LIVES REMEMBERED
BY TREVOR SWETTENHAM
Barry Richard Swettenham 1941 - 1946
M
y father was born in October 1929. He always spoke very highly of Chigwell School and knew that the five years he attended had stood him in good stead for life. He would talk endlessly about his form masters, boxing and enhancing his stories with newspaper cuttings showing him in a faded image running, rifle in hand, in his Junior Training Corp uniform; he was immensely proud of that. He still had the original bills for his fees and the ‘metal’ blazer badge. Although educated in Greek and Latin, being the very practical man he was, he chose his hands as his way forward. He married Valerie in Chigwell Church in 1954. They had three boys, Trevor, Nigel, and Nick. They lived in Sussex, Somerset, Essex and Hertfordshire over the course of a lifetime. My father would also keep his ties with Chigwell School and for several years running - he attended the annual OC meal. He also donated to the new Drama Centre in 2003 and has his name proudly displayed on the wall as a patron.
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Father died on the 16th December, 2020 at the age of 91. He had a very full life which he enjoyed immensely and leaves his wife of 66 years, Val, three sons, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
BY ROSS ALBROW (1971-1975)
Donald White 1938-1945
D
onald was born in 1927 in Gants Hill, Ilford. He started at Chigwell in 1938 (when the fees were £33 for a boarder) but left in 1939 when World War II broke out. After spells in Swindon and Torquay he returned to Chigwell in 1942. He admitted that academia wasn’t his strength, but he greatly enjoyed football and athletics. He played for the 1st XI football team and one season scored in every match. Donald was proud to be an Old Chigwellian. He was part of a school that he claimed really suited him-one that he loved and remained connected to throughout his life. Donald’s work ethic was astonishing, so much so that he continued to navigate the family property business, working a four-day week at a grand age of 93.
Donald and Audrey
Donald was a wonderful husband to Audrey, father to Kim and stepfather to me. He especially enjoyed the role of Grandfather to nine grandchildren. Donald was a very special man and shall always be remembered for his energy, chirpiness, thoughtfulness and kindness by all who knew him with great affection. Donald died peacefully at his home on 1st February 2021 and will be greatly missed.
