Old Peterite News

JOHN RAYSON

If the records of the City of York are studied, amongst the list of Freemen of the City for many hundreds of years the name of Ray son will appear frequently, generally as carpenter or builder. Although John Rayson still displays the skills of his forebears as an enthusiastic D.I.Y. expert, building would not normally be expected of him. And yet, what a splendid builder he has been — not only in the physical sense as evidenced in the planning of the new and superb Chilman Building but, more importantly, in the mental and spiritual sense of building traditions, high standards and character.

John's first association with the School began in 1942 as a day boarder, transferring as a full boarder in The Rise in 1944. He certainly seems to have had a busy life, winning form prizes, boxing, fencing, shooting, becoming sergeant in the J.T.C., then drum-major, chapel monitor, school monitor and Editor of "The Peterite". But out of all these activities it was his cricketing skills that play a large part in the records. First awarded 1st XI colours in 1944 he received them again in 1945, 46 and 47. He was Vice-Captain of Cricket in 1945, and Captain in 1946 and 47. In 1946 he was presented with a bat by Norman Yardley, played a second time for Yorkshire Public Schools against Lancashire, captained the Yorkshire Under 18 team v Sussex, and it was said of him "He has all the shots in the bag, and a great future may well lie ahead of him". During these years he also played for the Colts XV and the 2nd XV and was awarded his colours in 1945/46.

A successful career followed at Brasenose College after his military service. At Oxford he appears to have been the first O.P. to read agriculture. Once again he seems to have led a very busy and happy life — and once again his great love of cricket shows through, and he was elected a member of the Authentics at an early stage.

With such varied skills and talents he must have found it somewhat difficult to decide what career to follow, but eventually he decided to follow in the footsteps of his Headmaster father and teacher mother, the education service thereby gaining a great deal.

Not surprisingly he became a games master, but also quickly showed himself to be adept at other forms of teaching and administration. It was pleasing that at Glenhow School, near Saltburn, he was serving under another O.P. — P. H. Sykes, whom he was eventually to succeed as Headmaster. In the meantime he had had the good fortune to meet and marry Sally on a trip to Norway — surely one of the best holiday souvenirs anyone could have brought back.

In 1966 he returned to St. Olave's School to teach maths and games and to become the first Housemaster of the new Fairfax House, a very astute move by John Dronfield. It was quickly seen just how well he fitted into the scene as a colleague, always keen, willing and observant. All these qualities showed, with others, when he was appointed Master-in-Charge of St. Olave's to succeed Tudor Howat.

John quickly settled into his new responsibilities, and soon it became difficult to imagine St. Olave's without him. His career as a builder became apparent in the careful planning and organisation of School matters. He served under five Headmasters of St. Peter's and to each one of them, varied though they were, he gave loyalty, strength and wisdom, never being afraid to "stick his neck out" if he thought that the best interests of St. Olave's were not being served. During his time he had to face many problems, some of them apparent, others which no-one ever knew about, yet at all times he never complained or felt sorry for himself. He was generally the first member of staff to arrive at the beginning of the School day, and could always be found there long after most people had gone home.

He was always completely approachable and, no matter now small the problem might have seemed, even the youngest Olavite was assured of his attention over a lost raincoat or a missed parent. Indeed the pupil or parent he was dealing with was always the focus of his full attention. In matters of discipline he was firm but fair, sympathetic and understanding, and when action was necessary his first reaction was always "Justice has been done — now, what can I do to help?", and always he gave the finest form of discipline — that is by example.

Whether in his great love of games, his keen support of so many School activities, his singing in the choir (and even being persuaded to dress up and take part in School productions, and undress to have wet sponges thrown at him during the School summer fetes), his dignified help as a special minister in services of Holy Communion, all

formed part of the pattern of School life, and all revealed his quiet influence.

In addition to many things the pupils benefited from in School, many children have cause to be grateful to John and Sally for their initiative in organising the original Cairngorm Adventure Holiday, a splendid introduction to wonderful countryside and many exciting activities which they would, perhaps, not otherwise have sampled. For thirteen years John and Sally combined their talents and their Schools to organise and run the annual week. For the first six years this was a joint venture with York College for Girls where Sally was teaching part-time. The first four years were based in the Norwegian Hostel (selfcatering!) at Loch Morlich, and here she was responsible for the catering for forty-eight children and adults, helped of course by the other ladies in the group.

In 1988 there was a change of venue to the Y.M.C.A. National Centre at Lakeside on Windermere, and 1989 was a transitional year when John and Sally handed over the organisation to John and Jacky Slingsby, so now this innovation by John has become an ever-popular and exciting event.

The greatest change in John's time at St. Olave's has, of course, been the introduction of co-education. The change when it came was so smoothly carried out that it seemed no change at all, just as though it had always been, and this again says much about John's interest, meticulous planning and progressive thinking.

It will be difficult to imagine St. Olave's without him for we have come to rely on his presence, with Sally typically always in the background, yet always ready with help. They, their two Olavite/Peterite sons, Ian and Duncan, and the rest of the family have given so much to the School. But this is only the ending of a chapter not the closing of the book, though what a superb chapter it has been. The splendid new Chilman building will stand as a monument, not only to Chilly who laid the foundation stone but to those all important invisible foundations so firmly laid by John Rayson.

We wish him and his family all true happiness in the golden days ahead. We know just how busy John's retirement will be with all his hobbies, interests and activities, and we also know that although his familiar figure will not be seen as much in the School grounds, his heart, devotion and interest will remain with St. Olave's and St. Peter's. Many pupils during the past years have benefited from his wisdom, advice and words of thanks. Now it is his turn to listen to our heartfelt gratitude and we end by appending the name of that paragon of all Olavite virtues, the one whose name was constantly used by John as an example of correctness in writing, speech and behaviour.

Joe Bloggs

Commemoration next year will be Friday, 5th July and Saturday, 6th July.

O.P. GOLF SOCIETY

A report appears later on the successful meeting at Easingwold G.C. R. F. Harding has looked after the organisation of the Burnett Trophy and Founders Trophy Competition for the last twelve years and the society has every reason to be very grateful to him.

Ian Leedham will now be responsible for next year's meeting, details of which will appear in the next issue of the Old Peterite News.

OLD PETERITE NEWS

The Club is very grateful for the good work done by Eric Thompson in editing the second issue of the Old Peterite News. This is a most important communication and O.P. 's are urged to send their news or reminiscences to E. G. Thompson, "West Winds", 4 Moor Lane, Haxby, York Y03 8PH by April 1st 1991.

NOTES

1. The Editor of "The Peterite" is always pleased to receive letters from the universities. 2. On matters of' "The Peterite'' circulation, or changes of address, please contact the Headmaster's secretary, St. Peter's School, York Y03 6AB.

CLUB PROPERTY

The following are available from the Hon. Secretary, R. D. Harding, Hall Cottage, Foremarke, Milton, Derbyshire, DE6 6EJ. Please include postage stamp(s) separately from the cheque made payable to the Old Peterite News.

Club Tie: £5.00 (plus a 20p stamp) Ladies Brooch: £4.00 (plus a 20p stamp) The Hon. Secretary's Book: £2.75 (plus 34p stamps) (A chronology:627 A.D. to 1981) Centenary Spoon: £2.00 (plus a 20p stamp) Cuff Links: £20.00 (plus 28p stamps)

A REQUEST

J.J. Penn, formerly of Shrewsbury School, has written to the Hon. Secretary about a book he is compiling of amusing School stories about public Schools... "I am making a collection of amusing stories about our Public Schools which I hope to publish. I have no doubt that a large reservoir of such stories exists and I

am very keen to tap that reservoir. I wondered, therefore, whether it would be possible to publish a request for material of this type in your Old Boys Newsletter or any similar publication? The sort of contributions I am looking for would be humorous but not too long.

The stories selected for publication would appear in a good quality paperback, liberally illustrated with cartoons with a foreword by a well-known Public School wit. Each individual entry would note the School of origin, the approximate date of the story and the full name of the contributor. Rather than make individual payments for the material, I propose to allocate ten per cent of my royalties to be divided among the Old Boys societies on the basis of the number of contributions selected.

I am sure that a very large number of ex-public School boys would derive pleasure from such a book, and would be especially keen to see the stories about their own School. A typical example might be:

Shrewsbury School 1950's

There used to be a lesson before breakfast widely disliked by both staff and boys known as First Lesson. A significant number of both were often late. One such morning the bell went as SheltonAgar was passing the Headmaster, Jack Peterson, on the stairs of the Main School building. "Late again Shelton-Agar" said Jack. "Yes sir, so am I!" replied Shelton-Agar as he sped past.

J, J. Penn''

He plans to distribute 10% of his royalties to the Old Boys Societies of the contributors. Contributions should include the name of the School, the approximate date of the story and the contributor's name, all of which will appear in the book unless the contributor requests otherwise.

The address for contributions is: 14 Henning Street, London SW11 3DR.

THE OLD PETERITE CLUB LONDON DINNER

The Great Western Royal Hotel, Paddington W2 Friday, 3rd November 1989

John ADDEY Will ADLER Chris BEAUMONT Tim BEAUMONT Harry BELCHAMBER Peter BLEACH Anthony BRINDLEY Nigel BRINDLEY Christopher BROCKBANK Rupert BROWN Richard CLAYBOURN Robert COLLIER Patrick CRAVEN Manor Rise School School St. Olave's/Temple Grove Manor Rise Dronfield Grove Rise Rise/Dronfield Dronfield 1944-1947 1972-1977 1953-1959 1951-1955 1931-1940 1964-1969 1940-1945 1970-1975 1972-1977 1975-1980 1942-1946 1963-1968 1983-1988 John DENISON (Past President of O.P. Club) Temple Robin FIELD Michael FIRBY Doug FLEMING Paul GITTINS Alan GOMERSALL Earlam GRAHAM James HANSON (Past President O.P. Club) Richard HARDING (O.P. Club Hon. Sec.) John HARDING (Past President O.P. Club) Richar HART Graham HART John HAYES Keith HEADLAM Allan HEADLAM John HERRING Steven HILL Peter HYETT Peter JOWSEY Christopher KING Laurant KSSIS Tim LAYFIELD Richard MOSS Andrew MOTION Carl PATTISON Robin PITTMAN Headmaster of St. Peter's Andrew Powell Colin QUICKFALL (London Dinner Sec.) Michael RANSON (President of O.P. Club) David RAYNER John RAYSON David RUMFITT Grove Queen's/

1938-1942 1949-1958 Dronfield/School 1983-1988 Queen's Temple Grove School School Rise School Temple Dronfield Grove Temple Temple Temple/Queen's Manor Dronfield Temple School School Grove Rise Wentworth/ Manor School/Manor School Dronfield St. Olave's/ Grove Rise Grove Rise (Past President O.P. Club) Temple Edward SEDMAN Neil SHUTTLEWORTH Chris SMITH Peter SPEIGHT Jonathan STONE Robert STRATTON (Chairman London Dinner) David TATE Eric THOMPSON Grant WHITE St. Olave's/ Temple Elmet/Rise Manor St. Olave's/ Manor Dronfield School/Manor 1957-1967 1972-1977 1951-1959 1932-1937 1918-1921 1960-1966 1933-1938 1972-1977 1982-1987 1957-1962 1952-1963 1950-1961 1945-1953 1955-1959 1972-1977 1972-1977 1947-1951 1982-1987 1953-1959 1962-1967 1969-1977 1939-1945 1964-1969 1947-1957 1953-1960 1953-1959 1942-1947 1930-1939 1949-1956 1969-1979 1962-1967 1939-1946 1972-1977 1935-1943

St. Olave's/Rise 1941-1947 St. Olave's/ Manor Dronfield 1939-1949 1972-1977

The above dinner was held at the Stakis Airport Hotel, Newcastle-upon-Tyne on Friday, 29th September 1989.

E. M. H. Ranson D. H. Hamilton J. C. M. Rayson R. D. Harding J. F. Brown C. J. L. Clarke Dr. W. Graham J. T. Harding W. G. Huntley G. M. Jobling R. L. Jobling J. S. D. Pearson R. Pickersgill W. E. Potts M. E. Robson J. Watson K. Brown President Second Master Headmaster of St. Olave's School Secretary

THE OLD PETERITE CLUB WEST RIDING DINNER

The dinner was held at the Bradford Club in Piece Hall Yard, Bradford on Friday, 17th November 1989 which twenty-eight O.P.'s attended. Another very enjoyable evening was organised by Bill Hudson and Chris Gilman.

THE OLD PETERITE CLUB EAST RIDING DINNER

The 31st dinner was held at the Bell Hotel, Driffield, on Friday, 25th May 1990, which forty-four attended. Those present:

The President (E. M. H. Ranson) The Headmaster (R. N. Pittman) J. Abbey B. Allen C M . Atkinson D. P. Atkinson J. S. Atkinson P. S. Atkinson N. Brown F. D. Browne C. Burdass J. U. Burdass M. Burdass R. Burdass C. C. Dee M. Dee S. Dee J. Dent C. Frank J. A. Frank F. T. Gooder D. H. Hamilton F. Howie M. Jobling D. P. Johnston P. R. B. Megginson S. Megginson F. Newdick J. A. Newitt T. Nichols R. Peacock A. Penty A. Ray lor J. C. M. Rayson G. M. Shuttle worth P. J. Stephen T.Stead C. W. Thompson A. Thornton N. E. Tomlinson R. Tindall S. Ullyott D. A. Ward P. H. Whitaker

The Old Peterite Club Annual Dinner was held on Saturday, 7th July 1990 in the School Dining Hall by kind permission of the Headmaster. The toast of "The School" was proposed by E. G. Thompson. The Headmaster, R. N. Pittman, replied and gave the toast of the Old Peterite Club to which the President, E. M. H. Ranson, responded.

In recognition of his devoted service to the School as Master of St. Olave's for twenty-one years, J. C. M. Rayson was presented with a gift from the club. After he spoke about his years at Glenhow Prep. School and St. Olave's, the President formally concluded the evening by handing over his badge of office to D. L. Brown (Rise 1955-1961), who was elected at the A.G.M. earlier.

The club is very grateful to Mr. G. H. Wogan and the School catering staff for the excellent meal. Those present:

The President (E. M. H. Ranson) The Headmaster (R. N. Pittman) The Hon. Secretary (R. D. Harding) The Hon. Treasurer (S. M. Burn) S. Al-Bassam B. Allen G. P. Bailey S. Bailey A. J. Barron R. M. Barron V. M. Black R. A. Brindley D. L. Brown J. Brown N. E. R. Brown J. E. B. Burdass M. Burdass G. R. Burn E. Carling Karen Clarkson S. Cotton P. Coverdale P. M. Darley D. F. Davies N. G. Davies G. Davidson J. Davidson Rebecca Davidson E. A. K. Denison J. A. Denison M. R. Doncaster A. J. Figge Vanessa Figge P. J. Gibson G. Gildener M. G. Grant Mrs. N. C. Goodwin S. J. Goodwin J. T. Harding R. F. Harding R. Hart M. G. B. Hepworth J. K. Hick E. J. Hillyard R. Hobson W. M. Hudson Victoria Inness D. G. S. Jesper D. P. Johnston G. E. King-Reynolds G. Knowles L. C. Le Tocq D. J. Lister W. G. Mackellar I. Magson N. J. Magson P. J. Netherwood R. W. Oliver M. Oxley G. D. Parkin F. N. Parkin J. R. Penty Dr. P. R. Penty R. F. Pulleyn R. I. Rawson-Lax J. C. M. Rayson P. Reah J. L. Richardson A. M. Robson D. T. Rumfitt Sir Peter Shepherd G. D. Smith S. Stark R. A. Stevens J. Stone C. Suttill M. W. Territt E. G. Thompson C. W. Thompson P. Thompson B. Tunstall D. Tunstall M. W. Woodruff

At the Sovereign's Parade at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, on April 12th 1990, five Old Peterites were granted commissions having completed the standard military course. I. McDonald S.S.C., R. Irish A. P. M. Gray S.S.C., R.E. S. P. Harrison Reg. C, P.W.O. F. M. Lawrenson S.S.C., 13/18H C. P. Richards Reg. C, Green Howards

We wish them well in their chosen regiments or corps.

D. A. Calderhead (Grove 1980-1986) is at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana studying for a degree in Government. He was third in the national final of the Collegiate Championships and is also fencing captain for his university. Dr. R. W. Orange-Bromehead (Grove 1980-1985) has gained the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at Sheffield University graduating on July 13th. Dr. Richard Sharpe (1967-1972) has been appointed to the Readership in Diplomatic at Oxford University from October 1st 1990. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society in 1988 and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in 1990. Since 1981 he has been assistant editor of the Medieval Latin Dictionary and graduated Ph.D. from Trinity, Cambridge in 1987. E. G. Thompson (Manor 1944-1949) preached in York Minster for the massed parade on St. George's Day. Dr. R. Talbot-J ones (School House 1962-1966) writes from "The Great White North of Canada" and was pleased to see girls admitted to the School after "twelve centuries of debate on the issue" and congratulates those who carried the motion. C. H. Lewis (Rise 1949-1955), Chairman and Chief Executive of Clive Lewis and Partners, has been appointed the Deputy Chairman of the Merseyside Development Corporation and took office on 7th July 1989 as President of the General Practice Division of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Miss R. C. Hirst (Queen's 1981-1983) won the silver medal in the lightweight women's coxless fours at the 1989 World Championships in Bled, Yugoslavia last September. Mrs. T Jewitt (neePemberton) (Queen's 1981-1982) has gained a Master of Philosophy Degree in Hydrology and now works as a computer programmer in the civil service.

THE OLD PETERITE GOLFING SOCIETY

Following a mildly persuasive Christmas message to all Old Peterite golfers known to have participated previously, a splendid response brought forth a record turn-out of thirty-four players to compete for the Founders Trophy and Burnett Trophy at Easingwold G.C. on Sunday July 8th. Thanks to the generosity of the Club, no applicants were disappointed as ten 'locals' were allowed to play in the morning and a full-house (twentyfour) followed in the afternoon.

A howling gale blew all day and conditions off the medal (white) tees were testing in the extreme for everyone. Eight contestants (including Grafton Morrish team members) were off simple figure handicaps, the remainder with handicaps ranging from 10 to 27 — a splendid mix.

David Potter (7) is to be congratulated on winning the Founders Trophy with an outstanding score of 75 gross. The Burnett Trophy was also hotly contested with both David Baxter (4) and Mick Wright (10) recording 34 points — the former winning the Trophy on the back nine holes by one point. No less than five players followed with 33 points, but only Barry Avison (20) and Jon Stone (9) were lucky enough to be amongst the prizewinners.

Evening proceedings at the Durham Ox, Easingwold were much enjoyed by young and old alike, thanks in no small measure to the hospitality of our host, Ian Chadwick (O.P. 1953-1956).

The occasion was noteworthy for the presence of both Paul Middlebrook (non-playing Captain of the Grafton Morrish team) and Philip Crowe (donor of the Founders Trophy), which finally marks the conclusion of Robert Harding's organisation on a happy and satisfying note. R. F. Harding

BIRTHS

R. A. C. Bronk (Grove 1973-1978), to Richard and Vyviah, a son, Justin James Ramsey, on 23rd January 1990. J. E. Prowde (Temple 1969-74), to John and Sheila, a son, Charles Edwin, on 16th August 1990.

MARRIAGES

A. Jewitt (Dronfield 1977-1982) to Miss Tiffany Pemberton (Queen's 1981-1982) on 10th September 1988 at Clun, Shropshire. S. P. Stevens (Dronfield 1982-1984) to Miss Karen Depledge on 5th May 1990 at Sprotbrough Methodist Church, Doncaster.

DIAMOND WEDDING ANNIVERSAY

Brigadier C. C. Fairweather (Manor 1919-1922) and Mrs. Alice Fairweather on Monday, 9th July 1990.

DEATHS

AT . H. Chapman (School 1921-1926) on 8th November, 1989. P. Daintrey (Rise 1922-1926) on 13th June, 1989. M. Hallas (School House 1943-47)on 19thy July, 1989. S. H. Jacques (School House 1928-1930) on 5th May, 1990. D. G. Ogilvie (1920-1924) in 1988. Wing Cdr. J. S. P. Phillips, D.F.C. (School House 1932-1936) on 9th December, 1989. W. B. Powell (Rise 1947-1951) on 12th March, 1989. C. J. Swiers (Rise 1961-1966) on 20th January, 1990. N. W. D. Yardley (School House 1928-1934) on 4th October, 1989.

England's easy-going cricket captain

Norman Yardley, who captained the England XI fourteen times, died in a Sheffield hospital yesterday. Yardley, who had a stroke earlier this summer, was 74.

In all he played test cricket for England on twenty occasions just after the Second World War. From the time of his going up to St. John's College, Cambridge, in 1935, until his retirment twenty years later, he was an eminent games player. At Cambridge he was a triple blue, excelling at squash rackets and hockey, as well as cricket, and playing all his games with the same economy of style.

Born at Barnsley on March 19th, 1915, Norman Walter Dranesfield Yardley was unrelated to William Yardley who had distinguished himself in the 1870's by scoring two centuries for Cambridge against Oxford. As a boy, however, at St. Peter's, York, he was prodigiously successful, having five years in the School Eleven and making a great number of runs. When, in 1933, he was chosen to play for the Young Amateurs against the Young Professionals at Lord's he scored 189; in 1934 he made the first century for the Public Schools against the Army, and his advance as an undergraduate was only to be expected.

Yardley won a cricket blue in his first season and scored 90 against Oxford in his second. In his third he made 101 in the University Match and in his fourth and last year he was the Cambridge captain. By then he was playing for Yorkshire whenever he could, and in 1937-38 he toured India with Lord Tennyson's team. The following winter, after going down from Cambridge, he went with a fully representative MCC side to South Africa, where he had few chances owing to the exceptional power of the English batting.

Yardley served during the war with the Green Howards. He was in the Sicily Landings, alongside another Yorkshire and England cricketer, Hedley Verity, who was mortally wounded there. Further first-class cricket had to wait until 1946. In the winter of 1946-47 he went to Australia as vice-captain to W. R. Hammond and enjoyed a notably successful tour playing in every Test Match and surprising even his warmest admirers by dismissing Don Bradman three times. Yardley was a change bowler of medium pace, who looked entirely innocuous and found it amusing to capture a good wicket.

On his return from Australia Yardley inherited the English captaincy and in 1948 he took over the Yorkshire side from that sternest of disciplinarians, A. B. Sellars. His first Test rubber as captain, against the South Africans in 1947, brought an English victory; in the second a year later England were heavily beaten by a fine Australian side. Yardley led England three times against West Indies in 1950, giving way to F. R. Brown only when he announced that he would not be available to take the MCC side to Australia at the end of that season.

Thus, from 1951 onwards, Yardley's activities were confined to being an England selector — he was Chairman of The Selectors Committee in 1951 and 1952 — and trying in vain to win the County Championship for Yorkshire. Surrey at this time were beginning their great run as champions.

Yardley's pleasant, easy-going manner was a delightful feature of his character and yet in a sense a drawback to his captaincy. He was never prepared to drive a side to the same extent as other captains. He was widely popular, as he deserved to be with so generous a nature and such high integrity. As a batsman he was an on-side specialist and a most effective one at that, as his figures show. He scored 18,173 runs during his career with a highest score of 183 not out for Yorkshire against Hampshire in 1951. For many years he shared with D. C. S. Compton the record fifth wicket partnership of 237 for England against South Africa.

After his retirement as a player he remained an active member of the Yorkshire Committee and became president of the club in 1981. It has often been difficult to hold such an office in Yorkshire without becoming involved in internecine strife, and when, in January 1984, the county committee received a vote of no confidence over the sacking of Geoffrey Boycott, Yardley resigned from the presidency. He was subsequently made a vice-president.

FROM THE INDEPENDENT (NOVEMBER 1989)

KEN CHAPMAN

At a time when rugby football may be taking itself too seriously, it is a great tragedy that the game has lost one of its most humorous and erudite characters. Even in his eighties and suffering from the debilitating Parkinson's Disease, Ken Chapman could lighten up any conversation, however serious, with his charming wit and charismatic nature. As President of Harlequin F.C. he would come along to the games and stand in the corner of the bar surrounded by a group of friends who were eventually smiling and laughing. If you asked to buy him a drink he would announce that he would probably spill more than he drank, making light of his illness.

Chapman was associated with Harlequin F.C. for over sixty years. He played for and captained the club before and after the Second World War and had numerous committee jobs before assuming the presidency on the death of Lord Wakefield of Kendal. He was the Middlesex representative on the Rugby Football Union, taking over as the treasurer in the 1970/71 season and becoming the sixty-seventh president of the union in 1974. During his playing career he played for both Middlesex and the Barbarians.

His speeches were full of humour and his love for the game came through on every occasion. He was always generous to the opposition but was prepared to speak his mind when the situation demanded it. In his year of presidency Chapman accompanied the England side to Australia and during the second international an almighty fight broke out in the first minute of the game, culminating a short time later with one of the English players being sent off. There was a strong feeling that the Australians had taken the field ready to cause trouble and Chapman

was prepared totally to condemn the violence and warned that no side would be welcome in England if such an aggressive attitude was maintained.

The son of Herbert Chapman, secretary-manager of Arsenal, Ken Chapman had a successful career in business with the Thomas Tilling Group, joining as legal adviser and becoming managing director. He was still a nonexecutive director of RMC Ltd. when he died. He had previously served with H.M. Land Registry and the Ministry of Aircraft Production during the war.

There are so many stories about Ken Chapman but his good friend David Brooks, another great Harlequin and a past president of the RFU, smiles when he relates the story of Ken playing against Oxford University and the very hard forward B. H. "Jika" Travers who played many times for England. Travers was making life awkward for a young second row, Chris Horner. Ken changed places with Horner and after some "sizing up" Ken was seen on his backside yards away from the lineout with blood all over his face. "O.K., Horner you can go back now, I've sorted Travers out." In fact because of Ken's humour Jika Travers joined Harlequins after Oxford and became a good friend of his.

The forthright Lancastrian John Burgess, another past president of the RFU, always held Ken Chapman in the highest regard as a man of principle and a man of rugby — high praise for a great character. P. Bleach, 1 Malyon Court, 488 Barking Road, East

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Officers and District Hon. Secretaries

1990/1991

President: D. L. Brown, "Ashcroft", Ashcroft Road, Darlington, Co. Durham DL3 8PD.

Past Presidents: J. A. Hanson, T. J. Lewis, C. W. Thompson, P. S. Atkinson, F. N. Newdick, R. F. Harding, D. T. Rumfitt, J. T. Harding, J. A. Denison, E. M. H. Ranson

Vice-Presidents: The Head Master, K. G. Chilman, Brig. C. C. Fairweather, Sir John Rodgers, Bt.

Hon. Secretary: R. D. Harding, Hall Cottage, Foremarke, Milton, Nr. Repton, Derbyshire DE6 6EJ.

Hon. Treasurer: S. M. Burn, 11 Lendal, York YOl 2AQ.

District Hon. Secretaries: London: C. J. Quickfall, "Hollyside", 151 Forest Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5JP. West Riding: C. E. Gilman, Cherry Tree Cottage, High Street, Clifford, Nr. Wetherby, West Yorkshire. North West: Dr. G. E. L. Graham, J. P., "Croft End", 297 Wigan Lane, Wigan, Greater Manchester WN1 2QY. North East: D. L. Brown, "Ashcroft", Ashcroft Road, Darlington, Co. Durham DL3 8PD. East Riding: P. S. Atkinson, The Exchange, Driffield, E. Yorkshire Y025 7LJ. York: S. M. Burn, 11 Lendal, York YOl 2AQ.

General Committee 1990/1991

D. P. Atkinson, V. M. Black, J. E. B. Burdass, P. M. Darley, C. Frank, C. E. Gilman, Dr. G. E. L. Graham, G. Grant, F. B. S. Harnby, Miss V. Inness, G. M. Jobling, I. P. J. Leedham, R. W. Oliver, J. C. M. Rayson, S. Ryder, P. M. Shepherd, G. M. Shuttleworth, G. D. Smith, D. Tunstall.

The Old Peterite Club 99th Annual General Meeting was held at the School on Saturday 7th July and was attended by fifty members.

The Audited Accounts for the year ended 31st December 1989 were presented which showed the accumulated fund for the running expenses of £25, 056.

Miss V. Inness, D. Tunstall, I. Leedham, S. Ryder and J. Burdass were elected to fill vacancies and P. M. Darley, R. W. Oliver and P. M. Shepherd were re-elected to the General Committee.

J. V. Mitchell was appointed Flag Officer in succession to J. C. M. Rayson and the following events and dinners were announced: Friday 28th September: Tyneside Dinner - County Hotel (opp. Station), Newcastle. Hotel Tel: 091-2322471. 7.00 p.m. for 7.30 p.m. Organiser: Richard Pickersgill. Tel: (Home) 091-2843770, (Office) 091-2611841. Friday 2nd November: London Dinner - Great Western Royal Hotel, Paddington W2. Hotel Tel: 071-723-8064. 7.00 p.m. for 7.30 p.m. Co-organisers: Hon. Secretary (circulars), Colin Quickfall (replies). Tel: (Home) 0892-32270, (Office) 0892-33733. Friday 16th November: West Riding Dinner - Bradford Club, Piece Hall Yard, Bradford. 7.00 p.m. for 7.30 p.m. Organisers: Chris Gilman (tel: 0904-646313) and Bill Hudson (tel: 0943-74504). Saturday 25th November: General Committee Meeting, Stephenson Room at 4.30 p.m. Friday 22nd March 1991: O.P. Spring Ball at St. Peter's. Friday 26th April: North East Dinner - Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, Co. Durham. Hotel Tel: 0740-20253. 7.30 p.m. for 8.00 p.m. Organiser: David Brown. Tel. (Home) 0325-465543), (Office) 0325-381600. Friday 31st May: East Riding Dinner - Bell Hotel, Driffield. Hotel Tel: 0377-46661. 7.30 p.m. for 8.00 p.m. Organiser: Peter Atkinson. Tel: (Home) 0377-42212, (Office) 4377-43151. Saturday 6th July: Old Peterite Cricket, 100th Annual General Meeting and the Annual Dinner. Friday 8th November: London Dinner.