OSAmag83

No 83 / July 2016 The Old Stationer Number 83 - July 2016 John Rowlands our new President

Jim Townsend's Everest Adventure Base campEverest in background, we're on top of Kalapattar Been higher than base camp but have a wind down feel now. Got final score but keep video. Does the grass need cut. Mayura kept in for probably one day, we'll meet in Kat on way through. Had a scary trek yesterday had to scramble up steep slope in snow and edge along narrow snowy path with huge drop. No choice but I said I wouldn't repeat again and I would rather hire a helicopter if no alternative routes. Now lower and no problem but no health and safety here. I wasn't alone in that either, I'm more able than most and was also worried for others. Photo of base camp in the distance, just see tents.

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83The Old Stationer Contents Number 83 - July 2016 Regular features Editorial 4 President's Address 5 Correspondence 18OLD STATIONERS’ ASSOCIATION Far as you roam LIST OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2014/2015 Gap Tour - Les Humphreys 24 Chris Seabrook’s sisters - John Ivey 29 From Seattle to StaffaPresident Tony C Hemmings - Roger Mansfield 34John Rowlands 5 The Mount, Cheshunt, OS - Zoo Lake Chapter Herts. EN7 6RF Tel: 01992 638535 The Elms, 36 Lucas Lane, Ashwell, Baldock, E-mail: [email protected] - Keith Mullender 35 Herts SG7 5LN Tel: 01462 742758 E-mail: [email protected] David J Sheath Ksg South Africa 2015Vice-President 12a Bolton Crescent, Windsor, Berks. - Geraint Pritchard 35 SL4 3JQ Tel: 01753 855021Peter Bothwick E-mail: [email protected] Dates 4 Dates for the Diary 5 52 Hither Green Lane, Abbey Park, Co-opted Member President’s Day 13 Redditch, Worcestershire B98 9BW Reunions Tel: 01527 62059 Peter R Thomas E-mail: [email protected] Special features 107 Jackdaw Close, Stevenage,Past President Herts. SG2 9DB Tel: 01438 722870 Annual Dinner 2016 6 E-mail: [email protected] A Sandell Message from the Archivist 12 Honorary Auditors 11 Maplecroft Lane, Nazeing, Essex, Possible World War I Battlefield Tour 12 EN9 2NR Tel: 01992 892766 Chris Langford, Dave Cox E-mail: [email protected] Taste - Ben Udejiofo 13 Clubs & SocietiesHonorary Secretary What do you know or remember Football ClubTim Westbrook of the name Wyvill? 23 Liam Gallagher 7 Goodyers Avenue, Radlett, Our OSA website 57 Herts. WD7 8AY Tel: 0845 8724001 38 Hadley Way, Winchmore Hill, E-mail: [email protected] London N21 1AN Tel: 07793 220472 Clubs & Societies E-mail: [email protected] Treasurer Golf Society 15 Golf SocietyMichael F Hasler OSFC 16 Peter J Bonner 8 The Glebe, Weston Turville, Aylesbury, Varia 46 Bucks. HP22 5ST Tel: 01296 614352 3a Mount Grace Road, Potters Bar, Herts. News of Former Staff 49 E-mail: [email protected] EN6 1RE Tel: 01707 658016 Useful quotes 49 E-mail: [email protected] New members Membership Enquiries Obituaries 50 Apostles Club 51Roger Engledow Stephen Ling 51 Stuart H Behn Michael Butterfiled 53 118 Hertswood Court, Raymond Chew Hillside Gardens, Barnet, EN5 4AU l67 Hempstead Road, Watford, Keith Hewett 55 07817 111642 Herts. WD17 3HF Tel: 01923 243546 Obituaries of non-members 55 [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Peter Seeburg 56 John Croker 56Honorary Editor Luncheon Club Douglas Rice 49 Edward Partridge 50Geraint Pritchard Michael D Pinfield New members 58 Changes of address 59 1 Willow Way, Toddington, Dunstable, Details as above Minutes of the AGM 60 Beds. LU5 6FD Tel: 01525 872166 E-mail: [email protected] President's Address (AGM) 61 E-mail: [email protected] Treasurer's Report (AGM) 62 SC School Lodge Balance sheet Web Site Manager Funds summary & General fund Michael D PinfieldMichael D Pinfield Supplying items for publication Details as above 63 Lynton Road, Harrow, Middx. HA2 9NJ E-mail: [email protected] Text: Please supply as Word or typed documents if Tel: 020 8422 4699 possible. Images: Supply as original images or hi-res E-mail: [email protected] Magazine (300dpi) digital files in tiff, jpeg or eps format. OSA website: www.oldstationers.co.uk Publishing Adviser Post or email to the Editor, Geraint Pritchard:Honorary Archivist see Committee page for address details. Tim WestbrookDavid D Turner Details as above 63 Brookmans Avenue, Brookmans Park, Herts. AL9 7QG Tel: 01707 656414 Design & Production Manager E-mail: [email protected] Ian MooreOrdinary Members Homecroft, Princes Gate,Roger Melling Pembrokeshire SA67 8TG Tel: 01834 831 272 43 Holyrood Road, New Barnet, Email: [email protected] Herts. EN5 1DQ Tel: 020 8449 2283 Website: www.outhaus.biz E-mail: [email protected] PrinterAndreas H Christou Stephens and George 22 Woodgrange Avenue, Bush Hill Park, Enfield EN1 1EW Tel: 07722 117481 E-mail: [email protected] 3

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83EDITORIAL As you will open this edition arranged and organised the President’s Day Lunch at Botany of the Magazine, all members Bay in August. However, as Membership Secretary Gordon of the Old Stationers’ has kept a meticulous list of the membership over the years Association will be made recording the regular changes that have taken place in the aware that John Rowlands is details of the members themselves and their changes of the President for 2016-2017. address. It is remarkable that the figure for membership has John was at Stationers’ from stayed around the 500 for many years without the Stationers’ 1961 to 1968 and is one of Company’s School, since 1981, sending new recruits for the twenty members of the OSA OSA! Gordon was President in 1981. Many thanks, from that year group. We Gordon for your sterling efforts in maintaining the wish John well in his year of membership figures and the work involved in keeping all theoffice and hope he has a very pleasant and successful year. records diligently.At the Annual General Meeting on Friday, April 15th two Our good wishes to Roger Engledow, the new Membershipsignificant changes in personnel took place as two members Secretary and to Mike Pinfield for taking over the organisationof Committee resigned. Alan Green, a former President and of the Luncheon Club, and wish them well in their new posts.for many years responsible for the Luncheon Club hadoverseen the popularity of the Luncheon Club, grow Information about PRESIDENT’S DAY, Sunday Augustconsiderably. From the single figures of the Harold Smith 28th is under the heading Dates for the Diary. We hope thatLuncheon Club, this event has attracted the number of there will be a good turn out for this occasion to support themembers attending the May and September Lunches to a President, John Rowlands and his cricket team at Botany Bay.figure of forty and occasionally fifty members. However, theChristmas Lunch has been such an extremely popular event Once more, it is sad to record the deaths of Old Stationers,in recent years, it has exceeded the number present at the four of whom were members, and we extend our sympathyAnnual Dinner. Alan Green was President in 1996. Many and condolences to the families of those who are recorded inthanks Alan for your success with attendance at Lunches and this issue.work on Committee. May members of this august body, the OSA, enjoy theGordon Rose has the distinction of possibly being the longest summer, be it at home or as far as you roam. We send ourstanding member of Committee. It is known that Gordon good wishes to you all, also not forgetting those of you of awas on committee for forty years and it is thought that he has great age and you who are not in the best of health.been attending committees of the OSA for over fifty years,and may be over sixty years since he was first a cricket Lastly, my thanks to all the contributors to this issue, whichrepresentative on committee. In recent years Gordon has gives much added ‘flavour’ to the final product. GeraintDATES for the DIARY Carol ServiceAGM & ANNUAL DINNER The annual carol service will take place on Sunday 4thFriday March 24th 2017 December 2016 at Hornsey Parish Church, St MaryStationers’ Hall with St George, Cranley Gardens, NlO 3AH at 4pm.Ave Maria Lane, LONDON EC4 7DDAGM 5.30pm. We are very grateful to the Rector of Hornsey forAnnual Dinner 6.30pm accommodating us each year and also to the churchNote earlier times! choir for providing an excellent lead for the carols & to the ladies who provide refreshment afterwards.LUNCHEON MEETINGSWednesday 14th September 2016 This year we are also considering having a short act ofImperial Hotel, Russell Square worship & thanksgiving in front of the School WarWednesday 7th December 2016 Memorial Window, which is now installed in the sideStationers’ Hall, Ave Maria Lane room, to remember the fallen of the Great War.PRESIDENT’S DAY Attendance at the carol service in the last few years hasSunday 28th August 2016 been poor and I hope that a few more Old Boys and44th Annual Cricket Match family will attend this year, given the help & supportBotany Bay, East Lodge Lane, Enfield, EN2 8AS provided by the Rector, the choir and the parishioners.Lunch 12.30pm; Match 2.00pm. It would be a shame if this year was to be the final carol service but it is difficult to justify the event with suchOSA CAROL SERVICE low numbers.Sunday 4th December 20164pm at St Mary with St George Church Peter SandellCranley Gardens, Hornsey, N10 3AH Past President 4

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83 PRESIDENT’S ADDRESSWhat an honour to be elected as your President for 2016/17! After our wedding in 1977, Gaye and I moved to Hertfordshire.What a privilege to be installed at the top table in Stationers’ I had a wonderful job as finance director of an agriculturalHall in April! This year marks the 55th Anniversary of the entry merchant in Sandy, Bedfordshire which lasted for more than 20of my year group into our School and we arelooking forward to our second reunion in years. I am still connected with the industryOctober. as chairman of a farmer-owned business based in Chesham. My last “proper” job wasI was lucky enough to be encouraged into Treasurer of St Albans Cathedral which wasthe Old Boys while still at school by the late fascinating and allowed me to play theand great Peter Bullen who was recruiting mighty Wurlitzer on occasions. I retainscorers for the OSA Cricket club. I was a connections with the cathedral as Treasurerregular scorer with the Second XI for several and a Trustee of its Education Trust.years and then graduated to play for thatteam, enjoying many cricket tours in Norfolk Looking ahead to the coming year, we haveand Hampshire. My only sporting success at the regular events planned. The OSAschool was to be Captain of the undefeated President’s cricket fixture is to take place onCricket Second XI. Sunday 28th August at Botany Bay Cricket Club; we have lunches organised forMusic has been an important part of my life. Wednesday 14th September and for theMy first visit to Stationers’ Hall, like so many Christmas Lunch at the Hall on Wednesdayother OSA members,was for the tea following 7th December. Peter Bonner has organised athe Ash Wednesday service in the Crypt at St number of Golf Fixtures for the GolfPaul’s. I graduated from choir member to Society, details on the website.school organist, again in the second row,supporting John Alley. After leaving school, I This is your Association, please join in. Ifcontinued to play for the Ash Wednesday you have any ideas for extending the type ofevensong into the 1970s as well as playing for a number of School events that you would like to take part in –carol services. From this beginning has followed posts as assistant please let the committee have them. In his Address two years ago,organist in a number of churches, which led to meeting my wife Roger Melling referred to the shared joy that he and his wife(we met while I was playing in Hythe, Kent) and then our family have in walking. With so much wonderful countryside to chooseof three sons. I have been playing the organ in our village of from (and hostelries) could a Walking Club be one possibility?Ashwell for more than 35 years. All of this came from being atStationers’ School! I felt honoured to be asked by the Baynes I support and endorse the efforts Peter Sandell has been makingfamily to play the organ at Robert Baynes’s funeral in 2007. to encourage reunions for the milestone years. The Committee is very keen to connect with those Old Boys who attended the PRESIDENT'S DAY School in the 1970s and up until the School’s closure and would welcome all possible help with this. SUNDAY 28th AUGUST 2016 Between now and our AGM and Dinner on Friday 24th March I would like to invite you and your family and friends to a 2017, I look forward to being your President and hope to meet special day on Sunday 28th August, when I will have the as many of your as possible during my year of office. pleasure of hosting the traditional Old Stationers' President's Cricket Match in the beautiful setting of the John Rowlands Botany Bay Cricket Club, East Lodge Lane, Enfield. Middx. EN2 8HS.I am grateful to Geoff Blackmore for selecting thePresident's Team to represent the OSA to play a teamfrom Botany Bay Cricket Club. The match willcommence at 2.00pm, finishing at around 7.30pm. Thebar will be open from 11.45am and lunch will be servedat 12.30pm. If you wish to have lunch, the cost will be£22 per head. Please send your cheque to Peter Sandell(made payable to him) the earliest opportunity andcertainly no later than 18th August. Peter's address is 11Maplecroft Lane, Nazeing, Essex, EN9 2NR. If youwould prefer to pay via \"on line\" banking please emailPeter on [email protected] with your accountdetails, whereupon he will provide his bank Ale details. Ido hope you will join Gaye and me for this specialoccasion.Kind regardsJohn Rowlands President 2016/17 The new President receives his chain of office. 5

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83ANNUAL DINNER 2016 -Stationers' Hall – Friday 15th April 2016 President's Address – Peter SandellMaster, Clerk, Headteacher & fellow Old Stationers... I can't believe it's 18 months since we attended the grand opening of the Academy and a mob of 26 Old Stationers' sangWell this is the bit you've all been waiting for. ....... but before you our school song; you must have wondered what had hit you!!can leave and go down to the Cockpit, I'm sorry but you'll haveto listen to me for a few minutes. As you know the version of the song we have always sung at school & at OSA functions is a composite verse. The actual songBilly Connelly once said that After Dinner Speaking was a great consists of 4 verses and the composite verse is the first 4 lines ofcure for constipation!! I hope in this case it's not a cure for the first verse and the last 4 lines of the 4th verse. I thought itinsomnia!! Although I have to admit I have dropped off at this would be good idea if we sang all 4 verses, but alas you haven'tpoint in the proceedings on at least one occasion. (I can't got the words!! However I have printed off a couple of copies andremember whose speech it was; probably Blackmore's) Many I wondered whether our guest speakers could get up and performthanks Helen for your speech and may I wish you a most a duet by signing all 4 verses!! NO only joking!!enjoyable remaining 3 or 4 months of your historic reign asMaster; I know how busy you've been since July with weekly & I would also like to welcome the Clerk of the Company, Williamalmost daily functions to attend & it certainly makes the Alden. William and Helen have been very supported to me andPresident's year seem a complete doddle. the Association over the last year & I would thank them both for that support. As you will know the Company extended an offerMany thanks also to Michael for your toast to the OSA. Can I to OSA members to become Freemen at a discounted fee. I haveon behalf of the Association wish you a very happy retirement. indeed taken them up on that offer as have 5 other Old Boys,We will welcome, your successor, David Millar to our future John Rowlands, Pete Winter, Peter Bothwick, Stephen Bensleyevents and look forward to continuing the relationship between & Peter Redman.the Academy & the Association for many years to come inwhatever form it takes. I attended my first Company 'do' as a Freeman on Ash Wednesday; the annual 'Cakes & Ale' lunch here and then afterI'm reminded of the mother who went into her son's bedroom to a short walk across to the Cathedral, a service in St Faiths in thewake him up one morning. \"Come on Victor get up or you'll be Crypt of St Pauls. As I mentioned in my address in the Magazine,late for school\". it marked the 50th anniversary of my first Ash Wednesday service at the age of 12 singing with the school choir. I know that\"Do I have to go in today Mum\", said Victor, \"all the boys hate many of you also sang in the choir and share my very fond &me and so do all the teachers\". lasting memories of attending the Hall in our school days. I am still in awe of this wonderful place and we are indeed most\"Yes you do son\", replied his Mum. fortunate to be able to use the facilities for both this annual dinner and the Christmas lunch. We are most grateful to the\"Give me one good reason\", Victor replied. Master & the Company for continuing to allow us that privilege.His Mum responded... \"Because you're 34 & you're the Headmaster!!\"The new President with some of his class mates. 6

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83Youngest and oldest enjoy a tipple. The Master speaks out.Happy Days! The President drinks from the loving cupWell my 12 months is almost over (in fact it's been 12 months guest at the OSA v the Company, annual golf day in July atplus 3 weeks thanks to Easter putting this dinner back 3 weeks). Essenden where I presented the prizes.What an excellent year I've had. Having declined the offer which I attended the Football Club end of season dinner andTony Hemmings put to me on a number of occasions for a few presentation awards at Southgate Masonic Hall in May. Thenyears earlier, I finally relented in a moment of weakness & agreed there have been the 2 lunches at the Imperial Hotel. Then ofto take on the role of President, with a degree of trepidation as I course, President's Day on the Sunday of August Bank holidaythink most Presidents have alluded to in previous years. I had when although the weather had threatened to deprive of us anynever even considered serving on the committee or getting too cricket, we were very fortunate that a full game was achieved andinvolved with the workings of the OSA even though I have been under Geoff 's captaincy, my Team won against a Botany Bay 11.attending these dinners since 1975. Thanks Geoff for your many years of bringing together the President's team and to Gordon Rose for organising.However, it's been most enjoyable and I would urge any of youwho have yet to fulfil the role to give it some serious thought. It's We also had the annual carol service at Hornsey Parish Churchnot a massive commitment and I've thoroughly enjoyed serving which although poorly attended, was nonetheless a worthwhileon the committee for 2 years and attending a number of events event although as you know from my comments in theduring the past year, including lunch with the past Master, Ian magazine we are considering it's future. Finally as well as thisLocks at the Master & Warden's lunch here in May. I was a evening we were here on 2nd December with over 100 7

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83Vice President, Peter Bothwick with class mates from the year of '62.attending the Christmas lunch. For those of you who attended the AGM & indeed as you may have read in the magazine, Gordon Rose has now stood down asAs you will be aware, numbers attending this annual dinner have Membership secretary. May I thank Gordon for all his hard andbeen declining over recent years whereas the Christmas lunch loyal work over many many years not just as membershiphas gone from strength to strength. There have been a number secretary but also his years involved with the football club andof suggestions that maybe we should move the AGM and annual also for organising President's day. Thank you Gordon for alldinner to a lunchtime occasion at the end of March. your hard work.The committee will continue to give this matter due consideration We welcome back to Roger Engledow who has now re-joinedand we will request members' opinions in due course. However the committee as Membership Secretary.any feedback you have on the matter would be welcome; pleasedrop the committee an email or speak to one of us. I have agreed to organise the President's Day so please put it inTime for the School song. 8

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83your diary, Sunday 28th August &give John Rowlands your support.It will be at Botany Bay CricketClub as usual.May I also thank Mike Pinfield foronce again fulfilling the role ofToastmaster & indeed for hiscontinued organisation of theluncheon Club & being the webmaster. Thanks also to MikeHasler for organising this eveningas well as his ongoing role asTreasurer.I would also like to pay tribute to The usual suspects photo call.Geraint Prichard for his continuedhard work as editor, this despitesome very serious health issues.Also thanks to Tim Westbrookwho took over as secretary fromTony Hemmings this time lastyear. For Tim & I it's been a bitlike the blind leading the blind, but we just about got through theyear with a bit of help.And finally a big \"thank you\" to the remaining committeemembers for their support & excellent running of the affairs ofthe Association, John Rowlands my Vice President, RogerMelling, Tony Hemmings, David Turner, David Sheath, AndreasChristou & Peter Bothwick who has been voted as JohnRowlands vice President for the forthcoming 12 months.We will also be welcoming Peter Thomas as a co-opted member What's this tie?of the committee who will represent some of the youngerelement. Peter joined the school in 1967 the first year of thecomprehensive era. He is organising a 50th reunion next year andhopefully will be encouraging a good number of the 1967 intaketo join the GSA. That year's intake was approaching 200 boysacross 6 classes as indeed was each subsequent year until 1981, sothere's plenty of scope to recruit new members, but we've beensaying that for a number of years. That's the role I have set myselfwithin the committee over the coming months. However we willhave to understand what that generation want from the GSA;quite possibly it won't be the traditional lunches & dinners. Wewill need to find out what's required in order to attract theirmembership, because one thing is certain we will need newrecruits as whilst currently numbers are good at over 500 &indeed the many reunions that continue will help recruitment,we will still need the younger element.Helen mentioned Wipers Times which her husband BobCouldrey, has been instrumental in producing. Bob also organiseda World War one Battlefields tour for the Stationers' companywhich took place last week.He has very kindly offered to organise a tour for us next March Peter and Tony encircle The Clerk.or April. The likely cost will be roughly £500 depending uponhow many go. We are talking about say 30 people on a 4 day trip. their lives. If this is of interest to you please drop me an email orI will need to get a rough idea of likely numbers, so I will be phone me so I can gauge likely demand.sending out an email in the next few weeks asking for anindication as to whether there is sufficient interest in this event, I also mentioned in the Magazine that on Tuesday 10th May, at& if so, Bob and I will discuss matters further and probably put Lords, day 3 of Middlesex against Notts, I will buy any OSAsomething more formal in the next Magazine. It will probably be member a beer in the Members' Bar from 12noon. If you're notopen to OSA members & wives and partners. The idea is to visit a Middlesex or MCC member let me know and I'm sure we'llWorld War One graves of some of the 154 Old Boys who lost find someone to sign you into the Pavilion. Dress code is jackets & Old Boys ties; again drop me a note if you can come. The 9

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83The top table congratulate the new President.A joke shared before the formalities begin. Roger stays close to the drinks table Guest speaker Michael Murphy. 10

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83Annual Dinner 2016 AttendeesAanonson, Geoff Evans, Ivor Jeffreys, Stephen Sandell, PeterAlden, William Evans, Michael Kahn, Michael Sargent, PeterAlexander, Hugh Facey, Michael Knight, Keith Sheath, DavidAllen, Keith Fiddy, John Lincoln, David Simmons, RoyAssirati, John Forty, Richard Mash, Tony Slatford, RichardBaldwin, John Fry, Bob McKeown, Keith Steff, RickBehn, Stuart Fussell, Douglas Melling, Roger Tapping, GeoffBewick, Don Geering, John Miles, John Taylor, TonyBlackmore, Geoff Geering, Philip Mitchell, Derek Thomas, PeterBodley, Tony Gray, John Mote, Michael Thompson, RossBonner, Peter Green, Alan Mullender, Keith Ttofi, MichaelBothwick, Peter Hames, Peter Murphy, Michael Turner, DavidBrady, Michael Hasler, Michael Partridge, John Tyley, RichieBroadbent, Adrian Hassan, Zaki Phillippo, Richard Wade, NigelButler, Terence Heath, Michael G. Phillpot, Roger Ward, StanleyCave, Richard Hemmings, Tony Pinfield, Mike Weatherley,Christou, Andreas Hersey, Richard Plumley, Russell MichaelCox, David Hudson, David Powell, Tony Westbrook, TimEade, Anthony Hughes, Robert Pritchard, Geraint Wilkins, ChrisEccles, Reginald Hunt, Alan Redman, Peter Willison, MarkEngledow, Roger Jaggers, Terence Rose, Gordon Wilson, RichardEsmonde, Helen Jarvis, Peter Rowlands, John Woodhams, Chris11

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83Members' bar is at the top of the left hand tower as you look at POSSIBLE WORLD WAR ONEthe pavilion from the square. If this is a success we will make it BATTLEFIELD TOURan annual event, maybe including lunch; we'll see.Finally it would be remiss of me not to mention football... Iwould like to congratulate Rangers for their promotion to theScottish Premiership.... Seriously I'm delighted for Leicester City and it's amazinghow many new North London supporters they currently have ....That's just about it from me; it's been an absolute privilege toserve you as President & I'm sure John Rowlands will thoroughlyenjoy his term. Thank you to all who have helped me andsupported me.Peter SandellPresident Peter in full flow at the annual dinner. For those of you who attended the Annual Dinner, you will have received a copy of a special edition of the Wipers Times which A MESSAGE FROM the Company produced & was dedicated to members of the Stationers' Livery Company and the Old Boys of the school who THE ARCHIVIST gave their lives in the Great War. There were 800 old boys who served and 154 lost their lives.I am sure that all our members are aware that we do havea considerable collection of archive material going back in Bob Couldrey, Helen Esmonde, the Master of the Company'ssome cases 150 years. However you may not be aware that husband, was behind this publication and he has also run athere are some items which may be of personal interest to number of battlefield tours and indeed members of the Court ofyourselves in the form of record cards which were the Stationers' Company went on a tour with Bob in April,maintained for a period for each individual pupil. The including Tony Mash.cards record the period at the school and the position inform at the end of each term as well as a disciplinary record Bob has very kindly offered to run one or two tours for the OSAand details of first job after leaving. I cannot guarantee that if we wish to take him up on this offer, as I mentioned in mywe have every single card as undoubtedly some have been speech at the dinner.lost but if you are interested in seeing your own card thendo not hesitate to get in touch with me. What I normally By way of background, from 1986-89 Bob commanded 7thdo is to deal with such requests in batches whenever I visit Gurkha Rifles and he is now Chairman of the 7th GurkhaStationers Hall where they are kept, take photographs of Regimental Association. I am sure he will be a very useful andboth sides and email them or post hard copies. well informed guide.So if you would like to be reminded of your performance He has suggested 2 dates next spring, going mid-week; Mondayat the old school, be it good or bad, please let me know and 27th March to Thursday 30th March, &/or Tuesday 18th AprilI shall be happy to oblige. I would need your full name, to Friday 21 st April.years at school and address at time of starting in order toidentify you accurately. Provisional costs are £450-£500 per head depending on the numbers interested & the hotels we will stay etc. The tour wouldDavid Turner Honorary Archivist have three nights in Belgium/France and could cover both what some Old Stationers got up to plus anyone on the trip who has a forbear they want to check out, whether they survived or died. The final itinerary would be decided once we know who and how many are going and it will designed to suit as many individual requirements as possible. It obviously makes sense to plan as early as possible, so if you are interested in joining a tour, please send me an e mail or telephone me as soon as possible, but no later than 31 st August, so that I can give Bob a definite yes or no. I need to know which dates and who you would like to bring and although initially this will only be an indication of intent, we will need a firm commitment during the autumn with a deposit so that booki ngs can be made. I have in mind arranging a meeting with Bob in the autumn to discuss his proposals further. Peter Sandell Past President [email protected] 07917693523 (mobile) 01992 892766 (home) 12

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83 REUNIONS TASTE CLASS OF 1953 REUNION Dear fellow Old Stationers,The next Reunion is arranged for WEDNESDAY 19th My name is Ben Udejiofo. I was at the School between 1975 andOCTOBER 2016 at the CHESHIRE CHEESE, Little 1983.Essex Street, Temple, London, WC2R 3LD. The time is12.00 for 13.00pm. Lunch will consist of two courses After leaving Stationers’ I studied Civil Engineering Studies atwith a choice from the pub menu. If you are interested, Willesden College of Technology for 2 years before beingplease let Peter Redman know by email, or telephone offered a place at the University of Sheffield.01707 654821. Alternatively, contact Mike Hasler byemail, or telephone 01296 614352, or Alan Green by I arrived in Sheffield in the Autumn of 1985 to study Civil andemail. Structural Engineering (BEng). On completing my Degree course in 1989, I worked for Barnsley Metropolitan Borough CLASS OF 1954 REUNION Council (BMBC) as a Graduate under Training. I left BMBC after 10 years, during which I became a Chartered Civil EngineerTUESDAY 4th OCTOBER 2016,The Cheshire Cheese, (CEng) and Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers12.00. (MICE). I have been living in Sheffield since I left London in 1985. I married my dear wife Sue in 1993 and we have three CLASS OF 1955 REUNION lovely (most of the time) children; Sarah (20), James (18) and Jessica (15). We attend Wycliffe Evangelical churchFRIDAY 28th OCTOBER 2016, HOUSE OFCOMMONS, 12.30-16.00pm Although I no longer work directly as a Civil Engineer I have maintained my membership with the Institution of Civil CLASS OF 1956 REUNION Engineers (ICE). I now work as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of an international NGO that I founded in 1999.1956 Intake – 60 Year ReunionAs some of you are aware, from the OS Website, a 60 Year TASTE (Transfer of Appropriate Sustainable Technology andReunion for the 1956 intake of Stationers’ pupils is being Expertise), (www.taste.org.uk) is a Christian charity registeredplanned. I have been able to contact some of the year with the Charity Commission (Registered Charity No:1077304)group personally, but would like to alert as many relevant and the Corporate Affairs Commission in Nigeria. We are basedOS as possible and hope it may prove feasible, through in Sheffield but have an Office in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.this magazine, to reach additional people. Unfortunately,a permanent comprehensive list of addresses of the group TASTE works to support disadvantaged communities in Nigeriain question does not exist. by providing them with a sustainable and safe drinking waterCurrently the plan is to meet in the Spring of 2017, inLondon. To that end, provisional luncheon reservationshave been made, for either Tuesday 7th and/or Tuesday14th March, in a private dining room at ‘Bangers’ (aDavy’s wine bar), some 100yards from Liverpool StreetStation.I should be pleased to hear from anyone interested inattending the above event. To date there have beenapproximately thirty positive responses. I would welcomee-mail contact at [email protected] Mullender CLASS OF 1967 REUNIONIn 2017, it will be the 50th Anniversary of the 1967Intake at the Stationers’ Company’s School, and tocelebrate this occasion we are organising a Reunion nextyear. If you joined the School in 1967 and know of anyonewho did, please contact us now.For further details please contact PETER THOMAS on01438 722870 or [email protected] 13

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83supply. Our work is centred, although not exclusively, on drilling and adult groups.boreholes in needy communities. In these situations women andchildren bear the burden of water collection, often walking 5k We aim to serve Godper trip to collect water of questionable quality. TASTE alsoeducates the communities about the importance of good basic with our practical skillshygiene and sanitation practices. This is done through ourCommunity Development Officer working with Local schools by doing everything to His glory and in ways that are different from purely secular development organisations. TASTE since being registered in 1999 has worked in over 250 communities and has helped over 30,000 individuals gain access to clean drinking water as well as the provision of latrines and basic handwashing facilities. We have a very active and committed group of supporters all over the UK, who in the last six years alone have helped raise over £100,000 to purchase and ship our own drilling rig, water tanker and hydrogeological survey equipment. TASTE has now been working in Nigeria for nearly 17 years supporting disadvantaged communities by providing them with sustainable safe water supply. The daily routine of walking 5k per trip to collect water is now a thing of the past for the communities that TASTE has helped. I would like to invite you to our special Fundraising Dinner at Stationers' Hall Monday 26 September 2016 when we will be celebrating the achievements of the last 17 years but will also be sharing our vision for the future expansion of our work. For further details please contact me direct on: [email protected] or 07737413772 I hope you will be able to attend. Ben Udejiofo 14

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83 Old Stationers' Golf SocietyThe Old Stationers Golf Society is in impressive good health.We now have some thirty four paid up members, which includesseven associates. This is the highest membership for at least tenyears.The first meeting of the year took place in April at Aldenham,which we had not played since 2006. It is notable for a monster600+ yards par five. The event was the pairs championship whichwas won by Tim Westbrook and Colin Walker. They receivedour version of the claret jug!In May we played our now traditional match against Old Peter and the President inspect the temporary trophyTollingtonians. This was the sixth year we have played them andhave more often than not come out losers. The match was played Dave \"blobby\" Hudson is rewarded for playing the most golf!at Potters Bar Golf Club – only about 300 yards from my home!It was also the first of the three meetings counting towards the Peter Bennett receives the best individual score prize in front ofchampion golfer’s shield – otherwise known as the ‘Toilet Seat’! an attentive audience!The course had been set up with very tricky pin positions.Apparently the previous day there had been a corporate day andthe organisers of this had asked for the most difficult pinpositions to be selected. It was tough! In the final reckoning OSregained the Joe E Johnson Cup, only the second time we haveheld it. The best individual score was carded by Bruce Kitchenerwith a fine 32 points.In late June we played our now annual match against theStationers Company at Westerham GC. It was a wet and windyday and the course was very hilly. In fact it was a brutal test formany, especially high handicappers and seniors. Despite thisthere were some good scores by OS, notably Peter Bennett (withtwo new knees!) who recorded aremarkable 35 – five points clear ofthe next best individual. OS provedthe winners over the Company.Future meetings include:North Weald 21st JulyCambridge (away) 21/22nd AugustWest Middx 9th SeptemberMill Green 25th OctoberOn a personal note, as secretary andorganiser of the OSGS for elevenyears I will be handing over toRoger Rufey for the 2017 season.Peter Bonner The historic Hicklenton Cup is eventually foundThe Freeman team captain is gracious in defeat! Tim + Colin retain the Pairs Trophy 15

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83OSFC 2015/16 - End of Season ReportSadly as with many clubs currently plagued by player indifference simply failed to comply and we were left with no alternative butand fragile commitment, 2015/16 turned out to be a difficult to withdraw the 3rd XI from all competitions (this was doneyear for OSFC. To highlight the wider problems that AFA/SAL however with the full backing of SAL)football faces, the past season has seen the demise of OldWestminster Citizens, the merger of BB Eagles (formerly The 4th XI and 5th XI's season ran more smoothly, both promisedBarclays Bank in the dim and distance past) and Ibis to form Ibis much up until the New Year only for their lofty ambitions to peterEagles, and at the end of the season the resignation from the out towards the end, although the 5th XI eventually only justSAL of Old Esthameians. There has also been a general steady missed out on promotion by a couple of pointsdecline in the number of teams many other clubs are able to putout each week. Awards for 2015/16 Season 1st XI Player of the Year: Steve WattsHowever I digress and the debate about the woes of amateur 2nd XI and 3rd XI No awardsfootball is for another time, back to the fortunes of OSFC.  4th XI Player of the Year: Mark Tansley 5th XI Player of the Year Masoud JarrahiWe began the season with high hopes for the 1st XI having only Young Player of the Year: Liam Gilligan (yes son of Dave)just missed out on promotion the previous year. However despitehaving mainly the same group of players, inconsistency proved As we look forward to next season, changes are afoot. our downfall and a mid-table finish was somewhat disappointing We held our AGM in mid June with much to discuss.Unfortunately we experienced major problems with both the 2ndXI and 3rd XI, but for entirely different reasons. We had serious Following a number of years serving as Officers of the Club, Iandisciplinary issues with the 2nd XI which resulted in the club Meyrick (Chairman) and Vince Wallace (Hon Secretary) bothexpelling two of their players in February. This action prompted decided to step down from their respective roles. Long standinga number of other players to also leave the club, which meant we Committee man Liam Gallagher agreed to take over the role ofhad to \"cobble\" together a side on a week by week basis to Secretary, but at the time of writing, appointing a new Chairmancomplete the season and consequently the reserves finished is proving a more challenging task. bottom of their Division. Mike Kassie is set to continue his sterling work as FixtureThe issue with the 3rd XI revolved around payment of Annual Secretary and Ray Houldsworth, who is now a regular spectatorand Weekly Subs, or rather a lack of payment! Having been given at the Club watching his son Harry, is taking on the role ofa December deadline to pay their dues, many of the players Treasurer. Reassuringly many of the long standing Committee Members are also serving again, including Old Boys, Jim Mulley,OSFC 5thXI 1965/66 - SAL 5th XI Section Division 1 Champions & winners of the Old Boys 5thXI Cup Back row (l to r):  W Niehorster, M Mote, A J Berwick, G Eldridge, F Tree, I Hayward, P Seeburg Front Row (l to r):  A Scott, B Brook, A Ames (Capt.), R Tyley 16

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83Dave Gilligan and Mark Tansley. As always you can follow the Clubs fortunes on tour website at  www.oldstationersfc.co.uk  or if you require any furtherWith regard to the number of teams we can realistically run for the information about the Club please contact the new Hon2016/17 season, it was decided that rather than attempting to Secretary, Liam Gallagher at [email protected] fielding 5 sides, we would slim down to 3 XIs (withwilling Captains already in place), or perhaps 4 sides if we are able. Finally a note for your diary: the Annual OSFC Ex-PlayersWe trust that by having slightly fewer teams it will enable the Club Re-Union Day, will take place on Saturday 8th October 2016,to eliminate some of the problems and headaches of recent seasons.  which as usual is the early October \"International\" weekend. Watch out for confirmation and full details nearer the time onJack Toumany remains as Mega Vets Captain providing football either the OSFC and OSA websites.for the over 45s for the occasional \"social\" fixtures on Sundaymornings. Here's looking forward to a successful and trouble free 111th season.So whilst we may, along with many other SAL clubs, haveexperienced some difficult times over the last few years we are Ian Meyrickhopeful that we can now put these behind us and move forward OSFC Chairman... (outgoing)positively. 18th June 2016 From Alec Linford 1 The Woodpeckers, Patrons Way West Uxbridge UB9 5PJDear Geraint,I enclose some photographs that came to light during a recenttidying up of a life time's clutter. They depict my rather shortfootballing career and may be of some interest to older members.The one of the 1943/44 school second eleven includes suchnames as Daimler, Rundle, Chapple (captain) Barratt, Atwell,Edwards, Davenport, and Tree. The matches were played at thetime of the flying bombs through I don’t recall them everinterrupting a game.  After three years in the Royal Engineers I was demobbed in1948 and joined the lower ranks of the Old Boys Football club.The picture shows the then 5th eleven under its popular captainTed Moor. He was the only one in the team who possessed a car.The rest of us travelled by public transport. Several of us did noteven have a phone, and relied on the postcard arriving early inthe week telling us which team we were in and where we wereplaying. Names I can remember are Hamment, McGregor,Alabaster, Farrington, and Madley. The last picture shows the same team in one of the baths in thechanging room. I understood they were water tanks recoveredfrom some bomb damaged building and were heated by gas ringsunderneath. If there were three matches playing that afternoonand it was wet and muddy and you were the last team in it wasdebatable if you were any cleaner when coming out, but it waspleasant relaxing in the warm water. With reference to the last edition and the obituary to NormanEngleback. I remember him well as he was in my form. Iremember his wife Pat even better as she was one of the attractiveSt. Aidan's girls we would meet in Ridge Road on the way home.There were three other members of that same form who archivedobituaries in the national press. Barry Took, who wrote the radioscripts for Beyond our Ken and Round the Horn, Nigel Bonnerthe Antarctic Zoologist, and of course Colin Chapman.RegardsAlec 17

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83 11th December 2015 CORRESPONDENCE From: [email protected]: [email protected] 16th December 2015 From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Andreas Hi Andreas Michael BradyI just came across your website about Thank you for getting back to me, it’s such Peter JollieStationers’ School. I would like to thank a blast from the past and a real pleasure toyou for your effort in creating such an be speaking about our old school and John’s Wood, arranged by my godson lastinformative and fantastic website. teachers. summer, to mark Peter Jollie’s visit to London from Sydney where he has livedI was a pupil at the School from 1979 to I am saddened to hear of the passing of Mr for many years.Two of these are of Michael1984. In my first year at the School I was Roots and Mr Patterson, the latter being Brady (1951-1956) and Peter Jollie. Hopein Form 1H, my teacher being a young my drama coach; he always thought I was to see you at the Imperial or the Hall thisgentleman I can’t remember his name but destined for stardom. He even got me a year.it definitely began with the letter H, the casting audition with Warner for a movie Sincerelyfollowing year I was in Form 2J, the lovely called Greystoke back in 82 or 83 that MichaelMs Nava Jahans, what a great teacher and went really well.great character; I used to love Benji the 13th January 2016dog as well. I had the pleasure of meeting up with Greetings Geraint, Mike Fitch about Christmas three years So kind of you to write. I was looking atThe third year I was in 3F, Ms Fisher. The ago. He was having a meal with friends in the SOB web site the other day. Perhaps Ifourth year I was in 4F, the marvellous a Greek Restaurant in North London. I left a trail?Mike Fitch. I think I had him in the 5th as instantly recognised him. I remember Mr I was at Stationers’ from 1949-1956.well. Young and Mr Barnetson, a good English Though I can recall almost all of my class, Teacher. and over the years have run into a few ofI would love to get in touch with some ofthe Old Boys and Teachers. Please let me Some other teachers you may remember,know how I can reach out to them.Thanks Mr Cremer, Biology, Mr Rahman,again. Geography, Mr & Mrs Court, published the book, ‘Simple Modern Mathematics’Chris Savvides which we used at school, Mr Bath, Mr Hubbard (PE) and Mr Dingle (PE). 15th December 2015 From: [email protected] Thanks again Chris (Savvides) To: [email protected] Chris Fresh greetings from JosMany thanks for your email, it was good to 19th December 2015hear from you. [email protected] Dear GeraintThe best way to keep in touch is to join theOSA – www.oldstationers.co.uk and Further to my last email, I mainly want tosubmit a joining form. Then once you are tell you that I had the pleasure of meetinga member you can come to the many Ben Udejiofo in my house on Decemberevents that former Stationers’ boys attend. 8th and we had a good chat. He was staying, while in Jos, with a UniversityThere are more and more of our ‘lost colleague of mine living only five minutesgeneration’ joining now so it is not just walk away! We agreed that it was a veryabout the older generation - hence why I remarkable thing, for two Old Stationersmade my own separate site. to be meeting in this country (though who knows it could have happened before).I, too, am trying to get in touch with MsJahans and Mr Fitch and a few more. Do All the very bestyou remember Mr Young, Dr Khokhar David Jowittand Mr Leeming.? Last week I met MissPryor again at the Stationers’Carol Service. 4th January 2016 From: Michael BradyUnfortunately Mr Roots (Art Teacher) Good to speak to you the other day,and Mr Patterson (Drama) have passed Geraint and to hear your strong voice. Iaway. have obtained photos of those who attended the lunch at Oslo Court in St.If you want to talk, please feel free to callme on : 07861 391 941 and it would begood to hear from you.RegardsAndreas 18

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83 Stationers’ sites on Friends Reunited Lunch Attendee list. I am correctly listed before it closes down and they are lost for as having attended, however my years are ever – all 1,066 of them! shown incorrectly. I was at the School 1962-1967 (not 1955-1962 as shown). I I have listed the names alphabetically was in the Tim Westbrook, Pete Jarvis, together with the dates that they submitted Dave Hudson etc. year. for attending the school. I think that this list will be very useful for anyone organising Best wishes a reunion for the future – it’s the nearest David Shaw thing we have to a school register to date. Furthermore, what makes this list The Old Stationer March important is that those students who 2016 registered with Friends Reunited werethem, I am not currently in contact with obviously keen to keep in touch with theirany of them. More is the pity. Though I old school friends and therefore would becould probably dig a few of them out if receptive to meeting up in the future. Thisthey are still with us. will save time sifting out those classmates that may not wish to be contacted orI remember my time at Stationers’ well attend a reunion.enough, though I have to pinch myself tobelieve any of it really happened. Must I have stored the database electronicallyhave been a different planet. (winks). and also produced a hard copy (over 70 pages!) as well.Kind regards and thank you again forcontacting me I think it would be best if the OSA held the database for easy access for futureRoger Tann searchers. Let me know, Peter, to whom I forward the lists. Speak to you all again soon. 2nd February 2016 Kind regards, Peter ThomasDear Geraint 1967-1973From my various searches on facebook I 3rd February 2016 John A.C.Wheelerbecame friends with JACK YIACOUMI Met by chance in Lanzarote. [email protected] was born 28/6/67 and thinks he was Two Past Presidents, Alan Green, 1996,at school 80-85 (albeit I suspect he was and Michael Facey, 2009, found themselves 7th March 2016nearer 78-83). in each others company in Lanzarote. Dear Geraint David Shaw 1962-1967Anyway I met him this lunchtime as he Sunday 13th March 2016 I have enjoyed looking through this issueruns a restaurant in Broxbourne, The Hello Geraint and, as always, marvel at the high standardHighland Restaurant and the King Thanks for another excellent Old Stationer that you achieve. As a photographyHarold’s Head in Nazeing, where I met Magazine received a few days ago and enthusiast I particularly noticed the tophim and it turns out he lives about 200 already read from cover to cover. quality photo on the cover and theyards from me in Nazeing!! I hope you don’t mind me pointing out an comment under it that it was from ‘a newly anomaly in the reporting of the Christmas discovered photo archive’. I looked in theHis brother was also at the school and he magazine for more information butand his brother are in touch with quite a couldn’t find any. If there are other photosfew old boys. He would love to come to of that standard I would love to knowthe Dinner and will bring a few others. He more please.will join the OSA and maybe we couldorganise a function in his restaurant for the As a 1954 leaver I also enjoyed the insideyounger element. front cover of the 1959 Staff. The front row will never be forgotten.Just thought I’d let you know. He alsomentioned KEN AYLING 52-57 who Best wishescomes into his restaurant, lives in John A.C.WheelerHoddesdon and is a local councillor. 2nd February 2016 From Geraint To Peter Sandell; Geraint Pritchard; Monday, March 14, 2016 Andreas Christou To: John A.C. WheelerHi Guys Dear JohnI have just completed the retrieval of allthe names of past pupils from the various Thanks for your email I received recently. Yes, the cover photograph is most unusual as I had not seen it before; and I don’t quite 19

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83remember the front door quite like that. LETTER TO THE EDITOR If any of those in the photo are reading this, please let me know your contactI have yet to make some enquiries about Dear Geraint details: I am trying to track down as manyhow the photo was unearthed! Perhaps as possible of our intake.your memory is better than mine on this Thank you for Issue 82 of ‘The Oldissue? Stationer’ and for the photograph on the My very best wishes back cover. I believe that I may appear in Yours ayeThe 1959 Staff you will remember well the photo,but only my back! I am confident Mike Howell 1973-1980and can name them all. Burgess may still that the Class in question is Form 2F, whobe around and ‘Phosphorus’ Jones. I see had Mike Fitch as our Form Master and [email protected]’ son, Paul Symons, from time to Chemistry Teacher that year. The Wednesday 23rd March 2016time! Sloggett could still be in the land of photograph was taken during a chemistry Dear Geraintthe living. Also the other younger member lesson in the Lower Building some timeof staff in the second row, Mr Darcy, I during 1974-1975 academic year. I hope that you are now well. Delighted tobelieve. I saw Stan Holmes’ son, Geoff receive the latest Old Stationer, yet anotherHolmes, only this last weekend. I think that there are 16 pupils visible, and good read. I will try to identify them going clockwiseGood to hear from you from the bottom left corner. I have had Included in the obituaries was one forVery good wishes, some help from Mike Ttofi, Tony Eade Lawrence Bains. I grew up in AddingtonGeraint and Mike Willison. Most, if not all, of Road, a street off Oakfield Road, and just them were mentioned in my piece a short distance from Stationers’. The John A.C. Wheeler published on page 21 of Issue 82, ‘A street only had 13 houses but the School Monday, 14th March, 2016 reunion in North London, or whatever was very well represented. Lawrence andDear Geraint happened to Abubaker’. Kenneth Bains were at the School in the 1930-1939 period as was RobertMany thanks for the response. My only Here goes: Peter Nunn; Mark Willison; MacDermot. My brother, James, was areason for raising it was because the front Mike Howell (back); James Hall (side of pupil in the 1939-1945 period. He wascover said the picture was part of a head); Mario Mustaka (chest!); John Lane; followed by Robert Diffey from 1945-‘portfolio’ which implies that there is more Andrew Yianni; John Dore (waving); 1949. Robert was a French Legionnaire atthan one. I look forward to hearing from Shane Harris; William Knight; Jonathan Dien Bien Dhu where he won the Croixyou if you are able to find out anything. White; Declan Rooney (I think); Brian de Guerre. In 1951 Alan Lewis joined the Drury (waving); George Gibbs (hair); Tony School and I followed in 1952. The BainsYours, Eade (looking for a pen); William Bediako family were neighbours for many years andJohn Wheeler (seemingly doing some chemistry!). I am there was a time in the 1950s when not sure where Mr Fitch was when all this Lawrence and Kenneth each became was going on, but he may have been proud owners of Rolls Royces. slippering a miscreant somewhere! 20

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83In recent weeks I have been saddened by [email protected] David Turnerthe death of Steve Ling. Steve and I go 27th March 2016 20th April 2016back a long time as friends. I was a yearbelow Steve at Stationers’ and our paths Dear Geraint Dear Geraintdidn’t cross until I joined the cadets. In Happy Easter.1956 Steve was a Sergeant and I was a I hope you are well and I was interested inCorporal. In that year the cadets were Thank you for your email. I cannot add a the letter on page 14 of the latest magazinesupplied with a number of obsolete army lot to the Addington Road contingent. from Colin Munday and the referencewireless sets and a fully functional therein to Ian Fusedale. This is because Itelephone exchange and field telephones. Robert Diffey lived at No.1; the Bains used to play golf at my previous club inSteve was put in charge of this equipment family at No.5; James Maclean and yours Enfield during the 70s in a group of guysand the equipment was put to good use. truly at No.9 and Robert MacDermot at including a gentleman of that name whom No.11. The only ‘even’ Stationer was Alan I was aware, had been a very competentIn the same year Steve and I were selected Lewis at No.18. soccer player. I had not seen him sinceto go to the Tower of London for a leaving that club in 1980 but coincidentallyweekend drill course conducted by the Kenneth Bains was a ‘Bevin Boy’ – he saw him twice within a few weeks ofRoyal Fusiliers. I took my bagpipes with spent WW2 from when he was called up seeing the letter from Colin. This gave meme. Steve phoned the Daily Mirror on the as a coal miner. Kenneth was an engineer the opportunity of asking him if he wasFriday night to say that the skirl of as was Robert MacDermot, Alan Lewis the same Fusedale, and indeed he was.bagpipes had been heard at the Tower and and myself.suggested that this was a ghost roaming Best regardsabroad. No report appeared in the paper! Lawrence Bains was an underwriter at David Turner Lloyds,Robert Diffey,a French LegionnaireSteve attended my wedding and was there and my brother James, a Senior Lecturer in School Football Teamto wave us off when we left for Australia in History at Edinburgh University, before1966. We enjoyed two great trips to his untimely death aged 49. Royal Lepage Niagara Real Estate Centre Inc.Scotland. The first was in or about 1962 81 St.Paul Street, St. Catherineswhen we travelled up to Thurso to spend a I also attach a photograph of Michael ONTARIO L2R 3M3week with Steve’s Aunt and her son. He Smithwick and myself as Elizabethan 23rd April 2016was an engineer at the Dounreay Nuclear guards as we appeared in Cakes and Ale. IPower Station. We had our camping gear took over from David Viall at the last Greetings Roger and Geraintand also visited the Isles of Skye and Mull. moment due to David falling ill. I read your article about the 1st XI 1959In August 1966, just before I emigrated to Kind Regards and I believe I can clear up the mystery ofAustralia, we travelled to Scotland againthis time accompanied by Rosemary, my David MacLeanwife. On this trip we spent time again onSkye and Mull. Whilst on Skye theweather turned and it rained and rained.One night at Portree the tent was pitchedon a water course and during the nightwater started to flow in at one side and outthrough the front flap. Steve and I removedourselves to the car, one on the back seatand the other on the front. Rosemarywoke from her slumbers and the carappealed to her also but alas there was noroom. That was the last time that she evercamped! She passed my name on to theLocal Scout Group and for 18+ years Iserved as a Scout Leader!I caught up with Steve in 1972 and 1977when I returned to the UK but then welost contact and it wasn’t until 2000 whenI attended my first Stationers’ Dinner thatwe met again. Since then we have metevery year (except 2012) at one or moreStationers’ events. He will be missed by hismany school friends at the luncheons,dinners, lodge meetings and sportingevents.Kind regardsDavid Maclean 1952-1959 David MacLean & Michael Smithwick in Cakes & Ale 21

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83Joey Hodson. Joey fell upon unfortunate around and maintaining your travelling (Ian – I am copying you on this email asfamily times after he had completed fifth style. We travelled through the Yorkshire you are a fellow communicator from thisform, and I know at one time he was Dales on one of our journeys up to neck of the woods).sleeping in the railway carriages at Hornsey Scotland, where our daughter-in-law’sStation and he eventually quit Stationers’ parents live and have a holiday home in Once again our best wishes to youand got a trainee job in bookkeeping. We Aberlour in the Speyside whisky district. Ikept in touch until around 1966 when cannot recall where in the Dales we stayed Best regardsJoey and Valerie (sweetheart from Hornsey over but it was very interesting and a pretty Roy Turner and ClaireHigh) now married took off for Canada. part of Britain.Coincidentally I married in 1968 and also Ian Snellingtook up residence in Canada. Geraint, my second apology is for tardily Hi acknowledging and thanking you for theUnfortunately, I lost track of Joey, but I interesting and flattering welcome which Thanks Roywill endeavour to locate him as I’m sure he you wrote for me in No 81 of The Oldwould like to see the photo. Stationer magazine. For some reason, I’d rather have my problems than yours, which I cannot recall, my reading of that Geraint. The OS mag demands yourTrusting that all my former classmates are edition was interrupted before my last undivided attention.in good health. correspondence to you and I had not yet reached the new member section near the But as long as I’m still breathing andSincerely back. So thanks so much for the welcome banging the keyboard I’m happy. MustDavid and the article from Dave Cox plus your confess to missing the draught Castle, but own South African story written in your that is nowhere near as bad as missing thePS Sadly Joey Hodson died in 2005. own interesting style – I intended to give English bitter! you a bit of a work out from the waves and 22nd April 2016 beach after your sedentary driving days Our best wishes to all Tony Hemmings from Cape Town and hope I did not Ian ‘n’ Annie [email protected] overdo it !! Great to hear from you in Hillcrest and many I have also received the 82nd edition of the thanks for your good wishes. Ed. magazine more recently. I recognise manyGentlemen of the names although our faces have Peter Sandell matured somewhat from the boyhood [email protected] watched ‘Eggheads’ on TV last youthful looks.Wednesday and the Challengers’ Team 19th July 2016included Past President and OSFC 1st XI You met Ian and Annie Snelling when instalwart David Hudson. If you have the SA so I just want to let you know that Ian Gentstime, I recommend you ‘catch-up’ the has not been so well, so he cannot get outprogramme (Wed. 20th April, BBC2, and about easily. I have spoken to him a Martin Lawrence (below) has been named6.00pm) to see whether his time was few times and he assures me that Annie is on the Queen's New Year Honours list.wasted at our alma mater or by taking too looking after him well but he is not easilymuch interest in sport. able to make a pub meet, so unfortunately \"Martin was awarded a MBE for 'voluntary our Hillcrest Branch Meetings have fallen service to crime prevention'. He has beenRegards, away lately. involved with Crimestoppers for over 11Tony years and worked hard to help stop hundreds of criminals in Northamptonshire.NEWS FROM THE STATIONERS’ He is also a Crimestoppers Universities Ambassador and has worked very closelyHILLCREST CONTINGENT with students and vulnerable people, 21st May 2016 supporting Roy Turner initiatives such as SaferU.\" [email protected] Geraint, no doubt you will put this inHello Geraint the Magazine andIt was a treat to receive your handwritten Mike will note itletter, a rare item these days, written backin February, and I must firstly apologise for on the websitemy long delay in replying – only excusebeing that we have been chasing about a along withlot including with our son and family onvisit from London, various Ramsgate Norman's.(South Africa) trips, and trout fishing andsightseeing in Mphumalanga (Kruger Park PeterRegion, 700kms away) plus some delay byour post service.It was good to get all your news and tohear that your health problem does notseem to have prevented you from getting 22

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83 WHAT DO YOU KNOW OR REMEMBER OF THE NAME WYVILL?I have dug out a Christmas 2000 Letter which I have still in mypossession headed Kenneth and Ellen Wyvill, 7 Windward Park,AYR, KA7 4UG Scotland. Ken writes that this year our card formany, is of Hornsey where I was born, rather later than the carddepicts. I did start my education in the school which wasassociated with the Church but the old Church is no more exceptfor the tower which has become an ancient monument and iswell preserved. From St. Mary’s School, I went to the Stationers’Company’s School.I was able to visit London in March. I was able to attend theStationers’ Dinner at Stationers’ Hall which was up to its usualhigh standard. As a Stationer was Lord Mayor of London Iwondered whether he would be there but it was not to be.In August we had Robyn Wyvill van Arkel to stay with us.Robyn is a very distant cousin from Australia. I had got to know Ken Wyvill by attending the Annual Dinner and had mentioned to me that he had family in North Yorkshire. I had been staying in a cottage in Exelby in late September, 2014 and had been along Wensleydale, the valley of the River Ure for most of the day but had returned in the afternoon. This gave one the opportunity to go for a short excursion through Bedale, Little Crakehall, Patrick Brompton, and arrive at Constable Burton. Here the garden of Constable Burton Hall is open to the public at certain times and this was one of those days. Arriving at the Hall, I had a feeling after all those years that Constable Burton Hall was the House of the Wyvill Family. With the gardens being the only public area, I happened to see some people emerge from the House, and I met a lady who was Imogene Wyvill so I mentioned Ken Wyvill and asked if they were related. While walking the delightful gardens along came a gentleman and who introduced himself as Charles (Marmaduke) Wyvill, who remembered OS Ken Wyvill, the Old Stationer, well. He went on to say Ken Wyvill was a very nice man aged 90 and had been there in 1977. It seems that the Wyvills are a very large family and that Charles was an ancestor of Martin-Leake. It seems that all the sons were named Marmaduke. How interesting by chance it was for me to link up Charles Wyvill with our own Stationer, Ken Wyvill who had mentioned to me at an Annual Dinner some years ago that he had this link with Constable Burton Hall! Does any Old Stationer remember Ken Wyvill? Is there a record of Old Stationers, particularly of members, of their dates of births and deaths? Ed. 23

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83 far as you roam GAP TOURLES HUMPHREYSThe Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is a rail/canal trailrunning from Pittsburgh PA to Washington DC. The firstsection comprises a rail trail running 150 miles from Pittsburghto Cumberland MD. The latter section traces the formerChesapeake and Ohio canal 185 miles from Cumberland toWashington.With the prospect of a geriatric friendly ride through strike breakers. Deaths on both sides brought martial law toAmerica's industrial history, three oldphartz from the Almonte Pittsburgh for a period of 3 months. With the strike broken,Bicycle Club drove 500 miles from Ottawa to Pittsburgh to steelworkers unions did not achieve formal recognition untilcheck it out. An easy 9 hour drive on expressways from the 1930s. With much of the industry now gone, someSyracuse to Buffalo saw us cruising by acre after acre of holdouts remain, still hugging the river bank, as evidenced byvineyards along the shore of Lake Erie until we reached a huge yard containing an extensive pipeline inventory.Pennsylvania's lakeport town of Erie. From Erie, we travelledsouth through predominant wooded terrain, until, finally, Ultimately we left the industry behind, and, with our trail stilldescending a narrow valley, the Pittsburgh skyline loomed hugging the river, pavement gave way to gravel. We passedacross the horizon. narrowly beneath a canopy of leaves, which was to be our environment for the next three days. Connelsville, our firstWe had booked hotel accommodation for the next 10 days, night's destination, was a former coke producer. Coke, antonight it was the Holiday Inn. A short walk away, in a seedy essential ingredient in the smelting of steel, was produced byquarter, newly gentrified, we enjoyed pub meal. For the next roasting coal in an oven. The railway served both the coalthree days, we would take turns to drive the car and baggage industry by delivering the raw material and the steel industryto each overnight stop. Tomorrow was Fred's turn. by carrying an essential ingredient to the blast furnace. The forested escarpment on the right bank was mined extensively.Downtown Pittsburgh, at the start of the rail trail, afforded asplendid view across the Monongahela River of the city's Former mining villages now basked lazily in the warmskyscrapers. On pavement, we followed the river for the next afternoon sun as we passed through. Streams carrying acidten miles along a narrow strip bounded on the far side by a run off and sombre stone markers recalling earlier disastersbusy rail line. What was once the heart of the steel industry is were all that remained of mining activity. Under our leafynow marked by a string of relics, annotated by interpretivepanels, echoing the Pittsburgh of yesteryear. The rust belt thatwas has been transformed into a pleasant greenway,meanderingalong the narrow valley.At Homewood, a bronze relief recalled a poignant reminderof America's labour struggles, telling of a battle with Pinkerton 24

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83 Our second day took us away from industry and into nature, now following the Youghiogheny river. Winding narrowly through a steep gorge it sweeps the rail trail along with it. Viewpoints are rare but worthwhile. Our next stop, Ohiopyle, where the river cascades through a series of rapids, was the site of a 19th century resort and a former sawmill. The village now caters for a whole range of activities, ranging from kayaking to biking and hiking. Visitors can get a meal at the restaurant, sign up for a tour, or simply take a photo and continue on, as we did.canopy, it was hard to believe that this whole region was once After a further 10 miles, we stopped for lunch at Confluence.enveloped in a smoky haze as over 300,000 ovens belched This was Turkeyfoot, where George Washington had campedeffluent into the skies. en route to Fort Duquesne (now Pittsburgh), some 250 years earlier. While we were a little early for the annual chainsawBesides interpretive panels, waypoints afforded places to carving festival, we had no difficulty in finding a restaurant inpicnic, places to camp and places to eat. We stopped for lunch a quiet central square. After lunch, negotiating one of threein a cafe in Sutersville, and, shortly afterwards, we checked out bridges in town, we met up with Dave, today's driver, andthe station at West Newton, which contained a whole range stopped with him for coffee at a second restaurant on the farof trail memorabilia, including tee shirts, jerseys, caps, maps side of the village.and postcards. We were now following the Casselman River, which weWhile we ran into a number of riders coming towards us, we crossed three times in 15 miles en route for Rockwood. Thedidn't see Fred, our driver until we reached Connelsville. The last crossing, a spectacular gorge brought us to the PinkertonMelody Motor Lodge, located on the outskirts of this busy Tunnel, short but closed for refurbishment, our trail detouredtown, was clean, close to the trail and close to the Ponderosa around it. At Rockwood, the trailhead information booth wasSteak House. Good food, warm sunshine and cold beer on the marked by a sheet metal sculpture, in the form of a train.porch brought our day to a relaxing finish. We declined the opportunity to stop for drinks as our hotel was in Somerset, some 10 miles away from the trail. We left the quiet streets in Rockwood by the quiet highway to busy Somerset. Our hotel, close to the busy interstate, afforded access to a variety of restaurants. We avoided the chains and enjoyed a well deserved dinner at a locally owned business. The next day, it was my turn to drive. A morning mist 25

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83obscured the mountains as I followed the circuitous route on the tow path, we picked our way gingerly through thethrough the Appalachians into Cumberland, Maryland. The PawPaw tunnel. What with the darkness and an uneven basefinal leg of the rail trail involves crossing the eastern the guard rail afforded welcome support. The tunnel bypassescontinental divide. Our hotel was located on the outskirts of some 10 miles of meanders in the river.this busy town, La Vale. Not the choicest hotel on the strip,the Econolodge at was just a block away from the National At the 40 mile mark, a former rail line on the opposite bankHighway which was my route to the Frostburg trailhead, 5 had been paved and was open to bikes. We happily abandonedmiles up the mountain. the canal trail and continued to Hancock, our destination, on smooth pavement, which made for a much easier ride.Frostburg is the terminus for steam train trips on the WesternMaryland Railroad, running for 10 miles up the grade from In Hancock, we stayed at a B&B, which was the onlyCumberland. Beyond Frostburg, I headed west, climbing still, accommodation we could find close to the trail. It turned outto cross the Mason-Dixon Line into Pennsylvania. At this to be an excellent choice as we had rooms to ourselves,point, my climb should have been rewarded with panoramic overlooking a rewatered segment of the canal. Over and aboveviews, but instead there was only mist. that, in brilliant sunshine, we enjoyed excellent food at the outdoor patio of a canal side pub.I continued climbing, passing through the lighted SavageTunnel, finally, reaching the Continental Divide, where a The second canal day dawned bright and clear as we headedhighway overpass affords a backdrop for appropriate signage. out along the pavement of the Western Maryland Rail Trail.The two others were there, waiting for me, so together, we At one time, Hancock had been the centre of a fruit growingretraced my outward route.We stopped for lunch at the Frostburg trailhead, where thesteam train had just disgorged a coachload of visitors. Wespent a while taking photos of the train and an interestingcollection of cycling sculptures before setting off downhill onthe gravel path beside the tracks.The train caught up with us but it moved slowly enough forus to keep pace and make use of some choice photo ops. Theline descends in a series of curves, including the spectacularHelmstetters Horseshoe, finally joining busy NationalHighway and the Potomac River in the Narrows, a spectaculargorge into Cumberland.Leaving Cumberland's heritage downtown, it was a 5 mileclimb to our hotel in La Vale. Unlike others, this Econolodgewas on the seedy side, but the room was clean and we wereclose to sustenance. The following morning, we left the car atthe Best Western and headed out, bags loaded, along theC&O Canal.In the shadow of the grand facade of the rail terminus, anoutdoor display in the former canal basin marks the beginningof the C&O trail. Leaving this in our wake, we took off alongthe towpath, its earth floor, muddy in places, rolling easilybeneath us.At the first lock, we stopped at the lockmaster's cottage. Afine stone building, it now serves as a visitor centre. After aninteresting chat with the couple playing the role of lockmaster,we continued on, with the dry canal bed on our left and thePotomac River on our right, again, under a canopy of leaves.For the rest of the day we passed narrowly beside a canal bed region, but the orchards, like the rail, were long gone,overwhelmed by an all encompassing forest. All along we were farmsteads now overwhelmed by encroaching forest.accompanied by a chorus of birdsong, from the lofty treesabove. Every mile or two we would come upon the ruin of a Fort Frederick, our first stop, was constructed in the late 1700slock, whose stones still in place paid a lasting tribute to its by the Maryland governor. High stone ramparts enclosedbuilders. Occasionally, we would find a stretch of water in the living quarters for local militia. All had been restored, completecanal bed, which afforded welcome relief from an otherwise with furniture, open free to visitors and entertained by a staffnarrow prospect. There were few crossing roads, but streams of re-enactors who created a vivid picture of colonial life.feeding the Potomac were spanned by numerous aqueducts, allnow in ruin.At 25 miles, the halfway point, a bridge across the Potomac Beyond the fort, the canal joins the Potomac, dammed for thetook us to PawPaw, West Virginia. We stopped for a sandwich purpose, creating a slackwater section, where, the towpathat the village store, a convenience shop and gas station. Back hangs narrowly beneath a cliff before emerging out at the dam. 26

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83At Williamsport, we visited an interesting collection ofhistorical exhibits in the warehouses overlooking the canalbasin. After stopping for lunch downtown, we continued onunder more cliffs to Big Slackwater where the path became aconcrete apron, custom built for trail users, This was certainlyone of the most spectacular sections, and well worth the wait.After the slack water, where the Sharpsburg Road now crossesvia a high level bridge, we passed Packhorse Ford. There theConfederates had retreated to the safety of Virginia after theirPyrrhic victory at Antietam. Shortly thereafter we crossedAntietam Creek along the dry floor of a stone aqueduct andstopped for an ice cream at a tea shop. While the WV bank ofthe river had featured a campsite, cottages and marina, ours wasthe only refreshment stop to be found on our side of the river.The valley narrowed on approach to Harpers Ferry and the centre and out to the Econolodge, located along the inevitablesound of water rippling over rapids was joined by the squeal of strip. We spent the next day on a self guided tour, pedallingrolling stock from the rails on the opposite bank. Harpers Ferry around the park. The full tour is a 24 mile drive but withis located at the junction of the Shenandoah Valley, overlooked temperatures in the 80s, we settled for a 10 mile loop aroundon all sides by a rocky escarpment. The railway passes out of a Cemetery Ridge, taking in the Devils Den the Peach Orchardtunnel on the Maryland shore and crosses the bridge to WV. and Little Round Top.We arrived just in time to catch a freight train emerging from That evening we met up with Aubrey Trower who had cycledthe tunnel. It was at Harpers Ferry that the abolitionist, John with the Finsbury Park club when we were both members inBrown, took over the Federal Armoury in a skirmish that the sixties.We had both subsequently emigrated to Canadasparked off the Civil War. The village street snaking narrowly and the last time we had met was on a hike up Mt. Marcy inup the hill was basking quietly in the evening sunshine as we 1972 when I had visited him in Montreal. We enjoyed a mealheaded along the valley to the highway, location of the and a few beers before parting our separate ways.Econolodge. After unpacking, we walked up the hill to thelocal pizzeria, where, to our surprise, we enjoyed an excellent The next day dawned sunny as we headed west, destinationsit down meal. Chambersburg. Leaving Gettysburg, we crossed the site of the initial encounter where companies from the two armies hadFor the past couple of days, we had been shadowed by two first met. Our route traced quiet byways, but inevitably it ledyoung ladies, who had been towing a trailer and staying us onto busy highway 30, whose paved shoulders brought usovernight at trailside campsites. As we headed out the next over the Appalachians at Black Gap and gently downhill intomorning, I was surprised to find them sipping coffee at the busy Chambersburg.village pub. It turned out that the trailer had suffered anirreparable flat and they were waiting for the bike shop to open. After lunch at a west side smokehouse, we continued west on 30, somewhat less busy but now undulating, following theFor the last 16 miles, we continued narrowly past the town of route of the Forbes Road, a colonisation road, built by theBrunswick and on to the Point of Rocks, where canal & British to support seventeenth century emigrants torailway builders clashed in a four year court battle over Pennsylvania. Fort Loudon, a former strong point on theriparian rights. It almost bankrupted the canal company Forbes Road, now a fort in name alone, saw us leave highwaybefore they finally agreed to shared access. 30, heading north on Pa bike route 5 to cross the Appalachians at Cowans Gap.At Nolans Ferry, we bid the canal farewell and sped away ona blissfully smooth pavement heading for Frederick. Before Not a major climb, but in the 80 degree heat, it was challengingbeholding the clustered spires immortalised in the poem we enough, so when we reached the cool waters of the lake inhad to negotiate burgeoning 'burbs’. After lunch at a Buchanan State Park, the ice cream concession was not to besmokehouse pub in busy downtown, we headed out in hot ignored. A long undulating descent brought us along the quietsunshine en route for Gettysburg. Part of this included busy byway to Burnt Cabins, where, in response to concernshighway 15 but fortunately, there was a good paved shoulder. expressed by the local Indians, settlers homes had been setIn 5 miles, we were away from traffic and off on a quiet byway ablaze on the orders of the state government. Continuing onheaded for Emmetsburgh. along Forbes Road we reached Fort Littleton and once again more climbing into Hustontown. Avoiding the highway, weWith afternoon temperatures in the 80s, a cafe on the main continued on to Hiram. Somewhere beyond Hiram, our GPSdrag afforded welcome refreshment. The last 10 miles was steered us down what appeared to be a driveway.punctuated by stops at memorials to supporting troopsdeployed south of the battlefield. The battlefield itself has At first we imagined that the GPS had made a mistake, butbeen preserved as a National Park, with paved roads linking all within 100 metres, we reached a wall of concrete berms,the points of interest and a large visitor centre. As we beyond which, there stretched a section of abandoned highway.approached Cemetery Ridge, memorials proliferated, as did A sign, hand painted on the berm advised us that this was agroups of sightseers, making their way through the park, some bike trail in progress. Besides the 'at own risk' caveat, the signby tour bus, some by car and a few by bike. recommended helmets and lights.We continued through the park, on bike lanes to a quiet town 27

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83We picked our path carefully, choosing the smooth patches,bypassing the broken segments and bumping gently over thejoints. Our way led narrowly upward, its margins barelydiscernible amid the overgrowth. Ultimately, we came uponthe reason for lights, the entrance to a tunnel, where a localfamily group were making a foray into the gloom. Weswitched on our lights and rolled easily forward on mercifullysmooth pavement.With the end of the tunnel a mere glimmer in the distance, Ibegan jokingly to speculate about the possibility of a roguehomicidal car, akin to Stephen King's Christine, appearing. Itwas then that an almighty roar echoed about us and a blindinglight filling the blackness ahead was moving quickly towardsus. As it drew abreast, it became apparent that the vehicle wasan unmuffled car pulling a trailer whose contents were spillingout over the road, clanking horribly.Emerging into daylight we passed the possible source of the THE MASON-DIXON LINEapparition – a run down farmhouse, a still perhaps. Our trailended just outside the village of Breezewood, our overnight THE MASON-DIXON LINE became widely known as thedestination. Our 10 mile detour on the trail had saved us over symbolic divider between the Northern and Southern States1000 feet of climbing. Our Econolodge featured a panoramic during America’s Civil War. In short, it divided slave statesview of the hills above and a commanding view of the from non-slave states.expressway services below. However, the original Mason-Dixon Line was actually aAfter a much needed shower, we picked our way across the demarcation or border line between Pennsylvania andbusy truck service centre to enjoy a sit down meal at the steak Maryland, in an effort to settle an 80 year land disputehouse recommended by our host. Then it was a matter of between the two colonies. It also included the western borderrehydration, with the aid of a few bottles of Long Trail ale, an of present-day Delaware, as it was then a part of theAdirondack brew. Pennsylvania Colony.The following day dawned bright and warm. A bad night for The ongoing dispute between the Penn Family of Pennsylvania,one of us prompted a change of plan. Two set off on the final and the Calvert Family of Maryland, over the border between50 mile leg to Cumberland where they would pick up the car the two colonies finally erupted into war in 1730, which wasand return to the motel. With temperatures in the eighties, known as Cresap’s War. After years of conflict, England’s Kingand hills rolling away in every direction, my 15 mile loop was George II negotiated a cease-fire in 1738.plenty enough,and for my two buddies,the ride to Cumberlandsaw them almost out of water by the time they reached the car. Shortly, thereafter, the Penns and Calverts, commissioned two Englishmen, Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, to mark theThe weather broke shortly after our departure for home and we official border, and solve their property dispute. Mason, anfinished the day in heavy rain as we returned via Interstate 81. astronomer and Dixon, a surveyor,Les Humphreys used celestial measurements to form1952-1959 an accurate 233 mile long line or boundary between Pennsylvania and Maryland and the 83 mile long line between Maryland and Delaware. The project took nearly five years, and the new border was marked by large blocks of limestone, some weighing as much as 600 pounds. Today most of the original stone markers have either deteriorated, or simply disappeared – some say as souvenirs. However, the Mason-Dixon Line still exists. It was last resurveyed in 1902 and found to be remarkably accurate. With minor adjustments, it still serves as the Maryland-Pennsylvania Border, while the Mason-Dixon Line of the Civil War Days fades into the past. 28

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83Christopher Seabrook’s Sisters JOHN IVEYChris’ sister, Mavis, having retired to New Zealand, his other Day 3sister, Diana, decided it was time for a visit. Husband, OldStationer, John Ivey was to tag along and carry the cases. The The morning in Rotarua was spent at Te Puia Maori culturalplan was to first travel the country for two weeks to see as centre and hot springs with the Pohutu geyser. Lunch back inmuch as possible before reaching Christchurch for family Rotarua and an afternoon tour of three lakes in a WW11stuff. amphibious DUCK. The evening was free to visit the night market and dine out in the town. DAY 1The handy 16.20 bus from St Albans to Heathrow was ontime as usual and the 22.05 Singapore Airlines A380-800 toSingapore was only delayed about an hour. This reduced thestopover for the onward flight to Auckland. On arrival at theLangham Hotel the total journey time was 32 hours with 23hours in the air so a quick wash and brush up before a mostwelcome cold beer. A welcome meeting was followed by anexcellent meal and bed. DAY 2Auckland tour.The extensive marina is built on land purchasedfrom the Maori for 50 dollars. Now a small apartment costs amillion. Many, many, facts were given every day during ourtour but they can probably all be `Googled'.We followed the Waikato river (longest in NZ) to Otorokanga Day 4for a visit to the Waitoma caves and the Glow Worm Grottobefore continuing on to Rotarua where we went to the Te Po. Travel south to view the Huka Falls and drive along the shoresThis is an indigenous Maori evening experience with the of Lake Taupo, formed when Taupo erupted in 180AD withpowhiri welcoming ceremony and a full kappa haka concert a force ten times that of Krakatoa.followed by a buffet style meal with Hangi-cooked (in a pit inthe earth) and Maori dishes. We were also introduced to Continuing through the volcanic plateau we passed Mts.traditional Maori crafts, way of life and tattooing. Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe which were used to film Mt. Doom 29

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83 protected, and hard to see alive, especially as they are nocturnal. At 1.15 we were collected for transfer to the ferry terminal where we boarded the Aratere for the cruise across Cook Strait to South Island and through Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton. From Picton it was a short journey through wine country to our overnight stop at Blenheim. Here we were anticipating our advertised 5-course dinner with wines to match each course. This turned out to be a 3-course dinner with wines preceded by a bread roll and coffee to finish. 5-courses? Perhaps it was a missprint. Day 6in The Lord of the Rings and the Rangipo desert which was Breakfast was suprisingly peaceful considering we had AusiesMordor. These volcanoes are still active. Taihape was reached and Kiwis in our party and the All Blacks won.for lunch and further travel took us to Plimmerton where weturned off to Shenandoah farm for afternoon tea. Travelling south from Blenheim we passed the only salt inShenandoah Farm was restored to its original 1842 grandeurby its present owners who have, father and son, spent fortyyears meticulously restoring Harley Davidson motorcycles totheir exact working condition. Their collection is ratified byHarley Davidson as being original and is now in trust with theNZ government so safe for the future. They also have acollection of items, dug up on the farm, dating back to earlyMaori times. Cook sailed into the bay below the farm and wasto make this the capital but a volcanic eruption pushed up theland and cut off the bay from the sea. Oops!Thus fortified we completed our day’s journey to Wellingtonfor our hotel and dinner. NZ, at the salt pans of the Grassmere salt works, then black sand beaches and the Kaikora range to the fur seal sanctuary at Ohau Point. From here we passed more black sand beaches to the whale watching haven of Kaikora for cold beer and Mick the Mechanic pizzas at the Groper Garage Café. No Whales. After this leisurely lunch stop we travelled across the fertile Canterbury Plain to Christchurch stopping at Seddon for a break and an ice cream. The road into Christchurch was bordered by buildings in various states of repair. Some had been demolished, some still damaged and untouched and some repaired to the new DAY 5Our city tour of Wellington included Quay Street which wasoriginally a Quay but an earthquake in the eighteen hundredsmade the earth rise and it is now in the centre of town. Theold Parliament building was the second largest woodenbuilding in the world and cost so much the parliament nevermoved in. Quite a few houses have their own funiculars as theslopes are precipitous. We were taken up Mount Victoria forthe panoramic views over Wellington.Next stop was Te Papa , the Museum of NZ, where we couldhave lunch and see, amongst other things, the early, prehistoricinhabitants of NZ and Kiwi birds. The latter endangered, 30

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83upgraded anti-earthquake regulations. It is amazing how all Day 8the liquefaction has been cleared. The liquefaction was like afoot or so of mud with the consistency of wet cement. This was the morning to stop at the Benmore Dam, which created a lake which took five years to fill, and follow theLate afternoon and evening were our own to view the Waitaki hydro scheme down to Lake Waitaki. On the way wedestruction of the February 2011 earthquake and the extensive passed Otemata which once had the dubious distinction ofrebuilding. Our hotel was in the centre, close to the badly having the maternity hospital with the highest birth rate indamaged cathedral and the flattened building sites. This was the country – next to the pub with the highest beer sales.considerably tidier than the area of bomb sites aroundStationers’ Hall when I first went there in the early fifties. The coast was reached at Oamaru, famed for its limestone buildings, and then an early lunch stop at Moeraki. This wasWe walked to New Regent Street with its tram line through the place to view the spherical Moeraki Boulders but thethe centre and saw some modern decoration. The weather was inclement weather induced us to quickly take a photo fromcold and windy by this time, and finding no restaurant to our above and stay inside for hot soup. It was then time to headliking, we returned to the hotel for dinner. down the coast to Dunedin railway station for our Taleri River Gorge railway trip to Pukerangi and back. Day 7 The station was opened in 1906 and the foyer has a mosaicAfter a coach tour of Christchurch we stopped to visit the floor consisting of fifty seven floor panels depicting a smalltemporary cardboard cathedral. This was relatively cheap, steam engine and other rail motifs made up of 725,760 half-quick to build and designed to last fifty years. inch squares made by Royal Doulton. The classicalFrom here we went on to visit Christchurch museum beforetravelling across the Canterbury Plains through Ashburton,Hinds and Geraldine to Morelia Farm, for lunch. Here welearned about the division of land into smaller farms of eighthundred acres, large enough here for two hundred beef cattleand about a thousand sheep, worked by father, son and dogs.Our afternoon journey took us through the Mackenzie area,where `The Lord of the Rings’ Battle of Pelannor Fields wasfilmed. On through the Mount Cook National Park to LakeTekapo where we found that our planned scenic flight to MountCook and the Franz Joseph Glacier had been cancelled due tothe very high winds. We still had two more chances of helicopterflights on later days so fingers crossed. A stop to enjoy the viewacross lake Pukaki to the Southern Alps, Mount Cook, (at 3,754metres the highest in NZ), and Mount Tasman, the secondhighest, and we were off to our hotel at Twizel. 31

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83ornamentation below the balcony is also original Doultonchina.On leaving Dunedin the train travelled first across the TaieriPlain, then through the Salisbury Tunnel, along the MullockyGulley and across the Wingatui Viaduct to follow the TaieriRiver.This viaduct is one of the largest wrought iron structuresin the southern hemisphere. Magnificent scenery was enjoyedall the way to Pukerangi where the locomotive was changed tothe other end of the train for the return journey. Day 9This cold and windy morning’s visit was to Larnach Castlestarted by William Larnach in 1871. The castle is beingrestored to its original condition by the present owners whohave successfully located and reinstated much of the originalfurniture.Lunch was back in central Dunedin. Leaving Dunedin we Queenstown or the long coach journey back through Te Anaustopped briefly at Baldwin Street which is the steepest street to Queenstown. We opted for the coach as we hoped to havein the world, reaching 1 in 2.86 in its steepest stretch. a helicopter trip over Mount Cook and the Franz Glacier onContinuing through Milton and Balclutha we reached Gore, another day. This took us over the Devil’s Staircase and alongthe brown trout capital of NZ as well as the country music the shores of Lake Wakaipu. Dinner was buffet style in thecapital, for a very welcome comfort stop. Thence it was on to Skyline Restaurant high above Queenstown with magnificentTe Anau, a pleasant lakeside resort on the shores of Lake Te views across the surrounding countryside, where much of theAnau, the South Island’s largest lake, for the night. `Lord of the Rings’ was filmed, and Lake Wakatipu. The lake is a pulsating lake rising and falling every few minutes. After Day 10 dark the view changed to that of the twinkling lights of the town. It was November the fifth so we saw a few fireworks.This cold, frosty morning we were to travel the Milford Roadthrough the Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. We Day 11were to see rainforest, glaciers, mountain ranges and the handdug Homer Tunnel. Passing along the shore of Lake Te Anau, A restful free day in Queenstown, breakfast, the Mall, coldthrough the Eglington Valley and past the Livingstone beer on the waterfront, lunch and the Queenstown Gardens.Mountains, the first stop was at Mirror Lakes. These were notas impressive to us as we have taken spectacular photos of lakes The whole coachload met up at 5.30 and boarded Newin Scotland with perfect mirror effect. Are we that jaded? Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS (Twin Screw Steamer) Earnslaw, to cruise across Lake Wakatipu for an evening Gourmet BBQ dinner at Walter Peak Farm. Another large buffet for 230 people. Day 12 Passing the location of the first bungee jump at Kawarau Bridge, we visited the historic old mining village of Arrowtown on the Arrow River. After a further stop at Jones’s Fruit Stall, the most famous in NZ, we passed lakes Dunstan and Hawea and stopped to view the largest, Wanaka. Makarora was reached for lunch. Has Subway taken over NZ?With the Earl Mountains on our left, we reached Knobs Flat. Travelling over the Haast Pass and passed Thunder CreekThis is important for two reasons. First, one of the few Falls, which fall 38 metres into the Hast River, we reached ourcomfort stops on the Milford Road, and second, almost on the jet boat for an exciting trip on this very shallow dangerous45th parallel, half way between the Equator and the Pole. meandering river. The boat was a passenger version of the(South of course.) The Hollyford river valley and The Divide, Hamilton Jet Boat invented in 1957 by a New-Zealandpast Mount Christina, brought us to the Homer Tunnel, after farmer in Hamilton to operate in water 4-6 inches deep. Iwhich we stopped for a quick look at the Chasm waterfall and have never before been on a river and actually seen the distinctthen on to Milford Sound. Our timing was spot on for downhill slope.embarkation and the boat set off for our two hour cruise to thesea and back on the beautiful Milford Sound. Travelling on to Franz Joseph, we were informed that the wind and fog were far too bad for our helicopter trip to theAfter this there was a choice of an expensive flight to mountains and glaciers, perhaps tomorrow. We therefore made our way on foot to view the ice at the end of the Franz Joseph glacier - this being the world’s most accessible and still advancing glacier. Dodging the rain, we took the half hour forest walk to view the glacier. Information was withheld that over the last seven years, the ice has actually receded back 32

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83round the bend leaving just a pile of rock to view. There are Days 15 to 20about 3100 glaciers in New Zealand and the Franz Joseph is12km long but not now long enough for us to see. Ah well, The next six days were more leisurely with family stuff andback to the coach, into town, with cloud obscuring the more outings.mountains, refreshing beer and dinner. We went to the 440 square mile, volcanically formed Banks Day 13 Peninsular and stopped at the very French town of Akaroa for Billy Hayes’ renowned blue cod fish and chips. We also foundToday’s weather was worse than yesterday’s so our last chance a jade necklace to go with the earrings.of a flight over the glaciers had to be abandoned. We shouldhave taken the flight from Milford to Queenstown. Some Another visit was to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve where wehardier souls however departed for the 90min walk further up could see more than 50 of New Zealand’s creatures and feedthe glacier to see the ice. We seemed to be having our fair many from spoon fed eels to Clydesdale horses. This wasshare of the local, annual, 200 inches of rain. One spot 30km followed by journeying to Sumner for dinner at Clifftonaway in 1997 recorded 18.4metres of rain so perhaps this is beach.good weather here. Diana and I braved the rain to visit theKiwi centre and glacier museum. Kiwis are nocturnal so it was Being fine, and after breakfast at The Tannery, a day was spentvery dark, but we did see a couple of live kiwi birds in the in the Christchurch Botanical Gardens before a family mealgloom. Then an early lunch. The returning walkers informed at Tony’s Japanese restaurant. I am definitely a carnivore.us that the glacier ice had retreated even further than the endof their path. So, again, no ice. Shame. There were two A ride on the Christchurch Gondola to the top of Port Hillsscheduled visits for this afternoon. First we stopped at was a must. From here there are views across the CanterburyRuatapu for the Treetop Walk. This is a metal looped track, plains to the Southern Alps and to Banks Peninsula.1.2km long, through the treetops and 20 metres above the Unfortunately it was again so misty we could see neither butforest floor. An interesting experience which must be could see across the Avon Estuary to Brighton Spit, where thespectacular with the sun shining, all the birds singing and family live, and Pegasus Bay. Returning via Lincoln Universityviews across the lake. Sadly a dull, cold, drizzly day was not the Campus we enjoyed a farewell dinner at The Brickworks. Webest with none of these. Our next stop, the jade factory in could not leave Brighton Spit without seeing New Zealand’sHokitika, was warmer and drier. New Zealand Jade, or own Brighton Pier.Greenstone, is a silicate of calcium and magnesium and is alsofound in Australia, Canada, Russia, and in other small Days 21 into 22deposits around the world. The much rarer Northern BurmeseJade is a silicate of sodium and aluminium. Having seen themaking of jade jewellery, Diana had, of course, to have a newpair of jade earrings. Panakaiki Resort was our stop for thenight on the shores of the Tasman Sea. Not the evening for astroll on the beach.Day 14Our last day on the coach. A bit brighter today for our firststop to view the geological phenomenon of The PancakeRocks and Blowholes close to the hotel. These limestone cliffsgive the impression of piles of pancakes.(Use your imagination.)The postcards show the rocks in sunshine, not quite as we sawthem.Today turned out unusually sunny as it is usually wet, so we Travel home. Reverse of journey out. For those who may beenjoyed a walk around Greymouth before lunch. Yes I think interested :- Christchurch – Australia – over Great SandySubway has definitely taken over New Zealand. Travelling Desert – Indian Ocean and Sundra Straight to Singapore.through the Otira river valley and over the Otira Viaduct we Changi airport is supposed to be magnificent but 5 hoursstopped for the view and to meet some Kea birds. These are between planes without a decent cup of tea was not good.the only mountain parrots and are unique to South Island Singapore – Kuala Lumpur – Phuket – over the Andaman SeaNew Zealand. They are also very inquisitive, reputed to have – past New Delhi – Kabul – passing Samarkand – towardsthe intelligence of a six year old, and will steal anything left Moscow – Warsaw – Berlin – Amsterdam – Paris – and finallyunattended. London. Just in time for our bus to St Albans and home sweet home. 36 hours door to door. I don’t think we’ll be doing thatAt the top of Arthur’s Pass we boarded the transalpine train again.for our trip through the Southern Alps and across theCanterbury Plain to our final destination of Christchurch. John Ivey (Class of 55)Last night of the tour was party night then the final hotelbedroom. 12,000 miles in aeroplanes, nearly 3,000 miles incoach and train, 12 different bedrooms and finally the (nee)Seabrook sisters will meet in the morning. 33

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83 From Seattle to Staffa Roger Mansfield 19th June 2016Dear GeraintI thought that the attached piece might interest your readersand you might wish to include it in a future edition of the OldStationer. I was a pilot with British European Airways andBritish Airways for twenty nine years after serving in theR.A.F. for six years as a fighter pilot.Thanks for your efforts over the years in producing such areadable and interesting magazine.Best WishesRoger Mansf ield (Capt.)Class of 1945Roger Mansfield is one of 10 Old Stationers who are members of I was still rather dubious as to whether it was a very safe thingthe OSA of the 1945 starters, that is the intake to Stationers' to do, landing on the sea twenty miles out from land with noCompany’s School in 1945. one to help us if anything went wrong, but when we arrived at Fingal's Cave, there, standing about two hundred yards offThey are Gerald Cooke of Leigh on Sea, Rev. Brian Cranwell of shore, was a three masted schooner with its inflatable dinghySheffield, Jack Hammond of Somerset, Peter Jolly of Ontario, full of people heading for the cave. There's my safetyCanada, Roger Mansfield of Hampshire, John Miles of precautions I thought and proceeded to land on the glassyCambridgeshire, William Skeggs of Buckinghamshire, Terry Slinn calm sea, thereby using my glassy water landing technique inof West Sussex, Cedric Steet of Kent, and Peter Watcham of anger for the first time. When we were safely down I taxiedHertfordshire. All ten members were at Stationers’ from 45 to the float plane towards the entrance to the cave, taking care49/50. Last year, 2015, this year group marked 70 years since they that there were no rocks just below the surface, and Hazel andjoined Stationers' Company’s School which makes them all I had a good look at the wonderful basalt hexagonal columnsoctogenarians. We send our good wishes to the members of this Year which line the walls of the cave, before waving to the peopleGroup. I am not aware that you of 1945 starters have ever had a in the dinghy and taking off once more for our luncheon dateReunion and consequently never had a mention in these pages. If I on Mull.am wrong you can put me right! Ed. The Chief Flying Instructor had briefed me on the hazards ofWhen I was converting to the Boeing 757 at Seattle in 1983 the Mull landing strip as the lower part of the field towardsas a British Airways Training Captain, I had the opportunity the sea was inclined to be boggy and the field itself had ato do a float plane course on lake Washington. After thirteen distinct slope to it from right to left. There was also a littlehours of circuits and splashes, steep turns and glassy water hill right at the beginning of the grass runway which had tolandings, together with many other of the dark arts of the float be avoided, but apart from that it was really quite straightplane world such as docking, I finally passed my final flying forward, as long as you remembered to put the gear down thatcheck ride and was the proud owner of a “Commercial Pilot’s was, as amphibians don't like landing on land with their gearlicence – single engine (sea planes)”. This opened up a whole retracted any more than they like landing on water with itnew world of aviation fun, combining the joys of flying with down! Anyway we landed safely and after I had taxied to thethe equally fascinating world of sailing parking area and shut down the engine, we made our way over to the lovely little hotel and had a superb lunch sitting outsideJust before I retired from British Airways I was able to use at a table on the lawn which overlooked the sea and the otherthis experience when my wife Hazel and I took a caravan small islands in the distance. The sun was warm on our backsholiday around Scotland. Whilst at Glasgow I arranged to fly and we shared the table with another couple who had flowna Cessna 180 K amphibian which was owned by a Norwegian in from Edinburgh who were also enchanted by the view,salmon farmer who used it to fly to his fish farm in one of the whilst we chatted happily away over our meal.sea lochs, but allowed the flying club at Glasgow Airport tofly it as well so as to defray his expenses. Anyway the chief After a couple of hours we flew back to Glasgow Airportflying instructor came up with Hazel and me to check me out having had maybe the most exhilarating day of our lives. Iton Loch Lomond, and after I had done a few circuits and was a real millionaire's dream and it had only cost us just overlandings to his satisfaction he told me to take him back to £200! I wondered afterwards if we could have been the onlyGlasgow and drop him off and then we were free to fly off by people ever to land a seaplane at Staffa, as seaplanes haveourselves. He asked me where I wanted to go and I told him always been fairly few and far between in the U.K. and thethat Hazel had always wanted to see Fingal's Cave on the chance of the sea being calm enough to land one safely twentyisland of Staffa and as the weather was good this might be the miles out into the Atlantic does not occur all that often.ideal opportunity. He agreed and told me that if I wanted to There is obviously no way of telling, but I know that Hazelwe could land on Mull on the return journey as there was a and I were extremely privileged to share this magical experiencevery nice hotel just next to the grass landing strip where we on this occasion.could have lunch. Roger Mansf ield 34

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83 OS – Zoo Lake Chapter where in a glorious colonial style setting, a delicious lunch was thoroughly enjoyed. As ever, there were many shared Keith Mullender reminiscences in conversation which also allowed ample opportunity to catch up on more recent personal news. TheFour years ago, when our younger son re-located on attached photograph shows, from left to right, Pauline (mysecondment, to take up residence in Johannesburg, I did not wife), Mike, me, Sheila and Chris. Currently no definiteanticipate that the pleasurable spin-off of parental visits to future dates have been set but I extend thanks to the SAhim, would enable not only a welcome escape from English contingent of the Zoo Lake Chapter or the warmth of pastwinter weather, but also a series of entertaining OS reunions. hospitality.The latter have in fact become routine, with December 2015marking the latest such event. ‘Friendship, friendship, till Time shall bring all of us home’.The Zoo Lake Bowling Club was initially selected by Mike Keith MullenderJohns and Chris Seabrook as a suitable venue; excellent beeron tap together with the best value lunch for many a mile, SOUTH AFRICA 2015being reason enough. The success of that inaugural meetingled to a return visit the following year, an occasion which saw Geraint PritchardSheila Johns join the group, and for a third then beingscheduled for December, 2014. Alas, on the very day in A four week excursion plannedquestion, our cheerful gang got no further than the car park to South Africa took place inentrance, the municipality having that very morning decided January 2015. This had some ofto take over and to close the facility. Rumours to that effect the excursions of the previoushad previously circulated – indeed some months earlier, I was occasion but also many newmoved to sign an on-line petition in favour of retaining such venues to widen one's horizonsa  well known local institution. This was not to be and thus, of this vast country. This time there were new challenges toon re-assembling a short while later at The Wanderers’ consider and places to visit not on normal tourist routes of therestaurant, it was with some sadness we reflected on the loss package holiday. The departure was from Leeds-Bradfordof what had come to seem, the home base of an OS offshoot Airport which makes for an easier start than Londonin South Africa. (Heathrow) with nearly all the formalities and the dispensing of luggage at this provincial airport much easier than atAt the suggestion of Mike and Chris, a move was made, for Heathrow. So it was a short hop to London before getting thethe most recent reunion, to the Johannesburg Country Club, 35

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83 runs along below The Twelve Apostles to the popular settlement of Camps Bay, very much a dormitory town for Cape Town. It is very popular as a holiday resort as there is a lovely beach with palm trees. However, the wind can be quite strong on occasions. The Tour continues to hug the coast to Clifton, Bantry Bay, Sea Point, Three Anchor Bay, Green Point, Mouille Point and arrives at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. This tour gives an excellent introduction to Cape Town and its environs.Cape Town Next day started with the offer by Colin Hall to take us very early up to the lower point of the cableway. For the benefit of the views it is necessary for the summit to be clear and without cloud and there is not too much wind as the cableway does not operate. The top of Table Mountain is at 1086 metres high and it is important for there to be no 'tablecloth' to have the benefit of the stupendous views from the summit. There is a good cafe at the summit and very good walks. The dassie is a very common native animal among the bare rocks and shrubs with small lizards. The return on the revolving cableway down the face of Table Mountain, gives tremendous views of the harbour and the South African coast disappearing into the far distance north. Looking back on the Cableway, the sight of the vertical rock one has just ascended is amazing and as the eyes follow this escarpment eastwards, the feature becoming part of an amphitheatre which is striking as it forms the whole background to the south of Cape Town. Camps Bay, Cape Town The departure from the Cableway was on foot down to Kloofnek to meet a couple, Frances and Mike who were goingmain connection to Cape Town by British Airways. Arrival in to be our guides for the day. We started by going to Hout BayCape Town was early in the morning and there was good time where we were entertained by the seals jumping up to take fishto acclimatise oneself for the day and make the final out of the fisherman's mouth! Then the trip continued aroundarrangements for the hiring of the car for travel over the next the toll road of Chapman's Peak to a stop as the road turns28 days traversing much of the country. inland to see the magnificent view of Chapman's Bay Beach extending some distance south to Kommetjie and SlangkopThe first week of the holiday was focused on Cape Town and Lighthouse. We crossed over the peninsula to Fish Hoek andthe surrounding winelands. Cape Town is an amazing city south to Simon's Town where we tarried over a meal.located on the coast and because of its position on the lowland Simon'sTown is the main base for South Africa's Navy. Thenat the foot of Table Mountain, it makes it one of the finest we went to Boulders just south of Simon's Town to see thelocations for any city in the southern hemisphere. The enormous boulders which is the home to a colony of 2800accommodation for the next three days was the Three African penguins Being a very popular beach for humans asBoutique Hotel, which proved to be very comfortable and well, you can join the penguins on the beach. Then weconvenient. As is often our wont, one of the first activities to returned to Cape Town.get one's bearings in a new city is to take the Hop On, HopOff Bus. The Blue Tour was chosen as it took the maximum The next day was the very early start at 7.30am on the firstarea surrounding the City. The route started out East and then boat to Robben Island departing from Nelson MandelaSouth following the line of Table Mountain and then Gateway beside the Clock Tower on the Waterfront, for theclimbing south to reach Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, one thirty minute boat ride to reach this UN World Heritage Site,of the visits to be included in the next few days. The bus preserved as a memorial to Nelson Mandela who wascontinued to climb to Wynberg and Constantia where grapes imprisoned here for many years. The guided tour of two hoursare cultivated to produce wine, a favoured area of settlement. shows a little of the island the lime quarry where MandelaKlein Constantia is famous for its vin de constance, a toiled in the sun as well as a tour of the prison and Mandela'sdeliciously sweet muscat wine. The bus continued west past cell by a former prisoner. The return trip also gives anotherImizamo Township Experience, to Hout Bay. This is an area wonderful view of Table Mountain from the sea with theimportant for fishing of snoek and rock lobster with a fresh Cape Town in the foreground.fish market. Here there are a number of small coffee shopsand restaurants. Lunch was partaken in one of the many cafes on the Waterfront with sister Bethan before picking up the car forFrom Hout Bay the route turns north hugging the foot of the the excursion to the Cape Peninsula. This is an area of amountains and the road passes the settlement of Llandudno Nature Reserve with a number of native animals in the wild.well below the road down on the edge of the sea. Following Two groups seen on the journey were chacma baboons in largethe narrow coastal belt around the headland, the Blue Tour numbers occupying the road and not so endearing but very much more attractive were a small group of mountain zebras with their magnificent markings but with an unstriped belly 36

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83 of the sights. However, this morning before going to Paarl, was to be enjoyed in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, an area of 36 hectares of unique flora. About 9000 of Southern Africa's plant species are grown here. It was a very relaxing place to enjoy the various plants in the sunshine of a bright Sunday morning. From here the travel was to Paarl to find the accommodation for the next two days on the edge of town; a homestead called Ridgeback Guest House which proved to be very welcoming and comfortable, situated in a vineyard. After meeting the hosts the next stop was to the far side of Paarl to the residence of Jennie Elgie for a birthday event for elder sister Mair who was about to celebrate her 70th birthday here, having already marked the occasion in the UK. Paarl is the largest town in the Winelands and lies on the Berg River. The three very large granite domes rise over the town to the west, glistening when the rain falls like pearls. Near here is also the Taal Monument that commemorates the Afrikaans language. Taal is Afrikaans for language. Interestingly, when Nelson Mandela walked free from prison on the 11th February, 1990, for the first time in 27 years, it was from this jail here, Drakenstein Prison that he took those significant steps. Then called Victor Verster, this is where Mandela spent his last two years in captivity in a warder's cottage as he negotiated the end of apartheid. The next day was a continuation of events with a visit to Stellenbosch, the second oldest of the European settlements, established by the Governor in 1679 on the Eerste River, with oaks lining the streets. Stellenbosch is in the heart of the Winelands with many opportunities for tastings. Not far away, some 15 kilometres south west is the Lynedoch Ecovillage, the first ecologically designed, socially mixed community in South Africa and the Home of the Sustainability Institute.Its aim is to promote a sustainable lifestyle based on good governance and alternative energy strategies. Cape Point The third town in the Winelands is Franschhoek to the East, settled by French Huguenots 300 years ago, and is one of thedifferent from the savannah relative. Cape of Good Hope is most attractive towns in the Cape. It is well served by wineries,the most southwesterly point of South Africa and of the nice places to stay, and good eating places. Huguenot Street isAfrican Continent. It is also called Cape Point. There is a the main street with a series of parallel streets, with thefunicular railway at Cape Point called The Flying Dutchman, Huguenot Memorial Park and Museum at the south easterlydating from 1860 and takes one up to the old lighthouse. It is end of this arrangement of parallel streets. Partaking of lunch1 kilometre to the new lighthouse! A separate road takes one here our target today was to go south to Cape Agulhas.to the west of the peninsula with opportunities to take Travelling south from Franschhoek took one past the largepictures on the shore with the waves of the sea. The return to reservoir not far from Villiersdorp, but the road taken cameCape Town was via the west coast, Scarborough and Misty south to the N2. A short journey along the N2 east came toCliff to Kommetije and the Slangkop Lighthouse, mentioned Caledon and off the N2 to take the 320 in a southeasterlyearlier. This time the dunes seen much closer were amagnificent sight with heights and length that could not beconceived from the northern view!Leaving the Three Boutique Hotel after a very pleasant three Stellenboschday stay, I would comment that three days in Cape Town isnot long enough to also include museums and significantbuildings and probably five to six days is needed to cover most 37

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83Franschhoek Dam, nor from Die Dam to Gansbaai and on to Hermanus. Garden Route The next morning after breakfast, a navigation of the town going west, took place with some pleasant cliff top views westdirection to Napier and Bredasdorp, and thence the 319 to of the town centre. With the evidence of the map showing aAgulhas and Cape Agulhas, the southern most point in South road hugging the coast, it was decided to travel all along thisAfrica and indeed in Africa. It is where the Atlantic and the route, mostly 44 to Gordon's Bay. Kleinmond, smaller thanIndian Oceans meet. The route then was along an unmade Hermanus is worth a stop with a beautiful beach, followed byroad towards Pearly Beach further west which took us to Betty's Bay, a scattered holiday village. Just beyond is aGansbaai, noted for shark-cage diving. The stay for the night Penguin Colony called Stoney Point, which is much quieterwas in Hermanus. This is a very popular holiday resort, once than Boulders Beach. Beyond Betty's Bay the road turns northa small fishing village, it is now a very busy town particularly into False Bay and passes through a couple of small settlements,in the last six months of the year, as this is the time the including Rooiels. Clinging to the coast the 44 is reallysouthern whales appear in large numbers, June to December. dramatic and is an impressive part of the Garden Route, allWhy was the journey made in reverse, you may ask? Hermanus the way to Gordon's Bay. Here on the quay side good fare waswas booked for the next night from Ridgeback, Paarl, but it purchased in the Public House.Having enjoyed this spectacularwas a short journey and it was possible to travel much further section of scenery it was time to head east for the rest of thein a day! The next night was booked near Oudtshoorn and day, much of it on the N2, the route east directly out of Capetrying to travel to Cape Agulhas and to Oudtshoorn with Town to Port Elizabeth, 1460 kilometres, just over 900 miles.stops in one day was a tall order! Also looking for the GardenRoute there was no coastal road from Cape Agulhas to Die Our afternoon target was to travel due east to Oudtshoorn, due north of George. Leaving Kogel Bay and Gordon's Bay northwards, one arrives very quickly at the N2. Turn right and before too long one is starting the long climb up the Overberg and specifically Sir Lowry's Pass with magnificent views from the top. The N2 continues east for some distance skirting Elgin, the aforementioned Caledon, and to Swellendam, which is surrounded by wheat lands of the Overberg. Swellendam is one of the oldest towns in South Africa with Cape Dutch architecture, and dates back to 1745. The detour was made through the town turning off the N2 to see the Drostdy itself which dates from 1747, probably the residence of an official. Also there is a large Dutch Reformed Church. There are a couple of interesting buildings in Swellengrebel 38

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83Street very near to the Drostdy. Regaining the N2 some 200 Prince Albert is a welcome sight after the dry dust of the pass,kilometres (125 miles) have been completed on the N2 before with the opportunity for liquid refreshment. With its widethe short link northwards is taken to Suurbraak and Barrydale street, most services are available here. Prince Albert is awhere there was a short stop for refreshment, before now charming village dating back to 1762 and a good place to tarryproceeding on the 62, the more northerly trunk road linking a while; possibly even an overnight stay! The return is by aWorcester and Oudtshoorn through a more highland route to second pass further east called Meiringspoort which bringsLemoenshoek, Ladismith and Calitzsdorp. Many stretches one back to Oudtshoorn.are straight and good for motoring, making up a total ofaround 200 kilometres from Swellendam. The next day was to continue on the southern route from George back on the N2. However, another pass had to beOudtshoorn is still the ostrich capital of the world and a negotiated before arriving in George, the Outeniqua Passprosperous tourist centre of the Little Karoo. It is a major with lovely views of the valley below. Arriving in George,centre providing a major link to George in the south on the there was much activity in this strategically positioned town.N2 and north eastwards to the N1. However, there is a most Without much delay here, the journey was continued eastcharming valley between Oudtshoorn and the highland of once more on the N2 towards Wilderness where a brief stopthe Groot Swartberge. Schoemanshoek is a settlement in this for coffee took place before taking in the beach of white sandfertile valley of farms, many now since the early nineties and the breaking waves, often much welcomed by surfers.catering for tourists providing bed and breakfast and a few Continuing east the next town of significance is Knysna buthotels that have increased in recent years. The ostrich farms diverting south on approaching Knysna, took the road toare an attraction and at the northern end of the valley through Belvidere and Belvidere Church where there is a very relaxinga narrow defile the Cango Caves which have a great selection local hostelry for refreshment where it is easy to while awayof limestone features to attract the tourist. Accommodation an hour or so! All around are trees giving it a very shadywas found in the Die Fontaine Bed and Breakfast and found location. A short visit was also made to Brenton on Sea, ato be very comfortable. This was very near the church at housing complex right on the edge of the sea over the hill.Schoemanshoek, at the junction in the centre of the village Returning from Brenton, there was a lovely view of Knysnaand nearby was an ostrich farm, also worth a visit. Lagoon sheltered by the Knysna Heads.The other attraction from here is the Swartberg Pass over the With time marching on there was not the time to exploreGroot Swartberge to Prince Albert. The road over this pass is Knysna itself as the next port of call was Plettenberg Bay forquite challenging as you climb up from the south especially a night's accommodation. This was at Halcyon House and itwhen the tarmac road changes to a dirt track with a number proved to be very comfortable indeed. Plettenberg Bay is aof loose boulders. The summit is reached at 5200 feet and very pleasant seaside resort and a good stopping point to staythen one descends the very steep slope of the north side with if one is travelling the southern route. It also has a goodone or two places where the drop into the gorge below there shopping centre. We had a meal in the evening with Ailsais no barrier. Examples of folding of the rocks are classic and Mann where I stayed in 2007 and she was very informative instopping to capture the sights are somewhat of a challenge. giving advice on where to stay much later in our travels when we arrived in Clarens. Next morning after a hearty breakfast at the aptly named Halcyon House, we continued the journey east on the N2 towards St. Francis Bay, but a detour was made first to Tsitsikamma National Park , a must if you are in this vicinity. The coastline here is spectacular with a suspension bridge crossing the Storms River Mouth. Tsitsikamma is a Khoe-San word meaning many waters and has a high rainfall. The waves breaking over the rocks are an attraction for visitors sitting on the beach. A return to the N2, took us past the village of Stormsrivier and after a deviation for petrol in Kareedouw, rejoined the N2 before Humansdorp and then turned off there for St. Francis Bay. This is an upmarket resort north of Cape St. Francis. My sisters were staying here as part of the birthday celebrations aforementioned and we were entertained to lunch in the centre overlooking the canals watching the water craft using the waterways. A very pleasant afternoon was enjoyed afterwards overlooking the lovely sandy beach which makes this a mecca in the summer for South Africans who migrate to the coast. The departure for us was around 5.00 o'clock as the destination that evening was Sir Roys at Sea, Humerail, Port Elizabeth, a Bed and Breakfast location overlooking the port. Port Elizabeth is the third largest port and fifth largest city in South Africa.Swartberg Pass The next day was a fairly short journey, again continuing on the N2 towards Grahamstown. The plan was to arrive at the next visit at lunch time. This was to be our location for the 39

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83 identify, was what looked like brownish rocks in various sizes, but actually were termite hills! Storms River, Tsitsikamma National Park The lodges were extremely comfortable with a plunge pool attached to each lodge, besides a communal pool. Lodges hadnext three days, as we were staying at Pumba Msenge Bush their own private entrance but you could be surprised by aLodge, which was in a Game Park. This Park was off the N2 visitor in the form of a giraffe or a baboon passing through theon the road to Alicedale. Arriving at the entrance and leaving undergrowth nearby. The food was of a very high standardthe car we were transported to the Lodge for this change of with plenty of choice at breakfast, lunch and dinner. From theexperience. restaurant and verandah, we had a clear view of the Park as did the individual lodges. The spa provided different facilities andAfter settling in to the designated lodge, lunch was served opportunities to relax. Our guide Wayne was mostwith an afternoon to relax, before the first game drive late in knowledgeable and made the excursions on each occasion verythe afternoon about half past four until dusk. With a interesting. It was a great experience and three very worthwhilemaximum of fourteen including the guide-driver, this new days in the middle of this African adventure.experience proved to be very rewarding. Elephants were inabundance, with a large herd crossing the track, a number of Putting together the itinerary evolved as we consideredelands and different types of deer. Warthogs were seen on various possibilities and new places were introduced! Graaff-every excursion. The drives took place at 6.00 in the morning Reinet was one such place that we decided to include. Theand 4.30pm in the afternoon daily and on each occasion a route meant going back along the N2 to the junction with thegood variety of wild life were seen. The white lions, mother N10, avoiding unmade roads. Going west from Paterson tookand son were espied and white rhinos together with many us past Addo Elephant National Park and to Route 75 whichkudus and nyalas. The impressive black buffalo was a majestic was then followed north to Graaff-Reinet. Much of this roadbeast and very powerful animal. Giraffes heads popped up was going across a wide plain with little traffic as part of theabove the trees but in the open were some height. The Eastern Karoo, a vast semidesert. Graaff-Reinet is on themarkings of the zebras were stunning close up to the animals Sundays River and near the Camdeboo National Park, and isthemselves. Wildebeest appeared as well, looking like large the fourth oldest European town in South Africa, founded incattle. Returning to the elephants, it was interesting to observe 1786. Over 200 buildings are designated as nationalone of the largest encountered in a group acting in a slightly monuments. Booking in at the Avondrust Guest House,aggressive way. The guide talked to this large male by name which proved to be an excellent choice, there was then anand reversed the vehicle slowly. The elephant flapped his ears opportunity to visit the Camdeboo National Park with greatin recognition of Wayne's voice, and this communication views overlooking Graaff-Reinet, showing very clearly thebetween guide and elephant inspired us the observers to grid pattern of the leafy roads of the town. One of the sightspurchase 'The Elephant Whisperer' by Lawrence Anthony . here is The Valley of Desolation with its great views ofIn the three days we went on five drives, with one evening a columns of dolerite that look as if they are about to topplegood sight of three cheetahs but disappointed that the leopard over.remained elusive despite an obvious trail. Difficult it was to After breakfast next morning, a walk was taken round the town first to the Dutch Reformed Church which was most attractive, built of two local stones. Having been completed in 1887, it was modelled on Salisbury Cathedral. Reinet House was also visited, built in 1812. It is a good example of H shaped six gabled Cape Dutch architecture. It was well worth the visit. Having reached Graaff-Reinet, and being so close, the next attraction was Nieu Bethesda. Access to this village is by N9, 27 kilometres or 17 miles north, and then 28 kilometres on a dirt road through the Sneeuberg Range. It was founded by the Reverend Charles Murray, minister of the Dutch Reformed Church in Graaff-Reinet. It was once the most isolated place in South Africa but an attraction became The Owl House, the home of Helen Martins who was born here and went to a teacher training college in Graaff-Reinet. All her unusual art work has been classified as 'Outsider Art' much of it coloured glass. The village is made up of unmade roads, but the Church dominates the village. The Kitching Fossil Exploration Centre is interesting in that geologists estimate that the casts of fossils of prehistoric animals here (gorgonopsians, dicynodonts etc.) are are around 253 million years old – 50 million before the age of the dinosaurs! You can be taken to see the real thing untouched and embedded in rocks in the dry river bed nearby. The centre is open 9-5pm.Elephants were in abundance The next task was to return to the original itinerary, first by climbing Naudeberg Pass on the N9 and then over the 40

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83Wapadsberg Pass on the R6, East South East to Cradock; to negotiate the hills and then drops steeply into the valleys.then the N10 south and turn on to Route 63 to Bedford to Queues of vehicles collect going up the hills but dissipate onKing Williams Town to East London where the the down sections!accommodation was booked for the night at Premier HotelEL ICC, East London. Approaching Mthatha it is obvious one is arriving at a very busy town indeed and indicates that it is of some size.Distances are great in South Africa but Freeways – N roads, Stopping at the fuel station seen on arrival at the western endand Trunk Roads are usually good to travel with many miles of town, there is evidence of eating places where refreshmentsof little traffic. can be purchased. Advantage was taken of lunch, before trying to negotiate this very congested town, best described asHaving visited half of the Old Stationers' South African chaotic, noisy, dusty and expanding rapidly. Vehicles of allcontingent in 2007, and being in Ladysmith and Winterton shapes and sizes crammed the streets of the centre going in allin the northern part of Kwazulu-Natal on that occasion, I directions. Eventually negotiating the gridlocked traffic jam,realised that it was not so far to Durban, actually 236 the N2 climbed out of Mthatha with both sides of the mainkilometres or 150 miles and Hillcrest is not so far as Durban! road crowded not with vehicles but with smartly dressedHillcrest is where the other half live. My next challenge was schoolchildren walking to meet us as they walked from theto find out what was the issue with driving from Port senior schools towards town as they had finished their studiesElizabeth and East London to Durban. South Africans from for the day. Mthatha was founded in 1882, and during thethe Cape, drive to Port Elizabeth and then fly to Durban or period of Apartheid, it became the capital of the Transkei. Theanother airport for the Battlefields, if there is one. Enquiries village of Mveso, 20 miles west of Mthatha on the Mbasheabout the N2 between Port Elizabeth and East London to River was where Nelson Mandela was born.Durban, did not produce any positive or really negativeinformation on this route. I did get some information that Leaving Mthatha behind us, the N2 continued north to themany years ago one person did drive from the sugar farms in towns of Mount Frere, but beyond Mount Ayliff andKwazulu-Natal north of Durban to Plettenberg Bay and back Gugweni the N2 crosses into Kwazulu-Natal on to Kokstad,on a regular basis. just off the road. 81 miles to go in an east south easterly direction to the coast, generally downhill with much more treeSo, I decided that as the easiest way from Eastern Cape to growth than the open grassland experienced earlier in the day.Durban and Hillcrest, I would drive along the N2. Reaching the coast, our destination was Stephan’s Guest House in Port Shepstone; we had just completed just over 300Leaving East London after breakfast, the only river port in miles that day.the country, this city is important in the Eastern Cape. TheKhoe-San name for this city means 'Place of Buffaloes'. It is The next day, now the 24th January, dawned bright with oncean important location between the Sunshine Coast and the more glorious weather and an amazing view of the IndianWild Coast. It also has an airport and is on the N2. From East Ocean from the balcony of the accommodation. After aLondon the N2 goes inland and does not reach the coast hearty breakfast, we set south along the Hibiscus Coast toagain until having crossed the border into Kwazulu-Natal pass through the tourist capital of the South Coast, Margate.with the Wild Coast in between. As a matter of interest the Just beyond Margate, is Ramsgate and we were able to findWild Coast is only accessible from the N2 on many untarred the location of the house easily with the directions given, androads. The Kei River marks the start of the Wild Coast, and meet Roy Turner and his wife Claire. It was 56 years since wetwenty rivers enter this 50 mile stretch of coast. were at Stationers' together. So much to catch up on, we were welcomed with coffee and cakes from Claire and Roy. It wasThe N2 goes inland, due north crossing the Kei River after 35 then great to have a dip in the Indian Ocean with the rollingmiles. After 60 miles one reached Butterworth, the first town waves so strong that one had to find a way of remaining onof any size. After a comparably easy drive up hill and down one's feet, which was a real challenge.dale as the route could best be described as undulating, wearrived in this bustling township with vehicles parked The afternoon stroll took us in the opposite direction alongeverywhere. After the easy progress of the rural landscape of the coast along the sand dunes and across the sand bar to thethe N2, the progress through Butterworth was slow and tested other side, enjoying another swim in a sea pool. The eveningone's patience. However, we were soon out of town and once was enjoyed relaxing after the physical activities of the day andmore made good progress, but sometimes in a queue often partaking in a lovely evening meal, to the sound of the waves.with lorries, being the main traffic on this important routelinking north and south through Eastern Cape to Kwazulu- Had a leisurely breakfast on Sunday morning and the journeyNatal. The next place of any size was Idulwya, similar to was to Hillcrest, a suburb of Durban. This was a dualButterworth, but the town that we aware of its importance on carriageway all the way north, following the line of the coastthis whole route was Mthatha, formerly Umtata, some 80 where all the settlements ran into each other. The rendezvousmiles from Butterworth. for lunch was the Stationmasters and it was the gathering place for the southern contingent of former Stationers'. HereOn the way to Mthatha, just off the N2, Xhosa villages are to with Roy and Claire, we met Ian and Annie Snelling forbe seen consisting of round huts called rondavels, many of lunch. There was much conversation over a long lunch of thethem painted a bright turquoise. The roofs are thatched and former activities and characters of Stationers’ Company’svery different to settlements seen heretofore and make a real School. A very enjoyable occasion was spent in the companycontrast with the green grass. We are now in the area known of these two Stationers' who have lived here in South Africaas the Transkei, Xhosa territory, declared independent in 1976 for decades.and then reincorporated into South Africa in 1994.This isalso an area of some very attractive scenery as the N2 climbs Well, the gathering came to an end as we had to continue our 41

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83journey towards the Drakensberg Mountains where we were mountains are called ‘ukhahlamba’, a barrier of spears by thegoing next for our exploration of this amazing country. Taking Zulus. Travelling west towards the mountains, the amazingthe road passing near Pietermaritzburg, we were following the peaks of the Drakensbergs are like a powerful magnet, pullingroute north that was taken by the trekkers many years ago. the visitor to this fantastic scenery. Today’s attraction wasAccess was between the high Drakensbergs to the west Champagne Castle at 10,975 feet, the second highest peak inmarking the border of Lesotho, once known as Basutoland, South Africa. However, before getting to the spot for viewingespecially to philatelists. To the east also was an inhospitable this peak, a deviation was made to see the Drakensberg Boys’country not easily penetrated and very difficult to cross. Choir School nestling in a secluded valley. Refreshments,Howick, Mooi River and Estcourt would have been good scones and coffee were taken at the Champagne Castle Hotel,places to tarry a while but a night’s stay had been booked in some 19 miles from the N3. The other road from Winterton,Winterton Lodge not far from a town of the same name. This that is 26 miles through Zulu villages, takes one to thewas indeed one of our most comfortable stops of the South Cathedral Peak Hotel. Lunch was taken here sitting on theAfrican tour and certainly one of the finest meals. So terrace. In my view, the visit to Champagne Castle was morecomfortable! pleasant than Cathedral Peak. Leaving Cathedral Peak Hotel one passes two primary schools and at least one secondaryThe next day from Winterton gave us the opportunity to have school, eventually joining the road to Bergville before pickingan excursion into the Drakensberg Mountains as we were so up the R616.close. We were up early for breakfast as we had a long dayahead. The stay at Winterton Lodge was excellent and after a Off this road is the access to the site of the Spioenkoplittle bit of shopping in Winterton itself, we took towards the Battlefield which in 1900 was the scene of a battle betweenDrakensberg Mountains, that mark the boundary with British and Boer forces in the South African War. There areLesotho. These jagged peaks of South Africa’s highest many graves and memorials scattered on the summit of the mountain. This was one of the worst defeats suffered by British forces. This was our first flavour of the Battlefields, on the west side of Ladysmith and the route N3. Ladysmith is located on the N11 North and achieved fame during the 1899-1902 Anglo-Boer War, when it was besieged for 118 days by Boer forces. The main centre near to the Battlefields is Dundee and that was to be the focus for the next couple of days. Staying at Battlefields Country Lodge, this was to be the accommodation for two nights, a short distance out of Dundee on Route 33. Convenient for the sites, it was not the best place to stay as local B&Bs in Glencoe and Dundee would have been a better choice.Drakensberg, Kwazulu-Natal The next day, the start of studying the Battlefields took place with a visit to Talana Museum on the fringe of Dundee on the R33. This battle took place on the slopes above the site of the museum. The museum commemorates the first battle of the South African War, occurring on the 20th October 1899, when 4500 British soldiers arrived in Dundee. The Talana Heritage Park and Battlefield is on the Vryheid Road 1.5 miles out of town, with 42

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83memorials and cairns and numerous historic buildings. the Lemon and Lime.Leaving the Talana site, the next visit was on the N68 south As we were staying in a flat, we walked down next morning towest to Rorke’s Drift where on the 22 and 23rd January, 1879, have breakfast in the Bakery. Departure was on the R711 west139 British soldiers successfully defended a small mission towards Fouriesburg and Ficksburg. The road, now the R26,station from 4000 Zulu warriors. follows the Caledon River and this is the border between Lesotho and South Africa. The scenery was not dissimilar toBefore the siege of Rorke’s Drift, there was the battle of the previous afternoon with overhanging rocks, cliffs andIsandlwana, 15 kilometres east away from Rorke’s Drift and kopjes. At Ficksburg, we took some coffee in the Imperiantook place only a few hours earlier. Here, the Zulus inflicted B&B, then continued on the same road to Ladybrand. Beingone of the greatest disasters, destroying the main body of the near the border with Lesotho, we went on the short section ofBritish force. Visit both battlefields, Isandlwana first, followed the N8 to the border post of this country, once known asby Rorke’s Drift, preferably. The Visitor’s Centre is in the Basutoland. The border was very busy with all sorts ofvillage of Isandlwana where there is a small museum. Here, vehicles, bearing in mind this was the most accessible entry toalso, one pays for the entry to the battlefield about a mile away. reach the capital of Lesotho, Maseru.The battlefield itself is located on the plateau top extending toan area under a steep hillside. The places where the British However, time did not permit an excursion into Lesotho, andsoldiers fell are marked by white painted stones made into it was time to take the N8 in the direction of Bloemfontein,cairns and memorials. In the late afternoon gloom of a rain with eighty miles to reach the judicial capital of South Africa.shower on the plateau, the cairns stood out distinctly in the It was the hope to go straight to visit the Anglo-Boer Wardiminishing light, like beacons recording the events that took Museum and the National Women’s Memorial. The Nationalplace over a hundred years ago! I had never heard of Women’s Memorial commemorates the 26000 women andIsandlwana at all until I was in Brecon a few years ago and in children who died in British concentration camps in thethe Cathedral they were taking down the flags and there was Anglo-Boer War between 1899-1902. With little time in theone with name ‘Isandlwana’ hanging there. Museum it was decided to return the next day for a more comprehensive study of the material on display. Now it wasA soldier from one of the five British armies sent to invade time to locate our lodging in town, the Lemon and LimeZululand, peered over the ridge on 22nd January 1879, he saw B&B, which we did without too much difficulty. It proved to25,000 Zulu warriors ready for battle. They had intended to be very comfortable. One does not realize that the altitude ofattack the next day, but once discovered, they moved into Bloemfontein is nearly 4,600 feet, meaning that summers arebattle formation, with the main force in the centre, and fell on moderate and winters mild to cool. The city was named afterthe British, catching them off guard. a fountain. Driving through this quite attractive city, many of the edifices are stately and made of fine old sandstone, forThe next day we travelled to Blood River to see the site of the example, the Appeal Court, the National Museum and thebattle of that name that took place in 1838. On December First and Fourth Raadsaal.16th of that year, a small force of Voortrekkers avenged themassacre of Piet Retief ’s party by crushing an army of 12000 The next day the first visit was to the Oliewenhuis ArtZulu. More than 3000 Zulu died, while the Voortrekkers Museum set in beautiful gardens. This is one of South Africa’shardly sustained any casualties. Afrikaners still visit the site on most striking galleries holding works by South African artists.the 16th December, but now it is called ‘The Day of The gallery is housed in a 1935 building. Thomas Baines isReconciliation’ instead of its original name ‘The Day of the known as one of the artists. Light refreshments were partakenVow’. The site of the battlefield is marked by a full scale in the garden before traversing this interesting city, back to therecreation in bronze of the 64 wagon laager .The laager was Anglo-Boer War Museum, for a second visit together with athe convoy of wagons that formed a circle, lashed together walk to the National Women’s Memorial. That afternoon, thewith chains. The cairn of stones was built by the Boers after journey started on the N1, north north east to Johannesburg,the battle. There is also the newer Ncome Museum the other a distance of 400 kilometres or 250 English miles! Arriving inside of the river giving the Zulu view of events, together with Johannesburg at around 5.15pm, the challenge was to locatea display of Zulu shields. the Protea Ice and Fire Hotel in Melrose Arch which was to be our accommodation for the next few days. After settlingLeaving the Battlefields after visiting the Blood River site and into our accommodation, there was plenty of choice for eatinghaving a cup of coffee, the drive was west to Dundee and in the immediate area. The next day the first attraction was toGlencoe, going through the town, joining the road to go to Constitution Hill, to see South Africa’s newLadysmith, the N11, and then north on the N3, paying the Constitutional Court that has been built within the rampartstoll for the road to Harrismith. The Van Reenen’s Pass had to of the Old Fort, dating from 1892, and was once a notoriousbe negotiated with a number of sharp bends half way to prison where Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, wereHarrismith. From Harrismith, took the R712 past the held. The whole site is a remarkable visit with so much to seeSterkfontein Dam and had more views of the Drakensbergs and could take a full day.before entering the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.The scenery here was dramatic in the rock formations and in There was a limited time for our visit as there was a lunch datethe colour of the stone. This road took one to Clarens our with the Johannesburg Old Stationers' Contingent. It is a realstopover for the night. Arrived in Clarens at 6.15 pm and pleasure to travel the world and catch up with Old Stationers'went to eat in Clementines, just off the square, as advised by who have lived abroad for very many years. Meeting firstour host, Nancy Whitaker, who had been recommended to us ‘Ginner’ Johns and Sheila his wife, we were taken to theby Ailsa Mann in Plettenberg Bay, a few days before. Both famous Wanderers Ground for our small gathering overhad been in college together. Nancy advised us of a place for lunch. In a few minutes of our arrival, we were joined by Chrisus to stay in Bloemfontein for our next night’s accommodation, 43

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83Seabrook and there was much discussion onmatters Stationers’ which extended into otheractivities taking place in the United Kingdomand South Africa. Blessed with a tremendousthunderstorm, we continued our conversationinto the Hornsey High arena as well, as Sheilawent to Hornsey High School and knew anumber of former Stationers’ pupils. ‘Ginner’and Chris spoke about the boys who were intheir year whom Ginner had seen at their firstreunion in the Autumn of 2014. Once again,it was good to catch up with the former pupilsof 1953 starters; a group of four that remainhere in South Africa, that include Ian Snellingand Roy Turner already referred to in thisexpedition. Besides those already noted,Charlie Cruden and Frank Abbot were of thesame year who emigrated to South Africa inthe sixties, and there is no year group atStationers who produced so many émigrés toone country at the same time!Sunday the first day of February, more time was spent on The Voortrekker Monument and its Wall of Wagons, PretoriaConstitution Hill, with a return visit to the Old Fort site andthe Old Fort Prison Complex, with a very large section Mandela here today is enormous. The South Africandevoted to women prisoners. From there we travelled to the government is going through the process at this time insouth of the City to visit the Apartheid Museum where changing the name of the city to Tshwane meaning ‘we are theimmediately one is reminded of the situation of the Apartheid same’.period as there are separate entrances for whites and non-whites. It is a very interesting but harrowing experience as you What an amazing experience, a whole month of South Africatake in the events recorded through that period of South with so many variations as listed here.African history. Leaving the Apartheid Museum, outside, theHop On, Hop Off bus was waiting and therefore it was 5000 kilometres covered a tremendous variety of scenery fromdecided to have the experience of the streets of Johannesburg the Cape in the West to Hillcrest in the East. The paths of theand see the centre of this city. More commonly it is known as Voortrekkers from south to north ending up with battles withJo’burg or Jozi, the latter of which I had not heard. the British in the Boer War and Zulus and British, recorded in history with the sites of historic events still to be visited.The last day in South Africa saw our departure from The scenery of the Drakensbergs which is so dramatic andJohannesburg after checking out from the Protea Fire and Ice never fails to attract the tourist as well as Clarens, a gem in theHotel, Melrose Arch. The first visit on Monday, 2nd February mountains. The safari experience which brought one face towas to travel north towards Pretoria, to see the Voortrekker face with the natural wildlife of the country. The city of CapeMonument,which is a place of pilgrimage for many Afrikaners. Town which stands out as one of the finest cities in theConstructed between 1938 and 1949, it was built to honour Southern Hemisphere. Many thanks to all who gave of theirthe journey of the Voortrekkers, who trekked north from the knowledge and friendship to make this journey so memorableCape in the 1830s to escape British domination. Begun in and added richness to this holiday.1938, the centenary of the Battle of Blood River, the structureis a cenotaph in the Hall of Heroes, which is lit by a beam of GPsunlight at noon on the 16th December, the day of the Battleof Blood River. The building is surrounded by a stone wall Key to composite image (right):carved with 64 wagons in a traditional defensive laager(circle). On each corner of the building is the face of a great 1. Treasurer, Michael Hasler, in Betty's Tea Room, Harrogate;Afrikaner hero. 2. Richard Phillippo and wife, Anne; 3. Tony & Anne McKeer; 4. Hugh & Elizabeth Stockwell; 5. Keith Roberts in Muswell Hill on aLocated three kilometres south of the City, the VoortrekkerMonument is surrounded by a 340 hectare nature reserve full visit to the UK from Hong Kong; 6. Cecil Newton;of zebras, wildebeests, bucks and other small mammals. 7. Treking with Liam Gallagher; 8. Mike Howell & Philip TrendallMoving more to the city itself the other visit for the last day outside the Thackeray Museum in Leeds.was to see the very distinguished Union Buildings designed byHerbert Baker, and built to house the administrative offices ofthe Union of South Africa in 1910. Built of sandstone, Bakerhimself chose the imposing hill site from where the two wingsoverlook landscaped gardens and an impressive amphitheatre.The gardens are often used for public celebrations andMandela’s inauguration took place here in 1994. The statue of 44

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83Some of the people I've had the pleasure to spend time with on my travels over the past year or so 1 23 45 67 8 45

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83 NEWS OF FORMER STAFF60TH WEDDING RICHARD FARROW With all good wishes to you Geraint, ANNIVERSARY In recent time Richard and Di have Geoff moved from Shropham back to his rootsThe Diamond Wedding of John and in Sheringham, on the North Norfolk ‘Your epistle’Audrey Young took place on Saturday the Coast, west of Cromer. With regular19th March 2016 at Cholesbury Village walks to Cromer and local birdwatching, From GeraintHall, Cholesbury Common, near Tring. It he is very pleased with the move. His new 22nd April 2016was a very pleasant occasion indeed with a address is 30 Nelson Road, Sheringham,number of family and friends present to Norfolk, NR26 8BU. Dear Geoffmark this auspicious day in the life of thefamily. Congratulations John and Audrey PETER HUGHES Thank you very much for your commentson sixty years of marriage. on Richard Comerford’s email which I Peter Hughes was at Stationers’ from thought would be very interesting to one 1970 to 1973 when he took up a post at or two Old Stationers' who were taught the John Kyrle School in Ross on Wye. by him. I think Richard Hickman did his Peter and his wife Rhiannon have lived Teaching Practice at Stationers’ and may there ever since. Now retired they are have stayed on to teach as a member of great travellers with West Australia, one of staff after his Teaching Practice. their journeys to see the family. Perhaps you could ask him to verify his time at Stationers’ and actual dates at the School. When did Richard Hickman go to William Ellis? GC Croughton It would be interesting if Richard [email protected] Hickman wrote a piece to ‘The Old Stationer’ with these responses so that I 21st April 2016 could put his letter in the magazine if he 19 Sauncey Avenue is willing! HARPENDEN AL5 4QQ How interesting that he is a close friend Dear Geraint of yours! I have a feeling that Richard Hickman may have even gone on aJohn taught at Stationers’ from 1967 to I was very interested to read Richard geography field course for a week with the1983, with Religious Education and Comerford’s letter in the current Old sixth form. Stan Read would have preparedGames as his main subjects. Stationer, his reference to Richard all the work for the sixth form and RH Hickman his music teacher. I believe may have gone along to keep an eye on the MICHAEL KING Richard Hickman was at the school as students that went to Malham, possibly part of his teaching practice and then staying at Sparth House with the CooperMet up with Michael and his wife Isabel moved on to join the music staff at family? Please enquire from your goodin Harrogate on the 31st March as they William Ellis School on a permanent friend?travelled from Hampshire to Scarborough. basis.A late lunch and early tea was enjoyed in As for Paul Bateman, he has just becomeBettys, that well known chain of teashops Richard C’s comments about Paul a member of the OSA. Please see page 39found in Yorkshire. York itself has two, Bateman playing the organ at assembly of edition Number 82, and there is aIlkley and Northallerton, each have one. brought back memories for me. I too used section on pages 39 & 40, which mayThe other one in Harlow Carr, the Royal to play for assembly from time to time answer Richard Hickman’s question.Horticultural Gardens on the west side of and had lessons from Geoff Barnard onHarrogate, is well worth a visit as well as an ad hoc basis. My very good wishesthe Gardens themselves. Michael taught Yours sincerelyHistory and some Geography at Stationers’ But the point in my writing is that Geraintin the early seventies. It was good to catch Richard Hickman is a very close friend ofup with them as I had not seen them mine, a friendship that which goes back to PS. Look forward to Richard Hickman’srecently. Michael and Isabel are happily the 1970s when he and I sang together in piece for the magazine. So pleased youretired. With daughter, Mary now living the Philharmonia Chorus. Subsequently responded to Richard Comerford’s letter,in South America, they are enjoying trips our respective families became close and as I would not be aware that RH wasto Chile with its wonderful scenery and we shared many holidays together mostly known to anybody!already made the excursion to Easter in Cornwall – Polzeath was our favouriteIsland! beach, almost unknown in those days. From Geoff Croughton to Richard Hickman 23rd April 2016 I telephoned Richard to tell him of Richard Comerford’s commendation. He Dear Richard was quite taken aback that anyone should remember him from those days. He sends I am forwarding the reply I received from his warmest regards to all those who do. Geraint Pritchard when I wrote to him He too was impressed by Paul Bateman’s about the letter which mentioned you. As organ playing and wondered if anyone you will see it is quite extraordinary that in knew what became of him? 46

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83the same edition of ‘The Old Stationer’ itis noted that Paul Bateman has justbecome a member of the OSA and thereis also a fairly detailed account of hiscareer in the world of music. I will copythe latter and send it to you.I hope you will be able to respond toGeraint’s request and look forward toreading your contribution idc. The wholecycle of cortes is quite interesting in theway it has brought so much together.All good wishesGeoff From Richard Hickman 24th April 2016GeoffMy memory is hazy on some of the details Stephen Platten (left) and Norman Rimmer. Norman was former Head of Music at Stationers’ in thebut I believe I started doing some part- sixties. Stephen Platten is a former Bishop of Wakefield and former pupil at Stationers’.time teaching at Stationers’ in September1967 and became full-time in January, Stephen Platten (left) with Rosslie Platten his wife, in the centre and Anne Rimmer,1968. I went to William Ellis in September wife of Norman Rimmer (right).1969 and stayed until July 1979. Yes, I did‘look after’ a party of geographers atMalham. I’m not sure how it happenedbut someone discovered that I knew thearea quite well and as the geography staffwere not keen to go, I was asked to goinstead.When I started at Stationers’ there was adelightful group of four boys doing ‘A’Level Music – John Alley, GrahamBentley, Richard Edis and Keith Willis. Ikept in contact with Keith because heeventually became Head of the SurreyMusic Service and we met at variousnational conferences. Very sadly, though,Keith died of a brain tumour several yearsago. A few years behind, there were twoother able musicians I remember – PaulBateman and Nigel Dant. Nigel, I believe,had done some solo work for Ben Brittenat Aldeburgh.In the Lower School there was a group ofvery able singers, one or two of whomhelped in performances of the MagicFlute at the English Opera or CoventGarden. (I cannot remember which!)I still remember the night before Iconducted an orchestra and choir for thefirst time at Stationers’ in a performanceof Haydn’s Nelson Mass. I didn’t sleep awink! I was terrified! The leader of theorchestra wisely told me to concentrate onthe choir and forget about the orchestra.In the circumstances, that was very wiseadvice!All the bestRichard 47

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83 GC Croughton found they were attending a Garden Party and the swallow holes. We were due to 25th April 16 at Buckingham Palace on the same day, meet at the Waggon and Horses on Ridge 10th May, 2016. Hill (now under the M25) at aboutDear Geraint 10.30am but unfortunately (and rather NORMAN RIMMER embarrassingly!) Sam Read and I thinkI forwarded your request to Richard RECEIVES the B.E.M. your good self, Geraint, got lost on the wayHickman and I am now forwarding his from Brookman’s Park. The pub openedresponse to me. It seems you were spot on On the 26th May 2016 Norman Rimmer whilst we were waiting so naturally we allwith recollections of Richard’s time at attended Bodelwyddan Castle to receive went in and ordered, so departure for theStationers’. He is very happy for you to the B.E.M. presented by the Lord main purpose of the day was furtheredit etc. and use this in a future edition of Lieutenant Jack Fetherston Haugh, delayed when the masters turned up andthe Old Stationer. I also sent him a copy awarded in the Queen’s New Year’s had to wait until we had finished!of Paul Bateman’s career details – Richard Honours List.was very impressed! ‘BEAK’ DAVIES Norman Rimmer wearing hisI leave the rest to you to do as you see British Empire Medal We were late to a French Lesson oneappropriate. afternoon in our second year and ‘Beaky’ MORE ANECDOTES asked us why. “Oh we’ve just come fromAll good wishes AND INCIDENTS Woodwork, Sir.” “Yes”, replied Beaky, “ IGeoff Croughton expect Mr Naylor wishes you would 41c Wolseley Road , Crouch End work!!” 8th March 2016 & 24th April 2016 London N8 8RS From Geoff Dolamore 11th May 2016 ‘GUS’ [email protected] Dear Geraint An example of Gus’ benevolent To: Geraint Pritchard I enclose details of a few more amusing dictatorialness was mentioned by the Head anecdotes and incidents from in his ‘History of Stationers'’. He said GusGreetings. schooldays. used to give extra tuition to boys on Saturday mornings and it was thought heHi there. GEOGRAPHY made it ‘worth the while’ for Charlie On a Field Study Day Trip to Street, the Caretaker, to open up, out of hisJust received the OS – good article about the Medway in about 1970, own pocket.Norman R plus photo. we happened to come across a pub at lunchtime and on Incidentally, whilst writing, another OldAlso was on a football tour to Denmark to being asked by the publican Boy said to me a couple of years ago whenStruer, but could only have been after I we all swore blind we were he found out I lived in Crouch End.started in 1961. I stayed with Walter 18. In the coach on the way “You’re the only one who’s stayed then?”Jaffka, who said his name was so unusual back, Sam Read quietened us “No” I replied, “I’m the only one to movethat he had had post delivered when and then said in a very dry in (in 1981) as when I was at Stationers’, Iaddressed just to ‘Jaffke, Denmark’. voice, “I didn’t know you lived in Potters Bar and used to commute could be 18 in the fifth form!!” by train!”Geoff Dolamore And then there was the Field Study Trip to the South A very good choice it has turned out to be! 24th April 16 Mimms area to see the formerNot sure how I came to be invited on a course of the River Thames Kind regardsfootball tour – with the then head of PE, Richard Hudsonwhose name escapes me (Stan Holmes)... 1964-71He was much older than me! Went backwith the family a year or two later. Iremember we drove up through Belgiumand Germany.Best wishes anywayGeoff DAlso, does anyone remember being on thistrip to Struer Stats Gymnasium in 1961with Geoff Dolamore; and the names ofthe members of this group?There is a photograph of Geoff Dolamore inMagazine No. 82 page 38. Ed. 4th June 2016Former member of staff at Stationers’, andformer pupil at Stationers’ as well asformer Bishop of Wakefield attend gardenparty at Buckingham Palace together.Two photographs were taken whenNORMAN and ANNE RIMMER andSTEPHEN and ROSSLIE PLATTEN 48

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83 USEFUL QUOTES WAC Rees seems to have felt the man PETER DAVID LLOYD BSc was getting hysterical and so slapped 1951-1958 Bishop HouseGood day, Geraint Hudson. 18 Demesne Road HOLYWOODThe section on ‘Useful Quotes….’ In the Soon after in the staff room Hudson was County Downcurrent issue of the Old Stationer led me heard to have clearly muttered in one of Northern Irelandto recall a few. his front of stage poses: “Huh, if this had BT18 9NB been the seventeenth century I would haveH.W.Symons was known for his stories as challenged him to a duel!” Still working as Acoustical Consultantwell as his attitude to Woodbines. Wewere told, “We won the war on Woodbines, Perhaps the one which stuck with me Started my own business in 1964 aftertea and fruitcake.” most was by Mr Filleul who was Pastoral leaving Queens University Belfast Head and came to the lower huts to teachI wonder how much he considered the us History. One day it was raining heavily Employed up to 30 people but now takingAmerican entry into the war and the utter and we saw this tall man appear under a it easy with just 4 of us.failure of the opposing leader to stick to huge brightly-coloured golfing umbrella.any plan, not even his own. As he entered the room putting his now Website: www.lloydsound.co.uk closed umbrella in the waste-paper bin toOne of the classic quote producers in my stand and and drip, there was a snigger Just married 3 years with two youngera 1964-1971 was A.R.Hudson. among his fourth form group. He noticed children; one boy one girl; keep me very it and ever the presence of mind he busy.In our third year he had all the form announced boldly. “I use this umbrella formembers stand, who had not experienced three reasons. Firstly, because it keeps me dry CHRISTOPHER (CHRIS) VIVIANa detention. I believe three boys stood, better than any other. Secondly, because I WILLIAMS BA Hons CEng MIETwhereupon he immediately dished out a think it brightens up the place and finally, 1971-1979 Caxton Housedetention to Mike Kahn. For what we do because I damn well choose to!” 145 Frogmore Lanenot know. Lovedean That left its mark! WATERLOOVILLEWhile not a quote, it is typical of this Hampshireeccentric man. I hope Old Stationers' will add to this PO8 9RD section and keep it going. I am sureAccording to Derek Reid, ‘Tony’ Hudson Messrs. Constable, Davis, Bean, Holley, Chris Williamswas utilizing a couple of young lads to Holmes, Naylor, Colchester and other Stationers’ from 1971 to 1979collect some books from a cupboard on notable schoolmasters have graced us allthe top corridor. Himself, he went off with plenty of gems over the years. After leaving Stationers’in 1979,I attendedelsewhere. When he returned, WAC Rees Portsmouth Polytechnic. After graduatinghad appeared and was chastising these Kind regards in 1983 with a degree in Geography, Ilads for not attending morning assembly. Alex Flemming joined IBM and worked in variousApparently Tony Hudson felt his authority technical computing roles. For the last 15being undermined and threw a wobbly. years I have been a senior IT network architect at IBM, and have gainedNEW MEMBERS Chartered Engineer status. This was something I would never have imagined IANDREW TZORTZI Many different jobs initially. Then I went could have achieved back in the 1970s. I1967-1972 Rivington House into Social Work – Child Care, Mental now live in semi-rural Hampshire, with92 Friars Walk Health and then Pre 5s. my wife and children. Although I saySouthgate children, the boys are actually both adultsLONDON Teaching mainly in High Schools. and at University. I cycle for fitness andN14 5LN fun, and am a qualified coach helping out Family. Been married for 48 years. 4 sons at a local school based cycling club. I amMICHAEL DAVID HOLDING and a daughter; all in their 40s. All also involved with the Duke of Edinburgh1953-1958 Bishop House children educated at local comprehensive Award mountain biking expeditions. I also99 Towngate and sixth form college. have an interest in American railroads,Newsome HUDDERSFIELD photography and wine!West Yorkshire WD4 6JR All four sons played Rugby Union. Chris was present at the LuncheonIt is 58 years since I left Stationers’ but I Leisure. Teaching U3A Courses on Meeting on the 18th May with two ladshope to meet Alan Green and possibly Austen, Hardy and Eliot. from his year, MARCO BITTANTE andPeter Redman from the same cohort at ANDREW DEVON.Stationers’ Hall in April. During that time Folk Singer and Guitarist – Dylan, CohenI have had no contact with any Stationer. and Wainwright 111. JOHN BERWICKHowever, we hope to drag some interesting 1965-1970memories from each other. Set poetry to music – Hardy, Clare and 20 Burghley Close Betjman. STEVENAGEAt Stationers’ I was in CCF from Third HertsYear, attending three camps. Left as a Writing Articles for Northern Branch of SG2 8SUCorporal. Left School with 7 ‘O’ Levels to Jane Austen Society.go to work in 1958. Walking in Two Local Groups. Love Lake District and Snowdonia Peaks. 49

The Ol d S tat ioner - No 83From Magazine Number 82 OBITUARIESHOWARD MIDGEN FCA school and the close friendships and1946-1951 Norton House companionships Stephen enjoyed and4 The Circuits valued went on to form much of his life.PINNER He in time became a member of the OldMiddx HA5 2BD Boys Association, he played Cricket and Football for them, he was inducted intoAdditional Notes: the School’s Lodge as a Freemason in 1971 and became their Almoner. StephenBrief Resume of years 1951 to 2015 gained a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction in being able to give something back forHard to believe that 64 years have elapsed all that the School had given him.since I walked through the school gatesfor the last time, very grateful for the STEPHEN LING From Stationers’ and a little to his father’seducation I had received. I still look back disappointment Stephen went on toto those days with great affection. The funeral was held at Tunbridge Wells Acton Technical College and studied to Crematorium on Tuesday 22nd March become an engineer, eventually leavingI decided (or more likely, my parents did) 2016. Acton and joining the Central Electricitythat I would seek a career in Accountancy Generating Board working on theirand was articled to a West End firm for a The Music on Entry at the funeral was nuclear division – a job he was to have forstarting salary of £1.50 and after 5 years ‘Nessun Dorma’sung by Luciano Pavarotti the rest of his working life. Stephen, Irenejust before qualifying had risen to £8 per and the hymns were ‘Abide With Me’ and told me, worked at a number of stationsweek. I enjoyed the work as I am sure ‘O God, Our Help in Ages Past’ in such as Sizewell and Dungeness, and for aothers who studied by correspondence advance of which those Stationers' present short term worked as consultant in Italycourse will agree, was a bit narrow as the stood to give a rendering of the School supporting the industry there. Stephencontact with other students was limited. Song. Finally, the service sheet stated and Irene had met whilst Irene was living ‘Music on Exit’ which in fact turned out in a bedsit above the flat where StephenEventually after taking employment with to be the famous excerpt from ‘Test lived. They eventually married setting uplarger firms to gain experience, I decided Match Special’ of some 25 years ago with home firstly in East Barnet, before comingthat I would like to work in a small Brian Johnston trying – and failing to to live in Paddock Wood in 1981 and lastpractice. The upshot, to cut a long story, avoid the fit of giggles in providing his October celebrated 42 happy yearswas to start my own practice in 1970 and summary of the day’s play ‘helped’ by the together.continued for the remainder of my career rather more mischievous, Jonathan Agnewuntil we merged, and retired in 2000. This of those days, something Steve no doubt Stephen was a keen supporter of Arsenalperiod was extremely interesting for the would have loved, as did most cricket fans! FC, he was a narrow gauge train enthusiastrange of clients and their requirements and loved his garden. In younger life hewhich kept my partners and me on my was a keen scout, enjoying the greattoes. outdoors and loved to go on walks, often remembering them with great detail inI married in 1965 and have a son anddaughter and five grandchildren. The service was well attended as was the get-together afterwards at the CamdenIn retirement I have enjoyed my interests Arms. Those from the School includedin photography, gardening, theatre and Mike Pinfield, Michael Facey, Davidtravel. Kaye, Brian Whitehouse, Don Bewick, Michael Hasler, Mike Mote, Alan Green,I really don’t know why I did not join the David Hudson, Colin Munday, BernieOSA on leaving school particularly as I Williams and Keith Mullender.played a bit of cricket for the Old Boys. Don BewickA warm welcome to all new members tothe Old Stationers’ Association. STEPHEN LINGCHANGES OF ADDRESS Stephen was born in Edmonton, North London, one of four children and brotherChris Langford to Peter, Heather and Phillip. From the6 Grove Park local primary school he went on andTRING attended Stationers’ Company’s School, inHerts Hornsey. It would be true to say that thisHP23 5JLMichael West9 Bracken LaneCRANLEIGHSurreyGU6 7GE 50