowles-Brown gained the respect, the liking and the love of his 

parishioners because he was good to his core, open, direct, straight and fair-minded, utterly 

unpretentious and there for them. He was an acute listener, a man who understood human 

suffering at first hand and who could truly empathise with those who needed him. 

John made his mark in the wider life of the diocese of St. Albans. He served as Rural Dean 

of Barnet from 1979-89 and was made an Honorary Canon of St. Albans Abbey in 1985. 

When he retired 10 years later he was made a Canon Emeritus. There was a strong thread 

of mission and service running through John’s life, from his teenage years to the very end. In 

his almost 20 years of retirement in Sidmouth he, and Pamela, were fully engaged in the life 

of the parish helping with whatever seemed useful. 

Throughout his life, John was a doer and a fixer. Had he not become a priest he could 

certainly have had a successful career as an architect, a project manager - or even as a 

craftsman [a missed vocation, perhaps?]. His mother’s father had been an architect and his 

father was a clock collector, maker and repairer who ran the family business in Hampstead 

and London. John was a very practical man; it was embedded in his genes. 

As a boy of 12 he took apart one of his father’s medieval clocks just to see how it ticked - 

and, impressively, he put it back together again. He could never resist a creative challenge 

and the Knowles-Brown home in Sidmouth contains many examples of John’s 

craftsmanship, including an 18th century sofa and chairs beautifully re-upholstered and re-

covered. Late in life he taught himself to play the classical guitar rather well, but strictly for 

his own pleasure. 

He put his practical skills to good use also in his work for the Church. Not only in Luton 

where he conceived and oversaw the building of the new church, but also recently in 

Sidmouth where he became site manager during the large-scale re-ordering of the parish 

church. He was in his element, keeping a close eye on the work in progress, getting to know 

the team of craftsmen and effectively becoming their chaplain. The results were stunningly 

good. 

Above all, John was a good, sweet man who lived out his deeply held beliefs each day. He 

was unfailingly positive and cheerful and he made life better for those around him simply by 

being himself. He was also shrewd and acute; within his twinkling smile there was an 

appraising gleam. He will be missed by his many friends but long and happily remembered. 

Colin Stuart Paterson CBE, (1948) Soldier and Shipping Company Managing Director. 

(1932 – 2013) 

The following obituary has been written by Ronald Partington. 

Colin died on the 14 th April 2013 in his 81 st year, just 13 months after the passing of his twin 

brother Michael. 

Colin’s early life in Finchley, where he grew up, has been covered by Brian Granger in his 

obituary for Michael. 

Colin and I became friends in 1948 when we were in the same form and played in the first 

fifteen rugby team. He was a stalwart in the second row and went on to play for the O.H. for 

a number of years after leaving school. Visions of this 6ft. 2 man of 14 stone with a scrum 

cap controlling a mass of hair and giving his all on the pitch remain clear. 

Colin joined the Royal Artillery at the commencement of his National Service, but after 

Officer training was commissioned into the Royal Leicestershire Regiment. He served in 

Korea and was in the front line against North Korean and Chinese forces. He was reluctant 

to talk about his experiences and the horrors of war.

On returning home on the completion of his full time service, he joined the London Scottish 

Regiment, to complete his Territorial Army commitment and during this time was promoted 

to Captain. This was the same Regiment served in by his Aberdonian father Lieut. Paterson, 

known affectionately as Long Pat. 

Colin started his working career with Union Castle in the London docks and was involved in 

the handling and shipping of freight. After a number of years he joined North Sea Ferries, 

which was a new company involved in a Roll on and Roll off operation, between Hull and 

Rotterdam. In 1968 the company had two ships, one under the Dutch flag and the other 

under the British flag. Colin was in sole charge of operations for the latter vessel. 

During his 14 years in Hull, he became a Governor of the Humberside College of Education 

and Chairman of the College’s Maritime Advisory Committee. He was awarded an Honorary 

Fellowship by the College for the contribution he had made over a number of years. 

In 1983 he became Managing Director of Caledonian MacBrayne, which was centred in 

Gourock on the Clyde. The Company provided ferries for the Hebridean islands off the west 

coast of Scotland and was subsidised by the Scottish Executive. The family made a new 

home in Helensburgh. 

During the 14 years he was to remain Top Man at Cal Mac, until his retirement, he was 

involved in all aspects of the workings of the Company. He used his management and 

personnel skills to bring about the successful development of the company, often against a 

challenging financial environment. This was evident with the introduction of new ferries on 

various routes. He was well respected and regarded by his staff. 

In the New Year’s Honours list of 1994 Colin was awarded the CBE for ‘Services to Scottish 

Shipping and Services to the Highlands and Islands.’ 

In retirement Colin realised there was a life after work. He spent 2/3 days a month with the 

Highlands and Islands Enterprise Trust for awhile and became a leading campaigner to 

restore the ‘Maid of the Loch’ paddle steamer, to service on Loch Lomond. Golf became a 

good way to get some exercise and enjoy good company in most weather conditions. 

His loving family always remained the centre of his life, together with his religious beliefs. He 

was an Elder at St.Columba’s Church in Helensburgh for many years. 

During the early part of his career I lost contact with Colin and it was by chance that we got 

together again about 25 years ago. It was a pleasure to renew our friendship and get to 

know his supportive family. His last two years were not easy for him as the progressive 

advancement of Parkinsons took effect. He bore these difficulties with great fortitude.

He is sorely missed by his wife Marcella, children Stuart, Andrew, Fiona, Catriona and all 

who knew him. 

The following obituary was published in The Scotsman 22 nd April 2013. 

Colin Paterson who has died after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, was – from 1980 to 

1997 – the politically astute, occasionally controversial managing director of Caledonian 

MacBrayne. He upgraded the company’s Highlands and Islands shipping fleet in the final 

decades of the 20th century and frequently stressed that efficient, economy-boosting ferries 

were dependent on improved rural roads and ports, including a new route from Oban to 

Mallaig. 

Paterson was involved in controversy when the company introduced Sunday ferry services 

in some Hebridean island communities, where many people made it clear they didn’t want 

them. 

In 1989, the company succeeded in its plans in North Uist, but failed two years later at 

Tarbert, Harris, when the local churches and the vast majority of residents fiercely opposed 

the introduction of Sunday sailings. 

It took a threatened blockade of the pier by Scalpay fishermen opposed to the Sunday 

sailings and the realisation by then Scottish Secretary Malcolm Rifkind that the government 

would have to send in the Royal Navy if it was determined to break the protest. In February 

1991, the company had to make undignified retreat – and it would be 20 more years before 

Tarbert had Sunday sailings. 

Paterson was an intelligent, efficient executive who managed, after some years of lull, to 

secure a succession of bigger and better ships for Caledonian MacBrayne, starting with the 

Isle of Arran, launched late in 1983 and the first major new vessel in four years. He also saw 

the conversion of services generally to end-loading – there were still half-a-dozen archaic 

hoist-loading routes when he took over – and all the vessels built under him were drivethrough, 

roll-on, roll-offs. 

There was some irritation though with the names he personally chose for the big ships. Very 

few of them were traditional and the “Isle of…” formula was criticised by many for being 

boring, while also giving the impression that a number of vessels were operating wildly offstation. 

For example, the Isle of Arran put in a good few years at Islay. 

Paterson is credited with fighting off attempts to privatise Caledonian MacBrayne and has 

been commended for his political guile. This came to the fore during the building of the Skye 

Bridge, which was contracted out to a large US company, which was empowered to charge

hefty tolls, and assured that Caledonian MacBrayne would not be allowed to continue with 

the ferry service in competition. 

When the Conservative government minister Lord James Douglas-Hamilton approached 

Paterson later asking him why CalMac was not continuing to run ferries between Kyle and 

Kyleakin the ferry company chief, in understandable irritation, is said to have told him: “It’s 

because you forbade it.” This happened on a special sailing of the car ferry Isle of Lewis at 

the end of July in 1995 – a few days before it came into service between Ullapool and 

Stornoway. 

A member of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Paterson was adamant that sea transport 

links to the islands were vital to the healthy growth of the communities they serve and he 

was circumspect about linking them to the mainland with road bridges. 

He said the case for more road bridges should be carefully scrutinised because the economy 

of an island could actually be adversely affected by a bridge. He said: “When an island is no 

longer an island, its attractions alter in tourist terms – on the one hand, a road link may make 

it easier for the delivery of goods but on the other, the tourist, who would once stay for some 

days, may be content with a fast day-trip then straight home again.” 

Paterson said that every time the CalMac fleet had been improved – and he conducted a 

programme of £66 million of capital investment in his first ten years with the company – there 

had been an immediate growth in traffic, which in turn saw more visitors heading for the 

islands. 

This was a policy he believed in and followed with simple requirements such as well-thought 

out programmes whereby buses and trains arrived to meet the ferries, which was important 

to people. 

He was decorated CBE for his services to shipping at the age of 61 after 11 years service 

with Gourock-based CalMac, having joined from North Sea Ferries, based in Hull, where he 

was UK manager. He was a governor of Humberside College and chairman of the Maritime 

Advisory Committee there. He received an honorary fellowship of the Hull-based college 

before he left the area to work in Scotland. 

When he retired 15 years ago, Paterson took on the lead role in the voluntary campaign 

group fighting to save the Maid of the Loch on Loch Lomond. Two years ago, when illness 

forced him to resign as chairman, he volunteered to continue to serve in the Maid’s souvenir 

shop and, although the old paddle steamer remained static and berthed at Balloch, it was at 

that time attracting 30,000 visitors a year to the Bonnie Banks.

He also oversaw much of the renovation of the Maid and the rebuilding of the Balloch Steam 

Slipway, which was officially opened by the Princess Royal. 

Born in London in 1932, Paterson and his twin brother, Michael, were educated at 

Haberdashers’ Aske’s Hampstead School, where the boys, both tall, strong and handsome, 

played rugby before Colin joined the Royal Artillery in 1950. He served with distinction as a 

signals officer with various regiments in Hong Kong and with the Royal Leicestershire 

Regiment in Korea. 

He first married Margaret Petrie and is survived by his second wife, Marcella, and four 

children, Fiona, Catriona, Stuart and Andrew. He was an active member of the community in 

Helensburgh, where he was a governor of Lomond School and an elder of St Andrew’s Kirk, 

where his funeral service took place on 20 April. 

BRIGADIER MICHAEL PATERSON CBE 1933- 2012 

Taken from the Worshipful Company of Cooks Newsletter – summer 2012 

The death of Brigadier MJ Paterson CBE was announced on 2 February 2012, aged 79. 

Michael Paterson was commissioned into the ACC in 1952 as a National Service subaltern. 

He served in Cyprus, was promoted to Captain in 1960 and was appointed Adjutant. By then 

he was clearly earmarked for greater things. As a major he commanded a company, served 

as a senior caterer in Germany and completed a tour on the staff in the ACC Directorate. On 

promotion to lieutenant colonel in October 1974 he was appointed Commanding Officer of 

the Army Apprentices College (ACC). This was followed by another tour in the Directorate at 

SO1 level and technical appointments as Deputy Director in BAOR and Northern Ireland. On 

promotion to colonel, in 1980, he returned to BAOR and became the senior catering officer 

in that theatre until he was appointed Director of the Corps in April 1985. 

Brigadier Paterson was a shrewd and capable leader, a meticulous administrator and could 

be ruthless when defending his Corps. He was appointed CBE in 1988. On his retirement in 

1988 to 1993 Michael Paterson was appointed Clerk to the Governors at the Royal Masonic

School for Girls. He rose to the highest echelons of Free Masonry and accrued many 

Masonic decorations. He was a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Cooks of London, a 

member for 26 years and past Vice-President of the Reuniondes Gastronomes, was made a 

Freeman of the City of London in 1994 and devoted an enormous amount of time as a 

trustee of his parish church in Crondall, raising funds and playing a part in the administration 

of the church. 

He was an enthusiastic sportsman, playing Corps rugby, cricket, tennis, squash and golf. He 

was made Honorary Life President of the Army Rugby Union in recognition of his 

enthusiastic services to Army Rugby, especially at junior level. As a tennis player, whilst still 

Director, he was adept at selecting younger, more athletic playing partners and contesting 

every point fiercely. An enthusiastic golfer, Michael was a member at Hartley Wintney GC for 

20 years and attended every ACC Golf Society major event including the Scottish tour for 

many years. He was a long term Vice-President of the Society, becoming President in 1993. 

He played a full part in Society affairs and his annual ‘President’s Day’ was always marked 

by his inviting guests to participate in what he considered to be the highlight of the calendar. 

A generous man, he was always willing to share his round, shot by shot if given the 

opportunity. 

Michael Paterson was a major contributor, loved to speak with his chefs when serving and 

was always supported in what he did by his wife Diana. Their garden parties were the stuff of 

legend; his support for her in the local Conservative party was unstinting and anyone who 

did not attend the annual Party Hog Roast missed out on something memorable. An 

achiever in the true sense of the word, Michael Paterson was approachable, courteous and 

charming and accepted his end with great courage. He will be greatly missed not only by his 

family, but the hundreds who knew and respected him no matter where they met. 

RONALD WATERS 1930-2012 – AN APPRECIATION (published on The Marlow Society 

website) 

The death of Ronald “Ron” Waters in December 2012 has deprived Marlow of one of its 

most loyal residents. Ron was instrumental in leading change, preserving our heritage, 

providing an objective analysis of problems and providing solutions. 

A true cockney born in Shoreditch within hearing distance of Bow bells, Ron was moved by 

his parents to the fresher, healthier air of Burnt Oak after he survived diphtheria when he 

was 3. He grew up in Tewksbury Gardens, attended Haberdashers Askes where he played 

cricket and rugby and made life-long friends. After leaving school, like all young men of his 

generation, he did his national service and it was while he was stationed at Woolwich that 

the young Lieutenant Waters met Mary Jean Jenkin (known to many as Jinks) on the 

platform of Woolwich Station. Mary waited whilst Ron served as a gunner in Egypt and they 

married on his return.

Despite loving the army and being a promising young officer, Ron preferred to return to 

civilian with Mary and they later had two daughters Lesley and Carolyn. In 1962 he became 

a civil servant working for London Transport and in ’68 moved to the Covent Garden Market 

Authority. Ron was responsible for relocating Covent Garden Market from its historic West 

End site to Nine Elms and spent many evening hours poring over plans and maps as he 

supervised the move. After Covent Garden Ron once again, put family first in his choices 

and joined the planning department in South Bucks District Council. This decision equipped 

him with the knowledge and skills that he would later put to such good use in his work with 

the Marlow Society and his service to the community of Marlow. 

Ron was an Elder of the United Reformed Church. His long term determination saw 

Christchurch through not one but many different redevelopment schemes starting in the 

1980s. Ron and fellow church members finally completed the revitalisation of this building in 

2003 since when it has provided the whole community of Marlow with a valuable social 

location for a multiplicity of valuable activities. He was rightly very proud of this achievement. 

As Chairman of the Marlow Society for eleven years Ron deployed his experience and 

personality to ensure that Marlow retained its historic character whilst evolving as a vibrant 

town. His skills channelled The Marlow Society’s desire to preserve this town and made it 

the effective voice it now is, much respected by the local planning bodies and councils. He 

worked closely with the District and Town Councils where his contribution was always 

valued. We all owe him a great debt of gratitude for quietly achieving so much. The 

appearance and vigour of the town today is a living testament to his works. 

Whilst devoting much time to the town Ron always found time to enjoy the company of his 

many friends. He and Mary, who was always at his side, were active and popular members 

of the Marlow Folk Dance Club and the Budavar Society. A happy and convivial person, Ron 

was always a devoted family man whose pride in his daughters and grandchildren shone 

through. This very gentle Gentleman is greatly missed by all who knew him. 

Michael JB Cloote (died 1993) 

Christopher J. ROBINSON (1943-48) 

Having battled courageously for some months in successfully overcoming a cancer in the 

colon, Chris sadly succumbed to a secondary cancer in the liver and passed away 

peacefully at home with his family on 3rd January 1995 

Chris was born on 3rd December 1931 in Hendon and spent his early childhood in north 

west London with his parents and sister Audrey, joining Haberdashers' Aske's Hampstead 

School in Westbere Road, Cricklewood in 1943. During the war he was forced to move to 

south London, whereupon he spent a term or two at Whitgift.

Thereafter, perhaps his life and achievements are best reported with the following transcript 

of the eulogy delivered by John Parker (1949-56) at the Service of Thanksgiving held at 

Christ Church, Chorleywood on 13th January 1995 and attended by over 300 friends, 

relatives and colleagues. 

'63 years and a month - too soon to be taken from us but, as we all know, the Grim Reaper 

knows no boundaries and plays his game with no rules - or laws. 

'Too soon taken from us, to enjoy the parent's reward of seeing children fulfil ambitions. 

'Too soon to achieve the status of Grandad and revel in hearing one's children complain of 

their children treating the home like a hotel. 

'Too soon to indulge the fruits of years of labour in comfortable retirement - which he richly 

deserved and looked forward to immensely. 

'Too soon, we have lost a dear friend whose loyalty and integrity in friendship, however 

difficult and brusque he may have appeared, were the hallmark of the man. 

'But this is not to say that his life was without fulfilment, as we remember him as a 

determined achiever and an energetic contributor in any area of activity, be it at home, in the 

office or on the field of play. 

'My friendship with Chris was forged many years ago through the common ground of the Old 

Haberdashers' Rugby Club and when our then young families joined with the Hansons in a 

series of summer holidays in Devon where he demonstrated the action man qualities he 

carried through life subsequently. The toddlers on holiday with us then, Mark and Allister, 

Kate and David and my own Andrew and Julie are all in their thirties now, the boys all having 

made some contribution over the years to the playing strength of the Rugby Club - as the 

girls would liked to have done! 

'Previous to our meeting he had left Haberdashers' at 18 (2 years before I even joined) 

having been in Calverts, my house and better known for sport than academy, distinguishing 

himself at rugby, cricket and boxing in addition to his first sporting love of swimming. 

'It was whilst still at school he joined the Hampstead Priory Club, a sort of 

Haberdasher/U.C.S. swimming club in which, I understand, he went on to get trials in water 

polo at county, regional and national levels as a goal-keeper. Easy in his case, as with his 

height he was never in the deep end! Typical of Chris, having joined Hampstead Priory in 

1946 alongside Sidney Bean, he maintained his relationship with club members, 

subsequently, after 10 years active membership. Even after disbandment the hard core 

members would meet annually right up to last year, I know this because Roy Naisbitt, who

played polo with Chris almost 30 years ago and still plays at the age of 65, told me the other 

day and is here today. 

'Chris did his National Service as a lieutenant in the Royal Signals, joining Derek Kenward at 

Catterick before seeing some active service in Egypt during the Suez problems of '50/'51, 

whereupon he embarked on what was to be an illustrious career within the Old 

Haberdashers' Association. 

'His achievements are manyfold and only Stagg, Cooper and Kenward might dispute that he 

was the most dedicated and committed contributor and achiever that the O.H.A. has had the 

good fortune to have had in its ranks, quietly and efficiently - "no, not quietly, he never did 

anything quietly in my experience" - loudly and efficiently getting on with any allotted or selfallotted 

task and carrying it through to its conclusion. 

'He would have to be one of only three people in over 100 years history of the O.H.A. to 

have held the posts of President of the Association, President of the Rugby Club, and 

President of the Cricket Club, such was his dedication. 

'He would have to be one of only a handful of players to have played over 200 games for the 

O.H. Cricket Club. 

'He would have to be a member of that elite group within the Rugby Club to have played 

more than 200 games for the 1st XV and certainly the only one to have achieved them in the 

most diverse positions of wing and 2nd row forward. 

'He still holds the post - war try scoring record for the Club of 26 tries in a season, all 

accomplished on the wing, and this despite being visually disadvantaged. Forseeably, in 

these days of more competitive rugby, his record will stand for some years to come and 

deservedly so. 

'He would have to be a member of an even more elitist group within the Rugby Club to have 

played for the 1st XV over the age of 40 (there were only six of us, but we have our A.G.M. 

every year in Rickmansworth and those of us remaining will continue to do so). 

'He would have to be the only player to have turned out for a game with two sons in the 

same side - against Watford 14 years ago this very weekend, joining Allister in the 2nd row, 

with Mark in the centre in what was his 594th, final and most contrived appearance in an 

O.H. shirt - but he lasted the 80 minutes. 

'He would have to be the sort of person to spend a week every year yomping across 

uncharted tracts of open country on a pub - to - pub hike, be it in the Lake District, Exmoor,

Yorkshire or the Peaks with the likes of Stephenson, Purcell and Buchanan - just for the fun 

of it and the company. 

'In all this time he was achieving and contributing, in his way, to the progress of Chambers 

and Newman, that well-known firm of West End insurance brokers that he had joined in 

1972. In only the following year, Malcolm Bennett, previously an assistant to Chris 

elsewhere, invited him to join the Board. In the ensuing years to the present time, he helped 

them through a tough development period, then, with his energy and indomitable spirit, 

helped the company through a devastating set-back, caused by one Roger Levitt, to regroup 

and recover to keep the company in the forefront of independent insurance brokers in 

the West End. 

'Notwithstanding all these action-man accomplishments, he threw himself into an 

administrative role with the Association, being appointed Secretary in 1990. Flipping through 

the current O.H.A. magazine bears witness to his contribution as many items are endorsed 

"C.J.R.". 

'As if this wasn't enough he teamed up with his great, and late friend, Alan Cooper, to further 

the aims and ambitions of the C.L.O.B. (Combined London Old Boys) and employed the 

same enthusiasm and energy typical of his playing days. To both the Association and 

C.L.O.B. he introduced many innovative ideas, emanating from years of experience and 

professional expertise, which now, like the rugby ball going through his hands, will have 

been passed on and carried through the gain line and on to the touch-down in the fullness of 

time for the benefit of all concerned. 'If I have given you an impression of a man for whom I 

have an enormous respect and affection I will have fulfilled my intention, and I am confident I 

echo the feelings of many others as demonstrated by your attendance here today. 

'To Fern, Louise and Claire I offer my heartfelt condolences and sympathy in their loss of a 

husband and father, somebody regarded by us all as a lovely man and I hope we can assure 

them that they can count on our support in the future. 

'Chris - you will be missed but your presence will continue to be felt by all of us who enjoyed 

the privilege of being your friend - a great companion to your peers and a source of 

inspiration and an example to the younger echelon following on. 'Chris - to you at opening 

time on the threshold of that ultimate and eternal Club house - 'Cheers and God Bless!' 

John Parker 

Philip M LEIGH (1942-48) 

died after a short illness on 9th October 1987 at .the comparatively early age of 57.

He was a staunch Zionist, making his first visit to Israel the year he left School, where he 

had been a prefect, captain of Strouts, a member of the Chess Club, the Music Society and 

of the 2nd XV. That autumn, he entered St John's College, Cambridge, where he read law 

and was called to the Bar at Gray's Inn, the same year he came down from University, 

practising for a time in Chancery. 

Some two years after marrying Jacqueline in 1955, with the assistance of his father-in-law, 

Philip took over a small building society and became its managing director, building up the 

assets of the Bolton to a sum approaching £100m. In 1962, he became a founder member of 

the National Association of Estate Agents and, with his legal background, soon found himself 

chairman of the legislative sub-committee, charged with counteracting propaganda, which 

was seeking to discredit unqualified estate agents. Philip was so successful in doing so, that 

the NAEA has now become firmly established as the flagship of the independent estate 

agency, outside the ambit of the old established firms. At the time of his death, he was a 

Vice-President of the Association and a Fellow of the Chartered Building Societies Institute. 

In contrast to his business life, Philip had a flair for writing radio scripts, notably for Ben Lyon 

and Bebe Daniels in their long running “Life with the Lyons”. He was also adept at designing 

jewellery and was a keen bridge player. A life member of the HOBC, he remained a keen 

supporter of the Association, donating at subscription rates and attending the 1940-49 

decade dinners. 

He leaves a widow, Jacqueline, and two sons. 

Derek G. Kenward (1943 - 48) 

died January 2001 

Derek Kenward was born on 20th November 1929 in Cricklewood and first went to Mora 

Road Primary School from 1935 to 1939 but with the Second World War looming he was 

evacuated to Somerset where he attended the village school at Queen Camel and then went 

to Sexey’s School, Bruton as a weekly boarder in 1941. 

With the threat of the blitz receding in September 1943 the family returned to London and 

Derek was accepted by Haberdashers’, then situated in Hampstead where he remained until 

1948. During his time at the School he led a full and busy life being appointed a Prefect, 

made vice-captain of Russells; was in the Cricket Xl from 1945-48, captaining in his final 

year; was in the Rugby 1st XV in 1947 and 1948; was in the School boxing team in 1946 - 

47 and in the athletics team in 1948 and additionally a sergeant in the J.T.C. 

Upon leaving School his National Service was undertaken in the Royal Signals Section 

where he served as a 2nd Lieutenant Transport Section. On returning to civilian life in 1950 

he joined his father’s firm of solicitors, Robsons, on the Chiswick High Road as an articled

clerk and in 1956 he became qualified and then in 1958 became a partner where he worked 

until his retirement in the 1990s. 

As an Old Haberdasher he was one of the major figures in the Club’s history. One of a select 

company of four to hold the three senior presidencies, the Association, the Rugby Club and 

the Cricket Club. Additionally Derek is a member of both 200 Clubs for those who have 

played 200 1st team games for either Club. 

As a rugby wing forward Derek was a true loose forward preferring the attacking side of his 

duties to the defensive chores but was an important member of the !st XV and was vicecaptain 

of the Club from 1954 to 1958 and thereafter President from 1968 to 1970. 

But Derek’s real sporting love was cricket and at Borehamwood he was both captain and 

President. However after leaving School he joined Brondesbury and did not become a full 

time member of the O.H.C.C. until 1953. He then made 317 first team appearances with his 

last match being in1976. During this time he amassed 4,660 runs as well as scoring the now 

legendary 154 against Old Merchant Taylors in July 1960. This remained the Club’s highest 

individual score for thirty years, and he still remains the holder, with Chris Robinson, of the 

seventh wicket batting record of 110 also against O.M.T., in 1959. 

Memories of Derek include being able to set your watch by his appearance at Borehamwood 

following his playing retirement. His arrival at the ground punctually at 6.10 p.m. on a 

Saturday, often in his wonderful candy striped blazer in the Club colours of magenta, white 

and blue, to watch the last hour and a half was an event in itself and conversations in the bar 

were always accompanied by much laughter and of course by a White Shield Worthington, a 

drink many of us were first introduced to by the ‘Guv’nor’. 

It is obviously sad for all who knew him that his final years were dogged by a long fight 

against cancer. However he never lost his optimism or his sense of fun. His funeral, well 

attended by Old Boys included the hymns ‘All things bright and beautiful' and ‘Jerusalem' 

and the congregation left to a rendition of ‘In the Mood’ by Joe Loss. 

For Derek, good companionship was paramount and anybody who knew him will never 

forget his infectious laugh usually accompanied by a dramatic sweeping back of the forelock. 

His welcoming grasp of your hand meant that you were once again in the company of a man 

who enjoyed life to its limit. With his passing life at Borehamwood and indeed Lord’s Cricket 

Ground on test match Saturday will be both a little quieter and a little less joyous. 

Brian HOPWOOD (1941-48)

Died tragically early (at the age of 66), only a few weeks after the diagnosis of his illness and 

only four years after his official retirement. 

He had played for the School 1st XV, gaining his colours in his second season, 1947-48. 

having also been a member of the cricket 3rd XI, the school boxing team and the shooting 

VIII (with colours). He belied the theory that most scientists preferred being cooped up in 

laboratories! 

Joining the O.H.R.F.C. in 1949-50, he played mainly as a prop in the 'A' XV, although he 

was able to adopt himself to hooking, when the specialists were unavailable. Always making 

himself available, he played his first senior game at Paignton, on 4th November 1950, 

followed by two other appearances later in the season. Two years later, his senior quota was 

doubled to six but it was not until 1956-57 that he became a fairly regular member of the 1st 

XV, with another dozen appearances. His 25th and only other game came on 20th 

September 1958 resulting in a satisfactory win over Streatham. It is thought that he was to 

have captained the 'B' XV, that season but his business commitments had decreed 

otherwise, so his football career finished, then and there! In the interim, he had played 

upwards of a hundred times for the 'A' team. 

We are indebted to Angela (whom he married in 1963) for the following career details. Brian 

was an electrical engineer and he became a director of M.B.M. Technology in 1978. The 

move from G.E.C. to M.B.M. Technology in Sussex was attractive to both, as an escape 

from the London area for their growing daughters, Anna and Emma. 

Until his retirement much of Brian's working life was within the defence and aeronautical 

industries. Lately he had taken up photography again and had become involved in local 

affairs and he toyed with the idea of joining O.H. Rifle Club and suddenly he was no longer 

with us! 

Although a life member of the Association, Brian continued to pay the full dues and attended 

the earlier reunions of his 1940-49 decade dinners. 

To Angela, Anna and Emma, we would wish to touch upon their sad loss. 

Edward J. GRIEW (1943-48)

died during December 1996. 

Apart from appearing as a wicket keeper for the O.H.C.C. 1st XI in 1954 and 1955 on a few 

occasions, Edward had little contact with the O.H.A. 

He gained a degree at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. 

Ivor Ronald Binney 

Ivor passed away peacefully on 5th September 2010 at the age of 80 

1947 

Revd. Prebendary John Bernard Gaskell – passed away 28th October 2015 

(Contributed by Michael Clark – 1947) 

John died in Lewisham Hospital after a short illness on October 28 th 2015 aged 87. 

John’s distinguished career in the Church of England started in 1940, when he and I joined 

the choir at St Lawrence Whitchurch, Little Stanmore. This required a commitment to attend 

three evening practices at 6.00pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and singing at three 

services each Sunday – not a bad challenge for 12 year olds! Although we were in different 

forms at Haberdashers and had totally different career paths in front of us, cycling 

together,frequently in the pitch dark,during the blitz and beyond,cemented our close,lasting 

friendship. 

On leaving Haberdashers in 1947, John served two years National Service in the 

Intelligence Corps., read Theology at Jesus College, Oxford and trained for the Anglican 

ministry at Chichester Theological College. He then served as Parish Priest at St James 

Elmers End, All Saints Margaret Street,The Grosvenor Chapel and St Alban the Martyr in 

Holborn. 

John was a very perceptive priest, sensitive to the needs of others, creative in his thinking, a 

great reader, preacher and raconteur, with a great sense of humour and to top it all, was an 

excellent cook! 

John was a founding activist of “Affirming Catholicism”, was a Prebendary of St Paul’s 

Cathedral and was awarded the Cross of St Augustine in 2005 by the then Archbishop of 

Canterbury,Dr.Rowan Williams. The award was given for outstanding service within the 

Church of England.The Commendation signed by the Archbishop reads as follows:-

Victor Stock, the Dean of Guildford, remembers as a young theological student hearing John 

Gaskell preach at All Saints’, Margaret Street, and saying to him afterwards, “that was the 

worst sermon I’ve ever heard”. He realises that it shows how arrogant and stupid students 

can be, for Sir John Betjeman, who heard him preach week after week, has said that he was 

the best preacher in the Church of England! In a forward to a book about Grosvenor Chapel, 

Mayfair, John Betjeman said, “The preaching tradition is fine. The best preacher I know is 

John Gaskell. I am very glad to say that I am a sermon taster, and I have never heard better 

sermons than his. He has the natural melody of language in his words. He is obviously a 

poet.” This is praise indeed from one of our greatest 20 th century poets. 

Today we are thanking John for his distinguished service as a priest in the Church of 

England.While many know of his preaching, his influence in the confessional and as a 

spiritual director, especially among the clergy, has been more hidden 

In retirement Fr Gaskell is often asked to speak about the Ministry of Reconciliation and 

through his experience, humour and humanity, a neglected sacramental grace is being 

rediscovered. This ministry continues to bring fresh discernment, healing and hope to many 

within the confidentiality and silence of the confessional and many lives have been changed 

through his work as a spiritual director. The fruits of this ministry have been shared even 

more widely through his book “Making a Rule of Life”. 

John is a man of immense courage. When he hosted the first meeting of Mainstream, which 

later became Affirming Catholicism at St Alban’s, Holborn, he was much criticised by fellow 

Anglo-Catholic clergy.Holding the first eucharistic meeting of Affirming Catholicism at the 

conservative St Alban’s was significant and symbolic for the movement’s future It helped 

many of the same tradition to exchange rigity and exclusiveness for an honest engagement 

with the demands of an open and exploring catholic faith. John has been a great exemplar 

of the best catholic values in their fully, all-embracing sense, without aggression or narrow 

“sectarianism”. 

On a lighter note, John is also a great friend to many and is known as a generous host and 

appreciates his reputation as a bon viveur. His interests extend beyond the church; he is 

particularly knowledgeable on the subject of Wagner and maintains a regular progress 

around the art galleries of London 

I have great pleasure in awarding John the Cross of St Augustine for, as one of his friends 

puts it, ‘representing the finest and best of rounded Anglicanism’. 

Glen D WARD (1940-47) 

died suddenly on 18 June 1991, only a few months after retiring from Coutts and Co, the 

bank with which he had spent all his business life, from the age of 16. 

Leaving the School after taking matriculation, Glen's sporting career was only beginning to 

blossom. Although (after a successful start) the 1st Xl was having a poor season, he found

that there was no place for a successful 2nd XI opening bat, since the senior side was 

composed virtually of the same personnel as in 1946. In the circumstances, Glen probably 

enjoyed his season in a side which won 8, drew 1 and lost only to Merchant Taylors, being 

awarded his XXII colours and materially assisting Hendersons to reach the final of the House 

Competition. Apart from being dragooned into running in the junior cross-country race and 

being promoted to Lance Corporal in the ATC, these appear to have been the unlikely 

beginnings for an athlete who was destined to play cricket and soccer (including several 

seasons as captain) for Coutts & Co., hockey for Harrow and rugby for Hastings and Bexhill 

- and between 1954 and 1961, four games for the OHR17C 'C' XV, during which he scored 4 

tries and a dropped goal! 

Although Coutts & Co. were a strong club side (three minor county players and another who 

had played occasionally for the Kent County Xl), Glen skippered them on a number of 

occasions, when the appointed captain was absent. While his elder brother, Desmond, (Old 

Lyonians & Pinner), managed to avoid playing against Glen (who played some Sunday 

cricket for Bessborough, at that time, on the circuit), he feels that he may have seen him in 

action at the top of his bent. This was during Glen's National Service, when he played for the 

RAPC on the main square at Lords (not the Nursery where such games are now staged) and 

hit the Cross Arrows for 92, to all parts of the cricketers' Mecca. 

Fortunately, the late Donald Blessley (mainly responsible for founding the OHCC, as a 

wandering side, in the latter part of the 1947 season), was already a senior member of 

Coutts, when Glen arrived. Accordingly, on Sunday 26 June 1949, the latter found himself 

playing for his Old Boys' Club, against OMT at Durrants and being 34 not out when the 

game was won by 6 wickets. Glen also played against the School and Mill Hill Village, giving 

himself an average of 56, by being out for 12, in the latter game. 

During the next four seasons, he made 17 more appearances for the OHCC, with a top 

score of 97 not out against Totteridge, when he declared, considering that 206 for 6 was 

enough for an afternoon game. His judgement was proved right - by 100 runs! By now he 

was a complete allrounder his right arm medium pace charge bowling earning him 5 for 7 

against Pinner, in 1952. With the additional acreage which became available, members of 

the OHCC laid a square between rugger pitches and 1954 saw the first home game at 

Boreham Wood. While Glen found the home-made wicket too slow for his style of batting, 

during his last half-a-dozen seasons, he was persuaded to increase his annual appearances 

and played a further 59 games for the OHCC, with 14 of them at Borehamwood. 

In spite of his dislike for the wicket, he still managed to score two of his ten fifties, during this 

period, on the home square - which would seem to be par for any course. Nevertheless, he 

saved his only OHCC century (the club's first) for North Mymms (the side he most wished to 

beat) in 1955, only for the game to be rained off, with the opposition on 54 for 3, chasing a 

declared total of 183 for 6! During 1957, when he made 15 appearances, Glen accumulated

483 runs, at an average of 37.15. Appropriately, his last serious game for the club was on 30 

August 1959, when he made 58 towards a total of 153 for 5, to beat North Mymms!. 

During his OHCC career (which included an appearance in a cricket week at the School in 

1978!) Glen made 1,967 runs at an average of 32.78 and took 54 wickets at 16.61 apiece. 

Certainly, the best all-rounder to have played during the clubs 45 seasons and arguably, the 

best left-handed bat. 

Some OHCC cricket contemporaries last saw Glen at the club dinner in October 1990, when 

he was his usual quiet self and appeared to be fit and well and looking considerably younger 

than his approaching three score years. He was already looking forward to his imminent 

retirement, then some six months ahead - particularly to the cessation of travelling from his 

home in Westfield, near Hastings, to the City. 

These and all others who knew Glen would wish to extend their belated sympathy to Judith, 

in her grievous and unexpected loss, which has come while their youngest daughter, 

Jessamy, still at school and their son James, at college. Also to the two married daughters, 

Amy & Alexandra and to Desmond, who was good enough to save his sister-in-law further 

grief, by supplying details of Glen's non-OH sporting life. 

George RICHARDSON (1937-47) 

died in April 1999 

He will be remembered for his time at the School where he taught Classics before moving to 

Wakefield in 1947. 

He was born in Darlington in 1910 and at the age of thirteen won a scholarship to Christ's 

Hospital in Sussex. From there he won a senior scholarship to Lincoln College, Oxford, and 

after gaining his degree in 1933 he studied for a Diploma in Education where he met a fellow 

graduate - Ethel who shared each other's lives for the next 66 years, marrying in 1937. 

From college George first taught at Kingston Grammar School before moving to 

Haberdashers' in 1937. During the War years his time was spent in the Royal Artillery on 

gun sites and in searchlight batteries in various parts of Britain. By 1945, now as a captain 

there was a transfer to the Army Education Corps before a return to Haberdashers' for a 

brief spell before the move to Wakefield to join the West Riding Education Department. 

His interests away from teaching were in his playing days, football and cricket as well as the 

theatre, cinema and books and of course his family - his wife, children and grandchildren.

Richard W. M. COOK (1942-47) 

died on 8th March 1997, declining rapidly after cancer was diagnosed only two months 

earlier. 

The address below was given at a thanksgiving service for Dick on 17th March 1977. 

"We are here today to remember a good friend. Dick has certainly been a good friend to me 

over many years and particularly in a time of need a few years ago. A number of us here 

today spent school days with him and many more enjoyed his company as Scouts, Venture 

Scouts or Rovers, squash, badminton and not least as rugby players (to which I will return). 

"I think that his traits of honesty and conscientiousness were outstanding in the profession 

he chose. He was a public health inspector in Hampstead and subsequently Camden until 

his first retirement. 

"It gave us all a sense of well being to know that some of the more seedy looking 

establishments in that borough had undergone the Cook inspection. 

"It always amused me that when we were in foreign parts after a match against Plymouth, 

for instance, that Dick stuck to his favourite egg and chips while the rest of us explored the 

menu. 

"Work in those days appeared to be easier and the afternoons were for report writing after 

putting the world to rights with his colleagues Pete Griffiths and Doug Malcolm in one of the 

local hostelries. He used his ability and knowledge to help many a builder out of a drainage 

problem and often had a drawing board on his knee at home. 

"The period after the absorption of Hampstead into Camden was not a happy one and 

probably speeded up his decision to retire from Local Authority work some ten or so years 

ago. His experience was later put to good use when he was employed by various Housing 

Associations or Trusts as an advisor to check building quality. It kept his hand in and I have 

no doubt was really value for money.

"Whilst being gregarious Dick was never one to push himself forward. So how did this man 

represent the Old Haberdashers on the Middlesex County Rugby Committee for so many 

years alongside Tony White. He was in fact the O.H. representative from 1980 to 1991. 

Dick's view of some of the pompous self seeking guys on the committee was very close to 

that offered by Will Carling on the whole Rugby Union Committee last year. He did not suffer 

fools gladly but he deserved the post because of his dedication to the game he loved. 

"He also worked unreservedly on the O.H. rugby committee where his knowledge alongside 

that of his schooltime friend Robin Matthew was instrumental in initially saving and then 

modernising the Clubhouse and its facilities which has extended its life by some thirty years! 

"All this committee work was preceded by a glittering playing career in the era when O.H. 

rugby was at its zenith, 338 games for the 1st XV between 1953 and 1969 against such 

sides as Plymouth Albion, Pontypridd, Nuneaton, Saracens as well as all the top London Old 

Boys and Hospitals who at that stage boasted a number of current internationals. He was my 

mentor or minder on the pitch, whenever I ventured into the three quarter line from full back, 

Dick covered back. He never missed - Mr. Reliable. 

He did not look after me so well off the pitch and it often bought a chortle to him to be 

reminded that the passenger door of his Morris 8 tourer gave way on one occasion and 

deposited me on the ground at Kingsbury roundabout. Robin Matthew suffered the same 

fate and the bolt was changed to a larger one. 

Dick was also part of the renowned back row of Kenward, Matthew, Cook which remained 

together for six years and which incidentally was first formed in 1947 when they played for 

the School 1st XV One thing that Dick did insist upon was that his initials R.W.M. always 

appeared on the programme to make his name nearly as long as Robin's and Derek's if they 

only had one initial. From blind side wing forward (none of your left and right) Dick was a real 

specialist. The laws on binding were the same then as they are now but I can visualise Dick 

now creeping forward along the side of the scrum to get to the most advantageous position. 

His dummy was renowned, a long sweep of the arms and holding on to the ball just as you 

thought you had caught it! He bamboozled opponents and colleagues alike. His competitive 

spirit and enthusiasm was infectious and his desire to talk about the game insatiable. 

He scored 63 tries for the 1st XV still the record number tries for the Club by a forward and 

not far behind the highest aggregate of 100 by Chris Robinson. At his peak in 1969 he 

scored 13 tries. No wonder he was known as a goal hanger! 

"Not content with his input into the top grade O.H. rugby he went on afterwards to play down 

the Club and be a pivotal member of the 'C' XV apart from scoring many times he helped 

many to improve their appreciation of the game. Nobbly Tanner tells me that Dick played a 

recorded total of 899 games for the Club which he admits may be one or two light.

"One day when one of our team swallowed his tongue, the medical training Dick received 

during National Service enabled him to save what could have been a tragedy. 

"Inevitably the body decided that a less physical sport would take over and until mid-way 

through last year Dick continued to play squash. A weekly meeting with Dai Davies was 

anticipated with pleasure by both of them. I can imagine the game getting slower but still 

remaining competitive. Dick also played badminton at the same club as Pat and sometimes 

with her. His determination to ignore the effects of knees damaged during his long rugby 

career never ceased to amaze me. 

"I have spoken to a number of people who have referred to Dick as a private person. Dick 

and Pat were a particularly close couple with a very close knit family. Caravanning was 

probably another vestige of this image as first with family, and later on their own Dick and 

Pat enjoyed this form of holiday. 

"Christine and I with our children spent many happy hours with Pat, Dick, Carol and Janet 

and this perceived private person image covered a true family man with a good sense of fun 

and humour. 

"Our sympathy goes out to his loving family which now includes Richard, Carol's husband. 

Dick has been taken away with unseeming haste by this voracious disease. We will all have 

different memories of him, but to us all he was first and foremost, an honourable man." 

P.C.S. 

1946 

John Coggins - 1928 - 17th May 2015 

John had been suffering from lung trouble for some time and died on 17 May. He started his 

education at Bristol Grammar School and joined Haberdashers at Westbere Road, when the 

family moved to Hendon in 1942.

He went on to become totally involved in school activities and apart from doing well 

academically he became a prefect and was successful in the JTC. He played rugby for the 

first XV and as was the public service custom in those days went to harvest camp. Finally 

he passed the Higher School Inter BSc exam for London University. 

On leaving the school in 1946 he took the Civil Service open examination for the Executive 

Grade where he was very highly placed. Before being conscripted into the army John spent 

time in the Export Credits Guarantee Department of the Board of Trade. He had decided not 

to follow his success in the Inter BSc exam by completing his degree at University and went 

on to complete his conscription in the army to serve in the 14/20 th King’s Hussars. 

On demobilisation he married Muriel and continued his career in the ECGD. Meanwhile he 

studied to complete his degree by correspondence. The department underwrites exports 

and during his career he visited several countries including Jugoslavia and South Korea. 

After his service he played rugby regularly for the Old Haberdashers’ first XV and went on 

several Easter Tours. 

In 1980 his office decentralised from the City of London to the City of Cardiff when John and 

his family moved to St Hilary, a small village outside the city. Here the family happily settled 

down enjoying the advantages of rural life and where he eventually retired. He is survived by 

Muriel, two daughters a grand daughter and two great grandchildren. 

Peter J Stevenson (1939 - 46) 

Peter died on Friday 5th October 2012 at 4.55am. 

Peter made a huge contribution to the Old Haberdashers - especially to the Rugby Club, he 

made 406 appearances for the 1st XV, the fourth highest number achieved by any Old 

Haberdasher, behind Randal Whittaker, Nigel Fuller and his son Alun. 

Peter was President of the OHA and of the Rugby Club, he also served the OHA in many 

roles and was a great supporter of our events and events at the School. 

The following OH were at Peter's funeral - 

Jon Corrall, Philip Alterman, David Heasman, John Lidington, John Egan, Rodney & Gill 

Jakeman, David & Pat James, Harold Couch, Mark Rawlinson, Ian McCarthy, Eric Escoffey,

John Parker, David Brown, Ian Smart, Keith Smart, Dai Davies, Tony Alexander, Graham 

Macfarlane, Mike Subert, Peter & Patricia Vacher, Nick Cooper (Old Whitgiftians). 

Peter Stevenson Eulogy – Rev Roger Dunlop 

Peter was born on 26th April 1928 to Frederick & Edith Stevenson. He had an older brother, 

Ron, and their first home was 6, St. Leonards Street, in Westminster. Sadly his father died 

whilst he was on military service. He was baptised on June 3rd 1928 in St John's Church in 

south west London. 

In 1935 the family moved to Hendon and Peter’s reports from Colindale Junior School show 

that he made 'steady improvement' in maths and languages in particular – he became 1 st in 

his class of 48 pupils. He moved on to Haberdashers' Aske's, in Hampstead where he was 

to become a School prefect, Rugby captain, and also enjoyed cricket and boxing. 

He began his National Service in 1947 in the Middlesex Regiment but was transferred to the 

Royal Horseguards in Germany primarily to play for their rugby team! 

He met Gwyneth at a rugby match at Twickenham and they married here in June 1952, 

Peter moving to Northwood. We give especial thanks today for their 4 children: Alun (1955), 

Hugh (1957), Jackie (1958) and Jane (1960) & for his 8 grandchildren: Gordon, Andrew, 

Helena; Rachel, William; Filippo, Daniella & Marco. He loved his family and was very proud 

of them all and what they achieved over the years. He was always interested in the 

grandchildren and how their lives were developing. 

Following his sadness at Gwyneth’s departure he subsequently met and fell in love with 

Janet who he met through this church and in December 1993 they were married here. With 

marriage to Janet his immediate family grew with her 2 sons, Paul & Gary and their 2 

children (Ben & Madeleine). He found much love and happiness with Janet, and was able to 

continue his travels with a companion much to his delight. 

Peter’s first job was with Colemans as a heating representative travelling all around the 

country. He preferred to avoid heavy traffic and motorways and loved to explore country 

lanes. On family trips he would say:- 'All roads lead to Rome', and he delighted in taking the 

scenic route down lanes with grass growing in the middle of them. Sometimes he had an 

idea of where he would be, sometimes not. But it wasn't easy to tell. And 40 minutes later 

would proclaim, ‘There you are’, as if success had never been an issue. But it all knitted 

together and he had an amazing knowledge of roads and directions. 

He studied to become a Company Secretary in a Chartered Company, and he gained his 

Chartered Institute status in 1957. By the early'80s he was working for GKN, based in 

Ealing, as an Export Manager.

Peter loved hymns and the Bible. Songs of Praise was a must every Sunday. He was 

tremendously involved in the life of this church, most recently including serving as Christian 

Aid rep. With his family Peter benefitted from many of the church activities and groups 

including Sunday school, Youth & Senior Fellowships, and Tennis. He was an integral part 

of many of these. 

Then of course was the Scouts: always an important part of his life from his time with the 

24th Hendon during the war, and including joining a German Scout group at the 1st 

opportunity during his National Service. He was an Asst Scout Master before coming to 

Northwood and on moving here he was a Senior Scout Leader, an Instructor, Asst Group 

Leader, Group Scout Leader, and an Executive Committee member for many years. He was 

awarded the Silver Acorn (for 25 years service) and the Long service bar. 

There were jumble sales, gang shows, jamborees. The annual Scout jumble sale and the 

two yearly Scout gang show became firm favourites with the whole family despite the 

embarrassment of seeing Dad dressed as a Fairy or Jemima puddle duck! He was also the 

Genii of the lamp in a church drama group panto of Aladdin (the bath had a continuous 

green line around it for weeks!) & he was chosen to narrate the Church production of ‘The 

Fall of Man’ due to his clear voice. His performance of "Winkles" (an old East End lament) 

became a firm favourite around the campfire at summer camp – limited to one performance 

per annum to keep his blood pressure in check! He was known as “Pete Steve" to his 

Scouts. & ‘Stodge’ to some! 

Peter obviously loved sports - all sports - and was good at many of them, he swam in scout 

swimming gala’s and was great at butterfly. He took the children to the Haberdashers 

swimming pool at weekends and taught them to swim. He would go into the sea on holidays 

and enjoyed the waves as much as his children – one family memory is of almost being 

washed away by a massive wave in Cornwall on holiday one year even though Peter was 

holding onto them for dear life! 

Peter of course loved rugby and passed that love onto Alun & Huw. We’ll hear more about 

all that shortly. 

There were good family holidays including an annual family to Southport for a national 

Methodist holiday. He thoroughly enjoyed walking holidays with his friends eg along the 

Pennine Way. 

Peter threw himself into charitable work: he was devoted to generating aid and support to 

many charities around the world. The chosen charity for donations is Sudbury 

Neighbourhood Centre where Peter was a stalwart and driver. In September 1986 he was 

taking passengers home when flames leapt from the engine into the bus. Peter stopped and 

immediately jumped out to free his frail passengers – all confined by seatbelts or

wheelchairs. He managed to free all 10 passengers and received several awards including 

The Royal Humane Society’s Silver Medal and The Home Office Commendation for Brave 

Conduct. 

He got involved with any charity that took his interest and found ways of raising money for 

them such as persuading pubs to run raffles for Easter Eggs that he had got from 

manufacturers. Other methods included auctions, raffles, quiz’s, jumble sales, and dressing 

as Father Christmas. All involved him going somewhere and making it work. Recently he 

had become very keen on ‘The Kids for Kids’ programme - the organisation created to help 

children struggling to survive in remote villages in Darfur, Sudan. 

Despite his own failing health the wellbeing of others was usually uppermost in his mind with 

never any complaint about his own condition. Peter & Janet (& Jane) were very regular 

visitors to the Dunstable area (no short round trip from Eastcote) to care for his older brother 

Ron who was suffering with Alzheimer’s. 

Indeed throughout his life he had always made the effort to keep in touch with friends and 

relations and visited people all round the country – always dropping in for a cup of tea. Of 

course that was especially true of his children with visits to Jackie in Holland or Somerset 

and so forth. He made a point of taking time to go and watch whatever their activities were: 

Jackie playing handball, Alun & Huw’s rugby etc etc 

He was happy to help in whatever way he could, for example he once arrived at Huw’s to 

wallpaper in Wimbledon Park just as Huw were heading to Marlow for Sunday lunch. The 

papering was all done by the time Huw returned! He never said no when he was asked for 

lifts, including a 3am trip to Heathrow for one of Jane’s friends, and he frequently took Jane 

to work. He was so very proud of the fact that she was a nurse, and much to her 

embarrassment would often introduce her to everyone including doctors as, ‘my daughter 

Jane, she’s a nurse’. He was always so polite to nurses and doctors, even though he often 

didn’t hear or understand them and you knew things were bad if any negative comments 

were made about anyone. 

Other family memories include of finding Peter asleep in the car outside the family home with 

the radio playing away at full volume, since he had returned from work and wanted to catch 

the end of the radio programme! Sometimes he appeared to be almost asleep when driving 

the children on holidays and so they used to sing camp songs and chat to him to keep him 

awake. On occasions they would even pour cold water on his head if they thought he was 

beginning to doze! On drives through the country, passing some part of the farming world 

with a rich pungent odour in the air, he would take a deep breath and say, ‘Aaaah. Lovely 

fresh air.’ 

He loved liquorice (cuttings and Pontefract cakes) and it became obligatory to give him some 

for birthdays and Christmas. He also loved to make Brawn and some of you will remember 

the horrible smell as he cooked a pig’s head for hours on the stove!

He would be shy of being publicly remembered for anything - but his belief was that 

someone who contributes something, in any area, should be thanked and not taken for 

granted, and your presence today shows your love and gratitude for Peter. This gentle, 

caring, polite man who displayed strength of mind, humility and consistency without 

arrogance or malice. With his jolly, bubbly personality, his wonderful smile and his deep 

interest in you and the friends and family you shared in common. A tremendous role model 

who will be very much missed by us all. 

I rather like that image of Peter, when driving, enjoying taking the scenic route – down roads 

with grass growing in the middle of them – that for someone who managed to squeeze so 

much into his life. For someone with so many interests and activities and passions you 

might have expected him to be dashing from one thing to another via the shortest route or 

the most efficient way of accomplishing something. But no. He took time to take the scenic 

route. He took time for his family & friends. There wasn’t the rush. He was simply lovely to 

be with. 

Peter chose the Gospel reading we heard today to be read at his brother Ron’s funeral 

earlier in the year. Jesus taking time just before his arrest to reassure his friends that the 

journey on which he was set would lead to the best for them. He would prepare a 

comfortable place where they could be secure. He would give them his peace – his 

wholeness – fulfilment in their lives. 

So with deep thankfulness for Peter we entrust him today to that peace – that wholeness – 

that fulfilment. 

Tribute to Peter Stevenson by Peter Vacher - transcript of the tribute given at Peter's 

funeral 

I feel very honoured to have been asked to say a few words about Peter’s life-long 

involvement with the Old Haberdashers and I do this on behalf of all OH friends, many of 

them here today. For those not in the know, we are the former pupils of Haberdashers’ 

Aske’s school, once located in Hampstead and now in Elstree. Peter attended the school 

when it was in Hampstead and left in 1946 after what must have been a pretty eventful 

period in the school’s history. Having already proved his worth as a rugby player at school, it 

was only natural that he should make for the old boys rugby club soon after leaving, making 

his first XV debut in the second row against Weston Super Mare on the 1946 Easter tour. 

And they lost! 

With National Service out of the way, Peter consolidated his place in the club first team in 

the 1948-49 season with 31 appearances, becoming a powerful presence in an excellent 1st 

XV, travelling the country and playing some of the best clubs around. He eventually made a 

breath-taking total of 406 appearances for the 1 st XV over a 25-year period, his final call to

the colours coming in March 1971. Only three other OH players have overtaken him, 

namely the late Nigel Fuller, the still-active Randal Whittaker and rather significantly, Peter’s 

son Alun. In his final playing years, Peter turned out for lower sides too including our second 

or A team when I was the acting captain. I should add that in the few games we played 

together, I was usually hooking (that for the uninitiated is the position in the middle of the 

front row of the scrum) and I can tell you that binding onto his substantial frame was quite a 

challenge in itself. 

Peter was made President of the Rugby Club in 1985, having already served as President of 

our parent Association in 1979 and retained an unswerving devotion to the old boys to the 

end of his life, becoming a cheerful presence on the touchline, keen to follow his beloved OH 

rugby club’s progress, and regularly fund-raising for us while participating in our many and 

varied activities including the regular lunches we hold for retired members. 

Above all it was rugby at its free-flowing best that delighted him, whether at club or 

international level and he remained a rugby man through and through, enjoying the company 

of other rugby people, passing on the special rugby gene to his two sons, both of whom had 

distinguished playing careers themselves, Huw in gaining a rugby blue at Cambridge, a feat 

repeated by his son Andrew, and Alun with the OH and later as captain of CLOB, again 

much supported by his father. I gather the three of them even played in the same team on 

one very special occasion in 1971. 

How to sum up Peter? Another OH contemporary Tony White, said of him, “There was 

nothing he wouldn’t do for you. He was the kindest of men.” And so he was but he was also 

one heck of rugby player, a gentle giant as the cliché has it, powerful but benign, a firm 

friend to many and a marvellous adornment to our club and Association. I count it a privilege 

to have known him. 

Rest in Peace, Peter. 

Peter Stevenson Tribute by David Diggens - transcript of the tribute given at Peter's 

funeral 

When Alun asked if I would say something today about Peter, with an especial focus on his 

charitable work, I knew that I had a problem. The extent of Peter's charitable work is both 

legion and legendary. His commitment knew no bounds and I could only scratch the surface 

of a lifetime of helping others. That is what Peter stood for, believed in and committed to. 

On the night of Sunday 23 November 1980 Southern Italy was rocked by an earthquake of 

7.2 magnitude. The resultant damage was massive and widespread. Some 2735 people 

died and over 300,000 people in 679 towns and villages were left homeless.

The events of that Sunday gave Peter a perfect opportunity to exploit his talents. Peter 

wanted to help and he did! 

Over the following weeks, whilst most people were focused on the festive season, Peter 

raised sufficient funds to purchase a four berth caravan from a member of the congregation 

here in Northwood and set about obtaining the necessary papers to enable it to be exported 

to Italy. He negotiated hugely preferential rates with the ferry company for the channel 

crossing and secured the most generous loan from a member of this congregation of a car 

equipped with all that was necessary to tow a caravan of that size to Southern Italy. 

Peter was of course in his element. No task was too onerous and no obstacle too large and 

as Christmas drew near the only problem on the snow covered horizon was getting the 

caravan to the earthquake damaged hill town of Potenza 1300 miles away. 

I was privileged to be asked by Peter to join with him and Malcolm Gaudie in making the 

long drive and on the evening of Tuesday 30 December 1980 we left for Dover but, I may 

say, not before Peter had relieved well heeled diners and the proprietor of the Martini 

Restaurant of a substantial contribution towards the relief fund along with a tray of assorted 

pizza for the journey! 

On route, we gate crashed Old Haberdasher Roger Leverton's sumptuous New Years Eve 

party in Lyon, sleeping on the floor of his house and departing, somewhat the worse for 

wear, in thick snow in the early morning of New Years Day. 

We slept in the caravan thereafter. lt was bitterly cold. For the most part we ate in service 

stations and didn't wash! We managed an hour in snow covered Florence and enjoyed lunch 

and the warmth of a roaring wood fire in the trattoria of our choice. 

Within 72 hours of leaving Northwood we were reporting to the operations centre in Rome 

and receiving instructions for the final leg of the journey beyond Naples. There had been 

problems with the hijacking of relief supplies and we were offered the opportunity to leave 

the caravan in Rome, from where it would be taken on to the disaster area by the military. 

lt was never Peter's nature to give up and after coming so far he wasn't going to be thwarted 

by the possibility of a confrontation with those who were seeking to hijack the relief 

operation. In no time at all we were on our way, heading south. 

Naples in the early morning rush hour was safely negotiated and beyond Salerno it was 

simply a case of turning left and making the long slow climb up into the devastated mountain 

region. In the weeks that had passed since the earthquake almost no repair work appeared 

to have been undertaken and there was damage everywhere. Roads were closed and 

diversions were numerous.

Suffice it to say, we arrived in Potenza without mishap on Saturday 3 January 1981 to 

receive a rapturous welcome from the priest in charge of the relief operation and were 

directed to the sports field below the town were a temporary camp had· been set up. After 

briefly looking around the ravaged town we began the somewhat easier return journey 

knowing Peter's commitment had ensured that one more family would have shelter through 

the bitterly cold winter months that were to follow. 

I cherish the opportunity that Peter's commitment gave me to participate in taking that 

caravan to Italy. I was merely a bit player in his act of great charity and I thank him most 

sincerely for the chance it gave me and the memories I still retain. 

lt is over 40 years since I first met Peter, here at Northwood Methodist Church. In that time 

he has been a true friend and a delightful, generous companion on so many occasions. I 

shall miss him greatly. 

Alan D. SPORES (1939 - 46) 

died peacefully at his home in Worplesdon on 4th May 2001, aged 73 after a long and 

painful fight against cancer. 

His time at Haberdashers spanned the war years, whilst living in Colindale next door to Peter 

Stevenson. He was a School Prefect, House Captain of Joblings and Flight Sergeant in the 

A.T.C. On the sports field he won his Rugby 1st XV colours and played for the Cricket 2nd 

XI. Extra-curricular activities could be listed as ‘fire-watching’ and harvest camps in Kent and 

Berkshire. 

On leaving school in 1946, Alan served his National Service in the Army Intelligence Corps 

and then went up to Selwyn College, Cambridge, where he read History and Law, obtaining 

a BA Honours Degree. 

He joined O.H.R.F.C. but his playing days were cut short by a knee injury, which led him to 

take up refereeing with the London Society of R.F.U. Referees but his knee finally gave out 

and he had to become a spectator. 

Whilst at Cambridge he met Marion (nee Taylor), who was a physiotherapist at 

Addenbrookes Hospital, and they were married in Streatham in February 1953. Their first 

home was a flat in Dulwich and they then moved to Hampton, Sunbury and finally 

Worplesdon. 

Alan joined Borthwicks in the City for a brief period, leaving to join his father in a menswear 

wholesale business in a basement office in Whitehall. The business expanded into the retail 

side with the opening (and occasional closing) of a series of menswear shops in West

London and Surrey from Hatch End in the north to Reigate in the south. In 1978 an oldfashioned 

store was acquired in Sidmouth, Devon, and a year later a similar one in 

Axminster. With foresight and hard work by Alan the Sidmouth store has been modernised to 

become a miniature Harrods. The business is now managed by his son and son-in-law. 

Whilst living in Sunbury, Alan was an active member of Sunbury Round Table, becoming 

Chairman in 1966/7. He served for many years as a J.P. and Chairman of the magistrates’ 

bench at Hounslow. He was a former Chairman of the Menswear Association of Great 

Britain and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Fanmakers, and a Freeman of the 

City of London. 

Alan is survived by his wife, his son Tim, daughters Penny and Kate and grandchildren 

Hannah and Christopher. The sympathy of all his O.H. friends is extended to them all. Alan 

loved his family, and they in turn loved and respected him. He was a true family man and a 

very good friend. 

Eric Escoffey, Bernard Katz, Peter Stevenson and Tony White were present at an ‘At Home’ 

with his family and friends to commemorate Alan’s life. He is sorely missed. 

Professor Paul Freeling 

was born on August 5, 1928. He died on September 13, 2002, aged 74. 

"Professor of general practice who transformed medical training and did much to improve 

the treatment of depression 

PAUL FREELING was one of a handful of doctors who revolutionised general practice in this 

country in the second half of the 20th century. They transformed it from a hands-onstethoscope 

art, picked up on the job, into an academic discipline. Freeling was one of the 

first to be appointed to a chair in general practice at St George's Hospital Medical School, 

Tooting, and the pioneering courses he ran for the Royal College of General Practitioners in 

the mid-1970s have set standards that continue to this day. 

Because of his concern for patients, Freeling remained a partner in a general practice in 

tandem with his academic and public work. Through his research, teaching and consultingroom 

work, he profoundly changed the profession's attitude to the treatment in the 

community of depressive illness. He doggedly fought for early recognition of depression by 

GPs and in the 1990s was a key member of the Defeat Depression campaign run jointly by 

the Royal Colleges of Psychiatrists and General Practitioners. 

Freeling brought to all his work a sharp and searching intellect as well as great human 

warmth. He came from a cultured immigrant family in northwest London whose priority was 

education. He won a scholarship to Haberdashers' Aske's School and continued the prize-

winning pattern he established there with an open entrance scholarship to St Mary's Hospital 

Medical School, and with later prizes in physiology and pharmacology. 

Shortly after qualifying, he joined the RAF during the final years of National Service, He 

spent three years with the RAF, mostly in Egypt and Kenya. 

Finding a junior partnership in a general practice on his return proved difficult. The team he 

finally joined had as its senior partner Max Clyne, who had strong links both with London 

University and with the Tavistock Clinic. Freeling attended university research seminars in 

the psychological aspects of general practice and joined an innovative group studying the 

training of GPs at the Tavistock Clinic. 

The turning point for him, and for general practice, came with a book he wrote with Or Kevin 

Browne, a member of the group, The Doctor-Patient Relationship (1967). This was followed 

five years later by The Future General Practitioner, which was published by the Royal 

College of General Practioners and to which Freeling was one of six contributors. It attracted 

huge notice internationally as well as throughout the British medical establishment. 

As a follow-up, the Royal College put Freeling in charge of its Nuffield GP training courses. 

Today these are recognised as having transformed not only the training but the entire culture 

of general practice in this country. Many who attended these courses described them as 

watershed experiences. "It soon became recognised that to take part in a training seminar 

led by Paul Freeling was to enter a bullring," recalled Professor Marshall Marinker. "Paul 

would soon let you know whether and when you were to be one of the banderilleros and 

when the bull. Paul was always the matador." The warmth of Freeling's personality shone 

through all the rigours of his training, and he became a lifelong mentor to many of his peers. 

In academia he already was senior lecturer in general practice at King's College Hospital. In 

1976 he transferred to St George's Hospital Medical School, where he became the 

Foundation Professor of General Practice in 1985. 

One more challenge now faced him - to make general practice not only a teaching but a 

research subject. A stream of outstanding papers from him and his colleagues helped to 

establish general practice as a full academic subject. The fact that he kept a base in a 

Wandsworth consulting room led him to challenge old orthodoxies, especially on the 

treatment of depression. 

In his attitude to peers and patients, he followed the advice he had given his daughter when 

he told her she could be "the sort of person whom nobody will dislike and nobody remember. 

Or you can be disliked by some and loved by others." Freeling was loved by many because 

he was a team player as well as his own man. It showed in his sports - he boxed for St

Mary's Hospital, captained rugby teams in the RAF, and won a bridge cup for London 

University. 

His skill as a team player showed also in the number of committees and task forces on 

which he was asked to serve. He was a visiting professor or lecturer in Leeds and 

Nottingham, in Brisbane in Australia, Tel Aviv and at several universities in the United 

States. 

Freeling was appointed OBE in 1981, the Royal College of General Practitioners honoured 

him with its Foundation Council Award in 1992 and bestowed on him its President's Medal 

shortly before his death. 

He married Shirley Stanley in 1953 and is survived by her, a son and daughter." 

Taken from The Times 25th September 2002 

1945 

James Julius Saul Reynolds 

25 th February 1928 – 1 st May 2015 

James Reynolds known to his friends and as Jim sadly passed away on 1 st May 2015. 

Born February 25 th 1928, James and his brother Michael attended Haberdashers’ Aske’s 

School and always had very fond memories of this time in their lives. He was very proud that 

both his sons, Mark and Paul also attended Haberdashers’. 

One of his school reports read “This boy is too fond of playing the Buffoon”. Jim asked his 

father “what sort of musical instrument is a buffoon Dad?” 

On leaving school, James went on to being articled in a firm of accountants before then 

joining the army for 2 years. He always had very fond memories of this time, especially 

when he was stationed in Egypt. 

James then went onto have a very successful career as a Chartered Accountant. He was a 

member of the FCA and of the Guild of the Freeman of the city of London. 

He married Jean in 1956 and they had 3 children, Lesley, Mark and Paul. Family was always 

incredibly important to James and he adored spending time his wife and children. In later 

years he doted on his 4 Grandchildren Kim, Alexandra, Sam and Mia. 

Jim was passionate about Travel - he took his family on many wonderful holidays and after 

he retired Jim and Jean went on numerous amazing trips around the world. He loved sports 

and always regretted not going to the Olympics in 1948, he finally achieved one of his

greatest wishes when they returned to London in 2012. He was interested in Politics and 

current affairs as well as having an avid interest in the stock market and matters of finance. 

Jim and Jean had an enormous circle of friends and he loved to spend time with them as 

well as meeting new people – he was a man who always had a story to tell! 

Jim was always extremely proud of his association with Haberdashers’ and attended as 

many of the old boy lunches as he could. 

He was a wonderful man with a great sense of humour. He will be greatly missed by his 

friends and family. 

William Leonard Denny (1938 - 1945) 

William passed away after a short illness on 29th September 2012 aged 85 years. 

David Pearce (died in 2001) 

Derek E. ZUNDEL (1938-45) 

died suddenly in hospital on 25th March 1996. 

Derek will be remembered by Old Boys, who were contemporary war-time pupils, as a 

maker of humour in difficult circumstances. 

Short time schooling, an unexploded bomb in the garden of his home and 'fire - watch' at 

Westbere Road were all treated with mischievous comments which lifted the spirits of lesser 

mortals. His rise to prefect and A.T.C. Sergeant in 1945 were well merited and led to him 

being commissioned in India. Palestine was suffering troubled times before the emergence 

of the State of Israel. Derek served with distinction during those times and was briefly reunited 

with his brother Peter (1938-43), also stationed in the Middle East. 

Following demobilisation, Derek embarked, with typical determination, upon a successful 

entrepreneurial career. Unfortunately this allowed only infrequent attendances at O.H. 

functions. His most treasured attendance was a 1940-49 Decade Dinner when three 

members of his 1938 Prep School 1st XI were present. The comment he made was 'Old 

friends are the best friends'. 

'Old friends' join me in extending belated sympathy to his wife Rene, to his daughters Linda, 

Denise and Marie, and to his brother Peter. 

E.T.P.

John G. STAGG (1937-45) 

died on 16th April 1987, in his 60th year and a month before the Association Dinner, the 

most important function of his Presidential year. 

Just before his own decade dinner, on 20th March, his illness caused paralysis from the 

chest downwards. Nevertheless, although it was generally known that he would not be able 

to attend, such was the regard for him that members of his decade (1940-49) produced a 

new record turn out of 72. 

John was generally regarded as an O.H.R.F.C. man although he had gained his swimming 

colours at School and had won the half-mile in the sports. Awarded his football colours in 

1944/5, he was a member of the best XV since the pre-war season of 1937/8. 

He played the first of 212 1st XV games for the OHRFC against Old Blues on 22/12/45 and 

made his last, and 610th club appearance, on 2/12/76 against O.M.T. This, in fact, was a 

special gesture, since he had officially hung up his boots at the end of the 1973/4 season. 

This date in itself was a remarkable statistic, in that he had had the honour to be appointed 

President for the previous season, the Club's 50th. However, as he managed to take the 

field on 4 occasions during his Presidential year (twice when the 1st XV was not engaged), 

his sequence of 26 consecutive seasons (since returning from the Services) remained 

unbroken. In the interim, John amassed a club record total of points - 2158, with 232 tries, of 

which 406 points (31 tries) were gathered in the 1st XV. 

Returning from the Services, he enjoyed regular 1st XV appearances in 1948/9 and 1949/50, 

but the latter was the first of a string of 7 poor seasons at the premier level and, thereafter, 

John spent more time in the "A" than in the 1st, his 200 odd points in 73 appearances 

helping them to continue their run of successful seasons. 

However, his organising ability had become so obvious that, although in his 29th year, John 

was invited to captain the club in 1956/7. His three seasons saw the club back to the 

success of the immediate post-war years and from levelling off at 15 wins and 15 losses, he 

handed over a going concern, with a record of W19 L7 D3 - then only the second time that 

19 victories had been achieved. 

In an era when it was usual to train twice a week, every player in the club had his 

appearances noted and certainly any senior player needed a good reason for missing a 

session. Three seasons later, John took over as acting captain of the Ex 'A' and in the 

following three seasons led the 'B' XV to a remarkable 50 wins from 67 matches, scoring 558 

points (53 tries) out of the side's total of 1171 points. And so to seven seasons in the 'C', his 

special appearance being made in his 50th year.

John also found an outlet for his love of athletics and on his return from National Service 

joined the O.H.A.C., which had been reformed in 1948. His active appearances (he had 

been track captain for three years) had to be curtailed in the summer of 1956, when his 

campaign to produce a fully fit 1st XV went into action. Nevertheless he took on various 

sedentary posts, such as fixture secretary, chairman and secretary and was duly elected 

President in 1961, when the club won the inter-Old Boys Championships for the second 

consecutive year. A less joyful occasion was his re-election in 1969, because a poorly 

supported season was continued in 1970, when it was decided to end the club's existence of 

23 seasons, rather than fail to honour fixtures the following year. 

By the mid-seventies, John had only one outlet for his organising ability, the catering for the 

Old Boys' Sevens tournament in September. However, the Association's financial affairs 

were going through a sticky period at this time so he volunteered to run a 200 Club, more or 

less on a biennial basis. Later on, this was to become a 500 Club and even if the Stagg 

family was inundated with shares between September and the draw at the annual dinner in 

mid-May, he always contrived a full house, with latterly £500 either helping to balance the 

books, or in the eighties, representing bonus income. 

In line with usual American business methods, John was invited to retire from Heinz in 1982, 

when he had reached the position of Industrial Relations Manager. However, this was not 

before he had persuaded chief executive, Tony O'Reilly, to speak at an O.H.R.F.C. dinner. 

Those present will forever wish to thank John for this particular piece of organisation. For a 

few years John had a position with some old football enemies in their Office Cleaning 

Services, but by June 1986 he found it impossible to continue due to his health. 

On the morning of 28th February 1953, John was due to play for the 1st XV against the 

Saracens, which he duly did. Upon his return, he was told Doris had already presented him 

with Robert and James was on the way. Those of modern vintage may feel that John ought 

to have been twiddling his thumbs in a hospital waiting room - his attitude and that of his era, 

was that he might be able to help on the field, while there was no way he could assist his 

wife. Since Bob played for the O.H. Veterans and Jim and his mother watched three days 

after the funeral, it would seem that they have a similar philosophy. 

In recent years the original partnership had broken up and John had had a full-time 

relationship with Betty Greenwood, herself with grown-up children. On 9th December last, 

Jane Greenwood (1967-75) and Robert Stagg (1964-72) were witnesses at Willesden 

Register Office to their marriage. 

There had been many good times over the years, but as his health deteriorated rapidly, the 

last few months of John's life were extremely difficult for him. That over 50 with O.H. 

connections, including the Association's Vice-President, the O.H.R.F.C. President and 16 

past Presidents were at the cremation service, gave some indication of the veneration

earned by John during his 41 years' service to the Association and his two, particular, 

associated clubs. We are grateful for that service and, perhaps selfishly, sorry about its 

abrupt end. 

To Doris and their two sons, Robert (1964-72) and James (1964-71) , and to Betty, we 

extend our heartfelt sorrow at their loss. R & J S 

1944 

Eric Thomas Purcell (1944 leaver) born 10th August 1927; died 8th January 2011 

An Appreciation by Peter Vacher 

Eric Purcell embodied the best of Old Haberdasher values. He gave willingly of his time for 

the Association’s various activities, initially as a player for the OHRFC and more occasionally 

as an OH cricketer, then as a committee man and clubhouse bar manager, and latterly, as 

co-organiser of the popular Retired Members lunches held at the OHA’s HQ. He was proud 

of his time at Haberdashers’ (he was Captain of the Lower School) and of his family, and 

absolutely committed to the Association and all it represented. Moreover he was held in 

great affection by his peers and by all who came to know him. 

Having done well at school with both rugby and cricket, it was probably inevitable that he 

would gravitate to the OH rugby club once the second war was safely over and he had been 

demobilised from the Royal Engineers. Eric’s first season for which records survive was 

1945-46 during which he played eight times for the AXV in the back row. Two years later he 

was still in the AXV but as a wing or full-back. In later years, as his career in civil engineering 

occupied him more and more, his rugby appearances dwindled and he played his final game 

for the CXV in 1954-55 as a fly-half when he scored two tries. It was continuing back trouble, 

sustained not on the rugby ground but rather surprisingly on the dance floor that effectively 

curtailed Eric’s rugby career.

As to his participation in OH cricket, Nobbly Tanner’s meticulous records showed that Eric 

first played for the 2 nd eleven in 1950 and then for the 1st eleven in the following season, 

with three more appearances in 1952. He resumed after a 20-year hiatus, appearing for both 

the 1st and 2 nd elevens until 1978. Rather gratifyingly he and his son Nigel, also an OH, 

played in the same side a number of times in the mid-1970s. Away from the rugby ground 

and the cricket pitch, Eric served the Association as an Executive Committee member and 

then as joint-Secretary from 1956-59 before continuing this important job for a further two 

years as its sole holder. A career move then required Eric and his family to relocate to 

Waterlooville (he was seconded to the Admiralty) for a number of years; once back, he took 

on the demanding role of OHA Dinner organiser and ran the clubhouse bar, this in the days 

when the rugby club regularly fielded half-a-dozen sides and the clubhouse was thronged 

every Saturday. The vital service he gave to all aspects of the OHA was recognised when he 

was honoured as our President in 1969. 

Eric’s professional life was as a Chartered Civil Engineer. In 1966, he joined HM Factory 

Inspectorate (later incorporated into the Health & Safety Executive). He had worked 

previously in the Ministry of Public Buildings and Works. He served in the Specialist 

Construction Branch of the H&SE where his role was as an internal consultant to general 

inspectors who carried out inspections and enforcement. Later he moved into construction 

policy work, eventually retiring in 1987. Highly regarded both professionally and personally, 

Eric was then retained by a demolition company as an engineering consultant and mentor 

for a number of years. He was Chairman of the Association of Former Inspectors in the mid- 

1990s. 

I came to know Eric best when we devised the idea of holding lunches for retired Old 

Haberdashers at the clubhouse, calling on the culinary skills of our resident stewards Mel 

and Pauline Howard. These are now better known as Old Lags lunches and continue to 

regularly attract 50 or more OH and former members of the school staff. Eric’s role was to 

connect with old friends on the phone, take the money at the door and ensure that fellow OH 

of various vintages had a good time. This he accomplished with his customary good humour 

and gift for friendship; he was helpful, uncomplaining and wonderfully supportive, but without 

ever seeking praise or special attention. The respect and affection in which he was held was 

never more evident than at his funeral which was attended by 40 or more Old Haberdashers 

and their partners and many of his professional colleagues. 

Our sympathy goes to his widow Pauline whom he had married in September 1950, and to 

their daughter Angela and son Nigel, and their extended family. 

W Terry A Cox (died 1992)

John B WELLS (1936-44) 

died on 22nd January 1991 - a welcome release from pain, bravely borne, but which could 

only be eased by sedation. 

In his last year at the School, John was a Prefect and Captain of Russell's House and taking 

considerable pleasure in helping to win the house Rugger shield in the Spring of 1944. He 

had been in the School 3rd XV, in the previous term, and had also represented the School at 

cross-country. Having obtained both the London Matriculation and Higher Schools 

certificates, he proceeded to Manchester University on a war office short course (Royal 

Engineers) in Mechanical Engineering. After being commissioned John joined the Re and 

during the 1946-48 period, was with the BAOR, concerned with railway transportation. 

Upon demobilisation, he attended a course in laundry and dry-cleaning technology and 

Business Studies in London, during the following two years and, in 1950, joined the National 

United Corporation, being appointed General Manager of Mayfield Laundry, a post he held 

for twelve years. During the earlier part of this of period, John played regularly for the 

OHRFC 'C' XV, starting in 1948-49 and captaining the side in 50/51. In the following two 

seasons, he was happy to hand over the reins to a former Captain of the Club, who had 

made over 300 appearances for the 1st XV! At this time, he was re-christened John 

"Laundry" Wells to distinguish him from another John of the ilk. Although the 53/54 'C' was 

led by a back, he continued to prop during that season, but could not resist an invitation to 

play for the Ex 'B' in what turned out to be his final game, on 10th April 1954 - especially as 

the game was at home, the captain was another former 1st XV forward and they won, 23-6! 

By then, he and Victoria (whom he had married in 1946) had two sons and a baby daughter. 

Moving to the Tonbridge area in 1962, he was appointed Manager of Mill Crescent Laundry 

and was on the board of Crescent Cleaners Ltd. A year later, John changed course 

completely and for the next seven years, became a farmer, as well as being agent and parttime 

secretary of the Weald Poultry Association. Probably deciding that self-employment 

was too time-consuming, he then spent four years as Distribution Manager of the Thames 

Valley Eggs Packing Station, followed by seven years, with Dom Holdings, for which he was 

Area Distribution Controller and the Tonbridge Depot Manager, with responsibility for 

London, South East England and the Channel Islands. Another change came in 1982, when 

he was appointed Commercial Manager for Wigs Ltd (Germany), under the UK director for 

general and sales administration, distribution and customer relations. 

John's last venture (starting in 1984) was with Adult Education, lecturing on Business 

Studies, updating redundant Executives and coaching women returning to the workforce, 

youngsters leaving school with no job skills, people in detention centres and long-term 

prisoners in their final two years before release.

John had a life-long interest in Round Table International, having been Chairman of the 

Islington branch, before transferring to Tonbridge. He was also a Scout Leader and training 

Commissioner and a sincere churchman, being an altar server, a member of the Deanery 

Synod, a church youth leader and a member of the Canterbury Board of Finance. 

As a life member of the HOBC, he had opted to make annual donations when the 

Association was formed in 1962. John attended two 1940/49 decade dinners from the wilds 

of Kent the last in 1980, when he was out-distanced for the long-distance Tankard, with the 

winner coming from Yorkshire! John's varied career was evidenced by the large 

congregation present at St Laurence Church, Hawkhurst, on 30th January, amongst them 

two of his former 'C' XV team-mates. 

Toria was supported by their children Peter, Richard, Margaret, Geoffrey, Imogine and 

Andrew, together with nine grandchildren. 

Brian H PUNCHARD (1937-44) 

died suddenly on 30 April 1988 at his home in Boxford aged 61. 

Following war service with the Royal Navy on the convoys to Russia, Brian became a 

Chartered Surveyor, starting his career with Drivers Jonas and then becoming a partner with 

Rogers Chapman & Thomas and subsequently with Donaldsons. 

In 1973 he opened Donaldsons’ Brussels office, which he ran before returning to London in 

1976, when he again regularly attended the1940-49 decade dinners run by the OHA, of 

which he was a life member. He was in the process of retiring from Donaldsons to become 

the Chairman of Citygate Estates when he died. 

Throughout his professional career Brian was actively involved with the Royal Institute of 

Chartered Surveyors and served on its General Council in recent years. 

For many years Brian was a keen member of the London Motor Club for whom he organised 

some of their major rallies. A trustee of Golders Green Methodist Churchy he also held office 

as Chairman of the Hampstead Wells and Camden Trust and as Chairman of his local 

Conservative Association at Boxford. 

He leaves a widow, Gillie. 

John E. DANGER (1939-44) 

died on 15th June 1981 at the age of 54, after a long illness patiently borne.

Upon leaving the School, where he had been a member of the Shooting VIII John qualified 

as a surveyor, being with Cluttons in the early years and then joining Chestertons, with 

whom he 

became a partner. 

To his widow, Barbara, and their children Gillian, Susan and David (currently) at the School) 

we extend our sympathy in their tragic loss. 

Dr. Alan J. CHARIG (1938 - 44) 

died in Wexham Park Hospital on 15 July 1997 aged 70 following a stroke. 

Outstanding academically even in his earliest days at Westbere Road, Alan went on to 

become an internationally respected expert in dinosaurs and vertebrate palaeontology. He 

was Researcher and Curator of Fossil, Mammals, Reptiles & Birds at the Natural History 

Museum in London, and wrote and presented the B.B.C. ten part television series, "Before 

The Ark", screened in 1974. 

Alan was at the forefront of the modern popularity revival of dinosaurs and in 1979 wrote "A 

New Look At Dinosaurs", which had a great impact, and was translated into several foreign 

languages. 

On leaving school in 1944, Alan went up to Emmanuel College, Cambridge, but his 

undergraduate education was interrupted by National Service, in which he served in the 

Royal Armoured Corps, was a member of the first Inter-Services Russian Course at 

Cambridge University, (where he met up with another Old Haberdasher and classmate Rex. 

C. Harris - 1938-45) and became a Russian interpreter with the Control Commission in 

Germany 1946 -1948. 

He returned to Cambridge in 1948, graduated in zoology in 1951 and gained his Ph.D. in 

1956. Following a year as lecturer in zoology in the Gold Coast (Ghana) Alan joined the 

National History Museum where he spent the rest of his working life. In 1964 he was

appointed Principal Scientific Officer. Even after his retirement he continued to work on 

several scientific projects at the Museum and travel abroad, visiting fossil sites throughout 

Argentina and appearing on Spanish television in Barcelona. 

In 1963 he led expeditions to Zambia and Tanzania, to Lesotho in 1966-67, during which the 

oldest articulated fossil mammal skeleton was discovered in rocks of early Jurassic age, and 

to Queensland in 1978 which turned up the fossilised form of one of the earliest herrings. 

His trip to the Sichuan Province in China in 1982 proved to be the most fascinating of his 

many foreign experiences. 1983 however provided the most exciting research project of his 

career - the discovery in a brick-pit near Ockley, Surrey of a unique fish-eating dinosaur, 

Baryonyx walkeri, from the Early Cretaceous Period. 

Alan was immensely proud of his School and attended every one of the O.H.A. dinners for 

his decade. His wife, Marianne, died in 1987. He is survived by a daughter, Nicola, two sons, 

Mark and Francis and six grandchildren, three of whom, Matthew, Richard and Charlie 

Norton are currently following in their grandfather's footsteps in Joblings at Haberdashers. 

The Association wishes them well - and looks forward to seeing them at O.H.A. functions in, 

due course. R.C.H. 

1943 

J Ian SM Stuart-Kregor (died in 2001) 

John R. WELLS (1943) 

died on 25th August, 2002, aged 77, three years after the death of his younger brother 

Douglas (1940-46). His youngest brother Donald (1940-48) however still remains active 

within the O.H.A. 

John's death followed an illness whose origins can probably be traced back to December 

1949 when he was involved in a motorcycle accident, ultimately necessitating the 

amputation of his left leg below the knee. 

Joining the School in 1935 under an assisted place from the Haberdashers' Company, 

whose livery he was to join 30 years later, his education was naturally interrupted by the 

War. 

He left the School in 1943, was commissioned into the Royal Artillery and served in Burma 

with the 8th Mahratta Anti-Tank Regiment of the Indian Army. Although tempted to stay in 

the Indian Army, John returned to England in 1948, took up Articles with Peat, Marwick 

Mitchell and joined both the O.H. Cricket and Rugby Clubs. His serious accident the

following year sadly brought an end to his sporting ambitions but his determination enabled 

him to walk again unaided. 

He remained with Peats for 22 years, being a partner for the final eight years. His work 

brought him into contact with large international clients in Switzerland and Spain, the latter 

involving a case at the International Court of Justice in the Hague. 

Leaving the profession in 1970 he joined Nottingham Manufacturers, then one of the largest 

and most efficient manufacturers of woollen goods in the U.K., as Finance Director. Although 

he found the work stimulating, he missed the City and its wider international horizons and 

returned to London in 1975 to join the Costain Group as Finance Director. He became 

heavily involved in their world-wide operations, travelling extensively in spite of the difficulties 

occasioned by his damaged limb, and involving himself with the City institutions on 

acquisitions and financial planning. 

On retirement from full-time employment in 1985, he took up a number of non-executive 

directorships with public companies. 

His financial expertise was not, however, restricted to professional firms and big business: 

he strongly believed in giving back to the community, some of his time and talent. In 1962 he 

had been, in his own words, the financial "midwife" at the birth of the United World College of 

Atlantic, a residential mixed sixth-form college with a world-wide student intake. He became 

a Governor in 1981 and continued his association with the college until 1992. He provided 

financial guidance and advice to The Royal Star and Garter Home for disabled ex-service 

men and women as a Governor from 1982 until 1995. He was chairman of the Finance and 

General Purposes Committee for some years, was the first vice-Chairman ever appointed by 

the Home and, at his death, was a vice President. From 1988 to 2001 he was a member of 

the executive committee and joint Treasurer for Queen Elizabeth's Foundation for Disabled 

People not far from his own home in Cobham. Another charity which benefited from his 

financial advice and general expertise was the Church of England Soldiers' Sailors' and 

Airmen's Clubs. 

His interests were not confined to work and charity for in addition to his membership of the 

Haberdashers Company he was a Mason and a member of one of the Cobham Probus 

societies. Until recently he was a very active member of all of these but his worsening 

health, particularly over the last two years, made it more difficult for him to be fully involved. 

A well attended Service of Thanksgiving for his life in St. Andrew's Church, Cobham on 4th 

September 2002 heard Margaret Erskine, a colleague for many years at both Costains and 

The Royal Star and Garter Home, deliver a moving address to his memory.

In addition to family members of the O.H.A. present at the Service, Colin Hogg and Neil 

Forsyth, contemporaries of John at the School, were also present. 

Donald Wells 

Edward J Van Der Heuvel (1940-43) 

died suddenly on 16th September 1988. 

He had emigrated to Australia about a decade ago. 

Eddie, who propped for the School 2nd XV, earning his XXX colours after a number of 1st 

XV appearances and being awarded XXII colours for his bowling in the 2nd XI, left after 

obtaining his matriculation. Joining the Cameron Highlanders as an officer cadet in April 

1944, he was at OCTU when the war ended. 

Little is known of his early civilian career, although he worked in the office of the Comptroller 

of Income Tax, in Singapore, before returning to the UK in 1974, when he took up residence 

in Westerham, in Kent. 

Upon his arrival at Ringwood North, near Melbourne, Eddie soon made a niche for himself in 

the local community. He had one or two administrative jobs before joining the Victoria Health 

Service, as the Administration/Finance Manager of Maroondah, a medium-sized public 

hospital. From there, he became Administrator of a nursing home/hostel/day care centre, run 

by the Uniting Church, at Preston, a suburb of Melbourne. Career-wise, this was the 

happiest time of his all too short life, working and caring for the aged and he is fondly 

remembered for his sense of humour and sadly missed by the staff and residents. 

In recent years, Eddie was pleased to have made contact, after a span of some forty years, 

with his near contemporary, Dr Tom O Penman (1936-42), after being informed of the 

existence of the British Public Schools Association, in Melbourne - some indication that his 

life membership of the HOBC was not entirely wasted, during his years overseas. 

Eddie left a widow, Virginia, and a son and daughter. 

Wing Commander David D. CHAMPION (1936-42) 

died 27th June 1999 

During his time at the School David Champion was a member of Calverts and was appointed 

a sub-prefect as well as playing for the rugby 3rd XV. He matriculated i n 1942. 

During the War, David was a 2nd Lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion the Queens Royal 

Regiment and was transferred to India in August 1945 being stationed at the Indian Military

Academy at Dehva Dun and receiving a commission in February 1946. After a spell in 

Poona he latterly moved to Australia and joined the Royal Australian Air Force. 

JOHN SYDNEY HAWKES (1936 - 1943) 

John S Hawkes died on 18th June 2012 at the age of 86 years. 

He joined the School in January 1936 and left in June 1943. He then went on to Faraday 

House College to study electrical engineering, gaining his Diploma in 1945. The war was in 

its final year and he was sent to the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough where he 

worked in the laboratory on radar and bomb aiming equipment. After the war he joined 

Westinghouse Brake & Signal Co. where he studied for his degree whilst learning in their 

factory. 

He returned to their offices designing circuits and signalling schemes and eventually became 

Chief Railway Signal Engineer (Overseas). He was very well travelled and enjoyed his work. 

After taking retirement, he enjoyed many years of his favourite hobbies—astronomy, birdwatching, 

model and main line railways and steam locomotives. 

He leaves a wife, son and daughter. 

1942 

Philip Thomas: born June 16 1926, died January 14 2014 

Philip’s obituary taken from the Daily Telegraph, 18 Feb. 

Philip Thomas, who has died aged 87, was a leading fire scientist, publishing much of the 

key research which underpins scientific understanding of the behaviour of fire and has led to 

improvements in standards of fire safety. 

Philip Humphrey Thomas was born in north London on 16 June 1926. He won a scholarship 

to Haberdashers’ Aske’s School, followed by another scholarship aged 16 to Emmanuel

College, Cambridge, where he took a double First in Engineering and went on to do a PhD in 

the Physical Chemistry Department. 

After a year as a special research trainee at Metropolitan Vickers in Manchester he joined 

the FRS. In 1962 he was awarded Special Merit Senior Principal Scientific Officer status. He 

retired in 1986. 

In 1949 a new Fire Research Station (FRS) was established at Borehamwood in 

Hertfordshire. It soon established itself as a world centre of research into fire prevention and 

control, and as a leader in the development of fire safety engineering. Thomas joined the 

FRS in 1951 and within four years had been appointed Principal Scientific Officer. 

He started his work in a section concerned with the extinction of fires, and went on to publish 

more than 100 scientific papers which provided mathematical models for many different 

aspects of fire dynamics. His most important contributions, however, related to the behaviour 

of fire in buildings. 

He was the first to introduce serious scientific discussion of the term “flashover” (the nearsimultaneous 

ignition of combustible material in an enclosed area, as happened in the King’s 

Cross underground fire of 1987) and developed models for the behaviour of flames and “fire 

plumes”. These provided the scientific basis for the development of new roof venting 

systems designed to remove smoke and hot gases from single-storey buildings — and which 

are now widely used in such structures as shopping malls and airport terminals. 

Thomas served as coordinator of the Fire Commission of the Conseil International du 

Bâtiment from 1974 to 1994, and as chairman of the International Organisation for 

Standardisation (ISO) Fire Safety Committee from 1976 to 1995. In the latter capacity he 

oversaw the development of international performance-based fire safety standards — a 

flexible approach which allows designers to maintain safety while using progressive designs 

that might otherwise have been restricted by building code requirements. In 1985 he was 

instrumental in founding the International Association 

for Fire Safety Science (IAFSS), serving as its first chairman from 1985 to 1991. Thomas 

received many awards and prizes, including the Arthur B Guise Medal of the US Society for 

Fire Protection Engineering in 1991. 

After the death of his wife in 1996 he married Joanna Haben — a family friend who had been 

widowed. She survives him with a son and daughter of his first marriage. 

Dennis Cooper-Jones OBE (died 17th November 2013)

Dennis Cooper-Jones OBE passed away in Culm Valley Nursing Home on November 17th 

2013, aged 89. This obituary has been provided by his son, Tim Cooper-Jones OBE. 

He was born in 1924 at St Peter Port, Guernsey the eldest son of a dental surgeon. 

Educated at Haberdashers' Aske's School (as was his younger brother Maurice who died a 

few years ago) then in Hampstead. He went on to complete a BSc in Electrical Engineering 

at London University before seeing wartime service as Wireless Officer, Special Branch 

RNVR. 

After the war he joined Standard Telephones and Cables as an Electronic Engineer, with 

whom he worked for 42 years, many as a senior manager. He travelled extensively in his 

various roles, yet found time to write two Business book, still in publication and many articles 

for technical publications and lectures. He was appointed an OBE in 1984 for services to the 

Defence Industry. 

Apart from his family and fly fishing, his greatest passion was for his large garden, which he 

designed and planted over many years and enjoyed opening up to the village. He also 

served on many local committees, often as Chairman. 

A highly intelligent man he was always friendly, helpful, interested and supportive to 

everyone he came across. He will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends. 

John Feltham (died 24th October 2012) 

John passed away on 24th October 2012,

John was a very active OH over the years and continued to attend functions until recent 

years. He was one of the founders of British Car Auctions and donated very generously to 

the OH sporting clubs and to Combined London Old Boys RFC. 

Dr Tom O. PENMAN (1935 - 42) 

died 3rd August 2000 

Tom Penman left the Hampstead School in 1942 during a period when London was under 

constant air attack during the Second World War. In a letter to the then President of the 

Association, Alan Morris he has described life at the School during those early years of the 

War. 

“An oil bomb landed on the premises early on, but did not go off. The oil of this unexploded 

bomb created a dreadful mess and the discoloration was still visible even when I left school 

two years later. 

Two anti-aircraft shells landed on the School but fortunately neither exploded. One large 

(2,000 lb) bomb landed in the fields across the road. The worst hit the School had was when 

a large bomb (2,000 lb) landed on the Headmaster’s wing. It did not go off for some time 

later but when it did, it wrecked the administration area, demolished the caretaker’s flat and 

did enormous damage to the near-by science block.” 

Upon leaving and after graduating, Tom worked for a while in the chemical industry in the 

U.K. before moving to Adelaide to take up a position as a lecturer in chemical engineering at 

the university there. After ten years he returned to industry briefly before setting up his own 

consultancy in 1970. 

With degrees in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering and 

Chemistry he latterly became a Forensic Engineer in Melbourne which in his own words 

entailed” a lot of work as an expert witness.” 

Whilst in Australia Tom, was able to keep in touch with much of what was going on in the 

U.K. via the British Public Schools’ Association which at one stage had eight Old 

Haberdasher members. In 1988 he was elected the President of this Association and 

thereafter in 1995 was to become the Honorary Secretary. 

In the last couple of years Tom was much restricted in his activities after suffering a spinal 

stroke in mid-1999 that severely curtailed his mobility. 

Bruce J Manning (1934-42) 

died on 17th May 1988, after many years of coronary troubles and physical disability.

After leaving from the senior 6th form, Bruce joined the Royal Navy as a seaman, in 

February 1943, serving in HMS Cumberland on the Spitzbergen, Iceland and Northern patrol 

and then with HMS Wolsey on East Coast convoys. After being commissioned in 1944, he 

served as a Sub Lieutenant in HMS Barle in the Mediterranean and Red Seas and 

afterwards in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. 

Bruce was a life member of the HOBC and, in 1971, attended one of the earlier decade 

dinners, before his health deteriorated, with a consequent move to Goonhaven, near Truro, 

in 1977. 

In spite of his ill health, which he bore with the utmost courage, his sense of humour was 

retained to the last. 

He left a widow, Kathleen. 

WRT 

Wing Commander David D. CHAMPION (1936-42) 

died 27th June 1999 

During his time at the School David Champion was a member of Calverts and was appointed 

a sub-prefect as well as playing for the rugby 3rd XV. He matriculated in 1942. 

During the War, David was a 2nd Lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion the Queens Royal 

Regiment and was transferred to India in August 1945 being stationed at the Indian Military 

Academy at Dehva Dun and receiving a commission in February 1946. After a spell in 

Poona he latterly moved to Australia and joined the Royal Australian Air Force. 

1941 

Kenneth Alfred Lowe - passed away 15th October 2015 

The following eulogy was read on behalf of his three children Barbara, Judy and Robert at 

his funeral on 26th October 2015. 

B.Sc (Eng), (Lond) 

Chartered Engineer 

Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers 

Member of the Chartered Management Institute

Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Engineers 

Freeman of the City of London 

Dad was born in London on the 27 th March 1923. His father was George Leander Lowe 

(known as Len) an Electrical Engineer, Contractor and Retailer, and his Mother was Edith 

Marie, nee Thorpe, known as Marie. (-pronounced Maari) 

Dad was educated at a boy’s prep school; and then at the Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for 

Boys in Hampstead. 

As the 30’s recession had severely affected his father’s electrical business, a government 

Bursary was obtained and this enabled Dad to study mechanical engineering at Imperial 

College, London. 

Having completed the degree course with most of his studying being done in an air raid 

shelter, his war service was spent mainly in the Far East, in the Fleet Air Arm as an Air 

Engineer Officer, both ashore and afloat. 

On demob Dad secured a 4 year graduate apprenticeship with the English Steel Corporation 

in Sheffield, to learn about the manufacture and manipulation of steel. It was during this time 

that he married our Mum, Phyllis. They had met during the war when Mum was a qualified 

nurse at the Royal Free Hospital in London. 

Dad’s first professional appointment was with Esso Petroleum Company on their new 

refinery at Fawley on the west side of Southampton water. 

During these years in Fawley, the three children were born. Barbara, followed by Judy some 

18 months later and then Robert 15 months after Judy. A busy time for our Mum and 

growing up we all remember seeing the Fawley flare from our bedroom windows! 

Over the next eight years Dad progressed to the position of Resident Engineer and 

Construction Manager. 

As the construction phase neared its end Dad was appointed by the British General Electric 

Company to head up the construction of Japan’s first nuclear power station at Tokai-Mura 

some 80 miles north east of Tokyo. 

After four years Barbara and Judy came back to the UK to start school in Great Bookham, 

Surrey. The rest of the family followed about 18 months later at the completion of the 

Japanese power station.

Dad then took on the project and construction management of power stations, oil refineries 

and large scale pipeline installations in Australia, Bangladesh, Iran and here in the UK. The 

family went with Dad to Australia for two years within 18 months after his return from Japan, 

but we then had to settle in Great Bookham for schooling whilst Dad completed the other 

foreign assignments. 

Dad’s hobbies in the early years included rugby and squash and in later years golf and 

sailing – dinghy, coastal and cross channel. Even during his later years Dad kept himself fit 

and until only a few months ago he was swimming and going to the gym once a week! 

In typical fashion Dad had written most of this Eulogy himself but one sentence struck us 

quite deeply. 

Dad had written that irrespective of anything else, he considered his most significant 

achievement, with the help of our Mum, was to be able to educate his three children 

privately, thus giving us a head start in the “hurley burley of adult life”. 

Considering everything Dad achieved in his professional life we are so grateful for the 

sacrifices both he and Mum made which has helped us all in our careers and lives. 

Barbara gave Dad two grandchildren, Antonia and Peter during the 1980’s. They are both 

married and well established in good jobs and hopefully future careers and now Antonia is 

going to have a baby herself. Dad was shown the scan of little “Pip” –the name the baby is 

presently known by – whilst he was at Zetland during his last few days which made him 

smile. 

Dad also enjoyed the company of grandchildren through Robert’s marriage to Jenny and his 

own marriage to Jackie. 

In 1994 our dear Mum passed away but Dad found happiness with Jackie whom he 

subsequently married in 1995. 

Dad and Jackie had known one another since school days and after marrying they spent a 

few happy years together going on holidays and cruises from Southampton. Jackie sadly 

developed Parkinson’s disease and Dad hardly left her side during the last few months of 

her life. 

When Jackie passed away Dad decided the time had come to go in to a Masonic residential 

home and he initially went to Cadagon Court in Exeter. However his deepest wish was to be 

at Zetland Court, in Bournemouth and it was here that he spent the last two years of his life. 

Dad was so very happy at Zetland and became very involved in all of the activities and 

discovered a talent for painting and drawing. A pastime he thoroughly enjoyed.

For over 60 years he was a Freemason. 

During Dad’s final two and half weeks following on from his stroke, we all stayed at Zetland 

and got to know many of Dad’s fellow residents, as well as the staff. 

It became very obvious to us during this time why Dad had been so very happy here. He 

was looked after with lots of tender loving care and they even took us under their wing and 

offered us both practical and emotional support when we needed it most. 

We cannot thank Debbie and her entire team enough for all that they have done. 

So we say goodbye to Dad who lived his life to the full and his motivation and energy never 

ceased to amaze us. 

So as Dad would always say “Cheers for now and keep smiling” 

Alexander Kok, (1941 Leaver) born February 14 1926, died May 1 2015 

Obituary taken from the Daily Telegraph 8th May 2015 

Alexander Kok, the cellist, who has died aged 89, was a founder member of the 

Philharmonia Orchestra, a prominent chamber musician and a popular session player; he is 

credited alongside Ringo Starr, Elton John and Eric Clapton on George Harrison’s album 

Cloud Nine. 

Kok lived a colourful life, with three marriages and a series of romantic liaisons. Two of his 

cellos were burnt beyond repair in a car accident and he was declared bankrupt after 

receiving poor advice when attempting to expand his music school in Cheltenham. None the 

less, he loved life in general and a hearty meal in particular, and was rarely downcast for 

long. 

Kok’s brother, Felix, a violinist, became leader of the City of Birmingham Symphony 

Orchestra, and they occasionally performed together, including, while they were still 

students, in Brahms’s Double Concerto under Sir Henry Wood. Later they formed the

Beaufort Trio with the pianist Daphne Ibbott. After Kok’s solo debut at the Wigmore Hall in 

1960, one critic wrote that his “tone was of a very appealing, mellow quality, and his 

musicianship was sensitively sympathetic and sincere”. 

Alexander “Bobby” Kok was one of four brothers born at Brakpan, a mining town near 

Johannesburg, South Africa, on St Valentine’s Day 1926. His father, a Boer farmer-turnedminer, 

had a lovely baritone voice; his mother was an accomplished violinist and pianist. 

Bobby, who was head chorister at St Mary’s Cathedral, Johannesburg, was nine when a 

local carpenter presented him with his first cello, which was too big for him to play. 

Felix had been encouraged to pursue his violin studies in London, so in 1938 their mother 

brought all her sons to Britain. Bobby joined his brother at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School, 

where he shone at rugby and boxing, but upset the headmaster by winning a scholarship to 

follow Felix to the Royal Academy of Music. He joined Ensa, performing for British troops, 

and played with the Boyd Neel Orchestra. 

Walter Legge set up the Philharmonia in 1945 and Kok was a member from the very first 

concert (conducted by Thomas Beecham), sharing his love of classic cars with Dennis Brain, 

their horn player, and Herbert von Karajan, who conducted in 1948. During this time he took 

lessons with Pierre Fournier in Paris and Pablo Casals in Prades, developing a deep 

affection for France. 

In 1957 he joined Dartington College of Arts, in Devon, lecturing in music history, and the 

following year set up the Dartington String Quartet with Colin Sauer, Peter Carter and Keith 

Lovell. Within three years he was back in London, as principal cellist with the BBC 

Symphony Orchestra, but by 1965, having found himself disagreeing with the BBC’s music 

policy, he had moved into the commercial world. Groups such as the Beatles needed 

backing musicians, while film, television and advertising work provided a steady income. 

Kok was a founder of the Cheltenham Music School in 1971, but when he tried to extend its 

facilities in the mid-1980s he was thwarted by planners and, in his view, deceived by his 

legal and financial advisers. To add to his woes, there was a dispute over liability for the 

cellos lost in his accident the year before. 

Eventually he retired to France, where he developed a rehearsal space for young musicians; 

although he had a few pupils, many friends regretted that there were not more. He also 

wrote A Voice in the Dark: The Philharmonia Years (2003), an anecdotal autobiography 

which takes its name from the way Legge’s voice emerged from behind a curtain during 

Kok’s audition to join the orchestra. 

Kok was thrice married: to Annette Ingold in 1954; to Ysobel Danks, the daughter of the viola 

player Harry Danks, in 1964; and to Marian Hardy in 1981. All the marriages ended in

divorce. Latterly he was cared for in Normandy by his friend Margaret Cook. After her death 

in 2013 he returned to Britain. He is survived by three sons from his second marriage. 

Arthur Kerswill : died 6th June 2014 

Arthur’s son, Paul, provided a copy of the eulogy used by the vicar at the funeral. 

Arthur was a Londoner from Golders Green, born on 12th September 1924. He was the 

youngest of four, and to judge from the earliest family photos he was heavily into cricket and 

generally running around. He had a close relationship with his brother Fred, and in 1943 the 

pair started university in Edinburgh. After a few months they both left to join the Navy. Fred 

became a submariner, while Arthur served on motor torpedo boats. Arthur had what is 

euphemistically called a ‘good’ war, and he saw action on D-Day when his MTB was part of 

the decoy fleet. 

The two young men wrote to each other, and we can read that they planned to return to 

Edinburgh after the war. That was not to be, because in November 1944 Fred’s submarine 

struck a mine off the coast of Narvik and the vessel was lost without trace. After that, Arthur 

didn’t feel motivated to return to university. Fred’s death stuck in Arthur’s mind for the rest of 

his life, and when dementia began to set in about three years ago, touchingly, he had a 

number of visions of his brother standing by his bedside in full naval uniform. 

But let’s go back to the 1950s. Rugby and cricket were Arthur’s consuming passions, both as 

a player for the Old Haberdashers and as a spectator. The Navy continued to run as a 

theme through his life. On one occasion as a young officer in the Royal Naval Reserve on an 

official visit to Oslo, he decided to while away an afternoon on one of the tourist boats that 

still ply Oslo harbour. After a few minutes, blue skies turned to rain and thunder, and the 

gallant young man decided to help the tourist guide put up the awning to protect the 

passengers. That tourist guide was a young lady named Inger, and Arthur steeled himself to 

ask her out for a drink. Inger became Arthur’s bride a couple of years later in 1955, and their 

son Paul was born the following year. Eleven years later, Inger and Arthur adopted two more 

children, Richard and Tanith, who became Paul’s brother and sister.

Arthur’s working life was a varied one, and it included running a printworks and a graphic 

design studio. In 1968 the family moved to the leafy outskirts of Hemel Hempstead, and 

Arthur moved his office to Berkhamsted. He tried various ventures, including importing 

Norwegian tableware and marketing a very expensive silver chess set marking the American 

bicentenary. Nothing much came of these, but around the same time he bought up Vacher’s 

Parliamentary Companion. This was a good move, and meant that he and Inger could enjoy 

a comfortable retirement. 

They both enjoyed good health for several years, and their relationship blossomed. They set 

off on some wonderful trips, mainly to places where the wine is renowned: Zimbabwe, 

Madeira, Hungary, Germany, France and Italy. Inger and Arthur had always been the ideal 

hosts, and their dinner parties were famous. 

Inger’s death in 2007 left Arthur rather rudderless. When he began to find day to day living 

difficult and sometimes confusing, he enlisted a number of people to provide care and help 

around the house. His three children kept in close contact with him until he died at 11.45 pm 

on D-Day 2014. 

Everybody who has ever known Arthur comments on how good a friend he was, how honest 

and honourable, and he expected and received similar behaviour in others. His was a good, 

long life, well lived, and he will be sorely missed by many. 

The following is a summary of Arthur’s involvement with the OHRFC – provided by Martin 

Baker. 

Arthur was a stalwart of the Old Haberdashers’, particularly the rugby club. He played over 

200 games for the 1st XV making him a member of the elite 200 club. He was a feisty back 

row forward and captained the club for four years from 1948 – 1952, at a time when the club 

regularly ran 7 sides and captaincy was a major administrative undertaking. 

Season Pres. Capt. P W D L 

1948/49 

S.H. 

A.H.S. 

32 17 1 14 

Bean 

Kerswill 

1949/50 

S.H. 

A.H.S. 

30 11 3 16 

Bean 

Kerswill

1950/51 

J.E.G. 

A.H.S 

28 8 3 17 

Moody 

Kerswill 

1951/52 

J.E.G. 

A.H.S. 

31 9 5 17 

Moody 

Kerswill 

Alan Whicker CBE (1941 leaver) born August 2 1925, died July 12 2013 

Obituary taken from the Daily Telegraph 

Alan Whicker, the interviewer and documentary maker, who has died aged 87, made highly 

influential and popular television programmes over a period of more than five decades. 

One of the medium’s first celebrities, he was often described as a “travel journalist” on 

account of his many reports from exotic locations. But he preferred to call himself “a 

journalist who travels”, considering that everyone had a story which it was his job to tell. To 

this end he traversed the globe “at least 97 times”, and as early as 1982 presented the 

retrospective Whicker’s World — The First Million Miles. 

His programmes delighted in the colourful, the eccentric and the downright ludicrous. 

Charming and deferential in blazer or safari suit, Whicker allowed his subjects to speak for 

— and often condemn — themselves. His habit of keeping his back to the camera suggested 

an air of neutrality and an absence of ego. His satirical asides, rich and subtle, influenced flyon-the-wall 

documentary makers from Clive James to Louis Theroux; and his distinctive 

drawling, flat delivery was widely and affectionately mimicked in the nation’s saloon bars. 

Whicker was particularly fascinated by the hidden lives of the rich and famous, and he 

interviewed figures such as J Paul Getty, the Sultan of Brunei and the Haitian dictator “Papa

Doc” Duvalier. He was never more content than when sipping champagne and gliding 

around the deck of a “superyacht” surrounded by scantily-clad women and self-made men, 

admitting that he was “happy enough to have the best”. In a poll by the advertising agency J 

Walter Thompson he was once voted “the most envied man in Britain”. 

At the same time, Whicker was a consummate professional. He conceived, researched, 

wrote, produced and presented his programmes; this would often involve writing one while 

simultaneously filming, researching and planning others. 

The son of a soldier who died young, Alan Donald Whicker was born in Cairo on August 2 

1925, and was brought up by his mother in Hampstead. He was educated at Haberdasher’s 

Aske’s, where he would write to travel agents asking for brochures for “exotic locations such 

as Ostend”. 

On leaving school he joined the Army, and was serving as an officer with the Devonshire R 

Derek A Vink (1939-1941) 

He was awarded his School 1st XV colours towards the end of the autumn term, and some 

two months later, and had volunteered to join the South Staffs. Regiment being 

commissioned in 1943. In June 1944, he landed in Normandy but was wounded in Holland 

during that November! Thereafter, life become a little less hectic and he was posted to the 

North Staffs. Regiment, acting as the Army of Occupation in North Italy, during 1945-46. 

After being a member of the Allied Mission, observing the Greek elections, he was 

demobilised in March 1946 and faced with the choice of a career, some five years later than 

would normally have been the case! Deciding to take up catering, he worked his way 

through all the departments of a large hotel, from the kitchens to management, before being 

qualified by the Hotel Catering Institute. He managed the Black Boy Hotel in Nottingham and 

several other large hotels around the country. 

During his apprenticeship period, he had the opportunity to play, fairly regularly with the 

O.H.R.F.C., and had already joined the H.O.B.C. as a life member. He made his debut for 

the 1st XV on 28th February 1948 and during 1948-49 was a regular wing three quarter in 

the senior side. However, business commitments meant irregular availability and most of his 

football, during the next two seasons, was played in the 'A'. However, at the beginning of 

1951-52 he added a further 7 senior appearances, his last being on 1st December 1951. 

Nevertheless, he was able to play mainly for the 'A' and made his final club appearance for 

the Ex 'A' on 11th April 1953.

Up to 1989, Derek continued to make the journeys down to Borehamwood for the biennial 

reunions of his decade. 

Derek and Ann were married in 1952 and their son, Martin, later provided them with two 

grand daughters. In the interim, in 1979 Derek had the opportunity to purchase 'The Spread 

Eagle' at Oakley Hay, near Corby. During the following decade, his restaurant was noted in 

the Good Food Guide. 

At around the age of 64 and with Martin and his family settled in Kent, Derek decided to take 

his version of retirement, which meant moving to a flat in Corby and becoming a lecturer on 

Catering and Hotel Management at the Treasham Institute! 

To Ann we would wish to offer our deep regrets at the sudden termination of 44 years of 

married life of which only seven had elapsed into their retirement. 

1940 

Sir James Swaffield (1940 leaver), born February 16 1924, died July 4 2015 

(Obituary taken from the Daily Telepgraph 8th July 2015) 

Sir James Swaffield, who has died aged 91, held two of the most influential positions in 

English local government as secretary of the Association of Municipal Corporations and, 

from 1973, director-general of the Greater London Council. 

But he became engulfed by controversy as Ken Livingstone seized control of the GLC 

Labour group after the 1981 elections to push through Left-wing policies, and Margaret 

Thatcher geared up to abolish the council – as well as the Inner London Education Authority, 

to which Swaffield was also clerk. Retiring in 1984 with “a mixture of relief and regret”, he 

became a successful chairman of the British Rail Property Board. 

Swaffield saw the GLC as essential for looking after “the whole of London”, and trying to 

make it “the best of cities”. But, with the capital’s population having fallen to a little over six 

million and its economy vulnerable, Livingstone’s concentration on totemic issues for the Left 

brought sharp differences with Swaffield. When he left County Hall, however, Livingstone led 

the tributes. 

Swaffield was renowned for his immersion in day-to-day administration. At County Hall he 

insisted on meeting his assistant directors at a round table rather than a rectangular one,

feeling it made the team work better. He also encouraged professionalism among staff, 

helping to set up the Institute of Local Government Studies at Birmingham University. 

James Chesebrough Swaffield was born at Cheltenham on February 16 1924. His father 

was a director of a soap company. He attended Cheltenham Grammar School and 

Haberdashers’ Aske’s, Hampstead. Swaffield saw war service from 1942 with the RNVR, 

staying on post-war to retire a lieutenant-commander. On demobilisation he trained to be a 

council solicitor in Wembley, taking a London University degree (and later an Oxford MA). 

Qualifying in 1949, he joined the town clerk’s department at Lincoln. 

He moved on to Norwich, Cheltenham and Southend, and in 1956 was appointed deputy 

town clerk of Blackpool. Promoted to town clerk soon after, he became the youngest in any 

county borough. 

In 1958 Swaffield was caught up in a dispute between members of the town’s watch 

committee and its autocratic chief constable, Harry Barnes. A strict Methodist, Barnes had 

devoted most of his 15 years running the force to trying to stop the bawdy stand-up comic 

Frank Randle performing in the borough. 

Randle’s death the year before had left a void in Barnes’s life and he decided to retire. The 

Watch Committee baulked at giving him his pension two years early, and when Labour 

councillors told Swaffield they were ready to force a special council meeting Barnes handed 

Swaffield his resignation, without waiting for the pension. 

Moving to the AMC in 1962, Swaffield was for 11 years the key figure representing the 

interests of provincial cities and large towns. He oversaw a campaign to give councils 

greater powers over taxis, recommended striking teachers be suspended without pay, and 

scorned as “totally inadequate” an offer from Whitehall of 60 per cent of the cost of 

strengthening tower blocks after the Ronan Point gas explosion. But he was most critical of a 

succession of tight rate support settlements, from Labour and Conservative governments. 

Peter Walker’s reorganisation of local government in 1974 spelt the end for the AMC, so the 

previous year Swaffield moved to the GLC, becoming Britain’s highest paid council official at 

£16,404, soon increased to £22,000 per annum. In June 1975 he supervised the counting of 

Greater London’s 3.3 million votes in the referendum on continued membership of the EEC. 

He also oversaw the inquiry by Robin Auld QC into William Tyndale junior school in Islington, 

which a takeover by far Left teachers had reduced to anarchy. Six staff members had 

complained about the way Ilea’s education officer Dr Eric Briault had handled matters; 

Swaffield rejected the charges. 

Swaffield built up a solid relationship with Labour’s GLC leader Reg Goodwin, but after the 

Conservatives regained control in 1977 he and the more flamboyant Horace Cutler took time 

to gel. After a year, however, Cutler claimed Swaffield had “got the message that the political 

power was in my hands and the administrative power in his”.

Cutler had big ideas for halting London’s economic decline. In 1979 Swaffield and Fred 

Pooley, controller of planning, proposed building an airport in the Thames estuary – a 

forerunner of “Boris Island” – for less than £200 million. Cutler and Swaffield visited 

Pittsburgh together to study American enterprise initiatives. 

Swaffield found the Thatcher administration’s approach to local government discouraging. 

Ministers, he said, believed councils “could not be left to get on with the things they were 

good at”. When stories were leaked about Ilea’s functions being “returned to the boroughs”, 

he observed tartly that the boroughs had never been responsible for education. 

In May 1981 Labour under Andrew McIntosh regained control, and within 48 hours 

Livingstone ousted him. McIntosh had instructed Swaffield to halt civil defence preparations 

against nuclear attack, and tell British Rail to re-route nuclear weapon and waste trains away 

from the capital. Livingstone went further. 

Swaffield had to warn members of Ilea they could be surcharged if they gave teachers time 

off to join the People’s March for Jobs. But when the council chose an advertising agency 

run by a former colleague of Livingstone’s, Tory councillors said Swaffield should have 

stopped it. Aims of Industry demanded his resignation for obeying an instruction to find out 

what business companies supporting an Aims campaign did with the council. 

After leaving County Hall in February 1984, the first job Swaffield took was observing El 

Salvador’s presidential elections. He and the other UK observers had to be protected by 

hundreds of troops. Bureaucracy and guerrilla activity prevented 200,000 people from voting, 

but Swaffield reported that the authorities had done their best despite confusion at polling 

stations which made it “barely possible” to vote in secrecy. 

Swaffield took the chair of the Property Board as British Rail under Sir Bob Reid was 

focusing more on its businesses. He handed over 10 sites to the Royal Society for Nature 

Conservation, but the thrust of the Board’s activities was firmly commercial. 

Its largest development – Broadgate, on the site of Broad Street station – showed, with 

Canary Wharf, that London was turning the corner. Also on the drawing board, though it 

would take 25 years to deliver, was the redevelopment of 125 acres behind King’s Cross and 

St Pancras stations. 

In 1986-87 major disposals helped Swaffield’s board raise more than £130 million. The next 

year, income rose to £243 million. Swaffield stood down in 1991, just before rail privatisation 

became an issue. 

Swaffield was a long-serving chairman of the London Marathon Charitable Trust and deputy 

lieutenant for Greater London. He was appointed CBE in 1971 and knighted in 1976. 

James Swaffield married Elizabeth Maunder in 1950; they had two sons and two daughters.

Norman James (1st May 1924 - 8th June 2013) 

The following text is the Tribute that David James gave at Norman's funeral on 27th 

June 2013 

When Carol and Barbara asked me to talk about Norman today I was honoured as I must be 

the person who has known him the longest and he has always been part of my life. He was 

born in Cricklewood in 1924 and went to Haberdashers School, Hampstead. It was obvious 

then that he was highly intelligent matriculating at the age of 14. (He was the brains in the 

family!). 

When the war came he was 15 and I was 11 and we were evacuated with the school to 

Wellingborough. We were billeted with complete strangers and as far as I was concerned he 

became head of the family whilst we were away from home. He was my brother Joe - a 

nickname from our childhood days. He went to London University a year early to study law 

and after a year was called up to serve in the Army. 

His army career during the war was distinguished. He rose to the rank of Captain in the 

Royal Signals, working alongside Indian troops and served in India & Burma, finishing up at 

the end of the war in Jarva when the Japanese capitulated. It showed his character and how 

modest he was because he never spoke about the war and even the family did not know that 

he was mentioned in Dispatches, evidence of which Carol and Barbara have found in a file 

since he died. 

After the war he came back to Cricklewood and returned to London University to complete 

his degree. On completing his studies he worked at Robsons, a firm of West End Solicitors, 

where he became a Partner. Norman worked at Robsons all his life until he retired, having 

his name on The Roll for over 50 years. He was, as expected, an excellent solicitor very 

meticulous and caring, acting for many friends and family who are here today. 

To pick up normal life on his return from the war, Norman came out to Haberdashers School 

to watch me play in a rugby match one Saturday and this is where he met Brenda his first 

wife. They were happily married for more than 25years and had a devoted family life with 

their two children Ian and Carol. A great deal of their family life revolved around Norman's 

involvement with the Old Haberdashers Association.

He captained one of the Old Boys rugby teams for a time and then refereed in later years. 

The family supporting him on the touch line, with many Easters spent on 'rugger' tour in the 

West Country. He became President of the Old Boys Rugby Club and later of the Old 

Haberdashers Association. He performed all his duties in both clubs to the highest standard 

- even though he lived south of the river in Epsom. 

He had a lifelong love of gardening and this is reflected in "The Glory of the Garden" by 

Rudyard Kipling. As the poem hangs in the hall in Rivey Close Emma suggested 

that an extract be included today, and Ian will read this shortly. 

Norman and Brenda had their 25th Wedding anniversary celebration but sadly Brenda died 

at an early age not long afterwards. At this time he was supported by Carol and Ian together 

with family and friends, including Barbara - whose late husband Derek had been known to 

Norman during their working lives. 

Norman and Barbara's friendship developed over time and it was a great joy to both families 

when he married Barbara and they led a very full and happy life - during those years they 

had the joy of sharing families including their grandchildren and he was able to see them all 

reach adulthood. As Adam said '"Grandpa was everything you strive to be" and "If I turn out 

half the person Grandpa was I'll be proud.'' 

Norman and Barbara also enjoyed their Silver Wedding Anniversary and at that celebration 

he asked if they could both count their two 25years as Golden. 

When Norman & Barbara moved to West Bytleet he became involved in this Church and 

many local organisations, including a Wine Circle, Music Group, Bowls Club Retired Men's 

Luncheon Club and the Woking Active Retired Club, of which he has been Chaiman. In all 

these activities he made more new friends - many of whom are here today. 

They also established a home at Mudeford where numerous great times were had with 

family and friends alike. 

His 80th Birthday cake was made in the shape of a wine bottle and Carol and Andy summed 

up his qualities on the bottle's label "This vintage wine has been carefully matured for eight 

decades. Of excellent character, it travels well and is a good accompaniment to all 

occasions. Reliable and intelligent it is always pleasing to the palate." 

Many of us have our own special memories of Norman - to me he will always by my brother 

Joe. But to sum up Norman - he was modest, very capable, caring and a rock on which all 

the family could rely. As many of the tributes received have said "he was a true gentleman" 

and he will be sadly missed by all of us.

WAV (Tony) Odoni (died in 1992) 

Douglas WS Birnie (died in 1995) 

Turner Donovan Bridge (died in December 2002) 

He was at Haberdashers from about 1936 to about 1940 (he did not take Higher School 

Certificate, joining the Army instead where he had a distinguished wartime career, leaving 

with the rank of major in 1946). 

He subsequently followed a publishing career, going out to Kenya in 1958 where he founded 

a publishing company which wrote, published and printed books and handbooks for several 

governments in sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Gulf. He returned to England in 1970 

and continued with publishing, specialising in the military sphere. From 1972 until 2000 he 

published the longest established military journal in the world, Army Quarterly & Defence 

Journal. 

He was always interested to follow the fortunes of Haberdashers and even though he says 

that the school was not as distinguished academically when he was there as it is now, I am 

sure that his time there had a formative influence on his life and especially on his lifetime 

interest in history. 

Maureen Bridge 

1939 

Dr Llewelyn Gwyn Chambers, (11/02/1924 -09/12/2014) attended the school between 

1935 and 1939. 

Dr Chambers became a reader in the mathematics at the University College of North Wales 

Bangor, and also served as treasurer of the Guild of Graduates of the University of Wales for 

27 years. Prior to working at Bangor, he had worked as a scientific officer in the Admiralty, 

and lectured at the military college at Shrivenham. 

Dr Chambers always attributed his later academic success to the rigid grounding in the 

sciences he had received at Haberdashers, in particular the mathematics teaching. 

Strangely enough, his school reports from the 1930s do not point to prodigal ability until his 

mid-teens, from which time his strengths came to the fore. 

One of his most bizarre recollection was that of a teacher who kept a collection of canes and 

tubes for doling out punishments, all with a particular name. A pupil would be punished by an 

instrument of his own choosing!

In September 1939, about to enter the sixth-form, Dr Chambers was on holiday in Cricieth 

with his aunt and unf le when war broke out. He subsequently did not return to London, and 

studied for the next two years at Porthmadog County School. 

He then continued his studies in North Wales, graduating in mathematics at Bangor in 1944. 

He spent the next ten years in military work at Rosyth, Hazelmere and Shrivenham. He was 

appointed as a lecturer at his old college in Bangor in 1954, and worked there until his 

retirement in 1991. He was awarded a doctorate in 1968. He published several books on 

the applications, of mathematics, but always saw his primary purpose as the teaching and 

mathematical nurturing of students. His ex-students invariably spoke extremely highly of him. 

Dr Chambers had a wide range of academic interests, learning several languages, and his 

Welsh translation of Nicolai Gogol's play 'The Government Inspector' was published. He was 

amongst the founders of a Welsh-language scientific magazine in the early 60s - 'Y 

Gwyddonydd' (The Scientist). He was, perhaps, the leading authority on the Anglesey 

scientist William Jones, whose work was recently feted in’π Day'. 

He married Mona Rees Owen in 1955, and his only son Huw is himself a mathematics 

teacher. 

Richard (Dick) Seal - 16th April 2013 

I'm very sad to advise that Richard ‘Dick’ Seal died on 16 th April 2013, aged 91. He died 

peacefully after a short illness and his family enjoyed some quality time with him in his final 

days. 

He was at school during the 30's and was well known as the mainstay of the athletics club, 

as a sprinter, winning the 'Victor Ludorum' cup in his latter years and running at both the 

White City and Crystal Palace. He also played rugby for the school and Old Boys’ first XVs 

and was a prolific scoring and hard tackling wing three-quarter whose contemporaries 

included, Nobbly Tanner, Ron Benge, ‘Jumbo’ Jackman, Kenneth Blessley and Charlie 

Amstein. 

Shortly after the outbreak of war and after a short time working in the London insurance 

industry for the London and Lancashire, he joined the RAF where he was trained as a 

sergeant radio operator/navigator. There he met his wife Audrey, who survives him. After the 

war he returned to the City and worked all his career in the insurance industry, latterly as 

Head of Underwriting at the Royal Insurance in West London. 

Dick’s sons, Gerry and Jon both attended Habs and were taught by some of Dick’s teachers; 

notably Messrs Paske, Dudderidge and Crossman.

On retirement Dick and Audrey retired to Milford-on-Sea where they spent many happy 

years together before, quite recently, illness sadly led to their move to specialist care 

homes. His brother John H. Seal, sons Gerald R. L. Seal and Jonathan M. G. Seal, together 

with his much-loved grandchildren, family, friends and carers attended his funeral on 29th 

April in Hedge End, Hampshire. Tributes and eulogies consistently referred to a ‘kind and 

caring, true gentleman’. 

Dennis E Bailey (died in 1992) 

EA Ray Chapman (died in 1992) 

CG Eager (died in 2000) 

Gordan P Pavey (died in 1997) 

Brian D PARKER (1931-37) 

died on August 24, 1990 in Kitchener, Ontario, after a short illness, aged 70. 

His business life was, for the most part, spent in Canada where he emigrated soon after the 

Second World War following a brief period in South Africa. He retired in 1981 as sales 

manager of Syroco Canada. Before the war Brian joined the HAC and later saw 

commissioned service with the Royal Artillery and First Battalion Royal Scots in India and 

Burma, achieving the rank of Major. 

He represented the School at rugby and boxing, winning his colours at both sports, and 

played scrum-half for the OHRFC 1st XV for two seasons after the war. 

To his wife Peggy and their children, David, Janice, Alan, Sherry and Judy and their 

respective children we offer our condolences on their sad loss. 

Alec J. PARKER (1932-39) 

died on 3 August 1985. 

After war service with the Royal Artillery in Normandy he joined the Westminster Bank in 

1948 and was later. in 1981 seconded to the National Trust at Hughenden Manor. He took 

early retirement in 1983. 

Alec played for the OH as a fullback immediately after the war; he was well-known as a 

designer and builder of model engines for which he won a Bronze Medal at the Model 

Railway Exhibition in 1980.

Derek MONNICKENDAM (1930-39) 

passed away on the 8 November 1991, aged 70 years. 

He was resident in Grimsby from about 1965, but died at Worcester, having gone there with 

his wife Sheila to stay with friends. 

At school Derek was an above average scholar, sitting his School Certificate exams at 15 

years of age. He told the writer that in the middle of his school years he (and another named 

Zinkin) was entered by the Headmaster, Reverend F J Kemp, for a scholarship exam 

arranged by the Haberdashers' Company. Derek won the scholarship, and this relieved his 

father from paying school fees for at least a year. However, the award was not announced in 

school, so Derek always felt a little embittered at getting no public glory, so to speak! He was 

awarded 6th form privileges at school. 

In the war, Derek served from 1941 as an LAC Wireless Operator in the RAF, seeing service 

in Canada, Jamaica, and Labrador. After demob in 1946 he was in his father's highclass 

bakery business for a time, until he left to train and qualify as a dentist. Eventually he 

opened a practice in Grimsby. 

Derek was always interested in sport. While living in the south, he sculled on the Thames as 

a member of the Mortlake Rowing Club. From Grimsby he sculled the River Anholme at 

Brigg. Every winter he went skiing on the continent, and took his children there on occasions 

for the experience. His main hobby was sailing; several years ago he took his wife, with their 

four children of school age, right across the Atlantic in his 30 foot sloop. His youngsters, two 

boys and two girls are all students, ranging from 20 years to 13 years of age. 

AJT 

Derek was a life member of the HOBC and for many years after the formation of the 

Association in 1962, donated at subscription rates. He was a regular attendee at the 1930- 

39 Decade dinners (being present at the first, in April 1965) and subsequent pre-1940 

reunions, before moving to the North. Occasionally, he made the long journey from Grimsby, 

the last time (in April 1988) inadvertently causing the Hon Registrar considerable 

embarrassment, since the latter overlooked him and advised the President that the longdistance 

tankard ought to be awarded to a member from the Stafford area - at least 25 miles 

nearer Boreham Wood, even by the road route! Typically, Derek quietly reminded the culprit, 

only after the presentation had been made. 

To Sheila and their four children Claire, Richard, Giles and Louisa (only 13, at the time) we 

would wish to offer condolences for the loss of a loving man and a caring father, whose 

ashes were scattered in the Mediterranean, because of the long-planned world cruise, which

never came to fruition. Also to his sister, Joan Cinnamon, on this further bereavement, some 

18 months after losing her husband. 

Frank E Howard (1933-39) 

died suddenly on 6th May 1989 

- the day following his attending a wedding in Cardiff (where he had enjoyed meeting some 

old BBC friends he had last seen some 20 years previously) and, very unfortunately, a week 

before his daughter, Rona, was to be married. 

Upon leaving the School at the age of 16 (where he had played for the 1st XI and earned 1st 

XXII colours, with his 25 bowling victims) Frank went to the Woolwich Arsenal, as a chemist, 

and then joined the BBC in 1940 as a junior maintenance engineer in Radio. This was the 

start of a career in the BBC that was to last over 40 years. Based initially in Maida Vale, it 

was then that he first became acquainted with Aldenham House, whilst it was under BBC 

occupation and when, of course, the "BBC block" was constructed. 

In 1942 he joined the Royal Navy, and as a telegraphist petty officer saw action in the Far 

East on the aircraft carrier HMS Indefatigable. His tasks were the maintenance and 

operation of radio and navigational equipment on board ship and on its compliment of Fairey 

Swordfish aircraft. 

In 1946 he returned to the BBC in London, based at Alexandra Palace, where he became 

involved in the early days of BBC Television, in outside broadcasts, covering events all over 

the country. He took a leading role in planning the TV coverage of the Festival of Britain from 

the South Bank in 1951. In this period, he played for the OHCC as a change bowler, 

appearing in 7 of the 11 games in 1950 (their 4th season) and occasionally over the next two 

years. 

In 1955, he married Margaret, who also worked at the BBC, and Ron A Benge (1932-38) 

was their best man. The same year they moved to Cardiff, where he helped to set up BBC 

Wales. These were busy and experimental times in television, and he was involved in 

outside broadcasts, almost always "live" in those days, of events all over Wales. These 

ranged from rugby internationals at Cardiff Arms Park, religious broadcasts from Welsh 

chapels and cathedrals, to coverage of climbers on the heights of Snowdonia. Their three 

children were all born in Wales. 

Following promotion, the family moved back to London in 1968 and settled in Radlett, 

principally to be close to the School for David and Jonathan. As Head of Engineering (Radio) 

Outside Broadcasts (London) he was responsible for covering all major national and 

international events, such as the investiture of the Prince of Wales in Caernafon in 1969, the 

Olympic Games in Munich, Montreal and Moscow and all the Commonwealth Games and

World Cups up to his retirement in 1981. He had travelled widely in his job and his final 

project was helping to set up the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra tour to China and Japan. 

In 1977, he was awarded the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal for services to Broadcasting. He 

attended a number of Association functions, particularly the pre-1940 reunions and Fathers 

and Sons dinners, whilst he lived in the Home Counties. However in 1983, he and Margaret 

moved back to Wales, to enjoy retirement at the Old Rectory, Llansantffraed, near Brecon, 

on the banks of the Usk. "Retirement" consisted of keeping a few sheep, goats and chickens 

and, latterly, opening up the Old Rectory as a small B & B establishment! 

He was also actively involved in the local community of Talybont-on-Usk and was President 

and Secretary of the Brecon and District Railway Society. As a keen gardener, he was now 

in his element with the fertile soil of the Usk valley and the friends he had made in his six, all 

too short years of retirement. The number of these was evidenced by the attendance at his 

funeral in Llansantffraed, which was also attended by his best man. 

His elder son, David, summed up his father as a quiet and gentle man - an epitaph with 

which OH contemporaries and friends will be in full agreement. He left a widow, Margaret, 

and their family, Rona, David C (1986-77Dec), and Jonathan W (1969-78Dec) 

DCH/WRT 

John L. HOFFMAN (1934-39) 

died in hospital on 19 July 1985 at the age of 61. 

John commenced his war service as an Ordinary Seaman on the North Sea Patrol in July 

1942. He was later commissioned Sub. Lieut. and was 2nd in command of Landing Craft 

Tanks at the Normandy Landing on D. Day in June 1944. He then commanded LCT in 

Eastern Waters. Upon his return to civilian life John entered a merchant bank and was 

approaching his retirement when he suffered a stroke. 

To his widow, Doris (Mickie) and their daughters Louise and Teresa, we offer condolences 

on their sadly sudden loss. 

Graham W. HARGREAVES (1935-39) 

died on 9 September 1985. 

Leaving the School at 16 after gaining his 2nd XI cricket colours Graham joined the National 

Provincial Bank as a temporary clerk in December 1939. Upon joining the 1st Battalion of the 

King's regiment in February 1942 he saw service in the Western Desert before going to Italy 

in October 1943 and then on to Greece in December of the following year.

Two years later Graham rejoined the Bank at their Barnet Branch. His potential was soon 

recognised and he was transferred to the Head office Staff department in March 1950 shortly 

before his 27th birthday. Thirteen years later he became a Chief Accountant's Assistant and 

prior to the formation of the NatWest group at the beginning of 1970 was appointed Financial 

Controller, South East Region responsible for the financial accounting methods of the Bank's 

Branch network. In January 1974 he was promoted Controller, Personnel Services, based at 

Draper's Gardens in the City. At 57 Graham received his final appointment as Personnel 

Manager based at Head Office 41 Lothbury having responsibility for staffing a number of 

specialist departments. He retired at the end of 1982, a few months short of 40 years' actual 

banking service. 

Moving down to Donhead St Andrew in Dorset, Graham quickly adapted to village life, 

becoming Secretary and Treasurer of the Parochial Church Council and a bell-ringer at the 

church, as well as creating and editing the first village newsletter. He was always a keen 

gardener, maintained his interest in cricket as a member of the MCC and took his retirement 

exercise by playing badminton. We would express our condolences to his widow, Eleanor on 

the all-too-short period of that retirement and to their daughters, Janet and Susan. 

1938 

OH (Bill)Van Weede (died in 2002) 

Paul Deneman (died in 2001) 

1937 

EH (Charlie) Amstien (died in 2001) 

Frank E Beaven (died in 1995) 

WR Drown (died in 1999) 

Robert E Holgate (died in 1995) 

John E Hughes (died in 1996) 

George W Spiers (died in 2002) 

Kenneth H Vere (died in 1992) 

Ronald AF Adams (died in 1996)

Frederic C Davies (died in 1992) 

Leo CG Green (died in 1999) 

John Hibbert (died in 1997) 

AL Keyes (died in 1998) 

William F Menhinick (died in 1987) 

Donald F YALE (1929-37) 

died on 28th September 1991, after suffering a stroke. As this came after an illness lasting 

for some time, it was a merciful release. 

Donald (who had been awarded his 6th form privileges) left the School after sitting General 

Schools and joined what is now the National Westminster Bank. Apart from the 1939-45 war 

period (when he served in the RAPC), he remained with the Bank until reaching the retiring 

age, in 1980. 

When his late father, Frank H (1902-06) was elected as President of the HOBC in 1948-49, 

Donald took over as the Honorary Treasurer, a position which the former had filled since 

1937-38. It is doubtful whether Donald really relished the idea, but considered it a filial duty. 

Accordingly, after continuing for the following financial year, he was happy to step down, 

when another "volunteer" was found for 1950-51. 

A year or two later, he married Eileen and, thereafter, became engrossed with his family. 

While continuing his membership, when the Association was formed in 1962, Donald 

decided against bridging the gap of nearly three decades, when the first real opportunity to 

do so came, in 1965, with the first of the decade dinners. Nevertheless, he was always 

interested to hear, or read about, the fortunes of the OHRFC and OHCC and continued to 

follow the School's social activities the medium of the 'Skylark', which he read from cover to 

cover. Until his illness, Donald took his exercise on the tennis court. 

To Eileen, and their daughter, Patricia and two sons, Richard and Peter, we extend 

condolences for their loss. 

Norman F. ROSS (1933-37) died in England on 11th January 1987, after a comparatively 

short illness, at the age of 66. Although handicapped with a withered arm, Norman not only 

played cricket for the School 2nd XI, but gained his 1st XXX colours, as well as being one of 

the pair which won the Open fives championships. Since most of his working life was spent 

abroad, little was known of his career, except that he initially retired to Greenwich in

Connecticut. However, we are indebted to J.B.Stollmeyer, from whose appreciation of 

Norman, in the April edition of "The Cricketer.", we quote the following: 

"Full of fun and joie de vivre, Norman played a significant role in the development of 

umpiring in the West Indies. He was a founder member of the Trinidad Umpires Council, of 

which he was the first secretary and the success of his work was the lynchpin on which the 

West Indies Umpires Association was formed. 

As an active umpire, he reached Test status, but his main field was in administration and it is 

in this area that he left his mark on the development of the game in the West Indies and 

particularly Trinidad and Tobago. 

During his career with Texaco, he was stationed in Bogota, Columbia, where he was 

responsible for reviving the game, as indeed he did, when transferred to Caracas, 

Venezuela,-where through his efforts at the Caracas Sports Club, the flag of cricket was kept 

flying high for many years. 

Finally retiring to Malaga, Spain, he was assisting Gregory Gomez, son of the former West 

Indies Test player, Gerry, to form the Costa del Sol Cricket Association, at the time of 

contracting his fatal illness. 

His family and many friends will dearly miss the company of this delightful extrovert." 

On behalf of the Association, of which he was a life member, we would wish to add our 

condolences, particularly to his brother, Danny. 

Aubrey G. BURNETT (1932-37) 

died on 3 September 1985, after being seriously ill for a year having contracted the disease 

known as Guillon-Barre-syndrome. 

Although Aubrey left the School at an early age (but not before gaining the Life Saving 

Bronze Medallion) because of the family's move to Yorkshire, he became a Life Member of 

the HOBC. Furthermore, upon the formation of the OHA in 1962 he showed his continuing 

interest by donating subscriptions and making the long journey to attend the pre-1940 

Reunion in 1980. 

Following the family tradition he joined the textile trade and devoted all his working life to it. 

During the war, he was in the Royal Navy on patrols in the North Atlantic and the English 

Channel and his sea-going interests were continued for a number of years thereafter, as CO 

of the Huddersfield Sea Cadets. After becoming Sales Manager in 1957 Aubrey transferred 

to another company within the group in 1973 as Sales Director. After four mills had come

together under the collective title of Huddersfield Fine Worsteds, he was appointed in 1982 

as Sales Director of all four companies. The appointment involved extensive travelling to 

South America, Japan and Europe and he became fluent in French, German, Spanish and 

Italian. It was after a trip to Hong Kong and Japan. in October 1984 that his illness became 

manifest. 

During the periods of travelling, Aubrey acquired a deep knowledge of the Bible and the 

Christian faith and he served Kirkburton church for twenty years as a Churchwarden, as 

Vice-Chairman of the Parochial Church Council and. all too briefly, as a lay reader. Aubrey 

was married in 1944 and to his widow. Barbara, who devotedly nursed him during his 

declining weakness and his final deafness. We offer our condolences on her tragic loss, with 

the hope that the gap will be partially filled through their daughter, Josephine and grandsons 

Alastair and Richard. 

Harvey H. BLOWFIELD (1923-37) 

died early in June 1999 less than two years after his brother Basil. 

He attended the School between 1932 and 1937 and during the Second World War served 

in the Royal Gloucester Hussars with the rank of Captain. 

Following the War he married Pat and they settled in Bournemouth where they bought and 

ran a hotel which was always a welcoming place for guests to stay. 

He was a member of Parkstone Golf Club and Parkstone Yacht Club where he kept his boat. 

An enthusiastic sailer Harvey was always keen to enter all races but never won as he was 

too good hearted and never took another yacht's wind during a race. 

Readers may recall the annual 'needle' match between Harvey and brother Basil on the 

Norfolk Broads mentioned in last year's obituary of Basil. 

Harvey's ashes were scattered from his boat in the sea following the funeral service at All 

Saints' Church, Brunksome Park on 8th June 1999. The members of the Parkstone Yacht 

Club sailed past and each yacht placed a rose on the water. 

Denis Aubrey STEED (1930-36) 

died on 19th December 1986 at Guy's Hospital, while undergoing a 4 hour bypass operation, 

which had a 50/50 chance of considerably extending his life beyond the next few weeks. In 

view of his former occupation, Dennis had cheerfully accepted the odds, expecting to win. 

Leaving School at 16, Dennis had not reached the sporting potential of which he was 

obviously capable. In addition to being the leading wicket taker in the 2nd XI, he had had a

number of games with the 1st XI, while hooking in the 2nd XV at the age of 15 was later to 

establish him in the OHRFC "A" XV's of '37/38 and '38/39. 

His business life started with Langley London Ltd (tile manufacturers), but, after a few years, 

he joined the family firm of bookmakers. 

During the war he served in the Royal Artillery. While on leave from the Western Desert, he 

met his lifelong friend and contemporary, Harvey H Blowfield in Alexandria. Thereafter, 

Dennis saw service in Italy and was demobbed with the rank of gunner - as he had started! 

While continuing with his elder brother in the book-making business, he was a regular 

attendee at the Association Dinner and at the reunions. However, when he and his brother 

closed down the firm, he bought a post office and stores in Biddenden, where he and his 

wife, Hazel, served the village, thus precluding visits to the London area for the dinners and 

reunions. 

In 1979, he retired to Broadstairs, from whence the Blowfield brothers made arrangements 

so that he could attend the pre-1940 reunion in April last year. Accordingly his 

contemporaries and others saw him looking well, as they would wish to remember him. 

To Hazel and their son, Glenn, our condolences upon their sad loss, so comparatively soon 

after retirement. 

Alfred Edward KING (1929-36) 

died on 12th May 1999. 

Alfred attended the School in the inter-war years being a member of Meadows House 

matriculating in 1935 and then taking a full time course in quantity surveying at the Regent 

Street Polytechnic for the next three years. 

During the War he first served with the East Surrey Regiment in March 1940 and then from 

1942 to 1946 with the Royal Engineers Works Services. In 1944 having married Eswyn 

Marqueurite Dawson he was posted to India and Burma where he helped supervise the 

building of the Tamu/Kalewa Road. Alfred was discharged with the rank of W.O.2 Royal 

Engineers in February 1946. 

Alfred had two daughters Gillian, born in 1948 and Barbara, born in 1952, to whom we are 

grateful for the notes on her father and to whom we send condolences for the sad loss. 

1935

Captain N P Brown R.N. M.B.E.(1929 - 1935) - passed away peacefully at home on 24th 

July 2013 

The following information has been provided by Peter's daughter, Sue Taylor. 

Peter was born in Dollis Hill on 2nd September 1919, he was the eldest of 3 children. He 

was educated at Haberdashers and kept up his connections with the school through the Old 

Boys Association and the Haberdashers Lodge. His younger brother, Stuart, was also 

educated at Haberdashers. 

After leaving school he started to train in a paper mill in Scotland prior to the outbreak of war. 

During the war, already a member of the Royal Naval Reserve, he served on a number of 

minesweepers along the east coast of England and at the Dunkirk evacuation. He was later 

appointed as Torpedo Officer on HMS Vestal. Peter was one of a very few survivors when 

Vestal was sunk off Phuket Beach in Thailand after being attacked by a Kamikaze Japanese 

pilot. 

After the war, Peter returned to the paper industry. In November 1947 he married Eileen. He 

also continued with an active role in the Royal Naval Reserves until his retirement from the 

navy in April 1968. After this he continued his connection with the Navy through the Sea 

Cadets and in 1995 was presented with an MBE for his service to young people. Eileen and 

Peter retired to Poole in Dorset to live as near as possible to the sea and also to be near to 

family. 

Peter passed away peacefully at home on the 24th July 2013. He is survived by his wife, 

Eileen and two daughters. 

William R. (Nobbly) TANNER (1929-35) died after a short illness on 16th August 1997.

The following is the eulogy given by Tony Alexander at the funeral of Nobbly on Saturday 

23rd August 1997 at Golders Green where in excess of 150 family, friends and Old 

Haberdashers' were present. 

"Born 29th February 1916, died peacefully 16th August 1997. 

"Dear Bill, or 'Nobbly', as we in the O.H. all knew him, had only celebrated 20 birthdays, 

when he died, not 81 as he would have us believe! Our thoughts go out to his family, here 

today, at their sad loss. 

"A kind, humble person, some might even say, stubborn at times, with his heart only in one 

place - Haberdashers: Mr Haberdasher, the like of which we will never see again. 

"A noble person in his own right, hence his nickname "NOBBLY"! Under pressure at school 

one day, reading a passage to the class, under the eagle eye of one Mr. Norton, he 

struggled to put emphasis on a particular passage. "He nobly strode forth resolutely", he 

tried. But instead, "He NOBBLY strode forth resolutely", came out. Ever since that eventful 

day, the legend was created, our own NOBBLY TANNER was born! 

"I first remember Nobbly some 45 years ago, coming off the rugby pitch at Croxdale Road 

with my father, Terry. The Elstree mud was thick on everyone, the side had won against 

K.C.S. by a convincing margin, and all Nobbly wanted to do was get to the changing room, 

get out his pipe after first having a cigarette, and complain to Terry that, for the final try, 

instead of holding the ball in the back row and scoring himself the tactics should have been 

different, so as to allow Nobbly to score his hat-trick! This he complained, would have made 

his records easier to compile, without having to put Alexander on the score sheet 

"HIS RECORDS! They will be remembered most of all! How many times when on rugby and 

cricket tours, have we dived into his record ledgers? Who was in the 'A' XV team, on 19th 

October 1957, the original selection and those who actually played? What was the score, 

who were the scorers, what was the weather like when the Extra 'B' played U.C.S. Old Boys 

on 5th November 1969? How many appearances did that make John Parker's playing total? 

It's all there, for every team, rugby and cricket - and of course his unstinting work as registrar 

for the O.H.A. The chasing up of members for their subscriptions, organising decade 

dinners, wine and cheese parties, amending addresses, knowing telephone numbers from 

memory and who attended the O.H.A. Dinner in 1974 - the Number and the Names! It's all 

there, and now alas no more. A chapter in history is closed, never to be emulated again. 

"BUT WHAT OF NOBBLY'S RECORD? 

"Born in Wandsworth on the 29th February 1916, staying in South London as a boy and 

joining Haberdashers' at Westbere Road in 1929, in Hendersons House. Not the greatest

academic, he matriculated in the required subjects, captaining the School at rugby from his 

position at outside half and captaining his house at cricket in his final year at school. He left 

in 1935 to take up a post in the City, with a shipping company, where he stayed until his 

retirement. 

"He played for the O.H.R.F.C. during the winter, the first choice fly half for the 1st XV, taking 

to the field in the summer for his other love - cricket. In fact he was one of the elite O.H. to 

have graced the hallowed Twickenham turf, playing in the only pre-war O.H. Middlesex 

sevens side that got through to the finals! 

"With the outbreak of war in 1939, Nobbly joined the Middlesex Yeomanry, along with my 

father and many other O.H., but in his humble manner, decided in his own mind, not to go 

forward to the Officer Cadet Training Unit, as he did not think he was officer material! He 

became a sergeant in the 7th Armoured Division, posted overseas in November 1940, 

serving in Greece and North Africa. It was during his time in North Africa, when the Axis 

forces overran the Allies at Tobruk, that he was captured by the advancing German forces 

and became a P.O.W. for some months! During his captivity, he was also one of the very 

few to have an audience with Field Marshall Rommel. Not many people have that claim to 

fame - playing rugby at Twickenham and speaking with Rommel. 

"He was released in 1942, after El Alamein, immediately drafted to serve in the Italian 

landings where he was wounded in 1943. Not one to complain at this setback, he returned to 

the 7th Armoured Division brought to North West Europe, taking part in the D-Day 

preparations and landings. 

"Life for Nobbly during the war years, as indeed for the rest of his life, was centred around 

Old Haberdashers, keeping in touch, reporting back news and getting in a few games of 

rugby. True to his style an extract appeared in a letter he wrote home, mentioning an 

unexpected meeting. In true "Nobbly" style, it read... 

"Have managed to get in five games of rugger, 2 wins, 2 losses and 1 drawn, the last of 

which was played on the Sunday against one of our tank regiments. It was raining and 

blowing and I wasn't taking much interest. It wasn't until the second half, when a voice 

whispered in my ear, "Hello Nobbly, how are you?" It was Gordon Steele. Sorry unable to 

get his regiment, rank or number, but there was no club house to repair to after the match, 

only a 10 mile journey back in wet kit" Such was the man in any condition. 

"When Nobbly was demobbed in 1945, he returned back to "Civvy" street, taking up his old 

position at his company and setting about the resurgence of the O.H.R.F.C., O.H.C.C. and 

H.O.B.C., the forerunner of the O.H.A. He moved to Barnes to live with his sister, getting the 

train out to match days for both cricket and rugby. Although he had driven armoured vehicles 

during the War, he decided it would be unfair to unleash himself on the British motoring

public and never drove again, not that he needed to, when he moved down the road to 

Elstree! 

"Nobbly played many, many games of rugby for all O.H. sides, breaking his neck twice and 

several other bones in his body. Indeed a note from the late John Stagg's diaries, which you 

might have read, sums him up. 

"Sunday 20th October 1957"... 

"In going for a score yesterday, Tanner broke his neck. I called on Nobbly with Ray Kipps. It 

was not pleasant, but he was his usual self in many ways, scores, scorers noted on his 

Sunday Times. Only one brief mention that he would never play again - which we quickly 

refuted. l wonder how many O.H. who had just broken their necks would really care who 

scored for the 'B' XV the day before? There is only one Tanner." 

"Although not in the best of health, Nobbly still always managed to retain that twinkle in his 

eye, together with that humour that was his own; but pains and ailments seemed recently to 

get the better of him. Many, many more things could be said about dear Nobbly, so let us all 

recall our own particular thoughts and memories of him here today. We will miss you Nobbly, 

from your perch in the old stand watching the 1st XV, notebook to hand; or in the cricket 

score hut, complaining about who is bowling; or getting that late night phone call at 11.30 

pm, to see if you are attending a function. We will miss the pungent smell of that Old Shag 

tobacco from your pipe and the many packets of Senior Service cigarettes smoked. 

"We will all miss you deeply, Nobbly": 

"Looking through a collection of poems, I came across a verse by a Northern poet, one 

Thomas Wilson, which could have summed up Nobbly: 

"Thy joints are creaking with age. mine get more rigid daily too; 

A few more seasons in this stage must bring us to our last adieu. 

And when the curtain falls at last, should any one our story tell, 

May this the sentence be that's pass'd, they both their parts have acted well." 

Take care Nobbly. Goodbye and God bless you." 

W.R. (Nobbly) TANNER Memorial Appeal

The response to the appeal was magnificent raising over £8,500 from all around the world. 

So many letters of praise for the work that Nobbly did, and the communication that he 

maintained with members. The following extract from one of these says it so well. 

'...as you say, Nobbly was unique in the true sense of that word. How he found time to pen 

what must have been a multitude of personal missives to O.H.A. members defies 

imagination; he will not just be a hard act to follow but impossible to emulate. Certainly he 

was the one person who convinced me that I should not give up my membership." 

The memorial plaque has been produced, and was displayed at the O.H.A. dinner. The 

officers of the association are currently looking for a registrar to assemble all the records. 

Kelvin Pike 

Stanley C POLLARD (1926-35) 

died on 4 January 1992. 

He was a School Prefect and Vice Captain of Russell's House. After General Schools and 

matriculation in 1932, his Higher Schools and Inter BSc followed two years later, with an 

Open Natural Science Exhibition to Jesus College, Oxford and a Leaving Exhibition. His 

main sporting interest was rifle shooting and helped to form the original Rifle Club at the 

School, materially assisting Russells to win the first-ever inter-House shooting competition 

by being runner-up to the individual champion. 

Upon coming down from Oxford, in 1938, with an upper Second, Stanley joined the Burma 

Frontier Service, serving until independence was granted in 1947, by which time, he had 

achieved the rank of Assistant Resident. However, he was seconded to the British Army in 

Burma in 1943, being commissioned with the rank of Captain. 

After Burma became independent, Stanley joined the Colonial Service in Nigeria in 1948, 

returning in 1960, shortly after that country's independence. 

Returning to the UK, still only in the early forties, he took a Certificate of Education course at 

Bristol University and in 1961, took upon appointment at Strathallan School in Perthshire. 

When he finally retired, 21 years later, he had been the head of the Biology Department for 

many years. 

In spite of his long overseas sojourn, Stanley had become a life member of the HOBC. 

When the Association introduced decade dinners, in 1965, he expressed keen interest in 

those who attended particularly those of the 1930-39 group. However, his school duties and 

the long trek from Scotland, precluded his own attendance. Although his retirement home

was near Banbury, he evidently decided his roving days were over - especially with a night 

journey back to Oxfordshire. 

Unfortunately, his wife died a year after his retirement. To their two sons, John (who kindly 

supplied most of the foregoing information) and Christopher, we extend condolences on the 

end of such a varied life and career. 

H Stanley NODES (1926-35) 

died on 26th July 1990, at the age of 73. 

Of his various sporting talents, it was at football that Stanley made the greatest impression, 

hooking for the School 1st XV for three seasons and being awarded his colours for the last 

two. At 6ft or more, he needed sizeable props, who were fortunately available, at that time. 

He was also a sound place-kicker and accounted for 92 of 315 points scored in his last 

season. Stanley also played fives for the School, gaining his colours in his final year, kept 

wicket for the 1st XI in 1934 and was in the athletics team (weight and long jump) for three 

seasons. He was also a School Prefect, Captain of Strouts and passed his General Schools 

in 1933. 

After leaving the School, he joined the family business, a firm of undertakers, which had 

been founded early in the 19th century. Starting at the bottom rung, he was able to find time 

to play a season or two for the OHRFC, still as a hooker, but found his path to the 1st XV 

barred by one who was later to play for Middlesex in the County Championship. Later on, 

however, his business took precedence. Accordingly, he was delighted when the OH Fives 

Club was formed in 1936 and he was in the 1st IV, when matches were arranged in the 

following year. Pairing with Maurice J P Daly (1928-32) he also entered the Cyriax Cup, the 

Amateur Doubles Championship. These were evening events, of course, thus not impinging 

on his business career. 

At the beginning of 1939-45 war, Stanley married Spi, to whom he remained devoted all her 

life, which tragically ended, nearly 50 years later. Joining the Royal Fusiliers in June 1940, 

he saw action in North Africa, Egypt and Italy with the 8th Battalion. During the Italian 

campaign, in January 1944, he was twice wounded, while leading his platoon to capture a 

German post and encouraging his men to retain it, against counter-attacks. His gallantry 

earned the award of the Military Cross. Thereafter, Stanley became an Instructor at the 163 

OCTU, begin demobbed with the rank of Major. 

Rejoining the family business, he became the fourth generation of the Nodes family to be its 

Chairman and had served the company over a spread of 55 years - half-a-century, in an 

active capacity. His nephew, Michael, is now the 5th to run it - regrettably, the last Nodes to 

be in charge, after two centuries or more. The latter's wife, Ann, has pointed out that one of

the origins of their family name is thought, appropriately to mean, in Old English, a funeral 

pyre. 

Stanley was a life member of the HOBC and continued to make annual donations after the 

Association was formed, in 1962. Unfortunately, when the first 1930-39 decade dinner took 

place, three years later, he was already plagued with kidney stones and had to send his 

regrets at being unable to attend to meet some of his School and OHRFC contemporaries. 

To his elder brother, R H (Jerry) Nodes (1919-24) and his wife Joan and their son Stephen, 

to Ann and Michael and the latter's brother Nicholas, we offer condolences at the loss of a 

brother and uncle; a sterling man and true gentleman. 

Robert Horton, MBE, 

was born in London on July 5,1917. He died on January 2, 2003, aged 85. 

"Bob Horton was born in London, the son of a science teacher. He was educated at the 

Haberdashers' Aske's School and Guy's Hospital Medical School, and qualified in January 

1939. 

At the start of the war, he was posted as medical officer to an anti-aircraft unit in the Fast 

End of London. For bravery working with civilian casualties of the bombing in 1940, he was 

appointed MBE (military). Later he was deployed in India and Burma. He took part in the 

Arakan campaign and went on to command a mobile surgical unit in the front line. 

At the end of the war he was appointed officer in charge of the surgical division of a military 

hospital in Rangoon and finally a full colonel in charge of Rangoon's: general hospital. After 

six years' service, he was awarded the honorary rank of lieutenant-colonel. 

In January 1951 Horton was appointed senior lecturer in surgery at the University of Bristol, 

later becoming a consultant surgeon at the United Bristol Hospitals. He was a pioneer in the 

field of vascular surgery, using grafts to save legs from amputation, and his first results were 

published in the British Medical Journal in 1956. In Bristol he also began the treatment of 

hernia under local anaesthesia as day cases. He was appointed clinical dean of Bristol 

University in 1961 and established a modernisation programme for the teaching curriculum. 

In 1960 the Royal College of Surgeons appointed him an examiner for the primary FRCS 

exam. In 1967 he was appointed to the Court of Examiners of the College, and he became 

chairman of the court in 1972. In 1966 he was awarded the Erasmus Wilson Demonstration, 

Royal College of Surgeons, and in 1973 he was made the Hunterian Professor of the Royal 

College, reading a paper on the use of vein grafts to treat gangrene, previously treated by 

amputation of the limb."

Taken from The Times 25th February 2003 

Alan C. HARDING (1929-35) 

He regularly attended the decade dinners, commencing with the original 1930-39 meeting 

which took place in April 1965. 

Upon leaving the School, he joined Barclays Bank, going to many branches throughout 

North London, ending up as manager of the Holly Lodge, Highgate Office. 

He married Nora in 1955 and they were able to enjoy some 20 years of retired life, when he 

finished his working career in 1976, originally with their son Peter and daughter, Andrea, 

both now married. Alan was only two or three months away from celebrating his 50 years as 

a Methodist Preacher. 

The Association offer their condolences to Nora, their two children and two grand-children. 

Peter Dixon (died in 1997) 

Geoffery T Hammond (died in 2002) 

Harold H Hoffman (died in 1999) 

William J Kramers (died in 2001) 

D Ronald Steele (died in 1991) 

1934 

David Owen Jones - died 4th January 2013, aged 95. 

David Owen Jones was born in Hampstead in 1917, the family later locating to Ruislip. 

He went to Haberdashers School of which he remained fiercely proud all his life. Not being 

academic he joined the Railways clerical staff until the War. He then saw army service in 

Egypt, Libya and Palestine. Like many of his contemporaries he said little about it in 

subsequent years.

Afterwards he went back to the railways for a spell but then joined the NHS in hospital 

financial administration, his final post being at Mount Vernon Hospital. 

In retirement he moved to Overstrand in North Norfolk where he had family connections. He 

stayed there until he had a stroke in April 2011 and finally moved up to Beverley in 

November of that year. 

School had given him a strong interest in rugby and he was an eager follower of the School 

Old Boys side, spending many Easters with them on tour in the West Country as well as 

often watching home and away matches in the London area. 

His early work with the railways gave him an even greater passion – steam trains. He loved 

them and became very knowledgeable, travelling great distances to see something special. 

He was a prolific reader of books, especially historical and political biographies and he was 

also a staunch Church goer and was often to be found on Church Tower duty in the summer. 

He died in January 2013, aged 95 

Information provided by David's nephew David Smith. 

Henry Michael Excell 22 nd August 1918 – 26 th October 2010 

Obituary provided by Peter Excell, Henry’s son; Professor and Dean at Glyndwr 

University,Wales 

Henry Excell was born in Hampstead,North London, the youngest son of a gardener in the 

service of a peer of the realm, although the Excell family roots were in Berkshire. Showing 

great ability at primary school (New End School, Hampstead), Henry was awarded a 

scholarship to pay for his attendance at the Haberdashers’ Aske’s School. A by-product of 

his time there was the proximity of the Midland Railway main line (the school was then

ased near Cricklewood): many of the boys were fascinated by this, but there were grave 

penalties for those who even so much as glanced sideways through the windows as the train 

passed, rather than concentrating on the blackboard! Notwithstanding this, this inspired a 

lifelong interest in railways, which he shared with a school colleague (Geoffrey Suggate) and 

which he later passed on to his son, Peter. 

On leaving school he sought work, not surprisingly, with the railways, securing an 

accountancy post with the Great Western Railway. In parallel in this period there was a 

vibrant culture of "making things", shared with his school friend and with his brother John. 

They built a very large model railway in a redundant shed; they produced various items of 

furniture and, perhaps most noteworthy, they built a substantial model engineering workshop 

in a shed that they created from scrap timber, the crowning glory being a foot-powered lathe, 

which they purchased second-hand and then transported in pieces, with the heaviest parts 

slung from a bicycle crossbar! 

At the outbreak of the Second World War Henry volunteered for the Air Force, in advance of 

call-up, in the hope of becoming a pilot, a hope unfortunately dashed due to his small degree 

of myopia. The Air Force, however, recognised his usefulness as an accountant and, after 

basic training at St Athan, he was placed with little warning on a ship heading to the Middle 

East. His parents were not even aware that he had left the country until a friendly person in 

Cape Town offered to send them a message! 

The ultimate destination was Egypt, where he spent the majority of the war administering 

support functions for the Air Force. He was classified as an accountant officer and here he 

learned Arabic, to manage the substantial contingent of local personnel. His memories were 

laced with tales of evocative places in Egypt and Libya and he also was able to take at least 

one leave period in the Holy Land. 

He commented that, in the darkest days of the early 1940s, he and his colleagues had made 

a settled decision that, if Britain had fallen, they would make their way down to Kenya and 

fight on rather like the Free French. 

He returned to England around the end of the war in Europe, being deployed to the RAF 

Hospital at Rauceby in Lincolnshire. In the office next to Henry's was a Women's Royal Air 

Force uniformed clerk, with whom a magical relationship was soon struck up, not least 

because she was also a very accomplished sportswoman. This was Elna, his beloved wife 

for 64 years. 

Many memorable stories were told of life at the hospital in subsequent years, some 

poignant, some more hilarious, including Henry being given a severe dressing down by 

Matron for failing to salute her, since she held a superior military rank!

Around this time, his family found out that his beloved brother John had died of disease 3 

years earlier, while a prisoner of war, forced to work on the Burma Railway project: a 

traumatic discovery that left a lasting emotional scar on Henry. 

Henry and Elna were engaged in 1945 and, after she had taken him to see her 

predominantly Welsh-speaking family in Corwen and won their approval, they married in 

1946. 

After demobilisation, Henry tried to get back to work on the railways, but prospects there 

were poor and he was fortunate instead to obtain a post with the Westminster Bank. He 

distinguished himself by winning the Whitehead Prize of the Institute of Bankers, resulting in 

him being earmarked for advancement. 

Consistent with his culture of "making things", when Henry and Elna bought their first house 

they essentially transformed it through their own handiwork, notably with extensive 

carpentry, DIY decorating and rewiring of the house. Interspersed with this was skilled 

carpentry in making toys for their son Peter, who comments that this permanently imbued 

him with the credo that “making things is good for the soul”. 

In the early 1960s he was promoted to a managerial grade and they moved to the London 

suburb of Totteridge. The house backed on to a tennis club and this was manna from 

heaven to Henry and Elna, who had always been enthusiastic tennis players. 

Henry's career blossomed through the 1960s as the Westminster Bank merged with the 

National Provincial Bank to become National Westminster. The results of this included many 

more foreign trips, culminating in a world tour which ended with a flight home on the late 

lamented Concorde: a memorable conclusion to a glittering career. He retired as a General 

Manager of the International Banking Division of National Westminster in 1977, being one of 

the top dozen or so people in the Bank, at a time when bankers were trusted and respected - 

and not overpaid! 

Despite this high-powered executive career, he still made time to make things as a hobby, 

principally building his substantial model railway. 

After retirement, Henry and Elna increasingly felt thatLondonwas not the place where they 

wished to live out their later years and they settled on Pembrokeshire, supporting the 

Church, Henry rebuilding his railway, playing golf and being active in the Probus Club and in 

politics. They were delighted when Peter married Dianne and doted on their grandchildren 

Matthew and Charlotte. 

In recent times, Elna had suffered health problems and this had driven Henry to regard 

himself as her principal carer. He stretched himself to the limit in this, as would always be his

natural inclination. Losing this support was an enormous blow to her, but she has gamely 

tried to be more independent: like the rest of the family, she has drawn strength from Henry’s 

example. 

Sadly, we have had to say a deeply fond farewell to him, but in knowledge of a life well lived, 

through times both ‘interesting’ and difficult. He was an immensely hard act to follow but, for 

the family at least, not to try so to do is not an option. 

Henry died at WithybushHospital, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, on 26 th October 2010, 

having been in excellent health until suffering a fall some 3 weeks earlier. His funeral was 

held at St. Brynach’s Church, Dinas Cross, on November 5 th 2010, followed by cremation at 

Narberth Crematorium. His ashes were interred in St Brynach’s church graveyard. 

Cyril F Diggins (died in 2002) 

John LB Graham (died in 1990) 

EW Leonard (died in 2001) 

John N Wall (died in 1994) 

E J (Dicky) SMALL (1930-34) 

died on 17th March 1987, after being in failing health for upward of a year. 

Apart from being in excellent sportsman (School colours for Rugby football, cricket and 

athletics - of which he was captain) Dicky was a School prefect, Captain of Russells and 

successful in the London University Higher Schools examination. Upon leaving, he studied 

to be a teacher and, during the war, returned to the School at Westbere Road to teach 

English and to coach the first XV. 

After marrying Deborah in 1945, he joined the teaching staff at Reigate Grammar School 

and, two years later, moved to Friends School, Saffron Walden. In the interim, their first son, 

Richard, was born to be followed, in 1951, by Timothy, during their eight years in Essex. 

After a three year spell at a Hertfordshire school, Dicky went to Brymore School in Somerset, 

where he was appointed a housemaster in 1960 and became a lay reader at the local church 

that same year. 

The two boys went to Taunton School to follow in their father’s sporting prowess, Richard 

becoming the captain of rugby football, while Timothy shone at cricket and acted in school 

plays. With both sons following in his footsteps by embarking upon teaching careers, Dicky 

decided to give his full time to the Church and became a curate at St Thomas Church, Wells, 

in 1971, having been ordained three years previously. In 1975. he became Rector of Rodney

Stoke-with-Draycott, before being appointed Secretary of the Diocesan Advisory Committee 

for the period 1980-85 upon his retirement, in the former year, to Wells. Here, he resumed 

his close connection with St Thomas’, both he and Deborah singing in the choir, while Dicky 

preached and assisted at services. He also preached at the Methodist Church in Wells. 

Dicky was a Life member of the Old Boys, and when the Association Decade Dinners 

started in 1965, he delighted his contemporaries by making the long trip on several 

occasions. 

Kenneth H. GRIFFITHS (1927-34) 

died on 17 March 1985 

Kenneth boxed for the School and played for the 2nd XV. In common with many others he 

joined the TA early in 1939 and in September was posted to 514 Company RASC, becoming 

a sergeant in July 1942. His overseas service started the following month, first with the 8th 

Army in the Western Desert, then in Iraq, Sicily, Italy and finally in Jugoslavia. 

Upon retiring from the insurance business he went to the Isle of Wight, where he renewed 

contact with the late Arthur S. Wilshire (1924-33). To his widow we offer condolences for her 

sad loss. 

1933 

Dr Denis Hand-Bowman. (Formerly D.H. Baumann) 1917 - 2015 

Obituary provided by Michael Hand-Bowman 

My father entered Haberdasher's in 1928 from Quainton Hall Prep School, Harrow, and was 

eventually head boy of the Lower School, under Josh Blunt. 

All boys then had to be in the Corps, and he was bugler in the band. 

He was a good allrounder and represented the school at sprinting, long jump, swimming, 

rugby, and fives for which he got his house colours (Joblings). After school cert., he studied 

for his premedical in the medical department of the Regent Street Polytechnic. Here he 

joined the Polytechnic Harriers and ran for them in the AAA Championship at White City, 

achieving both gold, silver and bronze medals. 

In 1935 he entered Guy's Hospital Dental School qualifying at the end of 1940, and was 

selected as House Surgeon at the Royal Dental Hospital. Whilst there, he played rugby for 

the 1 st XV of the Combined Charing Cross and Royal Dental Hospitals. He also swam in the

1 st VII Water Polo Team. Whilst at Guy's he joined the medical branch of the University of 

London OTC, so at the end of his House job, he entered the Army Dental Corps in 

September 1941 as a Lieutenant and was promoted Captain a year later. (Now the Royal 

Army Dental Corps) 

After his initial training he was sent to the Queen Victoria Hospital East Grinstead, 

Maxillofacial Unit, to learn how to re-build jaws under the world famous pioneering surgeon 

Archibald McIndoe. 

Early in 1943 he was he was posted to the 33 Field Dressing Station. As the unit was 

landing on D Day in Normandy, they were sent to Scotland to train with Combined 

Operations. On returning to England, in September 1943 he married Margaret McQueen 

McArthur In London. He then joined the 3 rd Canadian Division, in No. 8 beach group, all 

landing on D Day on Juno Beach at Bernieres sur mer. He took part in the capture of Caen, 

Le Havre, and the final capture of Arnhem in 1945, finishing the war in Germany, and was 

demobilised from there in August 1946. 

On the 1 st January 1947, he started his own dental practice at Thorpe Bay, Essex, eventually 

having two other partners, and also practised part time in New Cavendish Street, London. In 

1977 he retired to Crowborough, East Sussex, where he swam and played golf weekly, and 

always having been very fond of music, became a chorister in St. Dunstan's Church, 

Mayfield Choir, and also in the Mayfield Festival Choir. 

He sang in Westminster Abbey, St George's Chapel, Windsor and Magdalen & New College, 

Oxford, as well as recording and broadcasting on BBC World Service Radio. 

In 2009, his wife Margaret passed away, and in January 2015 he passed away peacefully 

with his family at his side. 

He will be sadly missed by son Michael, daughter Wendy, granddaughter Serena, and son in 

law Richard. 

Here is a link to the School memories he provided for the OHA website - The Original 

Housemasters and other memories. 

Maurice Zinkin (died in 2002) 

Aurthor Southon (died in 1996) 

E Roland Offord (died in 1995) 

Clive FM Lello (died in 2000) 

Geoffrey J Hersey (died in 2001)

Ralf A Hargrave (died in 1994) 

Geoffrey C Eltringham (died in 1998) 

Ivor W Davies (died in 1993) 

Peter JF Cooper (died in 1995) 

J Basil Blowfield (died in 1997) 

Peter G Ashberry (died in 1999) 

James C. TOWNLEY (1927-33) 

died on 26 February 1985 at the age of 70. 

His early education was at Bradford Grammar School, but when his family moved to London, 

he joined the School at the age of 12, becoming a sub-prefect and vice-captain of 

Henderson's and playing fives in the 2nd IV. 

Having obtained an Open scholarship to Middlesex Hospital, James qualified in 1939. 

Thereafter, he served in the RAMC throughout the war, being at Dunkirk and later in West 

Africa. upon his return after holding a series of medical appointments, he joined a general 

practice at Harston, Cambridgeshire, where he spent the remainder of his life. The practice 

expanded to neighbouring villages, but after a time James found he missed the personal 

contact with his patients and decided to practise on his own. However, the increasing 

demands obliged him to take first one partner and then another. 

In 1976 he had a serious illness, but made a remarkable recovery and was able to resume 

his calling. He shared a love of music with his wife, which was passed on to one of his 

daughters who became a professional violinist. James was interested in cricket and 

occasionally played golf, but the principal interest of this outstanding general practitioner was 

the welfare of his patients. To his wife, Joan, and their four children we extend our sympathy. 

D.G.H. (Bunny) JOHNSTON (1921-33) 

died on 1st April 1980 after a long illness, courageously borne. 

Douglas was an all-round sportsman, captaining the 1st XI at cricket, also gaining his 

colours at cross-country. He represented the School at swimming, fives, athletics and rugby, 

playing scrum-half for the 1st XV in the Spring term of 1933. 

While at St Catharine's College he captained the Cambridge Hare & Hounds II against 

Oxford University. During the war he was commissioned in the Cameron Highlanders, but

was re tired from regimental service through injury. Thereafter he was an instructor at the 

Indian Military Academy at Dehra Dun, with the rank of Captain. 

Neil BROWN (1926-33) 

died on 9th April 1991 

Neil joined the HOBC upon leaving the School, so had been a member for more than 57 

years. In fact, he must have been one of the last to be signed on by the late Stanley H 

Norton, who was the club's liaison officer at the School and was assistant secretary and 

assistant treasurer, at the time. Neil was a devout Christian, joining the Crusaders before 

leaving and later becoming a member of the Open Plymouth Brethren, preaching in many 

Evangelical churches and at conferences in the southeastern area. 

He first worked for Henry and Co., a firm of estate agents, surveyors and valuers, before 

joining the LCC in September 1937, spending his early years at the County Hall, 

Westminster. At the outbreak of the 1939-45 war he was transferred to the London Fire 

Brigade clerical staff, before joining the 127 Parachute Field Ambulance in October 1940. 

Thereafter, he saw service in Greece (where he was slightly wounded during a parachute 

landing) Italy, France and Palestine. 

Neil recommenced his County Hall career as a technical assistant in the architects 

department and in 1948, was elected an Associate Surveyor of the Incorporated Association 

of Architects and Surveyors. He became an expert in the administration of the London 

Building Acts and byelaws, together with other associated Acts and Codes of Practice. 

Specifically, Neil was concerned with the highest level of public safety in connection with fire 

precautions and construction, involving factories, supermarkets, offices, shops, railway 

premises, hotels, boarding houses, schools, old peoples' homes and licensed premises in 

theatres and circuses etc. Becoming a Group Officer, he had the responsibility for the 

oversight and administration of a number of London boroughs within the GLC area. 

Developers and their agents sought Neil's advice and help on projects within the area he 

controlled, which was given readily and with the utmost courtesy - also saving them 

considerable finance and earning their appreciation and gratitude. 

Within the County Hall, he was particularly admired and respected for the training he gave to 

young trainees in this very complex subject, which takes 5 to 7 years to master. 

He held firmly to his Christian beliefs and was a leading light in the Christian Union at the 

County Hall. One of his colleagues, for the 24 years before Neil's retirement in 1975, may be 

quoted as a fitting epitaph - "He had a fine sense of humour and was highly respected by all 

members of the Division. His contribution to the safety and well being of the public at large 

was outstanding and cannot be measured in words".

One of his sisters, Olive Hiner (who with two other sisters, has been responsible for 

researching his career details) noted that Neil had attended the football match at Chase 

Lodge, in April 1961, between a XV from the pre-Tom Taylor era and one from 1946-61 - is 

span, as Headmaster, at that time. Neil would have known a number of the former side (the 

youngest of whom would have been 34!) and he was encouraged to attend the 1930-39 

decade dinners, which the OHA introduced in April 1965. 

Clive H. BLOCKLEY (1926-33) 

died on 27th August 1984 following the onset of Myeloid Leukaemia. 

After returning from the Middle East at the end of the war, in which he was an oral surgeon, 

he joined a dental practice in Tunbridge Wells. Clive's humour was irrepressible and, to an 

inexhaustible supply of jokes old and new , he added a quick wit and infectious laugh. He 

could never see the point of being miserable and sorry for oneself, and tried to make sure 

his patients, his staff and those who worked with him left him more cheerful than when they 

joined him. 

"Well I've had 68 happy years so I can't complain" he said shortly after being told that he 

was suffering from Myeloid Leukaemia. He bore the drastic treatment with typical 

cheerfulness and fortitude. 

He loved professional life and belonged to many dental societies, including the British Dental 

Association, of which he was chairman of the local section. He was president of the 

American Dental Society of London in 1969 and the American Dental Society of Europe in 

1980. He was a Fellow of the International College of Dentists and a Liveryman of the 

Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of the City of London. 

Clive was Senior Dental Officer and later Consultant Dental Surgeon at the Kent and Sussex 

and Pembury Hospitals. His good working knowledge of oral pathology and general 

medicine allowed him to build up a good relationship with his colleagues on the staff of both 

hospitals, and his sound advice and treatment was highly valued. 

First and foremost, Clive was a family man and was tremendously proud of his children and 

grandchildren. Since his retirement, Doreen and he had spent their time helping their 

younger daughter, Frances, with her business, gardening and generally enjoying life to the 

full as always. We mourn the loss of a man whom none of us will forget. 

Clive was a life member of the Association as is his brother, Spencer (1929-37). He leaves 

his widow Doreen, his family and to his brother. 

1932

Ken Blessley (1914 – 2012) 

Ken was one of the stalwarts of the OHA and, until his death in April 2012, was amongst its 

oldest surviving members, having joined the OHBC (as it was known then) on leaving school 

in 1932. He wrote many contributions for various publications connected with the School and 

the OHA, which provided fascinating insights into life as a schoolboy in the 1920’s and 

1930’s and into the early days of the OH, when material and financial resources were limited 

but there was no shortage of volunteers, either on or off the pitch. 

He started his Haberdashers career in April 1920 at Westbere Road, following his elder 

brother, Don, into Calverts. His early career at school was one of solid, if not stellar, 

progress. As a local, he walked to and from school and lunched at home every day, until the 

attraction of improved fare for prefects proved irresistible. The last few years of school, 

however, were a period of much greater achievement, academically as well as in sports and 

other activities. Haberdashers only became a rugby-playing school in 1922, but rapidly 

developed prowess as a result of the talented coaching of a number of masters, and Ken 

played a number of games for the 1 st XV. He became a prefect (this entitled him to wear a 

tasselled cap, eat an improved lunch menu at a separate table and use a cane – sparingly, 

apparently – for the punishment of lesser offences). With this came the Captaincy of 

Calverts (not matched by any subsequent family member!) and culminated in his being 

named School Captain in his final year, leaving in 1932. 

He joined the Cadet Corps (at the time the 3 rd Cadet Battalion, The Royal Fusiliers) and 

participated in weekly drills in the playground dressed in regular Army-issue, requiring 

regular applications of spit and polish – it did not change much in the next 40-50 years. 

Hefting a Lee-Enfield MkI .303 did not appeal, so he joined the Corps band as a bugler, thus 

complementing his keyboard skills learned from his mother, and rose to the rank of 

Sergeant. His Corps experience was to prove useful a few years later when, along with a 

number of fellow-OH, he enlisted after Munich, prior to the commencement of the Second 

War. 

Ken obtained a place and a minor scholarship to study French and German at St. 

Catharine’s College, Cambridge. He obtained a solid 2 nd Class degree, but probably could 

have improved on this result had it not been for the terminal illness of his mother and her 

premature death a few weeks before his final exams. After graduating, he joined the family 

firm, Blessley & Spier, chartered surveyors and estate agents, as an articled clerk in their 

offices just above Finchley Road & Frognal BR station, with a view to qualifying as an RICS, 

which he achieved in 1938. In April 1939, he obtained his first remunerated position with a 

firm of surveyors in Park Lane, London.

Paid civil employment was to prove a short-lived experience as, after signing-up, in August 

1939, he was embodied to a Field Company, Royal Engineers as a Sergeant, at Duke of 

York’s barracks in Chelsea, and did not return to a civil salary until February 1946. 

His wartime experiences took him far-afield but, initially, were limited to Barnet, Scotland and 

the Midlands, before being posted overseas. His duties included bomb disposal and antiinvasion 

defences. During this period, after a spell at OCTU, he was commissioned in April 

1940 and, more significantly, in Inverness met Gwen MacRae, whom he was to marry 6 

years later on his return from overseas service. 

Raymond Mays, Ken’s OC at the time, had been involved in the pre-war construction of the 

Trans-Iranian Railway, and had managed to convince Allied Command of the need to sever 

this vital link, which otherwise would give the German forces access to the Gulf oilfields, 

unless a number of major bridges were destroyed. Ken was posted to Persia but the 

Russian victory at Stalingrad meant that the Allies were now focused on shipping vast 

quantities of matériel to support the Russian westward advance. Accordingly, the military 

objective changed to improving the railway and road links from the Gulf ports to the Caspian, 

a distance of some 700 miles. 

Thereafter, he began a long journey homewards which took him via Sicily, participating in 

the surprise invasion, which then served as the springboard for the invasion of mainland Italy 

and the push north. Still with the Royal Engineers, but now commanding a Company, he was 

involved in major initiatives at Caserta, Monte Cassino, Chiusi and the Mont Cenis Pass. 

Ken was repatriated in October 1945 after turning down promotion to a posting with the 

occupying forces in Berlin. In all he had spent 4¼ years of active overseas service, without 

home leave, and was demobbed with the rank of Major in February 1946. He was Mentioned 

in Dispatches twice (1942 and 1944) and was awarded the MBE (Military) in 1945 and the 

ED (TA). 

Ken resumed his interrupted professional career, joining the Public Trustee Office as a 

property adviser, but then transferring to the Middlesex County Council in 1950. This move 

to local government was the beginning of a long and distinguished career in the public 

service, being appointed County Valuer for Middlesex in 1953. The massive reconstruction 

required after the war required his involvement in myriad projects where he played a key 

rôle, including the purchase of land for the construction of roads, schools, welfare and health 

facilities, fire and ambulance stations, as well as the consolidation and conservation of 

immense swathes of Green Belt. 

With the reorganisation brought about by the London Government Act 1963, creating the 

Greater London Council, Ken was the only Middlesex Chief Officer to be appointed one of 

the GLC Controllers – Chief Valuer and Estates Surveyor. In this rôle, at the head of a 

department comprising 1,700 people, he became the largest landowner in the UK, with a

multi-million pound programme, which included projects such as the revitalisation of St. 

Katharine’s Dock, Covent Garden Market, Thamesmead and the South Bank, to name but a 

few. He was awarded the CBE in 1974 for services to Local Government and retired in 1976. 

An astonishingly active man, Ken was a major contributor to the development of his 

profession and its people, serving on and leading committees at the Royal Institution of 

Chartered Surveyors, the Association of Chief Estates Officers, the County Councils 

Association and the Cambridge University Land Society. In addition, he was involved in a 

number of Government committees and working parties in areas related to his fields of 

activity and was invited to speak on many occasions at City Guildhall, The House of 

Commons and prestigious universities. 

Unbelievably, Ken also found time to be an active member of the HOBC, later to become the 

OHA, which he joined on leaving school. Not only did he have a long and successful career 

on the rugby field, but he also managed to dedicate much effort to leading or supporting 

projects which underpinned the structure, resources and facilities of the Association, 

culminating in being elected President in 1962. 

Ken’s first appearance for the OHRFC 1 st XV was on the 1935 Christmas Tour in Taunton 

and his last, again at Taunton, on Easter Monday 1949, having clocked up a total of 149 

appearances, despite a 4¼ year absence on active duty. His final playing service was as 

Captain of the Extra A XV for the 1950-1952 seasons. A serious knee injury put paid to his 

playing career, but this did not stop him from refereeing on an active basis for a number of 

years, albeit more junior sides. 

He successfully negotiated the agreement with the LCC which allowed the incorporation of a 

third rugby pitch (the current 1 st XV pitch), as well as land to permit the location of the cricket 

square in the central area between the new and original pitches, thus creating a proper 

outfield. It also permitted the opening of the access from Croxdale Road, which continues to 

be the principal entrance, replacing the original access off Theobald Street. 

On occasions, when volunteer labour made up for a lack of full-time staff, Ken would be 

seen on a Saturday morning driving a decrepit and unreliable Pattison towing a gang-mower 

to prepare the grounds for the afternoons games. It was a long time before a proper, muchused 

blue Fordson tractor replaced the original machine. 

Another critical post-war function in which he participated, when private cars were in as short 

supply as good bitter beer, was the collection from Paddington Station of kegs of 

Wiveliscombe’s best, purchased by Arthur Jenkins and shipped up by train from Somerset, 

to serve at the Clubhouse bar on Saturday afternoon.

Together with a number of other OH volunteers with building, engineering or architectural 

skills, he was an active contributor to some of the projects which have withstood (some 

better than others) the passage of time and the elements. The construction of the Clubhouse 

was carried out by an amateur team, including Ronnie Diggens, Arthur Kerswell and John 

Stagg with OH perching precariously atop the main structure, spanners in hand, securing the 

A-frames which still support the roof today (and the interior false-ceiling erected many years 

later under the supervision of Robin Mathew). Facilities have improved since the original 

erection, but the structure is the same. The “new” extension bar was another important 

project. 

With Gwen, there was rarely a Saturday that would pass when the Clubhouse would not be 

the social location for the evening, after having formed part of a large, vocal spectator group 

on the touchline. In addition, during an earlier period, the productions of the OH Dramatic 

Society proved to be a major draw. They were frequent visitors to the theatre in London and, 

later, after their move to the South Coast, Chichester and Brighton. However, his passion 

was always the OHRFC and he was made Life Member in recognition of his important 

contribution. 

Motor racing was an important pastime in early adulthood and he was a member at 

Brooklands from 1935 up to the outbreak of war. His enthusiasm never waned and Ken was 

still able to provide well-informed commentary on F1 well into his 90’s. He conserved some 

magnificent photographs of pre-war track action. 

He became a member of the MCC and was a regular follower of Middlesex’s fortunes in the 

County Championship, visiting Lords frequently until the later years. 

He married Gwen in April 1946 in Inverness, after becoming engaged some six months 

earlier. His brother Donald and he were the only two men not wearing kilts at the ceremony. 

Gwen died in November 2005. 

Ken is survived by his sons, Colin (1954 - 1965) and Andrew (1958 – 1968) and his 

grandchildren, Christopher, Thomas, Jonathan, Krista, Milo and Sebastian. 

THE TIMES 

Kenneth Blessley 

Published at 3:57PM, July 24 2012 

As Chief Valuer and Estates Surveyor for the Greater London Council from 1964 to 1977, 

Kenneth Blessley drove forward the first redevelopment of London's Docklands into 

commercial mixed-use space and set the pattern for the transformation of the capital's

quaysides into highly sought after locations for homes, offices and leisure facilities as port 

activity began to recede. 

By the mid-1960s it was becoming obvious that the swathes of London's Docklands would 

face dereliction in future years. And as the warehouses began to empty and the quayside 

cranes to droop, Blessley negotiated the deal to buy the 25 acre site of St Katharine's Dock, 

near Tower Bridge, from the Port of London Authority in 1969. The subsequent 

redevelopment of the docks and warehouses into houses (both public and private, including 

penthouses), offices, restaurants and pubs and a major new hotel surrounding an attractive 

yachting basin, proved to be a big hit, especially with City workers nearby. There was even a 

popular cultural element to the scheme as the artist Bridget Riley was given some disused 

warehouse space at an affordable rate to develop an atelier of artists' studios. 

Blessley was praised for what was an early example of a public-private partnership between 

the GLC, which assembled the land, and the commercial developer Taylor Woodrow, which 

funded and built the scheme and leased the buildings from the GLC in return for a healthy 

ground rent. Blessley's entrepreneurial spirit in spotting opportunities and driving forward 

commercial development of London's fast-changing landscape in the 1960s and 1970s 

made him popular with the GLC's Tory administration under Desmond Plummer (1967-73). 

He had to overcome strong opposition from the Labour opposition at the GLC which fiercely 

resisted the sale of St Katharine Docks, and with it the admission that thousands of docking 

jobs would be lost, and of the GLC acting in such an overtly commercial manner. This he 

managed, chairing stormy steering groups on development proposals, with customary 

bluntness. 

Blessley, who headed up a vast estates department at the GLC of some 1,700 people, also 

negotiated the £6 million deal to buy 12 acres of land at Covent Garden from the market 

authority after the flower and fruit and vegetable market relocated to Nine Elms in Battersea 

in 1973. Interested parties were poised to negotiate with Blessley on the assumption that the 

buildings in and around the 17th-century Inigo Jones-designed piazza would be swept away 

for wholesale redevelopment of a prime London site. 

However, the Government intervened and spotlisted buildings scattered around the area, 

which necessitated moving the scheme forward as a heritage/conservation project. . In the 

midst of a global recession, it was not a good time to be asking the politicians for money, but 

Blessley eventually secured funding from the GLC to refurbishment of the market buildings. 

His instincts were proved correct and the recasting of the market buildings to be filled with 

restaurants, cafes, craft and gift shops would go on to become a big draw for tourists and a 

money spinner for the landowner. He also negotiated the deals with London Weekend 

Television and the National Film Theatre to take up the remaining vacant plots along the 

South Bank and enhance its offer as a centre for the arts and culture.

Not all of Blessley's deals were successful. Perhaps the boldest one he negotiated was the 

1965 purchase for £6.7 million of 1,300 acres near next to the Thames at Royal Arsenal 

which had long been used for the manufacture, storing and testing of weapons but which 

had outlived this purpose. The vision was to develop this land into 17,000 new homes as a 

modern city that would be known as Thamesmead. Despite the problems of dealing with 

unexploded ordnance, the first phases which mainly comprised Brutalist tower blocks was 

built, but the money ran out and later phases were eventually;;cancelled, leaving the existing 

development isolated amid marshland by the Thames. The development would often be 

criticised for exemplifying the worst excesses of postwar housing design. 

Kenneth Blessley was born in Hampstead in 1914 and educated at Haberdashers' Aske's 

School and St Catharine's College, Cambridge after which he was articled to a firm of 

surveyors in Hampstead. 

He joined the Territorial Army in 1938 and during the war he commanded a company of 

Royal Engineers repairing bridges to allow troops to advance in Sicily through Caserta, 

Monte Cassino, Chiusi, Pesaro and Monte Cenis. He was mentioned twice in dispatches and 

was appointed MBE and ED. 

He joined Middlesex County Council as Deputy County Valuer in 1950 and was appointed 

County Valuer in 1953. He assembled land over a period of time for a new town centre at 

Feltham and sought tenders from the private sector to develop commercial buildings in 

return for ground rent. He signed a deal with Hallmark Property and the resulting scheme 

generated considerable sums for the council. 

The success of Feltham was noted and when Middlesex disappeared under the Local 

Government Act of 1963, Blessley was appointed Chief Valuer and Estates Surveyor of the 

newly created Greater London Council. It was a period during which he was able to replicate 

the Feltham model as the GLC increased its land holdings by more than 8,000 acres and 

invested more than £450 million in land and property. And with so much of London still not 

rebuilt after the war and increasing swathes of industrial land becoming derelict there were 

plenty of development opportunities in the capital. 

He successfully campaigned for improvements to the property compensation code. At a time 

of major expansion in London's road network, he drew attention to a number of anomalies 

and hardships in the law governing compensation and compulsory acquisition. His presence 

on the Government's Urban Motorways Committee allowed him to put forward amending 

proposals, many of which were written into the Land Compensation Act 1973. 

On retirement in 1977 he was appointed CBE.

Ken Blessley married, in 1947, Gwen Macrae who predeceased him in 2005. His two sons 

survive him. 

Kenneth Blessley, CBE, surveyor, was born on February 28, 1914. He died on Apri110, 

2012, aged 98 

Eric H Wilson (died in 2002) 

Richard MB Tiddy (died in 1990) 

Gerard H Kramers (died in 1996) 

John V Goldsbrough (died in 1990) 

Maxwell WJ Denham (died in 2000) 

Maurice P Daly (died in 1994) 

Arthur Burley (died in 2000) 

James Peter Maurice THOMPSON (1925-32) 

died on 13 April 1986 at the age of 70. 

Peter left School in December 1932. His chief sporting interest there was boxing which was 

then a major School sport at the highest level. In his last year he boxed for the School at 

under 9 stone, winning four out of five bouts against some good boxing schools. He also 

played football for the School 3rd XV. He played regularly for the lower sides of OHRFC in 

the years before the war and subsequently for a year or two after 1945. 

During the war he joined the RAF in October 1940 and after a period in South Africa was 

commissioned becoming a navigator in Lancasters of Bomber Command. On leaving School 

he entered the accountancy profession in his father's firm and qualified as an Incorporated 

Accountant in 1938, subsequently becoming a Chartered Accountant. He returned to his 

father's firm after the war, becoming senior partner in 1963. In 1964 his firm merged with 

another, also led by an Old Haberdasher, M. J. Jackman (1925-32). Peter continued in 

practice until he retired in June 1985. 

Peter will be remembered with respect and affection by all his old friends and 

contemporaries. He was a man of strong convictions and very thoughtful towards those who 

needed help. Our sincere sympathies are extended to Anne and to their son martin. Our 

condolences also to Peter's brother Stanley (1924-31) who has had his own problems of 

illness to cope with.

Harry Levene (1926-32) 

collapsed and died suddenly on 29th September 1988. 

Leaving at 5th form level, Harry made his career in the Civil Service, retiring in 1981. 

Although never involved in a personal capacity, in the post war years he became an ardent 

touch-line supporter of the OHRFC and, when the OHCC ceased to be a wandering club in 

1956, he became a regular attendee at Boreham Wood matches, giving his financial support 

to both clubs, as an honorary member. 

A life member of the HOBC, Harry became more involved in the social side when, after 

1962, the Association arranged an augmented programme of social events. In particular, he 

was a regular attendee at the biennial reunion dinners of his era (formerly the 1930-39 

decade and then the pre 1940 group) and at the annual Wine and Cheese parties. 

Amongst his outside interests, Harry had a particular appreciation for paintings and was 

happy to discuss his visits to numerous galleries and exhibitions. 

He left a sister, Vera (his only remaining close relative). 

Martin J Jumbo JACKMAN (1925-32) 

died in hospital on 30th January after several months of a debilitating illness. He was 77. 

At school, he had followed his brothers Frank and Peter as Captain of Hendersons House, 

creating an unusual and probably unbeatable record. He was Senior Prefect in 1931/32 and 

represented the School at Fives, Boxing and Athletics but clearly his outstanding contribution 

was in Rugby Football. He was in the 1st XV for four seasons, awarded colours in 1931 and 

was made Captain for 1932/33. In holiday football in December, he represented Middlesex 

Schools against Kent, Surrey and the Eastern Counties and also played for London v the 

Rest. 

A less well recorded activity was in the Cadet Corps band where, predictably, he carried the 

big bass drum. Fellow musicians included Basil Phillips and Poppy Brown on drums, Alan 

Nicol cymbals, Phillip Frost flute and Terry Alexander and Ken Blessley bugles. Jumbo's 

pace could, at times, vary which resulted in an interesting hint of syncopation. No doubt, in 

contemporary times they would have constituted a pop group. 

On leaving school, he embarked on his chosen career as a chartered accountant, qualifying 

in 1938 and remaining with the same firm, Holden Howard (apart from war service) until he 

retired as a well-respected partner in 1977. 

Like many of his contemporaries, Jumbo joined the TA early in 1939, choosing as his 

regiment the 4th County of London Yeomanry along with a number of other OH - Jack Bell,

Neville Burrell, Colin Colquhoun, Frank Ingram. Tony Beaumont and Toby Manton were 

already Sharpshooters in the 3rd Regiment. After training in Devon and Sussex (to the 

considerable advantage of many local pubs), his regiment was dispatched in the summer of 

1941 to the Middle East, forming part of the 7th Armoured Division, the Desert Rats, at the 

vital battle of Sidi Rezegh in November. Their cruiser tanks were heavily outgunned, his 

received a direct hit killing the other members of his crew and leaving him with serious 

wounds, the worst the loss of an eye. After several months in a hospital in South Africa, he 

returned to the UK and was invalided out in 1942. 

He made a remarkable recovery and his friends in various parts of the world were 

astonished to read in early 1944 that he was playing football again - for the Wasps! He had 

two seasons in their 1st XV, 1944/45, 1945/46 and was selected to play for the London XV in 

December 1945 but unluckily the match was scratched owing to bad weather. 

His first recorded appearance in the OH 1st XV was against Harrow in December 1932 a few 

days after leaving school but George Jamieson in 'Making a Mark' quotes an 

unauthenticated story that Jumbo played for John Gooch's Extra C at the age of 14 and had 

been reprimanded by his captain for being too rough, clearly a fabrication. However, there is 

no contradicting the date of his last 1st XV game, against Chippenham on Easter Monday 

1954 when he scored a try - a fitting conclusion. 

In the intervening years he made 315 1st XV appearances, broken by the war which caused 

him to lose six potential seasons, nevertheless he was the first to pass the 300 mark. 

Another memorable first as an OH was his full County cap for Middlesex in 1933 (v Surrey). 

In 1936, he was in the OH Seven which got to Twickenham having beaten Blackheath II, 

London Irish and Wasps on the way, before losing in the 8th round (quarter-finals) to the 

Metropolitan Police by a single score (6-11). 

He was elected Captain of the Club for the 1938/39 season and took over again from 1946 

to 1948. These latter two seasons still stand high in the success ratings, with that record run 

of eleven victories against strong opposition in the Autumn of 1946. Despite his wholehearted 

dedication to the game he suffered comparatively few injuries, at one time recording 

93 consecutive appearances, a remarkable tribute to his fitness. As a really good club 

member, he eventually graduated to become captain of a memorable C XV from 1951 to 

1953, although subject to recall to higher things from time to time. 

He was first elected to the OHRFC Committee in 1934, served as Honorary Treasurer from 

1949 to 1957 and was twice President - 1957/58 and 1963/64. For many years after his 

playing career ended, he was a regular touchline supporter and Easter Tourist, rarely absent 

from the various social events.

On the field he led from the front, powerful and fast with a devastating tackle but he was 

never violent or bad-tempered and, in contrast to what one sees today, never descended to 

dangerous or dirty play. The writer can certainly vouch for Jumbo's contribution in the scrum 

having packed down in the front row in 136 games (not certified by WR Tanner!) when he 

was at lock. He bridged the gap between generations of OH, from the founders in the 20's 

through to the 70's and those 'young' players still on the field who had made their debut in 

his last seasons. 

George Jamieson in his book suggested that Jumbo 'well deserved the title of the 

outstanding forward in our history' and, 34 years later, surely nobody would seek to 

challenge the validity of that opinion. 

He was also President of the Association in 1963/64, for many years on the Committee and 

present at all its functions. He was made a Vice-President of the OHCC in 1961. 

In July 1976, rather late in life, he married Judith, a friend for many years and they settled in 

Dulverton with a flat in Chelsea. Sadly their companionship was shortlived as Judith became 

seriously ill and died in December 1980. She was a very talented artist, introducing Jumbo to 

a somewhat different life style and they travelled extensively - to her native Australia, to 

Singapore, the USA and elsewhere but it is perhaps true to say, in retrospect, that he never 

really related to the Somerset scene or to that large, empty house in Dulverton and it was no 

surprise to his family and close friends when he returned to NW Middlesex to a flat in Elm 

Park Court, Pinner. 

He was thus able to maintain his links with Elstree, the OH and the world of rugby. He took 

holidays in Australia, meeting up with Maurice Daly, went to the Spanish Islands and to 

Cyprus. He was always interested in the theatre and read extensively, acted as honorary 

secretary/treasurer to the Elm Court complex and set up such things as the Simpsons group, 

an elitist quarterly luncheon club, and his chairing of their meeting at the end of November 

was his last real outing. 

It was good that, until the onset of this final illness, he led an active social life, ever 

hospitable as a host, ever welcome as a guest, particularly with Betty and Poppy Brown, 

Marie and Peter Ashberry, Gwen and Ken Blessley, and their gatherings, formal and 

informal, will not be the same again. 

A kind and considerate person, at all times a gentle man, reserved, even taciturn and often 

reluctant to communicate, particularly in the last sad months when he was clearly unwilling 

to burden others, even his family and closest friends, with his problems. 

The chapel at Breakspear was packed on 6th February and many of us were able to express 

our sympathy on that occasion but all OH who knew Jumbo will wish to add their

condolences to Peter and to Bunty, and to his nieces - Honor, Penny and Nicky; they have 

lost a much loved brother and uncle. We shall all miss him. 

Martin F 

Henry G.FELDMAN (1923-32Dec) 

died on 16 March 1986, after being ill for some time. 

He left the School at the age of 16. At that stage, he had played cricket and fives for the 

Under 16 teams and rugby for the 3rd XV, having been junior athletics champion in 1931. 

Henry started his own career in the cinema world, but later on, formed his own silkscreen 

printing business, until ill-health caused him to retire about 1980. When the Association 

started biennial reunions of the pre-1940 leavers in 1965, Henry became a regular attendee, 

but had not been well enough to attend since 1981. 

To his widow, Mildred, and their daughter, Iris, we extend our sympathy. 

1931 

John A. (JACK) TOUT (1925 - 31) 

died 24th April 2001 

Jack was born in South Africa of British parents on 31st August 1914 who subsequently 

divorced and then sent him back to his paternal grandparents who were living in the U.K. in 

Hendon. 

Jack was brought up in the local Methodist Church (which was also attended by one Denis 

Compton) and was very keen on sports from an early age. He joined Haberdashers’ in 1925 

and was immediately a member of the junior rugby XV and cricket XI as well as being an 

athlete of some note, winning the junior athletics ‘Victor Ludorum’ in 1928. Jack left the 

School in 1931 and subsequently joined the Territorial Army in the 1930s resulting in his call 

up at the outbreak of hostilities at the start of the Second World War and was then 

commissioned in the Royal Artillery He was posted to Northern Africa and en route via South 

Africa was reunited with his family once more. 

In 1937 he met and married Eileen and his daughter Carol was born soon after he left the 

U.K. on overseas service in 1940. Following his tour of duty through Africa and then on into 

Italy he was demobilised at the end of hostilities and ran his own business in Croydon for a 

good number of years before eventually transferring to a transport company at the then fast 

developing Heathrow. Thereafter he moved to Lex Garages working there until his 

retirement, at which point he acted as a Welfare Officer for the Company’s pensioners.

Jack was a founding member and active playing member of Hendon Rugby Club before 

becoming involved with the London Society of Rugby Football Union Referees, continuing as 

a senior assessor after his active refereeing days came to an end. 

He was a frequent visitor to Borehamwood for many rugby and social events and indeed 

was a regular at Peter Vacher’s ‘Retired Members’ Lunches‘. As many have remarked Jack 

was one of those precious individuals who upon meeting you immediately felt better for 

seeing, a man with a constant chuckle in his voice and an immensely positive attitude to 

what life had for him. 

The foregoing is largely due to the reminiscences of Idris Edwards who first met Jack in 

1919 and remained firm friends with him for the rest of his life,a period of eighty two years - a 

remarkable stretch of time. 

William G. STEED (1923-31) 

died on 25th June 1980 after a stroke. 

Bill served throughout the 1939-45 war in the Royal Artillery, spending four and a half years 

in the Middle East and Italy. 

On demobilisation he rejoined the family firm of turf accountants and stayed with them until 

retirement. However, after losing his wife he restarted work, having a job in the Civil Service 

and continuing with it, in spite of failing health. 

To his two sons, Michael and John and his brother, Dennis A. (1930-36) we offer belated 

sympathy. 

Noel G SMITH (1924-31) 

died on 6th May 1991. 

A member of Strouts, Noel's main sporting attribute was as a boxer, winning most of his 

bouts against other schools' representatives and being awarded his colours. 

Upon leaving the School, he became articled to a London firm of Chartered Accountants, 

qualifying in 1937 and joining Price, Waterhouse, Peat & Co. Almost immediately, he went 

on a tour of duty in Brazil, from whence he returned, in 1941, to join the RAC. After being 

commissioned in January 1943, Noel was posted to a Tank Transporting Co, seeing service 

in Normandy and NW Europe from June 1944 to July 1945. Thereafter, he was posted to 

Burma, being demobilised as a Major, in 1946. 

After continuing with Price Waterhouse for a year, Noel joined John M Winter & Sons, 

becoming a partner in 1953. However, he resigned at the end of that year and joined

Edmundsons as the Company Secretary. During 1954, he joined the Board and became 

joint Managing Director, three years later. In 1966, he became sole Managing Director, 

retiring in 1972. 

Soon after the OHGS was formed (in 1952/53), Noel joined the Society and continued to 

play at least until the Ashridge meeting in October 1989. During the mid-1970's he had been 

elected captain. His local golf was played at the Royal Wimbledon. 

With the formation of the Association in 1962 with its greater scope for social events, Noel's 

membership became more active and he was a regular attendee at the pre-1940 reunions, 

including the most recent one in October 1989. He also attended some of the OHA dinner 

and one recalls the beaming jollity with which he greeted one. 

Noel was a member of the Fan Makers Livery Company and attained Grand Rank in the 

London/Warwickshire Masonic Lodge. His clubs also included the Naval and Military and the 

Anglo-Belgian. 

To his widow, Mary (whom he married in 1987) and the sons, John, Peter and Christopher of 

two earlier marriages we extend our condolences. John's wife, Lorraine, has been 

particularly helpful to Mary for the earlier details of Noel's life - as also has Henriette, Peter's 

wife. 

Arthur P PORTCHMOUTH (1926-31) 

died on 22nd December 1988. 

Having left the School after taking General Schools, Arthur joined the Metrication and 

Standards office of the South Easter Gas Board. In 1938, he joined 28 A/A Bn, RE TA 

having been in the Cadet Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, which had been in operation at the 

School until the Summer he left, when a change of Government caused its disbandment. 

However, from the outbreak of war, his civil occupation remained reserved until 1943, when 

Arthur rejoined, trained in the ranks and passed through OCTU and was posted to the Army 

School of Chemical Warfare. He was demobbed as Lieutenant RE. 

A life member of the HOBC, the formation of the OHA in 1962 saw the beginning of some 

additional social events at the clubhouse, hitherto used mainly by members of the OHRFC 

and OHCC. Consequently, with the introduction of decade dinners, he made what was 

probably his first appearance at Boreham Wood, when the second reunion of the 1930-39 

group took place in June 1967. 

However, after his early retirement from the Gas Board, in 1976, he moved from Kingston to 

Ferndown, near Wimborne - a somewhat daunting prospect for a night journey, even though 

only then in his early sixties.

He leaves a widow, Joan, and son Alan. 

Noel W. JOHNSTON (1918-31) 

died suddenly on 26th September 1986 

He was Captain of the School in his final year. He had been Captain of Swimming in the 

previous one, a member of both the Athletics and the Cross Country teams as well being in 

the only pre-war 1st XV to be awarded colours in its entirety, after a term which ended with 

the defeat of Denstone College. 

On the scholastic side, Noel passed Higher Schools in 1929 and the inter BA examination 

the following year and went up to Jesus College, Oxford where he was awarded a second 

class degree in History, before taking a Diploma in Education after which he taught at 

Wycliffe College in Gloucestershire. 

During the last war, he served in an A.A. Regiment R.A. with the rank of Lieutenant. 

He leaves a widow, Joan, and children, Michael and Anne. 

L.F. (Poppy) BROWN (1925-1931) 

Poppy, as he was known to many generations of Old Haberdashers, died on September 

21st 2000. He was 86 and had for some time been in poor health. 

His school career was certainly distinguished: he specialised in boxing, was in the School 

team for six years and Captain of Boxing in 1930. The writer can still recall watching a 

school match in the gym and as he climbed in to the ring, he gave his unfortunate opponent 

a quelling look which was almost a technical knockout. It may well be that many members of 

O.H. committees will have seen that look when a contentious issue was under discussion. 

He was made a prefect in 1930, Vice-Captain of Hendersons House, 1st XV in his final year 

being awarded colours, and he was a sergeant in the Corps. 

There is no doubt that, if he had been able to stay on for a full year after the final exams, he 

would have been School Captain, but he left at Christmas 1931 to start his career in the 

National Bank of New Zealand where he was to stay (apart from the war service) until he 

retired in 1974, achieving the top post of Manager at the Head Office. During these years, he 

and Betty had many spells in New Zealand starting in 1949 and David and Margaret were 

born there. They made many friends and in those pre-package days were able to visit 

several unusual places on their travels. Poppy became personally involved in a number of 

New Zealand activities; he was Treasurer of the New Zealand Society from 1960 to 1977 

and President in 1977/78 when the guest of honour at the annual dinner was the Duke of 

Edinburgh - a very proud moment for him and indeed for the family.

He joined up in June 1940, went to O.C.T.U. in April 194l and, despite a serious illness 

there, was commissioned in August with a posting to the 1st. Battalion of the Beds. and 

Herts. Regiment. They went overseas in May 1942 and, after a spell as Regimental Signals 

Officer in Arabia, the unit joined the India Command and the Beds. and Herts. became a vital 

element in the 14th Army Campaign in Burma. In March 1944, he was seconded to the 

Chindits, Orde Wingate's Special Force, and took part in the 'Broadway' landings by glider, 

the second wave of the operation which led to the crucial battle at Imphal. At the successful 

conclusion of this project, the company he commanded (he had been promoted to major) 

returned to their base in India and the only way back was on foot some 300 miles. He was 

remembered as an officer who not only commanded respect but who his men relied on in 

times of great difficulty and sacrifice. 

Poppy became a member of the O.H.R.F.C. on leaving school and was soon selected for the 

senior sides with two successful seasons in the 1st XV immediately prior to the war. This 

would no doubt have continued after 1946 but he had a knee injury aggravated by a wartime 

game which ended his playing career. However, he became very active in the administration 

of the Club, Honorary Treasurer for some years and a regular supporter at all games and 

social events. For several years he organised the referee rota for junior sides and was rightly 

made President of the Club in 1961. He was also closely involved in the Old Haberdashers’ 

Association, especially on the financial side, serving as President in 1976 and here again, he 

and Betty attended all the various functions at the club house and the School until his health 

deteriorated. 

In the immediate pre - war years, he was one of a group of O.H. rugby friends - Jumbo 

Jackman, Donald Blessley, Maurice Daly, Terry Alexander, Gilbert Husband, Reg Grossman 

and we spent a lot of time together (apart from Saturdays) - gallery first - nighters, local films, 

evenings at the Chequers in Hendon - all unattached and probably accepting that we might 

be on borrowed time. 

Poppy and Betty moved out to Stanmore in 1952 and he became actively involved in golf 

with enjoyable days on the local course which he could see from his home. He made many 

new friends there who, when his playing days had to end, continued to visit him. He and 

Betty had married in 1948 and they were justifiably proud of the academic and career 

achievements of David and Margaret, taking special pleasure in watching the development 

of the five talented grand children. 

He was forthright in his views, didn't suffer fools gladly or hesitate to show his disapproval of 

anyone or anything failing to satisfy his high standards. He had respect for discipline, no 

doubt stemming from the code of conduct at school and his later war service; a man of 

integrity as shown by his standing in the financial world of the City and also loyal - to his 

family and friends, to the School and the Old Boys, to his Regiment and to the Bankqualities 

which sadly no longer seem to rate very highly in today's politically correct world.

But beneath all this he was a kind and caring man, with a great sense of humour and always 

a very congenial host. He found relaxation in reading, in the theatre and in music. 

There was a full attendance on October 3rd at the Breakspear Crematorium - family, golf 

friends, neighbours, former Bank colleagues and a large representation of O.H. including ten 

Past Presidents of the Association. David(1958-68), read from Corinthians 13; Ken Blessley 

spoke about his old friend's life. 

Arthur N Batty (1926-31) 

died suddenly on 31st August 1988 

- in fact less than a fortnight after writing to enquire about the whereabouts of a school 

contemporary. 

A member of Russell’s House, Arthur was a School Prefect, Secretary of the Chess Club 

and CSM in the Corps. After taking his Higher Schools and Inter BSc examination in 1930, 

he went up to Jesus College, Oxford, after leaving in the following year. There he read PPE 

and obtained a Second, before joining Courtaulds, with which concern he remained until the 

1939-45 war. 

Joining the Royal Navy as a seaman, Arthur served in HMS Nelson, Victorious, Pursuer and 

Striker, before going to RNAS Burscough, in the latter part of 1944, by when he was 

commissioned, finishing his service as a lieutenant, in March 1946. His first appointment, 

thereafter, was as Private Secretary to the Governor of Malta, but he returned to the UK, two 

years later, to join the family firm of Batty’s Removals, founded by his father in 1930. Arthur 

ran the business for many years, eventually selling it, in 1983, upon his retirement. 

He was an active member of the Henry George Society for the taxation of land values and a 

strong supporter of the anti-apartheid movement. His association with the HOBC brought 

him into renewed contact with his contemporary Hugh J Tierney (1924-31) and the two 

families remained in close contact, in spite of the latter’s subsequent move from Edgware - 

and both were regular attendees at the reunion dinners, the first of which was the 1930-39 

decade in 1965, three years after the HOBC became the Old Haberdashers1 Association. 

Sylvia and Arthur were married in 1942 and, in later years, after the birth of their daughter, 

Margaret, their mutual hobby was ball-room dancing. 

Arthur was blessed with a lively mind and gentle personality and will be missed. 

1930 

Charles W Kropaczy (died in 1997)

William R Van Der Kolk (died in 1997) 

Ronald A. MALLISON (Ronnie) (1923-30) 

died on 16th April 1997 at the Manor Hospital, Walsall, West Midlands, 

He was a member of Meadows House and a contemporary of Colin Colquehouln (killed in 

the Middle East, Second World War), "Asher" Grossman (died Second World War), Maurice 

Daly (died 3rd November 1994 in Australia) and "Nobby" Gillett (17th November 1987), 

calling themselves the "Famous Five". 

Ronnie played for the 1st Cricket XI and the 2nd Rugby XV and was a member of the cadet 

force. On leaving school he joined Messrs, Sharp Perrin & Co., a City Textile Company, with 

whom he stayed all his business life, although they were taken over by Courtaulds in the 

1960s. 

Always a keen sportsman he quickly joined the Old Boys' Rugby Club, playing for various 

sides before making his 1st XV debut on 16th February 1935. He captained the cricket team 

called "Old Change", playing in the City of London League from 1936 to the outbreak of war. 

He joined the London Scottish Territorial Regiment in 1932 and represented them in their 

athletics team, particularly in the 440 yards and cross country and was also was a member 

of their fencing and bayonet fencing team from 1932 to 1936. 

Although playing only once for the 1st XV in 1935/36, he was selected to play in the 

Middlesex Sevens, assisting his "Famous Five" colleague Maurice Daly to score all the 11 

tries scored by the backs during the tournament. Ronnie's 3rd and 4th were vital in wins over 

Blackheath 11 (9-6) and Wasps I (8-3) in the round of the last 16. After 60 years this 

remained the high water mark of his O.H.R.F.C. career. So much so, that in April 1986, 

despite all his other commitments Ronnie travelled down from Walsall to attend the pre-1940 

reunion at the Club House and there met three other members of the 1936 VII - exactly 50 

years after playing at Twickenham. 

At the outbreak of war he was commissioned in the Royal Tank Regiment and served at 

Tidworth and Bernard Castle until being sent to India serving in Poona and Dehru Dun.

Returning to civilian life he was sent to Birmingham by his firm; after two years he moved to 

Walsall where he remained. His first wife, Hazel, whom he married in 1938 died in 1982; But 

he remarried some two years later to Irene. He had two sons and two step sons and many 

grandchildren. On retirement at the age of 63 he joined his local Probus club in which he 

played a full part in all its activities, becoming Chairman in 1986. He was a keen member of 

the Walsall Bowling Club playing two or three times every week. He was a prominent 

Freemason for 50 years, attaining high office in several Degrees, both in London and 

Staffordshire. 

Richard Mallison 

1929 

Adolf S Woolstone (died in 1993) 

Adolf A Walford (died in 2000) 

Peter H Jackman (died in 1992) 

Ronald W Diggins (died in 1997) 

Eric A. SMELLIE (1924-29) who died on 17th November 1986, after a long illness, started 

his career in a bank, before switching to accountancy and qualifying as a Chartered 

Accountant in 1938. Eric had joined the S/L Company of the Middlesex Regiment T A , that 

year and was posted to the A A Brigade upon outbreak of war. His overseas service 

commenced as a staff captain in the S E Asia Command, before subsequently joining 12th 

Army H Q in Burma from where he was demobilised in November 1945. Returning to 

industrial accountancy he retired in 1977., at the age of 65. During the next eight years he 

was able to give full attention to his many hobbies, of which the main one was the study of 

antiques, about which he became very knowledgeable. 

To his widow, Joanna, we extend our condolences on the sad conclusion of 42 years of 

happy married life. Also to their daughter, Susan, son, Paul, four grandchildren, and Eric's 

brother, Cyril N (1926-32). 

Lionel GREEN (left 1929) 

died April 1991 

The following brief obituary has been drawn from the information published in The Daily 

Telegraph.

Lionel attended the School at Westbere Road until 1929, when he went to Berlin to study the 

technology of clothing. He joined his brothers in a clothing manufacturing company selling 

directly to the retail trade and registered the nationally known "Windsmoor" trademark in 

1939. This quality clothing was successful and the business burgeoned due to his own 

character and innovative marketing. He pioneered the concept of manufacturer's shops 

within major stores, which proved successful. 

Outside his work, he is remembered as a man who had time to listen and who lived his life 

by the standards of his religion. He is survived by his son Sir Allan Green, Director of Public 

Prosecutions, and his second wife Judy. 

1928 

Frank A Jackman (1922-28) 

died, after a lengthy illness, on 25th September 1988, shortly before his 80th birthday. 

Frank went to the School in 1922 and his stay there was highly successful. He was captain 

of the School in 1926/7, captain of rugby 1927/8, and captain of Athletics in 1927 and there 

can be few who have achieved all these honours. He was also a member of the Cadet 

Corps, ending with the highest rank, officer cadet. On the academic side, he passed two 

Higher Schools and Intermediate examinations and after leaving school, in 1928, went on to 

obtain his BSc at London University. 

He joined the staff of Carless, Capel and Leonard Ltd, well known as the originators of the 

word "petrol". He concentrated on coal tar products and on general research and 

development. He became a Director in 1954 and Managing Director in 1964. He took 

particular interest in Anglo-Dutch co-operation in the oil industry and for this and other 

services to the chemical industry was awarded the OBE in the Birthday Honours of 1966. He 

retired from Carless Capel and Leonard in 1967 and operated for many years thereafter as a 

consultant, with particular emphasis on pollution, appearing frequently in Court as an expert 

witness. 

He travelled extensively, both on business and pleasure and was always interested in 

foreign languages. He became fluent in Dutch and several other European languages. 

Sport was a major interest for him throughout his life. He played rugby for the OH up to the 

war and captained the Ex A XV for several seasons. After the war, he re-joined the Rugby 

Club Committee and took charge of the bar at Elstree. With his knowledge as a chemist he 

will remembered for his technical efforts to clarify the beer, which, in those dark days, 

travelled up from Somerset and was often of dubious quality.

Frank became President of the OHRFC in 1959/60, having been President of the 

Association (then HOBO) in 1958/9. He represented the OHRFC for many years on the 

committee of the Hertfordshire Rugby Union, being treasurer for nine years (1955-63) before 

being honoured with the Presidency for three years (1964-66). 

Another great interest was in the Livery Companies of the City of London and, in later years, 

he was on the Court of both the Blacksmiths' Company and the Bowyers' Company. In 1987 

he was Renter Warden of the Blacksmiths' Company and was due to be proposed Master 

when illness intervened. 

His wife, Beryl, died in January 1987 after a lengthy illness. He left two daughters, Honor 

and Penny, and six grandchildren. MJ 

Sidney L. BAXTER (1921-28) 

died peacefully on the 19th August 1996, he was in his 87th year. 

Apart from being vice-captain of the School and gaining an Open Exhibition to Jesus 

College, Cambridge, Sidney was a genuine all-rounder on the sporting field. He played for 

the School 1st XV was captain of Athletics, Secretary of the Tennis Club, was in the School 

Swimming VIII, as well as Regimental Sergeant Major. When he came down from university, 

with a 2nd Class Honours Degree in the Mathematical Tripos, he had added a half-blue for 

lacrosse to his other sporting activities. 

It would appear that he started his teaching career at Waterloo Grammar School, before 

moving to Dover College, where he was 2nd Lieutenant in the college O.T.C. in April 1939. 

Joining the infantry in September 1940, he became gunnery instructor of the R.A. School of 

Survey for the period 1941-45. In 1945 he went overseas to India, becoming a Staff Major, 

before his demobilisation in January 1960. 

He became Headmaster of William Ellis School and by the time he returned to Brighton, 

Edith and he had celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. They were both 

remembered by generations of their staff and many former boys, at the Thanksgiving 

Service in August 1996. 

1927 

Alfred JR Gentle (died in 1992) 

Jack E Roston (died in 2000) 

Aubrey S Wilson (died in 2000)

Robert A WILLIAMS (1922-27) 

died on 1st July 1990. 

After leaving the School, he went to Imperial College, London, where he was awarded a 

degree in Chemical Engineering, staying on for his MSc. Robert's business career was the 

ICI, where he was principally involved with the development of nylon. He retired in the mid 

1970's, after 47 years with the company. 

Robert was a life member of the HOBC, which became the Old Haberdashers' Association in 

1962. Three years later, the idea was mooted of having decade dinners at the clubhouse 

and the first of these was the 1930-39 group. With the passage of time, this was merged with 

the less populous 1910-29 group and Robert attended the pre-1940 reunion, in May 1974. 

Having moved to the Yarm area, in North Yorkshire, a few years after the war, he found 

himself toasted as the long-distance traveller of the evening. 

Robert also attended the next but one of the biennial meetings, in April 1978, but was pipped 

by a member, who had come from Stocksfield, in Northumberland. However, at 68 or 69, this 

was a heroic effort, which sadly, owing to his becoming a Parkinsons sufferer, shortly 

afterwards, turned out to be his last venture of this nature. 

His two daughters, Valerie and Glenys, and two step-daughters had provided him with 

twelve grandchildren and their visits continued to delight him to the end. 

Derek W.G.G. PARSONS (1923-27) 

died on 26th March 1987 at the age of 78. 

He was Captain of School Boxing and of his house Joblings, as well as being more than 50 

years ahead of modern tactics, by being a running fullback in the lst XV of 1924/5 and 

1925/6. 

After leaving School, he took a degree in Chemistry at Bradford University and subsequently 

worked for I.C.I. for whom he ran operations in Cairo. Before going abroad, he had played 

some football for Richmond. 

The obituary notice in the press indicated that he had been a Politician, as well as a 

Chemist, but the Association has no news of his post-war activities. 

Kenneth Charles Harvey PARKER (1919-27) 

died peacefully in Bexhill Hospital on 30th September, 1990 at the age of 81 following a 

short illness.

Immediately Harvey left School in 1927 he joined Morgan Grenfell & Co., the London 

Merchant Bank, and was to spend the whole of his working life with that firm, retiring in 1970 

following 43 years' service. Whilst the majority of his City career was spent in the developing 

Securities Market, latterly he moved into an administrative role assisting in overseeing the 

building and furnishing of new office accommodation for the Bank. 

In 1969, however, lung cancer was diagnosed but following a successful operation to 

remove this Harvey retired in the following year and with his wife, Kathleen, moved from 

Stanmore down to Bexhill-on-Sea. 

Harvey had first met Kathleen in 1926 following a visit to the Hendon Air Display and they 

celebrated their Golden Wedding in 1985. Of interest is the fact that Kathleen was herself 

the daughter of an Old Haberdasher who attended the Hoxton School. 

During the Second World War Harvey served in the Royal Signals and was seconded to the 

Special Operations Executive. He was demobilised holding the rank of Captain. 

Although Harvey's involvement with the OH sporting clubs was minimal, he was always 

proud to wear an OH tie and he will be particularly missed in the ranks of Freemansonry. 

Having joined the Old Boys Lodge in 1931, he became Master of the Lodge in 1959 and was 

for some 10 years until his retirement from Morgan Grenfell, Secretary of the Lodge. His 

services to London Freemansonry were acknowledged by the award to him of LGR and his 

considerable involvement with Freemasonry continued right up to his death in Sussex. 

Harvey was a very caring and kind man and this was evidenced by the devoted care and 

attention he paid to his wife throughout his life, particularly when she herself had undergone 

major surgery about a year before his death. 

He will be missed by the many friends he had made in the City and in the world of 

Freemasonry and by your correspondent, whom he had encouraged and helped during his 

own career with Morgan Grenfell. 

Walter W. HARRIS (1921-27) 

died on 17 January 1986 at his daughter's home in Oakville, Ontario, ten days before his 

77th birthday. 

Walter retired from the then Westminster Bank in 1969, when he was joint General Manager 

in charge of the Metropolitan East Area, including the City of London. Until the death of his 

friend Joe A. J. Blanckensee (1912-22) he was a regular attendee at the Association dinner 

in the Haberdashers' Hall.

To his widow, Dorothy, and their two daughters, Sandra and Gillian, we extend our 

condolences. 

Donald BLESSLEY (1917-27) 

died suddenly in hospital in Bushey on April 1st 1987. 

He had not enjoyed the best of health for some time but only the previous evening, many of 

his oldest friends remarked on his excellent form at a pleasant gathering in Knightsbridge, 

celebrating the wedding of the daughter of an O.H. 

Donald was at Westbere Road from 1917 until 1927, a period of considerable change in the 

nature and activities of the School with the transition from a wartime organisation to the 

system which was to operate until 1939. It is strange to record that his school years were 

undistinguished: he did not even represent his house (Calverts) in any team game, although 

he had individual successes in athletics and in swimming. On leaving, in March 1927, he 

joined Coutts Bank where, apart from war service, he remained until retirement in 1970. He 

held positions at Head office and as branch manager, concluding his career in one of the 

most senior posts at 440 Strand. He volunteered for service in the Royal Navy in June 1941 

and spent some time at sea as a rating including a spell on the battleship King George V. He 

was commissioned in 1942 and was gunnery officer on corvettes on Atlantic and 

Mediterranean convoy duty with the rank of Lieutenant. His last months in the Navy were 

spent in command of an armed trawler based on Rosyth. 

However, he will best be remembered by O.H. for his achievements in sport. Coutts very 

quickly assessed his cricketing potential and he was a regular member of the Bank's strong 

1st XI for over 20 seasons, opening the attack as an accurate pace bowler, in most pre-war 

seasons taking over 100 wickets. Moreover he had a deserved reputation as an outstanding 

cover-point. He also played for the Private Banks side which included several players of 

county standard, and for the United Banks; he undertook administrative duties in all these 

clubs. He was a member of the M.C.C. for 35 years. 

After the early post-war games against Bledlow, he became the main driving force which led 

to the formation of a properly constituted O.H.C.C. He was the first captain in 1951, playing 

regularly for the 1st team for 9 seasons and then on a more selective basis, ending with a 

game for the Sunday XI in July '64. Among many notable achievements, mention can be 

made of his 3 for 1 against Cuffley in 1958 and that he raised and captained an OH XI which 

played the inaugural game against the School at Elstree on 9th may 1962. He was Honorary 

Secretary in 1947/50, the first President in 1955, and made a life member in 1981. He 

campaigned continuously for ground improvements at Boreham Wood, eventually 

succeeding in getting the funds and authority for an 'acceptable' square.

His involvement in football revealed some contrasts. For two years after leaving School, he 

played soccer with some success in Willesden Polytechnic colours, but then he was 

persuaded by some contemporaries to join the O.H.R.F.C. and within two seasons he had 

appeared on the wing for the lot XV. There was strong competition amongst the backs in the 

top sides at the time but he was a regular member of the lot or A XVs until 1939. Records 

are unfortunately incomplete, but during this time he probably played 80 games for the 1st 

XV including a Christmas Day match against Taunton in 1935 when he badly damaged a 

knee which was to trouble him from then on. He was the captain of an outstandingly 

successful A XV in 1937/9 and their well-attended post war reunions were memorable social 

occasions. 

For the first two years of the war, he did a splendid job in running a side whose home pitch 

was Westbere Road. There was a nucleus of regular players but in the main, he relied on 

men home on leave from the services - many young O.H. made their debut in this XV, some 

sadly for the only time. He made 12 appearances in the 1945/6 1st XV, including captaining 

the side on the first post-war tour against Barnstaple, Weston, and Wiveliscombe and he 

ended with two seasons in the A and ExA before recurring injuries brought his football career 

to a close in 1949. In his final season he scored over 100 points, many from accurate place 

kicking. He was Match Secretary from 1947 to 1952 and President in 1958/9, serving on the 

Committee for over 20 years, allowing for the wartime break. 

He was also a member of that elite pre-war. group, the O.H. Dramatic Society, appearing in 

11 productions between 1932 and 1939 under the famous team of Cecil Birch and Jerry 

Nodes. One of the less publicised features of the society was the Sunday morning scenery 

painting sessions in somewhat macabre surroundings. 

A life member of the Association, he was elected President in 1965, thus becoming the first 

to have held the three major old Haberdasher offices and one of his regular diary dates was 

always Club Night at Elstree. 

He had many other interests - golf at Mill Hill; a weekly swim at the local baths; music and 

theatre; books and gardening; travel; he was never bored or boring, an amusing companion 

with a fund of stories. As a leader he inspired loyalty and affection from his teams: an 

enthusiast, perhaps a perfectionist which led at times to a lack of patience and certainly 

intolerance of contemporary standards of behaviour not only in sport. It is a feature of Clubs 

such as ours that each generation produces a handful of outstanding personalities and 

Donald was certainly one of these - player, team captain, administrator, referee, umpire, 

loyal supporter of social events at Elstree and the School. 

30 members of the Association were amongst the large number of friends at the Parish 

Church for the service and were able to express their sympathy to Anne, Nicholas and

Gillian which will surely be felt by all those other O.H. who knew Donald during a period of 

active involvement of nearly 60 years. KB 

1926 

Eric H Bodman (died in 1997) 

George A Goldup (died in 1995) 

George B Jamieson (died in 1992) 

Ronald E Spiller (died in 1995) 

James C. HENRY (1922-26) 

died in February 1985 

He was an all round sportsman, but he particularly excelled on the rugger field. He was 

awarded his 1st XV colours in 1924 and, on leaving School, was selected for the O.H.R.F.C. 

1st XV at wing forward, a position he retained for several seasons, until his work prevented 

his turning out regularly. Nevertheless, whenever possible, he played for one of the lower 

sides and was invited on the first two Easter Tours to the West Country in 1931 and 1932. 

For those first tourists, the abiding memory relates to the village square at Wiveliscombe, 

where the Salvation Army band was playing. As Jim was passing, the trombonist extended 

his instrument to its fullest, only to have it pushed back while he continued blowing. The 

resultant sound caused much amusement to both onlookers and other members of the band! 

On leaving School, Jim had decided on a medical career and qualified at Guy's Hospital. He 

became a member of a group practice in Enfield in 1937, and the following year married 

Hellen. In 1939 he joined the R.A.M.C. and was stationed in the Orkneys, before going 

overseas in the following year and serving in the Burma Campaign until its successful 

conclusion in 1945, being demobbed with the rank of Major. 

Returning to his Enfield practice, he again became involved with the O.H.R.F.C. being 

elected to the Committee in 1947 and becoming a Vice-President in the following year. As 

he watched many of the 1st XV games, he was not infrequently called on the pitch to decide 

whether or not an injured player was safely able to continue to play. 

Retiring in 1967, he and Hellen moved to Aberdeenshire, where he died in February 1985 at 

the age of 77. Jim was a very popular member of the O.H. and attended most functions until 

his move/ to Scotland. However belated, we extend our deepest sympathy to his widow.

H W Baines HARPHAM (1919-26) 

died on 29th March 1991. 

Upon leaving the School, Baines joined the family firm of Harpham & Son, a concern which 

specialised in the setting up of exhibitions and bazaars and advising how to run them. Many 

of these were the vogue in the period before the 1939-45 war and the business thrived. 

Joining the RASC in June 1940, Baines was posted overseas in January 1941 and served 

with the 345 GT Co in Egypt, Palestine and Syria until February 1944, when he joined the 

7th Armoured Brigade RASC, in Italy. In September of that year, he returned to the UK and 

was posted to the Directorate of Personnel Movement, War Office, until his demobilisation in 

February 1946, with the rank of Captain. 

In the changed circumstances of the post-war era, he joined his Aunt, who had set up (on 

the property owned by Harpham & Son) a concern known as Venture Transport, which 

contracted out coaches and vans on a hire basis, at Brent Cross. Around 1960, the value of 

their freehold was such that the firm was able to sell at a price which enabled Baines virtually 

to retire. Thereupon, he and Sheila moved to Mylor, near Penryn, in 1961. Eight years later 

in April 1969, they entertained to luncheon some of the elder brethren supporting the 

OHRFC’s first-ever tour to Cornwall. Two or three of these he had known when Baines had 

assisted the OHCC to field a roving XI in their first three seasons - 1947-49. At Mylor, he 

was on the Rural District Council and continued to act as a church-warden, as he had done, 

for some 15 years, at Holy Trinity, Finchley. He was also a member of the PCC. 

In 1981, however, he suffered a minor stroke, while living at Falmouth, to which they had 

moved in the late 1970's. Some years later, Sheila also suffered in the same way, but was 

left severely incapacitated. Whereupon, Baines took over the household chores and had 

soon learned to produce quite venturesome meals. In 1988, they decided to move to Henleyin-Arden, 

quite near where their daughter Judy, her husband, Brian and their five children 

lived. This was also about 60 miles wet of where their son, Alan and his wife, Di live, near 

Bedford. Accordingly, when Baines was admitted to Warwick Hospital on Maundy Thursday, 

both were able to visit him that day. They found their father in good spirits, so that when he 

sent them home to their families, that evening, they did not demur. Baines, however, died on 

Good Friday morning. 

Apart from his assistance in helping the OHCC to get started, Baines was a life member of 

the HOBC, but elected to make annual donations when the OHA was formed, in 1962. In 

June 1970, he attended the pre-1940 reunion at the clubhouse, his trip from Cornwall 

gaining him the long-distance travelling award for the occasion. Six years later, Baines was 

again present at this biennial function, but had to give pride of place to a member who had 

travelled down from Co Durham.

Although Sheila was well cared for in a nursing home, from soon after their arrival at Henleyin-Arden, 

Baines always took her home for the weekends. Judy and Alan have continued 

this process, whenever their own family concerns have made it possible. 

Frederick G HAILS (1917-26) 

died in early February 1988 at the age of 80. 

He was in the successful School First XV of the Autumn Term 1925, when all but two of the 

14 matches were won and he was re-awarded his colours. He had also been awarded 

athletics colours, winning the 880 yards and the mile on the same afternoon, and was a keen 

member of the Cadet Corps, of which he became RSM. Fred and his brother, Oswin, were 

very keen on cars and an abiding memory of a friend and contemporary concerned their 

arriving for a rugger game in a home-made two-seater, with a plywood body and an engine 

which had originally driven a lawn-mower! 

Whilst studying to be a solicitor, Fred played for the OHRFC First XV for several seasons. 

However, it was for his professional services that his name is known by current members of 

that Club, since he handled all the legal work in connection with the purchase of the ground 

at Boreham Wood in 1935, being elected a life member in consequence. In the late 1930's, 

he took up dinghy sailing on the Welsh Harp, only to have his new interest curtailed by the 

advent of the 1939-45 war, in which he commanded a minesweeper, with the rank of Lieut. 

Comdr., RNVR. 

After demobilisation, Fred successively became Clerk to the Justices at Atherstone and 

Nuneaton in Warwickshire and at Dartford in Kent, before serving as Coroner for North 

Staffordshire for more than 25 years. During this period, he dealt with some 50,000 cases, 

mounting resolute campaigns against drunken drivers (later extended to drunken 

pedestrians) and for having dangerous drugs clearly marked and in child-proof containers. 

He was also well-known for his support of voluntary euthanasia for neglected old people, 

while his trenchant remarks from the bench resulted in a chemical (which had caused 

stomach cancer amongst the firm's workers) being discontinued. 

He left three sons and brother, Oswin. 

Norman R GILLETT (1919-26) 

died in Edgware Hospital after a short illness on 17 November 1987. This obituary is written 

by his contemporary, Roy Cottle. 

“He and I first met at the old School in Westbere Road in our first term when Mr Wagstaff 

was Headmaster, however he being in Meadows house and I in Calverts. We became good 

friends and each used to visit the others home quite often in the holidays. Apart from the war 

years, when we were in the forces, we kept in touch for some 68 years, and for me it was a

friendship I valued tremendously. We enjoyed various holidays together with our families and 

had many interests in common. 

Norman was a splendid athlete and some of his many achievements in the world of sport are 

detailed in the following paragraphs. After he retired from the Bank of England in 1968, he 

became a golf enthusiast and was a popular member of Hendon GC. He also acted as 

Secretary and Treasurer for the Linen Dragon Old Peoples Cottage Homes. Olive presented 

him with two fine children, Pamela and John (my godson) and their two granddaughters 

were a source of delight to them both. 

He and I were elected to membership of the MCC on the same day in 1950, he having 

played his qualifying games, and with two other contemporaries (Donald Blessley and 

Stanley Phillips who predeceased him in 1987) we spent many happy hours at Lords, where 

he was so well known to many who had been colleagues and opponents over a long period. 

Norman went straight from School to the Bank of England where after early years in various 

sections he was transferred to General Welfare and became Hon. Secretary to the sports 

club from 1947-55, and then General Welfare Organiser from 1957 to retirement in June 

1968. Whilst respecting his natural modesty, it would be wrong not to chronicle some of his 

many achievements in the world of sport. Cricket was undoubtedly his first love, and over 20 

years he played some 500 innings for the Bank side, scoring some 15,000 runs. He was 

captain of the side for several years. He appeared in representative matches for the Club 

Cricket Conference. At rugger, in his early winters he played right wing three quarter in the 

first XV and obtained colours for United Banks. A troublesome knee injury ended his rugger 

career in 1934, but not to be outdone he turned to soccer and played regularly until 1939. He 

was a good swimmer, played water polo, and was no mean performer at Fives, Squash and 

Snooker before taking up Golf on his retirement. 

As a public figure he inspired confidence, respect and affection. A large congregation paid 

tribute at an impressive service at St Paul’s, Mill Hill on 25th November 1987." 

W David BROWN (1919-26) 

died on 7th September 1990, at the age of 82 in Wycombe General Hospital, a week after 

having suffered a heart attack. 

David went to the London School of Economics, upon leaving the School and joined British 

Petroleum, after obtaining his degree. After some years at the London headquarters, he was 

posted for a tour of duty in Columbia, before going on to New York, where he remained until 

the outbreak of the 1939-45 war. Still with BP, he went first to Algeria and then to Italy, 

organising oil supplies for the allied forces.

After the war, David became a Director of BP Trading and various allied companies and 

retired in 1968. At the age of 60, however, he started a new career, running a farm, with the 

aid of his wife Rachel, at High Rews, near Marlow. He was still farming, when the heart 

attack occurred. 

David was a life member of the HOBC and before moving out to Marlow, attended in May 

1966, the first of the reunions for pre-1930 leavers. 

To his widow and their two daughters, Helen and Harriet, we extend belated condolences at 

the abrupt end to a working life extending over sixty years. 

Patrick G. F. BARRY (1921-26) 

died aged 78 on 1 February 1986 after a long illness. 

Pat was in the School 1st XV and on leaving joined the Rugby Club. He played occasionally 

for 1st XV on the wing notably against Saracens in 1932 and on tour the following Easter. He 

captained Extra A XV from 1934/37. Pat was an enthusiast both on and off the field and on 

suitable occasions could be relied upon to recite and to lead the singing. 

He took an active interest in local politics and was awarded the OBE. He was made a Knight 

of the Order of Oranje Nassau for his services to Holland. Mayor of Paddington in 1960, he 

was for 44 years an Alderman of the City of Westminster. In an AA Regt. TA he was 

embodied in August 1939. He saw service with mobile Light AA forces in the UK before 

crossing to France in 1944 and was demobbed from Germany in September 1945 with the 

rank of Captain. 

He is survived by his wife, Mitsa, who looked after him to the end and to whom we offer our 

condolences. 

Ernest Roy BARRETT (1919-26) 

died peacefully and without pain in his 78th year on 21 October 1987. 

He joined Lloyds Bank on leaving School and had a successful career, retiring as Manager 

of the Threadneedle Street Office. He and his brother Jack, and Neville Appleton (another 

OH) did four years together in the Territorials, and was called up shortly before the outbreak 

of war. He served with the Royal Artillery, rising from the ranks to finish as a senior 

commissioned officer. 

He left a widow, Freda, after 51 years of happy married life, daughter Brenda, son Richard, 

two grandchildren and two brothers L.B. and L.C., who both played for the OHRFC when the 

Club started and for long afterwards.

F Ashe LINCOLN, QC 

former Master of the Bench of the Inner Temple and former chairman of the Association of 

Jewish ex-Service Men and Women, died on October 19 aged 90. He was born on October 

30, 1907. 

Ashe Lincoln distinguished himself particularly at the Bar, in the Royal Navy and in the 

Jewish community. He was a recorder and deputy judge of the Crown Court, Master of the 

Bench of the Inner Temple and deputy world president of the International Association of 

Jurists and Jurers. 

In the Jewish community, he served a wide variety of organisations with distinction and 

dedication. He was life chairman, honorary secretary and political committee chairman of the 

British Section of the World Jewish Congress. 

The Masorti assembly of synagogues was another body in which he was particularly active 

as president and former chairman. He was a lifelong and dedicated Zionist and had held 

several leading posts in the movement. 

Fredman Ashe Lincoln was born in Bradford, a son of Reuben Lincoln, who was first a 

minister and then a solicitor, and was educated at Hoe Grammar School, Plymouth, 

Haberdashers' Aske's School, London, and then Exeter College, Oxford. He was called to 

the Bar by the Inner Temple in 1929 and took silk in 1947. 

His sojourn in Plymouth enhanced his love of the sea. He joined the RNVR in 1937 and 

attended navigational training classes at night school and at weekends to qualify for his 

yachtmaster's certificate. He joined the Royal Navy as a sub-lieutenant when the Second 

World War began in 1939. His book Secret Naval Investigator (1961) is a thrilling story of his 

exploits in the detection of mines and torpedoes. A second book of his, published earlier this 

year, is entitled Odyssey of a Jewish Sailor.

In the early days of the war he served in minelayers. He transferred to minesweepers and 

helped in the recovery of one of the first magnetic mines. For this he was mentioned in 

dispatches. He then volunteered for the commandos and took part in the Allied landings in 

Sicily and Italy. He was again mentioned in dispatches during the landings at Salerno. 

He later served during the North West Europe campaign and was one of the first British 

officers to cross the bridge at Remagen on the Rhine - the only Rhine bridge left standing 

after the Germans had blown up the others. It had been brilliantly captured, before it could 

be demolished, by the US First Army which was as a consequence, able to establish the first 

Allied bridge-head on the east bank of the river. 

Lincoln was national chairman of the Association of Jewish ex-Service Men and Women in 

1948 and 1949, and again in 1952, when he accompanied the Duke of Edinburgh as he 

inspected the association's parade at Horse Guards. He stood for Parliament in 1945 as 

Conservative candidate for Harrow East. 

Two years later, in the same constituency, he withdrew as prospective candidate and it was 

said that some of the then members of the constituency association were anti-Semitic. One 

member resigned in protest, but the leadership of the constituency strenuously denied the 

allegation. 

In 1950, when Lincoln was unsuccessful in his attempt to become the Conservative 

candidate in Willesden East, the vice-president of the local Conservative Association resigned, 

again alleging anti-Jewish prejudice. 

Lincoln's practice at the Bar grew and in 1955 he was elected a Master of the Bench of the 

Inner Temple. As an advocate he was very sound; he was careful and above all reasonable. 

In his work at the Criminal Bar he was always distinguished by his lack of cynicism, a trait all 

too common in those regularly engaged upon such tasks. 

In the City of London Lincoln was a liveryman and in 1949-50 Master of the Worshipful 

Company of Plasterers. 

In 1933 he married Sybil Eileen Cohen, who survives him, along with their daughter and son, 

who is senior rabbi of Park Avenue Synagogue in New York. 

The Times, October 22 1998 

1925 

Neville Appleton (died in 1992)

M F (Toby) MANTON (1920-25) 

died on 10th January 1991. 

Upon leaving the School, Toby started a career on the Stock Exchange in the City, 

continuing until the start of the 1939-45 war. During this period, he played regularly for the 

OHRFC, mainly at Ex 'A' and 'A' level. Having joined the 3rd County of London Yeomanry 

(Sharpeshooters) in 1938, Toby was immediately mobilised, at the beginning of the following 

September. During 1941, his regiment was sent to Egypt, as part of the 22nd Armoured 

Brigade, which came under the command of the 7th Armoured Division for the Battle of Sidi 

Rezegh in November that year - the decisive encounter of that campaign in the Western 

Desert. After Tuni fell, in May 1943, the brigade was despatched to Italy, where Toby 

continued until the end of the war. He was demobilised in September 1945, with the rank of 

Staff Sergeant. 

His six years with tanks and armoured carriers was not to be wasted, since he decided to 

take up engineering as his post-war career. At the time of his retirement, in the mid-1970's, 

Toby was with Foster Wheeler. 

Some half-a-dozen years previously he had re-married, he and Joan having first celebrated 

their 21st wedding anniversary, shortly before his death. 

Having rejoined the Association in 1964, Toby became a regular attender at the reunion 

dinners of his age-group, making his last appearance at the club-house in April 1986, when 

in his mid-seventies. 

To Joan and their daughter, Jane, we offer sympathy for their sad loss. 

F Ashe LINCOLN, QC 

former Master of the Bench of the Inner Temple and former chairman of the Association of 

Jewish ex-Service Men and Women, died on October 19 aged 90. He was born on October 

30, 1907. 

Ashe Lincoln distinguished himself particularly at the Bar, in the Royal Navy and in the 

Jewish community. He was a recorder and deputy judge of the Crown Court, Master of the 

Bench of the Inner Temple and deputy world president of the International Association of 

Jurists and Jurers. 

In the Jewish community, he served a wide variety of organisations with distinction and 

dedication. He was life chairman, honorary secretary and political committee chairman of the 

British Section of the World Jewish Congress.

The Masorti assembly of synagogues was another body in which he was particularly active 

as president and former chairman. He was a lifelong and dedicated Zionist and had held 

several leading posts in the movement. 

Fredman Ashe Lincoln was born in Bradford, a son of Reuben Lincoln, who was first a 

minister and then a solicitor, and was educated at Hoe Grammar School, Plymouth, 

Haberdashers' Aske's School, London, and then Exeter College, Oxford. He was called to 

the Bar by the Inner Temple in 1929 and took silk in 1947. 

His sojourn in Plymouth enhanced his love of the sea. He joined the RNVR in 1937 and 

attended navigational training classes at night school and at weekends to qualify for his 

yachtmaster's certificate. He joined the Royal Navy as a sub-lieutenant when the Second 

World War began in 1939. His book Secret Naval Investigator (1961) is a thrilling story of his 

exploits in the detection of mines and torpedoes. A second book of his, published earlier this 

year, is entitled Odyssey of a Jewish Sailor. 

In the early days of the war he served in minelayers. He transferred to minesweepers and 

helped in the recovery of one of the first magnetic mines. For this he was mentioned in 

dispatches. He then volunteered for the commandos and took part in the Allied landings in 

Sicily and Italy. He was again mentioned in dispatches during the landings at Salerno. 

He later served during the North West Europe campaign and was one of the first British 

officers to cross the bridge at Remagen on the Rhine - the only Rhine bridge left standing 

after the Germans had blown up the others. It had been brilliantly captured, before it could 

be demolished, by the US First Army which was as a consequence, able to establish the first 

Allied bridge-head on the east bank of the river. 

Lincoln was national chairman of the Association of Jewish ex-Service Men and Women in 

1948 and 1949, and again in 1952, when he accompanied the Duke of Edinburgh as he 

inspected the association's parade at Horse Guards. He stood for Parliament in 1945 as 

Conservative candidate for Harrow East. 

Two years later, in the same constituency, he withdrew as prospective candidate and it was 

said that some of the then members of the constituency association were anti-Semitic. One 

member resigned in protest, but the leadership of the constituency strenuously denied the 

allegation. 

In 1950, when Lincoln was unsuccessful in his attempt to become the Conservative 

candidate in Willesden East, the vice-president of the local Conservative Association resigned, 

again alleging anti-Jewish prejudice.

Lincoln's practice at the Bar grew and in 1955 he was elected a Master of the Bench of the 

Inner Temple. As an advocate he was very sound; he was careful and above all reasonable. 

In his work at the Criminal Bar he was always distinguished by his lack of cynicism, a trait all 

too common in those regularly engaged upon such tasks. 

In the City of London Lincoln was a liveryman and in 1949-50 Master of the Worshipful 

Company of Plasterers. 

In 1933 he married Sybil Eileen Cohen, who survives him, along with their daughter and son, 

who is senior rabbi of Park Avenue Synagogue in New York. 

The Times, October 22 1998 

Leslie GOLDFIELD (1922-25) 

died on 15 March 1991, at the age of 79. 

Having been present for the first two seasons of rugby, at the School, it was natural that 

Leslie would join the OHRFC, which had been formed in 1923-24, only one season after the 

School's switch from soccer. Whenever this occurred is unrecorded, but it is known that he 

played, as a prop, in the 1st XV, towards the end of the 1932133 season. He continued in 

that position until the latter part of 1934/35, when he played in the second now for the last 

nine games of that season. From then on, he continued as a lock, making well over 100 1st 

XV appearances. In 1937/38, Leslie played in all 33 matches including the famous victory 

against Plymouth Albion, where, because of his formidable physique, some of the more 

partisan spectators signalled him out for some vociferous treatment. However, since his 2nd 

row partner, George Jamieson and the late Jumbo Jackman (No. 8) were equally massive, it 

was only the referee who needed a police escort as he left the field - misguidedly, he had 

had the temerity to penalise the home side, near the posts, for the vital score in the 8-6 

result! While this famous West Country club was only met on five occasions, in the prewar 

era, post-war OH sides have managed just one draw in 20 further encounters! 

While on leave from RAFVR, Leslie played at least once, during the first of the war seasons, 

in 1939/40. After demobilisation, he continued his 52 year span with the Steinberg family firm 

of Alexon, in the fashion model department, before retiring in 1977. 

Although a member of the HOBC/OHA for many years, Leslie could not be persuaded to 

leave Little Venice for the wilds of Hertfordshire, when the Association introduced the 

1910/29 reunions in 1966. He remained a madly-keen spectator of all sports, latterly 

enjoying watching horse racing from the depths of an armchair. 

To his widow, Shirley, we wish many happy memories of their 30 years together. Also to her 

step-daughter, Sally, on the sad passing of her father.

Douglas S. BAKER (1920-25) 

fell asleep on 3rd July 1996 at the grand old age of 88. 

He entered the School in September 1920 (when the fees were £7.00 per term!) and it was 

School and the Old Haberdashers that were to influence so much of his life. 

It was at school that his sporting progress began. He was a keen boxer - School under 7 

stone 71b. champion in 1924, the year he was awarded his boxing colours. However rugby 

was his game, although he never played for the School 1st XV It was on leaving school in 

1925 that he immediately became scrum half of the O.H.R.F.C. 1st XV He was partnered at 

fly half by Cecil Burch (1915-23), a combination that lasted for seven years to the season of 

1931-32 - a period that included the best pre-war season 1926-27. (P24 W19 L5 Pts 401- 

168) 

Being an "Old Haberdasher" meant so much to him. He was proud of his School and 

relished the fact that he could account for at least twelve other people either as direct family 

or related by marriage who were "Old Haberdashers". 

He was a regular attendee of the Decade Dinners beginning with the pre-1930 reunion in 

1968 - known by him as the "Old Sweats Dinner". Later, in 1974 he was to instigate with Ian, 

his son (1953-60) the Fathers and Sons Dinners. Apart from Rugby, Doug also excelled at 

other sports. In his early years tennis was a passion. He won many tournaments in the 

1920s at the Phoenix Lawn Tennis Club often in partnership with his old friend A.(Bill) Bailey 

(1920-25). In his retirement he took up bowls, again winning many trophies, at the Pinner 

Bowls Club of which he was elected Club Captain and the Club President. 

On leaving school he entered National Provincial Bank at their Golders Green Branch. His 

career flourished and he retired in 1968 as the Deputy Registrar. During the War he served 

with the Pioneer Corps serving overseas with the M.E.F. and P.A.I. Force. Finally he 

became a Staff Captain at the War Office. 

He was a dedicated Freemason, a tireless member of the East and West Lodge and he rose 

to high office within the order of Freemasonry.

In 1933 he married Marjorie Weller and they shared 62 very happy and devoted years 

together. Nothing gave them more pleasure than to receive the Queen's Telegram on the 

occasion of their Diamond Wedding.My father was an unselfish man, of kind and gentle 

disposition, a meticulous man yet with a delicious sense of humour. He will be sadly missed 

by all his many friends and family, my mother Marjorie, my sister Jacqueline, son-in-law 

Michael Kimber (1945-52), myself, my wife Alison and all his grandchildren to whom he was 

so special. He was in truth a lovely man. 

Ian D. Baker 

1924 

RJ (Jerry) Nodes (died in 1994) 

Arthur S. WILSON, CBE (1917-24) 

died on 28 July 1985, a few weeks short of his 80th birthday. 

Arthur qualified at the Royal School of Mines in 1928 (ARSM, MIMM) and went to Nigeria for 

a year with the Alquife Mines and Railway Co., afterwards going to Granada, Spain in 

January 1930 as a junior mining engineer. His wife joined him and their two daughters were 

born there. With the fury of the Spanish Civil War increasing, the family were sent home and 

Arthur was posted to the Company's haematite mines in Egremont, Cumberland. In a 

reserved occupation he was sent back to Spain in 1942 and was there until after the war 

when his wife rejoined him. In 1954 he joined the Neuchatel Asphalte Co. Ltd. at Travers in 

Switzerland as Directeur en Suisse. 

Ten years later Arthur received the CBE, when he was President of the Anglo-Suisse 

Chamber of Commerce, receiving the honour during the British Week. He retired from 

Neuchatel in 1970 upon reaching 65 and returned to the UK. However upon seeing an 

advertisement for a "year's fill-in job" with Bisichi Tin Mine Co. on the Jos plateau in Nigeria, 

he thought it would be amusing to revisit the scene of his first appointment, some 42 years 

previously. To his surprise his application was accepted and the temporary job stretched to 

five, so that he finally retired in 1975. 

In spite of his long sojourn overseas Arthur maintained links with the Association (he was a 

Life Member of the HOBC) and continued to take the School Magazine. To his widow, Nancy 

and their children Caroline, Julia and Richard we extend our condolences. 

Leslie F. W. MALLOWS (1918-24) 

died peacefully on 2nd March 1981 in Bournemouth.

Before the war Leslie, who was a Life member of the HOBC was in the catering trade and 

was a member of the Round Table in Willesden. He was commissioned in the RAF in 

January 1940 and became a Squadron Leader in 1944. 

After demobilisation, Leslie entered the hotel business and became the proprietor of the 

Knightsbridge Hotel in Bournemouth, until his retirement in the mid-1960s. 

To his widow, Mollie and their daughter Alison, we offer our condolences.died on 5th August 

1980, at the age of 47 after a long fight against illness, yet the writing of this is none the 

easier for the passage of time. 

Harold B. GIBBINS (1921-24) 

who died on 27 October 1984 was a Life Member of the HOBC. 

He was married in 1938 and during the war was a Ft. Lt. in the RAFVR and did overseas 

service in Ceylon. Harold retired from the National Westminster Bank in November 1966 at 

the age of 60, being at that time with the Salisbury branch. 

His retirement was spent at Ringwood in the New Forest. To his widow, Marjorie, and their 

son we offer belated condolences. 

Stanley (Shonk) GAYWOOD (1918-24) 

died on 24th March 1991. 

He played in the School's first season of Rugby football in 1922/23 and was in the OHRFC 

1st XV in the Autumn of 1924 - the Club's second season. His business career was with 

Barclays Bank and it is thought he played for the bank on an intermittent basis. However, 

"Making a Mark" reports that he also played for the Club in 1925/26 and that he became a 

member of the Committee in 1929. 

Thereafter, it is apparent that his football career remained with the OHRFC up to and 

including the war-time 39/40 side. Shonk had some notable try-scoring highlights in his 

football career, crossing the line in the first-ever game at Boreham Wood against Old 

Alleynians (9-3) on 3/4/37 and against Roncoroni's XV, in the official opening game in the 

following autumn. A few weeks later, he got the one he probably cherished most - the only 

try in our 8-6 victory at Plymouth - which proved to be the only success in 24 other attempts 

to beat them! 

By the 38-39 season he had become a pre-war phenomenon - a 1st XV wing forward at the 

venerable age of 30! Nevertheless, he had already become one of the elite five who had 

made 200 1st XV appearances in the sixteen seasons up to that time - a further 29 have 

made the grade during the 45 seasons since the war.

During the 1939-45 war he was a Flying Officer with the RAF. It may be recalled that, during 

his early training, Shonk's big moment was when a senior officer took him up for a flight from 

Hendon aerodrome - ACM Sir Theodore McEvoy (1915-21) is now living at Bognor Regis! 

Shonk was amongst the low demobilisation numbers to be rounded up by Kenneth H 

Blessley (1920-32), who was able to get the OHRFC restarted as early as October 1945. 

Unfortunately, however, an injury in a practice game made Shonk decide to call it a day. 

Nevertheless, until his retirement to Italy, in 1970, he attended social functions such as the 

1920-29 and pre-1940 reunions. 

For the next decade and a half he and Sally became keen archaeologists, attending digs in 

Austria and Germany, as well as various parts of his "home" country. However, a severe 

attack of phlebitis in 1985 saw him, the following year, in an armchair capacity, checking 

finds in libraries. In 1987, they visited Sri Lanka and continued on to Japan where their son 

had an appointment. Before reluctantly leaving Grosetto (and a fruit and flower garden, 

carefully attended for 18 years) he was able to make contact with the advance party of the 

OHRFC's 52nd Easter tour, at nearby Piombino. Shortly after, came the final move to 

Venice. 

1923 

Stanley Varcoe VINCENT 

was born in Devonport in 1905. 

He won a scholarship to Haberdashers' School in Cricklewood, after which he worked for a 

time at the Bank of England in London before being accepted by Handsworth College in 

Birmingham as a candidate for the Methodist ministry. During his time at Handsworth, 

Stanley excelled at both Greek and Hebrew and was recommended by his tutors for an 

academic life. However, on leaving Birmingham with a Bachelor of Arts degree, he felt a 

strong calling towards missionary work and in 1930, after his ordination, he went to Burma 

where he carried out pioneering work under extremely primitive conditions among the Lushai 

people at Mawlaik in the Chindwin Valley. 

In 1933 Stanley married Violet May Batchelor at a double wedding in Burma where Violet 

and her friend Dorothy were married to Stanley and his colleague, the Rev Dennis Reed. 

This happened on the same day as the two women arrived in Burma by ship from England 

after having been apart from their prospective husbands for three years. 

In 1934 and 1938 Stanley and Violet had two children, Betty and Peter. When the Japanese 

invaded Burma, Stanley and Violet took their two children and joined a march through the 

jungles to India where, after many difficulties and shortages of food, they arrived at 

Bangalore. Stanley immediately left his wife and children and went back into Burma to help

the families and refugees flee from the advancing Japanese army. He then remained in 

Mawlaik until the last party of refugees left and only then did he set out for India and safety. 

For his actions during this evacuation Stanley was subsequently mentioned in despatches. 

In 1942 a baby daughter, Jennifer, was born in Bangalore but she was to die from dysentery 

shortly afterwards. 

In 1944 the family sailed back to Liverpool in a convoy which came under torpedo attack and 

then went to Parkstone in Bournemouth where, in 1945, their youngest son, Richard, was 

born. 

After the war Stanley returned to Burma to report on the state of the Church, a report which 

he summed up in his book "Out of Great Tribulation" - a description of the suffering and 

privations of the Christian Church under Japanese rule. 

In 1947 he returned to England where he worked as until 1952 and then in Penzance until 

1954. In the same year he returned to work as a missionary in Mandalay until August 1956 

when he joined the British and Foreign Bible Society as secretary of the Burma Agency. He 

continued with this work until 1965, at which point he moved to Hong Kong as Asian 

executive secretary after being forced by the Nationalist government to leave Burma. 

Although this presented him with a new challenge, the move must have been tinged with 

sadness as, to the end of his life, he would always refer to the Burmese as "My People". 

In 1969 Stanley returned to England where he worked as a member of the home staff 

liaising with the auxiliaries and working as an itinerant speaker on behalf of the Bible 

Society. 

On retirement in August 1970, Stanley and Violet lived for several years in Edington in 

Wiltshire, before moving to Methodist sheltered housing at Church Court in Midsomer Norton 

and then finally, as a result of increasing age and infirmity, to Pondsmead nursing home at 

Oakhill in Somerset in December 1992, where they lived together until Violet's death in May 

of this year. 

Douglas A Brewer 

Gazette, 22 October 1998 

Leslie C. STERN (1914-23) 

died 8th March 1981 

He was a Life Member of the HOBC and an honorary Member of OHRFC for many years. 

He was a regular supporter having been present on the touchline at Boreham Wood until a

few months before his death. His own sporting interests were swimming and shooting for 

both of which he represented the School. 

Until his retirement in 1979 Leslie was managing director of his own firm manufacturing 

delicatessen products. To his widow, Mabel and their children Maureen, Colin and David 

(1949-52 Prep) we offer our condolences. 

E Patrick St C KEHYAIAN (1913-23) 

died on 22 December 1990, at the age of 85. 

Pat, a School 1st XI spin bowler, was one of the many OH cricketers to join Brondesbury 

Cricket Club (very adjacent to the Hampstead site) in the years before the 1939-45 war. He 

played mainly for that club's 2nd XI and occasionally appeared in the invitation OH XI, in the 

annual match against the School. The last occasion was in 1939, when the match was 

abandoned, just after the start of the latters innings - traditionally batting second - so that 

there was no opportunity for the use of his spinning guile. 

In 1942, his business career (a self-employed dealer in Oriental carpets and rugs) was 

interrupted, when he joined the RASC, seeing service with the 4th Indian Division throughout 

the latter part of the North African campaign. Before proceeding to Italy, he spent several 

weeks on the Greek island of Pantellaria. Pat was demobbed with the rank of Captain. 

Rejoining Brondesbury, he continued to play cricket and tennis there, until the family moved 

to Ashtead, in Surrey, in 1968. In the early post-war years, Pat achieved the quite 

remarkable feat of interrupting the reign of Roy Newman (who had left the School a decade 

later) as the tennis singles champion - doubtless, later in the evening, causing him to delight 

his friends with a display of expert tap dancing! With the introduction of the decade/reunion 

dinners, by the OHA, he attended the 1910-1929 group's initial gathering in 1966, but felt, 

thereafter, that the journey back to Surrey would be too hazardous. 

Pat had met his wife, Cara - sister of Gerard H Kramers (1921-32), who had joined 

Brondesbury, some years later and of William J (1926-35) - at the club in 1937. He made up 

for the lost war years by carrying on his business, until his retirement in 1988 - a fairly 

unusual working span of 65 years! Until then, he was occasionally to be seen walking 

through the "City Gates", pausing only to pass the few words with the one of a group of 

former City workers, who had retired after the more usual stint of 40-45 years. 

We would wish to offer our condolences to Cara, their daughter, Juliet, their son, Philip (and 

their families), as well as to his brothers-in-law, Gerard and Bill. 

L.C. (Jack) BARRETT (1916-23)

Jack Barrett was one of three brothers (L.B. and E.R. now deceased) who were educated at 

Haberdashers between the years 1910 and 1926. At the time of his death he was the joint 

'senior' member of the Association. 

Upon leaving the School, on the last day of the summer term in 1923 he immediately took up 

an appointment with Westminster Bank the following Monday and served with the bank for 

48 years apart from his service during the War when he joined the Royal Air Force becoming 

Operation Rooms Controller at Bowmore, Gibraltar and Lydda. 

His involvement with the then Haberdashers Old Boys' Club was firstly with the embryonic 

O.H. Rugby Club and he was probably the last person who played in the first practice games 

in 1923 at what was then the Home of Rest for Horses adjoining the School in West 

Hampstead. 

Despite suffering from severe myopia he captained the 'B' XV between 1931-36 and had a 

strong team as he was able to persuade several members of the 1st XV who were giving up 

the game for various reasons (marriage or old age!) to play for his side for a few more years. 

Jack was a very keen cricketer and joined Brondesbury C.C. directly after leaving School 

and was later made a life member and vice-President after 50 years membership. As a 

member of the M.C.C. he was a frequent visitor to Lord's with his wife Joan who was also a 

keen Middlesex supporter especially as their son John had played cricket as a colt at 

Brondesbury with a certain Mike Gatting. 

Jack Barrett married Joan and they had three children and six grandchildren. He was a 

regular supporter of pre-war social events and less frequently latterly with his last recorded 

attendance being a pre-1940 leavers Dinner in April 1988. 

To his widow Joan and the family the Association would wish to send its heartfelt 

condolences. 

B George ABRAHAMS (1915-23) 

died on Christmas Day 1990, at the age of 81, in Harare, Zimbabwe. 

This information only became known to the School last August when a friend wrote to the 

Headmaster, who had exchanged correspondence with George in connection with an Essay 

Prize on the subject of Central Africa, which the latter had endowed a year or two before. As 

previously reported in the Notes, soon after he had joined the Association in 1988, George 

had spent many years in Zimbabwe and knew the country extremely well. In fact, he had 

invited any members visiting there to contact him, if they wished to see something of the 

countryside, outside the towns.

Keith Dawson has reported from the friend's letter, that George was an extremely popular 

personality, well-liked by all who came in contact with him and was one of Zimbabwe's 

remarkable characters. Also, that he had been a member of the Estate Agents Council from 

1970 and was its chairman from 1974 to 1979, as a mark of respect for his contribution 

during the founding and formative years of the Council. He was also a member of the 

Auctioneers Estate Agents and Valuers Institute of Zimbabwe, being highly respected and 

well liked by his associates. He became a Fellow and Honorary Life member, as a mark of 

his benefaction to the profession, his knowledge, experience and not least his sense of 

humour. 

It is believed that George would have appreciated the following epitaph "Doyen of the 

Zimbabwe Property Valuation Profession". 

1922 

R A (Bunty) PHILLIPS (1918-1924) 

died on 22nd August, 1990, in his 80th year. 

Born in St. John's Wood in 1910, he followed his brothers Stanley and Norman through 

Haberdashers' and Taunton Schools. 

On leaving school Bunty joined the OH Rugby Club. He was a good forward and, on at least 

one occasion, captained the Extra A with distinction. After a serious back injury in 1935, he 

turned to refereeing and progressed to taking charge of senior games in the 1938/1939 

season. He also played cricket and tennis and, together with many other OH's, was an 

enthusiastic member of the Brondesbury Club, where he met his future wife, Margaret. 

In April 1939, he joined the Territorials and was called up soon after war began. He was 

commissioned in the RASC and from 1942 saw active service overseas, first in North Africa 

with the First Army, and then in Italy. For his services in the Italian campaign he received the 

MBE, and he ended the war with the rank of Major. 

Bunty and Margaret were married in 1949 and moved to a house in Hampstead Garden 

Suburb. They were both active and devoted members of St. Alban's Church, Golders Green, 

where Bunty served as churchwarden for some years. They were also enthusiastic members 

of the Suburb Residents Association. 

Sport remained a passion for Bunty throughout his life. He was very keen on athletics and if 

the OH Athletic Club was competing he would be there to watch and encourage. He was 

invited to become President of the Athletic Club in 1966, at a time when it could boast a 

number of fine athletes in the team.

Most of his working life was spent running the family business in Smithfield with his brother 

Norman. After his 'retirement' he took up a part-time position with another OH, Basil 

Blowfield, with whom he continued until May 1990. 

Margaret died in January 1988, a loss from which Bunty never fully recovered. Despite his 

grief he was, till the end, a loyal and fine friend and will be remembered with great affection 

by many, not least his daughter, Sandra, and son, David, and his three young grandchildren. 

Keith Ashton Henderson (1915-22) 

died in March 1988 in his 84th year. 

Keith was the son of B L K Henderson, the schoolmaster who gave his name to the house of 

Hendersons. 

Upon leaving School Keith went to Strasbourg for two years to improve his French and 

German. Always a keen linguist he was eventually additionally fluent in Spanish and Italian 

and was studying Modern Greek during his retirement. Upon his return from Strasbourg, he 

joined the Great Western Railway and whilst with them took his B Comm at the London 

School of Economics, where fellow students were the late Arthur G. Jenkins (1914-21) and 

W David Brown (1919-23). 

Seconded from the GWR, he became British Railways' representative in charge of the 

Travel Bureau on the "Queen Mary" from her maiden voyage in 1937. Later Keith went to 

Toronto to open an office for British Railways, returning to England upon the outbreak of the 

1939-45 war. Appointed to the RTO at Rouen, he was in the last boat to leave Brest, when 

France was being overrun. Thereafter, Keith had a War Office appointment, with the rank of 

Major. 

After the war, he returned to GWR for a short while, before going as traffic manager to 

Monsanto Chemicals, where he stayed until his retirement in 1969. He had the unique 

experience of attending two Haberdashers's Schools - the Kindergarten for girls and boys at 

the Haberdashers' Aske's Girls School in Acton and then Westbere Road! IKH 

He left a widow, Sarah and his brother Ian K, (1916-24). 

1921 

Stanley Bruce WAVELL (1916-21) 

died peacefully in hospital on February 27th 1988 at the age of 83. 

Of his school days, Bruce liked to recall that he was there at the time of all the six original 

housemasters, whose names are perpetuated to this day some seventy years later. Upon

leaving, he spent some years in the office of a firm which was engaged in cutting and 

supplying wooden type and accessories for the printing trade. Just before the 1939-45 war, 

however, he joined the Finchley Borough Council (which later became Barnet) and remained 

there until his retirement in 1970. 

In 1983 Bruce presented the Wavell Collection to the School - a splendid collection of 

stamps (particularly British Colonies) - which had been started by his father, Sydney Ellis, 

who had left the Hoxton School in 1890 and had been President of the HOBC in 1931/2. 

After his father’s death, in 1942, he added considerably to the collection, parts of which are 

now on display, by rotation, in a glass-fronted cabinet in the School Library. 

Stanley had been a member of the HOBC/OHA for over 65 years and had attended the 

earlier reunions of the pre-1940 generation, before his removal to Dorset. 

He leaves a widow, Elsie. 

John E. SERBY, C.B., C.B.E, (1912-21) 

died on 30 January 1997 aged 94. 

John was the younger brother of the late W.F. Serby (left 1915) and was School Captain in 

1920-1, Captain of Russell's, C.S.M. in the Cadet Force and Editor of the Skylark. He 

entered the School in 1912 in the Remove form under Percy Meadows and was 

subsequently in forms under Messrs. Norton, Strouts and Russell. 

Among his contemporaries were two of the School's greatest all round athletes of the Soccer 

era, the late John G. Kehyaian (who succeeded him as School Captain ) and the legendary 

E.J. (Teddy) Baxter whose cricketing achievements with bat and ball were unsurpassed in 

the inter-war period. Together with his brother, Bill, they were all members of the Five Year 

Club. 

John obtained an Exhibition to Emmanuel College, Cambridge, (then worth £30 a year!) and 

subsequently entered the Civil Service as a junior Scientific Officer in the Admiralty in 1927. 

From there he went to the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, as a Scientific Officer 

in 1930 where he rose to become Deputy Director In 1950-54, Director General of Guided 

Weapons in 1954-61 and Deputy Controller of Guided Weapons, Ministry of Aviation from 

1961 until his retirement in 1963. He was on the H.O.B.C. committee in 1924 and was 

awarded the C.B.E. in 1951 and the C.B. in 1958. 

He married Clarice Lilian Hawes in 1933, they had a daughter. 

Henry C. Edwards

ACM Sir Theodore MCEVOY (1915-25) 

died on 29 September 1991, at the age of 86. 

In spite of his illness, he was an outstanding fighter leader. As Station Commander of RAF 

Northolt, he formed the Polish Fighter Wing in 1941, after they had fought magnificently in 

the Battle of Britain, the previous Summer. Now they became part of Sholto Douglas's 

aggressive policy of taking the war to German-occupied France. Following some severe 

losses, Mac decided to test conditions for himself and flew with the wing, but was bounded 

on the way home. Badly wounded he crash-landed his badly-damaged Spitfire at Lydd - in 

the middle of an anti-invasion minefield, from which he was gingerly rescued by the Home 

Guard! 

He went on to build a reputation as one of the most accomplished RAF staff officers of the 

Second World War, progressing as Group Captain, Operations HQ Fighter Command in 

1942, Senior Air Staff Officer No. 11 Group in 1943 and of No. 84, the fighter group which 

supported the Normandy landing, in the following year. Mac became Assistant Chief of Staff 

Policy in 1945 and Director of Command and Staff Training after the war ended. 

He learned to pilot helicopters and, at the age of 51, took a refresher jet course at the RAF 

Flying College, Manby. In 1950, he had become Assistant Chief of Staff Training and then in 

1954 RAF instructor, at the Imperial Defence College. It was at this time, in 1954/55, that he 

became President of the HOBC, of which he was a life member. Two years later, he went to 

Fontainbleau, as Chief of Staff, Allied Air Forces, Central Europe, returning in 1959 to the Air 

Ministry, as Air Secretary. He continued to fly a variety of aircraft including Meteors, until his 

retirement in 1962, after three years as Air ADC to the Queen. 

Apart from his calligraphy and gardening, Mac played golf as a pastime and enjoyed turning 

out in a foursome of which the other members were the legless Douglas Bader, the 

fingerless Arthur Donaldson and the one-armed Gus Walker. 

There follows two widely differing appreciations by his contemporary Teddy Mautner (1912- 

22) and the son of another leaver of the twenties - Gustave J Muteau (1921-25). On behalf 

of the Association (to which Mac had been making annual donations since its foundation in 

1962) we would wish to express to Marion (with whom he had celebrated their Golden 

Wedding anniversary in 1985) our deep-felt pride of her late husband. Also, to their daughter 

Jill and son, Robin. 

WRT 

Theo was a contemporary of my late father (Gustave F Muteau 1921-25), and was 

instrumental in getting him posted to RAF Intelligence where his knowledge and expertise in 

languages could be properly utilised in WW2.

As a result of his friendship with my father he heard of the abominable state of my 

handwriting and decided that I should be privately tutored by him - as he was, despite his 

injuries, one of the most noted calligraphists in this country. You see the result, which has 

been my normal handwriting every since. 

To see him at work with his quills and pens was a great privilege, which I enjoyed for many 

years. But my most lasting memory of this great OH is of him inspecting the CCF at 

Westbere Road. It was painful for him to stand for more than a few minutes, even with the 

aid of his two canes but he handed them to his ADC and proceeded to inspect the whole 

Corps - not just the front rank as many inspecting officers were prone to do - and then to 

stand to take the salute as we marched past. For well over an hour he walked and stood 

unaided; often stopping to chat to us. He told my father later that he was in agony the whole 

time but he refused to let us down! What a man! 

Truly a parfait knight and a gentleman. 

C Muteau 

Air Chief Marshal Sir Theodore McEvoy KCB, CVE. Did he, in 1915, envisage this 

description of himself in later years? I would not be surprised. When, to us other boys, 

aeroplanes were just dots in the sky, by "Mac" they were recognised as Bristol Fighters or 

Sopwith Pups, or whatever. If ever there was a boy with a firm and fixed ambition as to what 

he wanted to do in life it was Mac and flying. After becoming a cadet-officer in the School 

Cadet Corps, he went on to Cranwell and passed out - predictably - with the Sword of 

Honour two years later in 1925. 

From then his career through the Royal Air Force was one of steady promotion, and this in 

spite of a crippling disease of the spine, spondylitis, which overtook him before he was 30. 

Whilst it was developing it caused him intense pain, and it was small consolation that once 

his spine had set in its curvature it no longer hurt, but he was never afterwards able to stand 

straight. The fact that he was not invalided out of service is proof of his outstanding qualities 

as an airman and a staff officer. 

He played a leading part in RAF activities throughout the war, particularly as Group Captain 

Operations HQ Fighter Command, and he served in Normandy, being mentioned in 

despatches. Subsequently he rose to be Chief of Staff, Allied Air Forces, Central Europe, at 

Fontainbleau. On the way up the ladder as Station Commander, Northolt, in 1941 he formed 

close links with the Polish Air Force fighter units, and received a high Polish decoration. 

Retired in 1962 at the age of 58 he occupied his time in a variety of interests, including 

gliding, calligraphy, he wrote an exquisite italic hand, becoming President of the Italic 

Handwriting Society - and glass engraving, where in spite of severe eye disability he was

able to apply his calligraphic talent to glass. He also busied himself politically in anti- 

Communist activities and will have been gratified to have lived to see the turn of events in 

Russia and Eastern Europe. Mac is survived by his wife Marian, and a son and a daughter, 

and grandchildren. 

E E Mautner (1912-22) 

1920 

FC Rodney Mundy (died in 1997) 

Frank A. NOBLE (19 -20) 

died at his home on 18 June 1985, after suffering an heart attack. 

He was a Life member of the HOBC and belonged to the Five Years Club which operated 

during, and for some years after, the 1914-18 war. 

A. Gordon C. HAILEY (1913-20) 

died on 25 June 1984. 

Gordon spent all his working life with a firm of timber importers, retiring as General Manager 

in 1968. However, for a further five years on a regular basis and for some years thereafter 

part-time, he acted as consultant for the firm's West Country business, being based in 

Cornwall. 

Upon his final retirement, Gordon moved to Rowledge in Surrey, where until his wife's death, 

they continued to enjoy an occasional round of golf. Gordon was a Life Member of the 

Association, but by the time he returned to the area of its social activities, considered that 

the night travel involved was too hazardous to undertake. Accordingly, his main interest was 

reading about the various activities, particularly those of the OHRFC and OHCC and the pre- 

1940 Reunions. 

To his son Clive (1953-60), daughter Jennifer, and his five grandchildren we offer belated 

sympathy. 

1919 

Sir Hubert SHIRLEY-SMITH (1911-19) 

died on 10th February 1981 

Sir Hubert, who was in his 80th year, captained both the football and cricket XIs. On leaving 

School he joined the Five Year Club of the HOBC and proceeded to London University

where in 1922 he obtained a BSc (Eng.) from the City & Guilds Institute, gaining the diploma 

of Imperial College. The following year he joined the staff of Sir Douglas Fox & Partners 

(later to become Freeman, Fox & Partners) where he assisted with the calculations and 

designs for the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

After a spell in the North-East he returned to London to assist the late Sir Ralph Freeman 

(1888-1897) on designs and estimates for the Birchenough and Otto Beit bridges in 

Rhodesia. At the outbreak of war Sir Hubert was working on the Howrah Bridge in Calcutta 

but in 1942 he returned home to establish a new shipyard on the Forth for the construction of 

Tank landing Craft for the invasion of Normandy. From 1945-60 he was with the Cleveland 

Bridge Company and visited bridge sites in Nyasaland, Siam, Australasia and Finland where 

the company was responsible for the celebrated ROVANIEMI bridge. He designed the 

steelwork for the Shell Centre tower. 

From 1960 to 1965 he acted as site agent for a consortium and was in charge of the 

construction of the Forth Road bridge. After he retired in 1967 he set up in private practice 

with W. V. Zinn & Associates. 

On the council of the Institution of Civil Engineers from 1952 until 1967, he became 

President in its 150th Anniversary year and was knighted. From 1958-65 he also served on 

the council of the Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors. He was Vice-President of the 

International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering and the Institute of Civil 

Engineers awarded him the Telford Gold Medal for the many papers which he contributed to 

the Institution. 

To his widow, Marie, sister of the late Jack G. (1912-22) and of E. Pat Kehyaian. (1913-23), 

and to his brother Kenneth (1909-18) we would like to express our condolences. 

Sydney E PHILLIPS (1912-19) 

died on 13 November 1987. 

He was born in St John‘s Wood in 1906, merely a stone’s throw away from Lords where he 

spent much of his school summer holidays. He attended Haberdashers from 1912 to 1919 

and then proceeded to Taunton. His school days were undoubtedly very important in 

preparing him for a successful business career. 

Stanley qualified as a chartered accountant in 1930 and shortly afterwards he joined Trade 

Indemnity as its first claims manager. He brought to the office two qualities that 

characterised him throughout his business career, absolute integrity and a genius for 

compromise. He quickly established a reputation for fairness in claims settlements and 

became progressively more and more respected by those accountants specialising in 

insolvency work. The value to his company of his influence in this field cannot be overstated.

In 1938 he joined the Territorial Army with seven of his closest friends from the Brondesbury 

Club, five of them being Old Haberdashers. On 26 August, 1939 they were all called up to 

prepare a gun site on the Saracens Rugby Ground at Winchmore Hill where most of them 

had played and enjoyed the aftermath of a rugby match. The pavilion and the bar now 

served as their sleeping quarters. Later on he was commissioned into the Royal Air Force 

and was despatched by sea to Singapore. Thankfully, as a result of two direct torpedo hits, 

he never reached Singapore and was off-loaded in the Middle East. He was based in Cairo 

and rose to the rank of squadron leader, being mentioned in despatches. 

At the end of the war Stanley returned, fit and well (as did his seven friends) and resumed 

his business and sports activities where he had left them. On his return to the City in 1945 

he was appointed Deputy General Manager of Trade Indemnity and, in 1961, its General 

Manager. With the company firmly established, Stanley set out to achieve what had been his 

ultimate objective throughout his career: raising the status of the company to the point where 

it was known and respected in financial circles in the City and abroad. He established the 

first overseas branch of the company in Australia in 1963 and maintained a close and 

sentimental interest in its development until his death. He was President of the International 

Credit Insurance Association from 1965-68, and later became President of the Berne Union. 

He also represented the company’s shareholding interests on the boards of the Netherlands 

Credit Insurance Company and Allgemeine Kredit in Germany. By the time he retired in 1973 

the goal that he set himself had been attained. It was the supreme moment of his success. 

Throughout his time as General Manager, Stanley fought hard for the betterment of his staff. 

Despite difficulties and frustrations, his loyalty to them never wavered. He was able to offer 

employment to quite a few Old Haberdashers during his years in control. 

When Stanley returned to London after completing his schooling at Taunton, he became a 

founder member of the OHRFC. He must surely have been the last survivor of the founder 

members. He captained the "A" XV in the first two seasons, 1923-25, and again in 1930-31. 

He then captained the club for four seasons from 1931-35, and finally took over the “B” XV 

for 1936-7. Having played for 14 seasons he had already commenced office in 

administrative duties, having been Hon. Treasurer from 1935-7. He had a further two years 

in this post from 1946-8, before becoming President from 1952-4. 

He was a trustee during the early days at Boreham Wood, which was first used in April 1937. 

During his 14 or more seasons as a player, he skippered for 8 of them as well as 

undertaking his first term as treasurer. During the seasons 1932-4 his 1st XV set a record of 

12 matches undefeated, starting with the 3rd Easter Tour in April 1933 and finishing in early 

December of the following season. His personal contribution to the last ten of those games 

was 32 points (including 3 tries) out of a total score by the team of 126 points. Whilst the feat 

was equalled in 1946-7, it has not yet been surpassed at this level. While still President of 

the OHRFC, he was elected President of the HOBC for 1953-4 - a unique honour.

In the summer months he played cricket and tennis at the Brondesbury Club where he made 

many lifelong friends, but none more important than Elsie, whom he later married - one of 

the many weddings at the time to result from the Brondesbury relationships. Like many other 

sports-loving men, he then turned to golf and joined Hendon Golf Club. He served on the 

committee for many years, was captain and, later on, a trustee. He was made a life member 

in recognition of his efforts for the welfare of the club. He was a member of many golfing 

societies (including the OH and Tauntonian) which developed an even wider circle of friends 

for him. He regularly represented the Tauntonians in the Halford Hewitt Tournament. 

Stanley was a man who worked hard, played hard and got the most out of life at all levels. 

He once said that when you can no longer offer anything to life it is time to go. He had a 

charming personality, was a proud family man and a generous and caring person with a 

great sense of humour. He has been described by more than one person as the epitome of a 

true English gentleman - one of the great Old Haberdashers. 

During his entire married life Stanley was faithfully supported by his wife, Elsie, and in his 

last years, when he lived for him what was an unnatural existence, sitting in a chair in front of 

“the box", she tended to his every need. He leaves Elsie and son, John. 

R A "Bunty" Phillips 

Wg. Cdr. Norman A. MARTIN. O.B.E. Retd. (1914 -1919) 

died 4th February 1997 

The O.T.C. Parade during the Great War, taken at the School at Westbere Road. Norman 

Martin is there somewhere!!

On leaving school after the end of the First World War, Norman qualified as a member of the 

"Five Year Club" for those who were at school for the duration of the war, and he also joined 

the O.H. soccer club. 

From school he started with a firm of London stock-brokers as a junior clerk, and became a 

"blue button boy" on the floor of the stock-exchange, eventually becoming a dealer in 

insurance shares. His sporting activities during this period included playing soccer and 

cricket for stock-exchange teams, but his real enthusiasm lay with swimming. He joined the 

Hampstead Priory Swimming Club, and was quite successful in races at the longer distances 

and at water polo. At this latter sport he eventually became an England trialist, although 

never representing his country. 

In 1926 Norman married Rene, and they set up home in Kenton, Middlesex, where in 1931, 

their daughter Pat arrived, and in 1934 a son, Tony, (1944-50) was born. 

In 1940 he joined the R.A.F. and gained a commission in the Ground Defence Force and this 

became the R.A.F. Regiment in 1942. He served in the U.K. until going to Europe soon after 

D. Day, where he saw action on several occasions, having a particularly uncomfortable time 

in the Ardennes - the Battle of the Bulge - towards the end of the war. He remained in 

Germany with the British Air Force of Occupation, until 1948. 

Towards the end of 1946 Norman was joined by his family for a year - Tony having been 

granted special leave by Mr. Cooper, head of the junior School at the time. 

After serving for two years in this country with Technical Training Command, he was sent to 

the Canal Zone of Egypt, where he remained until retiring from the R.A.F. as a Wing 

Commander in 1953. Prior to Norman's arrival in the Middle East, our relationship with Egypt 

had become rather strained and defence of British installations in the Canal Zone was high 

priority. Norman's efforts as part of this operation were appreciated and he was awarded the 

O.B.E. on his retirement. 

Limited choices were available in 1953 when taking early retirement from the services, and 

Norman and Rene settled for running a village shop in South Essex, between Laindon and 

Billericay, where they remained until January 1968. On taking full retirement, they moved to 

Shaftesbury, and by various stages to Kingsbridge in South Devon, where they arrived in 

1988. 

Norman lost his wife, Rene, in 1992, after 66 years of marriage, but remained in their flat 

overlooking the Salcolme Estuary, until he died in February 1997. 

He leaves his two children, both of whom now live in retirement in Kingsbridge, five grandchildren, 

and eight great-grandchildren.

T.M. 

He was a member of Meadows House and a contemporary of Colin Colquehouln (killed in 

the Middle East, Second World War), "Asher" Grossman (died Second World War), Maurice 

Daly (died 3rd November 1994 in Australia) and "Nobby" Gillett (17th November 1987), 

calling themselves the "Famous Five". 

Ronnie played for the 1st Cricket XI and the 2nd Rugby XV and was a member of the cadet 

force. On leaving school he joined Messrs, Sharp Perrin & Co., a City Textile Company, with 

whom he stayed all his business life, although they were taken over by Courtaulds in the 

1960s. 

Always a keen sportsman he quickly joined the Old Boys' Rugby Club, playing for various 

sides before making his 1st XV debut on 16th February 1935. He captained the cricket team 

called "Old Change", playing in the City of London League from 1936 to the outbreak of war. 

He joined the London Scottish Territorial Regiment in 1932 and represented them in their 

athletics team, particularly in the 440 yards and cross country and was also was a member 

of their fencing and bayonet fencing team from 1932 to 1936. 

Although playing only once for the 1st XV in 1935/36, he was selected to play in the 

Middlesex Sevens, assisting his "Famous Five" colleague Maurice Daly to score all the 11 

tries scored by the backs during the tournament. Ronnie's 3rd and 4th were vital in wins over 

Blackheath 11 (9-6) and Wasps I (8-3) in the round of the last 16. After 60 years this 

remained the high water mark of his O.H.R.F.C. career. So much so, that in April 1986, 

despite all his other commitments Ronnie travelled down from Walsall to attend the pre-1940 

reunion at the Club House and there met three other members of the 1936 VII - exactly 50 

years after playing at Twickenham. 

At the outbreak of war he was commissioned in the Royal Tank Regiment and served at 

Tidworth and Bernard Castle until being sent to India serving in Poona and Dehru Dun. 

Returning to civilian life he was sent to Birmingham by his firm; after two years he moved to 

Walsall where he remained. His first wife, Hazel, whom he married in 1938 died in 1982; But 

he remarried some two years later to Irene. He had two sons and two step sons and many 

grandchildren. On retirement at the age of 63 he joined his local Probus club in which he 

played a full part in all its activities, becoming Chairman in 1986. He was a keen member of 

the Walsall Bowling Club playing two or three times every week. He was a prominent 

Freemason for 50 years, attaining high office in several Degrees, both in London and 

Staffordshire. 

Richard Mallison

Stanley Henderson (1912-19) 

died in 1987 or 1988 

Regrettably, only on the return of the Old Boys Notes in mid-August 1988, from his address 

in Iver, Bucks, has the death of Stanley Henderson become known. 

Those who knew him will recall that Stanley was awarded a first class Honours in Natural 

Science, Tripos Part II in 1922, whereupon Emmanuel College, Cambridge elected him to a 

research studentship. 

1918 

Jack FB Tigg (died in 1992) 

Dr Kenneth Shirley SMITH (-1918) 

died February 1987 

Kenneth, who left School in 1918, was a member of the Five Year Club, formed just after the 

1914-18 War. 

He had been consulting physician and cardiologist to Charing Cross and the London Chest 

Hospitals, the editor of the British Heart Journal and President of the British Cardiac Society, 

as well as the organising secretary of the first European Congress in 1952. 

He was the Gold staff officer at the 1937 Coronation and served in the 1939-45 war as a 

Lieutenant-Colonel in the R.A.M.C. , being mentioned in dispatches. 

George W. BILAINKIN (1915-18) 

died on 16th March 1981 at the age of 78. 

He was a journalist of wide experience. After leaving the School, he continued his education 

at the Athenee Royal in Belgium. As a young man George was joint news editor of the 

Jamaica Daily Gleaner and was subsequently on the staff of the Leicester Mail and the 

Press Association, before going to Penang as editor of the Straits Daily Echo and acting as 

The Times correspondent in North Malaya. Returning to UK in 1934 he was successively 

assistant literary editor of the Daily Mail, on the staff of the News Chronicle and diplomatic 

correspondent of Allied Newspapers. From 1940 he was special correspondent in Russia for 

the London Star and for American newspapers. 

After the war, George was in demand as a lecturer and turned his attention to writing books 

based on his travels and career. Amongst his ten published works were biographies of Tito 

and Maisky, the former Russian Ambassador in London, and such works as "Four Guilty

Britons" and 'Joseph Kennedy's Fateful Embassy'. His marriage to Dr Lilian Rivlin in 1940 

was dissolved in 1949. 

1917 

Charles L Magnus (died in 1994) 

Francis T. CORDINGLEY (1909-17) 

died peacefully in hospital on 26th January, 1996. 

Francis Thomas Cordingley (Zwanziger) was 94 years old and widowed twenty years 

previously. He was physically frail but lived on his own with great determination and a 

fighting spirit. An avid reader with a keen interest in current affairs, he disliked T.V but 

enjoyed its sport, especially the cricket and rugby. 

He often talked of his school days and was proud to be an Old Boy of Haberdashers. and 

took an enthusiastic interest in the annual magazine, occasionally writing in with comments. I 

believe he was the oldest Old Boy and as a life member 'had his moneys worth'! 

He was born in Hampstead in 1901 and spent all his school days at Haberdashers, bar a 

short time at a local dame school. It was the School, he told me, where most of the local 

boys attended and he and his brother (Christian/Vic) and brother-in-law (Arthur Knowles- 

Brown) walked to school every day and it was a long way from Heath Street to Westbere 

Road. Whilst at school he joined the cadets and was keen on sport and later played for the 

O.B.'s football and rugby. He left in 1917 and after a short spell with Marconis joined the 

family business, Zwanziger Bros. (later called the Hampstead Bakery - a restaurant and 

bakery in Hampstead High Street). 

Too young for the 1914-18 war, he joined the London Division of the R.N.V. R. as a Ldg. 

Telegrapher where he shot for them at Bisley and won many prizes. In 1931 he married 

Eileen Reed, the daughter of Charles Reed, a bespoke tailor of Heath Street, Hampstead 

and had one daughter. In 1939 as he was in a reserved occupation and he remained in 

Hampstead throughout the Second World War.

In 1947 he took up ice skating with the family and was probably one of Betty Calloway's 

(Torvil and Deans instructor) first ice dance pupils at Richmond where he danced in the ice 

dance formation team. He and my mother then started modern sequence dancing which he 

continued to do, well into his eighties. He retired in 1964 and with my mother moved to Mill 

Hill. 

We are indebted to his daughter, Mrs Jill Whitford for the reminiscences above and the 

Association sends its condolences on her sad loss. 

1916 

Donald G Murdoch (died in 1993) 

Denis W. H. BOND (1906-16) 

who died peacefully on 18 April 1986 at the age of 87. 

Denis enlisted immediately on leaving the School, in the Royal Field Artillery Signals Section 

and served in France until the end of the war. In spite of his experiences there he joined the 

Artists Rifles (28th London Regiment) TA in 1922 and continued with them until just before 

his marriage in 1927. Denis was also a member of the Five Years' Club comprising 

members of the HOBC who kept the Club alive during the 1914-18 war. 

In 1920 Denis entered the gentlemen's outfitting department of Selfridge's and at varying 

periods was with a number of other large London concerns, including Moss Bros. and 

Lilywhites. The Royal Warranty of the latter provided a most interesting strata of clientele. 

From 1939 he was with the Hendon Civil Defence as a warden. Later on, he moved to 

Bournemouth, where he joined Daniel Nealls, being mainly concerned with school outfits, 

before helping out at a small, private firm of bespoke tailors. There he stayed until the 

retirement of the owner, in 1983 ending his own 63 years in the business, some six years 

after celebrating his Golden Wedding anniversary. 

His retirement was spent at Poole, where he was a member of the RFA Association and the 

British Legion, his other interests being gardening and music. To his widow, Ruby we can 

but hope that the memories of nearly 59 years, companionship will do something to fill the 

gap. To her and their daughters, Cynthia and Isobel, we would wish to express our 

condolences. 

E Lawrence BENDING (1911-1916) 

died in February 1988. 

Laurie spent all his working life in the Stock Exchange working for several firms until his 

retirement in 1972. He lived in Cricklewood until around 1932 where he was an active

member of the Church, running the Church Lads Brigade. He moved to Ruislip and lived 

there until the death of his wife in 1975. He then moved to Broadstairs, to be near his 

daughter and her family. 

After the First World War, Laurie was a member of the Five Year Club, which was 

responsible for rebuilding the HOBC. He was called up into the Army in 1940 and served in 

Egypt, Greece and latterly Italy. He fell in love with Italy and Italians and maintained this 

interest to the end. 

His principal love outside work was Amateur Dramatics, and he performed in local groups 

and the Stock Exchange Dramatics Society. He is remembered by a near contemporary as a 

good comedian in concert parties. After retirement he took an interest in drama at a local 

Broadstairs college and became a keen gardener. He leaves a son and daughter. 

Charles H. ADAMS (1912-16) 

died suddenly in Amersham General Hospital on 6th November 1980. 

Charles was a founder member of OHRFC, and captained the 'A' XV in its first season of 

1923/24. His working life was spent in the Civil Service with the Inland Revenue Department 

and on his retirement in the early 1960s he took a part-time job with a firm of accountants, 

his vast range of experience in the tax field being particularly useful to them. 

In 1966, he married Doff, whom he had known from childhood days and while he was at the 

School, but had only met up with again after he had lost his first wife and she, her husband. 

They had a happy decade together, enjoying much travel on the Continent until her death in 

1977. 

Since then Charles had continued with his other main interest of stamp collecting (for which 

he won several cups over the years), as well as his motoring, driving himself to the 

Association and Rugger Club reunions, in addition to his 1980 tour through France, 

Switzerland and Italy. Those rather younger members who enjoyed his company at OHRFC 

past-players lunch in early October will be astonished to learn that his innings has closed for 

81. 

To his step-daughter, Patience, we express our sympathy for the sudden termination of such 

a joyful companionship. 

1915 

Edward S. WOOLSTONE (1905-15) 

died on 15 February 1986 at the age of 86.

Edward matriculated with four distinctions, in spite of the distractions of sitting the 

examinations in the open, a precaution taken because of a scarlet fever epidemic. As soon 

as his age permitted he joined the Middlesex Regiment and served in France for the 

remainder of the war. 

Upon demobilisation, Edward went to New Zealand and Australia, before returning home to 

enter the family business of Raphael Tuck & Sons of Moorfields in London. He was a very 

kind gentleman, well read, with sound opinions and advice for those who consulted him. 

Being childless himself, his affection for his brother's children and grandchildren earned their 

respect and love. 

Edward was a member of the Association for many years and the reports of the periodic 

visits he and his wife paid to his revered former headmaster, the late Charles L. J. Wagstaff 

(1910-19) were partly instrumental in having a memorial plaque unveiled at the School. His 

many friends will agree that a suitable epitaph would be found in the time-honoured words 

"he played the game", an expression not readily understood in this day and age. 

To his widow, Bea, and brother, Dr Adolph S. Woolstone (1918-24) we extend our sympathy 

in their sad loss. 

George Norman SUMNER (1908-15) 

died on 31st July 1980 in his 81st year. 

Although he had matriculated with five distinctions, after the Great War George entered the 

family firm of miniature frame manufacturers. In spite of numerous operations and the loss of 

an eye he remained very cheerful and was still making his own miniature frames until the 

day he died, fifteen years, after his official retirement in 1965. 

George was already a Life Member of the HOBC in 1922 so that it is probable that he joined 

over sixty years ago. To his widow, Eileen, we extend our sympathy in her bereavement. 

Frank LAMBERT (c1908-1915) 

died aged 90 on 27th September 1987 Although he was not an active member of the 

Association, it is clear that, from the obituary received printed in The Reading Chronicle, he 

served the Amateur Swimming Association in Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire in 

many capacities and with great affection and success. 

He was still an active Committee member of the Reading Swimming Club, which he joined in 

1948, at the time of his death. A former swimmer and water polo player himself, he was 

already a well-known official. He became Honorary Secretary of the County in 1951, and 

was President in1959 and 1969. He was Southern Counties ASA President in 1971. He 

received the ASA's highest award for services to swimmers, the Harold Fern Award in 1985.

He embodied the very best qualities of voluntary service, especially in amateur sport. He 

was conscientious, reliable, fair-minded and at the same time possessing great enthusiasm 

for the sport and interest in all its participants. His kindness and personal encouragement 

towards all involved helped many a struggling competitor and floundering administrator. He 

leaves a widow, Marjorie. 

Douglas Grahame (Shoog) Knowles (1915-26) 

died at the age of 80 on 26th July 1988. 

Douglas was so full of life and vigour that it is difficult to believe he is no longer with us. 

Douglas will be remembered as "Shoog" by his contemporaries in the old Haberdashers' 

Association, of which he was a life member, and in the rugger club. 

Now why "Shoog"? We have to go back to World War One to find the answer. 1914-18 were 

years of great privation, and all Britain's resources had to be devoted to fighting through to 

final victory on 11 November 1918. Clothing became very scarce, and Douglas had to turn 

up at Haberdashers' School, then in Westbere Road, wearing a pair of his father's old 

trousers handed down - and they certainly were handed down, and hung in large folds below 

the knee. I believe that they must have been forerunners of the plus-fours that came later! 

Stanley Norton was master at the School who played an important part in the change over 

from soccer to rugby in 1923. He was positive and forthright. "What on earth have you got 

there, Knowles, Sugar Bags?" And so Douglas became "Shoog" for ever after! 

Douglas had a distinguished record at Haberdashers' School - he was CSM of B Company 

of the cadets, in the cross country team, won the shot put, was 2nd in the mile walk, in the 

School 1st XV in 1924/5 and 1925/6, being pack leader in the latter season, and his captain 

(Eric Bodman) described him as "the best forward in the side". In between all this, he did 

enough work to do well in the Higher Schools Examinations. 

Douglas chose insurance as his career, following in his father's footsteps. He started with 

Atlas Assurance, then later joined the White Cross as an Inspector. During the Second 

World War, Douglas served in the Intelligence Corps under Field Marshall Montgomery. On 

demobilisation, Douglas became a manager of the Watford branch of the White Cross for 

some years, and later was promoted to Head Office in London, as Motor Manager. 

The first written OHRFC record of Douglas came when he was in the 1st XV against Sidcup 

on 29 March 1930, and he played many a fine game as a prop until he moved away from 

London. 

He left a widow, Elizabeth, and family.

GBJ 

Travers F. DAY (1909-15) 

died very peacefully on 28 April 1987, two days before his 89th birthday. 

It will be recalled that Travers was a member of the Five Year Club, after the 1914-18 War, 

but lost touch with the H.O.B.C. when the family moved to Cheshire. While in London, he 

played for the O.H.F.C. 1st XI in 1920-21 and 1921-2, before moving on to Hampstead Town 

(now Hendon) F.C. All his working life was spent in the family firm, dealing with estate 

management. 

In addition to soccer, his other recreation was scouting, having been one of the original 

scouts when Baden Powell started the movement. Travers founded the 9th Kenton Scout 

Group in February 1946 and was its scout master until 1960. There may well be a number of 

O.H. who lived in the area who have benefited from his leadership and experience, without 

perhaps realising that their leader had been to the same school. 

He was a great family man, his daughter June (who set the wheels in motion for his rejoining 

the Association) and son Brian, providing him with seven grandchildren, all of whom 

attended the funeral, some travelling from the south of England. There are also five great 

grandchildren. Travers followed the careers and doings of them all with keen interest and 

was particularly proud and happy to be referred to as the 'head of the family" by his eldest 

grandson. 

Shortly after rejoining, Travers enquired whether an O.H. Shield could be obtained for him. 

He was delighted with the result, when a Committee member took this up and forwarded one 

to his home in Wilmslow, where it was prominently displayed amongst his other trophies. 

To his widow, Gladys, we offer our condolences, in the hope that the many happy memories 

from nearly 62 years of marriage will sustain her in her loss. Also to June and Brian and their 

families on the passing of the "head of the family". 

1909 

Denis TEGETMEIER (-1909) 

died March 1987 

Denis was the grandson of the Victorian naturalist, and left the School in 1909, having won 

the art prize. 

He served in the 1914-18 war as a trooper in the 11th Hussars, before being commissioned 

in the Royal Artillery. Thereafter, he studied at the Central School of Art and Craft and

ecame a painter, etcher and engraver. Denis became associated with the Roman Catholic 

circle of the sculptor, Eric Gill. With other pupils he helped Gill in cutting and painting the 

Great War memorial at New College, arguably the finest of oxford's post mediaeval works. 

In 1922, he was received into the Roman Catholic Church and turned his naturally satirical 

mind to drawing cartoons deriding the commercial world. Some appeared in his books "The 

Seven Deadly Virtues' and "The Unholy Trinity". He also produced etchings and 

copperplates for Sterne's "Sentimental Journey' and Fielding's "Jonathan Wilde". 

When the Gill family moved from Wales to High Wycombe, Denis joined them and in 1930, 

married the daughter, Petra, who bore him six children. In later years, they moved to 

Bradford-upon--Avon, where he had a notice in large, elegant letters in his studio, inviting 

guests to "Leave My Bloody Tools Alone"! 

1907 

Henry NORMAN (1900-07) 

died at the Royal Masonic Hospital, Hammersmith on 28th February 1981 at the age of 89. 

Henry joined the School during the re-siting period, studying at Elm Lodge and Woodbrook 

in Cricklewood Lane before going to the new building in Westbere Road in 1902. 

He was a Life member of the HOBC and after being Honorary Auditor for fifteen years was 

elected a Vice-President in 1937-38. Owing to the intervention of the second World War it 

was 1945-6 before he became President. Henry was also Hon. Secretary and Treasurer of 

the Benevolent Fund for many years and a member of the Lodge from 1920 completing 50 

years as a Past Master last December. He was also very active in several other branches of 

Freemasonry. 

Henry became a Chartered Accountant in 1912 and only retired from business in 1971. To 

his widow, Emma, and son, Kenneth J. (1943-51) and grandchildren Colin, Lesley and 

Susan. we offer our appreciation of the services he rendered to Old Haberdashers over a 

long period.

Obituaries

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