Bishop Otter College Guild Newsletter 2014

Bishop Otter College
Guild Newsletter 2014
Welcome to the Bishop Otter College Guild
Newsletter 2014
Thanks to a grant from the Bishop Otter Trustees, the lost windows from
the Old Chapel have been restored under the supervision of the glass
maker Clifford Durant, who has kept alive the arts of the Victorian stained
glass artisan in his Horsham workshop.
Among the windows is an image of St Hilda (right), first installed in 1905 as
the students’ tribute to Sarah Trevor, who became the College’s first
woman Principal in 1873, when the Bishop Otter re-opened as one of the
country’s first colleges to train women for the teaching profession.
St Hilda was a seventh century Abbess, famed for her wisdom and her
teaching, so the window was intended as a considerable tribute to a
woman who spearheaded the progress of women’s education in Britain.
See how you can help the University. A chance to double the value of your
donation to the University. Please see inside back page for details.
Bishop Otter College Guild
President
Professor Clive Behagg
Vice-Presidents
Dr Colin Greaves
Professor Philip E D Robinson
Honorary Secretary
Mr Marten Lougee
11 Meadow Close
Cononley, Keighley
West Yorkshire
BD20 8LZ
01535 636487 07813393381
c.lougee369@btinternet.com
skype: lobbyludd1
Honorary Treasurer
Mr John Fletcher
6 Colley Rise
Lyddington
Oakham
Rutland LE15 9LL
Tel: 01572 821213
IT Support and Editor of Newsletter
Mrs Rose Savage
14 Crouch Cross Lane
Boxgrove
Chichester PO18 OEH
01243 773336
rosesavage@boxgrove50.freeserve.co.uk
Membership Secretary
Mrs Hilary Chapman
60 Connaught Road
Cromer
Norfolk NR27 OBZ
Tel: 01263 513711
From the Editor
I am sure a lot of people know that I broke both wrists – watching the Red Arrows from my own front garden
– the day after the last reunion. Thankfully they are now well enough to be able to type and I hope you enjoy
this edition of the Newsletter.
3
Committee Meeting
All Year Representatives able to get to the Reunion are invited to the Committee Business Meeting at 9.30
a.m. in room H149.
Year Representatives
1944-46
1947-49
1948-50
1949-51
1950-52
1951-53
1952-54
1953-55
1954-56
1955-57
1956-58
1957-59
1958-60
1959-61
1960-63
1961-64
1962-65
1963-66
1964-67
1965-68
1966-69
1970+
1980+
Mrs Cynthia Aird, 1 Rosevine Road, West Wimbledon, London SW20 8RB
Mrs Audrey Colam, 24 Burton Road, Dover, Kent CT16 2 ND
Mrs Pat Life, 78 Elmstead Gardens, Worcester Park, Surrey KT4 7BE
Mrs Josephine Sztyber, 8 Crofton, Lion Lane, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 1JE
Miss June Blitz, 19 Marjoram Crescent, Cowplain, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO8 9BD
Revd. Barbara Watson Hammond, 27 Maisemore Gardens, Emsworth, Hampshire
PO10 7JU
Mrs Trixie Barnden, 48 Folders Lane, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 0DX
Mrs Pamela Cahill, 50 Ridgeway, Hayes, Bromley, Kent BR2 7DE
Miss Rosslyn Stenning, 7 Hurst Gardens, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, BN6 9ST
Mrs Valerie Gabriel, Flat 1, 6 Dittons Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 1DN
Mrs Lorna Edwards, 26 Queen’s Drive, Nuttall, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NG16 1EG
Mrs Pauline Moss, 3 Lathallan Drive, Polmont, Falkirk, Stirlingshire FK2 0PD
Miss Muriel Warburton, 37a Oaklands Avenue, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 9SS
Mrs Anne Walters, 1 Wayte Court, Ruddington, Nottinghamshire NG11 6NL
Mrs Maureen Evershed-Martin, Mile End Cottage, Cherlton Fitzpaine, Crediton,
Devon EX17 4JU
Mrs Carolyn Keyzor, 83 Anmore Road, Denmead, Hampshire PO7 6NT
Mr Marten Lougee, 11 Meadow Close, Cononley, Keighley, West Yorkshire
BD20 8LZ
Mr Roy Salmon, 36 Lombard Street, Lidlington, Bedfordshire MK43 0RP
Mr Bob Norris, Exotter, 7 Ethelbert Road, Rochester, Kent ME1 3EU
Mrs Jo Bird, Swansong, 70 Glade Road, Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 1DH
Mr and Mrs Peter and Rose Scott, 23 Beamish Way, Maple Farm, Winslow,
Buckinghamshire MK18 3EU
Mrs H Chapman, 60 Connaught Road, Cromer Norfolk NR27 0BZ
Mrs P Cahill, 50 Ridgeway, Hayes, Bromley, Kent BR2 7DE
Mrs Hilary Chapman acts as Membership Secretary, so it is helpful if you could let her know of changes of
address or any deaths, so as to keep records up to date. If you have lost touch with former friends drop her a
note and hopefully she will be able to put you in touch again.
4
From the Guild Secretary
Dear Friends
How time flies, does age have something to do with this? Two pieces of good news. Firstly, our event does
not clash with the Goodwood Festival of Speed and secondly, even better, the Guild prices for the weekend
are the same as last year. We must thank the University and Christina Harris for this. Included in the Guild
Magazine is a separate leaflet for you to book for this year’s Guild Weekend.
As last year’s programme seemed to work well, only one change has been made this year, that being lunch
on the Saturday, which last year was at 1.00 p.m. and this year will be 1.15 p.m. to give a little more time
after the General Meeting (this decision was made by the organising committee after much thought).
1. The Friday evening meal was a great success last year and will be repeated this year on Friday 11th July
at 7.00 p.m. You will need to book this with College on your booking form. There will, however, be a
minimum number of 20 people required for this to take place. If College does not get sufficient requests
for dinner by the middle of June they will inform anyone who has booked so that they can make
alternative arrangements. After dinner some people will meet in College around 8.30 p.m. in the old
music room for a drink, and it would help if you contacted me directly about this, especially the year
reps (all my contact details are on page 3 of this Newsletter).
2. On Saturday 12th July the timetable will be:
9.30 a.m.
10.30 a.m.
11.15 a.m.
11.45 a.m.
1.15 p.m.
Business meeting especially for year reps and interested members
Guild Service
Coffee break
General meeting and news
Lunch
The rest of day can be spent looking at exhibits etc around our old college, look at the changes and,
most of all, enjoy meeting with friends.
3. Sunday 14th July.
9.30 a.m. Holy Communion (said)
10.30 a.m. Trundle Walk (around 12.15/12.30 p.m. at the top)
I will remind you that the Guild is run by a team of which I am the mouthpiece. Colin, Hilary, Rose, John,
Barbara, Andy and Christina all play their part and you can always contact them if you wish to discuss any
Guild matter.
The Alumni publish the ALUMNUS and I do think it is in all our interests that you arrange to have it. You will
then have OLD and NEW. Not sure what to do about that? Just contact me –
all details on page 3 or the Alumni advertisement at the end of the magazine.
Best wishes to you all and it will be wonderful to see you. If you cannot make it, for any reason whatsoever,
we will think about you.
Marten Lougee
5
Bishop Otter College Guild
Income and Expenditure Account
for Year Ending 31st December 2013
Income
Expenditure
2012
2012
Balances at 1/1/13
0.00
Cash
2186.00 Current Account
930.64 Deposit Accounts
0.00
2198.55
931.12
3116.64
265.00 SUBS & DONATIONS
3129.67
425.00
467.06
0.00
50.00
32.39
549.45
0.00
297.00
Receipts
390.00
370.00
667.00
Chapel Offering
370.00
760.00
185.00
185.00
0.00
0.00
370.00
0.48
4049.12 TOTALS
Checked & found correct – H Chapman
6
70.17
0.00
21.97
Newsletters
Donations
B.O.C. Chapel
Chosen Charity
Refunds
Service sheets
185.00
185.00
0.00
0.00
370.00
Balances at 31/12/13
BANK INTEREST
Deposit Accounts
62.22
7.95
0.00
0.00
REUNION July 2013
REUNION July 2013
0.48
Year Rep's Expenses
Secretaries' Expenses
Membership Sec. Exp.
Treasurer's Expenses
0.47
0.47
4315.14
0.00
Cash
2198.55 Current Account
931.12 Deposit Accounts
0.00
2921.41
931.59
3129.67
3853.00
4049.12
4315.14
Notes for the Reunion Weekend
11th to 13th July 2014
Please note that all bookings for the weekend July 11th-13th July and any requests to stay additional nights
before or after the reunion will be handled by the University’s Conference Office. The booking form only
covers the weekend; other nights depend on the availability of rooms. Conference Office direct line is:
01243 812120. Email: conference@chi.ac.uk
Please complete the booking form which is enclosed separately with the Newsletter.
1. Notes on the weekend
Please be aware that there will be some building works taking place around campus over the weekend
of the reunion and certain areas may be cordoned off.
2. Residential Room Allocation and Key Collection:
Please note on the booking form if there is anybody that you would like to be allocated near and the
University will endeavour to do this for you.
You will be able to collect your keys and meal tickets from the Accommodation Office, which is located
on the ground floor of Bishop Andrewes.
Check-in on Friday 11th or Saturday 12th July is from 3.00 p.m. and 9.00 p.m. If you are likely to arrive
after the office has closed please let the University know and they will make arrangements for the keys
to be handed to the Caretaker’s Lodge at the main entrance to the campus.
The conference reception is open over the weekend from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Please telephone 01243
812120 if you are going to be delayed.
3. Meal Tickets:
Vouchers for your meals will be sent out with the confirmation of reservation and receipt for payment.
Please ensure that you bring these with you as they cannot be replaced.
4. Check-out:
Rooms will need to be vacated by 10 a.m. on the day of departure. Please speak to the conference
reception if you require for luggage to be put somewhere safe). Keys must be returned to the
Conference Reception by 10 a.m.
5. Car Parking Restrictions:
Parking space is limited on campus and cannot be guaranteed. Parking permits will be required for
those staying overnight and for Friday. Parking is free during the day on Saturday and Sunday. Please
put the permit on display in your car on arrival.
6. Times of Meals (All served in Otters Restaurant):
Breakfast will be served between 7.30 a.m. and 9.00 a.m. (included in Bed and Breakfast Rate)
Friday – Welcome Dinner will be at 7 p.m. – To be booked in advance
Saturday – Morning Coffee and Biscuits – Cash service
Saturday – Reunion Luncheon at 1.15 p.m.– To be booked in advance
Saturday – Afternoon Tea and Biscuits – Cash service
If any day visitors would like to join residents for a full-breakfast you can book in advance at the rate of
£9.50 (including VAT). Please call the conference office on 01243 812120.
7. There will be coffee, tea and milk in the bedrooms for those staying overnight.
8. Bed and Breakfast Prices including VAT:
Single En-suite Rooms: £38.70 per person, per night.
The bed and breakfast rate includes the accommodation and English breakfast.
9. Additional Nights:
If you require any additional nights’ accommodation please put a note in with your booking form when
you return it and the University will contact you and invoice you separately for these.
Telephone number for emergencies:
In case of emergencies outside office hours: Telephone: 01243 793477. This is a direct line to the Duty
Caretaker/Security at Bishop Otter Campus when Conference Reception is closed.
7
From the Vice-Chancellor
I look forward to welcoming you back to
Bishop Otter on 12th July 2014. I am pleased
to say that you will notice a number of
significant changes from your meeting last
year. We have completed the resurfacing of
Chapel Courtyard and the extension to the
Chapel. This has been accompanied by a
complete refurbishment of the Refectory, so
that sliding doors, onto a pergola, now
provide a completely open aspect to the
courtyard and the Chapel.
The extension provides an office for the
Chaplain and a meeting room that can double as a foyer for events held in the Chapel. (The photograph on
the left shows the building work in September 2013.) Our brief to the architect, Harry Groucott of MH
Architects, was for an extension that would be respectful to Peter Shepheard’s original design for the
Chapel and stay true to Miss Murray’s original vision of a modernist Church in the spirit of Basil Spence’s
Coventry Cathedral. I really hope you like it. (The photograph below shows the completed work in
December 2013.)
One of the most exciting aspects of the extension is
that we have been able to relocate the three remaining
Kempe stained glass panels. These were originally in
the East Window of the Old Chapel, standing above
the altar and representing Christ on the Cross with St
Mary and St John to either side. The panels were
purchased in 1890 and were the first of the Kempe
glass to be installed into the Old Chapel. They were
removed and discarded in 1962, along with the other
stained glass, when the Old Chapel became a Library.
These three were among those found in 2007 in the
basement of College (now University) House. Over
the years, their condition had deteriorated but a
generous grant of £23,000 from the Bishop Otter Trust last year has enabled the necessary restoration work
to be carried out. In May they will be installed into the Chapel extension providing a wonderful continuity
between the two Chapels.
In addition, over the last year we have also refurbished the first floor of the Learning Resources Centre and
opened our new Sports Science Laboratories. Next year we will begin work on a new Teaching Building and
a significant rebuild of our Music accommodation to provide more practice rooms for this expanding
Department. Plans for the next five years, agreed in December by the Board of Governors, include a student
village, with 500 rooms and a Symphonic Hall, both on the Bishop Otter Campus.
The University has had a successful year, recruiting the student numbers that we needed to meet our
budget assumptions. Teacher Education is thriving. Our Ofsted ‘outstanding’ status meant that we retained
our core numbers where many institutions have lost significant numbers. We also became a sponsor of
Academies as founder of the Chichester (Multi) Academy Trust (CAT). The Trust is now responsible for three
Academies, including a Primary Academy that is just being built in Hampshire.
In October, Chichester was named as the Sunday Times/Times Good University Guide’s ‘University of the
Year for Student Retention’. Chichester leads the sector in supporting its students to success. This is a
fitting reward for the hard work that all of the staff put into making the University a welcoming and
supportive community. I hope that, for all the changes in the fabric of the Estate, you recognise in this
aspect of the University, an echo of your own experience as a student here many years ago.
Professor Clive Behagg, Vice-Chancellor
8
From the Vice President of the Students’ Union
The University of Chichester Students’ Union (UCSU) may be small in size but that does not stop us from
striving to be the best we can be. UCSU has seen a few changes this year with a brand new sabbatical
team, a newly-refurbished venue in Bognor (The Hub) and the addition of a second safety bus service. The
constant development of the Students’ Union always keeps the vision set by staff in 2012 in mind, “The
UCSU aims to be an exceptional, inspiring and ambitious Students’ Union enabling the students’
experience to be the best on the south coast” We believe this vision to be attainable while also continually
pushing all staff to keep improving year on year.
Our new Students' Union venue, The Hub, based on our Bognor Regis Campus has been a successful joint
investment between the Union and the University which has helped towards achieving our aims through
offering similar services on both campuses. The venue is a relaxing space offering X-boxes, pool table and
a dart board, while also being a great night-time venue for both DJs and live acts. There are the added shop
facilities offering fresh food and hot beverages at an affordable price. The space is open throughout the day
and has proved popular with both students and staff.
Alongside the launch of The Hub we
have also introduced a new Safety
Bus service for our Bognor
students. The bus helps students
access the campus from the
surrounding areas and ensures their
safe return in the evening. Our
Bognor Campus Officer, Ted
Harrington, and our staff at The Hub
have remained active and positive
about the changes made to the
campus, helping to improve
connectivity between the two
campuses.
It is not only our permanent staff and elected officers that are working hard to show us as a strong and
highly respected Students’ Union, but every one of our members who we are here to represent. We have
always taken pride in how many of our students engage with the Students’ Union but this year we really
have seen an exceptional number of students getting involved. So far this year we have sold 427 society
federation cards and in excess of 800 sports federation cards. We have also seen students helping us to
expand and develop by setting up new clubs and societies; an American football team, Film Society,
Creative Writing Society, Fine Art Society and Live Music Society have all been launched this year. As well
as this, we have more students than ever before signed up to both our sports tour and society tour.
Here at the Students’ Union we will always believe in the power of the student voice and continue to
represent our members’ wants and needs. I would also like to take this opportunity to say a special thanks
to Anne Elliott, our Finance Manager, for her constant support and her commitment to the Students’ Union
in a challenging year.
Lizi Mutter. Vice President of the Students’ Union
9
News from the Archives
The influence felt at Bishop Otter College during the First World War
Janet Carter – University Archivist, The Learning Resource Centre, University of Chichester,
College Lane, Chichester. PO19 6PE.Tel.01243 816087. E-mail: J.Carter@chi.ac.uk
In 1897 the Reverend Edwin Hammonds took up the position of Principal and lived with his family on
campus. When he joined the College, Principal Hammonds was keen to increase student numbers. To
achieve this a new extension was built for additional students. This meant that by the start of the First
World War in 1914, there were just over 100 young women studying on a two year trainee course at the
college, plus nine members of academic staff, and a separate practice school on the Bishop Otter Campus.
The Reverend Hammonds was a much- loved
Principal and can be seen in the centre of the
photograph (right) with the ‘Senior’ students of
1914-15.
At the beginning of the First World War many
teacher training colleges and schools faced being
requisitioned as hospitals or military bases, and so
it was with much relief that Bishop Otter College
had not been affected. However, when students
returned for the new term in the autumn 1914 they
were very much aware of the changes around them
and the impact of the war both at home and
abroad. On returning to College a ‘Senior’ (2nd
year) student wrote ... ‘quiet old Chichester presented a different aspect, its sleepy streets were now alive
with khaki-clad figures, paper boys yelled their alarming announcements at all hours of the day, while at
night the searchlights from Portsmouth made strange illuminations in the sky’. (Student Magazine, 1915,
p.14).
On a more practical level, to reduce the light emission from the college during the hours of darkness,
students and staff initially white-washed the windows and covered them with brown paper, old carpets and
curtains. These were soon replaced with proper blackout blinds. To ensure that the blinds were then drawn
each evening ‘monitresses’ surveyed the college.
A further visual presence of War was the placement
of the Allied Flags on the platform of the main hall.
These can be seen in the photograph (right) (BO
PHC ‘Drill – The Senior Girls 1915-16’).
The day to day coursework for the students carried
on very much as it had prior to the outbreak of war.
However, the trainee women who took needlework
as part of the practice were tested on producing
‘shirts, socks, comforters, choler’s and belts’. Once
assessed their work was then sent on to the troops
or local war hospitals.
Throughout the war the young women continued to partake in physical fitness activities in College and
regularly took part in hockey, netball, and tennis. That said, sports fixtures with neighbouring colleges were
very much curtailed between 1914 and 1918 and the money saved in expenses was given over to the
College War Fund.
Part of regular College life was to attend services in the Chapel, here on Thursday evenings throughout the
war the young women would gather to attend a special Intersessions Service. The arrangement of the
service included new hymns such as ‘Our native land’ with music by Grieg, and the ‘War Litany’, whilst the
offertory collections were given to war charities.
When they were not studying in College, the young ladies were busy helping the war effort in many different
ways. A regular event was the war-working parties which were held every Wednesday night between 9 and
10 p.m. At these, students used their needlework skills further. In 1915, the juniors (1st-year students)
worked on making children’s garments which were sent to Belgian refugees, whilst between September
1916 and March 1917 the entire group were responsible for producing … ‘408 face flannels produced and
10
sent to Graylingwell Hospital, 111 pairs of socks, 4 mufflers and helmets, 103 woollen squares, 98 pairs of
hose tops (for the Royal Fusiliers), 108 handkerchiefs, 3 sacks of sphagnum moss, 81 hospital bags (Lady
Smith Dorrien’s Fund), 20 pairs hospital slippers, 13 pairs of hospital knickers, 4 disinfectant shirts, 168lbs
of raisins stoned for Graylingwell’. (Student Magazine, 1917)
In 1918 the group reported making ‘a 100 pairs of socks’ that were distributed between the Haslar Hospital
at Gosport, the Scottish Women’s Hospitals, Graylingwell War Hospital, and the Royal West Sussex
Hospital, in Chichester. The Royal West Sussex Hospital also benefited from the giving of three dozen basin
cloths which had been produced in College by volunteers of the ‘Linen League’.
In 1915 all the students in their free afternoons helped at the Chichester Barracks. Here the women would
check the numbers of the National Register, following the National Registration Act of the 15th July 1915.
This acted as a form of census to record the adult population in the country. As well as this, the women also
took time to volunteer at the Chichester War Depot in West Street.
Apart from practical support, staff and students were also excellent fundraisers. Throughout the war a
weekly Penny Collection was taken at dinner every Wednesday evening. In the first term of 1915 funds
raised were donated to the Mayoress of Chichester’s Fund for Women Workers in the City whilst the
following term the weekly collection was given to a different charity each week. More unusual collections
included responding to an appeal for eggs, for this the women used the weekly collection to purchase 100
eggs that were then taken to the West Street depot for despatch to hospitals. On another occasion monies
were sent to the Royal Sussex Regiment for tobacco. By 1916 charities including the Royal Munster
Fusiliers Prisoner’s Fund were beneficiaries. These funds helped send parcels to prisoners in Germany, with
particular effect to Private Barry who was supported by the Year Two students and Private Butler sponsored
by the first years. Both these men were held with the Royal Munster Fusiliers at Limburg-am-Lahn from
where they sent postcards, letters and even photographs acknowledging the receipt of the gifts.
The staff at Bishop Otter College also did their bit to raise funds. As well as helping the students, the staff
separately supported a prisoner held at Gustrow in Mecklenburg. Further staff and student subscriptions
helped to support the Hampshire Regiment Prisoners’ Fund and allowed parcels to be sent to Lance
Corporal Kidd who had been captured and held in Germany since 1915.
Apart from the regular meetings, social occasions such as Whist Drives, teas,
the sale of photographs and calendars all helped to raise money. In 1917, the
staff organised a Sale of Work raising £9.0s.0d. for the funds, items in the sale
included ‘poker work, carving, photographs, sketches and Goss china’. Funds
from these helped to provide X-Ray equipment and the purchase of a
Cinematograph show for injured servicemen. Photographs of the College were
also sold to raise money for the war funds. Apart from being advertised to
current students and staff, the six photographic scenes of the College were
available to former students who belonged to the College Guild at a cost of six
for a shilling.
To raise further funds the women would use their skills of performance to
entertain. The production of a ‘Greek Play’ was a Bishop Otter annual tradition
and during the war years the proceeds of this annual performance became a
good fund raiser In 1916, the performance of ‘Trachinian
Maidens’ of Sophocles (right) raised £13.0s.0d. for the
Royal West Sussex Hospital in Chichester, were wounded
soldiers often received treatment. From 1916 an annual
performance was also given to aid the Red Cross.
The first of these took place in October 1916 when the
‘Seniors’ (2nd Year students) took part in ‘A Pageant of
Song’ at the Corn Exchange in East Street (right) - episode 3
of A Pageant of Song). The performance had been arranged
by ‘Miss Hammonds’ the daughter of the Principal. In five
parts, the sketches and music reflected different periods in
history and involved various countries culminating in episode
5 which was entitled ‘Songs of the War’.
Around 50 students took part in the singing of ‘popular’ wartime songs including ‘The Goose-step’, ‘Sister
Susie’, ‘Michael Cassidy’, ‘Who’s for this Flag’, ‘When you come home’, and ‘Rule
Britannia’. Following the success of the show, the following week all the cast were taken by motor
ambulances to Graylingwell War Hospital, and there in the Great hall the performance was given to the staff
and wounded soldiers in the hospital.
11
Following on from their success the College was asked to put on a new performance in the Corn Exchange
on the 1st November 1917. The production was chiefly the work of staff member Miss Boaler and was
arranged in three parts. Part one was a performance of songs from Shakespeare’s plays, part two was the
light-hearted comedy ‘Playgoers’ written by Sir Arthur
Pinero which involved the Juniors whilst the part three
was a culmination of songs and sketches celebrating the
lives of prominent women in history from Boadicea
through to Queen Victoria. Now almost an annual event
the students and staff were invited to present a further
performance on the 28th November 1918. In front of a
packed audience the students performed two episodes
of the play. In the first half the Juniors performed the
‘Autolyeus Scenes’ from the ‘Winter’s Tale’ and in the
second half the Seniors undertook ‘She Stoops to
Conquer’ (right). Funds for the three performances
raised funds in excess of £120 for the Red Cross Society
and the war effort.
The College grounds also were being used for the war effort. In a bid to be sustainable, students and
staffed worked to grow food-crops. To achieve this every flowerbed was replanted with vegetables
including onions, lettuce and carrots, whilst the croquet lawn (today the garden immediately to the south of
the Old Chapel) was dug and planted with potatoes. By 1917-8 staff members Miss Boaler and Miss
Griffithes were using the ‘front garden near the cloisters to grow ‘gargantuan shallots’ and ‘monster
lettuces’, whilst Miss Westaway was using the Quad to grow ‘giant cabbages and onions’. The students
had also taken to planting carrots and leeks in the bank that separated the cloisters lawn from the then
‘hockey field’. Other crops included tomatoes and
mushrooms which were grown in the greenhouses.
During the summer vacations students continued to
support the war effort. In 1916, a group of students
worked on a farm near Basingstoke. Initially their duties
included ‘turning vetches, dung-spreading etc.’ After an
easy first two weeks, the young ladies’ hours increased,
and the working day began at 7.45 a.m.am and finished
at 8 p.m. The duties then included cutting and stacking
the sheaves of corn, oats, barley and wheat. Other
students including Daisy Read (pictured in the
photograph on the right dated 1918) signed up to the
Voluntary Aid Detachment (V.A.D) and played their part
nursing.
The Principal Reverend Hammonds recognised from the start of the war the impact that it would have on
his students, and for education as a whole. To prepare the young women for the role they would play in
future years he writes in his Annual Report of 1915 … ‘it may be that many women teachers are obliged to
take over the duties added to their work to help the educational machine along; and by doing this with
cheerfulness and efficiency they will be doing their ‘bit’ for their country’.
By 1917 a national shortage of teachers meant that newly-qualified teachers were greatly needed and
Principal Hammonds once again states that he hoped that women teachers … ‘would now receive their full
share of recognition’ for their role in society, and that his students ‘will rise to the occasion, and take
advantage of any changes which offer increased opportunities of usefulness and of service to your country’
(Annual Report p. 3, 1917 College Magazine).
On a more personal level, the Principal’s only son Denys H. Hammonds was well
known to staff and students. Denys had joined the Royal Engineers prior to the war
and had served in India. At the start of the war he returned to fight for his country. In
September 1915 Second Lieutenant Hammonds was awarded the Military Cross for
his bravery at the Battle of Loos in France and was made a Captain (photographed
on the left). In 1917, for bravery and leadership, he was promoted to the rank of
Major and given a D.S.O. Sadly on the 30th March 1918 he lost his life fighting for
his county in France. This loss obviously impacted on the Principal, his family and all
those at Bishop Otter College. In his Annual College Report of 1918, Edwin
Hammonds writes … ‘Since I wrote to you last I have had to lose my dear and only
son, a life full of promise for the future and of good work achieved has been laid
12
down: and this is, alas! only one of the many homes that are mourning the loss of young gallant men, who
have died on the battle-field to keep the enemy from our shores’. Words fail me to record adequately how
much I and my family have been cheered by the kind messages of sympathy from friends both far and near,
and by none more that the members of my staff, and the students both past and present. To each and all
our best thanks are due.’
In his memory the College Guild members, staff and students raised money to purchase a plaque in
memory of Denys Hammonds.
In August 1919 Principal Edwin Hammonds made the decision to retire after 22 years’ service at Bishop
Otter College. Today the memory of the Principal and more especially his son live on in the University.
Displayed in the main campus buildings is the memorial plaque, available for all to see. Each year on
Armistice Day a poppy is placed in the cabinet, next to the plaque, a tribute and in remembrance to all who
gave their service to the War.
Extracts taken from the Bishop Otter College Magazine and Principals’ Reports held in the University of
Chichester Archives.
Article written by Janet Carter – Special Collections Manager, University of Chichester
Hong Kong
Ruth Rimmer (Chown) (1961-1964)
Having lived in Hong Kong for a number of years and still returning frequently I have been asked to write a
little about life in the SAR (Special Administrative Region) of Hong Kong.
The majority of people think of Hong Kong from the well-known pictures showing Victoria Harbour
surrounded by high rise buildings. In fact 75% is beautiful country parks and mountainous country side and
there are 235 islands, the majority of which are uninhabited. It is always lovely to go out on a boat or junk,
drop an anchor and enjoy the peace and scenery. The land area is about 1,024 square metres and I think I
read about the same size as the county of Devon.
As Hong Kong is so mountainous only a small area is suitable for building and to house the approaching
eight million population (it was six million when I arrived 27 years ago) the living accommodation mainly
consists of high rise flats. The cost of accommodation is almost prohibitive unless one is on an ex-pat
remuneration package. This means many, many people live in minute and overcrowded flats, and it always
amazes me how the children are always turned out for school in beautifully pressed, and often, white school
uniform.
Education is of great importance to all Chinese parents as they feel this will lead to a better life for their
children. Up until the Handover in 1997 all civil servants (including low paid fire man, policeman etc) were
given a very generous OEA (Overseas Education Allowance) to enable them to send their children to UK
boarding schools. Many parents took advantage of this. The UK schools are still popular for the Chinese but
it is now only for the wealthier parent. The local Chinese schools are very competitive and even to enter a
primary school the children have to go through a strict interview. Once they start school the children are
immediately expected to do a large amount of home work and many will also attend a tutorial centre for
extra tuition. The young go to bed extremely late so it is
no wonder one often sees school children asleep on the
school bus at 8.00 a.m.
Hong Kong is a very lively and vibrant city where
everyone seems to work extremely hard and the
majority of people work way beyond the normal office
hours, if it is felt necessary, and for no extra pay. They
also enjoy life and shopping is one of their main
activities and often families have week end outings to
one of the very impressive shopping malls such as
Pacific Place, IFC or Harbour City with all the designer
label shops – Chanel etc. However it is much more fun
to stroll round the local markets in Wanchai or Causeway Bay or to go to the Jade or Flower Market in
Kowloon. There are also a number of factory outlets where one can often find bargains but I think ex pats
now prefer to go to Shenzhen, just into Mainland China (a visa is required), where it is possible to have
clothes, curtains etc made in a day or have fun searching the six huge floors for all types of goods!!! A very
tiring experience! Walking in one of the many country parks is another popular activity and families also like
going across on a ferry and walking on Lamma and Lantau Island.
13
There are a huge and eclectic number of restaurants
(30,000 I am told) throughout Hong Kong ranging from very
cheap to very upmarket. A fun meeting place after work is
in the bars and restaurants either side of the escalator (the
longest escalator in the world, pictured right) in an area
called SOHO (south of Hollywood Road), above Central.
The escalator moves downhill in the morning and
thousands travel on it to go to work and after 10.15 a.m. it
changes and travels up the steep hill and is used to take
everyone home!
The seasons are as in the UK although but not as cold in the winter and very hot and humid in mid-summer.
This is also the typhoon season and when we first arrived many of the recent immigrants from Mainland
China lived in shanty towns on the hill sides. Every time a strong typhoon took place the shanty villages
were swept away and there were a huge number of deaths. The government has done an amazing job and
all the people have been housed in high-rise flats in the New Territories and at the last strong typhoon
(signal 10) there was not a single death. The best time to visit Hong Kong weather wise is in October or
November and they are known as the “granny months” as all the older overseas relatives arrive to visit their
children and grandchildren.
Hong Kong is a very safe city and one is happy to travel anywhere day or night. The British brought in an ID
card (which becomes permanent after living there for seven years) and everyone must carry this
identification with them. It is shown on many occasions, visiting the doctor, buying goods and even when
playing in a tennis match to show that we are who we say we are, but the crime rate is almost negligible so
no-one minds. There were worries that at the handover on 30th June 1997 everything would change and at
the time many Chinese emigrated to other countries. However the majority have returned as the day to day
living has changed very little, although as the British top civil servants reach retirement age they are
replaced by Hong Kong Chinese. As the majority of families have no gardens, if they can afford to, and
especially the expats, they join a club, which have excellent facilities with swimming pools, any number of
sporting activities, the chance to play bridge and enjoy the restaurants.
Teenagers have a wonderful time meeting their friends and I must
admit that much of my social life has been spent in such a club.
There is an excellent and very reasonably-priced transport system and
it is an ideal way of getting round Hong Kong. It might be the ferry to
Lamma Island or the MTR (underground) from the Island to Kowloon
and onto the Chinese border and perhaps stopping off at Wong Tai Sin
station to look at the large Chinese Temple. There is a lovely bus ride
to Stanley (do sit upstairs) to visit the popular market and perhaps
have lunch. There is also the famous Buddhato visit on Lantau Island
and can be reached by MTR and then a cable car ride. Ocean Park,
(one of the largest amusement parks in the world) on the Island, also
has a cable car and underground vehicular to reach the various
activities/rides. The Peak Tram (pictured right) is a lovely way to travel up The Peak, where the wealthiest
live (and at one point Chinese were not allowed to do so) in houses or very large flats. On a clear day there
is a wonderful view across to Kowloon both at night or day –provided the pollution is not too bad!! Taxis are
reasonably priced, compared to the UK, and very plentiful and this may be the best means of transport
perhaps to visit Aberdeen and the famous ‘The Floating Restaurant’. (The MTR is being extended and will
soon reach Aberdeen.)
Cantonese is spoken in Hong Kong and Mandarin in mainland China although since the Handover Mandarin
must be taught in the Hong Kong schools. Cantonese is a very difficult language to learn as it is a tonal
language and the written medium has over 40,000 characters. Luckily all the traffic signs are in English and
street signs are bi-lingual so there should be little problems getting around Hong Kong. Many of the
Chinese do not speak English and this is particularly noticeable in their local markets or if you travel further
out into the New Territories. Also some taxi drivers only speak Cantonese.
I have tried to give a brief outline of life in Hong Kong. I was only due to live there for three years but 27
years later I am still closely connected as my children, grandchildren and school business are still there.
This seems to happen to many UK families and Hong Kong has been good to our family but I now think
that I am ready for the slower pace of life in the UK and a chance to once again tend my garden.
14
“Born to song”
John Rolls (1961-1964)
My origins in the Methodist tradition echo a phrase in the Hymn “Born to Song” with
both my parents in our church choir in Bournemouth for seventy years! and my older
brother became a baritone soloist. I was family accompanist at a tender age, early
teens, and called to practise their separate parts and to put in an alto for complete
effect. (The photo on the right is from the 1961 College photograph.)
I owe much of my singing expertise to the discovery of my unusual voice, detected at
a service in the old chapel in 1961 and subsequent encouragement to join the chapel choir as a countertenor. I was fortunate to be one of Mrs Simmons’ pupils training budding soloists with various vocal and
breathing exercises.
At the “Pips”, where we used to collect mail or notes from lecturers I was soon to be nick-named “Johann”,
but after my solo in Elijah I could have been called “Felix” or “George Frederick” as my repertoire rapidly
expanded to include Mendelssohn and Handel oratorios for either alto or soprano. Some students would
have remembered David Platt who taped my voice and later played tricks on fellows saying that Isobel
Bailey had visited BOC!! Those recordings were made into a 10” LP in 1965. Various competitions in music
festivals followed in Gosport and Portsmouth, which were rare opportunities to perform for adjudication.
John Birch and Eric Thiman’s helpful comments enabled me to improve recitals for the future. At a week’s
course called “The Art of Singing” I surprised female sopranos with my unique range from G below middle
C to top B flat and was informed that there were only five male sopranos in the world – at number six I
could have gone on the stage! My preferred platform was to teach hundreds of children at junior schools –
copying my voice easily.
Meanwhile, seemingly, opportunities arose, but were missed due to my inability to drive – but also because
auditions at choral societies proved disappointing as the timbre of my singing was considered too pure –
like a treble. The local male voice choir was inaccessible and, anyway, its practise night coincided with my
singing lessons with Mrs Simmons at Emsworth. I soon had to come to a decision – offering recitals as a
soloist and increased accompanying for the local junior schools’ festival annually, alongside being deputy
organist and choirmaster at my Methodist church in Farnborough, joining family in Bournemouth for the
school holidays. In addition, spells of rehearsal accompanist for the Aldershot Choral Society (SATB) and
later the Rushmoor Lady Singers (SSMA), a drama group at Cove and then training a choral group at
another local Methodist church in Sandhurst, and playing the organ for 35 years at Howley Lane kept me
busy throughout the years to 2008.
I have had to give up playing the organ over the last five years due to complications with swollen feet
(diabetes) but I can still sing and play piano recitals! I am busiest during Advent and Christmas, carol
singing, sometimes impromptu over the telephone or spontaneously at shop check-outs. Weekly I play
background light classic melodies at a Coffee Spot in Hartley Wintney. If readers can consult back issues of
the Guild Newsletter comments will be found in 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2011 regarding my experiences
at reunions.
I am content enough knowing that many have appreciated my talks, explanations and recitals while I have
progressed full circle from treble and to counter-tenor at college and later male soprano, male alto, male
mezzo and now, according to the internet a modal voice. [Further information at
http:/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/modal voice].
To sum up – a few points: Alfred Deller pioneered as a male alto, but Michael Tippet preferred “countertenor” to describe his voice. Famously, “What is Life” by Gluck from Orfio & Euridice is written for a man,
but sensationally sung by Kathleen Ferrier. Benjamin Britton used counter-tenor for Oberon, King of the
Fairies in his “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. The all-male groups Chanticlier and King’s Singers have
counter-tenors holding forth those unmistakeable high notes.
Finally, for fun at Christmas, I manage to sing both the parts of Good King Wenceslas – page and monarch
in separate verses – but never together!! Unlike most men, my falsetto is an octave below my normal voice!
When I play and sing “Did you not hear my Lady” by Handel, otherwise known as “Silent Worship”, those
folk with uneducated ears will look round for the lady!! And see only “HIM at the piano”.
Our visit to Budapest
Anne Walters (Sansom) (1959-1961)
We have decided to explore a different European capital on the way home from Bucharest after each visit to
our family. This time it was Budapest. We stayed in the shadow of the castle on the Buda side of the
Danube close to the famous Chain Bridge and enjoyed walking across to the Pest side of the river to
15
wander around the City. The Danube embankments and the Buda Castle District are
listed as a World Heritage site and we were delighted to find so many places of
interest to visit.
We were made very welcome by everyone whom we met and were amazed that
people of our age were allowed free access to Metro, trams and most museums. A
surprising benefit and one which we appreciated. Castle Hill is the ancient town
district, housing some of the most important historical monuments in Hungary. We
wandered through streets of burghers houses now highly sought after residences
and enjoyed the imposing 700 year old St Mathias church (pictured right) which
stands adjacent to the Fishermen’s bastion and was the scene of many coronations.
Here there was a beautiful panorama of the parliament building in Pest across the
River, deliberately built on the opposite bank to separate the present day from the
Royal rule of the past. The depths of Castle Hill hide the Buda Castle Labyrinth, best known for the fact that
during WWII it housed a military hospital which we were able to visit. Before the arrival of the Magyars
(Hungarians) in the 9th century AD, Celts and Romans had inhabited the area. The royal residence was
moved here by Béla the 4th from Esztergom, following the Tatar invasion in 1241-42, because it was more
fortifiable. So much history to be learned from one small area.
Across the Danube, in Pest, stands the predominant House of
Parliament (pictured left), built between 1884 and 1904 in Neo-Gothic
style by Imre Steindl master architect. Not far from it is the biggest
church of Budapest, St Stephen's Basilica, whose height is equal to
that of the Parliament. The 96-metre dome can be seen from virtually all
parts of the city and there are magnificent views from the top. The
Basilica’s construction began in 1851, was taken over by Miklós Ybl,
one of the leading architects of the time in 1867 and completed by
József Kauser in 1905. This classicist-style building houses Hungary’s
most sacred relic: the Holy Right, which is the mummified right hand of
St. Stephen, after whom the Basilica was named. Famous
masterpieces in the church include statues by Alajos Stróbl and a painting of St. Stephen offering his
country to the Virgin Mary by Gyula Benczúr. We caught the metro out to Heroes'
Square, which along with Andrássy Avenue and the Millennium Underground
Railway have joined the Buda Castle District and the view of the banks of the
Danube on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is the entrance to the City Park
and the three main sites of the square include the Hall of Art, built in 1896, the
Museum of Fine Arts, (currently displaying an exhibition of paintings from Carravagio
to Canaletto) inaugurated in December 1906, and Heroes Square, linking both
buildings visually. The crescent-shaped monument is set in a really enormous and
imposing square and has semi-circular arcades housing statues of outstanding
Hungarian personalities on the left and right of a 36-metre central column. The
column is topped by a statue of the Archangel Gabriel who holds the Holy Crown
and a two-barred apostolic cross, the same way as the founder of the Kingdom of Hungary, St. Stephen did
in a dream, according to local legend. We thoroughly enjoyed our four days of exploration and can
recommend Budapest as a place to be visited.
Mary Evelyn Miller
Derek Freeman Smith (1960-1963)
I was saddened to read in the Guild Newsletter for 2013 of the passing of, among
others, Mary Evelyn Miller. I knew her as lecturer in Infant Education at college but,
most significantly for me, as my class teacher as a junior pupil at an ‘all boys’
preparatory school. I recall Miss Miller as being very ‘firm’ but ‘fair’ and with a ‘steady
and clear delivery’. I know nothing of her private life/interests and regret not having
maintained a closer contact post college days.
A Letter from Sue Finigan (Bull) 1962-1965)
Dear Fellow Otters,
I expect like me, many of you received the plea to write some news and can’t think what to write and then
doubt if anyone will be interested anyway! I am sure we all are impressed and grateful for Marten’s hard
work and his determination to keep the 62/65 group in touch.
16
I look back at my time at B.O.C. with pride and pleasure and realise what a privileged time we had there fifty
years ago – lovely accommodation in beautiful surroundings, full catering, works of art to enjoy, craft
courses to open our minds, musical opportunities and lectures which stood us in good stead for all of our
professional lives. But most of all, we developed lasting precious friendships.
After college I taught in a village school in Hampshire followed by a three year tour with BFES in Germany.
There we were persuaded to take an interest free loan and buy a new car. Driving lessons followed from
service personnel. (Neither an affordable possibility to me back in England.) There Europe was our oyster
and each holiday we toured and camped. I returned to England to teach in Surrey and it was there I was
awarded a headship.
By now I was married to Paul who I was pleased to learn was not a teacher. (I come from a family of
teachers and home conversations were so often around education.) Paul had been in the Antarctic as a
meteorologist and a dog handler and so had a wealth of stories and experience. He also was a self-taught
boat builder and a Yacht Master Instructor. I was the worst sailor imaginable but through his instruction and
our faith in each other I learned to be a reasonable crew member. So for four years we sailed off to the
Mediterranean in “Warm Front” where we visited 170 places and met some remarkable people. Friends and
relatives flew out to us and we had so many wonderful times. We came back to our home in Surrey but
soon decided to move to Dorset to be nearer the coast. There we have been for nine years.
So why am I writing this? I could have put a sad statement “Sue Finigan’s husband died in September
2013.” That would be so sad to read but would not have portrayed my happy life. I see my life in three
segments, before marriage, marriage and after marriage. This last segment is hard at the moment as I am
still very fragile. I am having the kindest support; in particular from my brothers and two ex Otters, Jenni and
Val but I am finding sympathy quite hard to take. I now have so much more empathy with anyone on their
own. I am determined not to waste this segment of life as Paul would want me to be strong and to “live life
to the full” as he always did.
My very best wishes to you all for a healthy, happy 2014.
And finally – Fifty Years Ago
(Taken from the Guild Newsletter of 1964)
“In July 1964 six old (really old!) Otters met at a tea party held at London County Hall, when teachers who
were about to retire from the London service were presented with certificates expressing the LCC’s
gratitude to them. Three were from 1922 and three from 1923.”
Roy Ramsay, the president of the Students’ Union for 1963-64 wrote “The College, after a time of
turbulence due to change, is settling down. None of the students can remember the days before men came.
None can even remember the year they arrived. It is now very much a mixed college. The ‘new’ buildings
are now in use and to the first years are now new. Each year memories leave the college with the outgoing
students and tradition exists only in the present. The major changes for the past four years have been
accepted and are now an integral part of college life. Clubs and societies are flourishing – particularly the
Games Clubs. Men’s and women’s teams carry the name of the College further and further afield. Transport
is somewhat easier since the Union purchased the college Dormobile. The students are accepting more
administrative tasks and organise the College Shop and the Coffee Bar, as well as running the Dormobile.
Students are now represented on staff/student advisory committees concerned with gardens, furnishing
and the library”.
In Miss Murray’s letter she says that “one of our men students recently described life at College as like ‘a
rapid train journey through unfamiliar country’. This has certainly been true of the last few years, but this
year although the journey has seemed just as rapid, the country has changed less ... The only addition to
the buildings is the Coffee Bar in the cellars under the old part of College which was opened last March. It
has proved a popular meeting place for staff and students, coffee drinkers and twisters from 8.30 p.m. to
10.30 p.m. nightly”.
“We have also at last persuaded the Ministry to allow an extension to the car park and we now have space
for 100 vehicles. College bought a new dormobile last term and the old was purchased by the Union and is
used for conveying teams to away matches”. The total number of students in college this year – 470 – is
only very little greater than last year but every additional student increases the difficulty of providing
lodgings and working space for those for whom there is now no residential accommodation”.
“A first year group staged a production of Look Back in Anger, a group of men gave a performance of
Waiting for Godot and some of the old students who came to the summer reunion were entertained in the
evening by the Gilbert and Sullivan Society’s Pirates of Penzance. We have a Brass Band as well as an
Orchestra”. “As I write this, strains of the ‘Beatles’ float up from the cellar below and I wonder what the
‘Lady Superintendent’, who occupied this room sixty five years ago would have thought”.
17
News of Otters (see also the Obituaries)
1947-1949
Joan Jones (Hamriding) reports that visits to hospitals, doctors and clinics crop up weekly, but says that,
apart from eye problems (wet macular disease and two cataract operations), she is keeping reasonably
healthy. After waiting two years her daughter, Elizabeth, is now on an ME management scheme and Joan
hopes that this will help her to cope and live a normal life again. Her elder granddaughter is to be married in
May and all the family is looking forward to this.
Jean Shibley (Rendell) sends greetings from chilly Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she now lives. Staying with
her son last winter she unfortunately had a heart attack and was taken by helicopter to a Cedar Rapids
hospital. She says she is now doing fine but tires easily. She has a small apartment in a place where she has
as much or as little help as she needs. She cooks her own meals but takes them to the dining room to eat. If
she needs medical help she can just press a button. She says she has made several friends and plays cards
six times a week. She also attends a nearby Methodist church.
Joan Maxwell (Collier) continues her choral singing. Last year she went with the Bracknell Choral Society
to sing in concerts in cathedrals in Bruges and Brussels and in a large church in Ghent. They also sang in
the First World War memorial in Ypres, the Menin Gate. She said this was a wonderful experience with a
thousand people crowded into the gate to hear the playing of the Last Post and Reveille and their singing.
On a second holiday she and her husband, with some friends, went on the River Oise which flows into the
Seine, on a barge holding thirty people on which they enjoyed gourmet food and drink. Joan says she has
slowed down quite a bit but is grateful for good health. Her 53 year-old daughter (already retired) visits them
from LA more often now and Joan and her husband hope to go there in February. She has a granddaughter
who is applying for a course at BOC.
Barbara Gomm (Freeland) was chatting to a friend who was at BOC from 1943-1945 and she said she was
never on the Chichester site. She had let Barbara have some of her books when she started at BOC.
Barbara said we forget how difficult it was to obtain books in those days.
Celia Mason (Hayes) says she is still quite active, if at a slower pace. She keeps in touch with Joan Jones
(Hamriding), Betty Lewington (Thomas), Barbara Brown (Haynes), Brenda Richards (Heath), Diana
Savage (Jones) and Pat Arrowsmith.
Chris Kimbell (Betty Christopher) had a spell in hospital in January but says she thankfully recovered and
is coping OK. Sue Pickering (Stockford) and Pam Connell (Bush) visited her for lunch in July as usual.
Margaret Hayden (Barker) was rushed to hospital in September with a kidney infection. During, or after,
her operation she had a stroke, affecting her right leg and later spent over five weeks, including Christmas
and New Year, in a Community Hospital. She had physio every day to enable her to learn to walk again. She
also says that she was the oldest one present at the 2013 reunion.
1948-1950
Pat Life (Heath) had a lovely holiday in Copenhagen with her daughter, Vivien, and nearly all members of
the immediate family. She travelled with her son, Richard, and his family who took good care that the
travelling went smoothly. It was a brilliant holiday with delightful visits to many places of interest, ending
with the Tivoli gardens at night. Everyone loved Copenhagen and all hope for further visits. Pat still keeps
her interests going though mobility and eyesight continue to be a problem, hence no reunion visits.
Eileen Handscombe (Kenwood) Pat received sad news from Eileen, whose husband, Bob, died in October
after a short illness. Pat sent sympathy from all the year group.
Sheila Barnes (Shaw) Pat received Christmas greetings from Sheila and Stan, with news of the celebration
of their Diamond Wedding in July 2013. All the family was able to join them. Sheila writes that she has back
and knee problems, but fortunately no pain, only stiffness.
Diana Jones (Woodall) wrote to advise about her change of address. Since she has given up driving she
felt it advisable to move into the centre of Exeter, rather than remain some distance away. She has moved
to a flat where she already knows some of the residents socially. Pat phoned Diana and found that she was
very happy in her new home, and thankful that so much was now on her doorstep – transport, shops,
friends. She is still giving talks in support of the Red Cross and undertakes many activities.
Edith Layzell (Lever) sent Christmas greetings with good wishes for the New Year.
Jane Stocking (Smith) also sent Christmas news, but sadly said that her health had gone downhill during
the past year, and she is finding life difficult.
1949-1951
Jean Lewis (Simpson) had a successful knee replacement, but then broke her thigh bone in October and is
still moving about with a frame.
18
Ann Parsonage (Lane) visits Chichester quite often as her son works at the Festival Theatre.
Daphne Blake (Salmon) says that it has not been a good year for her. Her husband was very ill so she
didn’t get to the reunion. Also her beloved greyhound had to be put to sleep.
Jean Ward (Porteous) is hoping to move in January 2014 to a house with a stair lift, near her sons.
Margaret Streete (Emsley) is still keeping busy with her grandchildren, and still visits her local junior
school.
Stella Knight (Wickens) had knee surgery just before Christmas 2012, and her husband, Ken, had heart
surgery in November 2013. Ken is making good progress and Stella has to use two sticks or a wheeled
trolley to move around the house.
Barbara Woodstock (Poile) still drives up to York to visit her daughter.
June Stone (Broadbridge) is in hospital following a fall a few weeks ago. She broke her ankle and got an
infection. She also has diabetes. Not a happy time for her.
1951-1953
Jill Potts (Davis) still reports on the time that flies by, as she and Gordon celebrated their Golden Wedding
last August. They enjoy time with their family, especially with ‘four lovely grandchildren’.
Doreen Stafford (Rigby) writes that all is well. She enjoys travelling with Contemporary Arts and the
friends of the Museum, and met up with Barbara (Carpenter), Pam (Moss) and Margaret (Holdham)
during last summer. Doreen enjoys her grandchildren, Oliver, Jack, Daisy and Esme.
Ella Hutt is remarkably busy in spite of her continuing hip and ankle difficulties. She managed two trips to
London, but is grateful for all the support she gets from friends to keep her, and her home, together. Ella
continues to enjoy her Russian lessons, and visits from many friends, some of whom she hadn’t seen for
years. Her 80th birthday was a time of reminiscing, of school and BOC friends – and of the John Horniman
School where Ella had done her pioneering work in the Margaret Morris Movement. Her teaching career
began at Storrington where an exhibition was mounted in her old school – and which is now the local
museum. Ella writes ‘at the exhibition I found adults in their sixties whom I had last seen when they were
six!’
Janet Bradfield (Dixon) enjoyed meeting Val Campbell (Wright) and Audrey Paisey (Wait) last May and
sent a photo of them, taken at the Pensthorpe Bird Sanctuary in Norfolk.
Jen Jury (Bristol) in true farming style reported that the gorgeous summer made haymaking much easier.
She and Ted have really retired, but still use their land for the charity, People4ponies, and currently have five
at Higher Gatehouse. Jen writes, ‘We make the hay and they do the humping’. Their pictures are on the
charity’s blog.
Anna Bridger (Johnson) is much better now, following a stroke last summer, when sadly she missed her
grand-daughter’s wedding. She and Harold managed to spend November in the Costa del Sol, but expects
to live more quietly now.
Joy Ash spent a few happy days in Emsworth last year visiting the Hammonds, and enjoying her memories
of Chichester, not only college memories, but also of her friend Susan Evershed who used to live in Vicars’
Close. As the hot weather lasted long last summer, Joy decided she had to stay ‘put’ for a while to keep her
tomato plants watered.
Barbara Watson Hammond hibernated during the first half of last year, and then made up for it with nonstop activities until the end of October. These included 80th birthday celebrations both in Emsworth, and in
Richmond, North Yorkshire, and a weekend in Burnley, staying with the Vicar of Worsthorne (who met me
when he was a probationary teacher), for a 1940s commemoration. I had been evacuated to Burnley in
1944, and talked in Church of my memories. Afterwards both Brian and I were interviewed by Radio
Lancashire, and the Historical Society hopes to publish my script in their next magazine. We also spent
time in North Wales, a week on the island of Iona, and a fortnight’s cruise in the Mediterranean, from
Istanbul to Valetta in Malta. Our arrival in Valetta was greeted with a five-gun salute, and we all felt rather
special! But it was good to get home again.
1952-1954
News from the Octogenarian Group !
Ann Wood ( Clarke) always enjoys the Newsletters which fill her with good intentions. Ann is looking
forward to becoming an octogenarian in February and will be celebrating by taking a trip to India in March.
Ann’s younger daughter is in the travel industry and has organised an amazing trip which will include travel
by car, train, plane, boat, and elephant. Life is busy looking after granddaughter, two ponies and a Shetland
and an adorable dog, Pip, swimming twice a week and still pretty good on the climbing frame! And of
course walking the dogs.
Kathleen Smith (Sevier) celebrated her 80th birthday in October. She still enjoys NationalTrust meetings.
19
Anne Diaper (Brigden) Sadly her husband was killed in a road accident last July. At the time of his death
younger daughter Caroline and her family were packing up home to join her husband in Namibia where she
is now teaching. Sarah’s daughter, Hannah, obtained a good degree at Portsmouth University and works in
Cheltenham and her daughter, Lucy, is still at Portsmouth on a placement year. Anne keeps in touch with
Brenda Barton (Roberts).
Enid Whiteman (Gulland) has battled with cancer and was delighted to get the “All clear” in July. She
doesn’t travel much these days as they have a disabled dog to look after. He has wheels to get around with
outside!
Margaret Heathcote (Birch) has spent a quiet year recovering from a knee replacement. They did manage
a holiday in May staying in Sorrento and visiting lots of lovely places on the Amalfi coast. In November she
and Frank spent two weeks in Malta where it was warm and sunny.
Mary Williams (Burrell) was unable to come to the 2013 reunion as it was her eldest grandson’s 21st
birthday party on the same day. She hopes to make it to the 2014 re-union.
Margaret Harris (Hogsden) is still in touch with Lorna Hooper (Garton).
Lorna Hooper (Garton) has not had a good year because her husband passed away after a spell in
hospital. Short tennis twice a week, sequence dancing and Scottish dancing and Keep Fit keep her busy.
She has given up cycling but still drives a car. She is in touch with Jennifer Holdstock (Davies) and
Margaret Harris (Hogsden). Lorna will celebrate her 80th in April when her cousin is coming over from
South Africa.
Trixie Barnden (Hibbert) After 25 years my ski boots expired. I took this as an omen and it was time to
retire from the sport. 2013 was the last year of downhill skiing. I keep active in many ways and have enjoyed
travel to Norway on the Hurtigruten, Scotland and Somerset. I celebrated my 80th birthday on bonfire night
with family and friends at a local restaurant.
Eileen Canterbury (Allen) and Shirley Glaysher (Ellis) both send greetings.
Elaine DuLieu enjoyed another trip on the Patricia. This time there were helicopters on board. Their task
was to service the off-shore lighthouses and the Trinity House coastal holiday homes. I enjoyed a week as
an assistant at St David’s Youth Hostel in Pembroke and celebrated my 80th at the Village Hall with
companions from my various relatively local activities. We had an excellent folk band who were raising
money for a local Day Care Centre.
Jenny Holdstock (nee Davies) became an Octogenarian in November 2013. It was spent like any other
Thursday, shopping in Newbury with friends who were totally unaware of my great day. I toasted myself at
lunch time with a couple of glasses of Prosecco, though I expect wine buffs would have said it should have
been red wine with venison cottage pie – courtesy of Waitrose!! I continue to play Mah Jong twice a month
with a "select group of ladies". Dog walking has to go on regardless of the weather. I live near The Marshes
and with all the rain which has fallen it is easy to see how the area gets its name. I keep in touch with Lorna
Hooper (Garton).
1953-1955
We celebrated our 60th year of coming to college in July 2013 and none of us could think that so many
years had passed. There were some sixteen of us over the weekend, though people came and went, as and
when, because other reunions were happening too – whether school or family. Sadly Joyce (Fry) was
unable to be with us as her husband was ill (now fully recovered), nor Paddy as she had a family event.
Mary Warne was away in Canada for her grandaughter’s wedding (and we thought it was because
Chichester Theatre was under wraps!). Hilary was not at all well (she too is much better). We missed
Gillian, Peggy, and Janet all of whom had died that year. The new format of dinner in college on Friday
evening followed by a more leisurely Saturday – with committee meeting, coffee, general meeting then
Chapel Service before lunch giving us all more time to enjoy each session. As it turned out to be one of the
hottest days of the year, no one was feeling too energetic anyway! I find as year rep. that keeping in touch
with our year is now more difficult as I do not send out the newsletters, and many of our year are not
computer savvey, and so cannot quickly send an email. I don’t know what the answer to that is? Do you?
Our mini reunions in London (see last year’s newsletter) go from strength to strength as two more of our
year have joined. My best wishes to all of the 1953-1955-ers. God bless
1955-1957
Those who attended the reunion last year were: Shirley Born (Waites), Marjorie Nutland (Valencia), Sylvia
Davis-Munro (Kelway-Pope) – these three stayed in college on Friday night and were very appreciative of
having the evening meal provided. Viv Mitchell, Jill Fudge (Bryant), Ann Booth (Hawke), Chris Tweed
(Hague) and Val Gabriel (Duckett) joined them on Saturday morning and Liz Care (Aston) came in the
afternoon. The lunch was excellent with very friendly, helpful staff. We all had a lovely time together.
Shirley and Viv met K Harcourt (Hoasley) in November.
20
Eileen Parsons had a day with Val Edmands (Field) in December.
Jenny Spivey’s (Norman) husband, Alan, spent most of 2013 housebound with Jenny looking after him. At
last he had a total hip replacement and has high hopes for a less painful 2014.
Mary Wardrop (Wheeler) has been to America visiting her son, David, and his family.
News of those at the reunion:
Liz is still teaching Latin American and Marjorie recently joined a leisure club and enjoys pilates and yoga
there. She taught yoga for many years. She belongs to a community choir. She loves cruising. She belongs
to the Healing Trust and runs a healing centre helping student healers. She is just downsizing her home with
her husband (of over 50 years), Trevor, and has two grandsons.
Sylvia still goes to London most weeks to see her grandchildren Sam, Polly and Jed. She sings in a
community choir weekly. After an eye operation she has not been swimming but will soon be back to it and
yoga. She walks with a friend and dogs.
Jill is a very keen Mothers’ Union member. The Guildford MU Faith and Policy Unity published an MU
booklet “Together in Prayer”. One of the unit’s members turned out to be a publisher with her husband. All
members were approached to proffer their favourite prayers and to explain why they particularly liked them
– fond memories etc. The proceeds, going to various MU projects around the world, has raised over £3,000
so far.
Chris sees Margaret Pursey (Seymour) and Pam Anderson (Brooks) who is godmother to Chris’
daughter, Elizabeth. Chris and Val meet in Brighton along with Marion Whear (Clarke).
Shirley continues with her golf, nine holes a week. She is learning how to tap dance in her keep fit. She also
does quilting.
Viv has just returned from Sicily which she enjoyed very much but wished she had gone ten years earlier as
volcanic islands have very steep streets and are a bit hard on the knees! She is off to Berlin to sing Britten’s
War Requiem (the first ever performance with English and German singers). Hopefully she will be able to do
some sightseeing in between rehearsals.
Val keeps busy as secretary of Eastbourne and District Clergy Wives’ Group and of her church’s large MU
group. About fifty members meet twice a month. She belongs to a readers’ group. She goes out to weekly
lunches with friends and spends hours gardening.
Janet Marden (Lockley) phoned Val, saying she has seen Pauline Randall-Sinnat (Painter) recently.
1956-1958
Eighteen of us got together for the reunion in July 2013 and what a wonderful day we had. As always, the
years slipped away and the talking never stopped – catching up on what we and our families are currently
involved in and reminiscing about our time at Bishop Otter. The weather was perfect, almost too hot at
times, as we went on our sight-seeing tour around the complex. We couldn’t help but be impressed by all
the changes but we were all glad that we were there in the “fifties”. However, it doesn’t mean that we are
not proud of the University of Chichester and the achievements that have been made. The only
disappointment on the day was that the majority of us missed the Guild Service in Chapel. It had been
moved to an earlier time but with the Festival of Speed being held on the same day many of us were
delayed in the traffic. The service for many of us is the essence of the reunion so it was very disappointing
to miss it. However, after discussion at the AGM it was suggested that it would be slightly later in future so
we hope that will resolve the issue. [The organising committee has decided that the service in 2014 will stay
at the same time as last year.] Sadly one of our most stalwart members was not able to be with us. Jill
Thompson was out of action for most of the summer due to a further problem with her eye. The sight in
that eye has completely gone so she is reliant on friends and neighbours. Her Parkinsons is also worse but
she has been able to help at a couple of arthritis events and was looking forward to spending Christmas as
usual with Dorothy “Doddie” Westerman (Pickering).
Anita Whale (Fay) says how much she had enjoyed the reunion. She was looking forward to spending
Christmas with all her family and had just performed the Christmas Concert with the local Community Choir.
Mary French (Carr) was also at the reunion. She was pleased to say her husband had passed his flying
medical so can continue his hobby for another year.
Audrey Falla (Martin) had enjoyed a relaxing holiday in Cyprus with her husband, Ken, and was hoping to
join a cruise, part of the way round the world, in the New Year. Ruth Cook (Green) and her husband, Peter,
had visited Audrey for a few days in May in Guernsey. Ruth and Mary had met up with Margaret Campbell
in London after many years.
Letters from Evelyn Farquhar (Davison), Mary Rose and Barbara Dougherty all say that arthritis is
restricting some of their activities and Joan Steven (Warwick-Moore) has also had a difficult year
healthwise. However Barbara is still involved with a learning difficulties charity, Retired Teacher Committee
and Rugby Philharmonic Choir so is still keeping busy.
Karl St Vincent (Hefford) has had a busy year travelling back and forth to visit her son, David, his wife,
Emma, and her two grandchildren who live in Ireland. She is still writing poetry and intends to paint more.
21
Caroline Mercer (Boon) has had another busy year with visitors at their Guest House, and has also had
some health problems, so she was looking forward to relaxing on their annual holiday to the Maldives in
January. She is also thoroughly enjoying having a granddaughter and had spent Thanksgiving with Simon,
his American wife, Monica, and Carmen in Norwich. As she said, “a new experience for her”.
Sylvia Dadd (Claydon) is still very active in Norwich Cathedral. She organises their Foodbank collections
and charity events and is also on the local Christian Socialist group (now known as Christians on the Left)
committee.
Lorna Edwards (Ogley) spent the weekend of the reunion with Sally Thompson at her home in
Southampton. After a traumatic year, having broken both wrists, Sally is now much better and enjoying
being able to exercise her dog once more. We never stopped talking the whole weekend. We were joined on
Saturday by Yvonne Kellaway (Wilkins) and set off for the reunion leaving Tony, Yvonne’s husband, to “Do
his own thing” for the day. In the evening the four of us went out for a meal in Southampton so we had a
most enjoyable weekend. Yvonne was really looking forward to spending Christmas with all the family at
her son, Simon’s, in London as daughter, Sarah, and family were visiting from Australia. They were then
spending New Year together in Barnstaple. Yvonne is still busy doing keep fit, golf, theatre and concert
visits and walking. Lorna has had a less active year owing to a couple of health problems but had a lovely
holiday in the Lake District in February with her son and family and a superb day with her son at Wimbledon
(Centre Court) where they saw Andy Murray and Laura Robson in their singles matches. She now has
another dog who is making sure she gets plenty of exercise and in looking forward to getting back to her
former activities in the New Year. Bridget Bodewin (Durman) is certainly not showing any signs of slowing
down as she and Karl have spent the past year travelling around Canada and America visiting various
places including Death Valley and Yellowstone National Park. Summer was spent nearer home in Vancouver,
taking off for four or five days sailing, swimming, kayaking, walking, reading and relaxing while soaking up
the sun. In May they visited the UK and Germany where time passed all too quickly. A mini College reunion
with Edna Norman (Beales), Elaine Stobo (Taylor), Mary Green (Lock) and Moyra Smith (Gibson) was
held in Cambridge to celebrate their 75th birthdays in style. Then on to Hayling to visit more friends.
Bridget’s family are obviously following in her footsteps. Susan, her daughter, did a cancer charity bike ride
to Seattle whilst her husband, Colin, did a triathlon and half marathon. The only one slowing down is the
dog! Although Karl and Bridget are enjoying their retirement she says she still gets a kick when asked to
help with the admission testing at school.
1958-1960
Felicity Silvester (Stent) moved on Friday 6th December from her three-bedroom home in Norfolk, to a
one-bedroom flat in Wembley! She is excited about it. She will be near her younger daughter, Chloe, and her
husband, Stuart, and able to go to the church they pastor. Her elder daughter, Ruth, and her husband,
Mark, gave up their jobs as veterinary surgeons to go to Kenya to work alongside the Kenyan Children's
Project charity that they have set up there. They are involved with some medical work in the rural areas,
where a parasite burrows into the children's feet. It is very painful and debilitating. Their work will be in
support of a PhD student doing research into the most effective treatment for this terrible disease. So her
move – while she still has lots of energy – will bring her closer to family in the coming years. She went to
Kenya for a month, 10 days after moving! She still goes at least twice a year for varying lengths of time. The
children in their home for rescued orphans are like grandchildren, they are so special.
Joy Wallwin (King) The highlight of her year was sitting in the south transept of Canterbury Cathedral with
other members of the Southam congregation, witnessing the enthronement of Justin Welby. It was a
fantastic, if overwhelming experience. From their position they had a clear view of the enthronement, and
also of Justin as he delivered his sermon. He is such a lovely, genuine man, still missed in Southam, and
she feels sure that he will be an excellent Archbishop. She spent a few days in Northumberland in
September. What a beautiful county! It was her first visit, but it won't be her last. She had a wonderful time
exploring Roman remains, and hadn't realised that there would be so much to see. She planned to see
Yvonne Pitt (Harris) before Christmas. She lives about half an hour's drive from Yvonne.
Ann Stidwell (Limbert) writes that Jenny, Cynthia, Robena and herself have kept in touch with the aid of
modern technology but have not yet managed to all meet up. She says that Jenny visited them for a long
weekend in the Summer when much talking was done!Jacqueline Weddel had a wonderful eye operation
in August but now is on crutches as she has a prolapsed disc in her spine.
Muriel Warburton (Badham) is still living in Weybridge after she and her husband had second thoughts
about moving house. They are continuing to clear out clutter and their son-in-law has given large parts of
the house much-needed fresh coats of paint. Although parts of the area have been flooded they live on a
hill so have not experienced any problems. They have taken photographs of the River Thames and, in the
44 years they have lived in Weybridge, they have never seen it so full or moving so fast. What a terrible
Christmas and New Year so many people have experienced and continue to do so.
22
Both Careth Paternoster and Muriel have had
correspondence returned from Ann Gorton's
address marked "deceased" or "gone away". Has
anyone had any news of her? Muriel sent the photos
right which were all taken in 1958 and says that she
has no other information about Anne Darby.
Careth Paternoster (Osbourne) writes that
concerts continue to be a delight! She says the
atmosphere of the school that the young musicians
attend is superb and that it is good to watch the
progress they make. In February 2013 she and
Michael had a few days bird watching on the Exe
which they really enjoyed.
Thelma Bristow (Lewis) and her husband, Brian,
had an holiday in Devon in September. While there
they were able to meet up and spend a day with
Careth and Michael Paternoster.
Jean Del Re (Battin) writes that this past year has
been one of ups and downs.
Marion Cairns (Harris) and
Joan Bygate (Percival)
Pauline Mileson (Stoyle) Lilian
March and Joan Percival (Bygate)
1959-1961
Pat Barratt (Cox) was widowed two years ago but
keeps herself busy helping with her family and doing
a trolley round at the local Community Hospital
where she is also Vice Chairman of the League of
Muriel Warburton (Badham), Anne Darby (centre) and
Friends, a capacity which involves many fundraising Jackie Weddell (Lovell)
activities. She enjoyed a Scottish holiday on the Isle
of Arran and a time in Killarney last summer which was her first visit to Ireland. She meets up with Julie
Merry (Bounton) two or three time annually.
Julie Merry (Bounton) It was good to have news of Julie and to find that she is still in touch with Pat
Barratt (Cox), Jenny Buckland (Barnes), Bunty Scarlett (Haywood) and Viv Dottridge (North). She has
also recently met Jasmine Cooke. Julie has a son, David, who has returned to work in the UK last year (she
misses her trips to New York), a daughter, Sarah, and grandson, Matthew, who live in Brisbane. They usually
manage to meet up once a year.
Jennie Buckland (Barnes) has had a fairly quiet year after the upheaval of a loft conversion. However, the
benefits of enhanced space in the bungalow has been a blessing. Highlights of 2013 were the publication of
her daughter’s latest book, ”Painting Nature For The Nation”, a study of the life and work of the Japanese
painter Taki Katei. Rosina is currently curating an exhibition of Kabuki prints at the National Museum of
Scotland in Edinburgh and recently gave a public lecture on the subject in the auditorium of the British
Museum. In the Summer Jennie was visited by her son, his wife and youngest daughter from Northern
Ireland. Young Maria is fortunate in having gained a place in a Grammar School and appears to be
flourishing there. Horse riding is her passion at home. In September a long-held dream was realized when
Jennie visited Santiago De Compostela. She was privileged to attend The Pilgrims’ Mass at midday when
the famous censer was swung to the delight of the huge congregation in the cathedral. She spent a
delightful week in a lovely hotel by the pine forested shoreline near Pontevedra. She expected to be joined
at Christmas 2013 by her daughter and husband. Hopefully the weather conditions permitted their travel by
road from Scotland to Cornwall!.
Sue Chitty (Corfmat) It is with great sadness that the death of Sue’s husband Paul was announced before
Christmas. He died peacefully on Thursday 12th December. Paul’s quality of life had been greatly
impoverished during the last couple of years as a result of the serious stroke (suffered on New Year's Eve
2011, his 68th birthday) and then by cancer which was diagnosed early last year. Our thoughts and prayers
are with Sue and her family at this time.
Sue Clark (Curtis) writes “The best things for us in 2013 were two short breaks. One was in Cologne where
we did a lovely day trip on the Rhine. The other was a weekend near Oxford in a beautiful hotel. I won this
as a prize for completing a questionnaire at another hotel in the same group! From Oxford we were able to
go to my home city of Coventry on the cross country train. I hadn’t been there for 20 years since my father
died. I was very impressed with the landscaping round the new cathedral and glad to look round St Marys
priory which I had seen on Time Team a good few years ago We had good weather for both of these breaks
which was an answer to prayers”.
Joan Connelly (Stephen) has become a member of the PCC and the Deanery Synod at her church. She is
also a governor at her old school - St Joseph's in Cranleigh - so is kept very busy.
23
Colin's diabetic neuropathy is progressing so he's fairly incapacitated but he continues to be an LLM (their
new Rector is happy for him to remain sitting in his buggy when he preaches!) They manage to enjoy
themselves by going away frequently in their motor home with friends and relatives. Also (in June) they had
a relaxing cruise to the Norwegian Fiords and North Cape. Then, in July Joan went on a very non-relaxing
trip to India to visit her grandson, Sam, who is teaching Geography at Hebron School in Ooty (Tamil Nadu).
They backpacked to all the 'sights' in North India - Amritsar and the Golden Temple, the Border Closing
Ceremony; and masses of temples and forts on the Golden Triangle (including, of course, the Taj Mahal).
Their accommodation was Sam type - £4 per night including breakfast - and travel was either by 'tuc-tuc'
or by overnight train (2nd class - bunks but no sheets or air conditioning). They then took an internal flight to
Coimbatore in South India and stayed at Sam's school in the Nilgiri mountains. She was surprised at how
cold it was (but then they were at 8000 feet altitude). She met many lovely people on the tea plantations and
in the safari parks and got up 'close and personal' with lots of exotic animals. It was an experience never to
be forgotten. Now for Christmas. She was hosting again this year, 17 plus four dogs! Absolute chaos but,
she hopes, fun.
Pat Garford (Terry) keeps herself busy with gardening, Probus club and Senior Net for the computer. She
spent Christmas with friends in Rotorua and once again enjoyed travelling with a small group in late August,
this time to Europe. She flew from New Zealand to Zagreb in Croatia before touring Slovenia, Montenegro,
Albania and Macedonia returning to explore Croatia. Highlights were Lake Bled with chocolate box scenery,
Dubrovnik, and the Postojna Cave, a network of 20 kilometres of passages, galleries and chambers. It is the
largest cave in the “classic karst” and the most visited show cave in Europe. So speaks a Geographer! The
visit began aboard the cave train; electric lighting allows one to admire the size and splendour of the
underground world, where the geological past is recorded in a unique manner. Visitors to the cave are
dazzled by a wealth of speleothems. She also enjoyed the Lipica Horse Stud, the pride of Slovenia and
watching the sun set as they dined at Piran on the Adriatic Sea.
Eileen Harnwell (Taylor) wrote in 2013: “My address is now 7 Mattes Way Bomaderry NSW 2541. E-mail
addresses are boblyn64@gmail.com and lyn.harnwell@gmail.com. I have been Lyn not Eileen since coming
to Australia and am only Eileen in England with family and friends! I have three children and six
grandchildren – number seven is along in July (keeping up with Kate and William!) We are both very involved
with local theatre, I direct and act and Bob builds sets and works backstage. We are also volunteers at a
local art gallery and an artists’ centre called Bundanon which was the home of Arthur Boyd – who actually
made his name as an artist in the UK in the 50s and 60s and spent his working life back and forth. We like
to travel when funds permit and with family and interests are kept pretty busy. If any ex-BOCs are in Oz do
come and visit. Our telephone number is 02 44210829 and we would love to welcome you and show off our
beautiful area, known for its lovely beaches. We still keep close contact with Jackie (George) who usually
comes to visit each year when seeing her son and granddaughter in Sydney. All the best to all the BOC exstudents. I do get to see the old buildings when I come over as my sister lives in Chichester though it has
changed over the years”.
Brenda Jenkinson (Long) loves spending time with her grandchildren. She saw them all over Christmas,
when her younger son and family stayed for a week. She followed that with a trip to Cambridge to spend
time with the other half of the family. She is still in touch with Sue Chitty (Corfmat).
Sheila Pugh (Killick) has enjoyed many cruises since retirement. Some very exciting travels have been to
the Middle East and North Africa. It's heart breaking to think of the problems in these areas today. On a
happier note, her two daughters, Rachel and Catie, are thriving. Catie is an Air Traffic Controller at Liverpool
John Lennon Airport and lives in Frodsham. Rachel lives near Reading and is married with two daughters,
Abigail who is almost sixteen and Naomi who is eleven. Rachel does term time social work concentrating on
people with learning difficulties. So they don't manage to get together very often. However they always
manage a family visit to the pantomime in nearby Stevenage at Christmas time.
Sue Scott (Haddelsey) has had a knee replacement this year and is still in touch with Bunty Haywood.
Jenny Shepherd (Kirkaldy) A wonderful holiday in March and April 2013 left Jenny and husband Tony with
lasting memories of family bonds strengthened and friendships from the seventies and onwards renewed.
Jenny’s desire to visit New Zealand was fulfilled as they enjoyed time with friends spending two weeks on
North Island near the Bay of Islands plus time in Christchurch and Nelson last Easter. They managed to
catch up with each of Jenny’s three former housemates, fellow teachers and former mission partners from
Mwanza before flying on to Australia; first to Melbourne to greet old friends and later to Sydney for a final
fortnight to visit daughter, Emma, who was in Australia working. Memorable trips included the Botanical
Gardens, the harbour and Manley beach. Tony’s niece, Lucy, drove them 100 k north to Capacabana. Lots
of walking, scenery and sea views before a last five days in scenic Watson’s Bay with Emma before
returning home. To their delight they were re-united with Emma when she returned home at Christmas.
24
They are involved in the life and fellowship of St Mary’s Church in Saffron Walden, which keeps them both
busy.
Hazel Tomlinson (Torode) has two daughters, Amanda and Nicola, who live close by. She and husband
Harry also have a house in Touraine. Adele, their grandaughter's, French is so good now that people think
she is actually French. They go to France about four times a year, but have to time it so that it doesn't clash
too much with the teaching of Guernsey-French (their native language) that they both teach in the primary
schools. It's a minority language and is slowly fading out; the death knell being the evacuation of all schoolchildren and young families during WW2. They also record written work etc so are kept very busy. Hazel
recalls having to return early in our second year to complete two weeks of School Practice missed because
she contracted German measles. There were four of us housed in rooms above Miss Murray’s flat. Anne
Walters (Sansom) and Irene Lewis (Thornton) were also members of that happy band sent out to schools
in Chichester to complete our school practice. Can anyone remember the fourth member? Hazel thinks it
might have been Ann Newsham (Clibbon).
Jean Tune (Handsaker) celebrated 50 years of marriage to John in 2012. This year they have enjoyed
several Italian holidays. She describes it as home from home. Gardening, painting shutters etc but with the
enjoyment of food, wine, beautiful countryside and wildlife. The wild boar visit from time to time. Sounds
exciting!
Anne Walters (Sansom) is looking forward to a less busy year in 2014. “Having appointed a new Rector
and our first female Area Dean, I am hoping that my workload will diminish and allow Allan and myself time
to travel prior to our 50th Wedding Anniversary in August. This may not be straightforward as our Bishop will
be translated to Durham in February and there will be a great deal of work for Bishop’s Council (I am a
member) to do before the end of 2015 when we might have a replacement. Our special treat to ourselves is
a 10-day visit to the Holy Land in March with a Southwell Diocesan pilgrimage led by the Archdeacon of
Nottingham and the boys have plans for us too. We will be in Chicago and Colorado in June visiting Adrian,
Rachel and Alice, plus friends from our walking days in the Rockies. Philip and family are renting a villa in
Croatia in early July and we shall join them there. If time allows we would like to return to Romania and
catch a glimpse of the painted monasteries in the North but may have to leave it for another time as the
whole family still would like to assemble in the Lake District for our actual anniversary. So, much to look
forward to and be thankful for. Christmas saw us in Bucharest once again. We had a magical time with our
grandsons and enjoyed playing all the usual games of ludo, tiddly winks, skittles and snakes and ladders,
plus a few games on the i-pad for Grandpa to learn!! We spent a few days in Brasov together, exploring the
old town, ice skating on the outdoor rink and enjoying the delights of the Christmas market and the vin fiert
before visiting Bran Castle and Rasnov fortress on the way back to Bucharest. The boys love to imagine
they are soldiers defending the battements and we have great memories of our trip.
Thank you to everyone who has sent news. Please keep the links going. I will send out an update of our list
to everyone next November so if you know of any address changes or new emails etc please let me know.
The Guild Newsletter will be sent to all members early in the New Year. If new people would like to
subscribe, please tell them to contact Mr John Fletcher Tel 01572 821213 for information. Annual
membership is £5 and Life £25.
1961-1964
50 years ago, we 21 year olds were launched on to the unsuspecting schoolchildren of England! From
Bishop Otter College, we all went our various ways, made our careers, and I hope, have lived happy and
fulfilled lives. I have heard from a number of people from our year for the first time, of recent months, and it
has been a real pleasure to make that contact. What has been so nice to hear about is how many people
have stayed in touch with the groups of friends they made at college, with some still seeing them on a
regular basis. In 2013, I have had the pleasure of hearing from Richard Beare, Dane and Beth (Sturmey)
Oliver, Colin Arnold, Mike Holman, Robert and Judith (Ely) Fletcher, Jenny Miller (Cooke), Dave
Manuel, Sue White (Morris), Gill Wilson (Macdonald), Pat Harper (Hall), John Rolls, Ruth Rimmer
(Chown), Sandy Stansfield (Pickard), Ken Tutt and Mike Paige. I’m pleased to report that many of them
have said they will be coming to the reunion this year, a first for some; some will be coming to meet their
special friends from College days. I hope we will see all the ‘regulars’ too! Unfortunately, my husband is
quite ill, and has a progressive illness which means I will need to spend more time caring for him. However,
as Ruth Rimmer (Chown) is coming back to live permanently in the UK from Hong Kong this year, she has
kindly agreed to take over as year rep. again after the reunion. I have SO enjoyed being your year rep., and
thank all of you who have communicated with me. It has been a real pleasure to read your letters and
reconnect with you. The reunion weekend this year is 11th-13th July 2014; you will find your booking form
in the Guild Newsletter. Last year, a Friday night dinner was tried out and as over sixty people attended, it
was deemed to be a success and will happen again this year. Saturday morning will involve a general
meeting, a chapel service, and lunch in the refectory. Sunday morning, there is a walk up Trundle on offer
(but not compulsory) with lunch afterwards at a convenient hostelry.
25
You can book accommodation at College for a modest cost. I have been thinking of ideas of how to
celebrate our special anniversary, and have come to the conclusion that our big ‘get-together’ would have
to be on Saturday afternoon after lunch. Not everyone will stay for the weekend, just attending on the
Saturday for the day, so this will be the time when most of us are gathered together. I will book a room for
us to retire to for chatting and reminiscing. I have asked Rose Savage (Parks) if she would put together a
slide show of our college days’ pictures, which I thought would be fun. If you have any photos you would
share with our year group, please would you e-mail or send them to Rose –
rosesavage@boxgrove50.freeserve.co.uk or 14 Crouch Lane, Boxgrove, Chichester, West Sussex PO18
0EH. Remember to name those in the photos, and say where and when the photos were taken. If you are
definitely attending the reunion this year, I would be very grateful if you could let me know; it would help
greatly to know numbers for planning purposes. Thank you in advance. (Carolyn Keyzor (nee Morgan)
keyzors2@ntlworld.com or 023 9235 1209 or 83 Anmore Road, Denmead, Hampshire PO7 6NT).
Jenny Miller was able to give me news of Brian Jones; he married Ann Mountford (1962–65), and they
had three children, but unfortunately, Ann died some years ago. Sadly, Brian died of a heart attack whilst
running a marathon with his son in South Africa in 2003.
Mike Paige was staying with a friend in the Isle of Wight for a month or two at the end of last year, and is
planning to return to UK from Australia for the 2014 reunion.
Pat Harper (Hall), who was in the ‘Infant Group’ (do you remember the ‘goodie goodies’ group?) paid
tribute to Miss Miller in her letter. She said, ‘Didn’t Mary Miller do well? I was very fond of her. I owed such a
lot to her. She gave us a good foundation. We were trained well. I thought this often over the years when
students were put with me for school practice.’ As a member of Miss Miller’s band, I agree with Pat,
although I’m not sure that I would admit to a have been ‘fond’ of Miss Miller – I respected her greatly, but
found her quite daunting at times!
Ruth Rimmer (Chown) says “nearly three years ago my husband, David, and I decided to rent out our UK
home and have a GAP year or two. We have spent a lot of time in Hong Kong as this is where our son,
daughter and two granddaughters continue to live. Also my UK education business is still running so I do
find that I spend a lot of time working in the office but we have fun seeing the family and catching up with
lots of friends. Otherwise we have spent time in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, which we really enjoy and at
a rather late stage of our lives have taken up golf. We made a short trip back to the UK in the summer so I
was able to visit a number of boarding schools (connected with my work) and then hopped over to France
and had a very relaxing week with Sue Thompson nee Chadwick and Norman. However we feel that the
time has come for us to settle down again and we are relocating back to Devon and I have a feeling that this
summer will be spent trying to bring the garden back to its former glory!!!”
Ken Tutt, who was our year rep. for many years, and is a regular attendee at the reunions, was unable to
come last year, as he was having surgery to clear a blockage in his artery. He is doing well and we hope to
see him at the reunion this year.
John Rolls writes “not only do the weather conditions each year on Guild Reunion Day dictate
remembering events but also the changes of scenery remain locked in the memory bank. As I walked
through Springfield last July the bright sunlight blocked the view of the boarded-off chapel patio; I detected
a threesome sitting on the wall beside the main path – Janet Craven (Cattell), Val Thomson (Taylor) and
Wendy Coxall (Last) who spontaneously exchanged greetings. Later on, during the Guild meeting and
service, several other familiar faces were recognised – regular “guilders”, Frances Forward, Rosemary
Ottewell, Rose Savage (Parks), Terry Turner and our leader, Carolyn Keyzor (Morgan). After a wonderful
lunch Carolyn showed us some splendid examples of Michael Crompton’s tapestries. I chose a postcard
entitled “Oak” which would have complimented my special study in the Art Department which I completed
fifty years ago: “Colour and Texture in Trees”. I have since written to Michael, explaining how it will serve as
a vibrant illustration in the various talks I give on floral and
arboreal themes. Many readers will recall that other interests
of mine developed while at college – flower arranging and
gardening – which continue to this day. I loved my days at
Bishop Otter College, and I believe we all have a very special
bond from that experience. I look forward to seeing LOTS of
you at the reunion in July.
The nine people pictured above at the 2013 reunion are: back
row (Left to right) Frances Forward, John Rolls, Carolyn
Keyzor (Morgan), Terry Turner and Val Thomson (Taylor); Front
row) Rose Savage (Parks), Rosemary Ottewell, Wendy Coxall
(Last) and Janet Craven (Cattell).
26
1962-1965
Marten Lougee thanks the 36 old students who sent information and you should pencil in 10, 11 and 12 July
2015 for our 50th from leaving. This will be confirmed this July and if it should change, I will notify you.
David and Janet Austin (Curtis) are renting a house in Warwick this year. They are here to look after their
granddaughter, Malindi (17). She wishes to take up teaching and has applied to Chichester. There were 800
applicants, short listed to 100, all of whom were interviewed. Thirty students, including Malindi, were offered
places on the Early Years Course but this is based in Bognor. Their son, Tom, and his family are all living in
Austin Cottage at David and Jan’s school in Harare, Zimbabwe. The school is doing well despite political
problems. They return to Heritage School for board meetings and monitor progress – 1340 pupils and
grandson, Scott (15), who will be the only white boy. Lucy, David and Jan’s daughter, has been promoted to
Head of Year at Repton School, Dubai. Jan and David continue to return every holiday to Montcuq, in the
Lot area of France and they are in the process of converting an old water mill.
Janet Bayly (Doreen Cliffe)’s husband, David, retired this year, well, stopped travelling to Norway each
week. He still does a few hours for Total. He has taken up golf again and is mildly obsessive about it. Janet
is still ministering in churches and local schools. They have a large family. Their youngest son, Edward, is
getting married and they want to be married in the village church and would like Mum to marry them – all
their three children’s names will be in the Wedding Registers for their Church. Janet has recently completed
her training as a Spiritual Director so she will be meeting new people and sharing their spiritual journey.
Clive and Linda Bolton (Goodwin) stayed with Guy and Sian in Canada for Christmas. They flogged
themselves to death at the gym in the hope that they would be fit enough to ski! It was 20 years since they
last skied. Their grandson, Samy (11), is either totally brainless or has no nerve endings, has just won a cup
for being the best ski jumper in North America in the under 12 age group. They are planning on the
Olympics after next. Clive and Linda have moved into their converted barn/garage. The architect was
brilliant and it is open plan. The garden is quite small but has a reasonable patio. In September they went to
the New Forest and across to Sandbanks where they had a fantastic three weeks when the children were
little – such happy memories.
Christine Boot enjoyed spending time with family who came over at Easter for her sister’s Golden
Wedding. The children showed great interest in the Egyptian Galleries at the British Museum but even more
in Hamley’s Toyshop!! A holiday in Switzerland included a journey on the Jungfrau Express and walks in wild
flower meadows. She keeps fit by playing table tennis every week at the church community club.
Graham Brooks and Anne frequent the Manchester Royal Exchange (play readings), the Art Gallery, Bolton
Octagon Theatre and the Leeds Palace of Varieties. He spends time exercising, walking and looking after
the grandchildren. They still have a property in Ghana. He says the people are wonderful but the electricity
and water supplies are major problems – no water for two weeks. They usually visit late August/September.
Rev Chris Brown was 70 in December. Nottingham is a great place for dining so he “pushed the boat out”.
He is well and active so volunteers for the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance, Talking Newspaper for the Blind
and the Probus Club which he really enjoys. He has never regarded himself as a “clubbable” person but
likes the group. He has risen to the giddy heights of Bowls Section Fixture Secretary. He discovered the
letters he had written to his parents whilst at BOC. Whoever thought that College would become Memory
Lane and that he would find a handwritten letter in ink with the heading “New Hall East Room 13A”. He
sends “Happy memories and Thank you, most warmly, for all those who shared them with me”.
Elaine Burgess (Ashby) says that she and Nigel are still living in Chester, enjoying retirement and seeing
their three grandchildren. As their eldest daughter and family have returned to the UK from New Zealand
their trips have finished.
Jim Buxton and Carol It has not been a really good year for them. Christmas 2012 was very subdued with
the reactions to radiotherapy treatment at its worst. A urinary blockage which resulted in a tube being
inserted through the stomach wall, straight into his bladder with no anaesthetic! He saw his radiotherapist in
Poitiers on 19th December 2013 and they are both hoping he is going to be well after that. He lost 22 kilos
and he can no longer go for long walks. The weather last year meant that soft fruit was not plentiful but
many apples and pears. The old man for whom they work has become very geriatric. They have become
carers rather than guardians to the property which was not the idea. Jim drives him everywhere and M de
Bray would rather stay in bed all day without food or drink. They extend, as ever, a welcome to anybody
who would like to visit, just let them know in good time.
For Claire Edwards (Henderson) the days whizz by and she prepared for family visits, some Christmas and
others in the New Year. In between she visits her brother and his wife, Sue. She is retiring as URC minister
at Sanderstead (near Croydon). In January she spent the week apple pruning in relatively calm and mildish
weather and preparing a previously overgrown area on the allotment to transfer a large greenhouse. She led
a walk recently, by the sea, and over fifty walkers arrived – must be popular.
27
Vivien Evans found 2013 was another long, cold, snowy winter in Pateley Bridge but summer actually
appeared. Last year was hospital appointment and procedures year. BOC fell by the wayside.
Instead, Northumberland (like Bob Self) beckoned with Cragside and Kielder Water (now with Dark Sky
protection). Viv is interested in disused railways and she wanted to view the viaduct at Kielder. It is built on
the skew. The Midland Hotel in Morecambe and a guest house in King’s Lynn were excellent. Her courtyard
has been reflagged – it seems much more spacious and really attractive. The band has had fewer
engagements but practices on Monday evenings.
Ian (1963-1966) and Mary (Banfield) were in Zambia again in 2013. They are always happy to return to
Chengelo School (www.chengelo.sch.zm and the Guild Magazine 2013 p. 29) teaching and meeting friends.
Mary returned after a three-week Easter break taking over the English as Ian had family commitments here.
Quite a challenge for an Infant Teacher (says Mary)!! They were able to revisit Shiwa Ngandu House and estate,
having first come across it unexpectedly in 1971 – an isolated, unoccupied English country house and estate
in the African bush. Quite amazing. It is now lived in, busy and thriving (see The Africa House by Christina
Lamb for its history). They relaxed at Kapishya hot springs close by. Mary and Ian met up in July and went to
Kascuka National Park (renowned for huge bat migrations) in November/ December. Quiet and peaceful
except for noisy hippos grunting throughout the night on the doorstep of the lodge. Their elderly mothers (101
and 99), children and grandchildren, tennis, church affairs and old and new friends keep them busy.
Barry and Meg Hayles (Harper-Tarr) had a busy year, as usual, helping to look after the grandchildren and
Meg’s 98-year old mother. Much of the year was spent selling her house to HS2, a long, tedious process.
Their younger daughter is a solicitor and so was able to represent grandmother. They eventually exchanged
contracts with Patrick McLoughlin, Secretary of State of Transport.
Godfrey and Maureen Hurst (Murphy) has continuing memory problems as a result of the meningitis he
had – the medicines provided by the hospital and GP have had little effect and currently he is trying some
herbal remedies which Maureen thinks are helping “slow but sure”. A kidney stone has not helped, zapped
in Bournemouth with a laser but a 1.5 hour drive and was only partially successful. They had an “all
inclusive” holiday in Rhodes and discovered it included drinks at anytime of the day. Simon and Rachel are
continuing their teaching careers, one as Assistant Headteacher at Shirley High School in Croydon, the
other Head of Foreign Languages at Dorothy Stringer School, Brighton. Godfrey has retired from the church
organ but can step in when required.
Martin (1961-1964) and Wendy Imeson (Evans) visited the Merrythought Teddy Bear factory. Martin’s
cousin had a Merrythought toy cat which they returned to them for the museum. They visited Attingham
Park. Reception thought that Wendy’s wheelchair was too big for the lift and Martin cannot push a
conventional one. The head of the establishment came to the rescue and they got a full personal tour.
Holidays were short. The Midland Hotel in Morecambe is Art Deco and gives wonderful views of the sea –
most of the time it is mud. They travelled up the Rushland Valley to Rushland church where Arthur and
Evgenia Ransome (Swallows and Amazons) are buried. Wendy is still playing the piano and Martin
continues as Lay Pastor at Dacre United Reformed Church. He has problems with his legs – vascular
system – and he gets very tired.
Jill Leggeter (Head) and husband, after years of looking for a “bolthole” in either West Sussex or Dorset,
gave up on these “necks of the woods” because every time they found somewhere they liked, a snag
popped up. So they have bought a house in Suffolk! Just north of Long Melford and south of Bury St
Edmunds and takes only 90 minutes to get there. It provides peace and quiet and glorious views of
organically run fields. They have been interviewed by the Linda Snell of the village to see if they are suitable
residents. She is in touch with Tricia Kirkland (1963-1966), Stella Freeman-Smith (Quarmby) and Derek
(1960-1963). Stella keeps busy with Tai Chi, badminton, chopping wood and ferrying her grandson to
triathlon events at which he excels. Derek gets enough exercise just watching Stella rush about.
Tim Lord was diagnosed with acute myloid leukemia in August 2013 and he spent over three months in
Shrewsbury Hospital having chemotherapy treatment. So far it seems to be going well but there is more to
come and he is not expecting to be clear of hospitals until mid-February. It was all a bit of a shock but he
intends to beat it and get back to doing his tours in mid-April. The daft think is that he now feels very well but
must return to hospital to be made ill!! Ah well, such and he says “there are many people who are worse off”.
Marten Lougee has continued with Rotary, British Transport Police and Northern Rail. Many theatre and
ballet trips and an enjoyable visit to the viewing platform near the top of the Shard. Sorrento and Menorca
called where he met two of Anne Plyming’s pleasant friends. The partner of Marten’s youngest daughter,
who is a dental surgeon, is at Camp Bastion and he will be one of the last troops out – he deals with
battlefield injuries.
Roger Morris and Katrina were in Los Angeles, where their son and his wife live, for the birth of their second
grandchild, Jasmine, on 23rd December 2013. After more than six years in teaching he started manufacturing
furniture which he did for 28 years. Roger sold Cubestone Ltd in 1997 at which point he took a very fortunate
early retirement to indulge his passion for sailing.
28
His current boat is based in Pula Croatia and for anyone interested in sailing, the Croatian side of the Adriatic
is a wonderful cruising area. Roger and Katrina have been married for 45 years (never a cross word) and they
have lived in the centre of Bury St Edmunds for 40 years. Peter Noblet (1936-1966) and David Austin
(1962-1965) have been sailing with him.
Sue Newstead (Shaw) has been doing her usual cycling trips with friends and bush walking on Fridays,
plus Pilates and two visits to the gym – she likes to be fit. Last June she and Kim (her husband) went to
Sicily, Tunisia, Southern France (she still keeps her French up) and the Costa Brava – a great month’s break.
Kim has been re-appointed to the Maritime Museum Committee in Hobart. They are planning visiting three
regions, the York Peninsula, Kimberly and the south west of Western Australia using a slide camper. They
have discovered Airbnb (Google) and turned their attic into self-contained Airbnb accommodation. The
Newsteads would love to see you all.
Pete (1963-1966) and Elly Noblet (Gaskin) spent last February in Thailand, travelling extensively with Sue
and Chris Brown (Harford). Mary and Ian (1963-1966) Freestone (Banfield) came to stay with them in
Norfolk and they plan to meet up with Jan and Dave Austin (Curtis) after they come back from the
Caribbean with the Browns. Pete hopes to crew for Roger Morris from Croatia round Mallorca later this
year. Before Christmas they had a family holiday with Barnaby, Mandy and Noah (4) in Lanzarote.
For Lindsey and Linda Oxlad (Edwards) the highlight of the year was a trip to Canada in April to watch
their older grandson, Conor (12), play ice-hockey for South Australia at the Friendship Games – played in
friendship but highly competitive. The team finished 4th out of 11. Lynn had virtually no voice as surgery in
February to remove a tumour from her neck resulted in nerve damage to the larynx. Things are improving
but it is difficult to be heard in a noisy area. Speech therapy is helping but she may have to accept the
limitations. Vanessa has just finished producing a children’s programme for ABC3 and a permanent position
with Channel 10. Sadly her father died on 16th October 2013 (see obituary). Lynn and Lindsey are planning
a trip to the UK in June/July and they will visit her father’s family in Pembrokeshire, South Wales.
Gill Page (Birch), with a group of bell ringing friends, rang in the New Year. They have done this since 1989.
She has had two great holidays, one in Egypt seeing the pyramids, tombs and temples and then Namibia
which is incredibly beautiful. She camped, climbed sand dunes before breakfast, visited the Skeleton Coast
seeing lions, elephants, giraffes, rhino etc. Brilliant. She saw Ro Martin (Jones) several times during last
year. This year the BIG birthday. It does not seem any time since we were at BOC!! How did we find time to
work?
Alan Palmer retired in 2003 and ten years later Alan and Margaret have become like swallows, spending
seven weeks in South Africa. Their southern hemisphere trips have also increased with their son moving to
Perth, Australia, so that they see their grandchildren each November/ December. They take in also Kuala
Lumpar or Singapore or Hong Kong en route. They visit Derek Oliver in Cornwall. Alan is a Governor of the
local junior school which he has done since he retired, as an ex-secondary teacher, dealing with a huge 6th
form he enjoys the different perspective.
Dave Pamphilon has continued his charity work and in May he attended the Christian wedding of Samual,
a boy he first supported in Mombasa in 1985, to Margaret. He had no idea, all those years ago, as to where
a small amount of money each month would lead, but it has been invaluable to that family.
On the last Saturday before Christmas John Patten and his wife, Barbara, completed his fifth remaining
retirement project to see 36 plays by Shakespeare on stage – Richard II at the Barbican. In the late 1940s
the area between Old Street Station and St Paul’s was almost derelict, courtesy of Herman Goering and it
was John’s playground. To walk through the concrete maze that is now the entire area, confirmed that the
London of his memories had now vanished. Even a nominal share holding in Tottenham Hotspurs does not
make him feel like a Londoner. His other projects were; see a regular season game of American Football,
speak Italian in Sicily, finish Finnegan’s Wake and make a profit by a serious study of Flat Racing and
backing methodically. The latter he achieved twice. In 2012 a float of £10 became £520!!
Sue Petri (Potter) has not had an easy year, having been diagnosed with breast cancer. When you read this
she should have finished her course of treatment and be looking forward to getting back on track,
especially with the garden. Alan has been marvellous, supporting Sue, and although tired he has done well
with his slave duties. A new grandson in September has helped – a little treasure.
Ann Plyming knows that she is getting older because the years go by even more quickly. She had a special
day in October so had a couple of “different” holidays. February (2013) saw them walking in Menorca, great
hiking in the lovely unspoilt countryside, and in September a cruise on the Rhone from Lyons to Arles and
Avignon, very relaxing. Their grandsons keep Ann and Lionel on their toes. Eldest son, Chris, has moved to
Warwickshire, to an old property with loads of space and stables where they hope to start a livery business.
Tim, one of the twins, has returned to the BBC as Executive Producer for all programmes to be shown to
mark the 100th anniversary year of the start of the First World War. The other son is still Vicar of Claygate in
Surrey and has been married to Annabelle for 15 years.
29
George Redgrave went to Albania and Macedonia last year with a group from the English Bible Society. He
met the Orthodox Archbishop of Macedonia. He rides a Brompton bicycle so can be very flexible with his
travel. Crawley is twinned with Dorsteen (Germany) and he went there last October. He feels he should reinvent himself to become alert, self confident, dashing and handsome, so pretty women would swoon
before him!!
Dave and Jan Richardson (Stamp) who live in the South Island of New Zealand have four children and
eight grand children. All three of their oldest daughters’ children have been or are going to Otago University.
Janet enjoys tramping around the countryside as well as maintaining their big property with lots of trees and
shrubs. Dave had a spell in hospital last year and he is now managing his heart problems reasonably well. In
March they are having a holiday on Norfolk Island.
Michael Riggs’ temporary stay in Bewdley continues while the bungalow they bought in Frome is being
adapted to meet the needs of his wife who has CBS, one of those nasty creeping paralytic conditions, like
the type that killed Dudley Moore. So Mike is getting used to the role of carer and he is happy that he can
meet the demands of what looks like being a long and difficult decline. He does things with U3A including
painting, geology of Shropshire and local industrial history. He attempted to join a local U3A Focus in Art
group which he found was being run by Chris Guyatt (1964-1967). He meets Tim Lord frequently and Mike
is learning the art of tour guiding from him – he has done Maastricht, Bruges and Brussels – responsible for
kind elderly folk who go on these trips so duty is 24/7. He continues to sketch madly and to illustrate
children’s stories, the profits going to the RNLI – it all started with an initial print of five. “Bunny Overboard”
is the third story – not in the J K Rowling league yet. He gives illustrated lectures on art and local history, so
if a group would like a speaker on such topics, please contact him via mcriggs@yahoo.com. Travel
expenses, a small fee and possibly a bed for the night will suffice.
Bob and June Self (Westmorland) (1963-1966)’s son, Richard, now 40, is well ensconced in his teaching
post. Bob wonders if we could have coped with the pressures and demands of the modern classroom and
he thinks that teachers today are vastly undervalued by the government and society in general. (A number
of you have voiced this.) Helen, their daughter, who works for RBS in Edinburgh is buying a small farm in
Northumberland and she intends turning it into an equestrian centre and a base for her partner’s
countryside management business. Bob continues as a trustee of the South Downs Society. June
complains that she sees little of him so is doing plenty of keep fit things. They have explored the Welsh
Marches and been engrossed in Northumberland. Bob has walked in Bhutan.
Ann Spilberg (Makin) is doing well. Everyone agrees that she has recovered quite a lot more speech during
the year and so can make herself that bit more easily understood. She has returned to painting after a break
and finished two pictures in time for the Liss Village Art and Craft Show – and had a sale. Anny has
collected plastic bottle tops for a while and they produce cash for the Hampshire Air Ambulance. Michael
had a stroke in October, product of stress and high blood pressure. “Not too deep, fortunately” said the
consultant. So statins, blood pressure pills and clean health and virtuous lifestyle (muesli, yoghurt, green tea
and only a little alcohol)!
Mike Sproule was diagnosed with prostate cancer and recently had brachytherapy which is considered a
cure and all the signs are good. Other health issues occupy him on a daily basis. Mike and Christine are
excited because their older son and family are returning to the UK in April after several years in Tokyo. Mike
does voluntary work with the Leonard Cheshire Foundation in the Art department with people who have a
variety of physical and mental challenges – great fun. Their four local grandchildren take a great deal of time
and one weekly task is to make biscuits for them – chocolate chip cookies and Mary Berry’s Fork biscuits.
Rick (1963-1966) and Juliet Strappini (Affleck)’s biggest news is that their oldest son is moving back to
Guernsey in February and the family will live with them until all is sorted. That will mean seven children to
three sons. The Strappini Guernsey family will continue! Rick has retired from being constable on St
Martin’s. January 2013 saw them in Peru and they did not need oxygen as some of the group did. January
this year saw them in Melbourne and Tasmania. They are returning via Johannesburg so that they can make
contact again with their South African relations.
Aubrey and Mandy Watson (Adkin) have been thinking about Christmases and New Years past as there
are rather a lot and they have been married for 48 of them. Mandy has romantic memories of Aubrey
hitching down from Birmingham in our second year at BOC when she was delivering the Christmas post!
She also thinks back, fondly, to all those hot Decembers during 18 years in Africa. Still, there is something
special about the UK although winter sometimes has her doubting. Mandy is still working a three-day week,
heading to town with all the gloomy commuters. It seems that old education consultants are appreciated,
even if the heads get younger and younger!! Aubrey is still staggering back from the golf club with wine and
trophies – 11 in 2013. He keeps fit walking the Downs. Three grandchildren keep them busy and mentally
agile. They manage to visit the older grandchildren in South Africa once a year and Mandy’s sister lives in
Florida. Otherwise Sussex, as we all know, is a great place to live. Countless walks, National Park (thanks
Bob) and even an amazing theatre in a place called Chichester. Aubrey’s mum died at 101 – memories
through good and bad times. This has given Mandy great hope for the future and shows how a life of faith
and optimism, against all odds, and care for others still can bring great rewards.
30
1963-1966
Jo Forster (Le Brocq) said that at one stage she thought she would be able to attend the 2013 reunion, but
sadly it was not possible. Looking at the photos of the last reunion, she was upset not to recognise anyone,
although she did recognise most of the names! She suggested that all the chaps should shave off the
beards to make recognition easier!! She currently lives in Jersey/Charente/Cyprus with her husband, Philip,
the same beloved from BOC days, and has two sons who operate out of Dubai/Washington/Baghdad/Kabul
in their company - FSI Worldwide. Jo is retired - having left teaching as Head of Modern Languages at
d'Hautree School - one of the secondary schools in Jersey.
Gina Wilcox also sent an apology, as she was on that hot rock in the sun, in the Bahamas! She was very
disappointed to be able to join everyone on this anniversary occasion and wished everyone a wonderful
week.
Kim Ashton now Angela Reid was hoping to come for the reunion weekend but events such as
theatre/Arts Festival etc overtook again. She hoped to be able to have a private celebration with Jo Forster
(Le Broque) whey they marked a rather big birthday in Jersey the following weekend. She keeps very fit
having walked 100 miles of the South West Coastal path in nine days!
Jan Mabbutt was in Perth, WA, and very sorry they could not make the reunion. They had intended to but
Australia won.
Viv (Crompton) was unable to attend the 2013 reunion as it was good weather and they would be on the
boat somewhere.
Pete and Elly Noblet. Their daughter-in-law has had rather nasty breast cancer and was undergoing
treatment etc and were needed on hand for grandparental duties so were unable to attend the 2013
reunion.
Bob Andrews had planned a trip away to Devon for Anja’s birthday, a much needed break by both of them.
Linda Aitken (West) and her family were in full organisation mode for their son’s wedding in Chicago at the
end of July. They flew out on the 23rd. He is marrying an American girl who lives over here and they will
continue to live in London. However, she wanted to be
married from home and so they were all preparing for a full
American-style four day wedding! She is making a name
for herself as a Landscape Architect and presently has a
gardening/social installation outside the South Bank
Centre on the Thames, as part of the London
Neighbourhood scheme. They took the chance to spend
some time in Chicago, then driving to Boston for a few
days, flying home from there. The photo right is of the
second XI football team was taken in 1964 (only 10 men
because it was an ad hoc photo shoot). Back row: Bob
Self, Johnnyboy Smith, Dave Lancashire, Dave Mannion?
and Kenneth Cully. Front Row: Pip Coles, Bob Dawkins,
Jim Swain, Graham Brooks and Brian Symons.
1964-1967
Rod Harris continues to enjoy his retirement (don’t we all) but still misses the fun and friendship of the
children that you enjoy when working in a primary school. He fills every day and the years seem to be flying
by at ever increasing pace. Rod’s love of steam railways is fulfilled by volunteering regularly on the
Gloucestershire/Warwickshire Steam Railway as a senior signalman (and if ever you pass by his house you
won’t miss the signal box in the garden!) Rod also works for the Gloucester Diocese as a Bishop’s Visitor
where he has ten primary schools in Cheltenham for which he acts as a supportive “friend” and advisor (but
not in any judgmental or inspectorial role.) Rod works for the YHA in a voluntary capacity as a volunteer
youth hostel manager in the summer months, managing hostels that are too small to have a permanent,
paid manager. These hostels are usually in stunningly beautiful sites such as on the north Cornish coast, in
the Pennines and on the Pembrokeshire coastal path. His voluntary work for a local charity that supports a
village in western Tanzania has meant visiting the country to ensure the money raised is spent appropriately
and to research new development projects. He is active in church leadership in his local church in North
Woodchester, volunteers in the village school and is editor of the village news magazine called the
‘Woodchester Word’. In between all this, he finds time to walk the dogs, work on his model railway and
garden, and drive coaches for a local coach company. Rod’s three children are now at university or college,
and his wife Alison continues to work at a hospice in Bath.
Bob Norris says “I retired early from teaching children in 1995 (due to my school's closure and my being
just 50, so I was on full pension) and opened a pottery in Spain with some friends briefly, which lasted a few
years until several big garden centres opened in the area. I returned and then joined the music business by
helping out, part time, in a Maidstone music shop.
31
This was not the best decision I'd made as it had changed hands since the days I'd worked there in the
1970s and proved to be a less than happy experience. However, the chap who dealt with the sheet music
there was also unhappy as to the way the business was going and he set up a new and independent shop
(with my financial input) and left to make it on his own. I remained for a term then joined him in this new
venture and worked there for a few days a week for many years. The other days in the week during the time
I was in these music businesses, I'd begun volunteering at the Medway Adult Education College, doing
literacy and numeracy, which led to the college wanting me to join as a part time tutor on the pay roll,
teaching sometimes in Rochester and sometimes in the Gillingham Centres. This has been a very rewarding
experience but I finally retired from that last year. I've also now left the music shop to try to spend some
time doing a few things for myself. To this end, not only shall I be doing some more decoration and
gardening, but want to try to get all my collection of model American cars out into display cases and sort
out my other related collection of car pictures and adverts. I collect books and things to do with Tintin and
Dan Dare too, as well as stamps, so there is much to do. My other love is travelling, and to this end Angela
and I have been all over the place! We went to Singapore and Goa early last year, followed by a trip to Paris
for her birthday. Then we went on a little cruise all round the British Isles, calling into Dublin, Belfast,
Ullapool, the Orkneys and Invergordon on our way round, as well as visiting lots of National Trust and
English Heritage sites during the year. This year has got off to a good start in that we've just returned from
four days in Havana and a week in a northern Cuban resort from which we went on trips out to explore the
countryside. We have done cruises to the Caribbean, the Baltic and the Mediterranean too and we plan,
when we've saved up enough, to go to Bermuda and the Eastern United States and want to visit South
Africa as well as go up to the Arctic Circle (all in due course). I am still the librarian for our choir, East Malling
Singers, which keeps me very busy throughout the year, especially when we put on concerts, which we do
three times a year and last year I sang with another choir, who were short of basses, on a tour of the
Rhineland. All in all, I have no intention of putting my feet up just yet.”
Edward Wakeling writes that he is happily retired on the Welsh border near Hay-on-Wye surrounded by
bookshops, keeping the local economy going through second-hand book purchases over many years - a
disease with no known cure! He has a new book coming out later this year (can be pre-ordered on Amazon
– shameful advert) entitled Lewis Carroll: The Man and His Circle. Edward is still teaching a little
mathematics from time to time.
Jan Barnes (Tedeschi) says that Bishop Otter College was the best thing that ever happened for me. Bless
all those inspirational tutors! Chichester has been my stepping stone to so many arenas. It's a city to
treasure and nurture. It's a place to meet people and make friends. There is history to explore on every
corner. Chichester is where my roots are now, yet it enables me to fly far and wide knowing it will be there to
comfort me on return. I owe it everything – tears and laughter – failures and successes. Now there are two
grown children managing the family's local sport shop business - Game Set & Match, and four
grandchildren who show signs of enjoying all that sport and the arts can offer. My history in and around
Chichester spans nearly 50 years! Almost forty of those years involved teaching. Pupils created magic
moments via PE, and staff camaraderie was enormous. Skiing – Pony-trekking – PGL camping holidays –
Army assault courses – Parachute-jumping – Hang-gliding – Marathon running – It's a Knockout – Gilbert &
Sullivan – Amateur Dramatics – Cricket & Hockey tours – you name it and Chichester has been part of it!
How did I get here from Swadlincote, Derbyshire? An amazingly unselfish, Italian, widowed father, my PE
teacher with a vision, and the inspiration of a Wing PE College that was Bishop Otter – met a local boy, now
my husband, Andrew Barnes (Boss) and the rest you have heard. I am still committed to junior hockey and
cricket with a wealth of super youngsters and parents involved for generations to come. You can't fail in
Chichester!
Andrew and Anna Vessey (Gee) In our retirement we have lived in Fressingfield on the border of Suffolk
and Norfolk for over three years now. Having been teaching recently Anna has found plenty to do as a
Governor for our local Church Primary School, coupled with being eagerly grabbed as a clergy wife for the
Benefice Mothers' Union, now serving as Branch Leader! My retirement ministry, to both Norwich and St
Edmundsbury & Ipswich Dioceses is pretty full-on, with a dearth of full-time clergy and several interregnum.
So there are lots of opportunities for leading worship and speaking to all manner of groups on matters
spiritual and artistic. There is room too for our shared enthusiasm for gardening, creating and developing a
plot which runs beside a little wood and looks out over fields and ditches. My own career as a serious
painter has taken off again, with exhibitions (shared and solo) and a wonderful studio in which to cogitate
and pass the time at the easels, as well as build a model railway. Our three children have given us five
wonderful granddaughters which keeps us busy with babysitting and their coming to stay to discover that
'produce' actually grows and fields constantly change!
Ronald and Bar Cooper (Stanhope) (1965-1968) left BOC and married and came to Yorkshire and lived in
Penistone and now Barnsley. Three of their four children are teachers! Through their son’s marriage they
know Katherine Foster (Lewis) (1966-1969). They also know John Payne (1964-1967) and Terry (Herlihy)
(1965-1968), Steve Bennett and Pete and Rowena Hayward.
32
1964-1968
Jean Rush (Turnock). Geoff and I have been married and lived in the same house in Curridge near
Newbury for 40 years. Now our two daughters, son-in-law and two lovely grandchildren live nearby. I keep
in contact with several of my BOC contemporaries and greatly value the friendship we have shared for 50
years. On reflection I realize that my decision to become a teacher and my good fortune to attend BOC
stood me in good stead for the years that lay ahead. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with children of all
ages, teenagers, students and adults in a variety of situations and at various times depending on my
commitment to my family. When I left teaching I took a part-time job in the Sports Complex at Bradfield
College near Reading and finally retired in April last year. Bishop Otter College is very special to me. I am
still proud of the fact that I was the first girl (along with Paul Jenkins, Frank Tarrant and Jim Barrett) to stay
for a fourth year to gain the then brand new B.Ed. degree in 1968. I attended the Alumni Association
Reunion in June last year and it was reassuring to hear from the Vice-Chancellor that the values and ethos
of the Bishop Otter College that we knew and appreciated in the 1960s are still upheld and considered to
be important in the University of Chichester today. Incidentally, at the Alumni Reunion, I was photographed
outside the cloisters talking to Pauline Cook who was a student in the 1950s. That photograph appeared on
page 4 of the October 2013 edition of ‘Alumnus’ magazine!
R .I .P.
*********************
Obituaries ex-students
Heather Flack (Turner) 1933-1935
Although born in Yorkshire Heather moved to London when she was seven, following the death of her
father. Heather grew up in a family of strong-minded women. After College her first school was the Benton
Open-Air School in Ilford, for children with TB. During her career she taught all ages from infants upwards,
including special needs. Her final school was the Sarah Bennett School for Girls in East London where she
was Head of Sixth Form and responsible for Careers, striving to find good opportunities for girls who would
otherwise have ended up on factory assembly lines. Heather was a gifted artist, calligrapher and
photographer as well as an embroiderer and great knitter. In 2003, aged 88, she went to Ontario, Canada, to
live with her daughter but not to relax. Snowmobiling, gliding (as a passenger), car trips throughout British
Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador and a transcontinental train from Vancouver to Toronto were just
part of her life. Heather was always interested in Bishop Otter, Chichester, and the Guild, becoming a Guild
member when she left College and a Life Member after paying her five annual subscriptions of two shillings!
She died on 6th July 2013.
Katherine Anne Atkins (Butcher) 1940-1942
Katharine was a student at Bishop Otter College from 1940 to 1942, died on 24th March 2013 (Palm
Sunday) in Maidstone Hospital, following a stroke. She had celebrated her 91st birthday on Christmas Day,
and was grateful for her long and fulfilling life, truly content in the knowledge that it was coming to an end. A
Thanksgiving Service for her was held in St Nicholas Church, Leeds, Kent, on 11th April 2013 following a
private family cremation.
Audrey Jordan (Cornelius) 1940-1942
Audrey died on 1st May 2013 shortly before her 91st birthday. She had been married for 63 years and had
two daughters and six grandchildren. After leaving Bishop Otter Audrey taught for five years in Dagenham
and then went to Ardleigh Green Junior School where she was for 36 years, 19 of them as Headteacher.
During this time she co-founded the London Borough of Havering Saturday Morning Music School which
still flourishes today. She and her husband, Peter, first met when College ladies were playing cricket against
the Winchester men. He says “he bowled a maiden over”! Following retirement in 1983 they had the
opportunity for overseas travel, Chichester Reunions and volunteering with Essex Wildlife Trust. At her
funeral, besides family and friends, there were many former staff and pupils from Ardleigh Green. A lady
respected and loved by all who knew her.
Jean Taylor (Mayhew) 1947-1949
Jean’s daughter Lesley, wrote to say that her mother lost her battle against cancer in May. She died in the
Earl Mountbatten Hospital and her funeral was at St Mary’s, Carisbrooke, Isle of Wight.
Eileen England (Green) 1947-1949
Joan Foss (Penn) wrote that Eileen died in the summer. She says they met in October 1947 in the “horse
boxes” and spent two years laughing away. Our laughter and friendship continued for 60+ years, she says,
and my memories will never fade.
33
Maureen Galloway (Morris) 1951-1953
Maureen died at home, nursed by her daughter, Tamara, in October, 2013. She had taught Science at
Carlton Vale, the Charterhouse, and at Ravens School.
Eileen Taney (Brown) 1955-1957
Eileen very sadly died on 17th June 2013 after suffering for years from non-Hodgkinson’s lymphoma. She
was so brave and cheerful throughout her treatment.
Richard Allan Brind 1960-1963
Derek Freeman Smith wrote that Richard died on 8th January 2010. He said “I continue to miss a very good
friend and fellow student at BOC. Despite knowing Richard over three college years and since, I realise how
little I actually ‘know’ of him. However, I do know that he once assisted in his father’s butchery retail
business, and was at one time manager of a very successful dairy business. At the time of ‘National
Service’ Richard became an NCO in the Education Corps. Following college, Richard became Deputy Head
Teacher at Northgate Primary School in Crawley, Sussex. Some may recall that Richard’s special study was
‘Grasses’ and that he created a number of experimental plots to the south of New Hall where he cultivated a
wide range of ‘grass types’. The knowledge thus gained was put to further practical use following his
retirement from teaching when he commenced the raising of beef cattle in Devon!! Richard was a somewhat
‘quiet’ and ‘reserved’ person by nature but possessed a certain ‘inward determination’ to ‘see the job
through’. Whatever the situation, his behaviour was always that of ‘the perfect gentleman’. I feel especially
privileged to have known him.”
Charles Osbert Edwards "Ossie" 1962-1963
Ossie Edwards (1917-2013) was the father of Lynn Oxlad (Edwards 1962-1965).
They were at BOC together where he did a year’s Mathematics course. He had been
a Policeman and a detective in London. During WW2 he was in the RAF and, on
leaving, trained to be a Science and Maths teacher at Lancastrian Boys School in
Chichester. He played Rugby for BOC and remembered Dave Richardson (19621965) well. The family moved to Australia during the 1960s and he loved it. In much
later years he had a stroke and declined but he never gave up and fought to the
end. He even played indoor bowls whilst in a wheel chair and continued to the gym,
with his walking frame, until the week before he died.
Jim Swain 1963-1966
Jim (1942-2013), was a devoted family man; treasured friend; walking
encyclopaedia; wordsmith; thespian; gardener; country pubber; reader; cryptic
crossword solver; quizzer; walker; nature lover; master of the pun; beloved member
of the community ... and, like all of you, a dedicated and inspiring educator, Jim
was, quite simply, a very special human being. Well, we think so anyway. A man of
great warmth, passion, humour and sincerity, who enriched the lives of all he met.
We, of course, were the luckiest of all – as were his two gorgeous grandsons,
Hamish and Max. (Grandchild no. 3 due in May and no. 4 in July!) How very tragic to
have had him taken from us far too soon, but how blessed we were to have had him
at all. Following a lengthy and undiagnosed degenerative neurological condition,
Jim died in the early hours of 30th October, just days after spending his 71st
birthday surrounded by his four “lovely ladies” - and Alice's first baby scan! The mountain of letters and
cards we have received from Jim's many friends, relaying personal encounters and memories galore, and
expressing just how much he meant to them, has been a truly fitting testament to the number of lives he
touched and how sorely he will be missed.To anyone that knew him well, it is no secret that Jim adored his
time at Bishop Otter. If ever someone was born to teach, it was Jim, and the start he had in Chichester,
surrounded by such a fun and dynamic band of trainees, was a life changing chapter in his life that he
cherished and still spoke of with great affection. In keeping with his hugely proactive, organised, bighearted and sociable nature, he was utterly delighted to have brought many of you back together in later
life, by way of his regular correspondence and annual reunions. The four of us would like to take this
opportunity to thank all those of you who sent such moving cards, letters and emails, and, of course, to
those who made it to the memorial service: a true celebration of a wonderful man and a wonderful life if ever
there was. Yes, the world has lost a very good man, and yes, there are no words to express quite how much
we miss him, but we are – you will be reassured to hear – able to take great comfort from the years of happy
memories we shared, the immeasurable impact he has had on our lives, and the knowledge that, perhaps
more than anyone else we know, he lived his life to the full. No doubt the inimitable spirit of Jim will never be
far away at a BOC reunion. We like to think so anyway. Janet, Polly, Ellie & Alice Swain.
34
Your community, your University
Support your University
to improve the student
experience of our
future alumni.
With 5300 students and 950 staff, we
are one of the smallest modern
universities in the country but also one
of the most successful. We aim to be a
socially responsible university that is
recognised internationally, significant
nationally, important regionally and
vital locally – not only in teaching and
students experience, but also in
research, in our diverse communities
and in the public, private and voluntary
sectors.
As you will know education is one of
many areas where expenditure is rising
more rapidly than income. Unlike more
established universities, the University
of Chichester has no historical
endowment with which to support its
community. The Development Fund
provides the opportunity for alumni
and friends to give to any part of the
University. Our main aim is to ensure
there are funds available to allow the
flexibility to respond to the area of
greatest need within the University.
Equally important are donations to the
specific causes which matter to you,
whether related to your subject of
study, or your campus. For more
information about the Devolopment
Fund, take a look at the Alumni web
pages on www.chi.ac.uk/alumni.
Donating could
not be easier
You can donate by:
• Our JustGiving page
www.justgiving.com/universityof
chichester
• Texting CHIC05 and the
amount you wish to donate
to 70070
• Or contacting Ann Harley,
Development Manager,
on Tel: +44 (0)1243 812175,
Email: a.harley@chi.ac.uk
If you give a single
donation of:
If you set up a monthly
payment plan of:
With Gift Aid, your
donation will be worth:
£20.00
£1.67
£25.00
£50.00
£4.00
£62.50
£100.00
£8.00
£125.00
£250.00
£21.00
£312.50
Please recycle after use
This Newsletter has been kindly produced by the
University of Chichester Marketing department at
no extra cost to the Bishop Otter College Guild.