April 2011 - Old Verulamian Association

Newsletter of the Old Verulamian Association
April 2011
VERULAM SCHOOL PRIZE GIVING – 13TH DECEMBER 2010
The ceremony was well attended by students, parents, governors and
staff. The OVA was represented by President David Lucas (pictured
above with Headmaster Paul Ramsay, awarding the Peter Malloch
Stewart All-rounder cup and the OVA Award) and Alistair Gregory.
Prizes were also awarded by former Headmaster Bob Hawkes (pictured
above left presenting the Hawkes House Cup) and a former pupil, the film
and television director, and screenwriter, Indra Bhose (centre left).
In his introduction, Headmaster Paul Ramsay referred to the very good
results achieved during the previous year and praised the efforts of pupils
within the school and in the community. He also thanked parents for their
support. These themes were reinforced in the comments of Richard
Kennedy, Chairman of the Governors.
Presentation of Prizes was followed by a speech by the Guest of Honour,
Indra Bhose, who has directed TV programmes such as “Mersey Beat”,
“London's Burning” and “EastEnders”. He stressed the importance of a
good education in developing a career and paid tribute to several former
teachers but hoped careers advice had progressed!
The School Captain James Beavan (above) concluded the ceremony
with a vote of thanks and an excellent speech.
The evening ended with refreshments in the Library.
The OVA Award (a certificate and a £100 cheque) this year went to
Matthew Henson who was unable to attend the evening so the
award was collected on his behalf by a friend.
OVA 50TH ANNIVERSARY DIARY DATES
Please note these special events (not to be missed!) to celebrate our 50th year in your diary:
MUSIC FESTIVAL & HOG ROAST – SUNDAY 17th JULY 2011
3pm until dusk at the School Playing Fields, Sandpit Lane (see more details inside and the enclosed flyer)
THE 50th REUNION DINNER – FRIDAY 18th NOVEMBER 2011
News and details of our annual dinner at Ashwell House in our next newsletter.
OVA 50TH ANNIVERSARY SUMMER BASH – SUNDAY 17th JULY
To celebrate 50 years of Old Boys' support for Verulam School, the Association's Summer Bash is being held at the
School's Sandpit Lane Playing Fields (with free parking) on Sunday 17th July from 3pm to dusk.
There will be continuous music spanning 50 years and punctuated by three 40 minute live music sessions by the
Rodford Files, fronted by Jim Rodford, ex-pupil 1952-58 and celebrated bass guitarist (has played with great bands
such as the Kinks, Argent and the Zombies) plus his sons, Steve (drummer) and Russell (lead guitarist and ex-pupil
1990-97). Joining them will be Keith “Mac” MacLeod, ex-pupil 1952-58, who taught and played guitar with folk
star Donovan and also played with John Renbourne (of Pentangle), plus lead vocalist/guitarist Derik Timms of the
well-known UK/European Festival band Moon Dogs. This is a truly professional, highly talented and versatile band
to be enjoyed and all are donating their services for free. Keith “Mac” MacLeod will also be playing a 30 minute folk
set backed by “the boys”.
Throughout the event you can buy food from the Hog Roast and BBQ, drinks from the licensed bar (with cask real
ale), and there will also be Pimms, Strawberries and Cream, Candy Floss, Popcorn and a massive Tombola. This
large get-together for current and past pupils is being supported by the School and PTA and all profits will go
towards providing new projectors, computer equipment and musical instruments.
Tickets can be obtained from Max Schroeder (see committee list for contact details) or Verulam School reception.
Prices are £8 for adults and £4 for students or concessions if bought in advance (cheques made payable to The Old
Verulamian Association) and will be £10 (adults) and £5 (students/concessions) on the day.
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE OLD
VERULAMIAN ASSOCIATION, HELD IN THE R.F. BRADSHAW BUILDING,
VERULAM SCHOOL, AT 8PM ON TUESDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2010
1. Chairman’s Welcome.
The Chairman opened the meeting at 8 pm, and welcomed all present (16 Attendees):
David Lucas(President), John Welchman (Chairman), John Harmsworth (Vice-Chairman), Alastair White
(Secretary), David Gudgeon (Treasurer), Alistair Gregory (Membership), Max Schroeder, Les Fielding,
T.R. Bull, Doug Hobbs, Dennis Sibley, Peter Field, Tom Playle, Ralph Howell, Tony Martin, M.B. Smith.
2. Apologies for absence were received from: John Street, Bruce Foster, Colin Gaskin, Vernon Clough,
George Howlett, Arthur Richardson, John Woodward, Raymond Harris, David Davies, Tony Reeves, Ralph
Harding, Brian Izzard, Tom Thorp, David Gear, Phil Burgess, Gerald Farmer, Roy Shadbolt, Ken Payne and
John Baughan. 34 Proxies had been received, all in favour of the motions.
3. Minutes of the last AGM held on Tuesday 13th October 2009
The minutes of the AGM held on 13th October 2009 were proposed by Tom Playle, seconded by Ralph
Howell, and unanimously approved. There were no matters arising not covered elsewhere in the agenda.
4. Management Committee Report for 2009/10: The report circulated prior to the meeting was proposed by
Max Schroeder, seconded by Les Fielding, and unanimously approved.
5. Treasurer’s Report and Audited Accounts
Accounts for the year ended 31st July 2010 had been circulated prior to the meeting, and the Treasurer, David
Gudgeon, presented his report to the meeting. Membership had increased to 186. Donations remained the
same. Tie sales were down, and the Annual Reunion Dinner made a surplus of £201. The cost of postage was
up due to the increased number of newsletters being produced, but their reduction in size meant that printing
costs had come down. The cost of holding OVA Committee meetings at the Constitutional Club in St Albans
was £15 per meeting, and the Association had provided funds for an OVA Notice board at the school, as well
as a frame for the OVA award. The surplus for the year was £569, and the balance at the bank stood at £4285.
The Chairman expressed his thanks to Phil Burgess, as auditor of the accounts, and asked that they be
recorded as illness prevented Phil from attending in person. Adoption of the accounts was proposed by
Barry Smith, seconded by Dennis Sibley, and unanimously approved.
6. To consider motions in writing received by Hon. Secretary - None received.
7. President’s Business: The President rose to say a few words in respect of the Management Committee
Report, specifically drawing the attention of those present to the last sentence of that report: “Do you think
that the Old Verulamian Association has run its course?” as the OVA approaches its 50 th anniversary. A
discussion on the future of the OVA ensued. Tony Martin appeared to articulate the general consensus of the
meeting by observing that he didn’t think that the association had run its course and that, whilst the same
faces tend to appear at meetings, it is, nevertheless, useful to meet.
The need for new, young blood on the Committee was articulated, and the arrival of John Baughan to take on
the role of Membership Secretary was welcomed. The President then continued into Item 8.
8. Conduction of Election of Officers for 2010/11
34 Proxy Votes had been received; all were in favour of the appointments. The appointments were then put to
the vote and unanimously approved. The following are, therefore, confirmed in office:
Chairman – John Welchman
Vice-Chairman – John Harmsworth
Treasurer – David Gudgeon
Secretary – Alastair White
Membership Secretary – John Baughan
Newsletter Editor – John Harmsworth
Webmaster – Jez Levy
Committee Members – Max Schroeder and Patrick Pearce
9. To re-appoint the Hon. Auditor - Phil Burgess was unanimously re-appointed as Honorary Auditor.
10. Chairman’s Business: The Chairman rose to thank the Management Committee for their support and
work over the past year, and his thanks to those continuing in office for the work that they would undertake
during the coming year. Whilst John Baughan was not able to be present, the Chairman expressed his thanks
to him for putting himself forward to take over from the retiring Membership Secretary, Alistair Gregory, and
welcomed him to the Committee. He also commented on the recruitment of ‘younger’ members to the
committee, in the form of the Secretary, and Jez Levy as being a positive development for the future of the
OVA. The Chairman then went on to express his heartfelt thanks to Alistair Gregory for his years of sterling
service to the Committee and to the Association, which was echoed by all present.
The Chairman then reflected on the President’s earlier comments, and those that he had received in various
conversations and in a letter, all posing the same question “Can we in some way carry on?” He reflected on
the fact that he had now been a member of the Committee for 49 years, 45 of which he has served in the
office Chairman. He concluded by giving early notice that the Association should begin thinking now of a
potential candidate for the office of Chairman after next year, which will be the 50 th Anniversary of the OVA,
a milestone that may also prove to be a threshold.
11. Appointment of President and Vice -Presidents: David Lucas was re-appointed as President, no VicePresidents were appointed.
There being no other business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 8:20 pm, and invited all those
present to stay for refreshments, once again kindly organised by the Treasurer.
THE 2010-2011 OVA COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT
David Lucas
18 Stanley Rd, St. Albans, Herts AL2 3AB
01727 858175
CHAIRMAN
John Welchman
The Penthouse, Flat 21 Watling Mansions, Watling Street, Radlett, Herts WD7 7NA
email: johnwelchman@btinternet.com
01923 855051
Vice-Chairman
Newsletter editor
John Harmsworth
21 Stanton Close, St. Albans, Herts AL4 9HT
email: john.harmsworth@btinternet.com
01727 847294
Minutes Secretary
Alastair White
55 Windmill Rd Hemel Hempstead HP2 4BN
Treasurer and Social events
David Gudgeon
30 New House Park, St. Albans AL1 1UQ
Membership Secretary
John Baughan
3 Hampden, Kimpton, Herts SG4 8QH
Committee member
Max Schroeder
111 Green Lane, St. Albans AL3 6HG
Committee member
Patrick Pearce
9 Haymeads, Welwyn Garden City AL8 7AD
Committee member
Jez Levy
email: jezlevy@me.com
email: alastwhite@aol.com
email: dvdgdgn@aol.com
email john.baughan@btinternet.com
email:valmax@valmax.plus.com
email: pearcepatrick@hotmail.com
01442 405179
01727 834179
01438 833931
01727 851481
07989 436025
01727 872144
A new OVA website is under development so you can no longer view www.verulamalumni.org
Verulam school news can be found at the school website www.verulamschool.net.
Rugby news from Verulamians RFC can be found at www.verulamians.co.uk
SCHOOL REPORTS 1938-63 The OVA has obtained the composite school reports of all students who
had the privilege of receiving their education at St. Albans Grammar School for Boys from 1938 to 1963.
Please contact Max Schroeder (contact details above) should you wish to have a copy. Please enclose a
cheque for £5 payable the Old Verulamian Association and he will gladly forward it to you to refresh those
days and provide perhaps some amusement for the rest of your family. Also possibly for a friend, who also
attended the school, as a surprise or possibly a revitalisation of interest in his school.
OLD VERULAMIAN RYDER CUP SUCCESS
(Report by John Welchman)
He first won the Cup in 2007, missed the top spot in 2008 and 2009, but repeated his earlier success in 2010.
OV John Boden, former committee member and one of the first intake into the School in 1938, was presented
with the Cup in January. Leonard Ryder was the original benefactor and his Challenge Cup was awarded
annually by the St Albans Horticultural Society. The practice lapsed and for many years Roger Aylett, the St
Albans Garden Centre owner, was the custodian of the Cup and he offered it to the Cottonmill and Nunnery
Allotment Association as an annual award for the best kept allotment. Sadly, Roger died last year and on this
occasion the Cup was presented to John by Roger’s daughter, Hazel Aylett. Leonard had a brother, Samuel
Ryder, who was also a benefactor and he too originated a Cup for competition; but whereas Samuel’s Cup
now has an international dimension, the competition for Leonard’s Cup remains strictly local. Indeed, not far
from the premises of the family business on Holywell Hill (presently Cafe Rouge). Well done John.
OBITUARIES
ALAN BOND 1943 – 2010
Max Schroeder
Alan Bond sadly passed away in December in the village of Venasque in Provence, Southern France. Born in
Shenley he hit the Grammar School in 1955 and developed a distinct love for figures which led into
international accountancy. He held financial directorships with Johnson & Johnson UK, Nabisco and finally
Deutsche Post in Basel, Switzerland. On retirement he and Denise skipped over the border to France where
they enjoyed the sun, the wine and golf. There he entertained his long time class colleagues Bill Rosser, Ian
Davies, Peter Bubbear, Geoff Edwards and John Gregory and cracked many a bottle of glorious red. The
OVFRC was often a reunion point for Alan's love for England and school friendships.
THE REVEREND JOHN FURNESS
Gerald Farmer
John Furness died on 10 November 2010. He was at the school from 1942 to 1947. I met him on our first day
at the school since in Form 1 we were placed at desks in alphabetical order – we remained friends in close
contact for the next 68 years. John was brought up in Fleetville and went to Fleetville School. His family were
members of the Salvation Army – his grandfather being a Bandmaster at the St. Albans Citadel.
Our time at school was mostly uneventful but I received the “slipper” from Mr H R Neale once when it was
all John's fault! We were also in trouble with Miss Fontaine – which led us to sing “Ten to four Fanny they
call me, ten to four Fanny that's me”. At more placid times we would sing “Yours very sincerely, Farmer and
Furness” (as in flotsam and jetsam). On leaving school John went to work at EAC in New Barnes Avenue
before entering the Civil Service. In the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, his branch provided support for
parliamentary sittings. After this John worked for the Church Commissioners. During National Service in the
RAF his hope to do some flying was thwarted by the discovery that he was colour blind.
John had joined me as a member of the congregation at St. Albans Abbey and after a few years he went to
Kings College, London and Chicester Theological College with view to entering the C of E priesthood. He
was ordained at Ripon Cathedral for his first Curacy at St. Aidan's, Leeds. John's father died at a young age
and John returned to Hertfordshire to be with his mother and was curate at St. Mary’s, Rickmansworth, then
Rector of Wymington,Vicar of Poddington, Vicar of Waltham Cross and Rural Dean of Broxbourne (thus
serving in the furthest south, north and eastern parishes of the St. Albans Diocese). His final (very rural)
parish was at St. Boltoph's, Swynecombe in Oxfordshire. He retired to St. Albans and assisted occasionally at
the Abbey but more regularly at St. John's, Harpenden. Advancing years and health concerns led him to live
at Morden College in Blackheath – an 18 th Century charity for single men who held positions of authority in
their careers. Here he was able to assist in the college chapel and at All Saints, Blackheath. His funeral was
held in the chapel of Morden College on 16 th December and a Requiem at All Saints, Blackheath on 21 st
December – the anniversary of his ordination. John was present at our annual dinners in recent years.
th
PETER EDGE
The family of Peter Edge have informed us of his death
on 24th March 2011. His great-nephew Fraser Reid is a
current student at the school and has provided a digital
copy of a photograph of the original school library (note
the empty shelves!). Peter was one of the first students
when the school opened and can be seen on the far right
of the picture.