OSAmag84

No 84 /March 2017
The Old Stationer
Number 84 - March 2017
Lindsey Little celebrates his 100th birthday

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
This is an extract from the Admissions Register for the School in 1862 at Bolt Court. Brothers,
George and Albert Cock were the very first pupils to enrol at Stationers' Company's School.
Their father was a Wholesale Stationers Assistant.
2

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
The Old Stationer
Number 84 - March 2017
OLD STATIONERS’ ASSOCIATION
LIST OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2016/2017
President
John Rowlands
The Elms, 36 Lucas Lane, Ashwell, Baldock,
Herts SG7 5LN Tel: 01462 742758
E-mail: john@ashwell.org.uk
Vice-President
Peter Bothwick
52 Hither Green Lane, Abbey Park,
Redditch, Worcestershire B98 9BW
Tel: 01527 62059
E-mail: pedrotres@hotmail.co.uk
Past President
Peter A Sandell
11 Maplecroft Lane, Nazeing, Essex,
EN9 2NR Tel: 01992 892766
E-mail: peter.sandell@hotmail.co.uk
Honorary Secretary
Tim Westbrook
7 Goodyers Avenue, Radlett,
Herts. WD7 8AY Tel: 0845 8724001
E-mail: tim@timwestbrook.co.uk
Honorary Treasurer
Michael F Hasler
8 The Glebe, Weston Turville, Aylesbury,
Bucks. HP22 5ST Tel: 01296 614352
E-mail: mikehasler.oldstationers@gmail.com
Membership Secretary
Roger Engledow
118 Hertswood Court,
Hillside Gardens, Barnet, EN5 4AU
07817 111642
osamembers@gmail.com
Honorary Editor
Geraint Pritchard
7 Harewood Mews, Harewood,
Leeds, LS17 9LY Tel: 01133 873961
E-mail: geraintpritchard@msn.com
Web Site Enquiries
Tim Westbrook
Details as above
OSA website: www.oldstationers.co.uk
Honorary Archivist
David D Turner
63 Brookmans Avenue, Brookmans Park,
Herts. AL9 7QG Tel: 01707 656414
E-mail: d.turner12@sky.com
Ordinary Members
Roger Melling
43 Holyrood Road, New Barnet,
Herts. EN5 1DQ Tel: 020 8449 2283
E-mail: melling@globalspirit.net
Andreas H Christou
22 Woodgrange Avenue, Bush Hill Park,
Enfield EN1 1EW Tel: 07722 117481
E-mail: andreashchristou@yahoo.com
Tony C Hemmings
5 The Mount, Cheshunt,
Herts. EN7 6RF Tel: 01992 638535
E-mail: hemmingsac@hotmail.com
David J Sheath Ksg
12a Bolton Crescent, Windsor, Berks.
SL4 3JQ Tel: 01753 855021
E-mail: davidsheath@hotmail.co.uk
Co-opted Member
Peter R Thomas
107 Jackdaw Close, Stevenage,
Herts. SG2 9DB Tel: 01438 722870
E-mail: peterthomas57@yahoo.co.uk
Honorary Auditors
Chris Langford, Dave Cox
Clubs & Societies
Football Club
Liam Gallagher
38 Hadley Way, Winchmore Hill,
London N21 1AN Tel: 07793 220472
E-mail: liam@network-stratigraphic.co.uk
Golf Society
Roger Rufey
Tel: 07780 450369
E-mail: rrufey@gmail.com
Apostles Club
Stuart H Behn
l67 Hempstead Road, Watford,
Herts. WD17 3HF Tel: 01923 243546
E-mail: stuartbehn@hotmail.com
Luncheon Club
Roger Melling
Details as previous column
SC School Lodge
Michael D Pinfield
63 Lynton Road, Harrow, Middx. HA2 9NJ
Tel: 020 8422 4699
E-mail: secretary7460ugle@gmail.com
Magazine
Publishing Adviser
Tim Westbrook
Details as above
Design & Production Manager
Ian Moore
Homecroft, Princes Gate,
Pembrokeshire SA67 8TG
Tel: 01834 831 272
Email: ian@outhaus.biz
Website: www.outhaus.biz
Printer
Stephens and George
Contents
Regular features
Editorial 4
Dates for the Diary 4
President's Address 5
Carol Service 5
Correspondence 19
Far as you roam
Excursion to Scotland 25
A walk through memory lane 32
Everst Base Camp expedition 34
Special features
President's Day Cricket Match 6
Christmas Lunch 2016 8
Presentation of the Legion d'Honneur 16
Entering Germany 1944 -
Commemoration Visit 16
Academy Prize Giving 17
The Alchemist Revisited 18
OSA website update 20
Farewell remarks at the Bank of England 21
Benjamin Franklin and a master of the
Stationers' Comapny 22
Clubs & Societies
OSFC - Annual Vet's Day Reunion 7
Golf Society 7
Apostle's Lunch 14
Reunions
Class of '44 11
Class of '54 11
Class of '53 12
Class of '60 13
Class of '61 13
Call for Class of '55 14
Call for Class of '67 14
Call for Class of '62 15
Varia
News of former staff 36
New members 38
Rejoining members 38
Changes of address 38
Obituaries
Neil Oliver 39
Pierre Essaye 40
Frank Dickens 41
Howard Murley 43
John Peacock 44
Nick Klotz 45
John Wright 45
Alan Andrews 46
Roy Gazzard 46
Supplying items for publication
Text: Please supply as Word or typed documents if
possible. Images: Supply as original images or hi-res
(300dpi) digital files in tiff, jpeg or eps format.
Post or email to the Editor, Geraint Pritchard:
see Committee page for address details.
3

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
EDITORIAL
Congratulations Lindsey
Little, 1928-1933, on
becoming the first Old
Stationer to become a
centenarian and to celebrate
reaching the age of one
hundred years. Lindsey or
‘Lin’ celebrated this occasion
with his son, Tony Little, also
a Stationer, 1963-1970, and
family. As far as I am aware,
in my records, no other member of the Old Stationers’
Association has achieved this age. Jack Martin reached the age
of 97. John Macara, ‘Lin Little’s’ very close friend since they
were at School together in the thirties had also reached the
age of 96, but sadly died very recently. What is the secret of
your longevity, Lin?
Congratulations to Gordon and Eve Rose on their 60th
Wedding Anniversary, which was celebrated on the 22nd July
2016, at Botany Bay. Well Done, Gordon and Eve.
The Christmas Lunch held on Wednesday, 7th December,
2016 at Stationers’ Hall attracted a record total of diners for
this auspicious occasion. 113 Old Stationers sat down for
lunch, which is one of the largest totals for such an Old
Stationers’ event for years, which shows that the OSA is in
good heart. Our thanks to Mike Hasler for taking on much of
the administration for this very successful Christmas Lunch at
short notice!
Also, looking through this issue Number 84, it can be seen that
Reunions are frequent, particularly if the Year Group meets
yearly. With a few Year Groups meeting for the first time this
has also increased the Reports in this section of the magazine.
The outcome is that Reunions are a major source for new
members. The two or three members of a particular Year
Group, having decided to organise a Reunion suddenly become
very enthusiastic to contact those who are not members of the
OSA. Our new member of the Committee, Peter Thomas is
very keen on this aspect of the work of the OSA and has been
very diligent in looking up names on various ‘sites’. Roger
Engledow is keeping a watchful eye on the total membership,
analysing those Year Groups that have produced the most
members in specific years, and on the downside highlighting
the Year Groups that have few present members.
We welcome all the new members to the OSA, but it is sad to
have to record the names of Old Stationers who have died
since the last publication. We send our sympathy to the
families of those who are recorded in this issue of The Old
Stationer.
My thanks once again to all of you who have contributed to
this latest edition.
Geraint
DATES for the DIARY
AGM & ANNUAL DINNER
Friday March 24th 2017, Stationers' Hall,
Ave Maria Lane, LONDON EC4 7DD
AGM 5.30pm. Annual Dinner 6.30pm.
Note earlier times!
LUNCHEON MEETINGS
Tuesday 9th May 2017
Imperial Hotel, Russell Square
Wednesday, 13th September 2017
Imperial Hotel, Russell Square
Wednesday, 6th December 2017
Stationers' Hall, Ave Maria Lane
PRESIDENT'S DAY
Sunday 27th August 2017
45th Annual Cricket Match
Botany Bay, East Lodge Lane, Enfield, EN2 8AS
Lunch 12.30pm; Match 2.00pm.
OSA CAROL SERVICE
Sunday 10th December 2017
4pm at St Mary with St George Church
Cranley Gardens, Hornsey, N10 3AH
60th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
On Friday, 22nd July 2016, Gordon and Eve Rose celebrated
their Diamond Wedding at Botany Bay Cricket Club where
the guests were invited for Dinner. Family and Friends
intermingled to mark this auspicious occasion.
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T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS
Only two months remain in my
Presidential Year. How the time has
flown! There are many good things
that have happened in the last ten
months and your Association is in good
shape. We had a fun day on the
President’s Day at Botany Bay. Thank
you Geoff Blackmore for conjuring an
afternoon’s cricketing entertainment
from such a limited pool of players. We
look forward to a new regime in which
we should see twenty-two players
taking the field during the afternoon
on Sunday 27th August 2017.
I have enjoyed visiting the Golf Society
on three occasions. During one of these,
I was pleased to present the “Vase” to
the OSA when it defeated the Company
at Westerham. It is so good that we
have an active sporting society that is
supported by members of several vintages. Peter Bonner has
passed on the mantle of Secretary of this Society to Roger Rufey.
Peter has led our golfing activities for ten years and has taken a
well-earned rest from these responsibilities. The Association is
grateful to him for his dedication to the Society and even more so
for securing its future by Roger’s appointment as its Secretary.
My year group celebrated the fifty-fifth anniversary of our
joining the School in 1961. More than twenty of us, including a
greatly respected Chemistry Master, gathered in October. There
is a report with photographs in the magazine. The carbon
footprint on the day must have been appalling with one of our
number flying in from Switzerland for the event!
The Committee has been working hard to promote the interests
of your Association. At the end of
2016, we commissioned a new OSA
Website. We were delighted to have
two commendable proposals from two
Old Stationers, giving the committee a
headache about choosing the one that
we were to accept. In response to our
invitation, Josh Beadon and Ian Moore
submitted their proposals. We were
sorry that there could only be one
successful proposal. We hope to see the
fruits of Ian’s labours in March this
year. More to follow at the AGM and
Dinner on 24th March 2017.
In December 2016, the Carol Service
in Hornsey was well supported. More
than fifty OSA members and family
were in attendance. We have arranged
for the 2017 Service to be held on 10th
December. Also in December, the
Christmas Luncheon at Stationers’ Hall was well supported with
113 OSA members in attendance. It was a great joy to have more
than 20% of our membership in the Hall.
I would like to record my grateful thanks to the members of the
OSA Committee. They are, together, a terrific resource for our
Association. Their collective wisdom and their single
purposefulness are a great support to those of us who breeze
through as, in turn, Vice President, President and Past President.
Do engage with your Association. If you are asked to be
President – take up the opportunity, you will be well supported
by wise heads and friends who will want YOU to succeed.
John Rowlands
OSA President 2016/17
The annual carol service was held on Sunday 4th December at
Hornsey Parish Church of St Mary with St George. Father
Bruce Batstone, Rector of Hornsey conducted the service. The
Church choir again provided great support and sung three carols
themselves. There were four readings given by Keith Mullender,
Tony Moffat, Roger Melling and Fr Bruce Batstone.
Hornsey Parish Church at St Mary
CAROL SERVICE 2016
Mike Fitch, Nava Jahans (former SCS staff ) and
Andreas Christou, Member of OSA Committee)
We were very pleased that John Alley (1961-68) accompanied us
on the organ. John began his musical training as a chorister of
Westminster Abbey and after leaving Stationers` studied at the
Guildhall School of Music and then worked extensively with the
BBC Symphony Orchestra in their seasons at the Promenade
Concerts. He was appointed to the London Symphony Orchestra
in 1994 where he remains their Principal
Keyboard player.
I am also very pleased to report that numbers
were much improved on recent years with
over 50 present including at least 25 OSA
members. More would have been present had
the M25 not been a problem for one or two
attempting to join us from south of the river!
My thanks to those who supported the event
and in particular to Keith Mullender who
again provided the lighting to illuminate the
wonderful memorial window.
We will continue with the event so please
make a note in your diaries for this year`s
carol service: Sunday 10th December 2017.
Peter Sandell
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T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
President's day cricket match
Sunday 28th August 2016 - Botany Bay CC
John Rowlands’ OSA President’s XI beat Botany Bay CC, who
conceded, as they were unable to raise a side
As usual, selection for the President's XI started at the OSA
Annual Dinner, but as President, John Rowlands, had no special
requests, the 'usual suspects', plus a couple of new ones, were
approached as the cricket season began.
Unfortunately, James Mote, Andy Douglas, Colin Lane and
John Jackson all advised they would be on holiday, whilst Ross
Blackmore and Jack Cox, were both away - at a stag weekend and
a university reunion, respectively.
Then at the beginning of August, potential debutant, Steve
Chaudoir (1962-69) advised that because of building works at
his son's property he no longer had anywhere to stay, when
coming up from Dorset, and Mark Slatford reported a 'rotator
cuff' injury - and as both of them were in the side provisionally
selected - resources were starting to be stretched to the limit.
After many of those who had 'retired' in recent years, e.g. Colin
Walker, Barry Soames, Steve Martin, Dave Gilligan, had been
approached - and said 'no' – we were fortunate that Dave
Hudson, Gary Page and Don Bewick all said ‘yes’ and we were
up to ten, with a choice needing to be made between Tim
Westbrook and Mark Slatford, who had both agreed to play,
despite being injured.
Whilst the selection committee was in favour of Mark Slatford
playing – as it believed that Tim took the better photographs –
the decision was taken out of their hands, as both were eventually
required when Oliver Slatford (son of Mark) dislocated his
thumb playing a Colts Final in the week before the game.
When Robin Baker, Neil Jervis, Tony Pigden, Terry White,
Richard Slatford and Geoff Blackmore 'reported for duty' -
along with the five mentioned above - the average age of the
President's XI was just under 60 (yes - sixty!!) - and with only
four of the side under fifty, fielding was not likely to be our
strong suit.
Five or six days before the game, Geoff Blackmore had agreed a
provisional thirty-five over match day format with JJ, Botany
Bay's match manager, and whilst JJ was unable to play (due to
personal circumstances) his captain had previously played against
us, and was fully aware of the game's traditions.
Therefore, especially as back in 2014, the Bay gave us a week's
notice that they couldn't raise a side - and we arranged an
alternative fixture via the Club Cricket Conference with Epping
CC - Geoff Blackmore was very surprised to receive a call, late
on the morning of the game, advising that after some late cryoffs
Botany Bay only had four players!!
Given the extremely late notification, this did not give us a
chance to find alternative opponents but lunch had been booked
and the 'masses' would be expecting to watch cricket in the
afternoon. Therefore not wishing to put a dampener on the
lunch, nothing was said on arrival at the ground, and as cricketers
started arriving to play on the Bay’s second ground, all seemed to
be well.
However yet another excellent lunch, hosted by our President,
John Rowlands, and masterminded by Peter Sandell (in place of
Gordon Rose, who has finally retired from President’s Day
duties), the eleven, plus the umpires and scorer, were summoned
to a team meeting where the situation was fully explained.
John Rowland’s Old Stationers’ President’s XI for the forty fourth f ixture
Back Row (l>r): Dick Hersey (Umpire), Robin Baker, Dave Hudson, Don Bewick, Mark Slatford, Richard Slatford, Tim Westbrook, Bob Cole (Umpire).
Front Row (l>r): Tony Pigden, Terry White, John Rowlands (President), Geoff Blackmore (Captain), Neil Jervis, Gary Page.
6

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
With fifteen players on the ground, a three team five-a-side
round robin tournament was agreed, with two OSA sides
captained by Richard Slatford and Geoff Blackmore, and the
Botany Bay four, captained by Clive Rolt, supplemented by Don
Bewick – more of that later!!
In the first game, Geoff Blackmore’s side batting first against
Richard Slatford’s, started slowly – not helped by Dick Hersey
raising his digit twice – and only Neil Jervis, who eventually
accelerated and scored 24 mastered the bowling, as the innings
finished at 50 for 3 off eight overs, with Tim Westbrook taking
2-7.
Despite their efforts, the highlight of the innings was Mark
Slatford’s comment as Dave Hudson came into bat “…we need
to watch this batter, I have seen much better footwork by Oscar
Pistorius…”. Richard Slatford and Tony Pigden got their side off
to a ‘flyer’, with 29 off the first three overs, and took their side to
a comfortable victory, without losing a wicket, on the first ball of
the seventh over.
Richard Slatford’s side then batted first against Clive Rolt’s
Botany Bay side, and struggled to get on top of the bowling, as
evidenced by Robin Baker who had demanded to be allowed a
runner, despite not being injured in the field - finishing 17 not
out in a total of 35 for 2, in their full eight overs,
Then when Robin came on to bowl, he slipped in his delivery
stride of his first ball, and Gary Page commented “…I’m
surprised he hasn’t asked for a runner when he bowls…”. Despite
the amusement in the field, the total of thirty-five was nowhere
near enough as Clive’s side won – one wicket down – in the
seventh over.
Then in the final game, Geoff Blackmore’s side needed to be
Clive Rolt’s side to ensure a three-way tie, but Charlie Nichol
(one of the Botany Bay colts, who plays regularly) scored 32* to
guide his side to a total of 65 for 2 – easily the highest score of
the day.
The ‘writing was on the wall’, when Geoff Blackmore was
bowled in the first over by Don Bewick’s quicker ball, and when
Neil Jervis was caught at deep extra-cover off Don Bewick (2-6)
by an injured Mark Slatford - who had dropped a dolly in the
previous innings - it was left to Terry White (27*) to bat the
remaining overs, as the innings finished at 42-2.
On the day, OSA’s top run scorers were Richard Slatford (39),
Terry White (32), and Neil Jervis (28), whilst Don Bewick took
3-15 and Tim Westbrook took 3-20, both in four overs. In
addition, Dave Hudson ‘rolled back the years’ with his wicket
keeping, including an excellent catch off Terry White.
As usual my thanks are due to Bob Cole and Dick Hersey for
umpiring, and to Geoff Burton for scoring, as without
‘independent’ officials, it makes the captain’s life much harder. In
addition, and for the first time this year; my thanks are due to
Peter Sandell for taking over where Gordon Rose left off in
organising the lunch, and finally, my thanks to the President,
John Rowlands, for his contribution to a superb day.
However, whilst the cricket provided some entertainment for the
accumulated throng, and provided some amusement for the Old
Stationers’ XI, it just wasn’t the same as a proper game of cricket,
and it is hoped that this is never repeated.
Geoff Blackmore
OSFC
ANNUAL VETERAN'S DAY REUNION
The Veterans Day Reunion took place on the 8th October 2016.
Herewith is a list of those who attended the Reunion.
The majority of the members of the two teams winning the Old
Boys Senior Cup and the AFA Senior Cup in the 1988-1989
season were present at Barnet for the Reunion.
The 1988-1989 season was the only occasion that the OSFC
ever won the AFA Senior Cup. The Manager at that time was
Gordon Rose and it was a pleasure to see Gordon present at the
2016 Reunion.
Keith Allen
Peter Bennett
Marco Bittante
Geoff Blackmore
Ian Blackmore
Bob Chambers
Nigel Clarke
Dave Cox
Dave Deane
Peter Derrick
Pat Dunphy
Roger Engledow
David Edwards
Dave Fuller
Liam Gallagher
Dave Gilligan
Tony Hemmings
Dick Hersey
Ray Houldsworth
John Jackson
Peter Jarvis
Mike Kassie
Bernie Keaney
Grant Mathias
GOLF SOCIETY
Ian Meyrick
Jim Mulley
Gordon Rose
Mark Tansley
John Taylor
Jack Toumany
Jim Townsend
Tom Wallace
Vince Wallace
Tim Westbrook
Mill Green Meeting Notes 31st Oct 2016
A relatively warm and dry late October day greeted our final
society meeting for 2016 at Mill Green. We were very pleased to
be able to have 21 paying members giving us 7 teams to compete
for the team scores.
The winners retained their trophy from 2015 and once again the
trophy went to Tim Westbrook, Colin Walker and Paul Butler..
Nearest the pin on two par threes went to Geoff Blackmore and
Bruce Kitchener and the best aggregate score on all four par
threes went to Tim Dunn who was my guest.
The best individual stableford score on the day with 45 points
was Paul (Pedro) Butler.
Paul Butler, Tim Westbrook and Colin Walker receive the trophy from day
captain Roger Rufey.
7

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
It was great to be joined, at least for the meals, by Peter Bonner
who sadly is currently unable to play due to awaiting operations
to sort him out for a full season of golf again in 2017.
It goes without saying that for the past 10 years Peter has been
the engine room of OSGC and without him it would not be the
society it is today which has kept friendships going for many of
us who have enjoyed a sporting career together in other fields
than just golf.
Peter has asked for a well earned rest from the organisational side
of golf next year and I have agreed to take on the mantle for the
time being - starting earlier than expected due to Peter’s health.
Next year we will be looking to re-establish our base membership
since sadly we have lost a few more regulars to health and age. I
will be sending out some thoughts on how next year but would
ask all old boys who have played before but not for a while to
think about rejoining us as well as opening up the opportunities
for guests to become members if they want to.
Have a great Christmas and see you all again in 2017.
Roger Rufey
Old Stationers' Golf Society fixtures for 2017
Tues 25th April Aldenham Pairs Competition
Wed 17th May Old Fold Manor Cup 1st round & Old
Tollingtonians match
Match
Thurs 22nd June Theydon Bois The Stationers’
Company Match
Wed 19th July Aspley Guise Cup 2nd round
August TBA Summer Tour
Thurs 21st Sept Stanmore Cup final round
Tues 24th October Mill Green Team 3 Ball Competition
Christmas Lunch 2016
7th December 2016 - Stationers' Hall
3 Davids, Deane, Sheath and Lincoln.
An original school tie with gravy stains.
Class of '62 + 1
8

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
The red wine seems to be popular!
Footballing stars of yesteryear.
9

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
Barry, Peter and John discuss Tottenham's chances of winning the premiership.
Attendees
John Baldwin 1965-72
Stuart Behn 1947-53
Don Bewick 1951-56
Marco Bittante 1972-79
Ian Blackmore
Danny Bone 1962-69
Peter Bonner 1955-62
Peter Bothwick 1962-69
John Brackley 1954-58
Michael Brady 1951-57
Adrian Boadbent 1977-82
Martin Brown 1954-61
Nigel Clarke 1966-70
Peter Clydesdale 1949-54
Terry Butler 1948-53
Richard Burrows 1966-70
Dave Catanach 1966-70
Reg Davies 1960-67
Muna Dawoodi 1965-72
Dave Deane 1958-63
Geoff Dent 1962-69
Andrew Devon 1972-79
Steve Chaudoir 1962-64
Stephen Collins 1962-69
Peter Engledow 1949-54
Roger Engledow 1954-61
Dave Flynn 1966-70
Andrew Forrow 1960-67
Richard Forty 1965-72
Bob Fry 1965-71
Dave Fuller
John Geering 1953-60
Mike Geering 1955-65
Phil Geering 1961-68
Clive Giles 1967
Dave Gilligan
Mark Goldstein 1966-70
John Gray 1962-68
Alan Green 1953-58
Andy Hamment 1966-70
Bob Harris 1954-61
Michael Hasler 1953-59
Ian Hayward 1948-53
Tony Hemmings 1954-59
Dick Hersey 1951-58
David Hudson 1962-69
Robert Hughes 1961-68
Brian Humphreys 1949-56
Ray Humphreys 1954-59
Hussein Hussein 1967-74
Terry Jaggers 1962-69
Peter Jarvis 1962-68
Alun Jeffreys 1966-70
Ron Johnson 1954-59
John Lambert 1962-69
Martin Lawrence 1963-70
Georqe Legg 1959-66
David Lincoln 1956-63
Tony Mash 1961-68
Dominic McStay 1965-72
Roqer Mellinq 1954-62
David Metcalf 1953-58
Ian Meyrick 1966-70
John Miles 1945-49
Derek Mitchell 1961-68
Tony Moffat 1954-61
Mike Mote 1955-60
Keith Mullender 1956-63
Jim Mulley
Errol Mustafa 1966-70
Jerry Odlin 1966-70
Eric Orris 1965
John Partridqe 1951-58
Lucien Perring 1949-54
Richard Phillippo 1954-62
Tony Powell 1965
Peter Prazsky 1962-69
5teve Presland 1965
Geraint Pritchard 1954-61
Graham Rawlings 1961-68
Peter Redman 1953-59
Gordon Rose 1944-49
John Rowlands 1961-68
Peter Sandell 1965-72
Rolando Savva 1966-70
David Shaw 1962-67
David Sheath 1955-62
Roy Simmons 1942-47
John Smith 1948-53
Barry Soames 1962-69
Neil Steff 1967-73
Rick Steff 1965-72
Tony Taylor 1953-61
Peter Thomas 1967-73
Ross Thompson 1962-67
Jim Townsend 1959-66
Roqer Turkington 1962-69
David Turner 1951-56
Nigel Wade 1951-58
Vincent Wallace OSFC Secretary
Kevin Waller 1967-73
Malcolm Wandrag 1962-68
Stanley Ward 1944-48
Peter Watcham 1945-50
Michael West 1955
Tim Westbrook 1962-69
Terry White 1965
Andy Wicks 1954-59
Chris Wilkins 1957-63
Alan Williams 1954-60
Chris Williams 1972-79
Peter Winter 1963-70
Chris Woodhams 1956-63
andrew.forrow@ntlworld.com
9th December 2016
Dear Geraint,
It was a pleasure to see you looking so well this week at
Stationers' Hall.
I have a message for all Old Stationers!....
A little feedback on the Lunch this week at Stationers' Hall.
Quite by chance (my application letter and cheque going astray),
I turned up to find my name NOT upon the table plan!
Shock, Horror! But dealt with very kindly by Michael Hasler
and our friends serving at The Hall. Lunch would, indeed, be
provided!
To my great pleasure, I was billeted with a very welcoming group
of former pupils who had joined the School after I myself had left
(in 1967)! I found myself sharing stories that I hadn't heard
before, with people I didn't know, all with a common theme.
Thanks, in particular to Geoff Dent, as well as those others of
his year who made this 'old git' feel very welcome.
I enjoy OS Lunches and Dinners and use them to catch up with
'old mates', of course, but I would encourage everyone, perhaps
just once, to try asking to be seated among people they don't
know – you never can tell what a good time you'll have!
Best wishes to all, for Christmas 2016.
Andy Forrow
1960 – 1967, Meredith House
10

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
REUNIONS
Class of '44
On the 13th July 2016 ten of us met for a delicious lunch at the
RAF Club in Piccadilly as guests of a generous, anonymous
member of our group to whom we drank several grateful toasts.
This was our 14th lunch since our first reunion which was
organised thanks to the great efforts and research by Gordon
Rose and David Mariano. Old and new stories were told to much
merriment, some of it genuine!
Another Lunch has been booked at the Club for the 12th July
2017. Members please note.
Members in the photo above are: (seated) Tony Tight; Gordon
Rose; Ernie Stone; John Sheen; John Sparrow; Bill Croydon;
(standing) Brian Kill; Stanley Ward; John Miles and Brian
Cranwell.
CLASS OF '54
Our Ninth Reunion took place on Tuesday 4th October, 2016 at
our usual venue of the Cheshire Cheese.
I arrived at five minutes past noon to be greeted by six others
who had beaten me to the pub! Unfortunately, overall numbers
were down this year. The 16 who did turn up are listed below. As
one of the early attendees told me, at least the ‘hardcore’ are here.
At 3.45pm there were nine of us left. The last group of nine
departed at a little after six, so he was probably right.
Apologies for absence were received from Tony McKeer, Mike
Hiron, and Geraint Pritchard – all for reasons involving hospitals.
Ian Smith was unable to attend for medical reasons. Tony
Moffat’s late cry-off also involved a hospital but for his wife
Margaret, rather than his own needs. Richard Woods, Richard
Phillippo and Roy Stevenson were unable to juggle their holiday
arrangements!
I had to inform the assembly that three from our year were known
to have died since we last met – John Croker; Neil Oliver and
Edward Partridge. We had also received confirmation that Joey
Hodson had died back in 2006. After drinking a toast to ‘Absent
Friends’, we gave our usual rousing chorus of the School Song.
Attendees: John Brackley; Martin Brown; Geoff Dawes; Roger
Engledow; Doug Fussell; Bob Harris; Tony Hemmings; Ray
Humphreys; Ron Johnson; Graham Ling; Roger Melling; Bob
Townsend; Mike Weatherley; Peter Weekes; Andy Wick and Alan
Williams.
Next year’s event will take place at the same venue on Tuesday
3rd October 2017.
Roger Engledow
11

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
Class of '54: John Brackley; Martin Brown; Geoff Dawes; Roger Engledow;
Doug Fussell; Bob Harris; Tony Hemmings; Ray Humphreys; Ron Johnson;
Graham Ling; Roger Melling; Bob Townsend; Mike Weatherley; Peter Weekes;
Andy Wick and Alan Williams.
CLASS OF '53
October 2016 saw our group return to The Cheshire Cheese Pub
in Little Essex Street ,Temple, London. We had a convivial time
with plenty to eat and drink and some new faces who have not
attended before. ‘Ginner’ Johns a regular attendee came all the
way from South Africa and brought us news of our contemporaries
residing out there. This was our third reunion the second at this
venue and 15 attended.
Those who attended were Michael Johns, Richie Tyley, Geoff
Tapping, Peter Critten, Wyn Griffiths, Tony Taylor, Peter Redman,
Mike Hasler, David Cox, John Geering, Keith McKeown Sir David
Metcalf, Mike Holding, Ernie Russell and Steve Pierson.
We have a date at the same venue for Wednesday 18th October
2017 and for those who would like to attend but are unsure
whether it is an evening or lunchtime meeting we always have it
at mid-day so that we can make use of seniors rail cards etc by
leaving about 3 to 4pm .
Mike Hasler
12

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
Class of '60
John Aanonson, Ian Ball, Bob Bird, Terry Carroll, Bob Gettleson,
Alan Holmwood, Simon Kusseff, Terry Tucker, Terry Way and
Simon Westbrook met for dinner at the Green Dragon Pub
Restaurant Barnet on Wednesday 7th September 2016.
Simon Westbrook, who now lives in California, but visits the UK
regularly suggested the reunion, which has become an annual
event over the last three years. Simon Kusseff was the organiser!
News of other absent Old Stationers from our class:
Condolences were expressed to Eric Dore and Bob Douse. Both
have recently lost their wives. Eric has moved to Margate and
following an operation, has had a mini stroke, but is now
recovering.
• Steve Hulford wished to be remembered to his friends
from the good old days.
• Reg Davies and Mike Pinfield, Mike Freedman, Roger
Gorley from Durham, Neil Moon from Margate, Tony Innes
from Norwich and Roger Manktelow from Belfast, were
unable to attend due to prior engagements
Alan Holmwood recorded that 10 of the class of 1960 had died:
Michael Bentham, Boyd, Michael Dawson, Steve Day, Dave
Goodacre, Ian Gordon, Malcom Peltz, Chris Polliket. Kingsley
Sherwin and Barry Stockwell.
Still you are Stationers, FAR AS YOU ROAM.
Almost 20% of our class 1960 now live overseas. In addition to
those named above:
• Paul Westley living in Nerja, Spain was on an Intensive
Spanish course, be over next week.
• John Marson living in Vietnam may be over in December
• John Penhallow living in Sydney plans be in Europe for
Fairport Conventions 50th anniversary Festival next August
We raised a glass to absent Friends.
It proved difficult to identify many of us from the 1960 school
photograph which we had to hand during the reunion.
Many absentees indicated an interest in attending the next
reunion There were suggestions for a future rendezvous in a
London pub for ease of access and some absentees suggested it
be a lunch time meeting.
Class of '61
24 other OSA members were contacted but unable to attend for
various reasons: Jim Halliday and Martin Palmer were on
holiday in Canada.
• Philip Miall, 1966 school captain, was in Florida.
• Ian Rose was sailing off the Frisian islands.
• John Samson, George Taylor, David Turnbull were on
holiday locally.
• Andy Forrow was at the theatre seeing a Midsummer
Night’s dream with grandchildren.
• Chris Folwell from Sussex was repairing his damaged
thatched roof.
• Pete Hill was exchanging contracts to move to Norfolk.
For the 20 who attended the reunion last week, I think it would
be fair to say we had a great time. There were one or two faces
that had not been seen for somewhere between 30 and 45 years,
and the prize for the furthest distance covered went to Roger
Lewis who flew in from the French/Swiss border. John Leeming
joined us and received an accolade in the memory documents
that had been received by Stephen Jeffreys as one of the most
influential and best remembered teachers we ever had. (By the
way, John admitted to being 8 years older than us!) . It was also
good to hear from John Rowlands, the third member of our year
to be President of the Old Stationers' Association. We stood
and raised our glasses to those who could not come to the event
and included in the toast those who are no longer with us.
Needless to say, we ended with one verse of the School Song.
There was even talk about another reunion in 2018 to celebrate
50 years since many of us left the school. We will need a
volunteer to lead the organisation of this event as I am retiring
from this role. Any offers?
The attached photo will be sent to the Editor of the OSA
Magazine for inclusion in the next issue.
So, hope to see everyone at the OSA Annual Dinner on March
24th when John Rowlands will be in the chair. In the meantime,
do keep sending in your memory sheets to Stephen Jeffreys.
Those that have been received in phase one are very amusing and
so evocative of our era at the school.
My very best wishes to all for Christmas and the New Year.
Tony Mash
13

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
(l to r) John Rowlands, David Ingham, Michael Heath, George Hepburn and Stephen Jeffreys
Geoff Carrington, Alan Palmer, John Alley, John Leeming and Keith Allen
Steve Young, Colin Walker, Nigel Powell, Robert Hughes and Tony Mash
Roger Lewis, Richard Cassel, Martin Slatford, Reg Bailey and Derek Mitchell
14

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
REUNION - The 55th
anniversary
of intake year 1962
After the most successful 50th anniversary reunion on
record the class of 1962 will be reconvening on Friday
September 8th 2017 to celebrate our 55th intake
anniversary. We will meet at a convenient London venue to
be decided when we know the numbers attending. A pre -
Christmas email generated a positive reply from 55 class
mates who intend to join the celebration where we will
discuss zimmer frames, retirement plans and prostate
problems while reminiscing about the good old days when
beer was 2 shillings a pint and a season ticket to The
Arsenal was £3.50. If you have not already replied to Tim
Westbrook's invitation send him an email now:tim@
timwestbrook.co.uk to reserve your place.
Apostle's Lunch
Following the excellent OSA Christmas lunch, festivities
continued at the Chesterfield Hotel, Mayfair, for members of the
OSA Apostles. Led by President Harold Perry and Secretary
Stuart Behn, discussion covered plenty of ground including
Brexit, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur (as you would expect),
those in our thoughts particularly Peter Bonner currently in
hospital for an operation, and the questionable issue of the
quality of school lunches. (Some people actually enjoyed them!).
With 2 knights of the realm and on this occasion a papal knight
present in the shape of David Sheath, it was an uplifting
occasion.
From left to right, the attendees were Mike Mote, David Sheath
(guest of Peter Bonner), Harold Perry, David Hudson, Tony Mash,
Chris Langford, Chris Wilkins, Ivor Evans, Dave Metcalfe, Sir John
Sparrow, Peter Sargent and Stuart Behn.
Thanks
Tony Mash
Class of 1967 Reunion
We are holding our 50th Anniversary Reunion for the
1967 intake year at The Parcel Yard, King's Cross Station,
London on Friday 3rd November 2017. We are hoping to
achieve a record turnout for a reunion at this milestone
event so please pass on my details to anyone you know
that joined the school in 1967.
For further information, please contact Peter Thomas on
01438 722870 or email: peterthomas57@yahoo.co.uk.
Peter Thomas
15

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
Presentation of the Legion d'honneur
The Presentation of the Legion d'Honneur
took place at the Civic Offices Borough of
Swindon on Thursday 24th March.
Mme Josette Lebrat, the French Honorary
Consul, Consulat de Bristol (à Bath) assisted
by Michael Meredith, presented the Legion
d'honneur (Chevalier) to five veterans
including Arthur Vincent and Cecil Newton,
4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards. The Mayor
of Swindon, Andrew Bennet, welcomed the
veterans. Leader of Swindon Borough
Council David Rennard was also present
together with the veterans' family and friends.
The Legion d'Honneur was established by
Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. The Order
which was presented, Chevalier, is the highest
in France. On the 70th anniversary of D Day
in June 2014, the French President announced that it would be
awarded to all British veterans who fought for the liberation of
France during the the Second World War.
Arthur Vincent was a crew member on a
Crusader anti-aircraft tank landing at
Arromanches on 8th June 1944 having gone
over in an American LST from Southampton.
When his Troop was disbanded he was
assigned to Regimental Headquarters Tank
Troop until the end of hostilities.
Cecil Newton landed on GOLD BEACH on
the 6th June 1944 five minutes before the
main assault at 0720 hours in a Duplex Drive
amphibious tank with a mission to capture a
blockhouse which was successfully
accomplished. In a conventional Sherman
tank he took part in the Battle for Normandy,
Verrieres/Lingevres, Montilly (Tilly sur
Seulles), Jurques, Mont Pincon and afterwards
crossing the River Seine at Vernon. The tank
made a reconnaissance of Lille before it was liberated. He was
wounded at Tripsrath, Germany 19th November 1944 after
Operation Market Garden.
entering germany 1944 –
commemoration visit
4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards Trust
Cecil Newton (centre) and Arthur Vincent after the presentation
Mme Lebrat giving the welcome
4th Troop 'B' Squadron had survived until 19th November when
it ceased to exist after that date. The last member of the Troop to
be killed was Trooper Fyles whose grave is at Brunssum
Cemetery, Holland.
The intention was to commemorate the memory of the Troop
who commenced the campaign by capturing a blockhouse on
Gold Beach in Duplex Drive amphibious tanks. Thinking back
to that day it would have been a major disaster if the mission had
not been successful as it dominated the area both east and west.
The first port of call was Driel 6 miles west of Arnhem an area
where the 1st Polish Parachute Brigade landed, the history of
which is displayed at the back of the local church. The particular
area has not altered
over the years and the
bund wall which we
attacked along still
very much in evidence
There was a visit to
Arnhem and Nijmegen
and Tripsrath.
Tripsrath was very
identifiable in as much
as the street pattern
was similar and also
the buildings. The site
of where the action
took place and the two
tanks of 4th Troop
destroyed was again
identifiable.
After our visit we
continued our journey
to Brunssum where we
16

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
met Ruud Scholten and
supporters.
A Remembrance Service was
held at the James Fyles headstone
and a wreath laid.
The way home was via Lille
The trip was organised by Ken
Cowdery, who undertook the
driving, also filmed at the
locations and in due course it will
be shown on the web site. Paul
my eldest also gave invaluable
help and assistance which was
very much appreciated
Thanks are due to Ruud and his
supporters also for their welcome
and participation.
Cecil Newton
ACADEMY PRIZE
GIVING EVENING
Stationers' Crown Woods
Stationers' Lodge has decided to
donate an annual prize to Stationers'
Crown Woods Academy. On the 31st
October, Michael Facey and Mike
Mote attended the Prize Giving, at
Stationers' Hall, to present the awards,
two students were chosen to receive the
prize this year.
From next year, the prize will be given
to a student who has dedicated their
time and energy to help in local
community projects, The recipient will
be decided, in future, by their peers.
This year, due to time constraints, staff
selected the successful candidates.
Dear Members,
The committee is trying to
source a display cabinet to
hold samples from our archive
at the Hall. It would be
helpful if it resembled the
cabinet in this photo so it
matched the one already at
the Hall.
If you can help, please contact
David Turner, our archivist.
His contact details are on
page 3 of the magazine.
Thank you.
17

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
The Alchemist revisited
In 1967, Clive Blenkinsop, the newish English teacher, handed
out roles for the forthcoming school play, Ben Jonson's The
Alchemist. There was no possibility of refusal. To add to the
thrill and terror, some girls were to be shipped in from the
headmaster's wife's school to play the women.
Just under fifty years later, the Royal Shakespeare Company
asked me to prepare a new version of the play, shorter and clearer
with a new prologue. This time there was a chance to refuse (the
money on offer wasn't great) but it never occurred to me to say
no: The Alchemist had been my first taste of working in theatre.
We opened in Stratford-on-Avon and we were a hit. When a
transfer to London was arranged, a re-union of the Stationers'
boys and the Copthall girls seemed in order: Clive and I
summoned what was left of our troupe.
On arrival, Clive handed out photocopies of pictures and reviews
of our production. It was especially good to re-unite with John
Samson, now a top media barrister, who hadn't been seen since
schooldays.
The play is a relentlessly funny farce about the operations of a
group of con artists: a packed house laughed and cheered.
Afterwards, our cast and the RSC's mingled in the pub. It was
intriguing to see actors who had played the same part comparing
notes.
Clive had the last word: "All those years ago I set you a challenge
and you responded." A pause. "Actually, you're still responding."
Stephen Jeffreys
Stationers class of 1962 pilgrimage to White Hart Lane, John Gray, Brian Cutts, David Hudson, Peter Bothwick in the Spurs changing room
18

22nd June 2016
Hi Geraint
I’ve been messaging a Neil Drury on
facebook who started in 1977.
He wished to be remembered to you; he
said he remembered going to your family
farm on Anglesey when he was on a
geography field trip.
I’ve sent him an application form etc. He
knows Adrian Broadbent (1968) who has
been to a few lunches so hopefully Neil
will join the fold.
He lives in Stevenage.
Peter Sandell
2nd September 2016
Dear Neil
What a surprise that you live near Peter
Thomas.
What year did you go to Rhen Blas in
Anglesey? The Field Course was late in
the Summer Term in the Fourth Form,
some years ago! The Geography Trip was
five days, Monday to Friday with two days
travelling by coach to Bangor and back.
During the week there was a climb up
Snowdon. Do you remember that
experience? You would have been on the
1981 trip.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely
Geraint
2nd September 2016
Good evening, Geraint.
I was at Stationers’ from 1977-1982. The
people in my year, if you remember any of
us, were, Adrian Broadbent, Mike
Buckmaster, Paul Blackham to name but a
few. You taught me Geography in a very
memorable way, as I remember and enjoyed
it a great deal.
The Field Trip to Bangor was memorable
trip as I enjoyed it immensely, as a year or
two later, when working as a plumber for
my Dad’s company we worked on the
house in the middle of the Menai Straits,
as an architect friend of my dad owned it
and was moving to Anglesey. Since leaving
school, I was a plumber for several years,
then an Ice Maintenance Engineer at a
new ice rink in Stevenage until made
redundant, then a Bus Driver for London
Transport and finally self employed
Maintenance, until health issues have led
T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
CORRESPONDENCE
me to now being a happy and successful
window cleaner; no stress just work then
home and enjoying life.
I have been married 25 years now with a
son of 22 who works successfully in IT and
a 16 year old daughter who sings, dances,
acts and specialises in theatrical make up,
currently starting courses after successful
GCSEs. My wife is a confident HGV
Driver up and down the country delivering
everywhere.
Hope you are well. Are you still in London?
Do you see many of the teachers from
Stationers?
Neil Drury
PS. Yes I remember Snowdon well; been
up it a few times since but it was only 4
years ago we went and it was clear, so after
10 trips finally got to enjoy the breathtaking
views; best place on earth. We even had a
walk along the Nant Ffrancon Valley to
the Devil’s Kitchen, if I remember the
names right. Still love the drive along the
Llanberis Pass and the slate mines. We
love it up there.
Hello Geraint
22nd July 2016
cecil@cecilnewton.plus.com
Thanks for the magazine, always an
interesting read.
Could you tell me what happened please
to the oak panels in the organ loft with the
names of those killed in the 2 World Wars.
Did I send you info. on my award of the
Legion d’Honneur?
Best wishes
Cecil
Cecil lost his brother, William Frederic
Newton, in the Second World War.
Dear Cecil
29th August 2016
The Editor
Oak panels in the organ loft were probably
destroyed. However there is the Memorial
Window that was transferred to the Parish
Church at the bottom of Cranley Gardens,
N.10. There is also a book, I believe, in the
church with the names of all those on the
original front of the balcony in the School
Hall.
Did you receive a copy of ‘Remembering
the Conflicts of the Twentieth Century’ by
Robert Baynes?
Hope you are keeping well.
Yours sincerely
Geraint
1st September 2016
Hello Geraint
Very many thanks for the booklet.
The only name apart from my brother that
clearly rings a bell is ESAM C.E. There
was a twin brother in the School and
differentiated by their initials; ESAM C.
and ESAM R. (Dick). Both were very
good at sport.
What a devastating Roll of Honour for the
Two World Wars.
Best Wishes
Cecil
Cecil is one of our six oldest members.
2nd September 2016
Prof. M. Saiful Islam
University of Bath
Dear Saiful
Good to hear about you from Steve Atkins.
Saiful Islam is a Professor in the Department
of Chemistry at the University of
Bath.
Congratulations on being asked to give the
Royal Institution Christmas Lectures for
BBC TV. I was with John Leeming and
Mike Fitch last Tuesday evening enjoying
a meal in Hertford, also with Mike Howell
and Philip Trendall.
How did you enjoy Skye and the Cuillins?
Geraint
Saiful Islam
3rd September 2016
Dear Geraint
Good to hear from you.
We have been in Bath for nearly 11 years
now – we being my wife, Gita, a local GP
and two children, Yasmin (14) and Zak
(12). Lovely place to live and work.
Yes, honoured, excited and terrified about
doing the RI Christmas Lectures. The RI
did a nice bio on their website.
Also nice to hear that you’re still in touch
with Mike Fitch and others. From my year,
I’m still in touch with Luigi Esposito,
Sozos Charalambous and a few others.
Best regards
Saiful
19

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
Dear Mr Pritchard
Louis Gavriel
5th September 2016
My brother, Andrew sent me a link to the
Old Stationer website and I was pleased to
see that you are still gainfully employed as
editor. He also reminded me how you
taught him during lunchtimes when a
clash in the GCE timetable meant that he
could not otherwise have taken Geography.
For my part I can thank you for instilling
in me a love of Snowdonia. I would never
have imagined back in 1978, that I would
still be traipsing up the Nant Ffrancon in
the rain some 38 years later. Believe it or
not, with a friend from college who is
called Geraint!
With best wishes from all our family.
Yours sincerely
Averiel Louis Gavriel
9th September 2016
Hi Geraint,
I was delighted to get your postcard of
Brimham Rocks. Amazingly I passed near
there a few days earlier on my way to
Pateley Bridge and the Dales. We were
staying in Harrogate and I passed the turn
off to the Rocks too quickly and regretted
not going back to see them again. I gave
Malham a miss this time but I have been
back there several times following my
original trip with the geography set in the
Lower Sixth probably in 1965. It was my
first trip up north and indeed into hill
country and made a lasting impression on
me and really started me off on mountain
and hill walking. In response to your
question, yes I did ‘A’ Level Geography and
Economics with ‘Sam’ and ‘Joe’ at school
but prefer to forget about History. I will do
a report on my Everest Base Camp Trip
and get some photos together as you
requested and thanks once again for your
contact and postcard. The Dales were a
delight particularly in the sunny September
we’ve just had.
Jim Townsend
1959-1966
of Gordon’s retirement from the
committee. I spent some time with him, I
think in 2014 during a visit to my brother
who lives nearby, and found him a
delightful and interesting companion and
I must contact him.
Alec Linford’s letter and pictures stirred
the brain cells but I could only identify
Dennis Hamment who was my co-flight
sergeant in the ATC when we returned
from Wisbech and Brian Chapple who
was a member of my form from 1937-
1943.
John Ivey’s travels around New Zealand
brought back many happy memories of my
local travels over the last 50+ years,
including Rotorua and Otarohanga. The
reports on travels in Africa were very
interesting. We have visited Kenya but
unfortunately my wife’s health prior to her
passing in 2012 prevented planned visits to
other parts and South America.
oSA WEBSiTE uPDATE
I note the lack of names of my
contemporaries, but Peter Hodgson,
Harold Perry, Bill Robertson and John
Robinson have appeared from time to
time either in lists of attendances of
functions or in correspondence. Stan
Whines, not an Association Member, who
was in my class from 1931 -1942 passed
on last year.
On that subject I was sorry to learn of the
passing of Keith Hewitt who was not in
my year but I got to know quite well from
his adventures, particularly with Hornsey
County Girls while in Wisbech and his
membership of the ATC. He was always a
great entertainer and obviously enjoyed a
wide ranging life.
That’s enough reminiscing from me and
here’s looking forward to No.84.
Best Wishes
Ron Horne
The OSA web site was originally produced by Tony Reeve in 2001 and brought us
enthusiastically into the new millennium with a modern communication platform.
Tony occupied the position of Honorary Web site manager until his untimely
death in 2008. Thereafter, Mike Pinfield took up the technology baton and
managed the site for nine years, only relinquishing his role last autumn. The
committee is appreciative of the significant time and effort invested by Mike on
behalf of the membership and in particular, his involvement in the two year project
to create our on- line library which now makes every school magazine since 1884
and every edition of the Old Stationer accessible to members. (New access codes:
User OSAlibrary Password 0335OS-wwwOSA )
At the end of last year your committee approved a proposal from Ian Moore for
redesigning the web site to meet four principal objectives: To improve the
aesthetics and visual attractiveness of the site; to enhance the efficiency of
navigation and search functionality; to enable the content to be managed by
committee members without the need for advanced technical expertise; and to
provide flexible presentation of content to meet the requirements of multiple
devices, platforms and systems. We anticipate
that the new site will be tested and approved to
go live by late March or early April.
Tim Westbrook
29th September 2016
ron.orn@xtra.co.nz
Greetings Geraint from down under once
again and congratulations on yet another
interesting and memory stirring issue.
I did read it immediately upon receipt as
usual but time has galloped on me this
time. The first thing to grab me was news
20

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
FAREWELL REMARKS AT THE BANK OF ENGLAND
Dear Geraint
You asked me to send you a copy of my speech on leaving
the Bank of England after a career of nearly 44 years. This
I now do, with slight amendments to remove names of
colleagues who will mean nothing to readers of the Old
Stationer.
To put it into context. I joined the Bank in 1972 on
graduation from Trinity College, Cambridge with a degree
in Economics, having been at Stationers' in 1962-69,
preceded by Stroud Green Primary School. In the Bank I
undertook twenty different jobs over the years, including
studying for an MSc in Accounting and Finance at LSE
and two separate stints in the International Monetary Fund
in Washington DC.
I have lived in Pinner since getting married in 1978, apart
from my time in the USA, during which time we raised
two daughters and a son. My last post with the Bank was
as Agent, ie: representative in South West England, as a
result of which we acquired a second home in Shepton
Mallet, Somerset - where I had the privilege of a visit from
you a few years ago on one of your many geographical
tours.
Another connection with you, of course, was that my
second daughter attended Nower Hill High School while
you were teaching there and Simon Hensby, a former
Stationers' teacher, was Headmaster. And to complete the
circle of coincidence, the boy next to whom I sat in my first
year at Stationers' Stephen Chaudoir was for seven years
Headmaster of Whitstone High School in Shepton Mallet,
shortly before I took up residence there. It's a small world
if you're a Stationer, wherever you may roam!
Best wishes
Stephen Collins
So the time has come to say farewell after 43-and-a-half years.
I am delighted to see so many people here from all phases of my
bank career. You may recall what Yogi Berra said: "Always go to
other people's funerals, otherwise they won't come to yours."
Mutatis mutandis, I have been to lots of leaving parties in the
Bank over the years, and I have invited many of the survivors. Of
course, many colleagues are present, and I have tried to include
all current employees with whom I have worked closely over the
years. And I would also like to welcome a number of good
contacts from the South West who have made the arduous
journey up to the City. I owe them a lot for the time and advice
that they have given me over the past five years.
I like looking for symmetry and parallels, and so I am struck that
seven months after my birth in July 1951, the King died and the
Queen ascended the throne; and eight months after I joined the
Bank in October 1972, Leslie O'Brien stood down as Governor
and Gordon Richardson, who was to play a big part in my life at
a later stage, took over. Moreover, the room on the second floor
where my current parent division is located is the very room
where I started in my first job in the Gold and Foreign Exchange
Office and two-and-a-half months after I entered the Bank, the
UK joined what was then known as the EEC; it would be an
irony - dare I say, a sad irony - if we were effectively to leave one
week before I retire – or, as a friend put it, if Brexit were to
coincide with Scexit.
In my time here, I have done 20 different jobs, and spent about
12 years working outside this building including two spells at the
IMF in Washington, a year at LSE, and my most recent few
years based in Exeter. So the career variety promised when I was
being recruited from Cambridge has been amply delivered and I
have worked under six Governors.
Incidentally, in an article published in 1988 in the now defunct
Old Lady magazine, I predicted that, for reasons so convoluted
that if I had to explain them you would never understand, there
would never be another Governor whose surname began with C
or ended with N. And so it proved until Mr Carney's appointment
in 2013. There aren't many Bank forecasts that survive intact for
25 years.
I wondered how to encapsulate such a long career without
inducing a catatonic trance in all of you. I decided to approach it
through the prism of three remarkable people for whom I
worked directly.
The first is Eddie George, whom I first encountered in 1975
when I was working in what was called the Overseas Office on
global macro-economic monitoring and forecasting. He had just
returned from being secretary of the IMF's Committee of
Twenty. He already had a stellar reputation in the Bank. He was
a ferociously hard worker, but he also had a lighter side. For
example, he organised a table-tennis competition during our tea
breaks in the Bank's luncheon club over the road in King's Arms
Yard - in those days, we not only had tea breaks, but had tea
tickets to pay for the tea.
I probably saw even more of Eddie, who was by then Governor,
in the four years I spent between 1994 and 1998 working on euro
preparations. I would go with him every month to the meetings
in Frankfurt of the Council of the European Monetary Institute,
the forerunner of the European Central Bank; and I would also
go monthly to the Monetary Committee in Brussels. Whatever
you might think of the euro or ECB policy, the technical
preparations were a mighty achievement, building a new currency
and central bank from scratch. And I think it fair to say that the
Bank of England played a disproportionate part in that
preparatory work, which permeated throughout this organisation
and indeed the City as a whole; and a lot of that is down to the
influence which Eddie wielded on the EMI Council.
The second name I want to mention is Gordon Richardson,
Governor in 1973-83. In 1979 the Parliamentary Select
Committee on the Treasury was established, and I was asked to
co-ordinate the Bank's evidence to its first inquiry, which was
into monetary policy. This involved reporting on all the evidence
hearings, which included many of the leading economists of the
day, and also assembling our response to a large questionnaire. I
hope that it is still in the archives, because it summarised the
received wisdom of the Bank in those pre-inflation-targeting
days on what monetary policy was supposedly all about. And it
was through that role, which involved arranging briefing for the
Governor's own evidence hearings, that I crossed Gordon
Richardson's radar, and found myself joining his private office in
August 1980 rather than remaining in the Gilt-Edged Division
which I had very recently joined. When I voiced doubts to Eddie
about accepting the transfer because our first child was due that
21

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
very month, he replied that in his experience the best place to be
for the first three months of a baby's life was out of the house.
Anyway, it was a fascinating three years working for a highly
cultivated and superbly well-connected gentleman of the old
school, who was equally at home with members of the Royal
Family, Cabinet Ministers, City grandees, and intellectuals of the
calibre of Isaiah Berlin. Economics was not his strong point, but
that was more than compensated by his handling of City affairs,
particularly the secondary banking crisis of 1973-5 and the Latin
American debt crisis that began in 1982. I was in the office in
August of that year when Paul Volcker, Chairman of the Federal
Reserve, telephoned from Washington to say that Mexico was on
the brink of default. That was the prologue to what became the
most serious post-War banking crisis until 2008. And it was
because of my familiarity with those events that I was selected in
1983 to be Personal Assistant to Jacques de Larosiere, Managing
Director of the International Monetary Fund.
He is the third of my trio of inspirational bosses. A typical
Enarque, brilliant, austere on the outside, relaxed and witty
privately, he was without question the most outstanding
Managing Director the IMF has had. The trio of Volcker,
Larosiere and Richardson, together with Fritz Leutwiler at the
Bank for International Settlements in Basel, saved the western
banking system in the 1980s. It was very exciting to be involved
in all of that.
I got myself reasonably fluent in French before going out to the
Fund; but when I arrived Larosiere told me that my job was to
help him with his English, and it was not for him to help me
with my French. In that connection, he was often puzzled as to
why we say, for example, "make the bed" but "do the shopping",
so I wrote him a limerick to elucidate his predicament. Since I
failed to do a rap for my recent final presentation to the
Monetary Policy Committee, I thought I'd inflict my poem on
this captive audience instead:
It is certainly very rare
To find a Frenchman who could care
About the distinctive break
Between "to do" and "to make"
'Cos the French simply make-do with faire.
It would be a cruel and unusual punishment if I were to carry on
reminiscing. I have had to be highly selective, so see my memoirs
if you want to know, for example, about life on the Board of the
IMF in my second stint there; what it was like to be in
Washington on 9/11, or in London on 7/7 just weeks after I
became Head of Business Continuity in the Bank; not to
mention the last few years as the Bank's agent for South West
England.
The Bank has changed enormously since I joined, but not out of
all recognition. It has slimmed down considerably, from nearly
nine thousand staff to fewer than four thousand now, having
been under two thousand at one point. We still have the Sports
Club at Roehampton, of which I have happy memories from the
early years of tennis matches on summer evenings after work.
But gone are tea tickets, carbon copies, typing pools, overstaffing
especially in HR, let alone cheap mortgages, personal
bank accounts (shortly) and final salary pensions. And of course
there was no e-mail. It is a different world. But the Bank remains
a beacon of propriety, integrity and excellence: the still point of
the turning world. I have always been proud to work for the
Bank, but, in my most recent role as a regional representative,
never more so than now.
My final words are of thanks to my wife Lindsay and children for
their support, and tolerance of long periods of absence and
irregular hours over many years. Thanks also to the powers-thatbe
for this lovely party. And, again, thanks to all of you for
coming this evening.
Stephen Collins
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AND A MASTER OF THE STATIONERS’ COMPANY
Benjamin Franklin is well known as the man who drew
electricity from a thunderstorm using a tethered kite. He is also
well recognised as one of the Founding Fathers of the American
nation, and his image regularly gazes on those fortunate enough
to possess a fistful of one hundred dollar bills. William Strahan
is less well known. He was born in Edinburgh in April 1715,
receiving an education at the city’s Royal High School, and
subsequently apprenticed as a journeyman printer. Strahan
moved to London eventually becoming a very successful printer
and publisher. He published the works of many eminent
individuals including the philosopher David Hume, the historian
Edward Gibbon, the economist Adam Smith and was notably
the primary publisher of Samuel Johnson’s, A Dictionary of the
English Language. He was also the publisher of The London
Chronicle and Public Advertiser. In 1770 he purchased a share
of the King’s printing patent office, and in 1774 he became
Master of The Stationers’ Company. He was successively the MP
for Malmesbury and then Wootton Bassett.
How was it then that these two printers, on opposite sides of the
Atlantic Ocean, came to know one another? It all started from
the rather humdrum process of business. Benjamin Franklin was
the proprietor of several successful printing businesses in the
American colonies. He wished to expand but needed an
experienced printer to act as a foreman in the new enterprise.
James Read, a relative of Franklin’s, had been in London and
learnt from Strahan that he was recommending one of his
journeyman printers, David Hall, for an improved position
within the trade. On 10 July 1743 Franklin wrote to Strahan
acknowledging the recommendation and offering to discuss a
position for David Hall. Franklin very generously offered Hall
twelve months work, and his passage back to England if Hall
then wished to return. On 4 July 1744 Franklin wrote to Strahan
informing him that David Hall had arrived two weeks previously.
In the same letter he also asked Strahan to be his... Friend in
London whose judgement I could depend upon to send me from
time to time such new Pamphlets as are worth reading... Strahan
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T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
would regularly send reports of the proceedings in the British
Parliament which Franklin published in his newspaper the
Pennsylvania Gazette. So began a friendship which was to last
for the rest of their lives, surviving even the traumatic and
divisive events of the American War of Independence.
Writing on 17 April 1745, Franklin asked Strahan to dispatch
three hundred books to him covering such topics as vocabulary,
grammar, Latin and navigation. Some or all of these may have
been intended for the first American subscription lending library
which Franklin founded in 1731. It became The Library
Company of Philadelphia, with the motto Communiter Bona
profundere Deum est (To pour forth benefits for the common
good is divine). He got this idea when he had been lodging next
to Wilcox’s bookshop in London, when he was a young man.
Wilcox had lent him books for a nominal sum. Strahan was not
the only friend that Franklin had in London. He had become
friends with Peter Collinson, a London Quaker mercer and
merchant by means of one of those networks of friends and
acquaintances that Franklin was so good at creating, as well as
exploiting for his own purposes. Back in 1727 Franklin and some
friends had formed the Leather Apron Club, or Junto, for the
purpose of self improvement. One of the members, Joseph
Breintnall, was a Quaker scrivener who eventually became
Secretary to the Library Company. Presumably through the
Quaker connection Peter Collinson became the agent for the
Library Company in the 1730s. He purchased books for the
Library Company and was a generous benefactor both to that
organisation and for Franklin’s experiments with electricity. In a
letter to Strahan, dated 11 December 1745, Franklin asked him to
help Collinson in sending books to America. As with William
Strahan, Peter Collinson was to become a significant member of
Franklin’s circle of London friends.
The friendship between Franklin and Strachan deepened. On 25
September 1746 Franklin wrote thanking William Strahan and
his family for your great kindness to our daughter. Presumably
this was a note of thanks for a gift to Sally for her birthday on 11
September. At the beginning of 1747 Franklin wrote to the
Strahans sending them every good wish for the New Year.
Strahan used his friendship with Franklin to pursue an unpaid
debt. James Read, a relative of Franklin’s and the man who had
first brought Franklin into contact with Strahan, had purchased
goods from Strahan to the value of £131 16s 4d. Even after the
elapse of three years the bill had not been settled. Frustrated by
Read’s financial lethargy Strahan, on 2 September 1748, gave
Franklin Power of Attorney to collect the debt. Despite Franklin’s
urging the debt remained unpaid until, in 1771, Strahan
appointed an attorney, Thomas Wharton, to frighten Read into
settling the debt. Franklin advised Read to start paying some
money with the result that £60 was sent to Strahan. Unfortunately
Read’s disinclination to settle the bill in total drifted on for over
twenty years. Even at the time of Read’s death in 1794 the
balance of the debt was still unsettled.
However 1748 was to be a turning point in the professional
career of Benjamin Franklin. His foreman, David Hall,
recommended by Strahan, had made such a good job of his work
at Franklin’s Philadelphia printing house that Benjamin decided
to take him on as a partner. The arrangement worked very well:
during the first nine years of their partnership Hall’s payments to
Franklin amounted to £6056 5s 3¾ d. The partnership also
proved to be a watershed in
Franklin’s life. Relieved of the
burden of the day-to-day
management of his printing
business, Franklin was able to
devote more time to his
scientific, political and civic
interests. On 23 October
1749 Franklin wrote to
Strahan expressing the hope
that the British Government
would soon pay his son
William for military service
in Albany during 1747 to
1748. He also intimated that James Read had moved into a
house of cheaper rent, hoping, as it turned out fruitlessly, that the
latter would soon discharge his debt to Strahan. Franklin also
wrote about his involvement in a project for the education of
youth in Pennsylvania. These proposals soon turned into an
academy which became known as the University of Pennsylvania
in 1791. Franklin also signified his desire to return to England, a
wish that was not to be fulfilled until 1757.
Writing on 2 June 1750 Franklin made reference to Strahan’s
holiday in Scotland, and how appealing it sounded to him. He
also commented that the citizens of London seemed to be
obsessed with making money, which does seem a little odd for a
man who had accumulated enough wealth to retire in middle
age. Franklin also made a playful reference to his son in law, by
whom he meant Strahan’s ten year old son William. Both men
entertained the whimsical notion that William and Sally would
one day marry one another, though it never happened. In a letter
of 6 December 1750 Franklin informed Strahan that his son
William was studying law and asked Strahan to enter William’s
name in the Inns of Courts, where William hoped to complete
his studies.
The cordiality between Benjamin Franklin and William Strahan
extended to other members of their families. On 24 December
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T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
1751 Franklin’s wife Deborah wrote to Strahan’s wife Margaret
to ask her husband to send some books for the Franklin’s eightyear-old
daughter Sarah, known as Sally. Deborah also included
news about David Hall and his wife who was expecting a child.
Some years later William Strahan tried to persuade Deborah to
come to England to join Benjamin, who was acting as a
representative for the interests of the colony of Pennsylvania.
Unfortunately Deborah had a rather morbid fear of the sea and
was never persuaded to leave America.
On 20 June 1752 Franklin wrote to Strahan to urge him to be
cautious in his dealings with New England booksellers because
of their reputation for being dilatory in the settlement of their
bills. He advised Strahan to conduct such business on a cashonly
basis. On 7 August 1752 Franklin asked Strahan to assist
Mathias Harris, a gentlemen of Maryland, during the latter’s stay
in London. He followed it up with a letter the following day
advising Strahan to obtain immediate payment for any books
that Harris might wish to purchase. On 18 April 1754 Franklin
refers to the loss of some items during shipment, but assures
Strahan not to concern himself over them because they were but
a trifle. Indeed he thanked Strahan for never charging him
commission for all the services he had rendered to him. In the
same letter he asked Strahan not to sell too many books to
Franklin’s nephew Benjamin Mecom, who was setting up in
business as a printer and bookseller. Franklin feared that the
young man might over extend himself financially. He suggested
that Strahan should limit his credit to Mecom to £50.
Writing on 31 January 1757, Franklin expressed his pleasure that
Strahan’s son William (Billy) was making such good progress in
the world of business. He intimated that the Pennsylvania
Assembly intended to send him to London to act as their agent
in pursuing their interests with respect to the Proprietors (i.e. the
Penn family) of Pennsylvania and the British Government.
Franklin wrote rather humorously : Then look out sharp and if
an old fat fellow should come to your printing house and request
a little smouting (part-time work) depend upon it, ‘tis your
affectionate friend and humble servant. Thus the scene was set
for the encounter between two men who had exchanged over
sixty letters, yet never met one another.
Franklin sailed across the Atlantic in the summer of 1757, almost
being shipwrecked on the Scilly Isles after avoiding a French
privateer in the fog. He wrote to his wife: Were I a Roman
Catholic, perhaps I should on this occasion vow to build a chapel
to a saint. But as I am not, if I were to vow at all, it should be to
build a lighthouse. Franklin, now fifty one, arrived in London in
July with his son William, aged twenty six. They were accompanied
by two slaves who had been their household servants. They were
met by Peter Collinson who put Franklin and his son up in the
former’s stately home in Hertfordshire, which is now the site of
Mill Hill School. William Strahan, and other mutual friends,
were soon invited to join them. After a few days Franklin found
accommodation in a four storey house in Craven Street, quite
near to Whitehall. There was room for him to continue his
electricity experiments. His landlady was a middle-aged widow
named Margaret Stevenson, and she and her daughter Polly
became his surrogate family in London.
On 13 December 1757 William Strahan wrote a very long letter
to Franklin’s wife Deborah. He praised her as the esteemed wife
of such an eminent man as Benjamin Franklin. He urged her to
come to England, pointing out that Franklin was much admired
by many of the ladies in their social circle. He commented I
think you should come over with all convenient speed to look
after your interest but added that Benjamin was faithful as any
man breathing. He also thought that Sally Franklin would be
delighted to visit London. Recognising Deborah’s fear of
travelling by sea, Strahan assured her that there has not a soul
been lost between Philadelphia and this (London) or not one
ship taken by the enemy. Despite Strahan’s persuasive appeal to
her, Deborah declined to travel, never setting foot in England.
Franklin’s remit from the Pennsylvania Assembly was to negotiate
with the British government to get more powers for the
Assembly. He was also charged with trying to persuade the Penn
family, the True and Absolute Proprietaries to limit their power
of veto in such matters as the Assembly’s right to appoint
commissioners to deal with the Indians. Another sore point was
the Penn family’s reluctance to pay taxes, part of which would be
used in funding a militia to defend their lands from the French
and their Indian allies. Franklin came up against a metaphorical
brick wall in both these endeavours. However he was well
experienced in using the press to pursue his campaigns. Writing
anonymously in Strahan’s paper, the London Chronicle, he
decried the actions of the Penns as being contrary to the interests
of Britain.
Franklin had come to England as a firm supporter of the British
Empire. His deep seated wish was to achieve the same
Parliamentary representation for his fellow American colonialists,
that was enjoyed by the subjects of the Crown in Britain.
Somewhat thwarted in achieving his objectives Franklin decided
to use some of his time visiting Scotland. His good friend
William Strahan, and fellow scion of Edinburgh, the Royal
Physician Sir John Pringle, provided ample letters of introduction
to interesting and notable personalities north of the border.
Franklin and his son William stayed at the manor house of Sir
Alexander Dick, a noted physician and scientist. Here they were
introduced to some of the cream of the Scottish Enlightenment:
the economist Adam Smith, the historian Lord Kames and the
philosopher David Hume. Franklin subsequently developed a
regular correspondence with Hume. Franklin was invested with
an honorary doctorate by the University of St Andrew’s during
his stay in Scotland. A plaque commemorating Benjamin
Franklin was placed at St Andrew’s University by representatives
of the Daughters of the American Revolution on 30 October
2002. The Franklins also stayed with Lord Kames. Benjamin
enjoyed riding round Lord Kames’ estate with him, discussing
matters as diverse as farming, science and history, as well as the
need to maintain control of Canada, a recent addition to the
British Empire. While returning from Scotland to London
Franklin wrote to Lord Kames on 3 January 1760. He expressed
his great admiration of Scotland, describing his visit as six weeks
of the densest happiness.
During Franklin’s long stay in England relations between the
American colonies and the British Government deteriorated.
The imposition of the Stamp Act on printed matter, its repeal
followed by the imposition of further trading restrictions
inevitably led to the American War of Independence. Franklin
and Strahan found themselves on opposite sides in the dispute.
At one stage Franklin penned a letter to Strahan declaring that
they could no longer be friends, but were enemies. Fortunately
commonsense prevailed in the cold light of day, so Franklin did
not send the letter. If he had it would have been the end of one
of the finest long standing friendships of the age.
Nigel Wade
24

EXCURSION TO SCOTLAND:
ABERDEENSHIRE TO SKYE
At the end of July 2016, there appeared to be an opportunity
to visit Scotland, which is at least a once a year event, to see
some of the finest scenery of the British Isles. Starting from
North Seaton, Northumberland it was decided, rather than
take the A1 north, to join the further inland A697 from
Morpeth to Wooler. This road is a very pleasant journey and
the amount of traffic decreases as one travels north. On a clear
day, Cheviot is to be seen to the west, reminding one of the
last section of the 270 miles of the Pennine Way from Edale
to Kirk Yetholm.
Passing through this very beautiful county of Northumberland
for around fifty miles of the first part of the journey we have
skirted Chillingham Castle, the home of the White Cattle, a
very rare breed while the model village of Ford and Lady
Waterford Hall are interesting locations to the east and the
site of the battlefield of Flodden near Branxton village lying
to the west, as we approach Cornhill on Tweed. Cornhill
serves good refreshment in the Village Shop. The Tweed itself
is crossed soon after leaving Cornhill forming the border of
England and Scotland, before we arrive in Coldstream.
Literally just over the Tweed, one enters the main street, now
the A698, which we joined at Cornhill, with one or two cafes,
or the Hirsel and Golf Club provide refreshment.
Soon, the right fork off the A698, picks up the continuation
of the A697 which follows a more WNW direction.
Interestingly most of the roads in this wide Tweed valley
follow a SSW to ENE direction in parallel lines, with many
places of interest to explore like the houses of Manderston,
Mellerstain and Paxton House and castles along the Tweed
like Floors at Kelso and Norham and Smailholm. However,
on this occasion, traversing this undulating area of large green
fields of cattle and sheep at sixty miles an hour we pass
through Greenlaw and small hamlets by the roadside before
reaching Lauder and the A68. Turning north on to the A68,
another road coming from south of the Border, surprisingly,
we climb steeply over Headshaw Hill before arriving in
Pathhead and dropping down towards Edinburgh. The
southern bypass, the A720 takes one around this capital city
with views of Arthur’s Seat to the north and confined by the
Pentland Hills to the south.
Joining the A720 going west short sections of the M8 and M9
will lead one to the A90 and the Forth Road Bridge, which
was opened in 1964. Going north over the present bridge one
espied the towers and sections of the new roadway, yet
incomplete, being built along side on the western side for an
entirely new bridge over the Forth. This is due to open in May
2017. To the east, there is the wonderful view of the Forth
Railway Bridge now a World Heritage Site. A spectacular
sight between the two present bridges is to be seen from the
B924 in the town of Queensferry. After crossing the Firth of
Forth and following the M90 north for four miles, the A92
was taken east to Glenrothes, once a New Town. Continue
north to the A912 turning northwest to the small town of
Falkland. Here is to be found Falkland Palace where the first
visit of the day was planned. James IV and James V of
Scotland transformed the old castle into a beautiful royal
T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
AS FAR AS YOU ROAM
palace, between 1501 and 1541. Mary, Queen of Scots, was
born here to James V. After the Union of 1606, Kings James
VI, Charles I and Charles II all visited Falkland. In 1887 John,
Marquis of Bute purchased the estates of Falkland and started
a restoration for 20 years. At that time the palace was a ruin
with no windows or doors. In 1952, the National Trust for
Scotland took over the property. The gardens of the Palace
greatly enhance this property. Falkland is a delightful small
town on the eastern edge of the Lomond Hills and well worth
a visit.
After visiting the Palace, the journey was continued north on
the A912 to the Bridge of Earn and to Perth, a fine city to
tarry a while! Here the A9 was joined to complete the first
day’s destination at Dunkeld, which was the sojourn for a few
days with friends, James and Frances Forshaw. Dunkeld is a
small, but very attractive town in the valley of Strath Tay now
bypassed by the A9. On my first visit here in 1964, hitchhiking
around Scotland, the original A9 came through the village of
Birnam, mentioned in Shakespeare, and crossed the bridge
over the Tay and went along the main street. The location of
our friends’ dwelling was raised above the valley with a very
good view of Dunkeld Cathedral.
The two settlements of Dunkeld and Birnam are both worth
a visit, even an overnight’s stay. After lunch a stroll was taken
along the tree lined banks of the Tay on a very pleasant
afternoon. The next morning we drove into Dunkeld to visit
the attractive square just off the main street and walked to see
the Cathedral itself. Much of it is a ruin but there is a part that
is very well preserved and used for worship and services. After
a coffee in one of a number of pleasant coffee shops to be
found, the departure for Aberdeenshire took place. The A923
was taken, climbing the hill north east from Dunkeld passing
Loch of Lowes and two more lochs before arriving in
Blairgowrie where a short stop was made to visit the tourist
board.
Crossing the River Ericht, and passing through Rattray on the
other side of the river, now the A93, Perth to Aberdeen, was
the route north, the beginning of one of the attractive journeys
leading to the more northern part of Scotland and one of the
few crossings of the mountains, called the Grampians, that
dominate the central massif, north of the Central Lowlands.
There are only four major routes that actually allow access to
traffic to negotiate this formidable mountain mass from south
to north and three of them involve high passes of over 1500
feet, a hazard that can be a real challenge in winter. The A93
that was now about to be negotiated is one of them! Driving
north, the Spittal of Glenshee, was a short diversion to see
Glenlocksie Lodge, before ascending the Devil’s Elbow to
reach the Cairnwell Pass, over 2000 feet and the area of the
Glenshee Ski Centre.
Now continuing northwards over the Cairnwell, the valley
widened as the descent was made with a large U shaped valley
giving evidence that this valley and the whole area had been
glaciated during the Ice Age, more than 10,000 years ago.
With little evidence of habitation over the last 15 miles, the
first settlement of any size came into view, Braemar, well
known in Scotland for its Highland Games and Castle. It is
also the approach from the south of that part of the
Grampians to the Cairngorms and the Cairngorm National
25

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
Park, where the counties of Highland, Moray and
Aberdeenshire meet. A lunch stop was made in Braemar,
before an exploration of Braemar Castle for a first visit.
Braemar Castle was built in 1628, with the lands around the
castle owned by the Earls of Mar. It was the 18th Earl of Mar,
John Erskine that built the Castle in a commanding position
overlooking the River Dee. It is described as a fortified tower
house. It is the possession of the chief of Clan Farquharson.
Leaving Braemar, the A93 now follows the famous River Dee
all the way to the city of Aberdeen. The next part of today’s
journey was to travel along the upper part of the Dee Valley
for just over 20 miles. This valley is covered with grass or
woodland, and particularly woodland on the south side as one
approaches Balmoral Castle, which is unable to be seen from
the road. Approaching Crathie, the B976 goes north to join
the A939 to Tomintoul, another wonderful excursion towards
Grantown on Spey which allows access to the North of the
Grampians but only when one has negotiated the Lecht Pass
at over 2000 feet after passing Corgarff Castle! However, the
route on this occasion is to continue a little further on the A93
to the small town of Ballater - an attractive designed town
with a number of places to stay.
The Dee Valley is one of the gems of travel in Scotland but on
this trip the route took us further north joining the A97 from
Dinnet and travelling for 26 miles to Mossat, passing first
Glenbuchat Castle and then the more well known Kildrummy
Castle and Garden, the latter worth a visit. Alford is the only
place of any size here and is situated on the River Don, a valley
far less well known than the aforementioned Dee, yet both
have their estuaries in Aberdeen, the Don in the north of the
City. It was in this less well frequented Don Valley that we
were to stay for a couple of days near a village outside the
town of Inverurie, called Burnhervie. Broadsea Farm was our
B&B stay, selected from a good booklet ‘Stay on a Farm’
which is to be recommended for this type of accommodation!
Broadsea is a 200 acre farm on the outskirts of the village and
proved to be very comfortable indeed. That evening our
hostess had booked a meal for us in Kemnay, a few miles
south.
The next day, the idea was to visit one or two castles in this
part of Aberdeenshire where there are so many castles in very
close proximity, some more well known than others. The
journey for the day started in the town of Inverurie on the
main route from Aberdeen to Inverness, the A96, where a
short promenade of the town started with a cup of coffee.
Having been on previous occasions to the castles to the south
nearer the Dee, for example, Castle Fraser, Drum, Crathes,
and Craigevar, the idea was to travel a little further north, to
the town of Oldmeldrum, passing Tolquohn Castle, off the
beaten track but formerly visited as the well laid out
Pitmedden Gardens, on the A920 to Ellon. The A947 from
Oldmeldrum runs north to the small town of Turriff about 17
miles and eleven miles further north on the same road, one
ends up on the coast in Banff. This time the visit is just three
miles from Turriff at the less well known Delgatie Castle,
some couple of miles into the countryside.
It was originally an 11th century castle that was rebuilt in the
16th century, 1570-1589 The invention of the siege gun made
necessary greater fortifications so the building that was rebuilt
in 1570 produced thick walls of 8-16 feet. However, after the
Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, the castle was given to Clan
Hay. Mary, Queen of Scots, was a guest at the castle in 1562,
Fyvie Castle
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T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
after the Battle of Corrichie. The house was restored in the
1950s by Captain Hay who wrote most of the castle’s
information boards. The café provided light lunches while we
were present.
The return was along the same A947 south, following the
River Ythan to Fyvie. Here is Fyvie Castle which is very
impressive indeed, originally built in the 13th century. The
colour of the outside walls and its size give a real impression
of grandeur. Charles 1st lived there as a child. After the Battle
of Otterburn in 1390, the castle ceased to be a royal
stronghold. Five families lived in succession in the castle and
each added a new tower to the castle. The National Trust
bought the castle in 1984.
Both of these castles of Aberdeenshire were very good visits
indeed and very different, giving a good contrast when visiting
them on the same day. The return was to Inverurie and then
once more following the Valley of the Don upstream via
Burnhervie and beyond Blairdaff along the lonely wooded
minor road overlooking the Don towards Keig. Before
reaching Keig and the B 992, there is a cottage in the woods
where two good artist friends live, Jim and Winnie. We once
met in the Massif Central in France, many years ago. It has
been a pilgrimage to Aberdeenshire to see them for many a
year and at the same time to visit so many places of variety in
this part of Scotland with so many interesting historic edifices
in such close proximity. After a lovely meal and good
conversation we returned to Broadsea for a second night.
The next day after breakfast we took our leave from Broadsea
and climbed up over Garioch with wonderful views of
Bennachie, before arriving in the hamlet of Chapel of Garioch
and going to visit the Pitcaple Project where there was a coffee
shop and many snacks and meals served. Our route was now
westwards towards Aviemore.
The chosen route was first along the A96 to the B9002 to
reach Insch, a small town on the railway from Aberdeen to
Inverness. On reaching the A97, there was a short journey to
Rhynie to take the A Road west, the A941, which on
commencing and following west for a few miles, looked least
like an A road that I had ever seen or travelled along. First the
width of the road surprised me and then the nature of the
quality of the so called A941! There was the B9002 further
south which may have been a better quality route! However
passing over the watershed we did seem to drop down to a
better surface as we reached Cabrach and Inverharroch and
made our way north towards Dufftown. Well what a road but
what a surprise as I had never used this road ever before! One
highlight on the road besides the scenery was the sight of
Auchindoun Castle, an isolated stronghold of the 1400s in a
wonderful setting, espied on travelling north on the A941,
approaching Dufftown, where the Glenfiddich Distillery is
located.
Dufftown stands on a hill and the travel continued on to
Craigellachie where we joined the A95 going in a south
westerly direction, first to the town of Charlestown of
Aberlour, with its wide street and we are now in the valley of
Strath Spey. This is an area with a concentration of distilleries,
including, Glenfarclas, Glenlivet, Craggenmore and Cardhu.
Nearby is also the very attractive Ballindalloch Castle which
is well worth a visit as it is a very comfortable castle and the
family home of the Macpherson-Grants since 1546. It is also
referred to as ‘the pearl of the north’. This family founded the
famous Aberdeen Angus cattle. Ballindalloch itself also has a
whisky distillery!
Beside all the attractions of Speyside mentioned, this valley is
most attractive to the tourist and from Ballindalloch, the A95
continues to Grantown on Spey, a model town in the shape of
a rectangle in the centre and a good place to tarry a while for
refreshment. Continuing the journey on the A95, the road
continues up the Spey Valley to Aviemore, one of the ski
centres of the Grampians and a town that has grown over the
years with an increasing number of hotels and guest houses.
Besides the marvellous excursion selected for our route today,
the purpose of our travail is not now so far away. The minor
road east of Aviemore takes us past Loch Morlich and into
the edge of the Cairngorm Mountains. Here, at the end of the
road is the Cairngorm Mountain Railway which opened in
2001 and the highest railway in the United Kingdom, which
runs for two kilometres through the Cairngorm Ski area.
Years ago, I had been on top of Cairngorm and walked from
Cairngorm across the highland plateau to Ben Macdui on a
glorious summer’s day, a fairly easy summit walk at an altitude
above 4000 feet.
Funicular Railway
The experience here in July 2016 was very different. Having
gone up on the funicular train, we were disgorged into a café
and there were some areas where you could go outside to have
limited views on the west side of the mountain. There was no
access to join a path that was close to complete the climb to
the plateau top that was probably a few hundred feet higher.
It does tell you this before you embark on the journey!
However, to be critical of any tourist attraction you have to
test it first! Can you imagine any tourist attraction in
Switzerland, Austria, Italy or France being built with such
constraints for tourists? In my experience of the countries
visited above I have never come across such a situation! There
is a note that I have espied ‘Cairngorm in walkers’ trial – BBC
News 7th July 2010 – Cairngorm funicular railway passengers
are to be allowed to walk from the top station on to the
mountain.
The trip was interesting and you have to visit such features
before one can actually comment on the experience. How
many other Old Stationers have experienced this particular
tourist attraction?
The return by car was downhill to Glenmore and to Aviemore
now to join the A9 north to the environs of Inverness. The
journey to our destination was about forty miles. The old road
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Cawdor Castle
was taken into Carrbridge, now bypassed by the A9 and then
up over the Slochd Summit on the A9, sometimes a problem
in winter snows, and then downhill past Loch Moy to the
A96 from Inverness. The accommodation for the night was
Eiland View, Westhill near Milton in a B&B that had a
magnificent view of the Moray Firth. Another booklet which
is very useful for B&Bs in this part of the world is ‘Scotland’s
Best’.
This day proved to be very interesting as the journey from
Rhynie to Dufftown was a first! The valley of Strathspey, the
A95 from Charlestown of Aberlour to Aviemore is a
wonderful trip with Ballindalloch Castle a great visit. No
shortage of distilleries that are wellknown, Glenfiddich in
Dufftown and Glenlivet to name two. The Cairngorm
Funicular Railway near Aviemore is the highest in the UK!
The next day was planned around the area east of Inverness.
The first port of call was the attractive small village of Cawdor
which led to Cawdor Castle and Gardens. On a glorious
morning it was a sight to behold this historic building that
dates from the 14th Century built by the Thanes of Cawdor
as a fortress with an ancient medieval tower. To approach the
castle itself one crosses a drawbridge. With the name of
Macbeth linked to this castle, it is a great draw for visitors
from far and wide. Besides the building there are two gardens
with the lower one having a laburnum arch, most attractive
when in flower.
Moving north west after the visit, refreshment was found at
the Connage Highland Dairy, near Ardesier, where cheese is
made at the Cheese Pantry. This was a very pleasant stop
indeed on the way to a place I had noted many times but never
visited when passing on my way from Inverness on the A96
to Aberdeen. Yes, the next visit was to Fort George on the
peninsula extending out across the Moray Firth, facing
Fortrose on the Black Isle, at the end of the B9006.
Fort George is the largest artillery fortification in Britain and
is a large 18th century fortress, built to pacify the Scottish
Highlands in the aftermath of the Jacobite rising of 1745. The
whole site covers an extremely large area and is the finest
example of 18th century military engineering anywhere in the
British Isles. It is one of three forts, Fort Augustus, Fort
William and Fort George, spanning the Great Glen of Albyn,
which as a Rift Valley formed by a tear fault, cuts the Scottish
Highlands in two from coast to coast from Fort William in
Fort George
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T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
the south west to Inverness and Fort George in the north east.
To help identify the location of the Rift Valley the A82 leaves
Inverness for Fort William along the shores of Loch Ness,
Loch Oich and Loch Lochy. Fort George is an amazing site
for its size and its collection of buildings. Based on a star
design, it is still used as an army barracks, whilst, with exhibits,
also showing the fort’s former use at different periods in its
history.
After the visits in this area, the task of the rest of the day was
to move on to another part of the Highland Region for the
next two days of the excursion. The rest of this trip was to visit
places highlighted on the west coast of Scotland in the
Highland Region. Thus the journey from Inverness was
northwest starting by crossing the Kessock Bridge, the first
bridge built over the mouth of the Beauly Firth opened in
1982 to carry the A9 to the North of Scotland and cutting out
some miles from the original A9 via Dingwall. Soon after
crossing the Kessock Bridge on the A9, at the next major
junction the A835 was taken for the next 35 miles. On
reaching Garve, the scenery changes from the road confined
in a valley accompanied by the train line which goes west to
Lochalsh, to being open country exposed to all the elements
as the road passes Loch Glascarnoch.
Reaching the junction of the A832 we turn west and
immediately there are signs for the Corrieshalloch Gorge
where the River Broom flows downhill to Loch Broom. This
is a very impressive gorge with excellent views of this deep
gorge. There are some quite impressive waterfalls in the upper
parts of the Dundonnell River when it is in spate. The
Dundonnell Hotel is one of the few places for refreshment on
this stretch of road. As approaching Gruinard Bay, the village
of Laide was to be seen on the far side. It did not take long to
locate the Old Smiddy Guest House, Wester Ross, on the side
of the A832 just through the hamlet. That evening our host
drove us down to the Aultbea Hotel for an evening meal
where we were well looked after by the staff.
Next morning the day dawned bright and after a hearty
breakfast we went down to the village shop and post office of
Laide, which is a very good store serving a large disparate area
of isolated houses, hamlets and small settlements. After
collecting the papers the minor road north goes to Mellon
Udrigle where there is a lovely beach. Then returning to Laide
the A832 was taken for a couple of miles west to Drumchork
and Aultbea, the larger settlement. Following this road to the
end one arrives in Mellon Charles. Surprisingly one is amazed
to find a gift shop, café and photographic studio. They also
produce their own fragrances, toiletries and soaps. The café is
called the Aroma Café and the restaurant is in a lovely spot
overlooking the sea and the fare is excellent too; to be
thoroughly recommended and in a wonderful spot. Views of
the Torridon Hills are to be seen to the south.
The rest of the activity of the day involved the exploration of
the minor roads off the A832 between Aultbea and Ullapool.
Many is the time one has travelled this coastal route since
1973 but never really stayed to tarry and explore the minor
roads in this location. A light lunch was taken at the
Dundonnell Hotel before taking off on to the minor road in
Strath Beag, which after leaving the forest, the single track
road climbed the hill to the col before dropping down to
Badrallach on the eastern side of Little Loch Broom. A dead
end one had to drive back to the Ullapool Road. Continuing
the journey east you arrive at the aforementioned
Corrieshalloch Gorge and turn left on to the A835 north,
taking the minor road on the west side of Loch Broom.
Surprising was the number of properties on this side of the
Loch, perched precariously on the steep slopes.
The next visit was to the largest settlement in the area,
Ullapool, a village of around 1500 inhabitants. From here
there is the Caledonian MacBrayne Ferry Service to Stornoway
in Lewis. It is also a busy hotel, guesthouse and B&B town
with the Caledonian being one of the largest. A stroll was
taken through the grid pattern of roads, including the
Harbour. Going early for a meal on the loch side meant we
could start the return journey retracing our steps via the A835
south and the A832. This time there was one road on the
A832, left to be explored going off from Badcaul. Here on this
minor road was another small shop, but the narrow road went
further about two miles to end beyond the small village of
Badluarach. Going down a narrow lane to Little Loch Broom,
it ended at the water side, but what was surprising was the
number of cars parked on the side of the road in every spot
available without an obvious reason, probably about 25-30
vehicles. There is no obvious indication of a ferry across the
water. However, looking across to the other side of Little Loch
Broom, there appeared to be some houses and as one looked
more diligently in the trees and dimming light, one could see
that there was a community there! Yes, Scoraig is a settlement
on a remote peninsula with the only real access by boat from
Badluarach Jetty! Hence there is the reason for all the
aforementioned cars. Not having heard of Scoraig until today,
I found out that it is possible to walk five miles to Scoraig
from Badrallach mentioned earlier in the day. There is even a
primary school there. The population is about 70 people.
The next day after breakfast we took off for yet another
interesting trip, using the A832 again to Aultbea and to Loch
Ewe, passing the Inverewe Gardens just north of Poolewe, a
small village, before continuing to Gairloch, a very popular
holiday place on the coast with a sandy beach. The road
turned inland from Loch Gairloch and with some stretches of
single track the road improved as approaching Loch Maree,
along side of which there is much woodland. Very good views
are to be had of Slioch on the other side of Loch Maree with
the next junction at Kinlochewe. Turn right here and follow
the A896 under the mountain of Beinn Eighe through the
defile of Glen Torridon to reach the sea once more at Upper
Loch Torridon and arrive at the delightful village of Shieldaig
a line of houses along the strand looking out over Loch
Shieldaig.
From here there is a very interesting road following the coast.
The first part has been there for years linking a number of
small settlements along the south side of Loch Torridon.
However, there has not always been a road through to
Applecross until 1975 along the Inner Sound, a stretch of
water that separates the islands of Raasay and Rona from the
mainland. Raasay is an excellent visit from Skye with much
interest and greatly to be recommended. This magnificent
coastal road now goes all the way along the coast to
Applecross, passing through two hamlets, Callakille and
Lonbain. Previously, the access to Applecross was often by
boat. This trip from Shieldaig to Applecross is one of the
highlights of Scotland and we have not completed the circuit
yet!
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Map of Applecross
Approaching Applecross, the Chapel comes into view and
next is Applecross House which has a Walled Garden and
Potting Shed Café and Restaurant where it was decided to
have some lunch and have a walk around the Gardens.
Afterwards, it was a short drive into the village where the
hotel is and locally referred to as The Street, not Applecross.
Applecross refers to the whole of the peninsula or parish
including all the villages and hamlets from Milltown to
Toscaig. A main attraction here is a beach only two miles
distance and with sand sledging and swimming and great for
picnics. The Applecross campsite also provides a café and a
flower tunnel. Only about 200 people live in the whole of this
peninsula which has really only been accessible in the last
forty years!
The departure from the village of Applecross was the only
original route of access to this remote settlement and the one
most people from the south would approach this amazing
location! Travelling east, the road immediately starts to climb
being just over one car width with passing places every so often,
with some steep sections and sharp bends before arriving at the
top of Bealach na Ba, the Pass of the Cattle, at a height of 2,053
feet above sea level and is the most spectacular pass in Scotland.
Here there is a car park and a good viewing place before
making the descent eastwards to Loch Kishorn. The start down
gives magnificent views where one can see the whole route
from the top of the pass to the bottom. On this side there are
a number of very sharp hairpin bends like passes in the Alps as
the descent is made with gradients of one in five, 20%. It is one
of the three highest roads in Scotland. As one reaches below
the hairpin bends there is a good view of the truncated spurs
and the fine ‘U’ shaped valley far below, in the floor of the valley.
Five miles long is the road to take us down to Loch Kishorn.
What an experience!
Arriving at the A896 and turning right the road passes
through the hamlet of Kishorn and on to the village of
Truncated spurs seen on the way
down from the Pass of the Cattle
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T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
Lochcarron named after the Loch of the same name. To
continue on the same road one has to navigate around the
loch, passing the railway station of Strathcarron, on the line
mentioned earlier to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Now on the A890,
this road takes one along the east side of Loch Carron, passing
the original ferry crossing of this loch at Stromeferry, now
defunct. The journey now was to reach the accommodation
for the night by joining the A87 at the end of the A890 and
going east to Kyle of Lochalsh and crossing the bridge to
Kyleakin opened in 1995. The A87 continues to the Isle of
Skye and we stayed for the night on the edge of Broadford.
Well what a feast of exciting places to have visited each day on
this sojourn in Scotland! However, the next day was another
great day to be spent in an another dramatic part of Scotland,
an excursion in the southern part of Skye. This road is not
always selected for those who desire to visit this very
interesting island of considerable size. Today, the route from
Broadford was the B8083 going in a south westerly direction
for 15 miles on a single track road with passing places to
Elgol, the village at the end of the road. The first part of the
road is through Strath Suardal where are some houses and
evidence of farming. The road turns north west and comes to
a viewing point near Torrin. Here is to be found the Blue
Shed Café where coffee was taken, six miles from Broadford.
From the location of the café good views of Loch Slapin are
to be seen and the mountain on the far side of the Loch,
named Blaven or Bla Beinn, towers over 3000 feet and is the
first high mountain seen on this trip in the Cuillin Mountains,
one of many to be seen today. The Blue Shed also sells gifts,
cards and maps. What a wonderful place to tarry a while on
this excursion and get a flavour of the Cuillins.
The minor road continued around the end of Loch Slapin,
passing many fishing boats moored in a sheltered area near
Faoilean. The B road then climbs above the Loch and crosses
the Strathaird Peninsula. A track leaves the road west to
Camasunary, a tiny settlement that is the gateway to the
Cuillins and Bla Bheinn from this side of the Hills. In a
couple of miles it was the end of the road and we had arrived
in Elgol. The road down to the small harbour is steep and
Seals on Loch Scavaig
Bella Jane
being a glorious day many people have arrived to take
advantage of the excursions by boat to different destinations.
Since the early nineties Bella Jane Boat Trips have been
running boat trips. The plan was to take the boat trip across
Loch Scavaig to take the path up to Loch Coruisk surrounded
by the Cuillins. Having booked the boat trip with Bella Jane,
we purchased sandwiches for the trip across the Loch.
The boat left at 12.15pm and one of best days of summer, the
excursion was a treat across Loch Scavaig past the seals
sunning themselves on the rocky islets on approaching our
point of embarkation. The walk up the hill amid the boulders
was a hackneyed path and in thirty minutes the view of Loch
Coruisk came into view surrounded by the slopes of the
mountains that encompassed the loch. Due west from here is
Glenbrittle, at the end of the road that follows the western
side of the Cuillins from north to south, ending up at Loch
Brittle. The return was a walk downhill and the boat journey
back was very pleasant across the bay with only the boat
forming a ripple as the prow cut through the calm sea to the
harbour at Elgol. It had been a wonderful day for this boat trip
to Loch Coruisk.
Time to leave and return from Elgol to Broadford, but not
before calling in the Blue Shed Café for a cup of tea before
starting the journey back to Perthshire, for a final glimpse of
the Cuillins. The return was back over the Skye
Bridge and along the A87 along Loch Alsh to the
point of entering Loch Duich with the imposing
sight of Eilean Donan Castle at Dornie. The A87
continues eastwards along Glen Shiel to reach Loch
Cluanie and the A87 beyond the end of the Loch the
A87 turns south passing Loch Loyne and then skirts
Loch Garry before arriving in Invergarry on the A82.
Fifteen miles along the Great Glen, past Loch Lochy
one reaches Spean Bridge where we travelled on the
A86 to Laggan past the loch of the same name.
South on the A889 to Dalwhinnie and joining the
A9, the main link between Perth and Inverness.
There is only seventeen miles to Bruar where the
former A9, now the old road, the B8079 was taken,
to look for some accommodation for the last evening.
Securing a comfortable night’s accommodation at
the Firs Guesthouse and a meal at the Killiecrankie
Hotel it was a pleasant overnight before the return to
Northumberland.
GP
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A walk through memory lane.
I left Stationers School in 1959 and despite living for a while
in Vallance Road near to Alexandra Palace with views across to
the school I never felt the need to return or attend any Old
Boy functions. Joining the Association in 1986 was as much
about saving an institution and a dislike of local bureaucracy
than anything else. A visit to Winchmore Hill led me past the
playing field and I was sorry to see a branch of a large
supermarket in its place, memories of very cold football games
passed through my mind and the wonderful sports days with a
large pistol as the starting gun - all the birds in the nearby trees
took flight when the gun went off. I read about Stationers Park
and knew it was well regarded locally. My nephew lives in
Crouch End and has been there,with his children but again it
held little attraction for me having much larger parks where I
live and never having a need to visit that part of London.
Recently things changed and I retraced some of my childhood
steps to give added substance to a document I wanted to write.
In October 2011 my 103-year-old aunt died leaving me a
house to clear and papers to organise. I discovered several old
documents that I could not understand and found letters that
made me realize how highly regarded she had been in her life.
I realised that with her death the very little I knew about my
family had vanished. My uncle had written his wartime
memoirs and I knew a little of his history but nothing about
my aunt, much of her life was shrouded in mystery as was to
a lesser extent that of my father and other relatives. I decided
that I would write my life story for my grandchildren starting
with my earliest Memories of the War, very few, and ending
with their arrival.
The project took about a year with frequent stops and starts
especially around some of the personal difficulties that
happened whilst I was at Stationers. My family appeared to
enjoy the results but wanted photographs of Harringay to be
included. I had been back a couple of times in the past but for
some reason the photographs I had taken were not on my
computer so in July of this year I retraced my steps back to my
childhood home.
The first surprise came when I parked my car in Southgate.
My aunt had brought a house in Conway Road back in 1948
and I lived there for a year. The huge garden was much smaller
than I remembered, indeed my St.Albans garden before we
moved was twice the size. At the bus stop in Alderman's Hill
the 29 bus no longer ran from Southgate Station through
Green Lanes to the Salisbury Pub and beyond, instead I
caught the 121 to Turnpike Lane. My next surprise was just
how little had changed along that part of Green Lanes except
that the pub where the North Circular Road crossed Green
Lanes was now some sort of supermarket. I also noticed how
much building has happened since my last visit to the area
back in 2005 when I was part of an Ofsted Inspection team
visiting a local school.
We had moved to Palmers Green in 1957 and it did surprise
me how many of the shops were still there albeit with different
goods for sale. Arriving at Turnpike Lane what a change
awaited me - the tube station was still there but where was the
cinema? The Ritz had gone to make way for a bus garage
whilst the Curzon near Ducketts Common is now a church.
The houses were still as I remembered them and later I was to
see how little had really changed.
I walked along Frobisher Road reliving the memories of my
time at North Harringay Junior and Infant Schools, the
building had hardly changed, the school still looks enormous
with a small playground. I wondered if the roof playground
was still used or has health and safety closed it in case anyone
falls off the roof. I was afraid of heights and never enjoyed
going up there.
I wanted to go in and have a look around but there was no one
about so headed off along what is now Harringay passage, the
alley in my day. I remembered the strange old lady who lived
in the corner house along the alley. There was a shelter in the
garden covered in shells and it featured in the child's book of
the war. She often came out of her garden and shouted at us,
I think we ran past the house to avoid her. I walked through
to 110 Allison Road where I lived for 16 years. It looked run
down with peeling paintwork and cracks in the path to the
door. The small privet hedge had gone and the porch had been
filled in but otherwise structurally it looked almost as I
remembered. I made my presence known but was not invited
in, much to my sorrow, so headed off up the road to where it
joins Wightman Road. Many of the houses were almost as I
remembered from my youth and some were obviously very
well cared for with extensions at the back and modern
windows and doors.
Stopping at the top to admire the view towards Epping Forest
I set off along the road towards Harringay Station. Did I
really cycle up both these roads to get to school? I was given a
cycle as a birthday present when I was 13, it was a "sit up and
beg" type with a chain guard and dynamo. I know I had to get
permission to cycle to school and can remember going down
the road on the way home so fast my school cap fell off. I used
to take it off and put it in my satchel until Mr. Oakley, a new
teacher, spotted me. I got told off but no detention I'm pleased
to recount. Apart from road works it all seemed as I
remembered other than the church near to the station had a
modern extension and I had forgotten about the small parade
of shops before the station.
Reaching the station I decided to walk further and look at
Stationers Park having read so much about it in the Old
Stationer, so I crossed the bridge intending to retrace my path
to Ridge Road and on to the school or at least the park. In a
red - hatched section on the bridge there is a warning"
Maximum of 40 people in the hatched area due to a weak
bridge" and of course now there is no ticket office just
machines. The footpath to Ridge Road is sadly blocked off to
allow for a housing development and I admit to getting
disorientated for a brief while.
By now nostalgia was creeping in - I remembered being sent
home early in the smog probably in 1952 and really not seeing
where I was going. Crossing Wightman Road was very
difficult being unable to see further than about three feet and
with a feeling of being completely alone and how quiet it was
in the smog. Today my grandchildren have no idea what I was
writing about. We also watched the last steam trains along the
line from the path.
Finally I was at the site of the school and saw at first hand the
park that had replaced it along with the houses on the flat part
where the main building stood. It was a strange feeling
standing there remembering the old building that loomed
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T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
above me on my first day when I came with a friend from
Turnpike Lane rather than Whiteman Road, my normal
route. Despite being sad that the old building was no longer
there I was very impressed with the park, the layout and sat in
the sun having a coffee break admiring the organisation of the
park and playground. I spoke to a mother with her children
whilst I was there and realised that they had no notion as to
why the park has its name. She was however very pleased that
her son goes to the primary school on the old site of Hornsey
High School. She said how much she and her family enjoy the
park and come here to meet friends and play especially in the
summer. It's a pity there is not a board giving details as to why
the park has its name and the association with the school.
Slightly dozing in the warm sun I conjured up mental visions
of the playground precarious and the rule about not going
onto the top playground. Racing dinky toys along the bottom
playground came to mind, mine are long gone - sitting and
talking to friends as well as tripping on ice and falling flat.
I can still recall lining up on the playground to go in for school
dinner and how pleased I was to go into the 6th form and bring
sandwiches. It was inevitable that the school would close and
be pulled down but I admit to being impressed with the park
and the way it was organised - a small jewel in the area and one
to be savoured and respected. Memories of the school came
flooding back, the famous production of "Cakes and Ale", some
of the teachers who influenced me and showed remarkable
patience and kindness during a very difficult personal time in
my school life and of course the school song. I still have a metal
ash tray I made at the school for my father although I have
never smoked, my grandchildren are surprised that I made it
and often admire the cat that is fixed to the bottom.
By now it was time to be setting off back to Southgate, my car
and home. I walked along Green Lanes taking some more
photographs on the way and stopping to go into my
grandfather's old shop on the corner of Allison Road. In his
time it was a newsagents and now it sells very attractive
looking cakes. It was fun to see what had changed and what
was still the same. Most of the shops were different but look
up and all was as it used to be above the shop fronts.
The Salisbury Pub still appears to attract customers and the
post office still occupies the same site, sadly the old cinema,
known as "The Flea Pit" has gone to be replaced by offices. A
quick look around Ducketts Common and it was then back to
Southgate. Travelling through Wood Green I was surprised at
the many changes that had taken place to the shops and the
development of what I believe is now Shopping City but also
the air of neglect that ran throughout the area. Lots of
building development was also a surprise and I had forgotten
the small park after Wood Green Station.
It had been an interesting morning, reminding me of a life
that had disappeared long ago for me. Having finally left
London in 1967 to live in St. Albans where we got married we
have been there ever since. Places change but our memories
are important, I have many memories of Stationers, most are
good but some sad linked to events in my life during my time
there. Some of the staff remain in my mind and although I
never made them my role models in my teaching career I
often wished I knew the secret of their easy discipline. I can
still remember one master, Mr. Gore, who would walk out of
the room during a lesson and we very quietly continued with
our work not daring to make a sound - oh happy days! I like
to retain the fonder memories of the school but I never
conquered my dislike of football or P.E. despite being made
teacher in charge of boys games in my first teaching job and
qualifying as a hockey umpire when my wife played for a local
ladies team. Funny world, both my son and grandson are
football mad and even my granddaughter wants to play.
Michael Shaw
1952-1959, Caxton House
ALAN GREEN IN CHINA
(above) Alan and Doug West (1953 intake) in Kowloon October 2016
(right) Alan and Caroline visited Shanghai at the end of their
China trip and had dinner with Ian and Heidi Mote. In true
Stationers style a lot of red wine was consumed.
33

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
Everest Base Camp Expedition
Kala Patthar
Two years ago an earthquake in Nepal killed numerous
people in Kathmandu and at Everest Base Camp, so when a
friend suggested that I should join his group on a trip to the
Himalayas I hesitated.
The Nepalese company insisted on us having insurance with
helicopter rescue and an add-on of earthquake cover: this
covered me for rescue if my body was visible but not if buried.
Little did I think later, that a helicopter would be called for
one of our party. We spent a couple days in Kathmandu
sightseeing and enjoying the odd curry. The aftermath of the
earthquake was still visible with buildings fenced off.
We then flew to allegedly the world's most dangerous airport,
Lukla, with a short uphill landing strip on the mountain side
to enable the plane to slow down.
It was to be a three-week circuit visiting Base Camp, Chola
Pass and the Gokyo lakes.
From Lukla to the south, the only route to Everest is by
walking. One of the main problems of the climb is altitude
sickness and it affects people differently irrespective of fitness.
Our porters were the local Sherpas who, amazingly, each
carried luggage for three people plus their own while we just
carried a day rucksack.
The ascent at times was difficult but it was the altitude which
slows you. We needed a couple of rest days to acclimatise.
Sometimes at night one would wake up struggling for breath
which was scary. May was a suitable time with little rain or
snow and avoided the monsoon.
Occasionally when totally overcast a small gap would appear
in the cloud layer and one would see a towering peak above.
From the early rocky trails we gradually got above the tree line
and encountered snow and ice on the glaciers: the altitude
affected everyone to different degrees but didn't stop our
progress.
Base Camp is a tented area on an Everest Glacier where
climbers wait to get the go-ahead for an ascent.While we
were there Everest was "opened" for the first time since the
earthquake two years ago. It is monitored closely and climbers
wait for the okay.Two British climbers were the first to reach
the top while we were there but there were several fatalities
soon after and it seems to be an accepted risk. Helicopters are
commonly seen bringing down rescued people and casualties.
We were delighted to reach Base Camp and paused for photos
and handshakes before descending while still in daylight.
As a geographer one couldn't help recalling Sam Read's
glaciation lessons.
We stayed in teahouses which supplied meals and beds. Water
came from streams or melted snow and electricity from solar
Chola Pass glacier
34

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
Approach to Chola pass
power. Gas canisters were used for cooking. Above the tree
line yak dung was used as the only fuel to heat one central
room.
Base Camp was 17,600 feet above sea level and the following
day we went to Kala Patthar our highest point at 18,159 feet,
but only two of us reached the top.
Having reached Base Camp we felt we had achieved our goal
but our biggest test was still to come. As we approached the
Chola pass one of our group developed altitude sickness and
arrived with the slower group two hours after us at the next
teahouse. She struggled on bravely but was in a serious
condition; there was no way she could have carried on the next
day and we were in an isolated area. After a group discussion
we ignored the guide's advice to see how she was next
morning and made a call for the helicopter which took her to
hospital in Kathmandu.
The following day proved to be our hardest over the Chola
Pass. Prior to the trip we were advised we didn't need
crampons for our boots. Wrong! As the snow fell and we
clambered over the snow-covered rocks and boulders it was
risky. Then we had to traverse across the mountain with a
steep incline and a huge drop, with no sign of a path under the
snow. If you slipped you were a "goner" .We had to kick our
boots into the snow to get a flat surface and use our poles to
help support. It was highly dangerous without crampons and
roping up and I just hoped nobody would slip. There was no
alternative route and fortunately we all made it. I said at the
time that if we faced the same terrain further on I would opt
out and call a helicopter. The Sherpas and guides were
delightful people and couldn't do enough to please but from
my experience I wonder whether a European trekking firm
would have handled it differently.
After that everything became easier. The scenery was stunning
and we crossed glaciers and visited the blue Gokyo Lakes. We
continued down without mishap to Lukla airport.
In Kathmandu we met up with our hospitalised member who
had fully recovered. For a last bit of excitement, I was lying on
the bed in the hotel room when the room began to shake: it
was an earth tremor, the first in my experience. I didn't hang
about and soon everyone was out in the street.
Would I recommend this trip to an ageing, adventurous
Stationer? One would need to be fit with experience of
walking in hills or mountains and be able to put up with a bit
of hardship. If one were prepared to risk altitude sickness, then
it would be a good possibility. To encourage, there is even beer
in the teahouses, Guinness and Tuborg cans brought up all
the way on foot by Sherpas or on the back of oxen and yaks.
In conclusion, it was a great and enjoyable adventure, any
anxious moments only made it more exciting and it helped by
having such determined and positive companions.
Jim Townsend
Arrival point at base camp
35

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
NEWS OF FORMER STAFF
A meeting with Colin Munday
in LLandudno
Dear Geraint.
I write to let you know the outcome of
my planned meeting with Norman
Rimmer in his home town of Llandudno,
about three weeks ago and about three
weeks after he had received his BEM at
Bodelwyddan Castle.
I had arranged to meet him early
afternoon in his church in the centre of
town and as I walked in, the organ was
playing. I approached the organist, only
to discover it wasn't Norman playing, but
one of his volunteer younger (about 70 yrs
old) organists and then the great man
appeared. He went straight over to the
organ and pointed out that one of the
organ-stops didn't seem to be functioning
properly, fiddled around with it and was
then happy the right result had been
achieved - what an 'ear' to still have at an
age when many of his age and much
younger have an hearing aid for assistance.
We repaired to a local coffee shop outside
the church and for 3/4 hour, we had a
wonderful dialogue of swapped memories
and nostalgia.
Norman seems to think he arrived at
Stationers around 1962, ostensibly to take
over Games, teach and assume the mantle
of Head Coach of the 1st Form Football
XI. It was my recollection that Joe Symons
had always had that role until the 1956
intake (my year) when it was fairly clear
there was much talent in the side, including
the son of the Arsenal player, Don Roper.
In practice, he took a goal kick on the
small pavilion pitch and scored at the
other end, although the goalkeeper, Colin
'Bones' Hall denies he was between the
posts at the time. I think Joe then followed
that 1st Form side through the years - it
was a formidable side and didn't lose
many games over the seven years and of
interest, when the 1956 Intake had a
'Reunion' a few years ago (organised by
the late Tony Reeve), 'Bones' produced his
Diary of the match details of every one of
the games that side played over the seven
years - a marvellous testimony and a work
of art thanks to his wonderful neatness.
As that side broke up in 1963, just after
Norman's arrival at Stationers, we left
school and didn't bump into Norman,
unless it was at OSFC. During our
conversation, I came to learn Norman had
in fact played football at Kingstonian FC
- a very fine side in those days - and
Bexley FC and thus his football pedigree
ran alongside the likes of Bernie Kelly and
Barry Macrae - no mean comparison !
Norman apparently spent about six years
at Stationers and then moved to
Broxbourne School, where my own son
Ian and daughter Clare were taught from
1983 to approx 1993, and commanded the
respect of his colleagues for his music,
being in charge of approx: 10 other music
teachers (including specialist instrument
teachers).
When I knew I was going to meet
Norman, I made enquiries at my cricket
club, Hoddesdon CC, of a teacher,
Graham Walters, who had taught at
Broxbourne, and he was able to fill me in
with other little snippets.
Other colleagues at Broxbourne were
David Ottley (Hertford CC), with whom
I had played cricket for Middlesex Young
Amateurs in 1963, John Astin (Broxbourne
CC), Harry Galbraith (Hertford CC),
'Tommo' Thompson (Hertford CC) and
Graham Walters himself (Hertford RFC).
On meeting, especially with John Astin
last Monday, he informed me Norman
had a wide range of 'lofty' drives, bowled
at a brisk pace and was certainly well to
the fore in the pub after Staff Matches,
which the Staff didn't like to lose! He also
added a recollection of a largish 'front
stomach', which John found quite
intriguing considering Norman could still
run at a reasonable pace !
Colin Munday 1956-1963
Our dialogue about Broxbourne School
and his colleagues produced good laughter
and he then went on to outline other
pathways of his career. He was educated in
his home town of Chester at Kings School
for Boys, before eventually arriving at The
Royal College of Music, Stationers'
Company's School, Broxbourne School,
Waltham Abbey Church (20 years) then
home to North Wales, where he still is
today in Llandudno, displaying his
wonderful talents and personality to local
audiences and still teaching music (I think).
I am bound to have forgotten other
amusing and factual aspects of our 'coffeeafternoon'
on the pavement in Llandudno
and Norman will probably dispute some
of my 'facts', but it was a great pleasure to
have met with him in an area I know quite
well. My sister owned a Care Home for
Elderly Residents at nearby Rhos-on-Sea
for about 15 years - and I was a fairly
regular visitor to see her and my parents,
who stayed there sometimes.
I am hoping to return to Llandudno on
5th September for a few days and meet
again with Norman, if only for him to put
the record straight on some of my
'assertions'.
Everyone can see from his picture in the
latest School Magazine he most certainly
does not look his 80 years and his
enthusiasm for music and life seems
unabated.
Many thanks Norman for 'wiling' away
that time with me in Llandudno -
hopefully, as Vera Lynn sings, we'll meet
again (shortly ?).
Best wishes, Geraint.
Colin Munday
Glyn Williams 1956-1963
36

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
STAFF REUNION
Former members of staff, Nava Jahans,
Mike Fitch, Geraint Pritchard and John
Leeming (photographer) with former
pupils, Mike Howell and Philip Trendall
spent an evening in the Salisbury in
Hertford.
Greetings all,
It was good to catch up again yesterday
evening, and good to see everyone
looking so well and youthful!
Attached is a photo I took last night
along with electronic versions of the
historic pictures from the Holland
trip in 1976.
Best wishes,
John Leeming
HOLLAND 1976
The photo round the column was in
Dam Square, Amsterdam.
There was an excursion to Evoluon in
Eindhoven - an exhibition at the Phillips
factory; Keukenhof the gardens near
Haarlem; Delft and Ann Frank House in
Amsterdam; Utrecht and Rotterdam.
The teachers were John Leeming,
Charles Zarb and Geraint Pritchard.
37

RICHARD STEFF
1965-1971
Caxton House
1 Handside Lane
WELWYN GARDEN CITY
Herts AL8 6SE
NEIL ADKINS HNC Eng
1962-1967
Bishop House
Old Mill Cottage
40 Low Coniscliffe
DARLINGTON DL2 2JY
ANTHONY (TONY) IAN GRIST
1944-1949
Meredith House
209 Rondoval Crescent
NORTH VANCOUVER
British Columbia
CANADA V7N 2W6
I was the oldest of three brothers to attend
the School. I entered the First Form and
Mr F.E.Oxtoby was my form master from
Form 1 to Form 5. I left from the Sixth
Form in December 1949. My brother Alan
attended school from 1948 to 1953. He
died in 2000. My youngest brother, Hugh,
attended from 1956 to 1961 and resides in
Port Alberni on Vancouver Island. After
leaving school I did my National Service in
the RAF and trained to be a navigator. I
loved flying and signed on for an extended
two years and left as a Flying Officer in
early 1955. In May 1955, I emigrated to
Canada and was employed by Spartan Air
Services of Ottawa, a photographic survey
company. I was offered a position with
Arctic Wings flying Avro Works freighting
fuel from Churchill, Manitoba to Distant
Early Warning (DEW) line sites on the
Canadian Arctic Coast – a more
challenging navigational problem due to
the proximity to the north magnetic pole
and convergence of the earth’s meridians at
high latitudes. In November of that year I
was hired by Canadian Pacific Airlines of
Vancouver. I flew all their overseas routes
out of Vancouver to Tokyo, Hong Kong in
Asia, the Polar route to Amsterdam, the
South Pacific to Honolulu, Auckland and
Sydney.
I have recently been in touch with Peter
Sargent when I sent him some photos of
us on a school trip to Courseulles in 1949.
He kindly sent me the membership
application form and much other
information about the demise of the
school.
T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
NEW MEMBERS
KEVIN WALLER
1967-1973
Caxton House
27 Crescent Rise
Alexandra Park
LONDON N22 7AW
Since leaving school in 1973 my career
path has been varied but mainly in
construction. I have had a variety of roles
and been employed by several construction
companies with my main role for the last
twenty years has been that of Quantity
Surveyor. Within the last fifteen years I
have been in both property development
and commercial surveying. At present
together with my wife we run a commercial
surveying consultancy and property letting
business.
My wife and I have three children, the two
eldest are off our hands and the youngest
is now at Sheffield University. At school I
played for the first XV and I also
represented the School in Athletics from
1967 to 1972. I have attended a couple of
informal reunions of ‘Old Stationers’ over
the last few years, normally meeting in the
Railway Pub in Crouch End.. I am still in
touch with three school friends from that
period, all of whom played in the first XV.
DAVID FLYNN
1966-1971
Hodgson House
1 Bournefield
SHERBORNE ST.JOHN
Hampshire RG24 9JB
DR STEVE HAWKINS MB BS
MRCP
1966-1973
Hodgson House
30 Old Coach Road
Playing Place
TRURO TR3 6ET
HUSSEIN HUSSEIN BA(Hons)
1967-1974
Rivington House
79 Auriel Road
DAGENHAM
Essex RM10 8BU
Captain of 1st XV Rugby 73/74. Graduated
from Middlesex Polytechnic in Graphic
Design and Illustration. Freelance for 12
years before joining Ministry of Defence
in 1995, as a Graphics Officer.
Married for 32 years with three wonderful
children.
REJOINING MEMBER
GEOFFREY ALAN DAWES
1954-1959
Norton House
Yew Tree Cottasge
Rickling Green
SAFFRON WALDEN
Essex CB11 3YG
Changes of Address
Geoff N Blackmore
3 Mansfield Mews
BALDOCK
Herts SG7 6FG
Ron De Young
Bagmoor House
42 Churchill Way
BROADBRIDGE HEATH
West Sussex RH12 3TZ
David W. Ford
Courtenay Terrace
HOVE
Sussex BN3 2WF
Richard Forty
33 Abbotts Way
BISHOPS STORTFORD
Herts CH23 4JE
Barry Groves
16 Hunters Park
BERKHAMSTED
Herts HP4 2PT
Andy Hamment (from 22.2.17)
2 Bell Close
THAME
Oxfordshire OX9 3AN
Tony Innes
4A Pryor Close
Church Road
SNAPE
Suffolk IP17 1RA
Ken G Latter
Gustav Wieds Vej 8
8400 Ebeltoft
DENMARK
Alan F Nafzger
7 Emerald Court
Woodside Park Road
North Finchley
LONDON N12 8XD
Norman Rimmer
33 St Annes Gardens
Llanrhos
LLANDUDNO LL30 1SD
38

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
Paul Westley
Urb Las Lomas de Frigiliana 41
Carril de La Morea
MALAGA
SPAIN
John A.C.Wheeler
15 Bigwood Road
LONDON NW11 7BG
George Sprosson
9 Christie Road
STEVENAGE
Herts SG2 0NT
29th July 2016
Dear Mr Engledow
My father, George Sprosson,
unfortunately. is in poor health and
his outstanding membership fees
seems to have slipped his attention.
Hopefully, you will now have the
funds. He is very keen though, to
keep his subscription going as the
magazine brings back fond memories.
My mother and father have recently
changed address so please could you
update their records. Many thanks
and kind regards.
Jane Lobban (George’s daughter)
We wish George and your mother will
settle down in their new home. Ed.
I see that George (G.A.W.Sprosson) was
a pupil at Stationers’ from 1949 to
1954, with Peter Clydesdale, Edward
Dennison, Peter Engledow, Peter
Evans, David Hill, Kenneth Hills,
Brian Humphreys, Brian Moir, Lucien
Perring and John Wheeler.
NEIL CLIVE OLIVER, LL B
The younger son of the late Leslie
Claremont Oliver, FRCS, FACS, and
Irene Oliver (née Ferguson of Sandhill,
Derrygonnelly) and younger brother to
the Reverend Mervyn Pascal Oliver, Neil
was born in Ealing, Greater London, on
23 November 1942. He attended the
Stationers’ Company's School, Hornsey,
where he performed excellently before
moving ultimately to Northern Ireland.
Having attended Queen’s University
Belfast, where he was a former Chairman
of the Conservative and Unionist
Association, and whence he graduated
LLB in 1968, Neil chose a career in the
investment world, owned two financial
companies and became a corporate
consultant lawyer.
From the beginning, in keeping with the
habit of his Fermanagh antecedents, Neil
upheld the principles of Unionism and,
like his late uncle and former Crown
Solicitor for Co. Fermanagh, Erne Cecil
Ferguson, LL B, MP, DL, his late cousin
Richard Ferguson, QC, SC, MP, and his
cousin Raymond Ferguson, LL B, MPA,
he entertained political ambitions. He
made firm friendships amongst prominent
persons, including the late Lords Bannside
and Fitt, and Lady Silvia Hermon, to
name but a few. Certain chief constables
were counted amongst his friends, in
addition to journalists throughout the
media.
In the late 1970s, Neil presented several
editions of the BBC’s successful Money
Programme. Latterly, he particularly
enjoyed being a well-received contributor
to John Bennett’s BBC Sunday Club,
where he was given free rein to air his
talented and humorous identical rhymes.
A past chairman and president of the
Fermanagh-based William Ferguson
OBITUARIES
Memorial Clan Society – he was always
fond of Fermanagh, its land, lakes and folk
– he more firmly established a reputation
as a bon vivant and fascinating raconteur,
so people enjoyed his company. His
oratorical skills, with readily introduced
anecdotes, were always warmly received.
It was on a certain occasion, when standing
in at very short notice as the guest speaker
in the place of his old friend and confidant,
the late Revd Dr Ian Paisley, before a
packed Monday Club in the Palace of
Westminster, that Neil reportedly
performed most creditably as a suitable
substitute for the great man. Neil’s delivery
of words has been described as “eloquent
and enjoyable”, and his many published
letters to the editors over a good many
years clearly found appreciative readers.
Not only did his speeches impress his
hearers, due in no small measure to his
depth of knowledge and sparkling wit, but
Neil helped others write their own
speeches for delivery in similar public
venues.
Whilst Neil focused essentially upon
money and moneymaking, and he
encouraged others to be involved in sound
investing, yet he would very much have
appreciated the maxim of Ove Sjögren
that ‘It’s not the money that counts. It’s
the satisfaction of helping people.’ Neil
was undoubtedly a supporter of worthy
causes and individuals whom he decided
were in need of his assistance. Amongst
those he earnestly sought to help were the
relatives of victims of the Omagh bombing,
Parkinson’s UK, the erstwhile RUC GC
band and the present Ulster Orchestra. As
someone has remarked of him, he was
“such as caring person and always trying
to help.” He never forgot the motto of his
primary school: Non nobis solum (Not for
ourselves alone).
Whilst Neil was very committed to the
pursuit of justice and interested in the
world around him, he enjoyed listening
quietly to music, especially praise music
and hymns, band music, country and
western and Irish folk. He had learned to
play the piano accordion and advanced to
the church organ. He was fascinated by
history and all kinds of transportation;
and he collected a substantial library of
interesting books on many subjects, such
as poetry and how to succeed in life.
Devoutly religious, he read the Bible from
cover to cover several times over; and a
favourite passage of Neil’s from the King
James Version of the Bible was ‘Let your
39

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
light so shine before men, that they may
see your good works and glorify your
Father which is in heaven.’
Not only was Neil’s grasp of the English
language (Latin and French) admired,
along with his sense of humour, but so was
his integrity and honesty, his general
concern for others including his love of
children and their stories. He was a
gentleman in the way he presented himself
and in his behavior – “truly a wonderful
man”, as someone else has observed.
The Service of Thanksgiving for the life
of Neil Clive Oliver, which was attended
by over one hundred of his family
members, cousins and friends, was held in
St Mark’s Parish Church of Ireland,
Newtownards, on Tuesday 24 May 2016.
It was conducted by the rector, the Revd
Chris(topher) Matchett, eulogy by the
Revd Mervyn Oliver, his only next of kin;
and the committal, after refreshments in
the church hall, took place at Roselawn
Crematorium. The funeral arrangements
were conducted most ably and sensitively
throughout by S. Clarke and Son, Funeral
Directors of Newtownards.
Neil died with little warning in the Ulster
Hospital, Dundonald, just two weeks
post-admission, on Thursday 19 May
2016 from metastatic intracranial disease
(inoperable tumours on the brain). This
extraordinary, gifted, capable, much
appreciated and widely loved man is
greatly missed by the many who have
known him, especially his brother, niece
Esther and her husband Gareth Hamilton,
nephew Arthur Oliver-Brown, and greatniece
Olivia Hamilton. And Neil will, I’m
sure, be fondly remembered by members
of the Old Stationers’ Association who
had been his fellow pupils.
The Revd Mervyn P. Oliver
7 Alexandra House, Uprichard Court
Bloomfield, Bangor
Co. Down, BT19 7AR
E-mail: mervyn.oliver@btinternet.com
Neil Oliver
Neil and I first came into contact when we
were 9 years old. My family was visiting
my grandmother who lived in Bush Hill
Park and we were introduced to Neil and
his mother who lived in the same road.
Neil entertained us all on the piano
accordion and he was very distinctive even
at that age. I had come across nobody like
him in the ‘hurly burly’ of life in Wood
Green where we lived.
The next time we met was on our first day
at Stationers’ where we found ourselves in
the same form. Later we became more
closely linked because my family moved to
Bush Hill Park to live with my
grandmother, Neil’s home being 20 or so
houses along the road. Indeed after we left
school Neil’s family moved to live next
door and we even shared a party telephone.
At that stage there was limited contact
because we both lived away from home.
Still we continued to meet up from time
to time.
Neil was not only very intelligent but also
a very hard worker. It was not surprising
that he was always towards the top of the
class and every year at Speech Day he
received recognition for one achievement
or another. He was a keen member of the
Debating Society and almost certainly the
best debater there.
To my knowledge he never got a detention
and certainly always earned his ‘merit half
holiday’. He was a boy of high principles
with a good sense of humour. Our class
will always remember his performances at
Religious Knowledge lessons under the
Major. Raz (the Major) did not make the
subject interesting and the usual pattern at
the start of a lesson was for him to ask a
boy to summarise last week’s session
which was usually a very dry and detailed
chapter in, say, the First Book of Kings.
One day he asked Neil to do this. Neil
stood up and recited the whole of the
chapter, some 30 or so verses, word
perfectly. He did exactly the same on
several other occasions apart from one, the
last time he was asked, when it was
discovered to everybody’s surprise that he
had not done his homework and stumbled
around like the rest of us.
Although we were living in the same road
we normally made our own way to school,
choosing different routes. This changed at
the time of the Suez Crisis when because
of petrol shortage the bus service was
disrupted and since we had to ‘hitch hike’
to a railway station we decided to travel
together. There were many animated
discussions during these journeys. My
politics were decidedly to the left and
Neil’s were to the right. His parents were
from Ulster and he was always very proud
of his Northern Ireland background and
family pedigree. He was firmly Protestant.
With regard to English politics he was a
very strong supporter of the Conservative
party. Although in these discussions we
agreed about very little he never got upset
but gave the impression that he was sorry
for me because of my benighted views!
These differences of opinion never
prevented him from giving me help when
I needed it - for example, loaning me
books needed for homework since mine
had been left at school.
We lost touch in our early twenties when
Neil settled in Northern Ireland. More
than 30 years passed before we met again
at the dedication of the Stationers'
Memorial window in St Mary with St
George Church and, shortly after that, at
the first reunion of our year’s intake. Then
it was Christmas cards only. He did not
disclose, as is clear from his obituary, that
he had been so successful in the investment
world, or that he was so involved in Ulster
politics or that he was a regular ‘face’ on
BBC money programmes. He always
’played his cards close to his chest’ and, so,
this is not really surprising but it is very
pleasing to learn that he was so successful
in the financial world.
Neil’s passing is sad but he will be
remembered by those who knew him as a
principled and distinctive person.
I am sure that all his peers would, like me,
wish to extend our condolences to his
brother, Mervyn, and Neil’s family and
close friends.
Richard Phillippo
PIERRE VICTOR
GEORGE ESSAYE
1941 - 2016
Stationers' Company's School 1953-1960
After leaving Stationers, Pierre went up to
Rugby to do a degree in engineering.
When he came back to London, his first
job was with Eagle Star as a trainee
actuary.
40

He soon decided that this was not for him
and, driven by a need for money and a bit
more action, he moved into Sales. This
eventually led him to Winthrop
Pharmaceuticals where he became Area
Manager in 1978. In 1984 the family
moved to Hampshire and Pierre joined
Warner Lambert as Area Sales Manager.
He went on to become European Sales
Manager, working in France, Spain,
Germany and Italy, a job that he really
enjoyed. In 2000 Warner Lambert were
taken over by Pfizer and Pierre was
delighted to be offered early retirement,
which gave him and his wife Lin the
opportunity to spend more time in their
house in France.
In his leisure time Pierre was a keen cyclist.
He and his wife travelled thousands of
miles in the UK France and America,
initially on solos and later on a tandem:
one highlight being cycling round Lake
Constance in 2010. Pierre also enjoyed
birdwatching and travelled worldwide on
birdwatching trips.
In the last year of his life with restricted
mobility, his sporting interest returned to
his love of Arsenal, the North London
team he had supported since childhood.
Pierre loved his family, food and football.
He is survived by his wife whom he
married in 1965, two daughters and four
grandchildren.
Jim Hayman
andrew.forrow@ntworld.com
5th February 2017
Dear Geraint
With great sadness, felt by all his family
and many Old Stationers, I'm sure, I have
to report that John died peacefully last
night. He will be much missed by many of
us but he would have said in his inimitable
style, "my time has come".
Sincerely
Andy Forrow
We have just been informed that JOHN
MACARA 1928-1938 has died. He was our
second oldest Old Stationer at 97 years old.
T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
FRANK DICKENS
Gentlemen
I have just been notified of the death of
Frank Dickens (Bristow in the Evening
Standard). He was 84 and sadly passed
away on the 8th July after spending his last
5 years in a nursing home in Wantage.
The funeral was on 27th July at 1pm at the
Union Church, Northiam, Totteridge,
N12 7ET
Regards
David Sheath
Some memories of Frank Dickens
Frank lived about 50 yards away from my
family with his two sisters and brother.
From an early age Frank was a budding
entreprenuer and cartoonist. Housed in
the cellar of the house was a collection of
wartime memorabilia, as we all did back
then, but Frank had the business acumen
to "Charge ld for the other kids in the
neighbourhood to enter and see his
treasures. At the same time he drew comic
strips (the forerunner of Albert Herbert
Hawkins, the naughtiest boy in school).
Again ld was charged for a copy. All this at
about the age of 11 or 12 years of age.
In 1948, with the London Olympics at
White City, Frank organised the Rathcoole
Gardens Olympics. This consisted of
putting the shot (half a house brick), high
jump over a rope, long jump on the
pavement (no sand pit, nor elf 'n' safety),
sprints and cycling on any old bike we
possessed, Frank had aspirations even in
those days of being a racing cyclist and so
had the best bike, he won. The race was we
called 'round the block' of the four sides of
Rathcoole Gardens. The big finale was the
marathon. I don't know how far we ran but
we all did it. The only problem for us
followers was that only Frank knew the
route so, as we all had to follow him, he
again won.
All good clean fun which lasted us a few
days and cost nothing. At the end of each
day we were all hungry so we went home.
Needless to say in those days we were all
safe and sound and would not have been
missed.
With the exception of our Olympics all
this was pre-Stationers. I started in 1947
and Frank would probably have been in
the Vth form at that time.
Ivor Evans
Eulogy by Bill Houghton
I had to break the news of Frank's passing
at the last Pedal Club lunch. I added a
couple of anecdotes and then I lost it, I was
saved by Alf Engers, one of Frank's heroes
and he just said, Frank was fun. And that
more or less said it all.
Frank was fun. He livened up every
occasion and when it was just one with one
he was the best company you could wish
for.
We both attended the Worshipful
Company of Stationers Grammar School.
This was obviously a big step up from his
early days at St Mary's Mixed Infants. A
year or two after leaving he was asked back
to speak to the whole school and he was
confident enough to stand there and tell
them of the wide world as he saw it. The
school meanwhile has long since
disappeared - nothing to do with Frank of
course.
41

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
His artistic leanings saw him working for
his father as a painter and decorator. He
would point out the various front doors
that he had painted, varnished and then
run a comb down to give an impression of
a grain. Not much of a pointer to his future
He joined the Unity CC in 1949 and a
number of us followed him - club runs in
the 50s were ridden on more or less traffic
free roads, an idyllic world. We would ride
through towns and villages singing popular
songs in full voice.
Dinner for one please James was popular.
Frank would be accompanied by his 'bonk
bag' which contained greasy tools, oily rags
and slices of buttered toast. We gradually
acquired bespoke bicycles, everything
chosen with great care and then Frank
turned up at the meeting point riding his
new bike - painted PINK - the first man
ever to choose pink, and probably last.
Thankfully he went home when it started
raining. There was an occasion later in life
when he chained his bike to the railings on
Farringdon Bridge. He came back days
later to find the bridge newly painted in
bright red, so too the bike.
His wide variety of jobs kept the local
labour exchange in business and he was an
honoured guest at their annual Christmas
parties. One job was perhaps a marker for
his future - he worked for a while in a toy
factory.
National Service meant a two year stint in
the Royal Air Force and he showed me a
copy of a document which he had signed
insisting that he not be sent abroad.
So, they put him on a boat - a high speed
air/sea/rescue launch which cruised up and
down Bridlington Bay just in case an
aeroplane crashed into the sea. Here also
Frank found himself on the stage -
compereing the local Sunday Amateur
talent contests.
Civvy street saw him working with Tony
Hewitt - (Tone the Tailor as he later
became known) designing and selling
greeting cards - Tony tells me he also
applied for a job as a London bus driver
but they might have foreseen his talent for
getting lost as a drawback.
His cartoons in the Bicyle magazine were
popular and these led to a comic strip,
Oddbod in the Sunday Times, no less.
And then came Bristow, a 40 year run and
a place in the Guinness Book of records.
Syndicated to such disparate cultures as
Italy and Australia. The Italians loved it
despite the straight literal translations.
When one of the big Aussie papers
announced that it was discontinuing the
strip a public demonstration soon had it
reinstated.
The obituaries mention that Frank's
working week stretched all the way from
dawn till noon on the Monday.
And that included the vetting and editing
by sister Pam! Frank's other 4 and a half
days of the working week were spent in
producing Albert Herbert Hawkins, a
series that was published for 20 years,
writing two novels, and his style attracted
a number of advertising companies. Who
could forget the enormous banner at
Waterloo station - Eagle Star writ large, a
pretty pathetic rainbow and then the real
attraction - the eye was drawn to it -
Frank's idea of an eagle - an emaciated
chicken but that's what made it work.
This volume of work meant him being
recognised as Cartoonist of the Year no
less than 8 times, voted by his peers which
made it all the more valued.
Frank's real forte was in sticking with
gentle, family humour. His characters were
always well named, Lucy Lanzarotte, a
teenaged crime fighter, Teddy Pig -
explorer and space man Panto - the Police
horse all drawn with care, not lifelike, most
artists can draw lifelike, but amusing and
in perfect colouring.
These characters were all set on fighting
crime, had a moral theme and there were
times when Frank could get a bit
highminded, he actually rang Downing
Street to complain about St Pauls charging
admittance fees.
Although these were 'childrens books' of
course they were attractive to grown ups.
The Great Boffo is back in the shops
thanks to the dedication of his daughter
Julia, she has made it her life's work to
keep Frank's name alive.
You might well ask why he never published
an autobiography - he had got to the point
when it meant naming names and thats
where he stalled. He just couldn't do it.
(Did I hear a sigh of relief somewhere out
there) I was surprised to find mention of
the street light right outside the family
home in Rathcoole Gardens. He explained
that the lamp was a natural meeting place
42

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
for people to meet and chat - perhaps
Frank was the bigger draw.
He influenced so many of us linked
together through cycling. There were
about a dozen of us, none of us settled for
9 to 5s, we all ended up as self-employed
individuals - thanks I am sure to his
confidence in his own future.
Imagine having to think up six cartoons
every week all based on an idle office
worker.
Frank never lacked confidence, there was
always a new idea to inspire him. He was
last working on a series of 15 minute TV
programmes - based on dreams and
starring none other than Miss Joanna
Lumley. He would have been right on
trend if that had come off.
One of his later ideas was based on
funerals. Funerals were boring he said, he
would provide a basic order of service, add
a couple of cartoons and send everyone off
happy.
So, lets do just that. We will all leave with
our personal memories of times spent with
him.
Lets hope that Frank has arrived at his
perfect destination, by a pool, the sun
shining, plenty of paper and pens and
looking forward to a well cooked Dover
sole followed of course by a large bowl of
ice cream. The bike is parked nearby
waiting for some of the lads to call in and
join him for a potter round the lanes.
See you up the road Frank
Bill Houghton
HOWARD MURLEY
1923-2016
I enclose the tribute to Howard Murley
from last week's Telegraph. It is rather
impressive. I first met Howard in Wisbech
on the 1st September 1939. We were both
in a group of Caxton House boys who
together with a local guide left the railway
station in search of billets. Howard did
not have to go through the process of
householders coming out, looking us over
and deciding which one of us they would
take, as the guide had already chosen him
as the best of us and the one most suitable
to be billeted on her own mother.
Leo Gatfield and I were the last to be
chosen. Not a bad thing as the further we
walked from the station the area and
houses improved. We ended up at 5 Elm
Road with a Mrs Norman. Howard was
further along at 108 with a Mrs Burton.
After a year Howard left and returned to
43

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
London and I was moved along to take
his place at Mrs Burton's where my
behaviour was compared unfavourably
with that of Howard's.
As a young first former I looked up to
him. He represented Caxton on Sport's
Day, winning the Victor Ludorum. He
played in the school's first football team
along side Cotterell, Doug Ball, and the
Esam Twins.
Regards
Alec Linford
John PEACOCK
1940-2016
Hail and farewell, John!
In 2009, after a lapse of 50 years, I was
reunited with John and Patti following
John's contact with the Old Stationers'
Association.
Half a century ago, John and I had spent
our high school years at Stationers' School
in Hornsey, in North London. We shared
a common leg en route to school, pedalled
on our bikes. Outside of school we enjoyed
happy times with teenage friends at the St
Mary's Youth Club.
When John left to go to London
University, coffee bars were the in thing
and motor scooters were all the rage. So it
was on the back of John's scooter that I
visited Bunjy's in the West End and the el
Toro in Muswell Hill. Coffee bars and
traditional jazz were the order of the day.
I left Stationers the year after John, and
before I went away to Leeds University,
John and I pedalled our bikes on a tour of
the West Country. At some point after
this, John and Patti had gotten together
and my last memory is of the two of them
visiting my family home in Ribblesdale
Road, Hornsey.
On finishing university, we went our
separate ways until 2009, when I visited
John and Patti at their townhouse in
Burlington, following a contact through
the Old Stationers' Association. It was so
good to relive old times after so long a
lapse. My only regret is that due to
limitations of distance, we were not able to
spend more time together.
John told me of his employment history,
starting with Massey-Harris in London as
a mechanical engineer. His work took him
to Poland for 3 years, where he was
involved in the start up of a tractor factory.
After Poland, in 1979, he took up a
position in Canada, with Massey-Harris
in Toronto. There he stayed until Massey-
Harris went out of business in the 80s. He
then moved on to American Motors in
Brampton, where he remained until they
were taken over by Chrysler. He told me
that much of the time spent with the
latter two employers was taken up with
the unenviable task of issuing lay-off
notices. His final employer was with an
organisation involved in the business of
patents.
I learned vicariously from John the finer
points of Bessel functions and other
related entities on our trips to coffee bars
during his first year at QMC. As it turned
out, I never had occasion to use Bessels
and I wonder whether they were much
help to John in those years of corporate
decline.
So, on this note it was so sad in July, to
learn of his all too early passing, July 26th.
Les Humphreys 1952-1959
Eulogy
John entered the School in September
1951, as did I. He was initially placed in
Form 1a and Norton House. He was soon
promoted to Form 1. In 1954 John came
third for Norton in the Annual Swimming
Sports Gala held at Hornsey Road Baths
on 31 May. Norton finished top on this
occasion with 114 points. At Speech Day,
held at Hornsey Town Hall on 24
November, John was awarded a Dorothy
Secker Prize for English.
He also had a strong interest in swimming,
participating in the School Life Saving
Group. In March 1955 John was awarded
a Bronze Medallion of the Royal Life
Saving Society. On Monday 13 June 1955
John came third in the Pascoe Life Saving
Competition for Juniors. Next year this
was followed by third place in the
Intermediate 25 yards Butterfly stroke, and
second in the Intermediate 50 yards
backstroke. Once again Norton House
demonstrated their strength in swimming
by coming top with 119 points. John
joined the school’s 2049 Squadron Air
Training Corps, passing the Proficiency
Examination in 1956. I think he came on
the annual summer camp to St Athan’s
RAF base.
John was part of Laurie Buxton’s fast-track
mathematics group, obtaining a London
University GCE “O” level pass while still a
Fourth Former. In the July 1956 issue of
The Stationers’ Magazine, John wrote an
amusing article (“Monday Morning”)
relating the consequences of enjoying a
weekend to the detriment of completing
his homework. At the summer 1956 GCE
“O” Level examinations, John was in the
group passing five or more subjects. By this
time he had also developed a keen interest
in cross country running. At an Enfield
Athletics Club meeting on 3 November,
John was a point-scoring member of the
school’s Senior Team (15-17).They won
by 8 points competing in a small field of
four schools. On 12 March 1957, John was
in the winning Norton Seniors team vying
for the Imison inter-House trophy,
contested at Parliament Hill Fields. The
Stationer Magazine for December 1957
has a splendid photograph of the school’s
athletic team. John Peacock stands proudly
in the rear line at the left hand side of the
photograph.
In the Lower Sixth John passed his GCE
“A” Levels in applied mathematics and
pure mathematics. In the Upper Sixth
John passed A” Levels in applied
mathematics, pure mathematics
(Distinction), chemistry and physics. He
was a joint winner, with Richard Hersey, of
the Thomas Brown Prize. His academic
achievements secured him a place to study
mechanical engineering at Queen Mary
College (London University).
I can’t exactly remember how I became
friends with John, but we shared an interest
in bicycles, as did Les Humphreys. John
had a handsome Saxon with twin chain
stay supports, while my bicycle was an
eclectic mix of a Dave Davey frame, with
all the other necessary accessories sourced
from numerous specialist cycle shops,
which were quite common in the London
of the 1950s. This bicycle is still, as far as I
know, in Les Humphrey’s possession, and
44

has been featured in previous issues of The
Old Stationer.
John, Les Humphreys and I were members
of the youth club which met in St Mary’s
Parish Hall next to Hornsey Washing
Baths. Apart from the usual activities of
table tennis, and the like, we had outings to
Leith Hill , Chenies and other leafy spots
close to suburban London. Like many of
us, John worked during the summer
holidays to earn money to pay for his
various interests. One summer we both
worked for Cullen’s the grocery chain
catering mainly to the middle classes. I
had jobs packing and dispatch in the dry
goods department, and a stint at a cheese
and yoghurt warehouse in an area off the
Camden Road. John had a much more
prestigious employment driving a Cullens
delivery lorry.
John lived in Langham Rd just behind
Turnpike Lane Underground Station .His
parents were very welcoming. I recall
having many interesting conversations
with John’s father, while his mother,
wearing her floral pinafore, looked on
benignly as she busied herself with the
housework. John also had a delightful
sister called Anne, who, Les informs me,
has sadly died from cancer.
As “O and A Levels” approached John
was part of the Hornsey Open Air
Swimming Pool informal revision group.
When revision got too tedious, Les
entertained us with his acrobatic diving
skills, the highlight of which was a
handstand dive from the top board. When
John went to Queen Mary College I lost
touch with him, even more so when he
emigrated to Canada. Les has posted
several photographs of John, including a
pleasant picture of John and Patti, John
and Les in front of John’s blue MGB
sports car, and a very early photograph of
John and Les in the latter’s MG wirewheeled
sports car. Despite the intervening
years, I miss John, but am thankful to have
known such a thoroughly pleasant and
able Stationer.
Nigel Wade 1951-1958
T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
NICK KLOTZ
It is with sadness that I have to inform you
that NICK KLOTZ (1964-1969) recently
passed away in India at the tender age of
63.
Nick lived in many places in the world and
travelled incessantly but for many years his
home was India where he pioneered
environmental, innovative schemes,
supported and or established innumerable
continuity initiatives and was a pivotal
driving force in his communities. He was
previously successful in IT development
and publishing initiatives.
Nick's death was a particular shock as after
a particularly nasty motor-cycle accident
resulting in a very badly broken leg, he
entered hospital for 'repairs'. Details of the
ensuing events are both cloudy and
debatable. What is clear is that the majority
of Nick's organs failed.
Janis Castell (ex-wife, formerly Hornsey
High) flew from Melbourne to India to
minister to him at his funeral. His daughter
also attended. Furthermore a 'memorial
gathering' was held at the Railway Tavern
in Crouch End and was very well attended,
at short notice, by very many Old Boys and
Old Girls of Homsey High. Not
surprisingly Girls of Homsey High
outnumbered the boys! Nick would have
liked that ... AND the score from Old
Trafford where Arsenal grabbed an illdeserved
last minute equaliser! I can see
Nick's crooked smile of satisfaction on
both counts ... and that makes me smile!
RIP
Geof Richmond
John Wright
My friend John Wright, who has died
aged 88, was an artist and lecturer, full of
passion and curiosity.
In the 1960s and 70s, John showed his
work at the John Moores exhibition, the
Royal Academy summer exhibition, and
galleries in London, Liverpool and
Bradford. In the 20-year period following
his retirement, he was able to devote
himself more fully to painting, producing a
significant body of work that testifies to
the depth of his talent.
During this time he exhibited in several
group shows, had two very successful oneman
shows at the Millinery Works in
Islington, north London, and worked with
the poet Robert Vas Dias on collaborations
combining words and images that were
published as The Guts of Shadows (2003)
and The Lascaux Variations (2009).
John’s work was characterised by meticulous
research, skilled draughtsmanship,
variation of style and technique, and a
subtle, sophisticated use of colour. To see
the images he produced is to share his
concerns and passions – aeronautics, the
flamboyance of Spain, the relationship
between man and machine and the
brutality of armed authority.
He was born in Islington, the son of
Dorothy (nee Dewar) and Frederick
Wright. On leaving the Stationers’
Company’s school, Hornsey, John followed
in the footsteps of his father by joining the
engineering department of the GPO.
During his national service with the RAF
he developed a lasting interest in aeronautics.
John Wright
45

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 4
An example of John Wright’s work
was founded by his grandfather in the
West End of London. He stayed with the
company all his working life, broken only
by war service in Germany.
The family eventually had six shops in
north London under the name of Rance's
and Wiley's.
He had two daughters with his wife,
Adele and also grandchildren.
Alan was very involved with the
Lymington branch of Rotary, he was a
Freemason and also after his retirement
and moving to Beaulieu in Hampshire
became very involved with Beaulieu
Abbey where he and Adele worshipped
and where his funeral was held on 25th
October 2016.
Ivor Evans
ROY GAZZARD
London’s Docklands before regeneration, painted in 1962 by John Wright
John had no formal art training until his
late 20s, when he attended classes at
Hornsey College of Art. He began
sketching scenes around the East End,
producing powerful images of urban and
industrial landscapes.
In the 60s, he became a lecturer at North
London College, where he remained until
1986, retiring as senior lecturer. As a
teacher he had the gift of encouraging
others to believe in themselves and to
expand their lives.
John and his first wife, Margaret, whom he
married in 1956, had two sons, Timothy
and Jonathan. They separated in the 70s
and divorced in 1993.
In 1975 John met Ceri Nicholas at North
London College. They were soulmates and
lived very happily together in London.
They married in New York in 1997.
Despite the dementia that shadowed
John’s last years, the warmth and strength
of his personality were never totally
dimmed.
John is survived by Ceri, his sons and six
grandchildren.
Gill Dempsey
Alan Arthur
Floyd Andrews
1924-2016
I doubt that there are any Old Stationers
who remember Alan Andrews as he was
at Stationers in the mid-1930s, probably
starting in 1936.
He left school to join his brother and
father in the family bakery business which
My Father was someone very special, and
as a family we all have many happy and
special memories. It is impossible to know
where to begin or what to say.
His work was his life, and as such he has
left an amazing legacy and lived a life that
has touched many here at home and
abroad.
As a Grandfather, he had a humorous
side; he used to tell funny stories to the
Grandchildren, one about a naughty little
wasp called "Wimpy Woo"; he would play
tricks, his favourite trick was pretending
to make his nose creek; he played them
music on the piano, and sung songs with
them - Lizzie s favourite was 'You are my
Sunshine '.
Father was a soldier, a gentleman, a scholar,
and one who expected no nonsense. He
will be remembered by all who knew him
and dearly missed.
Sarah Harris
46

The old Stationers’ Association

Lament for the inadequacy of an antiquated educational
system to prepare unsuspecting members of a classless
society for the exigencies of household maintenance in adult life
They made me wear a stripy tie, a blazer and a cap:
They never taught me how to mend a washer on a tap.
They showed me how to run and jump, and play with bats and balls;
They never showed me how to fix new plaster on old walls.
They told me of Parnassus and Apollo and of the Muses;
They never told me what to do to replace blown-out fuses.
I learnt Physics, Maths and Chemistry from twelve to seventeen,
But never once in all those years did I work with a machine.
They never showed me how to lay a brick or fix a shelf;
The really useful things I know are things I taught myself.
But of the many facts they told me there is one that strangely sticks...
That the Black Hole of Calcutta was in 1756!
Poem from 'Teachers' Features by Kenneth Kitchin,
a former pupil of Stationers' Company's School circa early 1940s.