Now 65. At HCS from Sept 1948 to July 1953, in forms 2D, 3C, 3C again (when 1st form intro meant a one year numbering 'shift'), 4C, 5D. Left with four undistinguished O levels. Have nevertheless earned a living as a journalist for 39 years to date. Have some clear memories of 4th Harrow Scouts, where I became patrol leader of the Ravens in the Pioneers (Air Scout) troop.
Not forgetting the GHS lads. Happy New Year to all those who went to Gayton High and all the best for 2003!
Alex Bateman (GHS 1980 - 1984)
Spent a wonderful night in the company of Max Angliss, Keith Wilson, Chas McCarthey and Kevin Peter just before Christmas. Got extremely p*ssed, seemed like nothing had changed in the last 28 years or so since leaving HCBS! All seem to be doing well despite the fact that we probably amassed around 12 O levels between us and Keith had 6 of those! Just goes to show even though the school only really bothered with the high acheivers we had some latent ability after all. Anyway I'd just like to wish all the intake of '69 a happy and prosperous 2003.
Have just been introduced to the site by my brother.....Thanks,it's great..oh how the years roll by!!Just looking at the 1971 prefects photo...thank goodness I didn't wear my desert boots that day!!!!
Well it's just got to be done (rude not to!!) Anyway here's to a very happy holiday season to all those (Sloan, Kilhams, Knight, Adams, Forbes etc etc) who may remenmebr me ! I look forward to reading the ongoing remininces in 2003
Kind regards Keith
Thanks for this - Did i really have hair like that in the 70's? - I was at HCGS(B) from 71 - 77. Now living in Pittsburgh, PA. Keep it up - more (much more) later.
Absorbing.
Brings back memories of good times.
I will try to recall enough to contribute.
Well, hello viewers, let's try and make an effort to reach 100,000 pats ( hits is such an agressive word for us delicate boys. ) I know Michael Schwartz keeps a keen eye on this sort of thing so I say, in best 'PC' 'Happy New Holidays Year' to Harrow Counter School for Boys.
Took me a full minute to realise that the 'point sout' in Paul Ware's note was actually 'points out'. Thought he had learned something clever from Major Skillen before realising that it was just my dementia kicking in.
My copy of Guinness Book of Records 1970 reads as follows:- Bar Billiards Marathon - The duration record for bar billiards is 72 hours by five players from Harrow County Grammar School who scored a total of 772,550 points on 6-9 April 1970.
Brian Parker
As Richard Buckley point sout, Steve Mulliner asks how many boys tried to appear twice in the 1971 panoramic photograph. No-one did--or at least no-one made it to the end. As I have probably pointed out more than once in these web-pages, the reason the photo was taken at all was due to Clive Anderson's plea to Joe Avery at a School Council meeting "...it IS the Diamond Jubilee, sir!" which had Harry Mees rolling his eyes and even George Cowan's eyebrows momentarily raised. I know no-one did because May 18th was the day I passed my driving test and I arrived late, waving my pink "pass" slip at my buddies who were on the other side of the semi-circle (I am second to the left in the fifth row in front of the dining hut). Just prior to the photo being taken, Joe told Malcolm Cox (fifth row, just under the pavilion clock) to comb his hair out of his face. It was probably as a reult of this that Victor Mietkowski (his neighbor to the left) decide to flash Joe a V-sign (clearly visible in the photo). It was an unusually sunny day, which is why the photo is so bad--the contrast is much too high--and we spent most of the afternoon basking in the long grass next to the Terrapin huts. Let me join my old friend Benjy Schwartz is wishing y'all Happy Holidays from Texas.
Some names from the 25/6/2002 - Rugby Under 16 XV 1965-66 Front row: Ainley(1),Stagg, Fischer, George Thorne, Ainley(2),?, Farquahar. Middle row: ?, Pete Newman?, (Dave) Gee, (Malcom) John,?, Gary Michaels. Back Row: ?,?,?,?, Devonald,?, Callendar. Anyone fill in the blanks or uncertainties?
Bill Harrison
Last message was mine.
Wishing all Old Gayts the very best for the festive season.
One or two points on the Sixth Form Society speakers.
Gerry Fitt did have a nephew (son of Gerry Fitt's sister, Theresa Abbott) at Harrow County. The name of the vicar in Dad's Army was Frank Williams (he lived in Edgware, and is probably Edgware's sole claim to fame).
Other speakers were a gentleman called John (?)Glennister who was at HCS and who helped to produce Tudor dramas like The Six Wives of Henry VIII with Keith Michell, and the lecturer Gerald Brooke, jailed by our Russian friends for distributing the "wrong" literature.
Finally - did anyone else see the Economist list of the Class of 2002? Sir Nigel Sheinwald was described as public school educated. Leav' it aht, guv.
Michael.
John West asks about speakers at the 6th form society c.73.I had something to do with arranging them and Robert Morley stands out as a true eccentric with a wonderful sense of humour. We also had Gerry Fitt, SDLP leader in N.Ireland complete with armed protection officers. I think he had a nephew at HCSB. Vic Feather TUC General Secretary spoke and I interviewed him for the Gaytonian. I think we also had the actor who played the vicar in Dads Army(?).He came to a few Convergence productions as he had a nephew in the school(?) Cat Stevens got the biggest audience most of whom were disappointed that he did not perform, but rather spoke at some length on his new religion. The only one I recall turning us down was John Cleese with the reasonable excuse that he was filming a new series of Python-must have been a tough choice!
The following publications by the late Jim Golland have been showing up in various booksellers lists. However, Jim used to request that people buy them directly fromn the Pinner Local History Society, so that they get the financial benefit.
They are available from Harold Harley of the PLHS Tel: 020 8866 5827
WHEN I WAS A CHILD Edited by Jim Golland; A5; 72 pages; paperback; llustrated; A fourth reprint (2000) of this popular collection of oral reminiscences by people who remember Pinner in the first half of the twentieth century, and who recall their schooldays, relations with the police, poverty, fairs, and other excitements. (£3)
FAIR ENOUGH? By Jim Golland; A5; 140 pp; paperback; coloured and black and white illustrations; index. (1993) The story of the last 200 years of Pinner's 14th century Charter Fair, held annually for one day only in the streets of the village, the last surviving street fair in Middlesex. (£6, post free)
FROM PINNER TO PARADISE By Jim Golland; A5; 124 pp; paperback; illustrated:, index. (1995) An edited collection of letters from his family and friends in Pinner to a young man who emigrated to Australia in 1883. They tell a moving story of a family struggling against illness, unemployment and poverty in an age when the Metropolitan Railway came to Pinner. (£4.95) (A separate detailed index is available for £1.00)
THE FIVES COURT By Jim Golland and Joanne Verdant; A4 landscape format; illustrated; index; (2000) To celebrate the centenary of an Arts and Crafts house in Moss Lane, Pinner, and its architects, with details of its first famous inhabitants. Limited Edition sold in aid of the West House Appeal. (£10 + £l postage)
Late on the 'Bernie' anecdotes, sorry, but picture a pre-o-level lesson, mid '70's, even the most incompetent (me) had by then virtually memorised our set text, so translation was almost irrelevant.
Bernie, goes into his cupboard (sh.t another text?), pulls out a crate of fresh pears, picked over the week-end from his garden. Hands them out. Job done. Nice touch.
Anyone that can get me a 'B' in Latin doesn't need to be 'lionised'. Only John Cleese in the 'Life of Brian' could have got me an A! Cleese's latin corrections to Brian's (the late Graham Chapman) poorly conjugated mural dawbings refer, "Now write it out a hundred times and if it's not done before dawn, I'll cut your balls off"!!
'Sword and fruit', I think.
The sound attached to various items is fascinating! What would be really impressive but extremely unlikely would be to hear a recording of Harry Mees walking past the new hall getting ready for his class in (was it A10) the room next to Bernie's office shouting out "OK you rabble get your books out quick quick quick" Only sound justifies this reminiscence
Dad,
I can't believe you were misbehaving in School!!
David GHS '80-'83
The reason 'square' blew up at the end of the recording of the school song was the great cheer or rather jeer that went up at the end of it. I know; I was there. Chris Wilson '54 to '62
Does anyone have access to a list of speakers to the sixth form society circa 1972-3? I think I can lay claim to being first person to bring cannabis, cocaine & heroin into the school all at the same time! I recall Robert Morley had signed the guest book the week before me. As a Met. Police Drug Squad Det. Sgt. I spoke on my role and displayed samples to the interest of those present.
I am so glad Phil Chesterman can assure us that the organ is likely to be the organ we all contributed to and I suppose it is really old George at the keyboard. As for accents in the U.K. I have noticed the same thing. People do not sound quite as they once did. I also notice the vocabuary changing. When would try to avoid using what I regarded as North American words, such as "commuter", the reply would come "you mean commuter". After leaving school, two periods of work in Scotland left me very familiar with the various accents there. ARS hailed from Dunfermaline in the West Fife coalfield where miners spoke with a very different accent. He spoke "pan loaf" which is the "received" accent of educated Scots. Pronounciation of the letter "Jay" as "Jye" is common enough, as is 'mingies' for 'Menzies'. Does anyone recall hearing him use this word? The well-known entertainer Harry Lauder came from Arbroath which is where ARS taught for many years. Harry spoke a in sort of Anglicised Fifeshire accent not at all like ARS. I can well imagine that a few years amongst the Sassenachs would modify ARS' panloaf accent.
Steve Mulliner asks how many boys tried to appear twice in the 1971 panoramic photograph. I appear on the left at the very end of the 1960 Golden Jubilee photograph and to this day regret being too timid to run around to the other end when the camera began to turn. I recall that the photographer had a very bad limp, no doubt incurred in some act of extreme bravery during the war, which prompted lots of ungallant schoolboy shouts of 'hoppity' as the poor man ran, or rather lurched, around trying to set the photograph up.
On another matter altogether, having recently moved to a village just outside Cirencester, I looked up Harry Mees in the book and gave him a call. We had a long talk and I'm delighted to say he was in good shape and sounded just like the old Harry so many of us remember. What's more, to my surprise and even greater delight, my recollection of his famous story about the crewless GWR train (the crew having got off the footplate against all the regulations to investigate a broken signal in the Severn Tunnel) setting off by itself down the slope of the tunnel, running up the other side and then running back down again as the Guard wondered what on earth the driver was doing was, more or less, true.
Ref. Phil Chesterman's comment about Virtus Non Stemma - I assume he is refering to the School Song which accompanies the title page. For everyone's information, it came from a radio programme put out in 1960 on what was the Third Programme. The song is only a short clip from about a two minute section of the programme, which I found on a tape made up at the time by the late Jim Golland. (In fact I recorded the actual assembly when the BBC came along, but sadly the tape has gone missing. Pity as it had Dr.Simpson really blowing up at the end of the assembly!) The whole tape is a bit of a treasure trove of sound clips of the school in general, including an item from a House Christmas production from around 1959/60 or earlier (which has ben recorded at a slow spedd which I cannot play at the moment). When I find time I will go through the tape and copy it to Minidisk for the archives and let Jeff have a copy for the web site. I am at present sorting out good quality tranfers of some of the G and S productions from the mid-60's onto CD so that Rod Clark in Wales can make up sound files for Jeff to put direct onto the site.
re: Virtus Non Stemma
To Brian Hester can only say that I have no intention of spoiling anything. I left HCS in 1951, way before the organ era, but in the middle of the George Thorn and Dr. ARS regime. Now, I have no intention of insulting the English nation, but have only spent the odd week here and there in the UK since 1960, but have noticed an amazing change in accents.
To me STRIFE used to sound like STRAIF when old George had his way. In this 1960 (?)recording it's become STROIF. What would it be today ? Is this estuary English ?
Just curious !
Far more earth-shattering was the shock that I was about to hear the voice of the good Doctor Simpson, in my own house in Calgary. Being December, the windows are only open a crack; should I close them in case the neighbours hear. Put earmuffs on the cat to prevent a visit from the SPCA ?
Then came the voice of educated Scotland (we had a master called D.J. King - instead of DeeJAY, ARS called him DeeJYE) but low and behold Dr. ARS sounded 99% English ! The pupils taught the teacher.
My "contribution" to the Guestbook today was, in fact, part of an e-mail written earlier to Jeff Maynard personally. (inserted into the guestbook at Colin's request! - Jeff)
I checked the link above my piece just now and it works, so Paul Romney must just have been unlucky. Try again, Paul. (if you are using a slow dial-up connection, it may take a few moments to load - Jeff)
I find my adopted role as apologist for a man I disliked and feared rather strange. I did respect him, as teacher and headmaster, and my contention has always been that he achieved great things for the School and for those pupils who chose to avail themselves of the opportunities. I'm afraid I availed myself all too little of the opportunities, but I certainly benefited somehow, as did many other "non-achievers". But Paul makes the same point, although I do discern an unwritten "in spite of" in what he says.
As for antisemitism, I have said before that I never discerned it and several Jewish OG's I questioned on the allegation have told me that they were neither aware of it nor victims. I also questioned a senior master I'm still in touch with who loathed the man. He has little good to say of him, but absolutely refuted the allegation. He said that Simpson would "take the best, no matter who they were or where they came from. He only wanted the best."
Unfortunately, the URL in Colin Dickins's message yielded neither sound nor a sound prompt, so I was unable to refresh my memory of the Simpson voice. Surely, though, the Simpson legacy is a matter of remembered words and deeds rather than tone. If indeed his anti-Semitism, and the foibles recorded in Jim Golland's dispassionate memoir, fitted ill with the Zeitgeist of the 1960s, that fact arguably speaks well for the 1960s. As to the supposed decline in educational standards since then, and the merits of the new reforms, I have no personal opinion, having left the UK in 1966, but I find a very different perspective from Colin's expressed in Ross McKibbin's article in the London Review of Books of 28 November.
The past year has given me a fascinating perspective on the Harrow Couunty debate by putting me in touch with most of the Wembley Manor Junior School class from which I graduated to Harrow County in 1956. Most of us seemed pretty much on a par, regardless of how we had fared academically back in the 1950s and '60s, but one stand-out was a man who had never ranked high in the class and had failed the Eleven Plus. He had subsequently become an electrical engineer and the joint owner of a components manufacturer with six factories in the UK, US and China. It was a striking illustration of how far one could get without O Level Latin.
Form 2D 1954 Whilst at the Tuck Shop one morning fighting desparately for a jam doughnut SOME LITTLE TEA_LEAF stole my prized collection of match box and cheese labels.Will the culprit now own up please!! Could be any one of the following:- Portillo(elder brother) Williams G. Simmons Storey McCausland Baker Efford Patterson Copp Bremner Tranter Nichol Allen Neomonitos Marshall(Colin) Tew Gold Silverman Williams Jensen Gardiner Elkins Dann Buckley Simmonds or Young Come on -spill the beans!-otherwise I'll wait another 50 years!!!
What a trip down memory lane - looking at the old photos! Fascinating to discover how people have fared in the past 40 years. Must remember to visit this site more often - now that I've discovered it!
http://www.jeffreymaynard.com/harrow_county/arsimpson.htm
The shock of hearing Simpson's so well-remembered voice quite clouds my judgement on the other sound files. He sounds so measured and reasonable - as I have always insisted he could be (and probably mostly was), despite the scorn poured on him by so many contributors to the site - and I realise I have unfairly heard him in my mind as the ranter he is reputed to be in popular caricature. He certainly had his manic and obsessive moments in my day, as in others, but I think he just fitted ill with the hedonistic, cynical, soft left, nihilistic zeitgeist of the sixties and his qualities and achievements were dismissed. The decline in educational standards and rigour over thirty years would have confirmed his own convictions. He's probably up (or down!) there wryly approving of current belated attempts by recent governments to reverse the decline. He may not have been a "nice" man, but he was a dedicated teacher and headmaster. What a "blast from the past" that was!
Regarding the 1971 panoramic photograph of the whole school - OK, how many managed to appear twice by legging it from one side to the other just before the camera completed its revolution?
Don't spoil it for us Phil. For some of us this is the only time we'll ever hear the sound of that famous organ (if that is really what is being played).
Re: Virtus Non Stemma, or the sound thereof on this site. Have a strange feeling that it was recorded quite recently. Tellya why later.
Reference the correspondence on the bar billiards record which appeared in the Guinness Book of Records. The event took place at the school starting on Apr 6th 1970 and was previewed in the Harrow Observer dated Mar 31st and then reported again after the event. I have the newspaper clippings if anyone is interested. Those who took part were Phil Blenkhorn, Nick Creamer, John Garland, John Lashmar, Tony Usher, Jim Close and myself. I believe the endurance record was established at 72 hours. The event was sponsored and proceeds went to the RNLI.
Thanks to those who answered my calls for information on Episode Six a week or so back, after Roger Glover was on TV.
In connection with something else (a mention of Fred Bilson and the Gayts Association magazine, 'Old Gaytonian' in the Daily Express on Tuesday), I had a call from Russell Newmark, who told me he had just reviewed a new Episode Six album, called 'Cornflakes and Crazyfoam'.
It takes the form of an anthology, and the accompanying booklet has reference to HCS, including a photo of the band (in pre E6 guise)at 'Chris Ents 62'.
Tony Rees was a contemporary of mine. If any body should hear where he is, or have any news of him at all, I should be delighted to know. The expression 'where they are at', reminds me of an expression sometimes heard in Newfoundland "tell me where your're at, and I'll come where you're to".
WHY ARE THEY AT?
and maybe another section for "Where are they at ?"
Tony Rhoades (who once sent me an e-mail from abroad with his daughter’s help and worried that it might be a bit late in the evening to disturb me) asked if there was a “Where are they now?” section on this site. (Doesn’t seem a bad idea, actually, Jeff.) He wanted to report seeing Tony Rees who turned up at Sudbury a couple of months ago after many years’ absence, mostly – possibly still – abroad. He was an educationist with the FCO and went with wife Joyce, sister of the late Peter Miller. Rhoades forgot to ask him where he lived now and hoped to get in touch again. Tony Rees’s late brother Derek was also at the School.
On the where—are-they-now theme, does anyone remember a chap who rejoiced in the surname Batty-Pratt? He was older than me, probably about 1944 vintage, a tall, slim, humorous character and, though I wondered, I was never aware that he suffered any hardship because of his name.
Which leads me to mention that I discovered yesterday that the new head of Argentina’s central bank is Sr Alfonso Prat Gay. Not many people know that.
Everyone knows it lies in Mr A.N. Anderson territory...'home is where the art is'.
Where is the "official home" of Old Gaytonians ? Is it a dusty archive on the corner of Sheepcote and Gayton Road ? An ageing pavilion on the lower, south facing slopes of Harrow-on-the-Hill ? Or a reference of dots, back-slashes and hyphens on a cyber site ?
Yes, Phil I remember Brannan, but not well. He was a nutter, even to his younger brother Andrew who was in my year (1947-53). Andrew was an engaging "Just William" type, scruffy with fingers forever stained by the green ink he affected. He and I used to conspire in decoding Simpson's "unseen" every Monday lunchtime prior to his lesson at 2 o'clock. One Monday Brannan was off sick and the work needed more than one boy/lunchtime. I got found out and was the recipient of cutting scorn - but no more. Simpson was too dedicated a teacher to waste valuable class time castigating or punishing backsliders.
Politics rears its ugly head ! Does anyone remember Brannan ? He could have left HCS as late as 1952, but later that year was found to be on a literal soapbox outside the Granada Cinema preaching the best commie line, such as he had recently visited Poland and watched the happy Polish children, well fed, well dressed and eager to fight the capitalists.
Now, I would be the last person on earth to upset polical sensibilities, but Brannan was about to start his National Service, and how can even HM Government send a communist to Korea to fight......?
Suspect he ended up washing dishes for 2 years instead.
Jeff's question about Jim Higgins is the second note on this site about the famous daubing of "second front now". Presumably the daubing took place before June 1944. I was using the inner quad as it is now known, regularly up to the summer of 1944 and I have no recollection of any message being daubed. I do remember very clearly on D-Day being allowed to join a group in the then "new chem lab" to hear Churchill announce the Normandy landings. There was a very large "start second front now" message on the bridge over the railway just opposite the school. The bridge nearer the station was decorated with fascist symbols and the message "Moseley speaks tonight", but no date given. Can anyone provide 'chapter and verse' of the incident attribute to Jim Higgins?
having just bumped into John Waldron on a flight to Rio and seeing Michael Portillo on Westminster station on the same day I realised there must be a message in here somewhere ... tho' God knows what it is apart from HCS old boys are everywhere....
Steve Mulliners enquiry as to the date of the Marathon Bar billiards it must have been either 1969 or 1970 I remember going to watch.. god only knows that one as well as it was hardly a spectator sport.....
I remember John Garland John Lashmar and Nick Creamer being involved .. I wonder where they are now?
John Dunworth
Does anyone remember Jim Higgins, who died in October and was at Harrow County 1943-47? He was well-known as a journalist and revolutionary socialist. His obituary in the online Weekly Worker, published by the Communist Party of Great Britain, says:
"Jim’s formative experiences on the left were during World War II, when he sympathised with the CPGB’s line, famously daubing the slogan “Open the second front” on the walls of the inner quad of the local grammar school."
Just seen the addition of HMS Pinafore 1967 and its sound bites. However, surely the person singing Little Buttercup was Martin Steele - not Stephen Gilbert? PV
All this talk of Bernie Marchant brings back vivid memories of the trip to Rome and Naples in the spring holiday of 1959. Is there anyone else out there who remembers it?
Bernie's roneo-ed notes, starting with a blow-by-blow account of things to see out of the window of the train to Rome via Basle, told us more than we could ever have wanted to know or had time to read. How wonderful and learned education was in those days!
For many of us the journey was memorable for an encounter with a group from a girl's school in Birmingham on the train coming back. Bernie was - probably justifiably for the 1950s - worried about this, but was courtesy personified when he received a delegation from the girls' group, asking for permikssion to mingle. 'Certainly, dear lady' is a phrase that sticks in the memory, though he can't have approved.
But best of all was the encounter with a Greek sailor on a hill above Naples. (Yes, a Lesbian, or should I say Lesbiote, like all the best Greek sailors, as Bernie commented to us later.) They conversed I think in Greek, and Bernie responded with grave sympathy when the sailor asked him if he knew his cousin in London. He even accepted (or have I invented this??) a pair of boots, with a promise to deliver them to said cousin. Afterwards he explained to us how Greeks treat the world like a village, and how impossible it would be too refuse such a request. A lesson well learned which has stood me in good stead often since.
Thank you Bernie!
Nicholas de Lange 1955–62
The bar billiards record was done when I was at HCS viz. 1969 - 76. I wasn't involved, (although I watched bits of it) so I'm afraid I can't be more precise.
Wasn't there a daisy chain too?
Steve
Were our times at HCS so good or bad to influence the rest of our lives? I still remember the good times and would rather forget the bullying from fellow pupils and the violence from some members of staff. My recent visit to the school brought back more of the good than the bad, and so was worth the trip. What I did not like was the change in the culture of the school. Why did they destroy such a good grammar school?
BTW, great to hear the school song.
Laurence Lando 1956-64
Interesting to read memories of the 'saloon'. I have just got hold of a set of the original plans of the School (1911) plus the later extensions. That room was built as a cloakroom originally. At the end of that corridor on the left was an open 'covered area', while on the right a bike store. I presume the former was for boys to shelter under when it was raining, not being allowed into the School!
It would be interesting to know when it changed uses.
Hallo students of classics past and present, and a special hallo to Paul Phillips.
As it happens, Paul, I am not attending Alan Kershaw's dinner for Bernard. I see Bernard every so often at meetings of the Hellenic Society in London - we are on first-name terms which I would never have believed at HCS!
There are indeed many memories. Political incorrectness was not around in those days. One wonders which council committee would have ticked Bernard off when one boy came into his class and asked him in an impossibly camp accent: "Oooh, hallo, Sir. May I speak to my friend Glynn, please?"
"Get out, boy! You are speaking like a pooove" came the reply.
I will write to Alan Kershaw in confidence in the next few days. I am curently enjoying a few days at the Asian Telecoms Conference in Hong Kong. The Star Ferry service is a treasure.
Michael.
The first room on the left of the ground floor, starting from the main entrance, was indeed called "The saloon" during 1955/56 (on account of the swing doors). I have often wondered how long the name survived.
Hi Roy, It was experiences such as this that endowed me with an in-built sense of modesty! All I can claim is that Owen Evans wisely tutored me as a bowler! Alas, I suspect that neither of us was ever likely to get the call in Brisbane.In the spirit of self-preservation, we should perhaps be grateful for that mercy! Yours Rob.
Memories of Bernie Marchant are few and far between but he was always the subject of budding Mike Yarwoods'/Rory Bremners - delete according to generation. Michael Schwartz, a frequent contributor to this site and no doubt one of the three going to dinner, had him down to a tee- probably because of his one to one A level tuition in Greek. The other I remember is David Harland who could freeze a class by walking in and asking "What is this tomfoolery?" This was usually followed by Dave being attacked!
For Rob Farley - yes Rob I remember you well. I was asked to bowl at you in the nets circa 1946. You were a year ahead of me and were being groomed for batting stardom. Sammy Watson said to me "We'd like to see Farley's drives Roy - so pitch it up a bit!" I promptly let fly but it was all pace and short. You went forward of course as obviously you had been told to drive, and were clean bowled.
This happened for the next few balls and you must have been fed up with picking up the stumps and re-seating the bails. Sorry about that Rob - the truth is I really didn't know then what "pitch it up" meant. However, next thing I was bowling for the Second X1!.
On the other hand, I probably set your batting career back a year or two. Come to think of it, England could have used you a few weeks ago in the first test here in Brisbane. The fact that in spite of the ongoing disasters, they have seen fit not to make use of my talents is a constant source of disappointment to me. Cheers, Roy.
Chris Ricwood's comments about Bernie Marchant are strange and do not reflect the teacher that I knew in the period 1969 - 1976. Sure he was frightening to young boys - but that was mainly by the power of his voice and his demeanour. I did Latin to O Level and never had a problem. I do remember him being rather embarrassed at one of my coleagues lack of understanding when doing a translation of a particular passage. This referred in typical oblique Latin way to a woman being pregnant - and he was rather red at explaining this. He was also our year head later in the school and he didn't bat much of an eyelid when I wore brown trousers and a purple shirt to school one day - it was accompanied by the regulation tie and blazer. In the sixth form the French group arranged to boycott one of Hughie Skillen's classes in protest as his anticiapted control of teh following year's classes - we though he was a poor teacher. I admit I turned up - as the only one - but Bernie came in to our next lesson with Mrs Rutter and told us off - but did I detect a note of sympathy then.
To Chris Ricwood - please e-mail me with your re-mail address! Thanks!
The twin double doors of room A1 were a boon. Given an unobservant or distracted teacher, The back pair could be used for sneaking in and out during a lesson for a quick puff near the bike sheds. The desk nearest these doors was left unoccupied as much as possible to facilitate this. Alternatively, having been already registered in the class, one could cause confusion and hilarity by exiting rear doors and re- entering main door apologising for lateness. Only the non violent masters such as Ubi Layne would be subjected to these activities.
To be blunt I'm fed up to the teeth with hearing Bernie Marchant praised.
Buy him dinner but please don't lionise him.
I remember the Colin Marshall affair but did not know of Jeff Begley's part in it. Is it known what became of Jeff? The version I heard was that the chemical had been put into a polythene bottle which melted.....ugh.
I see Bernie Marchant in Pinner fairly often and I think he must have a portrait of himself in his attic because he looks no different now from how I remember him 50 years ago.
If Martin Elliott (Dr Elliott) ever tunes in to this site I should be interested to hear his memories of Mr M.
I repeat an earlier request, does anyone know what became of the much abused "Spargo" Rawnsley?
Nice touch there Jeff, putting the school song on the web page. The song had fallen out of use in my early years at the school but was revived about 1944. Randall Williams was inspired sometimes to indulge in a little conducting and arm waiving during its singing. He was generally not an expressive person. With all the creative minds that went through school I wonder were there ever any parodies?
I recall quite vividly 'Ted Efford'having a 'handbags' fight with'Spargo' Rawnsley(1955)and I was in the classroom when Colin Marshall caught fire-thank God for Mr. Begley!very frightening at the time! Embarrassing moment for me 4/5 yrs.after leaving HCS when house hunting I knocked on the door of Bernie Marshall!! I almost went as red as he used togo! Anybody hear from Costa Neamonitos?
Wonderful to read that Colin Dickins got suspended from school by ARS, as I was for causing Boggy Waters a near nervous breakdown, with a much simpler explosion in his lab than we`ve been reading about. And kicked out of the CCF; that`s a real honour. Colin, I have to make a trip from Calgary to Northwood, and drink you out of house and wine.
Can anyone remember when HCSB entered into the Guiness Book of Records through a marathon bar billiards event?
Did anyone see the programme 'Classic Albums' on ITV last night? It was about Deep Purple and featured our own Roger Glover quite a bit.
Can anyone confirm the dates he was at HCS, and also the Episode Six link/line?
To anyone who remembers Bernie Marchant
Bernie was my Classics master and three of us are taking him out to dinner next month, having got back in contact via reunions.
Needless to say we've forgotten all the Latin and Greek (you're supposed to, aren't you, leaving behind just the brilliantly trained logical mind?) so in case the conversation flags - if anyone has a repeatable story or two about him or his Classics colleagues of the time (Uby Lane and Ken Waller chiefly), please send them to me in the next couple of weeks.
Best wishes to all and it's been good to see yet more people stumbling on the website in recent weeks.
Alan Kershaw (1963-70)
Only discovered it from the latest Old Gaytonian and look forward to the odd browse; hopefully to hear news of erstwhile school mates. Was at the School 1942-1946.Played 1st XI cricket and for Northwick House.
Hello everyone - its been a long time!
Hi,
Just discovered the site today by accident, but what a great site. I was at Gayton High school from 1981 to 1985 and the year head then was Kevin Mahon (I have read that he visits thsi site, I hope your reading). I remember some of the teachers at the time, Mr Sutton an excellent Chemistry teacher, Mr Andrews who was a Watford fan, Mr Radcliffe who seemed like a maniac at times, and the two brothers Mr Viney, one a Maths teacher, the other a Physics teacher. I also remember Mr Smallman, an Everton fan who would listen to the FA Cup round draw on Monday afternoon (Before everything changed draw wise). It would be great to hear from other students and teachers from that era. I am now living in Toronto, Canada where I have been for the last 3 years but lived in Harrow all my life before emigrating.
Thats is from me,
Bharat
I'm sure you're right,Colin,about Mike B. telling you it was picric acid.I have spent 50 years wondering why the damn stuff didn't go off in his pocket.We drifted apart after I found out that he preferred Duke Ellington to traditional jazz.
It's a bit late butI was glad to discover the proper spelling of Sorbo! I had never heard of the stuff until encountering it as Hartland's nickname. He was a decent chap and a good teacher. It is heartening to learn that the interest in explosives continued after my time. I wonder what young boys do nowadays for thrills.
david wrote "That story was doing the rounds when I was at Gayton....is this the start point of an Urban legend?"
Well, I can certainly vouch for the truth of it, I was sitting two desks away. I also can vouch for the severity of injuries. I know Colin had to endure daily saline baths for the burns.
He did return the next year and repeated 2nd or 3rd form.
Sadly Jeff was expelled later. No mercy granted or credit given for his heroics.
All these lovely reminiscences! Regarding Mike Butler, he told me subsequently that it was picric acid and he was heating it in the sandtray simply "because I wanted to see what would happen." The rest is as recounted, including the tripod bit. He was involved in a fairly catastrophic motor cycle accident some years after leaving school. No crash hats in those days, and I think he sustained brain damage. Sorry, but I can't add to that. I have often wondered whether he survived and what happened to him. He actually had a brilliant mind.
As for Spud Heafield (both sic), I never heard the Fleafield story - probably apocryphal under pressure. He was a very good English teacher and I owe at least as much gratitude to him as to Beaky Fooks.
The potassium/sodium/phosphorus story is interesting. When did it happen? I had my own little adventure with sodium: someone had cocked up the field day arrangements for the CCF Naval Section and our field day was to be rowing on Ruislip Lido, no less. I thought to liven the day with some sodium, legitimately purchased and safely (well, fairly safely) kept in a screw-topped jar full of paraffin. While waiting in the quadrangle for our trip to start I lobbed a minute pellet into a puddle. Unfortunately, it went bang just as Bert Morshead walked round the corner. When he stopped gibbering he asked who had done it and I owned up cheerfully. I was dispatched to the adjutant (Reg Allen), passed to the CO (the prat Bigham), sent to the Deputy Head (Brister) and he sent me to Square. I was then suspended from school (and subsequently reinstated when Square found I'd done rather well in 'O' Level Latin). It was much later that I found out that all the overreaction was substantially because it had been suspected that, despite my open account of how I came by it, I'd nicked the sodium from the chemy lab. I was, of course, ejected from the CCF (for the second time, but that's another story). (Jeff, sorry if this has gone through twice. My first attempt just hung forever, so I had a second go.)
GHS - '80 -'83
Its interesting to hear of the story of the boy who stole the materials from the Chemistry lab & suffered the consequences....
That story was doing the rounds when I was at Gayton....is this the start point of an Urban legend?
Martin,
I'm sure you recollection of the details of Colin Marshall's accident are more accurate than mine (I once achieved 7% in Chemistry)
But, looking back, Jeff Begley as a 12 year old showed remarkable composure and prevented injuries being much worse. I'd suspect these days he would have received formal recognition. However, Square treated is an embarrassing incident to be glossed over. Jeff never even received a "thank you" from him or even the minor re4cognition of his efforts being mentioned in Assembly.
My recollection is that Colin Marshall had for some reason 'appropriated' a piece of potasium (or was it sodium) - the stuff that had to be kept submerged in an oil to prevent spontaneous combustion. I recall he had wrapped this in his handkerchief and pocketed it for later use. Unfortunately, oxygen got to it too soon and he suffered the consequences mentioned.
alan Thompson's story reminds me of a boy called (Colin?) Marshall.
He concocted some kind of mixture for making fireworks, which he has in his pocket in a plastic flask.
During one of "Eggy" eager's classes (2nd form c. 1954) he bumped his leg against the metal legs of desk and it went off, setting light to his clothing.
Quick thinking by Jeff Begley probably saved his life. Jeff smothered flames with his blazer. Even so Marshall spent the best part of a year as I recall in hospital.
Was Begley given even the slightest recognition for his actions by Square ? Not a chance !!!!
HCS 1943-1947 I have read this website with interest over the past year or so. I am prompted to comment on the nicknames - particularly "Sorbo" - Dr. Hartland. "Sorbo" was a sort of foamed or expanded rubber, a precursor to "Dunlopillo", used for cushions and mattresses etc.
I remember great hilarity on a train journey to a 4th Harrow scout camp, in the mid to late '40s when the train passed the factory at Surbiton, with the advertising placard "Sorbo" in huge letters!
I also remember when "Bud" Heathfield persisted in asking one of the boys in my form about staff nicknames and despite assurances to the contrary became absolutely incensed when told he was referred to as "Fleafield"!
Whilst I'm in a reminiscing mood does anyone know what happened to my friend Mike Butler who left,I think,in 1951 just before exams? One lunch hour he showed me a test-tube full of a pale-blue liquid that he'd made which he said was nitro-glycerine.During that afternoon's Organic Chemistry lab class there was a terrific CRACK from the side bench.When we picked ourselves up from the floor Mike explained he had been heating the stuff in a beaker on a sandtray which was on a tripod-to reduce its volume.Of the beaker and sand there was no sign and only a crumpled ball of metal was left of the sandtray,the tripod being driven half an inch into the benchtop before disintegrating.Many years later I paid a return visit to the school and the holes were still there. Poor Mike,he was 'expelled'although he was allowed to write A-levels a few weeks later.I often wonder if he made as big an impact in his chosen career as he did in school.
Rev.'Dicky'Dyer was my form-master in the 2nd form.Does anyone remember his famous bicycle rides?Each boy in turn was asked to accompany him on a Saturday bike ride ostensiby to 'get to know'him better.Those who partipated seemed less than anxious to talk about their experiences afterwards so I put him off as long as possible but eventually succumbed.I got asked a lot of embarrassing personal questions about my lifestyle-such as it was-whilst eating our picnic lunch but that's all.Hardly surprising but at the end of the year he was ordained as an Anglican priest and vanished from school.
All these names! It was "Billy" Duke and "Joe" Brister. I think "Sorbeau" is enchanting, but in my day we wrote it "Sorbo" because he was shaped, and seemed bouncy, like a sorbo rubber ball. Or did we just no know the correct spelling? Eggy Webb was certainly eccentric and entertaining - but "decent"? His eccentricities included the study of small boys' paraphernalia and it was generally assumed that his sudden departure to the IoM was related to this. (I think this falls short of libel, Jeff. He must be long gone, anyway.)
And, yes, Connolly was there, minus part of his left leg lost in the war. He was one of several who bore pain with fortitude, although it sometimes led to irrascibility. He was the sort of chief catholic for RC's. Never had a nickname to my knowledge. Lovely dry wit.
In the interesting notes posted on the site re the armoury, the following appears. "On the left, in a room which once had twin "floppy" doors and was called 'A1' is the office of the current School Administrator"
Wasn't this room know as "The Saloon" precisely because of the twin doors. And wasn't it superbly satisfying to burst violently through the doors...
DaviD J
An interesting coincidence. We sent our two boys to King Williams in 1975. It was a sort of HCS by the sea. They did well there and enjoyed it as much as I imagine boarding school can be enjoyed. I'll ask them to check up on Eggy. He was not there in 1975. The Isle of Man is a good place to teach because of the advantageous income tax regulations. I remember Eggy best for his yoga performance. He stood on his head with legs crossed in the classic lotus position and stripped to the waist so he could show us how he could wiggle his stomach muscles. He would swim the length of the school pool underwater which impressed me.
If I recall correctly Eggy Webb went to teach Biology at King William's College on the Isle of Man when he left HCS.One of his lessons,I remember,involved him eating an apple entirely,skin,flesh,core,pips,the lot pointing out at each stage the health advantage in so doing.I remember it particularly as I have done that myself ever since.He was a vegetarian,I believe,at a time when such people were considered odd. Does anyone recall an Irishman Mr.Connolly who taught me 5th Form English in 47-48?He had a gammy leg,a war injury perhaps.He threatened to report the whole form to the police for operating our crystal sets in the classroom without radio licences.
How the nicknames arose is an interesting question. Some were clearly based on physical attributes - Beaky Fooks for his prominent, thin nose, Swanny Amos for his long neck, Spadger Heyes was a cruel one as the poor fellow was obliged to walk with the aid of two sticks,there was also Creeper Davis who at some time before mine had been obliged to wear plimsoles to alleviate a foot condition. Another overlooked one is Sorbeau Hartland for his bouncy walk. With the initials E.G., Eggy is simply too easy. by the way, I recall hearing that E.G.Webb went to teach on the Isle of Man. He was a very decent sort of person and a good teacher but certainly one of the more eccentric ones who as a class, appear to have earned many of the nicknames, e.g. Twink Bradley! Good teachers who ran a 'tight ship', like Duke and Brister, were never given nicknames.
Nice thought Phil, but... Even in the early seventies there were enderarments such as 'Gimpy', 'Pea - tits' and 'Bender' - there must be / have been worse. Maybe the boat trip is a better idea..!
Never realised we had two "Eggies" OUR's was E. G. Webb, who taught Hygiene, and was considered a very decent chap, but somewhat eccentric. He wasn't that old when he left HCS, but does anyone out there know where he went to ? Which makes me wonder if we can come up with some kind of glossary, if that is the right word, of all the wonderful (and notso) nicknames of the staff over all these years. For example we could start with, who else ?
ARS = Dr. Simpson Beaky = Fooks Boggy = Walters Charlie = Crinson Killer = King Spadger - Heys
and then cross-refer the whole thing to come up with:
A.A. Amos = Swanny King = Whiff, or Whiffy Simpson = Square, ARS, and lot more
What do you think Jeff, with I assume your boat on Long Island Sound, which you never have time to use because you are so dedicated to this site ?
It's very sad to hear of the passing of the Norman twins,Derek and Roy.I was hoping to meet up with them again when I return to the UK next year. If anyone has a copy of an obituary for either I would be grateful for a copy or a scan.
I visit the site c. once a month and always look at the new items list. The work in keeping this going is much appreciated.
Bob (Robert) Wallace HCS 1963-70
to Cris Young,
"eggy" noise was "Her Hmmmmmmmmmmmm" a phrae he often used.
With Spargo Rawnsley "Cuckoo" drove him wild.
I have just found your website, and think that it is excellent. I'm now making regular visits, and have to admit that I'm quite 'hooked' on it. Some of the comments and anecdotes on the message board have brought about a smile or two.
I attended HCS between 1954-1960, and although I don't remember any of the names sending the emails, I do recognise names and faces in some of the photographs, particularly Class 1D of 1954. Dickie Head used to take the mickey out of Mr Eagers (fondly known as 'Eggy'), mimicking his voice and mannerisms unmercifully. There was a noise that we used to make that was associated with 'Eggy', but for the life of me, I cannot recall what it was. I also remember a certain master from my first year who regularly scaled the windowsills to open/shut the sash windows in a classroom on the Sheepcote Road side of the school. Supporting himself with one hand, Tarzan style, he would regale us with stories of days spent under sail at sea. I don't know whether he was trying to impress us with tales of daring-do, or his physical prowess. Was that really 'Twink'?
I have to say that I'm very impressed with the professions of a number of ex-pupils mentioned on this site, barristers, politicians, television producers among them. I suppose that the school, and masters who taught there (some, I believe, are still around), deserve a lot of credit, not least, our thanks. Unfortunately, I myself, never rose to those 'dizzy heights', having spent most of my working life in payroll administration. All very boring, but it did keep the wolf from the door.
I have lived in Swindon now for 33 years (well, somebody has to), and was amazed to discover that dear old Harry Mees lives just a few miles up the road in Cirencester.
Would gladly welcome contact from any other old reprobates of these times, or indeed, anybody else who would take the trouble to email me.
Regards Tony Knight
Gaytonians - one more vote of thanks to Jeff.
The site has completed its second year of hits. Last year's average to 14 November 2001 was 112 hits per day. In the last year it has gone up to 146 hits.
Thank you Jeff!
Great website, recommended to me by Ken Childerhouse who was at HCS with me from 1951-7? Bingham hated me because I wasn't a cadet. He taught(?) me biology, Amos hated me because I couldn't get over that wretched horse, and Square at least tolerated me as I was a fairly keen scout.(4th. Harrow Merrymen stag patrol.) Many faces in the photos vaguely familiar as they stare out from the mists of time. What days!
Great web site. Found it through Friends Reunited. Brings back a mixture of memories, mostly good. Now living in Worthing.It would be good to get in touch with anyone who remembers me from HCS or Priestmead.
Have just stumbled across this website, having had no contact with either the school or other former pupils since leaving in 1959. This is primarily because I left the Middlesex area as soon as I left school, settling first in Herts, then Bucks, before a big leap to Cumbria where I have lived for the last 24 years. I greatly enjoyed the reminiscences, and long-lost memories have started to come flooding back. Not much material on my period though (1954-59), nor any direct references to any of my closest 'mates', as far as I can see. Naturally, I would like to contribute some of my own recollections, but first, will need to spend a little time dredging the depths of memory to see what I can come up with! I may also have some photographs tucked away somewhere. Thanks for producing this wonderful trip down Memory Lane. John Clark.
Mention of George Cowan and boys' names reminds me of a story I heard about him:
GHC: Good Morning gentlemen
First Form: Good morning Sir.
GHC: Now, I like to be on first-name terms with every boy in the school, so I'm going to try and learn all your names. Is that alright with you, Ian?
Ian Garrod: Yes, George
(sharp intake of breath all round)
Mention of George Cowan and boys' names reminds me of a story I heard about him:
GHC: Good Morning gentlemen First Form: Good morning Sir. GHC: Now, I like to be on first-name terms with every boy in the school, so I'm going to try and learn all your names. Is that alright with you, Ian? Ian Garrod:
I might be able to add a few names to the photographs, particularly "Form Viii - 1954". I don't think that is the correct nomenclature, but then I may be wrong. Sad to hear about Jim Golland, who is in the picture. Malcolm McGregor Monterey California.
Like Ye Min a couple of months ago, I've just stumbled on this site. I was in the same year and sometimes same form as Ye and I don't remember any other non-white face in our year other than Ye until Bharj turned up in my fourth year. I too felt something of a misfit, which I put down to my parents lack of membership of at least one of Conservative Club, Golf Club, Tennis Club etc. as well my lack of interest in the CCF or classics. I certainly blotted my copybook as far as Bingham was concerned. I formed an impression of a miasma of class prejudice rather than anything racial, but as a white chap of working class origin myself, I could have overlooked the latter. I was reminded of Mr. Cowan's memory of small boy's names by John Cleese with his P.A. at the beginnig of the film Clockwise but I don't suppose Mr. Cowan ever got into any similar scrapes as depicted in the rest of the film. Unless anyone know's different [sic].
Alex - I was going to drop you a line about the programme, because I tuned into it accidentally about 15 mins in. You should have warned us that your life's work was going to be on... One thing that's bugging me - right at the end the commentator talked about the 6 targets attacked - unless I fell asleep half way through, I only recall three being mentioned: Mohne, Eder and Sorpe? Regards -- PV
Yes David that was me, and in fact i am more chuffed to have been recognised than to have my name there in the first place!!
I have been researching the raid for some 20 years, starting with some autograph collecting while still at Gayton, and am now the only person (as far as I know) who has traced photos of not only all 147 aircrew on the Squadron at the time, but also 25 or so who joined and left by the time of the raid.
With this one I checked the script, provided all the drawings shown, and a number of contacts and photos. I am sure it will be shown next May (the 60th anniversary), but I am now working on another, a big 3 parter for Channel 4 due out the same time.
A school prize for you dave!
Was I the only person who noticed a credit for a certain 'Alex Bateman' at the end of a programme on the Dam Busters last week ? (It was the first credit that appeared at the end of the Programme - so that is not as sad an admission as it sounds !!)
There can't be too many Alex Batemans with interests in Military Aviation - so ...Alex - own up, was it you? If so - good to see another Old Gayt getting his name up in lights ...well sort of .
What a GREAT WEB SITE and all in the last year or so. The presence of two names prompted me to write. Is that Peter Leeson the former Air Force Cadet WO Leeson (Peter) last seen outside Chester Cathedral with his RAF father in 1965 or thereabouts? The same Pete Leeson who took part in the Advanced 6th trip to Cambridge to check out the worthyness of the place for futhering our education? If so then thanks Pete for pointing out Royston Ellis' history and his website to which I turned with much interest. What a great life the man has led. But wait.....surely this is the same Royston Ellis from the Fourth Harrow Pathfinders Scout Troop? No mention of that on his web site so perhaps my memory is playing me tricks after these years. But his accomplishments are many and my hat goes off to him.
Bits and pieces of HCS seem quite fresh although its 50 years ( and a couple of weeks) that we were called into assembly in the middle of the day to be told of the Harrow and Wealdstone Rail disaster and to be directed on where not to go and how to behave.
Will use some of the increasing long evenings to dig out some photos and add some names to the blanks on some already posted.
Again my compliments to all concerned ... particularly in assembling the photos.
Dick Worsfold 1952-1959
Afternoon, all.
I was at HCS 1969 - 1976, played Rugby, the fool and the melodeon. I was probably the least popular boy in my year - at least it seemed like it at the time. I'm now teaching Biology at Merchant Taylors' School in Crosby, Liverpool.
V. impressed by this website - extensive, interesting and well-contructed. Well done, Jeff Maynard, whoever you are!
I popped in to the old pile last week (my father's in Northwick Park having a series of strokes) and met Alex Bateman, who has taken over the Prefect's Common Room. he was kind enough to show me round. Hasn't it changed!
Memories: Making nitrogen triiodide in our last chemistry lesson and sprinkling it on the floor outside the Head's study. Ronnie Hulman lost his eyebrows in one of the explosions. Drinking vast quantities of Pelforth Brun on the Rugby tour to Narbonne. Being caned in the Sixth Form for 'stealing' a padlock from someone's desk during the late lamented Jim Golland's lesson (I was going to put it back, honest!) and being made a prefect shortly afterwards. Keith Neal getting very embarrassed trying to teach us what we already knew about sex. Chris Temple buying me my first legal pint in the Castle on Harrow Hill, one Friday lunchtime.
Anyone share these?
Steve
Remembrance Day - Monday 11th November 2002, 10.30am at School. Please come. Meet in the Library - the Old School Hall. Former Staff and Old Gaytonians join with the present School in their commemoration of Remembrance Day. Remembering Old Gaytonians who gave their lives in the service of their country from 1914 to 1995.
Not having visited the site for some weeks, I was very sorry to hear of the death of Paul Oliver's wife, Val.
Paul was, at the HCS, many years ahead of his time, and I still vividly remember him during an art class holding up one of my "paintings" (around 1958)and saying "and who painted this rubbish?"
I still remember that it was my best effort at a picture of "Romans", and consisted of two hills (ooogh - subtle hint of breasts?) on which stick soldiers fought & died.
Paul - if you ever read this, please remember that there are ex-pupils out there who remember you with a great deal of sincere affection, even if we totally failed as artists !! (I am now a technical environmental manager).
Mike
Hello folks, I have a postcard of "The Machine" (SI596) autographed by J N Boothman and G H Stainforth (unfortunately not dated).
I have had the card for about 30 years since a great uncle of mine gave it to me.
I have just found the card in my old stamp collection and done a Google search. It go me to your website. I'm now interested to find out how he came to have the card.
Yeti
Regarding Derek Norman: I can now confirm that his funeral will be at Ruislip Crematorium (Breakspear Road) at noon on Wednesday next, 30th October.
Congrats to Barry Nickels (22 Oct 2002) for having survived HCS and mastering German. While I was there (1946-1951) the system managed to fail an Austrian (Brandt) and a group from the Travel Club in Schruns-Tschugguns in deep Voralberg learned more German in the locals bars, in 1951, than in the entire history of HCS to date. Where are you Ron Simpson ? And Sheila Humphreys ? Maybe Dave Maddox knows ?
I believe that Chris McManus in his article on scrotal asymmetry that is quoted on this site by John Lever, has overlooked an important religious component. Surely the subjects of ancient Greek statues are all of gods? One would expect them to be different.
I started at Harrow County in 1956, but left in December 1959 as we moved house (during my fourth year). I therefore missed the (probably) more interesting O Level and A Level years. I sometimes think back to the building - is it still the same, with those narrow staircases? I went to a less pressured school,and thence to Birmingham University,where I graduated in German and have been teaching German ever since, for the last thirty years in Harrogate. Moving from HCS actually shaped my career, as I had not been very good at German, but my new school started it in Year 4 and this time it clicked! My first Form Teacher was Mr. Marchant (who once slippered me for arriving late) and then for the next three years it was Mr. Kincaid, a very decent man. Does anybody out there remember me?
Sorry to have to report that I've just heard that Derek Norman died at the weekend. Twin brother of Roy, who died a couple of years ago, he was at School about 1944-51. I believe the funeral will be Wednesday 30th October, although this is not confirmed. Anyone who would like details please e-mail me and I'll come back with more when I know it. This is a notice, not an obituary, but I cannot fail to mention what an extraordinarily nice man he was and how much he will be missed by those who knew him.
Following the recent success of Paul Nurse, on in being awarded a Nobel Prize, some acclaim might also go to another HCSB almunus, Chris McManus (1962-69, I think), who was recently awarded an "Ignobel Prize". (see below, courtesy of The Observer)
The grounds for the award were undoubtedly much less worthy than those for Sir Paul, but much more entertaining. What did a Professor of Psychology have in mind, when embarking on such a study?
"Robin McKie, science editor Sunday October 13, 2002 The Observer
The sight of a pair of testicles on a Greek statue led Chris McManus to his first international award last week. At Harvard University, the psychologist was presented with the 2002 IgNobel prize for medicine after publishing a definitive paper on 'Scrotal asymmetry in man and in ancient sculpture.' McManus had noted a key fact missed by generations of medical experts: that Greek statues' left testicles are always larger than right ones. On real males, the right bollock is always the mightier.
'The right testicle is also higher, and Greeks assumed this meant it had to be lighter and smaller,' the University College London psychologist told The Observer . 'Unfortunately, they were wrong.'
The end result of this observation, backed by hours of squinting at statues of naked men, was a paper published in Nature which led to McManus's IgNobel prize, one of 10 annual awards given for research 'that cannot, or should not, be repeated.'
The prizes, presented in the same week as real Nobels and handed out by actual laureates, are intended to prove there is no limit to the depths of human ingenuity, particularly if there is a chance of a research grant at the end of it."
At my laptop in my attic studio (OK, it overlooks the beach and the Indian Ocean) at my home (for the past 22 years) in Sri Lanka, at 5am (I start work early) I was amazed to find an email from Jeffrey Maynard telling me to check the guest book, and then saw Peter's astonishing recollection of some of my past misdeeds. Thanks, Peter. My version of my career is on www.roystonellis.com
Back in 1957 or 8 I remember hearing that a kid from the year before me had left the school after the fourth form. I knew this guy only by sight. Two years later I saw his photo in the Daily Mirror. He was wearing sandals, a duffle coat and had grown a straggly beard and was described in mocking and disapproving terms as a "beat poet". Forward to 1989. I was working late and was listening to an interview with Paul McCartney. McCartney mentioned our man as an early influence on the Beatles. So thats where the fab four heard HCS words like "grotty" I thought.
Today, for no special reason, I did a Google search and found his website, www.roystonellis.com. Apparently he put the "a" in "beatles" and was the original "paperback writer". His biography states " Royston Ellis was born 10 Feb 1941 in Pinner, England,and educated at state school, until he left, aged 16, determined to be a writer...". The following two quotes also caught my eye "to write first and think afterwards is still his bad habit" (school report 1950) and "he has robust power of expression" (John Betjeman, Daily Telegraph, 1959)
Well done Royston mate. How many of us didn't have the bottle let alone the talent. Personally I was a slow starter, staying on to Schol IV.
On the other hand, I suppose some might argue that even H.C.S dropouts left their mark on popular culture! Thats the trouble with the being ex Harrow County, you just can't dismiss the place or quite sum it up.
Thanks for the website.
Peter Leeson 1953-9
...did you suddenly realise it was rubbish Nick?
Is there anyone out there who would like to write some profiles of staff members (not libellous ones!) for this website? There is a recent photograph of Mr. Groombridge, who taught Science from 1945 to 1970 at http://www.jeffreymaynard.com/harrow_county/CecilGroombridge2002.htm
A profile of Mr. Groombridge would be useful. There were also a number of members of staff who retired 1975-80 when there do not seem to have been any issues of "Gaytonian". Articles about them are needed!
does anybody know the whereabouts of Richard Ewing William Mercer, born 1920. At Harrow in the 30's. He is the son of Cecil Mercer.
Many thanks.
Sorry to hear of the death of Phil Carden , he was quite a character, used to be a journalist on The Times, he was very involved in Harrow St Marys Sports and Social Club in Roxborough Road Harrow and lived for a long time around the corner from the Club for many years. When i first joined the club in approx 1984 Phil was the Secretary of the main club committee and he was a great help to me as i was invoved in the Sunday football section that used the club.Phil left the Committee later in the 1980s but was always around the park especially during the Cricket season.I have been Secretary of the Adult Saturday Football Section for some years and many Old Gaytonians have played either football or cricket at the club over the years.Harrow St Marys has been going for even longer than Harrow County having records going back to 1881 and were the 1st football team to play a match at the new Wembley Stadium in 1923 before the West Ham v Bolton Cup Final Remember the White Horse. I last saw Phil in early May when he came into the club for one of the 1st cricket games of the season, he was in good form. Best Wishes Dave Campbell
Not quite Harrow County Mark, but Darren Molloy the Wasps prop was a one time regular for the Old Gaytonians Rugby Club so you must have 'got a whiff'of old boy...
Very interested to see the site for the first time.
It has brought back a lot of memories - good and bad - of my time at HCSB, then Gayton High, then Lowlands 6th Form College.
The last time I mentioned Harrow County in conversation was at the recent Bath v Wasps match... I wonder if any other ex-pupils were there?
Its was good to come across this site and see the photos of the first year when I was there 1971. It seems that there are a few of my vintage that have submitted comments. Would be nice to hear from anyone who were my contemporaries.
I was searching my family name, and found the entry for my Uncle (Peter Barnley).
Hi Keith , Yes I was amazed when I stumbled across this site.Recently I had come across an old photo' of the Vaughan Road football team of 1970 so I was already primed for a bit of nostalgia ! Philip Buck's family moved to Birmingham about the same time I went to NZ. Yes he had a very well-formed older sister , Debra (not sure if she realised the effect she had on the local 12 year olds!) Yes you remembered my sister's name and she is fine, married with children etc. You mentioned your mother and that triggered some memories. I am sure she had grown up in British Honduras and you always had a number of stories to tell the kids at school such as the classic "tarantula under the pillow" tale and other horrors that lurked in the jungles of Central America ! Great to make contact , I'll dig out that old photo at some stage and email it to you .
All the best Leigh
To: Robert Bogin, re Yogi Bear. Well, no, actually I never did feel guilty. Perhaps because on reflection I wasn't actually responsible for launching it at Basil Spence. I just bought the thing.
But how very sad that we had to seek amusement in such pathetic ways. Were we so starved of fun?
Does anyone else remember Yogi? I've found some pictures, so with luck they'll show up on the website some days soon.
Re photo of Cricket 1st X1 1946 from Stan Weary, the master on Sammy Watson's left is K.O. (Knockout) Evans not Charlie Crinson of the cigarette burn in the immaculate silver-grey worsteds.
Knockout was a Welshman who taught history and whose claim to fame was that he had played cricket for Glamorgan before the war. Cheers. Roy.
Hey Leigh,
Great to see you found the website. Mum mentioned you had been on there. I often wondered what happened to you after you left UK. I kept in touch with David Stone until early 80's. He was studying dentistry if I recall right. What happened to Philip Buck (or Book as Taffy Evans at Vaughan called him.) I remember he had a rather attractive older sister !!! Hope Katherine is well - shocked I remembered that name !!
Anyway will write on regular e-mail. Pink Floyd...now you mention it, the visit certainly rings a bell but I don't know where from. Maybe some others will remember.
All best Keith
What a strange website!I was at Gayton from 78 to 82.My memories of the school are very mixed. Many good friends & a lot of laughs but I think it was an unhealthy environment. Looking back there were a lot of unhappy kids & a lot of violence that seemed to be tolerated so that it became the norm. I also remember hating Friday afternoons when we were all subjected to rugby & the subsequent humiliation of "showers boys". Some nostalgic memories - waiting for the 140 bus & the "bundle",the prospect of sex education with Miss Freeman(if only!),the tuck shop, the video club that amazingly screened the Exorcist & Last Tango in Paris- a true education for 15 year olds, some great mates. Anyway I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me--- itwil66@hotmail.com
Just found the site. How recent many of the entries are? My dates at Harrow County are 1938-44 - the days of Randall Williams. Is anyone else there from that era? I remember particularly 551 Squadron ATC, Commanding Officer Billie Duke.
Your early photographs (1923) of the athletics and football teams show my dad. He is still alive, aged 96 this November. I appear in 1D 1960, 2C 1961 and %(1) 1965. I am in the Far East at the moment, but when I get home I can fill in some of the missing names for you. Do you want me to send the names to you?
I was just trawling around and hit on the Old Gaytonians Society. Fantastic. That really got my memory going! I was at HCS from 1929-1933. This was the era of Randall Williams. Teachers were Beakie Fooks, Spadger Hays, George Thorn, Bill Duke, et. etc. Classmates were the late Cardew the Cad, Reg Bright, CeeDee Panchauud, Bert Roberts. Are any of you guys still around???
To: Nicholas de Lange So, all these years of thinking that the 5th Form were responsible only to find that a member of Advanced VI (who should have known better) was the perpetrator. I am sure you feel that a weight has been lifted from your shoulders now and you can enjoy the rest of your life without the burden of this heinous deed upon your conscience. I am proud to have been the catalyst for this noble outcome.
Great to find this site while stumbling around the 'net and even more amazing to find all four class photos from my 1st form year.I went to HCGS from Vaughan Rd Junior School and attended the school in 1971 and 1972.My parents then decided that they would look for a different life in New Zealand , where I have lived ever since.Amazing how many memories come flooding back and my time at HCGS is particularly well remembered.I guess this is because my last childhood memories of the UK are very much intertwined with my time at HCGS. Looking at the old photo of Form 1K in 1971 caused a huge amount of mickey taking from my 13 year old son , in NZ the kids wear shorts and a very casual shirt right through to their final high school years so my tie and blazer looked quite bizarre to his eyes. A few memories and a question: mates that I went through Vaughan junior school with as well as to HCGS- Michael Angus(who lived in the Apollo pub!), David Stone,Philip Buck,Keith Greatbatch. Being forced to play rugby!I was a keen soccer man (and still play at 42 years of age) Even in NZ in the early 70s,schools gave you the option of playing rugby or soccer(though playing soccer in NZ back then,certainly cast doubts on your sexuality!) Fancied myself as a bit of a scrapper , but got a shocking hiding by David stone(actually a good mate of mine)at the front of the school one morning(big crowd in attendance),served me right and certainly ended my interest in pugilism. Lastly, can someone clear up something that has bothered me for years. As an avid heavymetal/rock fan throughout the 70s and early 80s , can someone confirm that Deep Purple visited the school during my time there 71 or 72 ? I'm sure they visited to talk to the 6th Form Society (whatever that was) I'd love to know , or did I dream this and have been talking bull...t all these years.
I switched on BBC1 this morning to catch the headlines. Who do I see taking part in a debate on railways but a certain Michael Woods? There is a sneaking suspicion that this is the Michael Woods mentioned on this website under Some Old Gaytonians.
Well done, Sir!
Fantastic.
Having left England in 1978 I often (cyber)visit and was very glad to see the site.
I was at hcgs from 1961 - 1965 and give my regards to all.
and Jeff, thanks for all the work.
To Robert Bogin (17 July):
I think I have to plead guilty tgo the inflatable Yogi Bear. I sent off for him with some tokens from something or other, and he became the form mascot of ... perhaps A VI A 1960?
Rooting around in my personal archive I've come across a spoof form photograph with Yogi as form master. Also various other pictures of him having fun at school. I'll try to send them in or scan them. Just in case anyone cares at this distance.
Nicholas de Lange
There was a celebration of Val Oliver's life last Sunday in Oxford. Paul Oliver sends his thanks to all those who have sent their condolences. Harrow County was represented by Tony Smith, President of Magdalene College, Norman Anderson's wife and son, and me.
I hope to interview Paul for this website in December.
Correct Peter! Although you might if you were 'subterranean' I suppose. Whatever the weather, the board is on the move again!
Martin!
You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.
When I was at school, the Weathermen were 'student radicals' from Berkeley and Columbia Universities - in the US. As much as I knew then, Columbia made records and Berkeley was a Square. What a coincidence...
Interesting to note that Phillip Avery was born at Dunfermiline - Square's home town. Are there deep implications here or simply coincidence?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/audiovideo/programmes/bbc_news_24/weather_presenters/1347240.stm
Weather fans.
PS. I'd never heard of him and now I have: who says this site's useless?
I see I am in the Athletics Team Photo 1955,back row second in from the right. I have some other photos of "Richard 11" performance. I will scan and send in due course. Enjoyed the Behind the Scenes Reunion earlier this year.
Following on Alan Taylor's post, the boy in the back row is certainly David Douglas (aka "Dodo"). Also, the christian name / first name / given name / forename for Field in the front row is Malcolm.
Regards to all.
Edward Kerr (HCS - 1960-66)
I think the person between Dave Waller and Clive Maddox on the newly posted photo of 2D 1964 could possibly be "Dodo" Douglas. Never did know his christian name (sorry his first name to be politically correct)He went on the Educational Cruise in 1967.
On a whim, I was looking for any reference to my boss from the 80s who told me he went to HCGSB. He's not my boss anymore, more of a mate! Anyway, I can't find anything about him. Does anyone know of him. His name is Robin Winter. He is about 60, so I guess that puts him at HC around 53-63. More than that I do not know! Any little anecdote with which to pull his leg would be welcome! And, of course, if any of his contemporaries want to get in touch, I will be happy to pass addresses or emails on to him, though I don't think he's particularly computer minded!
Dyb Alex...Seems to be a PC problem as there is a forward arrow, back arrow, cursor arrow but no 4th 'arrow.
To Paul Phillips. Joe Avery is still in the Bristol area, and I think on the board of governors of either Bristol Grammar or Bristol University. I have had infrequent contact with him, and he has been invited to some of the last few School functions, like the 90th, but has not been able to attend for various reasons. As for Avery the weatherman, I have seen that and wondered too... I was at the School about 5 years after Mr A left, so can only go by the photos I've seen of the forehead!
To Richard Lee. Good to see you on site again. I have also had trouble with the 4th Harrow site. Jon Grogan lives about 50 yards from me but there has been no one in when I called. Emails have not as yet been answered either. Can anyone else provide an answer?
I was at HCS from 1954 to 1963 - it brings back a lot of memories reading the guest book - some happy, some not! - and I look in on it quite regularly. Can anyone give me the e-mail address of John Weeks? - he would have been at HCS approx 1955 to 1964 - the last I heard, some years ago, was that he was teaching in Manchester. Also does anyone know if there is a problem with the 4th Harrow web site - I have tried many times to log on to it without success - but perhaps it is at my end?
We often see on this site comments concerning the whereabouts of various teachers. After he left to go to Bristol Grammar in 1975 what happened to J. R. Avery? Also by any chance is Philip Avery, the weatherman on the BBC related? Seems to have the same broad forehead and wavey hair.
Ye Min, you were not the only 'non white' face at the school by any means, and who the hell cares anyway? I was at HCS 1965-72 and nobody gave a **** what colour you were, just what sort of a bloke you were. That was what was important.
I enjoyed your web site, but had trouble viewing certain aspects. I found that I had to download specific requests before viewing them. I would like to know more about your girls sisterschool, and receive an application. My home address is: 7 Old Redding Road Easton, Ct. 06612 USA Thank you in advance, Judy Poley
With the sad passing of Jim Golland, a suggestion was made in this guestbook by Ian Gawn that maybe a fund could be set up, with donations coming from former pupils, staff amd friends, which could in turn be given annually as an English Prize at Harrow High in Jim's name.
As the planned memorial service in October has now been cancelled, several have spoken to feel they would still like to do something.
I'd welcome peoples views on the prize fund idea, which could be overseen by the Old Gaytonians Association or me.
Just a quick Hi to Lincoln Ashong who was in my year. I just remember you particularly because your dad worked with mine for a while at Harrow Council. All those names warmly familiar. I'm still in regular touch with Malcolm Taylor, Mike Castile, Ray Farrow and Paul Dunmore so HCS lives on!
Stumbled upon this site today and have been trawling its distant memories. I'm on the IC photo for 1963 - a shock to the system! Cant say that I have fond memories of the place as an educational establishment. I think mine was the only non-white face in the whole school picture. We all know it was an elitist place etc etc. I feel my education was thwarted there by not fitting into the square hole. Where are the antischool memories? Those who pushed against the system? Do you remember ARS/cOWAN ranting about the theft of cutlery from the dining room and the sound of a fork being dropped at the back of the hall! All those detentions. Cowan asked me how many I had to do and I'd lost count by then. And being shocked by my pal lighting a joint on his way to dentention in 1965. Amazing that Cowan learned all our names in a few days and then our positions on the photo. Scarey man. Ye Min
I really don't think that beats me, does it Graham!?! Anyway, I don't care what they say I won't stay in a World Without Love.....
Cheers mate, hope to see you at a Flagpole gathering soon, Spence
Doesn't really beat me, does it Graham!! Anyway, I don't care what they say I won't stay in a World Without Love....
Cheers Spence
Can I beat Spence Smiths 'claim to fame'? Back in the late Sixties I was taking piano lessons just four doors away from where I am sitting typing this in Harrow Weald; unbeknown to me at the time, a couple of years earlier a young Gordon Waller was doing exactly the same thing on exactly the same piano; he went on to record hits as part of the duo Peter and Gordon.....I needless to say didn't!! A few years earlier even than this, Gordon used to ride his bicycle near to where my Dad worked in Headstone Lane; quite often he would ask my Dad if he would pump his tyres up for him; that's my Dad's claim to fame! I wonder what happened to Gordon? I recall Peter Asher became a record producer for the likes of Linda Rondstat amongst many others.
Finally I too remember well the concerts that used to take place at both the Granada and Dominion Cinemas and seeing the likes of Marianne Faithfull, The Hollies, Dave Clark Five, Dave Berry, etc. Wonderful days !!!
Bye for now Graham Gall (HCS 1965-1972)
It was a most memorable experience to attend Gayton High school from september 1991 until july 1995. It certainly shaped my character, and i learnt a lot about life. It is without a doubt the fondest memories i have of school life. Experiences from winning awards for everything academic and sporting to being ordered to "Go and wait under the Clock!!". Also the teachers of that time will always be appreciated for all their help!! Virtus non Stemma!!
Joined Harrow County in 1969 from Marlborough primary school along with Robert Bonner, Trevor Moss,Mark Walmsley and Mark Jackson. Left Harrow County in 1976 with 3 unexpected 'A' levels and joined Barclays Bank - I've been with the same company for 26 years now !!! Married with 2 boys aged 16 and 14 who are both taller than me now. Cuurently living in Hayes and working in Ruislip. Northwick house rules.
Attended 1942-46. Remember the "ruins" very well - and that we had to address lady teachers as 'Sir'.
One the subject of extracurricular music, does anyone remember Bill Reid (a