Old Peterite Section

We are indeed grateful to these donors, and to any others whose names might have been inadvertedly omitted, for their interest and generosity. As usual we appeal for further items for our growing collection, however trivial they may seem, and we would also be very

FORGOTTON FAME No. 6

Marmaduke Rawdon (1610-1669) Traveller and Writer

Marmaduke was the youngest son of Laurence Rawdon, merchant and alderman of York, and Margery, daughter of William Barton of Cawton. He was baptised in the church of St. Crux on March 17, 1610. On the death of his father in 1624 he was adopted by his uncle Marmaduke, an eminent London merchant, and spent much of his time abroad dealing with his adoptive father's business. In 1627 he was connected with a vessel trading with Holland, and then for two years he was resident in Bordeaux. From 1631 to 1635 he directed his uncle's business matters in Tenerife. During his stay at La Laguna he became the first Englishman to scale the volcanic peak of Tenerife.

In consequence of England's quarrels with Spain he returned to England in 1656 and spent the remainder of his life at Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. Here he wrote extensively, the Dictionary of National Biography stating "His name will take a respectable place in the scanty list of early British tourists who have left any record of their travels". He also compiled a brief history of cathedrals, and prepared for the press a genealogical memoir of his family. His extensive manuscripts were much used by subsequent antiquarians, but unfortunately have now mostly disappeared. "The Life of Marmaduke Rawdon of York" first printed from the original manuscript was published for the Camden Society in 1863 and presents a vivid picture of social and domestic manners in town and country during the seventeenth century.

He died on February 7th 1688, and, although he was buried in the church at Broxbourne, his affection for the city where he had been born and where he had spent his schooldays at St. Peter's continued, and in his will he left a silver loving cup to the Corporation and a sum of money for the purchase of a gold chain of office which the Lady Mayoresses of York continue to wear to this day.

MEDIEVAL SCHOOL FEES

A document in Early Chancery Proceedings, Bundle 356, No. 27 gives details of the School which may be of interest. glad of offers of help with the indexing of the School magazines — Oxford & Cambridge News Letters, cricket and football reports, athletic results and similar topics. Do please contact the archivist if you have time to spare working either at School or at home.

"To William, Archbishop of Canterbury

Elizabeth Squire, Prioress of the house of Our Blessed Lady at Sinningthwaite in the County of York humbly sheweth and piteously complaineth that she did at the special request of one John Exelbie did pay to Master John Sheffield of York, then being Schoolmaster of the High School there 40 shillings for the board and education of his son, and did make Anes his wife executrix.

After his death Anes took to husband one John Baylton. Your oratrix oft and many times hath required the same John and Anes to pay the sum of 40s and yet they have denied. "

(The document then continues with a plea for writs )

Elizabeth Squire was prioress from 1489 to 1529.

John Sheffield was appointed Head Master of St. Peter's in 1486. The title "High School" does not seem to have been used elsewhere for the School of St. Peter's. J. V. Mitchell

IN MEMORIAM

/. L Barton (1947-56: Queen's) No other details available.

Jack N. Bamforth (1922-28: The Rise)

On a return address form, Jack's wife informed us that he died in August 1992 after having suffered two strokes. We are grateful to her for letting us know, and extend our sympathy to her at her loss.

Colin Robert Bosomworth (1981-86: School)

Colin died at the beginning of October 1992, at the age of 24 after a very courageous fight against cancer. He was a great sportsman and represented the School at rugby, hockey and cricket. He continued to play rugby for Lymm in Cheshire, even after his first operation in 1991.

After leaving School, he gained an honours degree in law at Sheffield University and then went on to become a solicitor.

A fund has been established in his memory, from which donations will be made towards sporting activities at the School and to cancer research. Any further particulars of this fund can be obtained from the School. The first cup in his memory was presented at the Prizegiving this year.

The great number of people who thronged the church at his funeral was in itself a testimony to Colin's popularity among all who met him, at School, at college and at work. /. P. Camm (1927-31: School)

A note on a returned address form just announces his death on 9th July, 1992. Tony Capaldi (1932-37: Temple)

Tony was a member of the York family whose name has become a by-word in the world of ice-cream. After leaving St. Peter's he served in the 14th Army in Burma and India. After the war he managed the family restaurant in Micklegate. He then moved to Blackpool, going first into hotel management and latterly into lecturing in a catering college. He died in September 1992.

William F. Dixon (1923-52: School)

No other details available.

A. W. Driver (1943-52: School)

On a returned address form, his wife informs us that he died on 4th May, 1993.

We are grateful that she has told us, as our letter must have arrived about that time.

We extend our sympathy to her at her recent loss. Boris James Eastwood (1934-36: School)

Brigadier Boris James Eastwood OBE, TD was FCIT, FBIM, Freeman of the City of London, Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Carmen and President of the 2nd West African Infantry Brigade Association. He was born in Moscow on 19th May, 1919. He served in the Royal Army Service Corps and was awarded the American Bronze Star for services in Korea 1950-51.

He retired from the army in 1970 and worked first as a Director with BTR and then, in 1976 as a consultant for UN, ILO, World Bank and Crown Agents.

He died in Edinburgh on 13th October, 1992. We are grateful to his wife, Edith, for sending us the details of his career and extend to her our sympathy at her loss.

Robert Hawkins (1945-51: The Rise)

A note on a returned address form tell us that Robert died on 29th October, 1992.

Charles W. V. Kennedy (1931-34: School)

No other details available.

J. M. Norwood (1937-44: School)

On a returned address form, his wife informs us that he died last year.

It was good of her to let us know and we extend our sympathy to her at her loss. Cyril Northcote Parkinson (1916-29: Day Boys')

Professor Cyril Northcote Parkinson was the son of W. Edward Parkinson, principal of the York School of Arts, and after leaving St. Peter's he went to Emmanuel College, Cambridge and King's College, London. After gaining his Ph.D., he became a fellow of Emmanuel. In 1938 he became senior history master at Blundell's School. During the war he served with the army, the R.A.F. and at the War Office. He later spent ten years in the Far East. On his return he devoted much of his time to writing and produced over sixty books. He will be particularly remembered as the author of 'Parkinson's Law', the fame of which might have taken him somewhat by surprise. He always believed that, if one held strong opinions, one of the best ways of putting them across was by the use of humour, and the correctness of his belief is illustrated by the meteoric success of his sardonic attack on bureaucracy.

He died on 9th March, 1993, an Old Peterite who will be remembered for as long as his 'laws' are readily seen to be in operation, which looks like being for many, many years to come.

P. R. Penty (1935-45: The Rise)

The death of Dr. P. R. Penty was recently reported to the Secretary of the OP Club, as they had been at School for some years together. The latter remembers Peter as a kindly and very conscientious senior pupil, who enjoyed great popularity with both boys and staff. It is sad to knowthat he is no longer with us.

W. B. Powell (1947-51: The Rise)

In a series of short and informative notes about the whole of his family, W. W. Powell, father of W. B., informs us that W. B. Powell died in March 1989. The OP Club Secretary remembers W. B. as a cheerful youngster with a very quick sense of humour. We much regret his death.

W. W. is now 87 and, as he says, still alive, as are his other son and two grandsons, all OPs.

He tells us that he was the first Risite to arrive in 1918.

John Charles Rodgers (1919-25: Day Boys')

Sir John Rodgers, Bt. continued his education, after leaving St. Peter's, at the Ecole des Roches in France and at Keble College, Oxford. He joined the staff of the University of Hull in 1930, and in 1936 joined the advertising firm of J. Walter Thompson, of which he was Deputy Chairman from 1962-70. He was MP for Sevenoaks from 1950-79, for the candidature of which he beat Edward Heath in 1950. He spent much of his time in parliament in the field of commercial relations, and he also had one or two brief posts in the Foreign Office. He was a keen advocate of commercial broadcasting and became Chairman of Radio Luxembourg. He was Master of the Worshipful Company of Masons in 1968 and was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Kent in 1973. He published a number of pamphlets and books, including 'The Old Public Schools of England'. He was one of the vice-chairmen of the Old Peterite Club.

He died on 29th March, 1993 at the age of 86.

Simon J. C. Russell (1980-89: School)

On a recently returned address form, there was the following note.

Simon J. C. Russell died on 30th November, 1992. He was very proud to have been connected with St. Peter's — Sue Russell (Mum).

Thank you to his mother for sending that note to the Secretary of the OP Club, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to her and all the family at their loss.

Simon was aged 20.

Paul Quentin Scott (1966-76: School)

We saw from a newspaper cutting that Paul had died peacefully at his home in London on 22nd November, 1992 at the age of 34.

Edward Fisher Williams (1921-30: School)

Edward was Head of School, in the First XI and the Second XV, the Hon. Sec. of the Cricket Club, a librarian and Editor of 'The Peterite'. We do not have any other information about him since leaving School.

Note from the Secretary of the OP Club

As usual, we must add that we can only supply information which is passed on to us. Please do let us know about OPs who have died, and something about them, if possible. Information supplied after July will be printed in the following year's Peterite.

FROM THE POSTBAG

In August 1991 A. J. Josey of Reading, Berks., sent the following letter to the 'Daily Telegraph' concerning Gerald Pawle, who, as reported last year, left a considerable bequest to the School: —

Sir,

Gerald Pawle was such an entertaining yarn-spinner that it was not always easy to separate fact from fiction.

He liked to recall how he was with Admiral Sir John Cunningham on a Middle East airfield waiting to greet a 'top brass' army officer when he spotted an old friend, a brigadier, among the party when disembarked.

The recognition was mutal and impulsively the two broke ranks and hugged each other in a welcoming embrace. They were cut short by a curt command: "Lieutenant, will you please put down that bloody brigadier and attend to your admiral?"

It might not have happened of course, but, knowing Gerald, I think it did.

In October last year we received the following account from Brigadier C. C. Fairweather, a Vice-president of the OP Club.

T was Chief Signal Officer of the Wingate campaign in Burma 1943-44 and was summoned home with my General Lentaigne (Wingate having been killed in a flying accident) to discuss the campaign with the War Office.

I enjoyed my visit and seeing my wife, Alice, after two and a half years, and staying at the Savoy Hotel at the government's expense! However, the general and 1 were detailed to return to India after eight days, but, just before leaving, the General was taken to see H.M. The King, who wished to have first-hand knowledge of the Force. I arrived at Northolt alone and was met by a very friendly ADC (known as 'Flags' in the Navy, I believe) named Commander Merrie, who informed me that I was flying back to India with Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser in his private plane. Sir Bruce, later Lord Fraser, was going to take command of the South Pacific.

Our first stop was on a Middle East airfield where, waiting to greet Sir Bruce, was Admiral Sir John Cunningham with his 'Flags', Commander Gerald Pawle.I got out of the plane and saw Gerald, who immediately broke ranks and picked me up in a welcoming embrace. We had not seen nor heard of each other since 1939. The welcome was cut short by Admiral Cunningham saying "Gerald, put that bloody brigadier down and get the admiral's bags out of the plane!" I spent two happy weeks with Gerald, with much hospitality from the Navy, Sir Bruce being entertained by Admiral Cunningham.

We then set off for Cairo. The Admiral was a great chap and took me to dinner at Shepherd's Hotel in Cairo, where we stayed for a few days.

My General arrived back before me and was furious at the enforced extension of my journey. He could do nothing, however, as I told him that I was completely in the hands of the Admiral! It is a memory which I shall never forget.

Gerald Pawle and I played our last game of cricket together in August 1939 for the Craven Gentlemen against a Public School XI at Ilkley. My calling-up papers were waiting for me on my return home.

I have many stories which I could tell about Gerald, as he stayed with Alice and I on many occasions. He was a splendid chap.'

LATEST NEWS OF SOME OPs

T. Chilman (1948-58: Queen's)

Tim Chilman tells us that he has moved around a bit in the medical world in the last twenty years. Having proceeded from Emmanuel College, Cambridge to London University, he stayed in the London Teaching Hospitals for ten years as an embryo surgeon, and then entered general practice in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire. He built two new purpose-built surgeries, and formed one of the first medical computer companies. After fifteen years he became Government Medical Officer to two idyllic Caribbean islands, Cayman Brae and Little Cayman, in the West Indies. He then moved back into the hospital world as an Emergency Physician in Saudi Arabia. He has five children by his first wife, Pippa, and married Sarah in 1988.

P. R. Eastwood (1977-86: Queen's)

Philip Eastwood received an official commendation in February 1993, when he was a corporal with the 1st Battalion, the Prince of Wales' Own Regiment of Yorkshire. It appears that he was in charge of a group of students and youth leaders who were abseiling in the Lake District when a Territorial Army soldier slipped from his harness and was left dangling in mid-air by one ankle. Philip climbed down the rope and secured the stricken soldier. He then made a makeshift harness to take the man's weight, climbed back to the top and, with the assistance of a colleague, pulled the man to safety. The citation says that there is no doubt that Philip saved the man's life. It reads: "The calm, remarkably professional actions of Corporal Eastwood in front of a group of young, impressionable civilians were a credit to himself, his unit and to the British Army in general."

J. D. Hill (1979-89: Clifton)

Having gained a B.A. (Hons.) in English at Durham University last year, Justin is, we are told, now working in China for two years, doing VSO work. He left England

in January and after three weeks in Beijing for 'acclimatisation' he took up a teaching post in Xian (of the Terra-cotta Army fame). He is teaching English to students at the University, who themselves are learning to teach. Some are mature students in their 40s. They are only being able to complete their training now after having had their studies cut short in the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s. Justin would welcome any visits from anyone in that part of the world, which is an extremely remote area. He and the other volunteers with him are the first Europeans working in Xian for many years. Justin would also welcome letters from any School friends who would care to write. His address is: Yungcheng Advanced Training College, Hedong Donglu 93, Yungcheng, Shanxi 044000, People's Republic of China.

C. H. Lewis (1949-55: The Rise)

Clive Lewis became in July 1933 President of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

We congratulate him on his appointment and wish him a very happy term of office.

J. R. Steane (1981-85-86: Temple)

James Robert Steane has, we are told, gained a first class degree in Visual Graphic Design (Film Making) at Bristol Polytechnic.

M. G. Wise (1975-84: Queen's)

On 20th April 1993 we received the following update on Greg Wise.

I have just returned from four months filming in New Zealand. After leaving School I went to Edinburgh and did a degree in Architecture. I then went on to the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, where I did a Diploma in acting. I graduated in 1991 and was lucky enough to get a good London agent. Since then, I have had a lead in a Rock and Roll musical 'Good Rockin' Tonite' — using all the experience which I had gained from the Gilbert & Sullivan operettas as School! I then did a TV film 'A Masculine Ending' — quite an amazing experience. After that I did a fun, swashbuckling role in an American TV film. From there I went to the Manchester Royal Exchange, where I played in a restoration play called 'The Recruiting Officer'. After that I went on to film 'The Riff-Raff Element' and finally on to New Zealand to do a four-hour mini series called 'Typhons People' which should be on TV here towards the end of next year.

I would say that my love of the theatre and literature stemmed from my time at St. Peter's, especially through my English 'A' Level studies with Ian Lowe, and also from the performance of 'Rosenkrantz and Guildenstern' which I did in the sixth form. I hope that the School is still alive in student performances of all kinds of music and drama — I feel that it is important to sow from an early age the love of the arts as well as the sciences.

We welcome our new President, David Kirby.

It is a fitting tribute to the work which David has done for the School and for the OP Club, that he should be elected as our President for the term of office 1992-94. I have the comforting thought that, having himself been a Secretary of the OP Club, he will appreciate what is involved there too!

I do need to mention the appalling state of our address

list.

For years OPs have changed address without letting us know.

Nor do we always hear when an OP had died.

We are, of course, immensely grateful to those who do inform us of a change of address or of the death of an OP whom they have known.

With the details which I sent out in May there was a form which requested information about any wrong addresses. It produced a tremendous response, (over 260 in the first month were reported) and I suspect that there is still much that we do not know.

It is very sad to lose track of our members, some of whom then seem to feel that we are no longer interested in them. (Mind you, they have only to contact the School at any time to find out what is happening to their mail!)

My big plea this year, therefore, is that you will let me know of OPs who, as members of the OP Club, are not receiving the Newsletter and other information, or who may have moved house without telling us.... and, of course, of any who have died. I don't suppose that we can ever be quite up-to-date, but at least we want to try.

We are glad that the OP Weekend in September is growing steadily in numbers attending each year. Over 100 OPs attended in 1992 and over 120 this year. Although prices for meals go up a little each year, the dinner at the School still remains excellent value for the superb fare offered — not to speak of the conviviality of the event itself. We have done away with most of the speeches other than the toast to the School and Headmaster's reply, and the extra time for social chat has been favourably commented upon.

Incidentally, if any OPs with families in York feel that their wives and friends would like some sort of 'gettogether' while the OPs are at dinner on the Saturday evening, I would be glad to investigate what would be suitably popular. Let me know.

We have had several new members joining the OP Club in the over-50 age group this year. They are most welcome, and I hope that the Club will continue to be an all-important link between OPs and the School.

In fact, there seems to be a growing interest in the OP Club.

Tom Gilman is well under way with forming an OP Rugby Club, and would be glad of any help and support in that venture.

Dinners have been well-attended in spite of 'the recession', and we have had some extremely enjoyable regional dinners in the past year. Each has its own peculiar interest and size. The one thing that they all have in

common is that they offer good food and an automatic welcome for any OP who attends, which is something very special to old-pupil gatherings. I do recommend them.

Do not wait to be 'invited', OP Dinners are open to all OPs provided that they get particulars from the organiser and apply in good time.

Addresses

It has been our policy to print changes in the Peterite, but the Secretary of the OP Club has pointed out that there are over 280 changes of address this year. We cannot therefore hope to print them all here on this occasion.

OLD PETERITE LODGE No. 6412

P. J. Brierley School House: 1981-1986

The Old Peterite Lodge of Freemasons was founded on 5th March 1947, with the object of furthering the Masonic association of Old Boys, Masters and Governors of the School. It meets at the Masonic Hall, Duncombe Place, York, on the third Wednesday in March, April, May, June, September and October.

At the annual Installation Meeting, held on 16th June 1993, W.Bro. P. D. Waters (School House 1944-48) was installed as Worshipful Master by his predecessor W.Bro. N. J. Smith (School House 1960-64, Dronfield 1964-65). This is the second time that W.Bro. Waters has been Master, the previous occasion being 1973-74.

Further information regarding the lodge can be obtained from the Secretary, B. J. Watson, 1 Scawton Avenue, Huntington, York Y03 9JA, or from the Reverend S. C. Harvey or Mr. J. A. Owen-Barnett at the School.

COLIN R. BOSOMWORTH

School House 1981-1986

After a brave fight against cancer Colin Bosomworth sadly passed away at Christie Hospital, Manchester, on the 2nd October, 1992 at the age of twenty-four. Colin joined St. Peter's in the Christmas Term 1991 on gaining a part scholarship from Cundall Manor Prep. School.

From the start Colin was always in the thick of the action, both sporting and academic, enjoying success in the Under 14's cricket and rugby 'A' teams whilst maintaining steady progress in the top sets for both Arts and Sciences.

Colin was always ready to help and willing to mix with anyone. It was this kind and lively personality coupled with his academic and sporting achievements that contributed to his being appointed School Monitor in his final year. He carried out his duties to good effect whilst always maintaining his excellent sense of humour.

Having gained four 'A' levels, Colin moved on to Sheffield University in 1986 where once more he became a popular figure. After pursuing an Engineering course for a year Colin decided to change and did a two-year law degree, after which he went to Chester Law School where he passed with flying colours.

It was whilst undertaking his articles with Slater & Heelis of Manchester that Colin became ill. All the way through the sixteen months Colin always remained positive with his humour and faith unwavering.

In spite of his very early death Colin still had time to live life to the full, visiting America, Australia and Hong Kong. Even during the last sixteen months he was able to play first team rugby for Lymm — demonstrating his great character and determination in the face of adversity.

Colin will be deeply missed by his family and friends alike. I shall certainly miss him as a great friend, confidant and encouraging influence.

ATTENDANCES AT DINNERS

The following dinners have been announced 1993-94:

Friday, 8th October

The Tyneside Dinner County Hotel, Newcastle (opposite central station). Organisers: Richard Pickersgill (Home) 091-284-3770, (Office) 091-261-1841. Michael Jobling (Home) 0661-824-924, (Office) 091-261-5298.

Friday, 5th November

The London Dinner 7.15 p.m. for 8.00 p.m. The Savile Club, 69 Brook Street, London W1Y 2ER. Organiser: E. G. Thompson 0904-768-694.

Friday, 19th November

The West Riding Dinner The Bradford Club. Organiser: Bill Hudson (Home) 0943-874-504, (Office) 0274-732-271.

1994

Friday, 27th May

The East Riding Dinner. 7.30 p.m. for 8.00 p.m. The Bell Hotel, Driffield. Tel: 0377-46661. Organiser: David Atkinson (Home) 0377-89279, (Office) 0482-864-101.

OLD PETERITE WEEKEND 1994

We expect this to be on the second Saturday in September, as usual, i.e. 10th September 1994.

The general pattern for the Old Peterite Weekend has been as follows:—

Friday to Sunday

Old Peterite Weekend: Sporting activities on each day.

Saturday

*12.00 p.m. Service in School Chapel. * After Chapel, Buffet lunch in the Memorial Hall (Tickets required). * 4.00 p.m. Tea. 5.45 p.m. A.G.M. of Old Peterite Club. 7.00 p.m. for 7.30 p.m. Bar in Memorial Hall. 7.30 p.m. Old Peterite Dinner (Tickets required).

(*Old Peterites are welcome to bring family and friends to events marked an *)

All notifications of intention to take part are given on a form which is sent out by the OP Club Secretary, and gives full details of all events.

Club Annual Dinner

The Head Master Atkinson, D. P. Atkinson, P. S. Bainbridge, M. Biller, M. Bird, C. Black, V. M. Brown, D. L. Brown, J. C. Burdass, James Burdass, J. U. Burn, S. M. Camacho, M. C. Darley, P. M. Denison, J. A. Fairweather, C. C. Forrester, M. P. Gilman, C. E. Gilman, T. G. Grace, J. L. Graham Earlam Hamilton, D. H. Harding, J. T. Harding, R. F. Harnby, F. B. S. Harvey, S. C. Hill, C. J. Hill, J. D. Hodgson, A. J. Hutchinson, A. J Inness, V. L. Jelbert, P. B. Johnston, D. P. Jupp, R. Kent, M. J. Kirby, D. Leedham, I. P. LeTocq, L. C. Moreton, P. N M.

Tyneside Dinner

Barton, N. R. Biddle, H. Brenikov, P. Brown, D. L. Brown, J. F. Harding, J. T. Hyett, P. W. Jobling, G. M. Jobling, R. L. Kirby, D. Muirhead, N. D. Mutter, R. M. E. Nellis, S. Newdick, F. N. Parr, J. Pemberton, K. R Raymond, D. Rumfitt, D. T. Shread, R. G. Shuttleworth, G. Simmons, D. N. Smith, G. D. Spence, M. Stubbs, J. D. Thompson, C. W Thompson, E. G. Ward, J. Watson, B. J. Willis, T. C.

Pickersgill, R. Potts, W. E. Robson, A. C. Thompson, E. G. Townsend, N. G.

London Dinner

Baldwin, R. Basu, A. Bellamy, S. I. Belton, S. Borman, T. S. Brindley, A. Brindley, N. Cawood, R. F. Collier, R. N. Coulthard, K. G. Coulthard, S. Dickie, A. V. A. Dook, J. Fear, N. W. Field, R. A. Firby, M. A. Garbett, P. Gomersall, A. J.

H.

Harding, J. T. Holt, J. M. James, D. S. F. Jones, A. G. G. Kershaw, M. J. Kirby, D. Layfield, T. J. Ledger, W. P. Lomas, G. C. H. McCrimmon, F. McFee, C. MacDonald, D. S. McMaster, W. A. D. Miller, T. Minninghan, P. A. Mulryne, T. Osborne, R. C. E. Pattison, C. Pritchard, G. F. Quickfall, C. J. Ranson, E. M. H. Raymond, D. M. Rigby, V. Simpson, A. E. Stewart, F. L. Tate, D. Taylor-Thompson, D. Thompson, E. G. Thompson, P. M. Thompson-Schwab,

M. E. Webber, R. Williams, R. Wroe, M. R.

East Riding Dinner

Kirby, D. (President) Thompson, E. G. (Secretary) Pittman, R. (Headmaster) Allen, B. Atkinson, J. S. Atkinson, P. S. Browne, F. D. Burdass, C. Burdass, I. Burdass, James Burdass, J. U. Burdass, M. Coles, D. P. Coles, J. Dee, C. C. Dee, M. Dent, J. Dobson, R. Farnsworth, J. Fenton, T. Frank, C. Frank, J. Gilliat, I. Golightly, H. Hamelton, D. Holman, Rev. G. (guest) Jobling, G. M. Johnston, D. P. Megginson, J. S. Megginson, P. R. B. Megginson, Simon Mulryne, T. Nettleton, G. Newitt, J. A. Nicholls, T. Peacock, W. Penty, A. D. Raylors Rayston, J. C. M Rowbottom, A. Ryder Sherry, D. Shuttleworth Stead, T. Thornton, A. Thompson, C. W Tindall, Robert Tomlinson, N. E. Tullock, R. Ward, D. A. Wright, T. G. M.

West Riding Dinner

The Headmaster Alexander, U. Beaumont, T. Brown, A. Collomosse, A. Hillyard, E. J. Hudson, W. M. Kirby, D. Lepla, R. Moss, A. Mulryne, T. Pullen, R. Semper, P. Smith, G. D. Thompson, E. G.

FOR SALE

The following are available from OP Secretary, E. G. Thompson at 4 Moor Lane, Haxby, York Y 03 3PH. OP Club Ties £ 6.00 OP Broad Stripe Ties £ 6.00 OP Thin Stripe Ties £ 6.00 OP Club brooches/Tie Pins £ 4.50 OP Shields £25.00 OP Cuff Links £16.00 OP Cuff Links (Dress, Blue-Black) £16.00 (Please specify 'BLUE-BLACK' if ordering these, otherwise the light blue will be sent automatically) OP Centenary Spoons £ 2.00 OP Centenary Brochures £ 0.50 Chronology by R. D. Harding £ 3.00 OP Buttons £ 0.50

A limited selection of items is on sale at most OP Dinners, and all items can be ordered by post from the Secretary. Please send your cheque made payable to 'E. G. Thompson, Old Peterite account'. Please add 60p for postage and packing, otherwise we may be running at a loss!

OLD PETERITE NEWS

What do Old Peterites do in their leisure time? On Teesside some of them become members of the Tees Rowing Club. At a recent count the club, whose total membership is between 100 and 125, included nine Old Peterites:

Brig. C. C. Fairweather Manor 1919-1923 Vice-President J. N. Roe Rise 1948-1952 Past President D. N. Simmons School 1949-1953 President D. Cooper Dronfield 1973-1978 J. Cooper Dronfield 1975-1980 R. W. Simmons School 1980-1991 Pip J. Merritt Dronfield 1990-1992 Emma Brown Dronfield 1990-1992 A. McNeil Rise 1989? Associate Member through University of Teesside

A European Experience — by R. D. Harding (1960-66: The Rise), Hon. Sec. OP Club 1980-91

I was granted a sabbatical term by the governors of Repton School for the Easter Term 1992. Having developed an interest in geography during my time as a student at St. Peter's - thanks to Messrs. Leslie Le Tocq and Keith Coulthard — and later at Durham University, my own particular interest has for a long time been in Glaciology. The lure of Europe was, therefore, still as strong as in my student days. It might interest readers to know that, as a result of global warming, the Alpine glaciers are as small as at any time in the past 1,000 years. Ice masses have shrunk by about 50% since 1850 and the Rhone glacier is almot 5km (3 miles) shorter than it was 100 years ago.

I left London on my birthday, Monday, 13th January — destination Chamonix. My final destination was a small skiing resort called Les Contamines. I refrained from skiing, although some thought that was the purpose of my visit! The highlight of my four days there was a trip on the Mt. Blanc tramway which ascends part of that mountain by the cog railway from St. Gervais to near the Glacier du Bionnassay — a north-facing glacier which descends to about 1,700 metres.

On 18th January I journeyed by bus to Geneva and then by train to Lausanne and on to the home of Mr. Elliott, a present School parent. Here 1 spent the next two weeks and was able to discover a great deal about that area of Switzerland, including the Gstaad ski area.

On 27th January came another highlight of my visit to Switzerland — two days in Zermatt to view the spectacular Matterhorn and the many glaciers along the Swiss/Italian border. The only way to reach Zermatt at that time of year is by train, which I did after hitch-hiking to Martingny and taking the train to Sion and Brig.

The next day 1 joined thousands of skiers taking the Gornergratbahn (another cog railway) as far as the Hotel Kulm at 3.000m. From here it was possible to view the rugged and magnificent glacial scenery from Mt. Rosa (4,634m) to the Matterhorn (4,477m). first conquered by Edward Whymper in July 1865. "Imposing like a king, one can see that it is the rule — always there, almost obsessive, angry or smiling, stocky or slender, depending from where one admires it, covered in clouds or clear, white crystalline or dark grey and reddish."

The story of that fateful day of Friday, 14th July 1865, is perhaps worth telling, especially as the Rev. Charles Hudson OP (at School in the mid-1830s) was a member of Whymper's party.

Edward Whymper had been preparing to climb on the Italian side when word reached him that the Reverend Hudson was about to set out from Switzerland. So Whymper joined him, along with Lord Francis Douglas and D. R. Hadow. together with Michael Croz from Chamonix and two local guides. They were successful in reaching the summit, but disaster struck on the descent when Hadow fell. He and the three attached to the rope (Hudson, Douglas and Croz) were left suspended in space until the rope snapped, sending them tumbling to their deaths. A portion of the fatal rope can be seen in the Alpine Museum in Zermatt, together with Whymper's account of that day as he watched helplessly the entire episode.

My stay in Zermatt was an unforgettable two days. The only vehicles there are battery-operated three-wheel taxis which quietly travel from station to hotel etc. through the quaint main street and alongside the jingling horsedrawn carriages for those who prefer to travel in more style.

Mount Vesuvius is still 'live', or as one vulcanologist put it, "It may be slumbering, but its heart is still beating." It was a fascinating experience to walk along the southern tip of the crater and to witness the gaping hole with steam rising from its vents. Unfortunately, time prevented me from visiting the other victim, Herculaneum, which was engulfed in mud and is in an even better state of preservation.

In Greece, I was fascinated by the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens, built by slaves in the 5th century B.C., and in Czechoslovakia I felt that Prague lived up to its reputation as the 'golden city', set amid Bohemia's rolling hills and straddling the river Vlatava.

Berlin, my final visit, showed me some of the problems facing the new Germany. I had already visited East and West Berlin in 1966, '67, and '68, in the company of two other OPs, Roderick Oliver (1960-65: The Rise) and George Alderson (1956-61: School). No matter how quickly changes take place, the great differences between the two cities are still very much apparent. Only a small portion remains of that hated symbol of division between East and West, the Berlin Wall. It is now a protected 'building' at the famous crossing-point 'Check-point Charlie'. This small outdoor museum is surrounded by hawkers, eager to sell 'pieces of the wall' and items of East Germany's infamous border guards, the Vopos. I could see why Berlin has become the symbol of the fall of the Iron Curtain and the reunification of Germany.

The whole tour had, I felt, been a great success. It was a good time of year to choose, as there were few other tourists around. Although the weather was very cold, I did have the shelter of trains, most of which were uncrowded at that time of year, except in Italy and Czechoslovakia, where much greater use seemed to be made of public transport. Of all the ways in which to spend a sabbatical term, I felt that I had made the right choice.

Switzerland impressed me greatly, not only for some of the most beautiful and dramatic mountain scenery in Europe, but also because the villages and towns preserve a traditional way of life which has allowed different nationalities to live together in harmony in a politically independent and neutral state.

After a brief return to England, the second half of my travels began on February 12th.

I had purchased a special inter-rail ticket which could take me on unlimited travel for one month to 23 countries in Europe, excluding Spain, Albania and Russia. I had planned my route carefully and enrolled as a member of the YHA. The cost of the ticket worked out at £9 per day.

During that time, I travelled several thousands of miles, starting from the Gare de l'Est in Paris and ending in Berlin. I have kept a diary, but space does not permit me to describe at length the six European capital cities and the ten different countries which I visited.

Particularly memorable to me were my visits to Pompeii, the Parthenon, Prague and Berlin.

On the day of my visit to Pompeii I had the place virtually to myself, it being the non-tourist time of year. This complete Roman city was choked to death under seven metres of volcanic ash in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in August A.D. 79. Hidden for centuries, it has now been revealed by excavations as an elegant Roman resort with complete streets, shops, beautiful villas and gardens, sculptures and exquisite wall paintings.

The Old Peterite Club

Officers

The President D. Kirby, 14 Clifton Place, York, Y 03 6BJ.

The Hon. Secretary E. G. Thompson, 'West Winds', 4 Moor Lane, Haxby, York, Y 03 3PH.

The Hon. Treasurer: G. D. Smith, 7 Harlow Pines, Harrogate, HG3 1PZ.

Vice-Presidents: The Headmaster, K. G. Chilman, Brigadier C. C. Fairweather.

Past Presidents: J. A. Hanson, 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, D. L. Brown.

The General Committee: Ex-officio:— The President, Secretary and Treasurer. The Head Master. Past Presidents, Vice-Presidents.

Elected 1991-1994: P. M. Darley, C. E. Gilman, M. J. Kent, N. Muirhead, R. W. Oliver. Elected 1992-1995: V. M. Black, S. M. Burn, G. E. L. Graham, G. Grant, G. M. Shuttleworth. Elected 1993-1996: M. W. Bainbridge, J. E. Burdass, V. L. J. Inness, I. P. J. Leedham, D. Tunstall.

Finance and General Purposes Committee:

Ex-Officio: — The President, Secretary and Treasurer, The Immediate Past President.

Elected: R. W. Oliver, S. M. Burn.

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