The Notes - Winter 2022

Welcome from the Chair

I heard earlier in the year at the Year 13 Graduation Ceremony, that many of you had plans for continued study, travel, or reflection. I hope that in the months that have passed, these plans have come to fruition and to all, I wish you the very best in these endeavours.

I referenced becoming more relevant and the Ladies Networking Tea was a notable success.

The Summer is over and I hope you all have had an enjoyable holiday period. A very warm welcome to the Winter 2022 edition of The Notes. With its contents taking a look back into our past as well as a look forward to future events across the Association, I hope you find something of interest.

A particular welcome to our new members. Those students and their families who have completed their studies this summer and now leave the College with a mix of excitement, trepidation and enthusiasm for the future.

I also remind you that just as the College has helped you to date, the Association is now here for your post school years. For connections, social events and sports enjoyment, but also for your continued growth and development beyond your school years and into working life and professional careers, our network awaits your engagement. So do please reach out, at any point, stay connected and seek support if needed.

As you will read, it has been another very busy year as well as new events planned. I would highlight the success of the recent inaugural Ladies Dunstonian Networking Tea held in Central London. It is wonderful to be helping old friends reconnect and I’m delighted that it sparked conversations as to further future events and of getting others involved.

I would like to highlight another very specific event. Following my own attendance at Dunstonian Day last September, it was easy to make a number of observations in terms of relevance, attendance and format. And so this year, we wanted to make the day more fun, inclusive and multi-generational and so we hosted sports matches, mixed family games of rounders and even a 'shooting competition'. It worked!

My thanks to our Committee Members and particularly the efforts of The Dunstonian Office team, who do so much to drive these events and other initiatives forward that help us all connect.

Finally on behalf of the Committee, I wish you all a wonderful, enjoyable festive season and look forward to seeing you soon.

NEWS

DUNSTONIAN & Scrapbook MYSTERY BRONZE

Who is the sitter in this bronze sculpture, attributed to Elsie March? That is a question that has been confounding amateur art detectives over recent months. One of the prime suspects is Alfred Ward Carter, who was Head of Art at SDC between 1901 and 1932, and we were asked to assist in resolving the case. We were able to provide some pictures of Mr Carter, which helped settle the debate in his favour. What do you think?

Cupboard Discovery

On clearing up cupboard space near the LRC, we came across various beautiful cast iron plaques dating back to the 18th century and originally belonging to St Dunstan’s in the East. If you happen to know more about these, please do get in touch!

Property Meet Up

Blast from the Past

From

On 7 July, Richard Fagg (‘85), Scott Tyler (‘86), Paul Stanley (‘84) and Keith Norman (‘85) hosted a successful social event for alumni working in Property related industries.

Ian Ailles ('84). Boys on Catford Bridge platform, off to Commemoration Day: Left to right James Garrard, Wojech Rakowicz, Sean Kefford, Ian Ailles, Alex Chadwick, Stefan Rakowicz. Mark Poulter.

A recent 1975 lunch organised by Chris Huntley, featuring Simon Wood, Chris Huntley, Mark Pooley and Neil Fowler (standing).

1975 Reunion Lunch

Richard visited the College in May and kindly donated a treasure trove of memorabilia to the archives. This included photographs, sporting fixture brochures, exam papers etc collected by Richard and his late brother Eric during their time at SDC. Taking pride of place in the collection was Richard’s colours blazer, which fits him as well today as it did nearly sixty years ago…

David Tomlinson ('68)

"I was interested to see the obituary for Keith Ellis in the Summer edition of the Notes, and was delighted to see that he reached a venerable age. In the 1960s Mr Ellis had the unfortunate task of trying to teach me chemistry, a subject in which I had no interest. As a keen naturalist, I would much rather have been taught biology, but that wasn’t an option. I’m afraid that the rest of 4G weren’t keen on chemistry, either, and on one occasion we were instructed to report back to the chemistry laboratory after school, because we had committed a minor crime. We arrived in the lab to find it empty, and I don’t think any of us noted the task we had been set, which was written on the blackboard. I settled down to read my copy of The Field, and failed to notice the sudden entrance at the back of the lab of Mr Ellis. He immediately spotted me reading my magazine, which was whisked from my grasp. It was, I believe, confiscated. Mr Ellis wasn’t to know that I would eventually become a regular contributor to The Field; for the last 12 years I have written a monthly column on gundogs for the magazine. Sadly, my knowledge of chemistry barely extends beyond remembering the formula for water."

What Made Me Me

William 'Bill' Corpe

Many of you will have fond memories of William 'Bill' Corpe, Head of English and Senior Sixth Form Tutor at St Dunstan’s during the 1970s and 1980s. Bill sadly passed away in February 2020 but his widow, Rita, has recently published a collection of his writings – What Made Me Me – which includes extracts from a diary he maintained from the age of 11, as well as reflections on his time at Cambridge University, national service and his teaching career.

Aimee Montague ('19)

Congratulations to Aimee Montague (’19), former Head Girl, who graduated in the summer 2022 from Cambridge with a First Class Honours degree in Theology and Social anthropology. She studied at Murray Edwards College.

She kindly donated to the College’s Archives a rare leather bound book never seen before, of a collection of

TRIP TO RUSSIA

Richard Busby ('68)

"I have never forgotten the school trip behind 'The Iron Curtain'. I’m sure on reflection that our parents were somewhat concerned as it was still fairly close to the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis, but as we were 16/17 year olds we took it in our innocent stride.

We departed, with the Rev Preston, from Tilbury, together with a group from a girls school from the South Coast. We went to Copenhagen, Helsinki and finally to what was then St Petersburg, followed by Moscow. After a brief sojourn on Warsaw

the College’s Chronicles dating back to the turn of the 20th Century, found in a second hand bookshop in Lewisham.

"I am so glad to be graduating from a university with a degree I felt equally enriched and challenged by, and to have met a wonderfully supportive and entertaining group of people. I’m now spoilt with two lovely alumni communities!"

railway station to change trains (as the gauge was different) we moved onto Berlin (both west and east) and finally Cologne. All for a total costincluding food - of £56! The obvious highlights were the Summer Palace, The Hermitage, Red Square - seeing Lenin’s embalmed body in the Kremlin - and of course going through Checkpoint Charlie. Supplemented by 'trading' jeans, chewing gum and ball point pens for Russian tin plate medals, badges and military insignia. Some of which I still have at home. We were constantly being approached for black market currency exchange. Finally, I remember the 'dejournaya'the old lady who sat on every floor of every hotel to monitor the guests!"

Richard Marsh ('65)

Update on the Fives Courts

The College has been in regular contact with the Rugby Fives Association over the past 12 months and we now have computer generated images of what the new state of the art Rugby Fives Courts could look like. We would position them close to the original footprint of the courts, alongside the wooden fence that runs at the back of the playground. Although the College is committed to the rebuild of the Courts, we need sponsors to come forward in order to make this a reality. You can donate online by using the QR code, or send a cheque made payable to St Dunstan’s Educational Charity or make a pledge through a legacy in your Will.

Edward Weech ('02)

Edward Weech ('02), has just published a new book entitled Chinese Dreams in Romantic England: The Life and Times of Thomas Manning.

It is a biography of one of the first British people to study Chinese language and culture. A friend of Charles Lamb and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Manning was a participant in the 'first-wave' of British Romanticism and later an explorer who became the first Englishman to visit Lhasa, capital of Tibet, where he met the Dalai Lama.

The Archives Room

The Archives Room has moved! It was a big task to undertake during July and August 2022. The new room is big and airy and even has a special corner where Dunstonians can sit to look through Archives at leisure. The room used to be the Prep' tuck shop pre WWII, then became the kitchen, then the Language Department staff common room before being the Careers Office and now The Dunstonian Office, which is the beating heart of all things related to alumni, archives and fundraising.

Chair of the DA meets Prefects

In November, the College organised a lunch between the current prefects and Richard Fagg ('85), Chair of the DA as he wanted to find out more about what the younger generation of students wanted out of an alumni Association. Actions speak louder than words, so watch this space for new events!

Oral History Project

"In speaking to Richard Fagg, I was fascinated by the enthusiasm and passion he possessed for what he did for the Dunstonian Association. It was all so contagious that we began planning our project on that same day. I wanted to delve into the school’s history, going beyond the archives and gaining a more personal viewpoint of the community by speaking to several alumni.

I decided that going into it with one of my peers would be wise, and so I teamed up with Tomas Camacho-Shaw (prospective journalist and good friend of mine) to make this project a reality. Aided by Mr Macdowall, we interviewed several generations of Dunstonians, with stories dating back as far as the 50s. Through deep and thoughtful conversation, we have both learnt so much about the social and academic aspects of the school and how they have changed. Put aptly by Chris Killip, ‘History is most often written from a distance, and rarely from the viewpoint of those who endured it’ – through our ongoing interview process, we are learning how the school has developed and changed as a community over the years.

Although the interviews have not yet concluded, we have met several talented, memorable individuals, and we look forward to meeting many more and publishing their experiences for all to read in the next edition of the Notes."

Paola Finaldi Head Girl 2022-23

Philip Bovey’s family, whose father and now grandchildren attend the College, visited and reminisced

Return to the Tree

Ian Burgess, ex member of staff at the College, who left in 2012, came back for a lunch with the Head in November 2022 and a tour of the new facilities.

Ian is the key to the Dunstonian Association database and without his sterling efforts of keeping a record of the school roll in the 1970s, 80s and 90s, we would never have been able to launch SDConnect in 2020. We are very grateful!

The picture above was taken during his recent visit and Ian is standing under the very tree where he proposed to his wife Kathie of 30 years, in the summer of 1993.

1250th member of SDConnect

Congratulations to Geoffrey Glover (’54) for being our 1250th registered member on SDConnect, the Dunstonian Association Alumni Platform, in September 2022. The platform was launched early 2020 and has grown from strength to strength since then. Do spread the word to your school friends as our aim is to grown it to 2500 by next Christmas!

University Drinks

We are keen to remain connected to our younger alumni and on 3 November we met up with some undergraduates, postgraduates and recently graduated alumni from a London University at the Lyceum Tavern on the Strand.

We spent a long time reminiscing about the College and everybody went away with a branded St Dunstan’s rubber duck – why not?

Steve Sheppard's visit

Steve Sheppard ('76) visited the College in September 2022. He was particularly interested in seeing The Martin Preston studio towards which he had kindly donated at the time of Martin's death.

Richard came back to the College in October 2022 for the first time in 39 years. To mark the occasion, we organised a lunch for him and the Head, as well as a tour around our new facilities with Iain Macdowall ('81), our Dunstonian Officer.

Richard was bowled over by his visit and has since then offered his services a tennis coach to the Sports team at St Dunstan's as the College is keen to establish a strong tennis team amongst its students. What a wonderful opportunity for our current students to meet the coach who discovered British tennis prodigy, Emma Raducanu (above) and played against Bjorn Bjorg in the 1980s as Junior British No1 himself (below).

Richard Whichello ('85)

MEET OUR OLDEST LIVING DUNSTONIAN JOHN HOBART ('40)

where he eventually became Dean of the zoology faculty.

On 21 October 2022, I travelled to Cornwall and had the immense privilege of meeting our eldest living Dunstonian, John Hobart ('40), who was born in 1922 and turned 100 on May 27 this year.

I was greeted at my hotel in Penzance by John himself and his partner of 40 years, Sally. They both whisked me off without any further ado to John's home, a farm dwelling called Buswisnan which means "The house overlooking the valley" in Cornish, to the east of Penzance. The beautiful dwelling surrounded by nature and calm was full of John's books and art which he turned to after a successful career as a zoologist at Bangor University

We spent the rest of the day in St Loy, the current home he shares with Sally, reminisicing about his time at St Dunstan's College in the late 1930s under Usherwood headship and thereafter at Reigate Grammar School up until 1940 where the whole of St Dunstan's was evacuated. His memory was sharp and he could name all his now deceased contemporaries on 90 year old pictures - to name but one trick he displayed during my time with him. He had anedoctes about many boys and masters as well as Usherwood himself whom he describes as "filling in" between Forder and Hecker.

He watched the pictures of St Dunstan's I brought to him and recalled every corner of the 1888 building with crystal clear memory. He was full of life, just like his collage art resembling Joan Miro's.

He had never been back to the College, even once, in his entire life, but was delighted to have St Dunstan's brought to him. We planned my next visit for the following year and parted at Penzance train station full of Cornish pasties we ate for lunch.

Isabelle Blake-James

“

On playing Fives:

In 1934 I think it was, the new Gym was built and it stuck out at the back; and before that, as far as I remember, there were allotments that were run by the porter or people associated with the school. That ran out to the edge of the playground. They built the gym there and at the same time they put the back walls onto the Fives Courts and these walls were built up to two thirds of the court and outside they put some planks upon which you climbed on and looked over this back wall and watch the game. I think they were oak.

On the war evacuation:

“

When we went to Reigate, of course we had nothing. The school’s purchase was Amberley. That was the centre where everything worked from and for the first 2 or 3 months we went to Reigate grammar school in the afternoon and Reigate used to do school in the morning. Initially we had physics and chemistry and utilised their laboratories but for some reason, this man Hicks went out and got a lot of physics stuff down and we certainly had physics in this private house.

On Usherwood:

Usherwood, I think, had been a master at the school. He then left and had become Head of Brockley County School. When Forder died suddenly, Usherwood came back as the new Headmaster. He lived in the Headmaster’s house. He was an elderly man as I remember him. We had virtually no contact with him. His room was along the bottom corridor. The first room as you came in was a cloakroom for the junior boys, then the College Office with a single lady. Then it was the Headmaster’s office, then Room D, my classroom.

“ “ “ “

REUNION SOUTH WEST Lunch

On 20 October 2022, a dozen Dunstonians gathered for a scrumptious lunch in Exeter, at the very smart Winslade Hotel.

The lunch was initiated earlier on this year after an article in one of our monthly newsletters encouraging all to start again luncheon reunions all around the UK with the support of The Dunstonian Office. A huge thank you must go to John Simpson ('56), for being a wonderful coordinator for this most successful South-West lunch.

Other attendees included Chris Britton ('65), Noel Rayner ('65), Anthony Jolliffe ('54), Mike Foster ('69), Jim Penny ('64), Peter Kemble ('63), Andrew Mew ('66) and David Young ('52). Isabelle BlakeJames, Director of Development at the College also attended on behalf of the Head, Mr Nick Hewlett who could not be there himself.

Everybody gathered at the Winslade Hotel on the edge of Exeter for a prelunch drink before sitting down in a private dining room. The lunch itself was delicious and guests were treated to either a venison or a halibut dish as a

main course, followed by a pudding or a selection of cheeses.

John was a great host, encouraging everybody to share stories from the past as well as give an update on their careers post St Dunstan's. All present seemed to have fond memories of Hecker as well as Head of Art, John Russell, whose son recently contacted the College in order to sell his father's famous snowscape print of the College through the TDA's online shop.

Everybody reconnected with each other and mentioned meeting Dunstonians throughout their lives in unexpected situations which was heartwarming. Isabelle brought some personalised extracts from past Chronicles for each attendee, branded tote bags, pins and literature from the College as well as the latest edition of the alumni magazine, The Notes. She was also given the opportunity to give an update on College's news before explaining what her role entails at St Dunstan's. John also brought some archives photos of his time at St Dunstan's, from his own collection, which everybody enjoyed looking at.

"The South West Reunion has been revived thanks to Iain Macdowall ('81) who invited Dunstonians who were willing to exchange email addresses to get in touch which about 20 did. Somebody suggested a hotel near Exeter which turned out to be a superb venue. For those from the 50s to the 60s who attended it was a fantastic chance to reignite those memories of St Dunstan's and those Masters who taught us and made us love or hate certain subjects.

We had a chance to mull over our different careers. Some went all over the world, some at home here. It was a great day with superb food and company."

All present agreed to reconvene next year and John kindly agreed to be once again the organiser. He is hoping next year's reunion will be on a Saturday to allow even more Dunstonian to attend and maybe make a weekend out of it if coming from further afield as it is a beautiful part of the world. We are also hoping to include all young alumni from Exeter university as well!

Our host, John Simpson ('56) says:

1980s Dunstonian Reunion

On 18 November 2022, The Dunstonian Association hosted its first Decade Reunion at the Jubilee Ground.

Just over 50 alumni who left during the 1980s gathered for an evening of reconnection with long lost friends and not so long lost friends.Some came from as far as the other side of London, Guildford or even Devon - true dedication!

Richard Fagg ('85), Chair of the TDA, set a House Drinking challenge over the evening whereby one needs to drink a beverage of the colour of his house (pictured right) - good luck to Lane or Johnson House, black and purple respectively! Everybody let their hair down a little bit after a while.

Of course 1980s music classics were played on spotify and some delicious canapes were served throughout the evening. A lot of chatting, a lot of catching up and a strong desire to reunite again before too long, with twice as many Dunstonians. We hear on the grapevine that the evening carried on until late into the night, at the Catford Bridge Tavern.

Hecker House

Spotlight on...

Even if his Drama lessons really put me through the ringer, they really taught me a lot.

Tell us about your life since you left St Dunstan’s?

It’s been an interesting 3 years to say the least. The year I started University was the year that the Pandemic started. It was a challenge and I really had to become flexible with the way that I got taught, but I am so happy that I persevered through it all because it all worked out well.

What advice would you give to the College’s current Year 13 students?

Just remember to have fun because it’s going to all end so quickly and you won’t even see it coming. And that revision is your best friend.

Lesley-Brian Gordinsky

Lesley-Brian was in the Class of 2019, having made his mark in a number of theatrical productions at the College

What do you remember of your first day at St Dunstan’s?

I don’t remember much as it was a long time ago and I joined in year 1. What I do remember though is that I was really nervous, but my form teacher really helped me until I was all settled in and having a good time.

What are the most memorable moments or important lessons from your time at St Dunstan’s?

My most memorable moments from my time at St Dunstan’s are the musicals that I was in. Performing in Parade at Greenwich Theatre and being able to play Billy Flynn in Chicago in my final year at the school will always be amazing memories for me.

Who were your most inspiring teachers, and why?

I think my most inspiring teacher was Gareth Stewart.

Your Headmaster when you were at St Dunstan’s was Hecker. What is your most important memory of him?

Hecker was a most imposing Headmaster and I kept my distance as far as it was possible.

However, on the two occasions I was summoned to his office, he treated me in a most kindly manner: a) following a difference with the Army Corps Commander. I had gone down to the Rifle Range and shot five light bulbs out of the six to prove that I was not a hopeless marksman. Hecker smiled and said that I had better do carpentry on Tuesday afternoons and miss out on the CCF. On my final interview before leaving, he gave me an extra ten minutes so I could explain that I wish to take up a career in Catering and had already applied to the Westminster Hotel School for a place on their Hotel Operations Course in September for which he was kind enough to give me an excellent reference.

What is the most important lesson or skill life you learnt at St Dunstan’s that served you throughout your life?

The most important lesson I learnt was to be polite and caring to others regardless of their position in life, for example it made no difference whether I was dealing with a hotel swill man or a Prime Minister

Who was your most inspiring teacher and why?

I didn’t have a most inspiring teacher I had a five year battle with ‘Flash ‘ Reed who was my Goosey house master, my science master, sports master and CCF Commander. I am sure for the majority of pupils he was a really outstanding teacher. I requested a change of House and that was refused and when I left

the CCF he marked my book this cadet will never make an officer. Incidentally I was to become the youngest Captain in the British Army while serving.

Tell us about life and career after you left St Dunstan’s

After I left St Dunstan’s I spent two years at the Westminster Hotel School which included training in all departments at Claridge’s and the Lygon Arms in Broadway where I learnt considerable skills in all areas except the kitchen. At eighteen and a half I started my National Service and was commissioned into the Army Catering Corps where I specialised in hospital catering and found it so rewarding that I signed on for a further three years and served at Glasgow and Chester Military Hospitals with the rank of Captain, the latter having 800 beds and 500 staff. In 1958 I left the Army and re-trained at Simpsons in the Strand before going to the Imperial Hotel Hythe, as Senior Assistant Manager becoming General Manager on my 24th birthday. The appointment included the nearby Stade Court Hotel where I stayed nine years, during that time I became a Director of the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch railway. I dealt with the Great Train Robber, Ronnie Biggs, where I assisted with his capture after he had entered the Hotel.

I also found time to get married to Jackie. In 1967 we moved to the George Hotel in Colchester where we had police protection for the first six months following difficulties at the Hotel involving the Casino opposite this included having a makeshift bomb put under my car.

In 1970 I applied for two jobs, General Manager of Selsdon Park Hotel and CXO of the Isle of Sark. I went to Selsdon Park in time to organise the Conservative conference three years later became the Managing Director. Organised a Hotel management scheme which include Students coming from Africa on a regular basis. The hotel looked after FA cup final teams, the Ryder Cup and many famous personalities.

During that time I became President of the HCIMA with 25K members, Chairman of the Savoy Society, Director/ Trustee Kent Youth Trust which supports 100 Clubs for young people. Now Honorary President.

After leaving Selsdon became a Leisure Consultant principal appointment was to the Royal Southern Yacht club on the river Hamble.

Would you say you have lived by the motto Albam Exorna?

Yes.

You came back to the school for the first time in many years when you attended the Black Tie dinner in March 2022- what were the thoughts running through your mind?

St Dunstan’s gave me the determination to succeed in my chosen career.

House

I have been prompted by the article in a previous issue of The Notes by Martin Mace, to explain the background to my career and the life choices I have made since leaving.

I am sure that I am not unique, in retirement, of reflecting on how many undreamt of opportunities came about from my school experience. I joined Form 1A in September 1955 having moved from Saltash in Cornwall just in time to take the 11+ exam when I surprised myself and my family with a result which enabled me to take up a scholarship. My father chose St Dunstan’s because he knew a number of OD’s at the Curlew Rowing Club, including a close friend, Ian Pickance, who later served as OD President in 1957.

Rather like Martin, I had a difficult year in 1A and moved to 2B, which was much more relaxed under Leslie Morris, and enabled me to get a better understanding of the new subjects to which I had been introduced, especially Latin and French..

Peter Blaseby

I am sure that all boys arriving at the college, who had not been in the Prep school, were at a disadvantage but playing rugby, fives, cricket, basketball and joining the CCF helped the formation of bonds, some of which have continued to the present day. Most important, however, are notable shared memories which surface from the sub-conscious when triggered by random events. In my most recent case it has been reading the latest notes and Martin’s recollections; he lived in Blackheath and regularly joined the 75 bus which I had boarded at Woolwich. Another passenger was Colin Matten, Captain of Cricket and hero to an 11 year old with a love of the sport; the ‘75’ was an important lifeline because those of us from South East London had no direct rail link because Catford and Catford Bridge stations are on different routes.

The master who influenced my own career was Geoffrey Matthews, Head of Sixth Form Maths, who encouraged me to apply for a scholarship at Oxford and, because I was unsuccessful, this experience inspired me to look at an alternative maths related degree, in my case Civil Engineering at University College London. This was the foundation of a happy 50 year career working as a Chartered Civil Engineer and subsequently Project Planner on major projects including the Reconstruction in 1967 of Euston Station, Thames Barrier, Croydon Tramlink, Heathrow Underground Station, nuclear projects and Crossrail, now the Elizabeth Line. Perhaps my upbringing in Saltash with a view, from my bedroom, of Brunel’s Royal Albert Bridge across the Tamar was also an influence.

Another key influencer was Rev Toller, the Chaplain, who not only taught Divinity but continued to serve a local parish. His fundamental religious tolerance and lack of ‘dogmatism’, along with amusing anecdotes, helped me to maintain an open-minded approach to the challenges I have faced over the years.

One new subject which influenced my life was Latin, in which I did not excel at the language but the history of Roman life was my saviour when it came to ‘O’ Level. Under the auspices of Col. Roberton and John Russell I travelled on the school trip to Rome, Perugia and Florence and, from a distance, saw the Pope on Easter Sunday and visited numerous galleries. The extensive construction works of successive Roman Emperors continue to amaze me and Italy, especially Florence, is my favourite foreign country.

I have mentioned the CCF as something new and the requirement to travel to school in uniform was a novel experience. In preparation for this I would spend Sunday evenings polishing my boots, belt, buckle and cap badge and ironing my shirt, trousers and jacket in preparation for inspection on Monday afternoon. In due course I was promoted to L/Cpl, and eventually Colour Sergeant, and took part in various weekend camps, and an ‘arduous training trip’ to the Peak District where we learnt how to “map read” in extremely misty conditions. The ultimate event was for Speech Day, I think in1962(?), when Field Marshal Lord Auchinleck was the Guest of Honour. Naturally, the CCF played an important part in the proceedings and I was one of a group who were dropped off at intervals in ‘walking distance’ from Catford – in my case

Mereworth Camp – actually 25 miles on a very hot summers day. I remember that my ‘partner ‘conveniently dropped out the day before so mine was a solo trek, mostly along the A21; at one point passing through Bromley I knocked on a door to ask for a drink of water and remember being asked if I wanted hot or cold. That certainly woke me up from what had become mindless trudge.

I have mentioned the Curlew Rowing Club which became an important influence in my life because rowing was the only sport in which I had any real ability. I persuaded some of my school friends to join with me and we had a number of wins in local regattas. This led me to row during my university career and to represent the University of London and be awarded a ‘Purple’. I am sure that my dogged determination to complete that solo Speech Day walk was a factor in my rowing success.

I have come across another OD during my rowing career, Tim Kirk who coxed the 1968 University of London GB Olympic Eight in Mexico. Tim left the college shortly after moving up from the Prep school because his father’s job took him away from London. However he met up again with Martin Mace when he studied dentistry at Guy’s Hospital and this connection has enabled me to recall my experiences.

Although I did not reach the exalted altitude of Martin’s stellar career I know that my time at St Dunstan’s enabled me to work on some of the most important infrastructure projects of the 21st Century.

Whilst writing this after the death of Her Majesty I am reminded that not only did she formally open the Elizabeth Line but I was fortunate to be present when she commissioned the Thames Barrier. St Dunstan’s enabled me to have those connections.

Finally, following Martin’s example, I would advise young students to carefully consider their future career opportunities before choosing a university course. In my case, with sound maths behind me, I decided that a future career in insurance, accounting or banking did not excite me but applying my maths in a more practical way was better. As a result I can now point out to my grandchildren several ‘concrete’ examples of my work; the Thames Barrier of course but they can also travel on the Croydon Tramlink and the Elizabeth Line.

Izzy Mackie (’18) ALUMNI TO WATCH

In October 2022, we had the pleasure to welcome back to the College Izzy Mackie (’18) for a tour and a lunch.

In August 2022, Izzy was spotted in the musical Treason in the West End by a member of staff. The Dunstonian Office swiftly contacted her and within a few days, a date was set for her to come back to the College to meet her ex teachers and link up with the Drama and Music Departments.

Her CV is impressive at such a young age and she is an alumna to watch (no pun intended):

Izzy Mackie MA (RAM), LRAM, BSc (Durham), ARSM

Izzy is a graduate of University College Durham (BSc Hons, Medical Anthropology) where she was both a Vice Chancellor’s Scholar for the Arts and a Choral Scholar. She is also a graduate of The Royal Academy of Music (MA Hons, LRAM, Musical Theatre) and an alumna of The British Youth Music Theatre and The National Youth Music Theatre. She was selected as a finalist for The Stephen Sondheim Society’s Student Performer of the Year Award 2022 and is now working in London’s West End. She most recently performed in ‘Treason’ The Musical at the Royal Theatre Drury Lane and understudied the role of ‘Salome’ in Richard Strauss’ ‘Salome’ at The Royal Opera House.

ROUND UP Sport

Cricket Report 2022

The 2022 season represented the culmination of a period of success for OD Cuaco CC as the 1st XI was promoted to Division 1 of the Kent Cricket League for the first time in the club’s history. The team saw off challenges from strong rivals Whitstable and Broadstairs to win Division 2 with a game to spare. This tremendous success owed to the performance of experienced home-grown players and a highly successful season for the club’s overseas player. OD Cuaco will compete with heavyweight clubs such as Beckenham, Bickley Park, Canterbury and Bromley in 2023, a marker of the incredible progress made since 2017 when the club was playing in Division 4. The club boasts the strongest core of 10-15 players in its

CRICKET

history but is fully aware that Division 1 will represent a significant challenge and staying in that division would be a further triumph.

This success at the top was supported by seasons of consolidation further down, with the 2nd, 3rd and 4th XIs finishing 7th , 6th and 7th respectively. Given the recent promotions achieved, this represented a reasonable performance. The 3rd and 4th XIs played their home fixtures at the Jubilee Ground in Catford and at Hartley Country Club; this additional distance did not encourage player availability and the lack of on-site second ground (following the sale of the Warren) remains a key challenge for the club.

The colts section remains strong, with younger players making the transition to senior cricket both on Saturdays and Sundays. The Development XI – aimed at 15-24 year olds – won 4 and tied 1 of their 7 completed fixtures in Kent Division 2, which bodes well for future seasons. Club spirit remains healthy, with regular social events and post-game conviviality throughout the season.

It is important the club is not complacent following this success and the management committee is working keenly to find a solution for the 2nd ground and further enhance the player pool so as to sustain depth throughout the playing XIs.

Andy Rouse

RUGBY

ODRFC Rugby Report 2021-22

The ODRFC have, like most rugby clubs we understand, felt the full effects of covid and the fall out of players no longer wishing to partake or deciding the ‘hang up their boots' possibly earlier than expected. As a result of this the playing numbers have dwindled and the club has struggled to regularly field two sides this season. However it has only been a few missing players that thwarted the second team from coming together as a side more often.

The 1st team, currently sitting in London South East 3, had a very promising season and continue to play an expansive and enjoyable brand of rugby that both the players and supports seem to enjoy.

The 1st team overall finished in 7th position having played 22, won 9 and lost 13. The story could have been so different with a pass going to hand or the bounce of a ball as 5 games were lost by 3 points or less but unfortunately it was not meant to be.

The nucleus of the players have continued to remain in good sprits

and as always enjoy the festivities both on and off the pitch. The 1st and second team squad have been building a very strong bond and have some impressive rugby players starting and continuing their careers. The average age of the squad remains at an all-time low which bodes well for the future and longevity of the players remaining together for some time.

There is due to be a restructure of the leagues next season so we are unsure of the teams we are due to face and the level of rugby this will require, but quietly confident we have the players and back room staff to compete at this level.

The continued success of the long standing rugby tour goes from strength to strength. Again due to the pandemic the tour of the Duchy had to be put on hold for a couple of years but this year the ODRFC were in full voice and descended on the west county in great numbers. In the usual format matches were played on Friday night again Penryn, Saturday versus Falmouth and Sunday against Truro. We ended up finishing with no wins unfortunately but, as with the main season, the results and content of the matches tell a different story. The 10

minutes of overtime on the Friday night until a score took Penryn in the lead could have set the tour off on a different footing.

The playing numbers were strong but three competitive games in three days is a tall ask for even the most hardened rugby player. Aside from the rugby, old and new friendships were made and renewed, stories shared and reminisced over long into the nights. It continues to be a permanent fixture in the calendar that is enjoyed by so many individuals connected to the ODRFC.

This season we also ran a very successful U16 team that competed in numerous fixtures and tournaments. They are starting to become a very good side in their respective year group and we hope this will continue into the future. A few of the players have been spotted by clubs further up the league structure, so numbers next season may dwindle as a result. There continues to be numerous social functions at the club that attract ex-players, coaches and supporters to enjoy and support the current squad at their home games. If you are interested in attending any events please email events@odrfc.co.uk or check the website www.odrfc.co.uk for information.

The rugby outlook as a whole remains a challenging environment to continue to attract, recruit and keep players interested in playing the game. The ODRFC are doing everything they are able to continue to make the ODRFC a place for not only Dunstonians, but players in the local community to come and continue their career and enjoy all that the club has to offer. We are forging ties with local schools and communities to offer facilities to those wanting to play and enjoy the game of rugby. If you have any interest in playing or assisting in driving the club forward please get in touch.

GOLF

May

In relatively tricky playing conditions, scoring was excellent this year at the South East qualifying tournament played in scratch foursomes. Some fantastic highlights for each group on various holes but as a team we were unable to consistently score well enough to reach the top echelons. However, close games were all enjoyed by all the groups and an excellent lunch was taken afterwards.

My thanks go to those giving up their Saturdays to play include Mark Slade, Paul Greenwood, Victor Fenwick, Paul Hobson, and Paul Bennett.

ODGS Summer MeetingPiltdown Golf Club 1 July

Due to several last-minute issues we only managed to raise 4 players for the challenge on this excellent Sussex course,.…although we gained a fantastic extra ball spotter in Nigel Keess who joined us for the beautiful 3-hour morning round - and duly managed

to save each player a small sum with excellent golf ball locating - thank you again Nigel.

We managed a lovely quick morning round in the sun with fantastic golf played by all, with scores ranging from 32-35 points. Ultimately, a lucky par save on the last sealed victory by one point to myself.

Lunch was a relaxed affair on the sundrenched patio followed by a 4-ball match in the afternoon. Unfortunately, this match didn’t prove to be as close as the morning’s fare with the team of Mark Pearce and Jonny Aucamp proving far too strong for myself and Rob Brophy. However, the weather stayed amazingly hot (like the rest of the summer), and the course was in truly excellent condition providing for a memorable day's golf for those few that managed to make the day (and hopefully for Nigel walking the course too!). Indeed, he commented on enjoying walking the course so much that he’s determined to return and play it himself.

Ian Pressney Honorary Secretary ODGS

DUNSTONIANS THE WORLD...

The Dunstonian community is globally dispersed idea of the geographic distribution. We are overseas members – please email dunstonians@stdunstans.org.uk

The ODGS met at Knole Park GC for the Christmas Fayre on a cool but sunny day. The course played well with everyone enjoying the day, with one member playing exceptionally well, the results will be announced in due course. The AGM was short and brief, and the New 2023 Captain, Clive Carpenter, was confirmed. He will announce the 2023 meeting dates and courses soon, and all Dunstonians and their guests are welcome to attend.

St Dunstan’s Grafton Morrish Qualifying - Knole Park Golf Club 7

Dunstonian G olf Societ y

ODGS Christmas Fayre

DUNSTONIANS AROUND WORLD...

globally dispersed and the maps below gives you some We are always keen to receive updates from our dunstonians@stdunstans.org.uk with your news.

DUNSTONIAN DAY

On Saturday 3rd September 2022

we held a Dunstonian Family Day and Picnic. The weather defied the forecast and, while not glorious, was perfectly acceptable for early September.

The morning’s events included tours of both the old and new buildings at the College and a shooting competition. Quite sensibly, the rifle range was moved long ago from the basement - where many of you will remember it- to an area behind the swimming pool. In the afternoon we decamped to the College’s Jubilee sports ground, just the other side of Catford Bridge, where an informal game of rounders and a tug of war competition was available to those able to tear themselves away from the bar or their picnic. Children, meanwhile, were able to enjoy the inflatables and taught the adults how to form an orderly queue for the ice cream van.

Alumni came from near and far (Sudan!) to enjoy the day. Particularly well represented was the Class of 2001, who piggy backed off the event to hold a year group reunion.

We are grateful to Thackray Williams Solicitors LLP for their generous sponsorship of this event and to Terry Giddins (’71) who attending with children and grandchildren in tow, for sharing the ice cream cost.

Scan me to watch a mini movie of the day

The official journal of the Dunstonian

The Significance of Remembrance at St Dunstan's through its Roll of Honour

as easily now as I could have done in 1981, I have no

that, we are reprinting here their entries in SDC’s “Roll of Honour”:

WILSON

He was a fine all-round athlete, and a good sprinter and runner; he won a number of events at Sports Days and seems to have favoured the 100 yards distance. He was in the 3rd XI Cricket in 1908 and went on to the 2nd XI in the 1909 and 1910 seasons. In Lacrosse, he was in the 1st XII in 1909 and 1910, and in the latter year was in the School team that won the Junior Flags Competition in the final at Lords. A photograph of him in this team appears in the “Chronicle” of June 1910. His contribution to Rugby was also great; he was in the 2nd XV in 1907 and the 1st XV in the three seasons from 1908 to 1910, and was Captain of Football in the 1910 season.

David Wilson was born at Waterloo, Lancashire, on 4 March 1894, the son of David and Isabella Wilson. His father was a company secretary, and when he was young the family moved down to London and lived at 6 Hurstbourne Road, Forest Hill. He was at Rathfern Road Elementary School, and came to St Dunstan’s from there in September 1906.

Leaving in December 1910, he became a junior clerk in a merchant’s office, and continued to live in Forest Hill, where his parents subsequently moved to 28 Garlies Road. He was a keen member of the Old Dunstonian Rugby Club and was in the 1st XV for several years; a photograph of him in the 1911-12 team appears in the History of the Old Dunstonian Rugby Club.

During the War he enlisted at Lewisham, joining the ranks of the 2/5th

Battalion of the London Regt (London Rifle Brigade). He went to France with the unit and was mortally wounded on 29 October 1917. On this date the unit was serving with the 58th Division during the fighting at Passchendaele and was in the line just west of Poelcapelle. The Battalion was designated as a counterattack battalion, and was put into shellholes in the open under very heavy artillery fire. The weather was very bad, and the mud was the worst the unit had experienced; it took four men six hours to move a stretcher 50 yards. During this, Wilson was wounded, and died of his wounds on 1 November 1917. He had been serving with A Company of the Battalion and is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery in Belgium.

Members over the age of about fifty will have grown up in the “old” house system at St Dunstan’s College. The houses were named after eight of the 233 Old Dunstonians who had lost their lives during the First World War: M Lane, F.H. Johnson VC, W.U. Ross, W.H. Griffiths, A.L. Thomas, G.R. Goosey, D. Wilson and R.C.R. Bennett. While I can reel off the names from memory

recollection of ever learning about the men themselves. To rectify

GOOSEY

Gerald Robert Goosey was born in the parish of St Mary’s in Lewisham on 11 May I890. He was the son of John George and Margaret Elizabeth Goosey, and his father was a consulting engineer of 73 Perry Hill, Catford. He was taught privately by Miss Davies of Lewisham Park, and then came to St. Dunstan’s in September I900.

He had a varied and successful career at the School; he won School Prizes for Work and Conduct in 1903 and 1906 and was a member of the Literary and Debating Society in I906 and I907. In his last year at the School he was a Prefect and a Subaltern in the OTG. He played Fives throughout his time there and was one of the leading players at the School; in addition, he played in the 2nd XII Lacrosse and was Captain of the 3rd XI Cricket in 1907. After leaving St Dunstan’s in December 1907 he became active in Old Dunstonian affairs; he was Honorary Assistant Secretary of the Club from 1909, having been elected on to the Committee in I908; he became Honorary Secretary of the Club in 1913, was Secretary of the Old Dunstonian Association I9I0-I4, and was in the Old Boys Rifle Team.

Although moving to Horley in Surrey, he joined the Old Dunstonian Company of the 20th London Regt at Blackheath; and the History of the Old Dunstonian Rugby Club contains a photograph of him in camp at Aldershot in 1912. Shortly before the War his parents moved to 4 Kedale Road, Seaford, Sussex. He was mobilised in August 1914 and after a period of training at Hatfield

in March 1915 as a L/Sgt in the 20th London Regt.

He took part in the actions of Festubert and Givenchy with the 47th (London) Division, and was in the attack on Loos on 25 September 1915 when, along with many other Old Boys, he was killed in action. The unit was in the 141st Brigade, its front bordering the right flank of the neighbouring 15th Division.

At 6am gas was released onto the German lines and dummies were used to attract German fire, after which the Battalion advanced in the second wave behind the London Irish; its objective was the German second line which ran from the Lens-Bethune Road to Loos Cemetery. The first objective, the 'garden-city', was taken and one company of the 20th pushed on to take the Chalk Pit and two enemy field guns situated there.

Goosey was killed during this advance and, having no known grave, is commemorated on the Loos Memorial in France.

GRIFFITHS

He left St Dunstan’s in July I914, having been Head Prefect 1913-14 and Captain of Rugby in 1913. He won a Classical Scholarship at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, in 1914 but did not take up his place, instead volunteering for active service on the outbreak of War. He enlisted in the ranks of the Royal Army Medical Corps and went to France in 1915 with the 4th Field Ambulance of the 1st Guards Brigade.

Walter Harold Griffiths, son of Walter Gould and Olive Hicks Griffiths, was born on 8 August 1896. Initially educated at Norfolk House School, he came to St Dunstan’s in May 1907. The School Register shows that his parents were living away from London and that Griffiths was living with his uncle and guardian, S. Carter, a schoolmaster of 109 Inchmery Road, Catford. He won School Prizes for Work in 1910, 1912, 1913 and 1914; and in 1911 for Latin. He was Joint Editor of the Chronicle in 1911 and a Prefect 1911-14.

He won many races at 100 and 220 yards in School Athletics between 1907 and 1911, and was elected to the Athletic Committee in 1913. He was in

After serving with this unit for some time he was accepted for officer training and was commissioned into the 12th (Reserve) Battalion of the Royal West Kent Regt on 7 July 1916. Shortly afterwards he returned to the front and was posted to the 7th (Service) Battalion of the Regiment, taking part in the heavy fighting on the Somme. The unit was in the front line opposite the German stronghold at Schwaben Redout, and on 30 September 1916 it was very heavily attacked by a strong sortie from the Redout. 'D' Company was ordered to counterattack at Point 19 in conjunction with another unit, and two platoons were sent forward, one of which was commanded by Griffiths. The other unit lost its way, and although his platoon made a gallant attempt to rush Point 19 the lack of support and the curtailment of the friendly barrage meant that he and his men were caught in the open and forced to withdraw, losing heavily to the fire of enemy artillery and machine-guns.

four days of continuous fighting at the Redout in which the Battalion had over 300 casualties. Only one original officer was left, and he had been wounded three times. Griffiths was buried at Mill Road Cemetery, Thiepval, France. His next of kin

JOHNSON

Frederick Henry Johnson, born on 15 August I890, was the son of Samuel R. Johnson, a confectioner. He was educated first at Whitgift Middle School in Croydon until his father opened a shop at 55 High Street, Lewisham; he then transferred to St Dunstan’s in September 1902. He left in March 1907, having won a School Prize for Work and Conduct in that year. He attended Battersea Polytechnic, graduating with a BSc. At the same time his family moved to Brixton.

On the outbreak of War he volunteered for service and his previous service led to an early commission in the Royal Engineers on 24 October 1914. He went to

For his bravery in this action he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the citation for which appeared in the London Gazette of 18 November 1915 “For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in the attack on Hill 70 on 25 September 1915. 2/ Lt Johnson was with a section of his company of Royal Engineers. Although wounded in the leg, he stuck to his duty throughout the attack, led several charges on the German redout, and at a very critical time, under very heavy fire, repeatedly rallied the men who were near him. By his splendid example and cool courage he was mainly instrumental in saving the situation and establishing firmly his part of the position which had been taken. He remained at his post until relieved in the evening.”

Johnson was invalided home to England with his injuries, and was convalescent until January I916, when he returned to France. He was promoted to Lieut on 8 December 1915, Acting Captain on 15 January 1916, and Temporary Major on 30 November 1916; he became Temporary Captain on 18 September 1917. He served in France continuously from January 1916 to November 1917. On 26 November 1917 he was in command of 231st Field Company during the Cambrai fighting; in company

then discovered that one of his companions was missing, and he went forward immediately to search for him. Before he could locate him, however, he was shot and mortally wounded, dying later in the day at the Graincourt Dressing Station.

He was buried near Bourlon Wood but his grave was unmarked and he is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial in France. His next of kin was his mother, his father having predeceased him. Johnson was the only Old Dunstonian to win the Victoria Cross in either World War, and as such his name was

THOMAS

Arthur Lavirie Thomas Born on 19 March 1895, he was the second son of David Edwyn and Latira Jane Thomas. His father was a journalist and the editor of the magazine Farm and Home The family lived at 40 Clarendon Road, Lewisham, and his first education was locally by Miss Driver at 6 Lewisham Park.

He arrived at St. Dunstan’s in September 1905 and remained at the School for eight years, having perhaps the most distinguished all-round career of the pre-War era. He won School Prizes for Work in 1910, 1912 and 1913; and for Latin in 1911. In Fives, Thomas was the winner of the Under 12 Tournament in 1907 and was in the School team from 1909; he took part in the Tournaments of 1910, 1911, 1912 and 1913, and won the Open Doubles with Hawkridge in 1911; he won the Fives Prize at the Athletic Sports in the same year, and was Captain of Fives in the 1912 and 1915 seasons. He was in the School Swimming and Water Polo teams in 1912, and the Chess team in the following year. He was a leading figure in the three major School sports; he joined the 2nd XII Lacrosse in 1909 and progressed to the 1st XII in 1910, remaining in this team until he left the School in 1915. He was Captain of Lacrosse in 1912 and 1915 and was a member of the School XII which won

the Junior Flags Competition at Lords in 19I0; a photograph of him in this team appears in the “Chronicle” of June 1910. He joined the 2nd XV Rugby in 1908 aged only 13, and in that season played occasionally for the 1st XV; he was in the 1st XV continuously for four seasons1909-13 - and was Captain of Football for 1911 and 1912, His career in Cricket was equally distinguished; his first mention in this connection is in 1907, when he was in the Under 13 XI; he went on to the 2nd XI in 1909 and was in the 1st XI for four seasons, 19I0 to 1913*. He was a fine batsman, and made a record 295 not out against Camberwell Grammar School in 19I0; for this he was presented with a special cup, and in 1912 and 1913 won the Sir Owen Roberts Cup for batting.

He was Secretary of the Athletic Committee in 19I0. Thomas was appointed a Prefect in 19I0, and was Head Boy from 1911 to 1915. He was a member of the Debating Society for some years, and was its Chairman in 1912 and 1913. He was an enthusiastic member of the OTC and was a Cadet Officer in the School contingent from 1911 to 1915.

In this latter year he spent the Easter holiday in Jersey, and his account of this appears in the Chronicle. His Valete notice notes his all-round achievements and states that he was the best all-round cricketer of the pre-War period.

He left St Dunstan’s in July 1913 and went to Oxford, having won an Open Scholarship in Classics at Brasenose College. Whilst there in 1914 he gained a Half Blue for Lacrosse and was in the college Rugby and Cricket teams, but was prevented from fulfilling his expectations by severe rheumatism. When War began in 1914, he volunteered for service on 5 August, having completed only his first year at Oxford. His successful career in the OTC ensured that he would be commissioned, and he was promoted to 2/Lieut on 31 August 1914.

He was successful in being posted to the 20th London Regt, which had close

links with St Dunstan’s, and joined the Old Dunstonian Company as a junior officer. He continued to play Rugby and represented the unit at a match at Blackheath on 24 October 1914. Shortly afterwards he went with the Battalion to Hatfield, and thence to Welwyn, where he served with the machine-gun section of the 5th London Infantry Brigade, In March 1915 he accompanied this unit to France, and later met his brother F.E. Thomas in the trenches.

In the summer of 1915 the rheumatism that had plagued him at Oxford became worse and was exacerbated by life in the trenches; he was invalided back to England and was under treatment for five months, but was then passed fit for home service only. He was promoted to Temporary Captain and company commander on 14 July 1916 and held this rank until 12 October following, having been promoted to Lieut on 8 August 1916. He became Temporary Captain again on 5 December 1916, and substantive Captain on 18 April 1917.

After many unsuccessful attempts to get back to France he was finally passed fit again in the summer of 1918 and left for the front on 5 July. He was seriously wounded a month later during the fighting at Maurepas near Peronne, and died of his injuries on 30 August 1918. He is buried at Peronne Road Cemetery, Maricourt, France, and his next of kin were his parents, by then living at 9 Hart Grove, Ealing Common, London.

BENNETT

season’s Rugby team with a vigour which was deserving of better success than that which we obtained in the field; he won his First Colour for Lacrosse; is a holder of the ERA Badge, and made for us the highest score at Bisley in the competition for the Frankfort Shield. Much at home in classroom and in field, he was always happy and hard-working, an admirable exemplar - we haven’t replaced him yet, still there are aspirants. May he do as well in the Civil Service as he has done here,”

the serial number 7897. After serving in the 1st and 6th Companies of the unit he transferred to the 14th Officer Cadet Battalion and was finally commissioned into the 20th London Regt as 2/Lieut, dated 19 December 1916. Bennett returned to France and served with the 20th for some time, being wounded for a second time and advancing to Lieut on 19 June 1918.

His father was a civil servant. Educated at first at Rathfern Road Elementary School, he came to St Dunstan’s in May 1900. His academic career was marked by success and he won six School Prizes - Work and Conduct 1901, English 1905, Latin 1905, Scripture 1904, German 1905 and French Essay 1905. He was a member of the Literary and Debating Society from 1903, became its Secretary in 1904 and Chairman in 1905. He was also on the Committee of the Natural History Society 190405. In addition, he was a Company Commander in the Cadet Corps in I905 and a Prefect I904-05.

He was prominent in several School sports; he joined the Rugby 2nd XV in 1902 and was in the 1st XV 1903-05, serving as Captain of Rugby in 1905. He was in the 1st XII Lacrosse 1904-05 and the Cricket 1st XI in 1905. Shooting was another sport in which he excelled, being in the School team and in 1905 winning the badge and certificate of the National Rifle Association. The Valete Notice in the Chronicle read: “He was a prefect of distinction; he captained last

Bennett entered the Admiralty Accountants’ Examination in 1905; six places were available, and although he came seventh his marks were so good that he was given an appointment. He maintained links with the School via the Old Dunstonian Rugby Club, and in 1913 became Honorary Treasurer of the Dunstonian Orchestral Society; by this time he was living with his parents at Branscombe, Ravensborne Park, Catford. In I908 he made a generous donation of books to the School Library. An early volunteer for the Old Dunstonian Company of the 20th London Regt, he went to France with the unit as a Pte in March 1915. He took part in the battles of Festubert and Givenchy and was present at the battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. The l/20th London Regt was part of the 141st Brigade and was in the second wave of the British attack, which began at 6am after gas was released onto the German lines.

The Battalion took its first objective, the 'garden-city', and pushed on to the Chalk Pit; although it had taken most of the objectives assigned to it, heavy casualties had been incurred and Bennett was one of the many Old Dunstonians who were wounded. He was invalided home with a gunshot wound in the left shoulder after initial treatment at Rouen. On recovering he joined the Inns of Court OTG as a L/ Cpl on 29 November 1915 and was given

In addition, he was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in the summer of 1918, and the citation appeared in the London Gazette of 7 November 1918: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his company under heavy artillery and machine-gun fire with marked ability and courage, and maintained the spirit and determination of his men under very trying circumstances by his fine example.” He took part in the British offensives of August 1918 and was killed in action on 24 August 19I8. He has no known grave and his name is commemorated on Panel Ten of the Visen-Artois Memorial, France.

Robertio Charles Rudolph Bushy Bennett, born on 14 August 1887, the son of Robert Charles and Sarah Julia Bennett of 8 Glenwood Road, Catford.

ROSS

for the Summer Term; he was Captain of Swimming in 1902. After leaving the School in 1902 he continued to live locally for some time, and his moves were charted by the Chronicle; at first he lived with his parents at 12 Blythe Hill, but later moved to 3 Brookdale Road, Catford (1903), 33 Ballina Street, Forest Hill (1907), and 11 Levendale Road, Forest Hill (1911). Just before the War he married and moved with his wife Cecilia to Overstrand, 27 Quenmore Road, Bromley.

promoted within the unit, missing a step in rank and being appointed Temporary Captain in command of B Company. This promotion was posthumously confirmed in the London Gazette of 10 March 1916, with the date of seniority given as 27 September 1915.

Walter Urquhart Ross was the only son of Walter Ross, a merchant bankers’ clerk, born at Catford on 24 September 1885. The family lived at Blythe Hill, and his first education was at Forest Hill Middle School, He came to St Dunstan’s in January 1895 and left in December 1902. In the intervening years he made a great contribution to School life, especially in the sporting sphere. He was a member of the Literary and Debating Society, serving on the committee and being elected Chairman for 190I and 1902; he was also on the committee of the Natural History and Archaeology Club, and took part in a number of Union Society concerts. The Chronicle first mentions him as playing Lacrosse in 1900, and he was in the 2nd XII sides for the 1901 and 1902 seasons. In 1902 he was a member of the 2nd XI Cricket and of the Rifle Club, First noted as a Rugby player in the 1899 season, he served in the 1st XV side in 1901 and 1902; and in the latter season he was Captain of Football. Several contemporary accounts mention him as a good forward. He was a regular entrant of events in the Athletics Competition and was particularly successful in 1900, and in 1901 when he won both the 100 yards and the 200 yards races. In 1901 he was elected onto the committee of the Athletic Club.

He was also a keen swimmer, and took a major role in establishing the sport

Most of his spare time was given to the Old Dunstonians sport, both in playing and organising. It was largely through the efforts of Ross that the Old Boys Rugby Club was formed; he organised the first side to play against the School in 1903 and from that year he was continuously Secretary of the Old Dunstonian Rugby Club until he volunteered in 1914. He was a member of several Old Boy teams, being Captain of the “B” XV in 1913. At their Annual Dinner in 1908 the Club presented him with an Honour Cap in recognition of his services, which also included the running of the Old Dunstonian Athletic Club from 1906 onwards. The History of the Old Dunstonian Rugby Club contains a photograph of him, as Secretary, with the 1st XV in the 1911-12 season. He served on the Old Dunstonian Committee from 1909 until the War, and maintained an interest in the School Debating Club, returning in 1909 to speak against Tariff Reform.

His great interest in sport extended beyond the School and the Old Boys, and in 1913 he was elected a member of the Kent County Rugby Club Selection Committee. When the war began, his Scottish ancestry led him to enlist as a Pte in a Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Territorial Force) in November 1914. He went to France and served at the front for some time in 1915, being promoted to L/Cpl. He was later commissioned, being promoted directly to 2/Lieut on 3 October 1915 and he was posted to the 8th (Service) Battalion of the Royal West Kent Regt. Within a month he had been rapidly

Ross was mortally wounded at the front on 19 February 1916 in an incident described in the Regimental History: “On the afternoon of 19 February, a disaster occurred which shook the battalion very considerably, and carried off some of its best officers. The battalion was due to move up into the Sanctuary Wood trenches at about 5pm, and all orders had been issued to that effect. At about 3pm a long-range naval shell fell in the neighbourhood of B Company H.Q. dugout, followed by another at a short interval which obtained a direct hit on the dugout. Captain Ross and Lieut Atkinson, who were in the dugout, were badly wounded. Captain Ross subsequently died, and Lieut Atkinson lost a leg.”

He was taken to hospital, but died of his wounds on 22 February 1916, He was buried in Plot 2, Row A, Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium, An obituary appeared in The Times of 24 February, and a photograph of him in uniform on page 159 of The Sphere of 13 May.

LANE

Maurice Lane was born in Dulwich on 15 April I890, the third and youngest son of Charles Lane and his wife Jessie, daughter of Henry Thomas Hall. His father was a City agent and chairman of Charles Lane and Sons, Idol Lane, London EC. The family lived at Marmora Road, East Dulwich and he attended a local preparatory school before arriving at St Dunstan’s in September I900. He won a number of School Prizes - 1st in 2B (1901), Lower School Reading (1903), Upper School Reading (1906), and Spanish (1907); he was the first student of the latter subject at St Dunstan’s, and the only one in the School at the time. He became a Prefect, and was a member of the Literary and Debating Society from 1903; towards the end of his time at the School he was a Subaltern in the Cadet Corps.

He was notable in a number of School sports, and was a regular winner of events at Sports Days; he was also in the Shooting Team in 1906 and was elected to the committee of the Athletic Club in the same year. He played Rugby for the the 3rd XV in 1904 after a season with the Junior XV in 1903; he went on to the 2nd XV in I905 and played for the 1st XV in 1906. He also played for the 1st XII Lacrosse in I905 and I906. Lane left the School in July 1907 and joined his father’s firm, becoming a partner before 1914.

He maintained his links with St

Dunstan’s by joining the Old Dunstonian Rugby Club, and he played for the 1st XV from 1909 onwards, becoming Captain of the side in 1915. He served on the Club committee from I909 and was awarded an Honour Cap in 1912. He was also selected to play Rugby at county level and was in the Kent side in 1913-14. The History of the Old Dunstonian Rugby Club contains photographs of him in the 1st XV in 1909 and 1911.

The same history has a photograph of him in the Old Dunstonian Company of the 20th London Regt in camp at Aldershot in 1912. He was one of the first to volunteer for the Company and joined it on 1 October 1909 taking the serial number 450. On the outbreak of War in August 1914 he was a Sgt in the 20th London Regt, and volunteered for overseas service at once. The unit moved to Hatfield soon afterwards, and the Chronicle of March 1915 contains a four-page article written by him describing the daily routine and training of the Battalion in October 1914. He took part in several events in the Regimental Sports and was a prominent member of the Rugby team. He went to France with the unit in March 1915 and was Sgt of a platoon of Old Dunstonians. After taking part in the early actions at Festubert and Givenchy, on 25 September 1915 he played a notable part in the attack on Loos during the advance of the 47th (London) Division. The Battalion had as its objective the German second line which ran from Loos Cemetery to the Lens-Bethune Road. The assault began at 6.30 am after a gas attack on the German lines, and despite heavy losses - including many Old Dunstonians - the unit got to its objectives and captured the Chalk Pit position and the two German field guns there. Lane was at the head of his platoon in the charge through the village of Loos, and was recommended in very strong terms by his company commander. For his bravery on this occasion he was commissioned in the field (London Gazette 12 November 1915) snd was posted back to his old unit as an officer. He was also recommended for a gallantry award and eventually received the Military Medal (London Gazette 14

September 1916); shortly afterwards he was also mentioned in despatches.

After the Loos attack he was accidentally injured on duty, but continued to serve with his unit at the front. Later posted to the 2nd Battalion of the 20th London Regt, he accompanied it to Salonika in November I916. He served in this theatre for seven months and led many difficult and dangerous patrols against the Bulgarian lines. The Battalion was later transferred to Egypt, arriving at Alexandria on 19 June 1917. Lane was promoted to Lieut on 1 July following and took part in the advance into Palestine in the latter part of the year. He was promoted to Captain on 22 November 1917 and given command of a company, which he led in the operations which resulted in the fall of Jerusalem. During this fighting he was killed in action at El Bixeh on 29 December 1917, and is buried in Jerusalem War Cemetery on a hill overlooking the battlefield. His parents, now living at Tugela, Copers Cope Road, Beckenham, were told by the GOC 60th (London) Division: “He was killed on 29 December 1917, after having led his company with unflinching gallantry and devotion.” For his bravery he was awarded the Military Cross posthtumously (London Gazette 26 March I9I8, citation 24 August I9I8): “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty; during the assault he led his company on the right flank with great courage and ability. By his fine determination and skilful leadership his men were enabled to repulse a strong counterattack launched against his exposed flank.”

Announcements

Obituaries

Alan Bryett (‘38)

Alan Bryett left St Dunstan’s in 1938 and immediately joined Barclays Bank. Working in central London he often had to walk to work as the railway lines had been bombed in the Blitz. In 1942 he volunteered for the RAF and became a bomb aimer and navigator in Halifax bombers. He was transferred to 158 Squadron Bomber Command who were flying out of Lissett near Bridlington in Yorkshire. He started flying operationally in Summer 1943 and took part in the Hamburg raids and the attack on the V1 site at Peenemunde. However, on his eighth mission he was shot down over Berlin following an attack by an ME109. His pilot, an Australian, saved Alan’s life by holding the escape hatch open but was he was unable to get out of the plane himself before the plane crashed and he was killed. After interrogation he was sent to Stalag Luft III where he rapidly joined in the preparations for the Great Escape as a hut security officer and a penguin distributing the sand from the tunnel around the camp. He was lined up ready to go down the tunnel when it was discovered by the guards, initially he thought that he would be shot, but a period in the cooler followed. As shown in the famous film, fifty of the escapees were summarily executed on the direct orders of Hitler.

At a memorial service held in 1987 for fellow Dunstonian and WWII flying ace Robert Stanford-Tuck (‘33) Alan reflected on their first meeting at Stalag Luft III:

“During the summer of 1943 I was shot down over Berlin during a R.A.F. Bomber Command raid and was made a Prisoner of War. There followed an unpleasant and gruelling time in various prisons, and

eventually I was deposited unceremoniously by the Luftwaffe at Stalag Luft 111. It was late one afternoon and I was mentally and physically exhausted. The camp had a wonderful jungle telegraph and within an hour Bob Tuck was round to see me as he had heard that an Old Dunstonian had just arrived. He brought food, spare clothing, chocolate and razor blades, all gold dust in a prisoner’s sparse possessions, and generously gave me all he could spare. I have never been so pleased to meet a fellow O.D., and although it is now 44 years ago I have never forgotten his kindness at a time when it was so particularly appreciated.”

His son, Kevin, was named after the Australian pilot who saved his life over Berlin. Kevin also attended St Dunstan’s leaving in 1971. Alan’s ashes are buried in the graveyard at the Squadron Church in Yorkshire and close to an amazing sculpture of a Halifax crew which remembers the 851 airmen and airwomen of 158 squadron who gave their lives in World War two.

1930s 1940s

Frank Symons (‘40)

Towards the end of the war, as the Russians moved east towards Berlin, he was marched across Poland and into Germany, if you could not march you were shot.

As the war came to an end he was liberated by the Russians and returned home, being taken immediately to hospital for many weeks.

He returned to Barclays Bank for the rest of his working life, working in branch management until he was asked to establish the first dedicated fraud unit in a UK bank. Initially this was investigating the possible frauds with credit cards, that had recently been introduced, and then it was expanded to include fraud undertaken by staff within the bank. This often involved a team of 20 inspectors arriving unannounced at a branch, knocking on the front or and immediately closing it down to freeze all money movements.

After retirement he worked for the Institute of Bankers and travelled the UK giving talks about his war experiences.

Following the death of his wife, his dementia slowly increased and he left the Bromley area and moved into a nursing home in Lyme Regis where he died at the age of ninety nine and a half.

His connection with the school remains.

Born 27th February 1924; Died 13th June 2022, aged 98

Frank was born on Wednesday 27th February 1924 to Gertrude Emma and Frank Charles. Frank’s father had been a prominent amateur football player locally and internationally, playing for England on a number of occasions. Football was to become a sport Young Frank took a keen interest in, at that time supporting the local team, Nunhead.

In September 1934, after a move to Forest Hill, Frank commenced school at St Dunstan’s College. Summer holidays were spent out of London. Deal, Southwold, Bournemouth and Seasalter were popular resorts. Pocket money was spent on hiring small sailing craft - an addition to his list of increasing sporting activities. A keen cyclist Frank, on later breaks, persuaded his parents to allow him to cycle the 50 mile journey to Seasalter.

School life was quite middle of the road - apart from Latin. By the 4th form both the school and Frank realised he had little in common with the Romans and a new subject to the curriculum, German, was more his strong point. This proved useful in a few short years time when ’invited’ to join the likes of Montgomery and Eisenhower in France! Frank’s sporting

skills meant he was chosen for the House and School Second Team for rugby and cricket. He played Lacrosse too but when the school was evacuated to Reigate this sport was dropped from the curriculum.

St Dunstan’s College had the rare if not unique right to march through the city of London to attend St Dunstan-in-theeast church for a service every year. The whole school led by the OTC Band and Cadets. In 1939 the whole school was to be evacuated. After assembling in the playground the whole school again marched behind the OTC Band but this time down the road to Catford Bridge station! Arriving in Reigate billets were allocated. Frank, with 4 others, was to be billeted at Brokes Lodge. Owned by the then Chairman of the Port of London. Although deemed as ‘safe’ away from the London blitz one night bombs dropped nearby - one failing to explode. The French master suggested the boys go out in the dark grounds of the Lodge to try to locate the hole containing the unexploded bomb!

In 1940, at the end of the Christmas term, it being decided that Frank was not destined for higher academia he left school to join the General Accident Fire and Life Assurance Co. A change in employer soon after took Frank to Midland Bank, now HSBC, a lifetime career choice. Duties here involved the necessary transfer of cash between branches. The cash-bag having been handcuffed to one’s wrist one casually awaited the next bus to take one to the required destination. All quite scary when on the ‘manor’ of the likes of the kray twins.

In October 1942 Frank entered military life to defend the realm and joined 92 LAA Regiment. He was in the first wave of the D-Day landings but mid channel his craft, the liberty ship SAMBUT, was struck by 2 shells fired from the French coast. This gunnery position having fired throughout the war at vessels had never struck a target! The SAMBUT sank and Frank entered the water minus his boots which he had neatly placed together supposedly anticipating their collection at a later time. Rescue from the sea followed and subsequent transfer back to France was swift. Frank survived the march from the French coast through to Germany with the detail remaining private until more recent times. Fair to say it was a gruesome arduous journey with many comrades sadly lost along the way. It was with reluctance for his own valour but for those lost comrade’s memory that he accepted

the award of the medal Legion D’honour from the French government.

After demob in 1947 Frank re-joined Midland Bank and remained in their employ till retirement. He played cricket, rugby and hockey for their Sports Teams together with cricket for local Cricket Teams wherever he was living. Renowned for scoring 6’s as a batsman on one occasion, whilst waiting to bat, he saved the ladies making tea in the local clubhouse by catching the ball of the opposition as it winged its way toward the clubhouse window!

Marriage and family life followed in 1948. Nancy remained the love of his life for 64 years before they were separated by death. Andrew, the 2nd of their 3 children, sadly passed away in 1988 at the age of 34. A father, grandfather and great grandfather Frank kept in touch via ’phone, mobile and the internet, shunning the latest move to skype! Frank remained independent till the age of 97 when ill-health intervened and help became necessary. Having received his licence whilst in the Army Frank continued to drive until 2021. It meant he could get to the golf course to play a few holes - the only sport his great age would allow. The ‘captivity’ of lockdown, in his opinion, was harder on the younger generations than the deprivations experienced during ww2. On June 13th 2022 as the sun rose in a cloudless sky Frank left for the next adventure. The shadow of a figure cycling through the roadways of kent with the wind in his face and sun on his brow, as the saying goes …‘and it’s O for the open road!’

St Dunstan’s played a key role in moulding the man Frank became, maybe not so much for the academic achievements but certainly by the cultivation of team sprit, fair play, loyalty, pride in oneself and the importance of upholding standards and traditions. The son of an old comrade described him as having a pin sharp mind, being articulate, good-humoured, modest, polite and reticent about his achievements. He will be sadly missed by his family and the acquaintances that he quietly lived alongside.

Malcolm Gregory (‘46)

We learn from his widow, Sue, that Malcolm Gregory (‘46) passed away on 1 October 2022. We have no further information at this time.

1950s

Peter Brinson (’53)

Peter was born on 6 October 1933, first child to John Patrick and Dorothy Edith Brinson. He was soon joined by sister Pat and later Dorothy.

His early childhood started in Downham which was rudely interrupted by the Second World War. Once his father suggested they go for a walk (which they never usually did) to find their house hit when they returned! The children were evacuated to Barrow-in-Furness with their mother whilst their father stayed to work in Woolwich in charge of the barrage balloons. They were not welcomed and soon returned home. Peter was playing football in a field when suddenly they noticed a plane flying low overhead and they had to dash to a ditch when they realised the pilot was shooting at them. So as you can see we were lucky that Peter survived to become an adult!

Peter had a passion for sport. He joined Blackheath Harriers and could be found training down at Ladywell Park daily.

He won a scholarship to St. Dunstan’s College and still holds their high jump record after all these years. He enjoyed being part of their football and rugby teams.

At 21 he nearly died from glandular fever and celebrated his birthday in the hospital where he was born.

Joining the RAF after leaving school for his military service he spent most of his time training to represent the RAF in their athletics team. This led to him representing England but he was ½ inch short of being good enough to represent England in the Olympics.

Another one of his talents was music. He followed in his mother’s footsteps and could play any piece by ear. His love however was jazz and he financially supported his training whilst at college to be an architect by playing the piano in pubs during the evening and the El-Toro nightclub in the Finchley Road where he played with his jazz quartet. This is where

Ann and Peter met.

After four years they married in Lewisham on 10 October 1959 and the following year, to the day, their first child Sally arrived followed almost annually by the next five! Peter and Ann never did things by halves.

Peter started his own architectural practice Brinson, Green and Partners. He won several awards for various buildings in the UK.

The family started in St. John’s Vale, Deptford moving to Petts Wood. Here he survived a serious car accident so he really was like a cat with nine lives.

Every house Peter and Ann spent time renovating but Peter always struggled with the electrics. It became a bit of a joke and till the end of his life, there were problems with his phone, computer and of course the dreaded passwords! His pride and joy was a Victorian house in Elmers End which he converted back from two flats to one amazing home which the family all loved.

When the family moved to Hill Brow in Bickley, this is where he and Ann started their travels and before he died there weren’t many places he didn’t get to. They both enjoyed being part of the Travel Club during which they established a great group of travelling companions.

Sport continued to dominate his life. He started by supporting Charlton but changed to Spurs through Ann’s father who was a Tottenham supporter. He would play cribbage every week with Ann’s parents and when they moved to Bromley this was followed by playing short mat bowls at Bromley United Services Club joined by Paul and Sandy, the new son-inlaws. Of course Peter won trophies for this too. In later years he also enjoyed a regular game of croquet. It was with deep regret that he could never swim.

Peter and Ann spent many happy years living in St Paul’s square and nothing was more fun than seeing his children toboggan down St Martin’s Hill when it had snowed. Peter however was rather prone to slipping so tended to watch from the safety of the back garden, unlike Ann, who was leading the pack!

He finished his last years in the new development of flats at St. Mark’s square, Bromley South and as always made good friends with the staff. Regrettably,

following a fire, he had to clamber down many flights of stairs to safety but as the fighter he was, he did it!

Peter was competitive and delighted in telling Sally in his last days that she would never be able to beat him and his partner Paul at crib now! The last thing he heard from Patrick, his son, was that Tottenham were top of the league. He would have been pleased.

His love of athletics and music has been passed to all the family but none have been as talented as he was. He was very proud that all his children could swim and his wish will finally come true when some of his ashes swim on the sea in the near future.

Peter is survived by his six children with nine grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren including little Phoebe who arrived in June.

He was dearly loved by his family, an inspiration to many and will be greatly missed.

The Dunstonian Association was represented at his cremation by Isabelle Blake-James

Michael Charles Wright ('56)

In Catford, South London on the 22 March 1936, Michael Charles Wright was welcomed to the world by his parents Leonard and Betty, he was their first child and followed by sisters Susan and Judith. Leonard attended St Dunstan’s leaving in ’26 and Michael followed in his footsteps leaving in’56. The school and the ODs became a big part of Michael’s life and remained so for the rest of his life. Michael’s work life was colourful and expansive working for many different companies mainly in sales.

It was at the ODs where Michael found his true spiritual home. Michael was an avid sportsman with cricket being his favourite (and sports was definitely preferred over his studies). He played a lot at school and at the Old Boys which he mostly enjoyed – his father was often his captain! Michael was Secretary of Cricket from 59-67 and Leonard was President of Cricket from 68-1970. After he retired the whites in 1983, he started running the line for the rugby which he did for 20 years often seen almost keeping up with the play. He was also the inaugural recipient of the

ODRFC ‘Clubman of the year’ in the 19945 season and was incredibly proud to be made President of the OD’s in 2005-2006. He was on the limited company board for many years as a cricket rep and Chairman for over 12 years until his retirement in 2013. Michael could be seen nearly every weekend at the OD’s, in the corner by the bar and depending on his mood you could either expect a cordial response or a grumpy one!

Michael’s health deteriorated towards the end of his life and he was wonderfully cared for as a resident in a care home in Horton Kirby until his painless and peaceful death at the age of 86.5 years. He will be greatly missed by his wife Suzanne, his son Martyn (92) , his daughter, Julia, two loving grandchildren and the rest of his family.

In total 3 generations of the Wrights attended the school – Leonard (‘26), Michael (’56) and Martyn (’92) and all have been active participants at the OD’s as well. A great achievement.

top row, third from left Leonard('26) (father) bottom row, third from left

Alan M Griffiths (‘57)

Keith Griffiths (‘65) has informed us that his brother Alan Griffiths (‘57) passed away on 3rd July 2022 in Amsterdam, where he had been living for sixty years. He had obtained a PhD from Leiden University in 2013.

1960s

Hedley Horsler (’63)

W J McL “John” Marshall (’66) has informed us of the death on 16th November of Hedley Horsler (’63), at the age of 78. John writes:

I first encountered Hedley in 1959 when, as new boy on my way to my first day at SDC, I boarded the Dartford Loop Line train at New Eltham station on the first leg

Michael ('56)

of my journey - New Eltham to Lee, then change onto the 75 bus to Catford Bridge - to school. I was amazed to find that the carriage I entered already contained two, clearly older boys in SDC uniform. Of course there was no conversation, either then or subsequently over the years at school but I soon learned that this was Hedley and his friend Tim Mark.

I learned of Hedley's death through the Retired HM Inspectors of Factories Association. From that announcement, I can tell you that after an initial brief career in the mining industry, Hedley joined HM Factory Inspectorate in 1969. In those days, it was the fashion to frequently move Inspectors to different HMFI Districts around the UK - I myself had 11 different jobs at six different locations over 32 years - and Hedley worked initially in Bradford, then Aberdeen, a stint in London Headquarters then Luton and finally Glasgow. Hedley was a Northumbrian and on retirement he returned to his roots, living in Gosforth. Despite the lack of conversation during our school days, I connected with him through our work and we bumped into each other perhaps a dozen times during our careers. He never failed to surprise. I learned from him one day that his two spells living in Scotland led him to embrace the pursuit known as Munro-bagging, climbing all 282 of the over 3000 feet high peaks that afforded him the title of a 'compleater'. His roots also gave him a passion for Rapper dancing, a Northumbrian version of sword dancing that he was able to pursue with a side in Glasgow.

Hedley was a larger than life character, always full of joie de vivre and bonhomie with a great sense of humour, someone who on entering a room, you tended to hear before you saw him. On hearing the news of Hedley's death, my friend David Cousin '66 said "Hedley was the corporal in my platoon when I joined the CCF. Terry Brinkworth was sarge, Hedley the corp, and Willie Marshall [my namesake, not me] lancecorp. Oh what fun we had!" I had to smile when I read the funeral arrangements where his wife of many years Val said "There will also be food, drink, music and conversation (Hedley’s great passions) to share after the funeral, at the Queen Victoria pub on Gosforth High Street from 4 pm."

That was certainly the Hedley I knew, and one who befits the description of Robert Burns' poem of A Man's a Man for a' that

1970s

I first met Kevin in 1971 when he joined St Dunstan’s aged 11. He joined Thomas House and I was in Bennett. Many of us became friends both inside and outside of school and got up to all sorts of harmless mischief as well as focussing on our studies, occasionally.

The common bond was sport; swimming, basketball, rugby and cricket for the College. Kevin was bright, and he had the ability to retain all sorts of facts and figures and regurgitate them at will, a factor, I’m sure, that helped him do well both at O and A level as well as in his career.

With Rugby Kevin was a late developer and played in the 2nd or 3rd XV at school but was always a keen player looking to do better which he ultimately did. The ODRFC was and is a big part of our lives – and when we left school many of us started playing rugby at Park Langley. It is a great inclusive family and one that is fully represented here today.

The one resounding memory anyone at the rugby club will have of Kevin is his handkerchief. I have never known anyone before, or since, carry one on the rugby pitch. “whistle goes….scrum OD’s…..front rows form up, second rows join them……. hang on a minute sir says Kevin….out comes the hanky….nose blown….hanky stowed in pocket….thanks sir! Packs down and we’re off again!"

Despite not being a prolific player at school Kevin continued developing his game and became an effective backrow player commanding the respect of those in the team and the wider club. Angela had asked for photos of Kevin however one observation came back that, as a

backrow player, it was unlikely. Generally, he was always on the bottom of rucks and to get a picture of anything other than his legs or boots would have been rare. After a few years Kevin decided to stand as 1st XV Capt.; a role that he held for two seasons, and under his leadership the Club was certainly successful both in terms of results and the number of teams we were able to field. His dedication to the role saw him travelling up from Ulcombe twice a week plus match days.

Unsure of what he wanted to do Kevin had been zooming around London as a delivery driver for a company called Arrow 3 2 1. Our friend Peter Atkinson (’78) got him a part time job working at the Australian High Commission. Kevin worked at Australia House 40 years –Across the years he held a variety of positions but finished his time there as the Human Resources A-based Support Manager which, in part, involved him dealing with a series of dignitaries from home and abroad but, of course, his role was far wider than this.

Kevin often referred to himself as my “useless” friend as he wasn’t good at calling and keeping in touch however whenever we did speak (or see each other) we continued from where we had previously left off. As usual he spoke and I listened getting the odd word in here and there. Sentences usually started with “Did you know….” He would always question How? What? Why? When etc.. but this was always time well spent.

Kevin was old before his time…..he was in fact old when he was 12 and he could “moan and groan” with the best of them but his heart was always in the right place. Family first! During our chats he always extolled the virtues and achievements of both of his children, Tim and Rebecca. He could not have been prouder of them both. And with the arrival of a grandson, Euan, he was chuffed to bits. Another addition, Luke Michael, only arrived two weeks ago.

Latterly, Kevin met Angela and he once again found happiness. It was only a few months ago that he asked her to marry him, and he was so excited. Apparently, he became a real foody and he would also spend hours sourcing live bands for them to go and see. Plus, he was always happy to take amazing holidays and weekend breaks, of course as long as he could find a good discount, transferring his teletext skills to the internet search engines.

Kevin McNally (‘78)

Born 11 March 1960; Died 28 June 2022

Then the horrible news that Kevin had developed lung cancer. He always kept things close to his chest; he said to me recently that he was too ashamed and embarrassed to talk about his illness. In my unassuming manner I told him he was an idiot (or words to that effect) and that he had a wealth of support to draw upon if he needed or indeed wanted it and he agreed, however Angela tirelessly supported him through the diagnosis and illness accompanying him to all the associated hospital appointments and beyond.

He was the gentlest of men, a genuine friend and an Old Dunstonian through and through. He was approachable and honest in his opinion in all walks of life and very encouraging of all the players within the club and not just the 1st XV. His wider circle also enjoyed his conviviality and friendship. Long after his playing days Kevin remained firmly invested in the rugby club and its continuing development, even though he visited infrequently, often calling Mike Rogers for updates.

I have known Kevin for 51 years and cannot believe that he has left us with so much to look forward to….a new grandchild and a new future with his fiancé, Angela, but sadly this was not to be. This is only a flavour of the man I knew for so long and the journey we have had together from cheeky chaps to grumpy old men and everything in between.

I will cherish the hug we had last December when we met for lunch and I am sorry that we were unable to get together again however goodbye my friend…. rest in peace; pain free!

Oh….and by the way, you were never “useless”! Far from it!

By Graham Alderman (’79)

Paul Cozens

We are saddened to report that Paul Cozens, Head of Junior School between 2015 and 2019, sadly passed away on 9 November 2022.

ST DUNSTAN’S COLLEGE HELP US SHAPE YOUNG LIVES OUR LEGACY FUND

For many, the years spent at school are some of the most significant and life-changing of times. This is particularly true at St Dunstan’s College whose vibrant community of past students, parents and teachers remain connected to the school, and are passionate about its continued success.

By giving a legacy gift to St Dunstan’s in your Will, you will be helping us to continue to give the best education to future students, and you will continue to be part of the St Dunstan’s story.

There are different types of gifts you can make in your Will, including giving a specified amount or the remaining part of your estate after providing for your family and other responsibilities. Gifts that are free from restrictions are particularly helpful, allowing the College to invest wherever our need is greatest. Or you may wish your gift to support our bursaries programme to give opportunities to those would otherwise be unable to benefit from a St Dunstan’s education.

Whatever you choose, your Will is an important and personal document

and we recommend you contact your solicitor, either to draft your will or a codicil to your existing Will.

Please download a Legacy Pledge Form HERE, or from the College's website at: www.stdunstans.org.uk/development

THE ALBAM EXORNA LEGACY SOCIETY

For those who wish to join us and be recognised publicly, you will become a member of the Albam Exorna Society. An annual lunch for all members will be a time to celebrate your generosity as well as share memories from your time at the College with like minded Dunstonians. You will also receive regular updates on how legacies are making a significant difference to the life of students at the College as well as be invited to special events such as Commemoration Day and Remembrance Day. Membership of the Society is entirely optional - we understand you may wish to keep your intention private.

THANK YOU TO GEORGE BIRD

The College has recently been notified that it had been left a substantial legacy of over £400,000 by the late George Bird who attended the school in the 1940s. Mr Bird died in 2007 and was survived by his wife for more than two decades who fulfilled his wishes by leaving a generous legacy to the College “to support the education of one girl and one boy from the age of 11 to the age of 18”.

GIVING BACK

Every year, more and more Dunstonians are getting involved in the life of the College which is a huge accolade for everything the Dunstonian Community stands for. We have welcomed back speakers, mentors, Careers Evening stands and so much more. Whether you left St Dunstan’s in the past few years or several decades ago, we encourage you to get involved and give back by sharing your knowledge and expertise with the

next generation. Just email Iain Macdowal (’83), our Dunstonian Officer, at dunstonians@stdunstans.org.uk.

In September 2022 we also published our first Donors’ Impact Report which makes a pleasing reading. During the pandemic years, we raised nearly £180,000 thanks to 140 generous donors.

AREAS SUPPORTED WHO GAVE?

BURSARIES (£4653)

PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE (£30,454)

DUNSTONIANS (£120,020)

LEGACIES (£26,001)

OTHER (£3502)

SPORTING FACILITIES (£34,460)

UNRESTRICTED (£57,957)

Peter Jackson (‘68)

PARENTS (£28,001)

With a qualified gratitude for my SDC education, and maintaining a passing interest in matters Dunstonian, I was moved and deeply impressed to view Mr Hewlett’s courageous address in February 2021, celebrating LGBTQ+ week and defining current SDC values: kindness, generosity, diversity and inclusion.

I have since enjoyed reconnecting with the excellent school that St. Dunstan’s College has become and my wish to re-engage with the SDC educational vision is twofold:

• To be available to mentor SDC pupils in the joys of self-employment - and of business building;

• To offer assistance to the current formidable SDC Development Team to create a greater number of sustainable/ organic Sixth Form bursaries, for the benefit of gifted local youngsters who would not otherwise have the requisite financial support to enable such a fantastic educational opportunity

David Edwards (‘83)

COMMUNITY PROJECTS (£50,000)

I see a dynamism and vision at the school that is relevant both to the modern era and to the school’s location. The school now exudes a sense of inclusivity and an awareness of its social responsibility to educate pupils in the roundest sense, not just to teach them how to pass exams. I think that is a vision worth supporting.

Navdeep Sheera (‘85)

As a student at St Dunstan’s College between 1975 and 1985, I benefited from Bursary support throughout my Middle School and Sixth Form years. It is the primary reason a child, son of immigrants, from a council estate in Charlton, went to Cambridge University. I am now back at the College as a Governor and a member of the Development Board. I would like to pass the baton, so that other students can benefit from the Bursary Fund.

Jill Glynne (former parent)

The Glynne family as a whole have had a long association with the College in various roles and my donation for the Performing Arts Centre was to give something back in gratitude for the many happy years we enjoyed.

THE DINING HALL

Then & Now...

Construction of the Dining Hall now referred to as the Refectory, took place at the start of the 1960s. Prior to its erection students had lunch in the Sixth Form Common Room which has now become the Staff Common Room, and before that in the Great Hall.

Were you one of...

ST DUNSTAN'S FIRST GIRLS

You made your mark and blazed trails for future generations of girls and young women and you were pioneers in co-education at St Dunstan’s College.

We will be celebrating 30 years of St Dunstan’s going co-ed in 2024 by a special reunion.

Please get in touch if you were one those pioneers so that we can recreate an up to date version of the above photo for our 30th Anniversary of becoming co-ed in 2024.

ST DUNSTAN’S OUR HISTORY

1446

A school has been associated with the parish of St Dunstan’s in the East as far back as the 15th century.

1867

St Dunstan’s Educational Foundation is established by the parishioners of St Dunstan’s in the East in the City of London to create a school capable of accommodating 400 pupils.

1892

St Dunstan’s College is recognised by King’s College London and the London County Council as one of the leading schools in the world for the technical education it offers.

1897

The

The first group of leavers from the College formalises their regular social gatherings into an official Old Dunstonian Association.

1902

1888

St Dunstan’s College opens its doors in Catford for the first time with 91 boys on roll. 60 boarders join the following summer.

1915

154 former St Dunstan’s pupils participate in the Battle of Loos. Of these, more than 40 are injured and 19 die. This is the largest number of deaths in a single battle for the Dunstonian community.

1919

The House System is revised. New houses are created - Bennett, Goosey, Griffiths, Johnson, Lane, Ross, Thomas and Wilson - all named after Dunstonians fallen in the Great War.

1903

The school song is written in order to open and close Prize Giving ceremonies.

1914

The House System is introduced and is initially based on the geography of where pupils live.

1934

Improvements to the College infrastructure are made, including heating, running water, a new Dining Hall, and electricity.

The Union Society is established as the first recorded co-curricular activity at the College. The Society is divided into three branches; literary and debating, natural history and photography.

1909

Officers’ Training Corps (now the Combined Cadet Force) is established.

1938

The ancient tradition of Beating of the Bounds is revived by Headmaster Usherwood to maintain the connection between the College and the Parish Church associated with its foundation.

1923

Headmaster Forder establishes the first extensive co-curricular programme embedded within the College curriculum.

1930

The St Dunstan’s Benevolent Fund is established to provide an education for pupils from less privileged backgrounds.

1939

The looming threat of the Second World War forces the College to evacuate south to Reigate while the College grounds are used as a First Aid Station for the War Ministry.

Dunstonian Association

2012

The Jubilee Ground is purchased; giving the school improved sporting facilities and forging closer links with the local community.

2010

Dunstonian Chuka Umunna becomes MP for Streatham.

2007

Dunstonian Sir Martin Evans is awarded a Nobel Prize for his work in biochemistry.

2006

Dunstonian Alice Bird appears in Notes on a Scandal, alongside Cate Blanchett. A Nursery is added, to the school, welcoming pupils from age three.

1994

2013

To commemorate the 125th anniversary of the College, a whole year of activities are held, beginning with the Head greeting every pupil by hand and ending with the burial of a time capsule.

2015

2018

The Wellness Centre is officially opened becoming the school’s dedicated hub for student wellbeing.

St Dunstan’s College becomes a fully coeducational school welcoming girls for the first time. The first St Dunstan’s Festival also takes place, quickly becoming known as the ‘Edinburgh Festival of South London’.

1973

The Prep Block opens to accommodate the growing number of pupils on roll at the College.

1971

The Music and Physics Blocks are constructed to support a broader curriculum offering for pupils.

1961

2022

St Dunstan’s College wins Independent Senior School of the Year at the TES Awards. The new Performing Arts Centre also opens with a 170-seat theatre.

2021

The new Junior School building, STEM Centre and Sixth Form Centre are officially opened by Old Dunstonian and Nobel Prize winner, Sir Martin Evans.

2020

St Dunstan’s College wins Co-educational School of the Year at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards.

2019

The Independent Schools Inspectorate gives St Dunstan’s an ‘excellent’ rating in an inspection visit. The BBC’s political show, Question Time, is filmed in the College’s Great Hall.

The current Refectory opens, pioneering the hyperbolic paraboloid architectural design.

1955

1944

A second temporary relocation of the College to Caerphilly, in Wales, is necessary due to increased V2 rocket attacks on London and the Home Counties.

The College swimming pool is constructed and swimming lessons are made available to all pupils.

1958

The Sports Pavilion is constructed to provide up to date facilities for the increasing number of sports on offer at the College.

1947

Under new laws, the College becomes completely independent.

Head Nick Hewlett relaunches the St Dunstan’s Festival.

SDC NEWS

From the Headmaster

this expansion in numbers, we continue to be increasingly selective, year on year, such is the demand for places at the school.

Dunstonian Association, for all they are undertaking to modernise our alumni relations and I am sure these Notes go some way to showcase the level of engagement we are now able to offer.

With winter encroaching at the time of print, I reflect with great pride on those long summer months, when St Dunstan’s bathed in the relentless heat with no small glow of success.

Being named Independent Senior School of the year by the Times Educational Supplement, was an extraordinary achievement and testament to the enormous creativity, industry and stamina from a great many over a number of years.

This was swiftly followed by recordbreaking public examination results and higher education success. Success brings demand and demand brings children. Lots of children! Our College roll this year is nearly 1150 and is set to grow to at least 1250 over the next three years. Even with

It with this in mind that our Estates plan continues to march forward. We plan a doubling in footprint to our Wellness Centre to take place this year and we are also forging a realistic timetable for the necessary expansion and modernisation of the Sport and Leisure centre, including the Fives Courts, as well as a great number of other projects both on the Stanstead Road site and the Jubilee Ground.

I am so grateful to the hundreds of Dunstonians who are actively engaged with the College. It was fantastic to have representation at our moving annual service of Remembrance and support at various events across the term. I must also thank those many Dunstonians who have got behind our fundraising projects, be that by sponsoring our Performing Arts Centre or assisting with our Bursary programme.

For those not currently engaged in supporting your school I would encourage you to consider ways by which you might seek to do so. Creating a truly great school, like St Dunstan’s, takes a complete community effort.

I am most grateful to Isabelle and her team, and to Richard as Chair of the

Nick Hewlett Head

Year 13 Symposium

Thank you to Dr Sophie New (’01), for being the judge at the Year 13 Symposium 2023 in the STEM block. Desiree won first prize with her video-led project “What does it mean to you to be black?”

Year 1 visits the new Archives Room

Around 40 Year 1 pupils visited the Archives Room at the start of the Michaelmas term to learn more about the College’s history since its foundation in 1888.

We used the same timeline as on pages 38-39 of this edition of The Notes and everybody got to hold in their hands something special: cast iron plaques from the site of St Dunstan’s in the East, WWII soldiers’ boots, wartime medals, an early 20th century map. The best part was wearing one of the many vintage school caps the College store in its Archives room. They were also delighted to find out that their teacher, Mr Gordinsky (interview page 12), was a 'real' Dunstonian!

St Dunstan's sponsors first Catford Literary Festival

St Dunstan’s College was delighted to be sponsoring the firstever Catford Literary Festival early October. The Festival hosted 15 authors across two days at Abbotshall HLC in Catford, including Jimi Famurewa - restaurant critic for the Evening Standard for his book Settlers: Journeys Through the Food, Faith and Cuture of Black African London; Rebecca Seal, a Forest Hill resident and award winning writer; and Brenda Garrick.

The College aims to routinely work with local partners to provide empowering opportunities to local people that will promote social mobility, engender wellbeing, and improve communities in additional to responding with benevolence and charity.

St Dunstan's College pays tribute to Her Majesty the Queen

On 9 September 2022, St Dunstan’s College paid tribute to Her Majesty The Queen following the news of her passing. Pupils came together in a special assembly led by the Head, Nick Hewlett, the school Chaplain, Canon Boswell, and the student Head of School, Paola.

Speaking about Her Majesty’s death, Mr Hewlett said: ‘‘For most of us, The Queen has been the only monarch we have known, and her constant steadiness has been a guiding light for the nation. During her 70 years on the throne, The Queen has witnessed huge change and technical advances in society. From the first humans stepping foot on the moon to the birth of the internet and social media. Most recently, as the world has faced the Covid-19 pandemic, Her Majesty’s wise words were of great comfort in the most challenging of times.’

Several wreaths were laid on the D in a moving ceremony. Shea Hollis (’01) laid one on behalf of The Dunstonian Association.

Youth Mental Health Summit

The summit, which was hosted in the College’s theatre for the second year running and was attended by pupils from across the country including London, Kent, and Coventry.

This year, writer and broadcaster, Sam Delaney, led the keynote talk ‘How to talk about mental health’. Mr Delaney, who is known for his mental health writing in The Guardian and the Telegraph and his popular podcast, Reset, spoke to students about his own experiences and how little moments of trauma can have long and lasting effects on mental health. Thank you to Dunstonian Bill Muirhead (’64) for the introduction to Sam.

St Dunstan’s Deputy Head Pastoral, Jade McLellan, also led a powerful talk on ‘Child and adolescent brain development,’ and behaviour consultant Kat Stern also spoke to guests about feelings around stress.

Following the keynote talks, students then took part in a carousel of workshops. This included ‘The Mental Health Continuum’ hosted by David Whiting from Mental Health First Aid; 'Understanding through processes’, led by St Dunstan’s counsellors Julia Gray and Canon Boswell; and ‘The Infinite Game’ led by Tom Telford, Head of Adventurous Activities at the College.

Careers and Higher Education Convention evening

On 7 November, over 300 students from St Dunstan’s and local secondary State Schools attended our annual careers and Higher Education Convention.

Several Dunstonians exhibited on that occasion namely Stephen Giddins (’02), Frank Collingwood (’66), Roger Walkden (’88), Yanoulla Kakoulli (’01), Tom Coling (’01), Paul Stanley (’84), Temi Olusola (’08), and Andy Bennett (’01).

EVENT

THE

WAS SPONSORED BY BREWIN DOLPHIN

Michaelmas Concert at St John's Smith Square

On 11 November, the College's Music Department presented their annual Michaelmas Concert at St John's Smith Square in Westminster. This was the College's largest concert ever, with more than 240 students performing from across the College to a soldout audience.

The concert featured exceptional musicmaking from our ensembles, with highlights including the Jazz Ensemble and Big Band under Mr Harrison's leadership, the performance of Eric Whitacre's Cloudburst by the Chapel Choir and the College Orchestra's powerful renditions of Moldau and Night on a Bare Mountain.

The College gives regular concerts which Dunstonians are more than welcome to attend.

Remembrance Day

On Friday 11 November 2022, the whole Dunstonian community gathered to mark Remembrance Day.

Around 15 Dunstonians attended a preservice coffee in the Johnson VC room where a WWI and WWII exhibition was set up for the occasion.

Everybody then proceeded to the Great Hall for a moving Remembrance service led by Rev Colin Boswell, the school Chaplain. Shea Hollis ('01) took the first reading Isaiah Chapter 2, Verse 2-5. The College's Chapel Choir sang beautifully throughout the service. All guests, Governors, staff then gathered on the steps of the College, overlooking the D. Wreaths were laid by Governors, the Head, pupils and Richard Fagg ('85) Chair of the TDA together with Shea Hollis ('01).

SPONSORSHIP

The St Dustan’s Festival is an annual explosion of activity that encapsulates our DNA as a college. One of the key goals is to share who we are and what we have, and in doing so to celebrate and value the wider community that we are part of. The Festival literally breaks out of the building into a shared spaced in the heart of Catford and fills that space with music, art, drama, sport and many other activities.

Each year we strive to broaden our reach, engaging with local states schools, community groups but in order to do so requires increased financial investment into the Festival itself.

Our vision for the future is to see the Festival as central to the cultural life of the local area, offering opportunities for local people to be involved in curating and delivering events, and offering our students the chance to serve and give back to the local area.

We have been fortunate to receive sponsorship from local companies in the past but for the Festival to grow we are reaching out to more people and businesses to find way of partnering in reaching our aims.

With your help The Festival could become significant in the lives of all those in Catford and beyond. We would really appreciate any sponsorship that you feel you could give and have put together a series of packages of benefits for our sponsors. Thank you for your kind consideration.

Richard Gregg Festival Director rgregg@stdunstans.org.uk

• Small coloured logo in the Festival brochure Silver

• ¼ page advert

• Logo inserted on all flyers, festival website page and holding screen in the Big Top

• VIP tickets x 5 at opening night concert Gold

As Silver +

• Logo in medium size

• VIP tickets x7 at last night concert

• ½ page advert in Festival brochure

• Link to sponsor’s website

As Gold +

• Logo in large size

• VIP tickets x10 at the last night concert

• Full page advert in Festival brochure

• Logo on event t-shirts

• Option to sponsor one particular event

• Small video recording of the Sponsor

• Branded material in Big Top entrance

• Banner on display in Big Top

Meet Duckstan

We are delighted to introduce you to Duckstan, our new branded rubber duck! Some lucky young alumni have already received one, or been given one at one of our recent events. Our Chair has certainly taken to water with the idea... When you receive one, please send us back some extraordinary photos of you and Duckstan, anywhere in the world.

Prize for the best picture and winner announced in the Summer Edition of The Notes.

Editorial

& Design

Team: Isabelle Blake-James Iain Macdowall Jo Langthorne

Thank you to all Dunstonians who have generously contributed to the Winter 2022 edition. If you would like to contribute to the Summer edition of The Notes 2023, please send your story or announcement to: dunstonians@stdunstans.org.uk by 1 March 2023.

We are particularly interested in receiving items for the scrapbook as well as announcements of engagements, weddings or births – even going back a few years.

HOT POTATO!

The Notes comes in 100% compostable starch wrap. You can compost it in your garden, use it to line your food bin, or if your council permits, dispose of it in your garden waste.

The

NOTE S

dunstonians@stdunstans.org.uk

SDConnect www.dunstonians.org.uk