OLD LUCTONIANS ASSOCIATION

2021 NEWSLETTER

I hope that you are all double or triple jabbed and keeping safe and well in these most unusual of times.

With news of an award-winning local distillery, and a glimpse into a post-war school trip to Denmark, John Russell has collated a very interesting selection for us to reminisce over this year. It never fails to astound me that our history goes back to 1708, and now, of course, firmly into the future with the appointment of our new Headmaster, Mr Jon Tyler, and his new team. The School certainly feels reinvigorated and, on behalf of the OLA, we extend our warmest welcome to Jon and we will continue to support Lucton in every way.

Thank you for reading and Floreat Luctona.

Mark Bishop Chairman

Obituaries:

Frederick John Bruford (40’s)

died August 2021, aged 93. Frederick attended Lucton during the war years and was later joined by his younger brother Jim, becoming known in Lucton tradition as Bruford 1 and 2. Frederick was very proud of his time at Lucton; his favourite saying, according to his granddaughter was “It wasn’t the Yanks that won the war, Lucton Cadets were here before”. Frederick was laid to rest with his School tie and badge.

Colin Lucas (1941-48)

died on August 21st 2021, aged 90. Colin was in Collingwood House, Captain of Cricket and Rugby, Cadet CSM. He completed national service in the Royal Scots Greys Tank Regiment, stationed in Germany, and upon returning to Hereford, met his future wife at the Hereford dance studio in August 1951. Colin and Beryl enjoyed 66 happy years together. Colin was one of 18 pupils who visited Denmark on a school trip lasting 15 days in April 1947 costing £34 and 5s old money. The trip is featured in this edition.

William Brian Morris (1931-36), aged 97.

Brian passed away on April 9th 2020, aged 97. Brian was a day boy who travelled by bike from Lower Yatton Farm. He later farmed with his parents and brother Jack at Lawton Hall, Kingsland where he ran a successful herd of pedigree Hereford’s. He was a very proud ex-member and player of Luctonians RFC. Brian married Jean Eckley from the Dderw, Llyswen, Powys and they had 3 children. In later years, the family moved to the West Country.

Chris Nenadich (1969-75), died December 2020. Chris the Inimitable Ratter was a Herefordshire personality and founder of the Pied Piper Pest Control Service, which he ran for 30 years. Known in golf and racing circles, Chris once owned M’Bebe, a thoroughbred Stallion which was ridden into third place on the flat by none other than Frankie Dettori. Chris was a friend of Bromyard RFC and sponsor of the Pied Piper Cup; presented to the winners of the Luctonians and Hereford Rugby clash. In 2010, after an eight year wait, 1200 supporters watched Hereford and Luctonians battle out a National 3 Midlands table fixture with Lucs winning 28-20, and Chris presented the Cup to Luctonians Captain, Chris Jacques. Chris Sadly lost his fight with Covid, leaving his partner Marion and three daughters Megan, Eliza and Sophie.

Graham Powell (1949-52), died October 2019.

Beryl Creer, died May 23rd 2021 We would also like to pay tribute to Beryl Creer who died on 23rd May 2021 age 99. Beryl generously donated a number of items including a Lucton School prospectus from the 1930s. In many ways, the School has changed hugely over the years; however, the prospectus provides a fascinating glimpse into a pre-WW2 Lucton.

Days of old

Tour of Denmark, Easter 1947.

Itinerary schedule provided by the late Colin Lucas.

Tour Party: J.G. Shaw, J.M.Smith, E.H. Roberts, J.C. Bruford, P.J. Smith, J.R. Hardy, J.F. Bradshaw, J.O. Cann, A.F.H. Ruddle, H.V. Price, C.J.Nelson, N.A. Hopkins, C. Lucas, D.J. Lewis, W.R. Parsonage, D.H. Gentle, G. Statnam and H.M. Withers.

On behalf of the OLA, Sir Tom Knill has managed to secure a small parcel of WW2 memorabilia relating to L.M Seaborn at auction. Included are British war 36-45 medals, African Stars, MBE, letters from King George VI, a self-portrait and several other items. Tom will arrange to have the medals cleaned and mounted by Warr and Son Leominster. Many will remember LMS as an art teacher at Lucton and will be surprised of his war record, Acting Major Artillery. April 10th Odense visit Hans Andersen birth place, museum.

April 11th - 15th

Copenhagen - porcelain factory, Kings Deer Park, Frederiksberg Castle (National Museum), Kronborg Castle and a typical Danish farm. April 16th Aalborg (North Jutland). April 17th Tour to Skagen, northern most tip of Denmark. April 18th Visit Textile factory Aalborg. April 19th Vejie, Denmark’s most famous beauty spots. April 20th Ribe, oldest City of Denmark.

April 21st Esbjerg – return.

Linley Morton Seaborn MBE collection

News of Old Luctonians

Frank Kelly (2003-12)

Enjoyed a spell alongside brother John playing at Plymouth Albion before returning home to be an integral part in the Luctonians side which currently play in National Division 2. He signed for Bedford Blues this season, which play in the Championship and have a partnership with Premiership side Northampton Saints. Frank was also named in the squad that played Northampton Saints in a pre-season fixture, which included England internationals George Furbank, Lewis Ludlum and Alex Mitchell.

Richard Williams (Dickie) (1977-84)

Richard, along with fellow Herefordshire farmer Charlie Turner, have won a life changing competition with their craft gin distillery, Penrhos Gin. Having beaten hundreds of other craft distilleries from across the UK, the Distillery has been crowned winner of Grow with Aldi - a nationwide search for the greatest craft spirits the UK has to offer. Aldi will sell 18 000 bottles of its premium hibiscus botanical gin, which is made from ¼ of a tonne of fruit which would otherwise have gone to waste.

Founded by Charlie and Richard in 2017, Penrhos Gin uses blueberries, raspberries, cherries and apple from their farm. Being all too aware of the increasing issue of food waste, they decided what better way to use wasted fruit than to distil a fruity botanical gin.

Richard also has a busy time ahead having entered his second year as Chairman of Luctonians Sports Club. Last year he had to steer the club through the unprecedented difficulties caused by coronavirus but we are happy that it has returned to normality with the club now back playing with the 1st XV in National 2 North.

AGM Dinner 2022

Would you like to meet our new Head? The perfect opportunity to say hello would be at the AGM and Dinner on 26th February 2022 at 7pm. The event costs £30 and includes dinner and entertainment. Invitations will shortly be sent out but if think that you haven’t received one, please contact the School on 01568 782 000.

John Kelly (2003-12)

Currently playing in his second season for Doncaster Knights in the Championship, moving from Plymouth Albion in National 1 where he played while studying at Plymouth University. During the last season, 3-time European Champions, Saracens, with England starts Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje and Jamie George, played in the Championship alongside John’s team, who finished the season in 3rd place.

Richard with their distiller (left) when they launched Penrhos Gin in 2017.

Officers of the Association

President: Mr B. Markham (1950-56) Chairman: Mr M. Bishop (1974-83) Hon. Treasurer/Secretary: Mr J. Russell (1971-80) Committee Members: Mr. O. Whittall (1981-84) Mr A.D. Miles (1970-77) Co-opted Members: Mr J.D. Miles (2000-11), Mr J.E. Miles (1993-03), Sir T. Knill (1965-71)

Contacting the OLA

All correspondence is now filtered through Lucton School by emailing enquiries@luctonschool.org.

Find us on Facebook: @oldluctoniansassociation

Lucton School