2007 - Teignmouth Old Grammarians Association

TOGA
Teignmouth Old
Grammarians’ Association
TOGA NEWS
2007
SUBS REMINDER:
If there is an Orange Sticker in the top right hand corner of your NEWS, then your
sub is due O
TOGA NEWS 2007
Teignmouth Old Grammarians’ Association
Magazine Editor & Membership Secretary
Mrs Mary Thomas (nee Power)
112 Topsham Road
EXETER, Devon
EX2 4RW
Tel/Fax: 01392 676536 or 07879 477 952 (Mobile)
Email: marythomas@blueyonder.co.uk
WELCOME TO YOU ALL
If you are new to TOGA then we extend a particularly warm welcome. We hope you enjoy reading this year’s issue and continue to
subscribe to this outstanding Old Students’ Association. Please pass the word on to colleagues that the Association, with current
members like Len HOOPER, Audrey Watson nee JONES (25-32), Joan THOMAS nee STANBURY and Peggy BEST nee MANN, all of
whom started at the school in the early 1920’s, through to Alison TEECE & twin brother Mark DAVIES, who left in 1980 when the
school changed, is still going strong with approximately 600 members! New members are always welcome and are always needed to
keep the Association alive. Former pupils from the 1960’s and 1970’s are particularly encouraged to join as some of you are the
Committee members of the future, through whom TOGA will live on. If your children went to TGS in 60’s or 70’s, and they are not
yet members, or even aware of TOGA, please try and get them to join. Our advertisers are from businesses owned by or closely
involved with Old Grammarians.
WITHOUT NEWS there would be no Newsletter. My grateful thanks to everyone who has kept my email and my postman employed
with all the news. I accumulate news all the year round, the Newsletter starts production in April and takes till July to be typed,
edited, proofread several times, printed, collated, then labelled, stamped and despatched by the Committee to over 450 paid up
members. We hold a Spring Lunch and an Autumn Dinner, both of which are always a sellout of 100 or more guests.
Mary Thomas Editor
AUTUMN REUNION DINNER
Saturday 22 SEPTEMBER 2007
at Teignmouth Golf Club. 7 for 7.30pm
Dinner tickets are £15.50 (to include gratuities)
BOOKING FORM FOR THE DINNER and MEMBERSHIP SLIPS are on the BACK PAGE
Please complete the form to order tickets, stating any dietary requirements and with whom you wish to sit,
enclosing a cheque made out to “TOGA” please and return to: Treasurer, Susan Ansell, Briary, Murley
Crescent, Bishopsteignton, TQ14 9SH; Tel: 01626 775577
We make every effort to accommodate all seating requests but sometimes cannot please all owing to the seating arrangement made
by the caterers. Tickets sell out very quickly.
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Don’t say we didn’t warn you in advance!!
THE SPRING REUNION LUNCH DATE:
Saturday 19 April 2008
at Cockhaven Manor Hotel,
Bishopsteignton at 12 noon Price: tbc
WE CANNOT C
SUBS REMINDER:
If there is an Orange Sticker in the top right hand corner of your NEWS, then your sub is due
2
EMAIL ADDRESS/HOME ADDRESS CHANGED???
TOGA COMMITTEE 2007
Please could you let me know if your email address
(or any other part of your address) has changed. I
find a great many email addresses have changed and
I or others can’t get in touch. Keith MacDonald who
runs our website, www.TOGA.org.uk has tried to
email all on email and had difficulties. Just some of
those are: Robert Boulton, Alison Teece, Alan
Downs, Anne Davies, Chris Grayling, Liz Francis,
Julia Sutherland, Beverly Osbourne, Glyn Williams,
Trudy Clark, Bob Hussey, David Evans, Eddie
Webber, Elizabeth Bell, Judy Harrison, Sylvia Cowle,
and many more Also, to everyone, but particularly
former Staff, if you have email and have not
notified me before, please let me know the details.
It makes my job so much easier. Thanks Ed
Dr Peter Thompson Former Head
01626 852421
Chairman
Colin Graham (43-51)
01626 774059
Treasurer
Susan Ansell (68-76)
01626 775577
Meeting & Event Secretary
Sylvia Harris (nee Copeland 44-51)
01626 778611
Editor & Membership Secretary
Mary Thomas (48-54) (nee Power)
01392 676536
Pauline Seaton (nee Rose 35-41)
Former Staff 61-66, Admin 69-80)
01626 773267
Stephanie Holland (Former Staff)
01626 864297
Shirley Ingram (nee Collins (46-52)
01626 775090
Mike Connelly (48-55)
01626 774580
Elizabeth Francis (nee Ayres 71-78
01626 776566
Maureen Hutchings(64-71)
01626 863832
Shirley North (nee Silverston 47-53)
01392 877054
Robert “Bo” Baker (69-77)
01626 891622
Christine Burton (60-67) (nee Pell)
01626 772575
Bonnie Hunter (nee Caseley) (60-66)
01626 866764
Julia SUTHERLAND (nee Dodd) (68-74)
01626 775603
VACANCY!!
VACANCY!!
TOGA DIRECTORY OF MEMBERS: £1.50
Issue 10 went on sale in October 2006 and is available from Mary
Thomas (Editor). It contains names, addresses, telephone numbers
and email addresses of all members (unless any member specifically
requests otherwise). All members are asked to let me know as soon
as possible if they prefer not to have an entry in their name or prefer
to omit telephone numbers, e.g. where they have an ex-directory
number. See back pages.
Letter from the Chairman.
Dear Old Grammarians,
Another year gone by; doesn’t the time fly when you reach my age! I am sorry that I missed seeing some of you at the lunch in April
but I was too ill to attend. However, heres looking to seeing you at the Autumn reunion .Next year will see the 65th anniversary of
my first day at TGS so perhaps those of you who share this date will make a special effort to attend our Autumn dinner in 2008
(watch this space). In the meantime,e thanks to all of you who attend our reunions and those who support your committee by
renewing their membership of the ASSOCIATION. Best wishes to you all,
Colin Graham,ChairmanTOGA.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO ALL OLD GRAMMARIANS IN BUSINESS
WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE AN ADVERT NEXT YEAR??
£30 for 3” x 3” minimum
DO YOU HAVE A BUSINESS IN TEIGNMOUTH OR SURROUNDING AREA?
It would reach 500+ people all of whom have an interest in Teignmouth.
Hoteliers, Bed & Breakfast, Estate Agents, Funeral Directors, Retirement Homes, Printers, Hairdressers, Butchers,
Bakers, Motor Repair,Gardeners, Solicitors, IT specialists, Website Designers, Builders, Garages, Café and
Restaurants, Chemists, Beauticians. Newsagents, Photographers, Sports Shops, Boat Business. Health Food Shop,
Cycle Shop, Boat Hire, Greengrocers, Dress Shops, Gents’ Outfitters, Toyshops, Music Shops, Child Minding, Baby
Equipment,Disco, Karaoke, Publicans, Clubs and associations.
Many Old Grammarians look for accommodation in Teignmouth and Dawlish for holidays or return here to live when
they retire. These colleagues need services that maybe you can provide.
3
1920’s
Audrey WATSON (nee JONES 25-32)
Audrey is still flying the flag for Old
Grammarians from the 1920’s. We had a long
chat about the Eisteddfod in her days at TGS,
and also about Schools of Dancing in
Teignmouth. Her niece is Gillian WILLIAMS
(nee STONE 49-56),and anyone who
remembers Gill will remember her for her
participation in Nita Drew’s dancing displays
on The Den in the summers. Audrey remembers being
taught dancing by a Miss Bovey, one of two Bovey
sisters. Does anyone else remember these dance
teachers, Nita Drew, Barbara Spencer-Edwards and the
Misses Bovey before them? Robert LOVERIDGE was a
star pupil who went on to make a career from dancing.
Audrey lives with her husband at 30 Hameldown Way,
Newton Abbot,TQ12 2DN. Tel 01626 367822.
Mary NUTMAN (nee STANBURY (25-31) died in May
2007, aged 94,( widow of Phillip), in Exeter, her home for
many years. When I visited their beautiful home and
spectacular garden in Exeter when delivering their TOGA
NEWS, they were very proud to invite me in and show me
their picture gallery which took up the length of their hall. Not
only was it covered with framed photos of their three children,
grandchildren and great grandchildren, but all the panoramic
school photos from their days together at TGS in the 1920’s,
along with team photos. A true schooldays romance that
lasted over 60 years. Ed.
On an elderly gentleman's 80th birthday, some of his friends
decide they want to do something special for him, so they
send a prostitute over to his house to have sex with him. The
prostitute knocks on the door and the 80 year old man
answers. The prostitute says, "I'm here to give you super
sex." The old man's hearing isn't quite what it used to be, so
he says, "What's that dearie?" The prostitute speaks a little
louder and says, "I said, I am here to give you super sex."
Again the old man asks her to repeat herself. Very slowly, she
yells, "I am here to give you super sex." The old man finally
understands and replies, "Oh, I guess I'll have the soup."
Another Old Grammarian living in the Kingsteignton/
Newton Abbot area from the 1920’s is the indomitable Len
HOOPER (29-34) who lives at 25 Oakymead Park,
Kingsteignton, N Abbot, TQ12 3AN. Tel: 01626 354340.
Every year at this time I ring Len to see how he is faring,
especially after losing his wife of 66 years, Joan nee
DENLEY last year. On the day I rang Len had his son
Leslie HOOPER (54-61) and his wife staying, as Len was
having a party that evening at The Passage House Inn,
Kingsteignton, for 109 people, to celebrate his recent 90th
birthday! Len has had a long association as a cricket
umpire for 40 years in S Devon, changing his game to
bowls after 1987, but never forsaking his love of cricket.
Len was in high spirits and full of news. He was delighted
to tell me that the Royal Academy of Dance was to award
him a President’s Award on Monday 6th July in London, in
recognition of his long association with, and support of, the
Academy. This association came through their late son,
Alan HOOPER, a renowned dancer. He will be able to
get to London with Leslie and Bridget who lives in East
Grinstead. Congratulations for that Len, enjoy your day,
you deserve it. Len thinks that he and Audrey Watson
may well remember some of the same people – you two
may like to get in touch. Len sent in names for the Cricket
photo top of page 26 of TOGA NEWS 2006.
Three sisters, ages 92, 94 and 96, live in a house together. One
night the 96-year-old draws a bath. She puts her foot in and
pauses. She yells to the other sisters, 'Was I getting in or out of
the bath?'>The 94-year-old yells back, 'I don't know. I'll come up
and see.' She starts up the stairs and pauses 'Was I going up the
stairs or down?'>The 92-year-old is sitting at the kitchen table
having tea listening to her sisters. She shakes her head and says,
'I sure hope I never get that forgetful, knock on wood.' She then
yells, 'I'll come up and help both of you as soon as I see who's at
the door.'
1930’s
John McCARTHY (31-36)
lives at
Cherry Ridge, Platway Lane, Shaldon
TQ14 0AR and must be
one of those who has been a member
longer than most of us (except Pauline Seaton nee
ROSE)
Back: l-r: Tommy, L Hooper, Frank Way, C Whitlock, John Gill, S
Nutman,: (Boy) Bladon, Chas Glover, Mr Wheeler, Jack Reddaway
Front: Doug Sims, Chas Brookes, Bob Russell (Capt) F Wise, Geo Trott
Derek (Dick) NORTHCOTE (36-42) has a new email:
Derek@bbmax.co.uk
Carla CORNELIUS died in Topsham, January 2007, aged 94.
Anne BOWEN is so pleased to receive TOGA NEWS
but has been unwell herself lately and not able to get
about as she would wish. She says “please continue
with the marvellous work you all do.”
Peggy Best (nee MANN 26-32) still living happily at
Bishopsteignton House, her friend Joan THOMAS (nee
STANBURY). Sadly, the third member of this lively
trio, Connie (Andy) CROYDON nee ANDREW, passed
away suddenly last year. When I rang to see how they
were these amazing 92 year old girls are, they were
still playing Whist at the time I called. They both remain
in good health although Peggy is a bit hard of hearing
(as are most of the over 70’s). They love to have
visitors from schooldays.
Dorcas PORTER (nee STOWERS 38-44) lives at 38
Higher Coombe Drive, Teignmouth, TQ14 9LS. Tel: not
known. She now has email: dorcas.porter@btinternet.com.
Dorcas and her brother Jim STOWERS and his wife
(Marion) Eileen (nee WESTLAKE 36-41) come to
almost every dinner and lunch and one or other of them
usually walk away with a draw prize!
4
Mary BAULKWILL (nee HELMORE 37-43) usually
attends the reunions, but has been in hospital. We wish
her well and hope to see her again soon.
Graham BOWEN (35-40) passed away in the Spring
2007 aged 83, after enduring a 3 year illness. His
sister, Anne DAVIES (nee BOWEN 39-45) writes after leaving TGS Graham entered the RAF during the
war years and then went to the College of St Mark & St
John in Chelsea to study to become a teacher. His
various schools were in Leicestershire and then
Germany in the British Army of the Rhine schools in
Munster, Westphalia. On return to England the family
settled in Hythe, Hampshire, where Graham continued
teaching, finishing as Headmaster of The William Gilpin
School at Bodre in the New Forest. After his retirement
he spent many happy hours walking with his dog and
exploring all aspects of “The Forest”.
Last week I went with my daughter to collect her 5 year old
brother, Craig, from school. When he came out he was very
excited. “We’ve been told about Remembrance Day”, he explained,
“and if we take a penny to school next week, we will all be given a
Puppy!.
I’m a hoarder, but my bad habit came to light one evening in
November when my son was five. He answered the door to a man
selling poppies and sent him quickly on his way. I was puzzled he
hasn’t asked for a donation. “But I told him we didn’t need any
new poppies because we’ve still got last year’s!”
1940’s
Air Vice Marshall, Dudley Graham “Bill” BAILEY
CB,
CBE; (TGS 39- 41 aged 15) We are sorry to report the death
of Bill Bailey in November 2006. Bill started life in London,
was evacuated to TGS in 1939 at the age of 15 when he
became one of the founder members of the TGS Air Training
Corps. From such modest beginnings his high-powered
career in the RAF began its meteroric ascent, gaining his
wings in 1945. After the war he was involved in the Berlin
airlift, later becoming deeply involved with NATO planning in
the Cold War. He spent several years in the US airbase at
Travis in California, flying their giant 10-engined Convair B36
“Peacemaker”, the largest bomber ever flown He served in
Egypt, Italy, Iraq, and flew 44 out of 50 sorties into the
Malayan jungle as the Squadron Commander. He was
renowned not only for his piloting, but for his bomb accuracy.
His prowess astonished the Americans who did not believe a
“Limey” could achieve such performance from their own
machine. He returned to RAF Wyton in Cambridgeshire and
served at HonIngton, Army Staff College, Manby, and then
followed service in Aden, and Wildenrath in Germany.. His
final appointment was as Director General of Personal
Services (RAF). After retirement he joined Services KInema
Corporation later to merge with the British Forces
Broadcasting Corporation. During 13 years in that posting he
visited Germany, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Brunei, and the
Falkland Islands. We extend our condolences to his
family and his widow, Dorothy whom he married in 1948.
Truly, a charming and talented man of whom TGS can be
proud.
First of all, a letter came from Grace
COUNTER (nee HAYMAN 42-51)
re John (Jack) HAYMAN: “As a
few people have offered me their
sympathy, mistakenly thinking that the John (Jack)
HAYMAN who died in 2005 was my brother, I thought I
ought to write to say this is not the case.”
The John (Jack) Hayman we mentioned in the Deaths,
was a younger John Hayman from years 51-56. Ed.
Apologies to Grace and Jack for the misunderstanding. Ed.
John (Jack) HAYMAN)(1942 TGS Prep School-1953)
and his wife, continue to enjoy living in British
Columbia, Canada, following John’s retirement from the
University of Victoria. He has an active life – reading,
music, tennis, traveling and challenging hiking in a
variety of countries. They come to England regularly as
their son and daughter-in-law live here with their two
delightful little boys. Although not a member of TOGA,
John always reads my Newsletter with interest.
Grace COUNTER (nee HAYMAN 42-51) 9 Pine Tree
Lodge, Durham Avenue, Bromley, Kent, BR2 0QA. Tel
0208 3131874. Life for me does not lack variety and
seems to get busier with the years. I am engaged in
various church activities and regularly visit my daughter
and her family in Australia. I stopped off twice for a
month in Singapore to look after children whose parents
were on an Orientation Course. I hope to spend three
weeks helping in a Children’s Home in Brazil in May.
Two active grandsons who live in Hertfordshire, and
now take it in turns to come and stay during schools
holidays, keep me busy and hopefully up to date with
contemporary culture! I always look forward to the
TOGA NEWS – you do a great job. I don’t often come
to Teignmouth now that I have no family there, but
always regard it as home. I would like to echo what
several contributors have said about the part the
Eisteddfod played in our lives at TGS and also, in my
case, the Girl Guide Company. Happy memories.
Brian STOCKER (37-43)
passed away on 30
December 2006. Brian was at the Grammar School
from 1937 to 1942/3 before joining the RAF as a officer
cadet. He was very friendly with Francis PURCHASE.
Pauline SEATON nee ROSE (35-41) continues to be
the main source of information about Old Grammarians.
Meetings are held at her home more often than not, we
are met with a sherry, coffee and crisps, all very
civilized.
She collects all the births, deaths and
marriages, articles about promotions to former pupils,
and sends it to me for the NEWS. Keep up the good
work, Pauline, we need you.
5
good reason for getting up every morning! I find the
TOGA NEWS very interesting, although it makes me
feel old at times. The people I remember most, apart
from Colin “Charlie” GRAHAM, are Ruth Laidman
and Alan and Geraldine LENNARD. Otherwise my
memory tends to go blank after such a long time!
Peter E SLATER (40-47 joined TOGA last year. He
lives at 43 Provost Milne Grove, South Queensferry,
West Lothian, Scotland. Tel: 0131 331 3124. Email:
peslater@tisclai.co.uk. Sheila ROBBINS gave him
details of TOGA so he joined hoping to get back in
touch with some old school friends. Peter has worked
for the Government on research into electronics and
solid state Physics, sold technology and written about it.
His travels have taken him to Holland, France and
Switzerland as well as most centres in Britain. Now he
is a volunteer archivist with the Royal Scots Dragoon
Guards at Edinburgh Castle. This delving into history
for the military, started him making tentative efforts to
recall my own previous history. (Jim Tucker, you are
always saying there’s no one from your year, well now
there is!)
Derek REW (44-47) NEW ADDRESS: 2 Grasslands
Drive, PInhoe, Exeter, EX1 3RG. Tel: 01392 468264.
Derek has not been too well of late so we wish him
better health for the coming months, so that he can join
his sisters at the Spring lunch next year.
Twin Sister Sheila BOVEY (nee REW 44-49) comes to
all the Spring lunch reunions with sister Joy HOWELL
(nee REW 40-44) and friend Hazel MARTIN (40-45).
Doreen KELLEY (nee BRADS 46-50) has a new email:
doreenkelley@2711.co.uk. I'm still thankfully in good
health and have time to do most of the things I enjoy.
As I live in the Teign Valley between Chudleigh and
Christow, I am in contact with many "old boys and
girls". Among these are Bernard Chapman (?1937-40
or there abouts), still living in Dawlish. Also Jerry
Horsman who taught history for a couple of terms while
filling in for maternity leave in the early 1970s. Jerry's
two daughters, Sarah and Alice, also attended TGS;
Sarah ?1972-77 and Alice ?1976-81. Both these dates
are approximate. Very sadly, Alice lost her life in a
farming accident in December 2003 leaving a young
son and daughter. Jerry and his wife, Rosemary, live in
the next village, Ashton.
Jim STACEY (41-45) joined TOGA last year and had
hoped to come to the Autumn reunion. 70 Talbot Road,
Bristol, BS4 2NT. Email: jim.stacey@jeeek.co.uk. I was
born in 1929 at Brunswick Road (or is it terrace). I have a
sister Pam who also went to Teignmouth grammar and a
much younger brother Graham. At the time I went to
school we lived in Exeter Road, just below the school.
After leaving school in 1946 we moved to Bath and I
joined the Ministry of Labour and National Service as it
was then. I had the distinction of first deferring my
National Service and later called myself up in 1948. I
served in the RAF until 1950 when I returned to the Civil
Service. In 1951, when we were living in Bristol, I went to
the Uganda Protectorate as an Inspector of Police. I ran
a number of Police Stations and Districts and ended up
as Superintendent in charge of Traffic and Transport for
the whole country. I stayed there for 17 years until July
1968 when I returned to England. I then trained as a
teacher and worked in Bristol mainly with special needs
children until retirement in 1995. Since then I've
thoroughly enjoyed myself playing tennis and going on
holidays here and abroad.
In 1957 I married Pauline who is still my wife. We have
4 children,3 of whom were born in Uganda, and eight
grandchildren. (Another Golden Wedding this year! Ed.)
Jennifer LEACH (nee GRIBBLE 49-54) has a new
email: JenLeach@hotmail.com. She lives at 75 Mill Hill
Road, Alton, London, W3 8JF. tel: 0208 992 7384.
She writes to say many thanks to you and the team for
all the time and effort put into producing the magazine.
I thoroughly enjoy reading it.
BERYL ORPIN (nee WHITTON 48-53) We are still
enjoying our life in Spain, although I have to say it has
been sweltering hot for what seems like months.We are
going to Sussex in 10 days time, and can’t wait for
what we hope is a little bit of Cool. Since last TOGA
mag. we have been to Madrid, and that was a
wonderful experience,so much to see. At Christmas this
year we are going to Salou for 10 days which will
include trips to Barcelona and Tarragona, so looking
forward to that very much. Dave still goes bowling 3
days a week, so I normally go and visit Sylv. in
Torrevieja, and do a little retail therapy.The days seem
to pass very quickly, a very social life so of course,one
needs a little siesta each afternoon. Sorry this is a short
email, I really ought to have written to you earlier as I
am sure you will be going to print soon. Please
remember me to one and all, and looking forward to
receiving my TOGA magazine. Email: ??
UNDERHILL, Tommy, died suddenly after a short
illness in June. Our sincere condolences to his widow,
Margaret (nee STOCKER) and their family. How we
shall miss his lovely cheerful presence at our TOGA
lunches and dinners.
Trevor FANCONI (45-50) lives near Okehampton.
Raymond NORSWORTHY (45-51) Lives at 41 South
Holme, Lytham St Annes, Lancs, FY8 4JR. Tel: 01253
737151. Email: ray.norsworthy@btinternet.com. Life
not quite as busy for me as I am no longer a member of
Fylde Borough Council. I am still Chair of School
Governors, Trustee of a local Charity for Playing Fields,
Chairman of the Lytham Community Forum and
Member of the Conservative Management Team and
Ward Chairman. Like you I am still busy therefore!
Pam, my wife, thinks I am mad, but it does give me a
Louis WHITTON (44-50) sent the following news of
sisters Beryl and Sylvia: I did not realise you were
6
museum and generally keep ourselves busy. Hope the
above " nutshell " is what you wanted. We still visit
Dawlish as Peter`s sister lives there so perhaps we will
meet up sometime. Has always kept in touch with Ian
& Joyce TURNER (nee TUCKER), Clare MEUNIER
(nee BAILEY)
Jennifer & Tony BRYANT (nee
NEWBERRY) and Veronica LAXON (nee CLARKE).
Email: peter.marsh83@ntlworld.com
unaware of Beryl moving house so I am sending you
her new address in case you need it to send her the
TOGA Magazine. She has not moved a great distance
and when we were there October last Silvana and I
went and had a look at her new house which I am sure
will suit the Orpins's needs. It is only a stone's throw
from where sister Sylvia WHITTON lives. The address
is:- Urb Lago Jardin Manzana 3, No.106, 3186
Torrevieja, Alicante, Spain. Tel No. 0034 966 799
575
DOUGLAS McCLAUGHLIN (45-50) has just joined
TOGA. He spent his life in the Police Force in Exeter.
Now retired and living at 30 Exe Vale Road, Exeter.
Tel:275771 Email: D.McClaughlin@ukgateway.net
Gillian WILLIAMS (nee STONE 49-56) has a new
email address: gillverwilliams@tiscali.co.uk. Address:
Oncidium, Longburton,Sherborne, Dorset,DT9 5PG.
Te: 00 44 1963 210662.`
Ann WOODLEY (45-50) lives at 24 Lonsdale Road,
Heavitree, Exeter, Tel: 01392 272885.
ROBERTSON Donald and Gill (nee SAVIDGE (47-51)
have a new email address: grandr@cooptel.net. They
are hoping to attend the Autumn 2006 reunion dinner.
They live in Harpenden, tel 01582 761409.
Clare MEUNIER (nee BAILEY 49-56) writes again from
Sushwap Lake in Canada. She has recently joined
TOGA and tried to get back in touch with Gill
WILLIAMS nee STONE. As you see above Clare, Gill
has a new email address. Please try again. She
thoroughly enjoyed reading TOGA NEWS, and found it
quite a trip down memory lane. She says, I couldn’t
believe how many names I recognized after all this
time, but I would probably not recognize them – nor
they me, if we came face to face! Our mailing address
is: Box 2525, Salmon Arm, BC, Canada, V1E 4R4.
Email: meunier@jetstream.net.
GALLIN Bill (48-53). As the Editor printed a fictitious
email address for him, he now hopes hoards of former
friends will be able to contact him! Correct email:
billgallin@hotmail.com
W E (Bill) BAKER (48-53) attended the Autumn dinner
last September. Bill lives at 17 Brunswick Place,
Dawlish, EX7 9PB, tel: 01626 862927.
Audrey GUEST (nee BOYCE 48-54) lives in France,
does not have email, but her telephone is 00 33
546913240. Audrey does get back to the UK and
Devon as her Mum is still in Teignmouth. She meets up
with Betty PRICE (nee WILLCOCKS 48-53)
in
Liverpool regularly.
Geoff DANIELL (50-56) lives at Peterhoe, Torquay
Tel:
01626
873340
Email:
Road,
Shaldon.
augayone:tiscali.co.uk
Roger MILTON (47-54) Asks if anyone knows what
happened to JOHN ESSERY (47-54). We have been
asked many times about the whereabouts of John and
have never had any success. Roger’s tel: 01626 863
682.
Judy MAHAFFEY (nee EVANS 48-54) writes to say
she enjoys TOGA NEWS and admires the
perseverance and skill in its preparation. Judy lives at
Hayes Mill, East Budleigh, E Devon.
A B Tony CUTTING (45-52) The broken ankle now
about 95% better, hoping to be fully recovered by the
squash season. I have got back to gliding instructing
and gentle tennis having got the use back of my ankle.
My flight in a glider was from Exeter in 1950 thanks to
lots of encouragement from Les Bossom, to whom I
will always have a debt of gratitude for his sterling work
in the air section of the CCF and was the catalyst for my
love of flying which also became my career. Youngest
daughter Sara completed the London to Paris bike ride
for Multiple Sclerosis (sister Libbi has MS) charity in
pouring rain and hurricane winds wearing a pink
translucent tutu in three days, much to the amusement
of the locals and raised over £4000. Our airline
training company goes from strength to strength, we
have just installed a state of the art simulator in Morlaix
(Brittany) a wonderful excuse for sampling the local
food and wine as I go there regularly to instruct. I
managed a quick visit to Alan and Geraldine Lennard
en route from Nantes to Morlaix, they have a lovely
house in France and I am sure they are very happy with
Alison CONTE (nee McLEES 48-50) has a new email
address in USA: yuille72@mhcable.com
PAT MARSH (nee WALKER 49-56) Pat reports: I
visited Mr and Mrs Argyle until their deaths when I
returned to Devon and kept up with news of ex- staff
that way. We all owe a lot to the school and staff and in
my case especially to Mr Argyle. The Eisteddfod was a
marvellous education in the best sense of the word.
You asked for my life, career and family in a nutshell
which is fairly easy as I have followed a very standard
path. Read History at U.C.L. and got an Upper Second.
Married in 1959, taught for two years and then had two
children. Returned to teaching , eventually becoming
Head of Dept. in a comprehensive. I ended my career
as the Education- Industry links officer for my borough
of Barnet in North London. I have been married to Peter
for 47 years and we have 3 grandchildren who live in
South Africa so that is our most frequent holiday
destination.We have, amongst other things, been
involved in setting up and running a very small local
7
know where Peter Hooper is?
often.Ed.)
their move. Should be coming down to Exeter in
December for our annual training meeting, our ground
school is based at Exeter but as I am only involved in
the practical flying training I rarely have to visit base at
Exeter Airport as I go from home direct to Morlaix where
our simulator is based. Would love to meet up in
Devon with anyone who remembers me, my only real
contacts are Alan Lennard, Pete Ford and Iain
Calder. I had some contact with Gordon Corps who
was a test pilot with the CAA who sadly died about ten
years ago of a heart attack I believe in Nepal. I also
had the pleasure of training John Oliver (41-47) as a
Captain on the DC10 when he was detached to BA as a
Flight Operations Inspector with the Civil Aviation
Authority, a very small world as I had not seen him for
over thirty years, he left TGS in 1947 after two years in
our class and went to Blundells. Tony lives at: Grey
Lodge, Crowborough, Sussex, TN6 1HF. Tel: 01892
652588. Email: tonycutting @talktalk.net (good name for
He is mentioned
John KERSWELL (45-52) reminded us why T W
SMITH was also nicknamed “Dufer”. During the war
years and for a while thereafter, staff used to sit at head
of lunch ('dinner') tables, possibly to ensure fair
distribution of food in days of rationing, as well as to
keep order. After the meal, TW used to light up a
cigarette( also limited availability in those days ) but
would smoke only half before carefully putting away in a
small tin, saying each time, " that will do for
tomorrow" hence ' Dufer ' . Silly ? but that's how
names often originated. There was ' Doc ' ELLIS, also
known as ' Smiler ' and his colleague in the science
wing, ' Dirty Dick ' DAVIES of the Chemi lab. because
of frequent foul smells from that region, not to mention
stained fingers from failed experiments ! New email:
Elverwa@aol.com.
you ABC!! Ed)
Janet LEWIS (nee GLENTON 46-53) recently joined
TOGA. Janet now lives at 9 Penyrheol Drive, Sketty,
Swansea, SA2 9JT. Janet was delighted that through
TOGA she was able to make lost contact again with
Anne nee HIRONS. She would like to hear from
Yvonne HENSHAW again.
PETER RAINSFORD(44-48) You have done it again!
We returned home from holiday to find an envelope with
an orange sticker. Intrigued I opened it first. WRONG, I
hadn't emptied the caravan! How do you do it, well
done. Pam finds the magazine most interesting and the
network amazing. I often refer to the Eisteddfod and
notice that many others do the same. In those days the
School was years ahead of its time. What a place, what
a great shame it came to an end. Pam's school was
part of the King Edward Foundation, they have nothing
like TOGA. I taught in secondary schools for a time,
none of them keep such a network. Our children were
at King Edward Schools - nothing, 'tho Andrew re-met
his partner via Friends Re-united. Pam was at Rolle
College, Exmouth and remembers some of the TOGA
members so finds the photographs interesting, but there
is no known network, and I can say the same regarding
the Colleges I attended. I will be interesting to see
whether one of our grandchildren who starts at K E
Aston picks up from school that my brother Paul
completed his school life there.
Her sister is Anne GLENTON (41-47). We would like
to hear from Anne for next year’s issue perhaps?
Ruth SMITH (nee LAIDMAN) just to let you know I
have changed email to ruthsm@blueyonder.co.uk
Carol MASSEY (52-58) NEW ADDRESS: Flat 2,
Sandgate House, Teign Street, Teignmouth, TQ14
8EG. Tel: 01626879710.
Pat PRINCE (nee MARKHAM (44-49) NEW
ADDRESS: 10 Clifton House, Teignmouth; Tel; 01626
775135.
Bryan STEED (45-50) 26 Ector Road, London, Mobile:
02846 11197; Email bryan.steed@tesco.net I know
Tony CUTTING was trying to get back in touch with
you.
PAUL RAINSFORD (43-50) of course is in Australia,
but not good at keeping in touch. Interestingly however
one of his daughters and his son e-mail for news etc.
We met Caroline in UK and our boys keep in contact
with her. We have not met his son. Paul was at
the school until 1950 when the family moved to
Birmingham.
Brian TOWLER (48-53) wrote to say that brother
Trevor had passed away after a long illness and Brian
himself had lost his wife 3 years ago, so to keep himself
busy, after a life as a fisherman, he is volunteer driving,
which he finds very interesting, you never know who
you are going to meet! (who are you driving for Brian,
hospital, schools? I was in Penzance in April for a
family get together, and was hoping to meet up, but
there was no time even for a coffee with you, maybe
next time? Ed) Barn 7, Trevarveneth Farm, Newlyn,
Penzance, TR18 5NF.Tel: 01736 351316.
Ted CORNELIUS (45-52) Lives at 18 Argyle Drive,
Yate, Bristol, BS37 5TZ. Tel: 01454 325291. He has a
NEW Email: ecbr20533@blueyonder.co.uk. Ted wrote
to say. I was sorry to hear of the death of Derek Cole,
who was my Form master in 47/48 and 50/51. I can
also name some gaps in the photo of the Football Team
1948 on page 26 TOGA NEWS 2006. Front: Pete
Hooper who went on to play for Bristol Rovers, Bristol
City and Cardiff in the 1950’s to 1960. (Does anyone
Brian MALLETT (48-55) continues to travel the world
from his home in Australia, in search of a rich widow, (he
calls it “bird watching”) and sends cards from exotic
8
MAJOR FULL COLOR MOVIE OF FLOTSAM...SO IT'S
BEEN QUITE A TIME... AND NOW SHEILA AND I
HAVE GRABBED A WEEK IN OUR CONDO IN
PUERTA VALLARTA, MEX. TO CHILL OUT BEFORE I
FLY NEXT WEEK TO SAN FRANCISCO TO OKAY
DESIGNS FOR MY BOOK...BUT THAT WILL BE A
FUN TRIP… So I keep pretty busy and as I'm sixty
again, Time flies. I did get back to Teignmouth and
arranged a lunch with some of my TGS friends
including Mary Power ... it was a treat.
And Peter
Rainsford...Hello…Paul and I were in the same form at
TGS hope you are well. 509 Johnson Lane, Sante Fe,
New Mexico, USA.
Email: DILYSDEFI@aol.com.
places like Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana, Ipanema. He
picked up an unpleasant virus in some Third World
country and is staying at home for a while, to meet up
with Audrey and Robin ROBERTSON (nee BROOM)
when they take an extended trip to The Antipodes in
September and October. Really appreciate the colourful
postcards Brian. His address: 1-54 Grandview Parade,
Lake Heights, NSW, Australia 2502. Tel: 612 4274 8996.
Raymond SRODZINSKI (48-54) has a NEW
ADDRESS; Now moved to 40 Alma Street, Bellerive,
TASMANIA,
TAS 7018. Thanks for the card Ray, it looks wonderful.
Janice JONES (nee WATKINS 47-53)
and her
husband Bev, travelled around the world from Canada
again this past year, via Vancouver for a couple of
months, and ended up in the UK in time to visit old
friends and attend the Year of 47 Reunion. She stayed
in Teignmouth and with Anne MILLARD nee DYMOND.
CALVIN COLE (1945-50)
Very many thanks for the
Directory and News 2006 - Superb! Some of the
names within are well remembered whilst others are
only gradually transforming into faces - well after all it
is sixty years. Very sorry to hear the news about
Philip Stocker. I remember "Sticky" and Pete
Hooper (whom I believe also played for Bristol Rovers)
were easily the best footballers around my time. They
were good with the small ball in the top playground as
well. Both were committed "downies" I was an "uppie".
Whilst on a touring holiday some thirty years or more
ago I visited Teignmouth and was very pleasantly
surprised to find the old school looking in good shape. I
had a wonderfully nostalgic time freely exploring largely
open premises half expecting "Squibbs" to appear
suddenly as was his habit when you were somewhere
you shouldn't have been. On leaving TGS in 1950 I
joined my parents who had previously moved to
Scotland and spent a year at a Scottish school - quite
a culture change! Following that I worked in hospital
management and new hospital commissioning until
retiring in 1992. I married Isobel in 1967 and have two
sons and a daughter-in-law who are all very Scottish
(I'm the English minority). Until about five years ago
much of my free time was spent hill walking with some
rock climbing and a little mountaineering. I still
manage the occasional "Munro" and enjoy cycling,
gardening and swimming and the Scottish winter sport
of curling. I loved my time in Devon and likewise at
TGS (1945 - 50) and actually suffered a year or so of
homesickness even in beautiful Scotland. Sadly it does
not seem possible for me to attend any functions at this
time but perhaps in the future, sometime. I exchange
letters with Mike MILLMAN (same vintage) every
Christmas - he lives in Bridgwater, Somerset but I have
no e mail address for him. My postal address is 12
Cavendish Place, Troon, Ayrshire, KA10 6JG Email:
calvincole33@tiscali.com.
Calvin sent a photo of
Dawlish Scouts, see picture pages. Left to right they
boys are:
Iain “Mac” Calder, Alan Lennard, Bryan Steed, Barry
Ashton, Calvin Cole, John Davis. The Scoutmaster
was a bigwig inspecting the Dawlish Troop. Anyone
know his name? Mo Hutchings what about your
knowledge of guides and scouts? Calvin says that
sadly their wonderful Scoutmaster, Peter Burdett was
not in the photo.
Anne HINKINS (nee HIRONS 46-51) has had
unbelievably precariouos year healthwise, having had 3
x triple heart bypasses! That’s just greedy Anne!
However, she sounds very much better and well cared
for. She has got back in touch with Janet Lewis nee
GLENTON recently and also attended the Year of 47
Reunion organized by Roger and Barbara SAVIDGE.
Judith SPELMAN (nee THEOBALD (47-53) Ages
since we’ve been in touch but many congrats on the
TOGA News. What a major effort! It must have taken all
your spare time for months. I read it cover to cover and
it’s fascinating to see names from the past and struggle
to remember the person. I have had all sorts of dramas
and disasters happening but am still flying around,
writing away and meeting my deadlines (mostly). Am
coming down to Lyme Regis at the beginning of Sept –
the first time for two years because of the work the
council have been doing there. Might you be free for a
coffee as I pass through South Devon onto Dartmoor on
one of the days? Take care and relax in the glory of a
job well – no, brilliantly – done!
Dilys EVANS (47-53) We won another Caldecott Gold
Medal, for best book of the year 2007 for FLOTSAM,
by my artist David Wiesner, out of ten thousand books
mind you! I am thrilled for him as it is his THIRD Gold
medal - hard to believe. Anyway that meant a week in
Washington two weeks ago for the ALA (American
Library Assoc), a Conference Annual of around 25
thousand people and all the Publishers in the country.
It was quite a party I can tell you. Anyway I was also
asked to address the in-coming 2008 Caldecott
Committee about what to look for in a Picture Book that
makes it outstanding etc...Chronicle Books, San
Francisco is publishing my own book this Spring 2008
called: SHOW & TELL, Exploring the Fine Art of
Children's Book Illustration so that was announced in
Washington. What else oh yes of course. I just
finished a six month contract negotiation with
DREAMWORKS for the RIGHTS TO PRODUCE A
9
moved back down to Plymstock, then to Bishopsteignton and
then on to Teignmouth. In 1964 I became a Round Tabler for
8 years ( you have to retire at 40), and Margaret joined Ladies
Circle. On retiring from Table I joined Freemasonry and
became master of my lodge in 1985. One evening in taking
my place in the chair I found that Robin OSBORN, the
Assistant Provincial Grand Master was sitting beside me in
the visitors seat of honour, he knew but I had no idea that he
was going to pay us an official visit . What a pleasant surprise.
Our social activities consisted dancing, having obtained a
bronze medal golf at Brockenhurst and Minehead. We learnt
to play Bridge at Minehead, I now play bridge 5 times a week
socially at Newton Abbot, Teignmouth and Dawlish Bridge
Clubs. Last year I completed a computer course and passed
Clait 1 and 2. My other social activity therefore concerns all
things linked to my computer. My children did not go TGS as
we were living at Plymstock. I have had a varied and happy
life, and possibly have written too much, so be free to edit
out/shorten unsuitable sections.
P.S. Football team 1948 (p.26 TOGA News 2006).
Seated in the front row, far right, looks very like Pete
Hooper.
Audrey MATTHEWS (42-49) Lives at Dryads Garth,
Inverteign Drive, Teignmouth, TQ14 9AB. Tel; 01626
772303
Michael HOBBS (48-55) has a new email address:
mandeatscopwick@tiscali.co.uk. Michael lives at11
Main Street, Scopwick, Lincoln, LN4 3NR
Geoff SETTER (49-56) Coscombe, Gabwell Cross,
Stokeinteigenhead, Newton Abbot, TQ12 4QS. Tel: 01626
872324; Email geoffsetter@coscombe.fsnet.co.uk.
Tony LIGHT (43-49) rejoined TOGA at the Spring Lunch. Tony
lives at 8 Wilbraham Court, Higher Woodway Road, Teignmouth,
TQ14. Tel: 01626 776216. Email tonylight.7@tiscali.co.uk. I was
a member of Dart House and played football at centre half for
Dart House and the School senior team. I left TGS in 1949 and
joined the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) as a
Technical Staff Trainee(TST). In 1949 I joined the ATC
No.1322 at Newton Abbot and rose to the rank of Flight
Sergeant. I obtained my ’A’ Certificate in Gliding at Exeter
Airport that year. Also in 1949 I joined the Teignmouth
Grammar School Old Students Association, now known as
TOGA, playing table tennis in the Cottage. At tennis I
remember the late Geoff (Nobby) CLARK beating me in the
Association’s annual tennis tournament, he certainly knew
how to spin the ball. As a TST I trained as a CEGB Power
Station Engineer in many departments at Newton Abbot,
Plymouth and Portishead Power Stations. My 6 months
graduate training was done at the switchgear firm of Reyrolles
at Hebburn on the Tyne. I qualified as an Electrical Engineer
at Devonport Technical College after studying on part time
day release for 6 years. I met my late wife Margaret at an
Olde Time Dance at the Ambulance Hall at Newton Abbot in
1949, following a dare from the band leader’s wife that I would
not ask Margaret to dance. We were married at Highweek
Parish Church in 1954, have two children, Russell and Jane,
also have five grandchildren. A regular at these dances was
Gordon WILLIAMS (Ex Grills). I did my National Service in
my middle 20’s as an air electrical fitter in the RAF at
Shawbury Shropshire. Rather late due to deferment to finish
my electrical qualifications and the fact that the CEGB would
not give me an engineer appointment until I had completed
my National Service. I could not do my National Service
because the government had no record of me, consequently
had to be ’asked’ to be called up. One of my friends worked in
air traffic control and I was able to thumb lifts from Shawbury
to an airfield near home, had to pay 2/6p to the crews Xmas
Bash for the privilege. My career of 41 years was spent in the
CEGB in the South West Power Stations as an Engineer on
Electrical Construction, on shift in the Plant Control Room and
on Plant Operations; then on Electrical Maintenance, Work
Study, Planning and finally due to the closure of Plymouth
was transferred to Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station where
I had to study again before being appointed as a conventional
Fire and Safety Adviser. During one of my many train
journey’s I met John DOWNING. One day in Plymstock, a
neighbour’s dog became a nuisance and would not let
anybody enter our garden, the police were called and a Police
Constable came, knocked on our door and introduced himself
to solve our problem. I recognised him and invited the late
Harry BRIMBLE inside. He stayed for about an hour and we
had no more problems with the dog. On retiring in 1981 we
Rev Douglas (Fred) FARNHAM (45-50) has NEW
ADDRESS:
12 Summersdale Court, The Drive,
Chichester, PO19 5RF. Tel: 01243 532251. Fred and
Jean moved to be nearer their children and
grandchildren as their house and garden in Walberton
were becoming too big to manage. They have a son
and daughter nearby and two grandchildren. Fred was
a Hostel Boy. His family were bombed out of Plymouth
and went to live in Lympstone, near Exmouth, with his
grandparents. He went to the local village primary
school and then to TGS. They hope to attend the
Spring Reunion lunch as he is able to drive again after
a successful hip operation last year. Said how much he
enjoyed reading TOGA NEWS as he enjoys keeping up
with contemporaries. It reminds him how much TGS
meant to us down through the years. He envies Skip
SKERRETT being able to retire to Teignmouth. He was
interested to see himself in the 1948 Football Team
photo in NEWS 2006 and recognises the late “Sticky”
STOCKER, and Pete HOOPER. Also enjoys the
Clerical jokes. Fred sent a photo of the Cricket 1st
Eleven 1948, (see photo pages). He thinks Skip would
know all the names, but has given me all he does know,
including Mr Silverston, Mr Jervis JONES, Mr Derek
COLE, Peter HOOPER, John PRENTICE, Derek
“Wrecker” BRICE, Brian DUNCAN. He hopes to get
to the Spring lunch.
Geraldine LENNARD nee HOOK writes re Margaret
HOLMAN, that they were good friends at school, went
to the Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Hospital, Exeter
to do their nursing training together, then Margaret
continued at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, while
Geraldine went to London nursing. All these years and
they are still friends, corresponding regularly.
There have been so many Golden Weddings recently from
this era at TGS. Perhaps they followed this next piece of
advice, which is why they are still married? My son read
this at his brother’s wedding last year and everyone
laughed long and loud.! We believed it! (At least till the
first baby arrived!!) Thanks to Bill Gallin for this gem.
10
THE GOOD WIFE'S GUIDE
Good Housekeeping 1955
Alan FEY (48-53) moved to Primrose Cottage, Lower Town,
Christow, EX6 7LZ. Tel: 01647 252725, four years ago and has
missed his TOGA NEWS. Alan and Pam spend their time when not
babysitting or dog sitting for their children, travelling all over Europe
What about Michael FEY? Where is he, Alan?
Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have
a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. This is a way of
letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are
concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they
come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his
favourite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Alan and Geraldine LENNARD (nee HOOK) 45-50 and
46-51: Both came to the Spring lunch from their home in
France. It was good to see you both again. They celebrated their Golden Wedding on 30 March 2007 as did
Golden Weddings this year, Lennards, Ballantynes,
Robertsons, Norsworthys.
Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you’ll be
refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make up,
put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has
just been with a lot of work-weary people.
Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His
boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to
provide it.
Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the
main part of the house just before your husband
arrives.
Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper etc and then a
dustcloth over the tables.
Over the cooler months of the year you should
prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your
husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and
order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering
for his comfort will provide you with immense personal
satisfaction.
Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the
children’s hands and faces (if they are small), comb
their hair and, if necessary, change their clothes. They
are little treasures and he would like to see them
playing the part. Minimise all noise. At the time of his
arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or
vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.
Be happy to see him.
Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in
your desire to please him.
Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things
to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the
time. Let him talk first – remember, his topics of
conversation are more important than yours.
Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes
home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of
entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand
his world of strain and pressure and his very real need
to be at home and relax.
Your goal: Try to make sure your home is a place of
peace, order and tranquillity where your husband can
renew himself in body and spirit.
Don’t greet him with complaints and problems.
Don’t complain if he’s late home for dinner or even if
he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to
what he might have gone through that day.
Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a
comfortable chair or have him lie down in the
bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.
Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes.
Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.
Don’t ask him questions about his actions or question
his judgement or integrity. Remember, he is the
master of the house and as such you will exercise his
will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to
question him.
John (Bally) and Rita BALLANTYNE (44-51) on 23 March
1957 at Lydford on Dartmoor. 1957 must have been a
good year for long marriages! John reports that their elder
daughter, Reverend Jane Kinchington, is Dean of Women
Clergy for the Diocese of Gloucester and also an Honorary
Canon of the Cathedral, was invited to celebrate and
preside at the Friday morning service at John and Rita’s
parish church. Next day they invited 65 members of the
congregation to a lunch. Jane and her family celebrated
with them ,but their other daughter and family could not join
them that day. On 1 April, 35 family members met for
another celebration lunch and the girls presented them with
tickets for The Sound of Music at the London Palladium,
Tea at The Lanesborough Hotel and the train tickets to get
there (and back!). Quite a celebration. Congratulations to
Alan and Geraldine and John and Rita. John lives at: Red
Roofs, Symm Lane, Wotton-under-Edge, Glos. GL12 7BG.
Tel 01453 842473. Please John, if you won’t stop using the
slate and a stone, could you let us have your daughter’s
email address? Love to see you at another Lunch. We
usually have a good crowd from your era. Make a weekend
of it. The Cockhaven is a very good place to stay.
Frances JESSUP. Year of 47, has a new email:
francesjess@clara.co.uk Thanks for Toga 2006! I now have a
baby grandaughter called Madeleine, first child of my son and his
Norwegian wife. I have just finished The Healthy Planet Poems at
the Electric Theatre Guildford! There is a booklet available!
11
On the bus journey back from Santa’s grotto, my friend’s
8 year old granddaughter opened her present to find a
lovely dressing table set. She decided to try it out. With
hairbrush poised, she said loudly, “Look! This is a great
brush. I bet it would get rid of nits!”
The YEAR OF ’47 REUNION
1947 year intake reunion.
This followed the TOGA lunch on Saturday 21st. April to
celebrate 60 years since most of us started at TGS. Out of
83 names, 8 were known to be deceased and we were
unable, despite much trying, to contact another 27. This
left 48 (thanks Les Bossom !). There were just a few with
'no reply or no interest', 3 or 4 would miss for health
reasons and 4 lived overseas.
Of the overseas 'contingent' we had mail contact
and info pinned up on a board from three - Dilys
Evans from Santa Fe New Mexico USA (in the middle
towards the bottom - hot), Alan Grihault in Mauritius
(small island in the Indian Ocean off the right hand side of
Africa, East of Madagascar - very hot) -visit his DoDo web
site !, and Robert Wilson-Brown in Victoria Australia
(down the bottom near Melbourne). Our other overseas
member Janice [Watkins] Jones and husband Bev took
up the chance to make the trip as a celebration of their
Golden Wedding (on the previous day) were from Winnipeg
Manitoba Canada (halfway across, VERY cold in winter) (thanks to 'Barney' Paton for geographic detail !).
In the end we had about 46 attending including about
9 spouses (and some of THOSE were TGS pupils !). Other
than the two from Canada we believe the furthest travelled
were Alan 'Mac' McDonald and his wife Pat who live in
Harrogate, N. Yorks. Nearest was David 'Pop' Quantick
who, if he climbed garden fences, had only about 75 yards
to come.
We had pin-boards and tables for information, news,
photographs and memorabilia in a room to ourselves.
Someone said "it is fine outside, lets all go out onto the
hotel lawns for some photographs". It was so good, most of
us stayed out there. We had a cake, beautifully decorated
with the school crest, motto and house colours. Before the
cutting of the cake Head Girl, Elizabeth [Edwards]
Gilbert welcomed everyone. All agreed it was a very
successful 'school attendance' - a re-gathering of the TGS
'Family' of '47 after 60 years. As John 'Frisby' Dyke
remarked - "Here's looking forward to the next reunion in
another 60 years". Roger & Barbara SAVIDGE
Peter TRIST (49-56) Finally came to a reunion last
September. It was a pleasure to meet Peter and his wife
Lesley. He wrote that it had been great to met up with
Joyce and Ian TURNER nee Tucker, after all those years,
that the food had been excellent, and that he had not
immediately recognized some old pupils, who recognized
him right away! He took home a CD of Ian TURNER’s jazz
band which he hoped to play that evening.
Ian TURNER (49-56) is still an accomplished clarinet
player and he leads a trio called Black Cat Jazz at
home in Dover, and also he used to play with Ken
Collier!
Robin GOODFELLOW (49-54) is at Stream Barton,
School Street, Drayton Somerset TA10 0LN. Tel:
01458 253167.
John MORRIS (49-56) We called on Mr Rowley
Davies in the Nursing Home at Dawlish in 2006. We
arrived just as Pauline Seaton was leaving which
provided a nice moment as we reminisced: I gather
Pauline was a near neighbour and is still a regular
visitor. We found Rowley a bit less mobile and a bit less
sharp on his recollections but most gracious in receiving
us and profuse in his thanks that we had called. He
seemed pretty comfortable in his room, and with such a
splendid view of the sea (and the trains) who could
complain?
SOME CHRISTMAS CRACKERS!
“It must have been a terrible journey because Mary and
Joseph didn’t have time to call at the supermarket”, my 6
year old told me. “How do you know that?” I asked.
“Because we sing “Away in a manger no crisps in the bed!”
was his reply.
Editor’s note: Roger worked very hard for months to get this off
the ground. In the end it was a resounding success and greatly
enjoyed by all who attended, so I have heard. A marvellous cake
was made with the school badge iced on it, thanks to Marjie Foster.
Just before Christmas, my son told his 5 year old
daughter that they would be going out to Staples, the local
stationery outlet, whereupon she said she knew the people
who lived there. Intrigued, my son asked for their names.
Confidently she replied, “Jesus, Mary and Joseph”.
Colin GRAHAM (Chairman) 43-50, has a NEW email.
colin761@btinternet.com
Donald and Gillian ROBERTSON (nee SAVIDGE 47-51)
Firstly we must thank you and your team for another
excellent piece of work. We were just thinking we would
need to ask Roger(S) or Robin(R) if our copy of TOGA
News had gone astray when it arrived! Great ! Now an
apology we have changed our e-mail to grandr@
cooptel.net!!. Two reunions in between a personal one we
are planning to celebrate our Golden Wedding at the end of
this year! Greetings and best wishes from us both.
1950’s
Philip GOODFELLOW (51-56) is at 31 Coach Road,
Great Horkesley, Colchester, Essex, Tel:
01206
271422. His message was a donation to TOGA (very
many thanks Philip, helps to pay for Draw prizes at the
reunions) and “Keep up the good work!”
12
The first of the baby-boomers are starting to turn 60 years old.
In honor of that occasion, a number
of popular songs of our era are in the process of being revised to
reflect conditions of the present day. including
1. Herman's Hermits -- Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Walker
2. The Bee Gees -- How Can You Mend a Broken Hip
3. Bobby Darin -- Splish, Splash, I Was Havin' a Flash
4. Ringo Starr -- I Get By With a Little Help From Depends
5. Roberta Flack -- The First Time Ever I Forgot Your Face
6. Johnny Nash -- I Can't See Clearly Now
7. Paul Simon -- Fifty Ways to Lose Your Liver
8. Commodores -- Once, Twice, Three Times to the Bathroom
9. Marvin Gaye - Heard it through the Grape Nuts
10. Procul Harem -- A Whiter Shade of Hair
11. Leo Sayer -- You Make Me Feel Like Napping
12. The Temptations -- Papa's Got a Kidney Stone
13. Abba -- Denture Queen
14. Tony Orlando -Knock 3 Times On The Ceiling If You Hear Me Fall
15. Helen Reddy -- I am Woman, Hear Me Snore
16. Willie Nelson -- On the Commode Again
haven’t got round to contacting anyone yet. Jeannette
LOWE (nee AYLWIN 48-55) lives a few hundred yards
from me and we were at TGS together. I am still in
contact with Myrtle RAVENHALL (nee BARRETT) and
Frieda DAWSON (nee GIEBERMANN). We all trained
together at Worcester Training College and became
teachers. At one time I taught at the same school as
Shirley NORTH (nee SILVERSTON 47-53). It was
Joyce TURNER (nee TUCKER 49-55) who put me in
touch with you re TOGA. I enclose some photos taken
outside the Cubby-hole just before we left TGS in 1956.
I joined TGS for the Summer Term of 1953, and found it
difficult to settle in as a new girl. My farm labourer father
had moved from Launceston to Lyson near Kenton when
we lived next door to the GOSLINGS. Betty GOSLING
later attended TGS and Ivy CAMPBELL (nee
WITHECOMBE 47-53) and Joan BARRETT (47-53)
accompanied me on the bus. My first teacher was Miss
Simon, On my first day, walking in late, without uniform, I
was sent to sit by a boy, I think named HINCHCLIFFE.
He was as embarrassed as I was. I settled in. Travelling
on the bus took ages in the summer when we were often
told to let the holidaymakers get on first and we had to
wait. From Kenton I still had to cycle 2 miles and often
didn’t get home till 6pm! As well as Joan and Ivy, I
remember Joyce TUCKER, Robert REDWOOD,
(Exminster), Ken KIRKWOOD, Jennifer NEWBERRY,
PAT WALKER and others.
I remember the following
staff: Mr Wheeler was my favourite! My first year’s
teaching was in Willenhall, Staffs, and then I returned to
teach in Kenton Primary School. I met and married Peter
GALE who taught PE at Dawlish Secondary Modern
School. We moved to Hampshire and spent many years
there. I taught for 25 years. I have two sons, both living in
Hampshire and a daughter in Torbay where I have lived
since 1993. See May’s photo on the picture pages.
Thanks to Colin Reynolds 56-63
Alan DOWNS (51-57) Alan has a new email:
yellow_house@btinternet.com There is an underscore between yellow and house!
John and Valerie BRIGGS (nee PARSONS 51-58)
John sent in a photo of a restaurant in Gran Canaria
called “Carpe Diem”. It came in a very large format, so
I will try and use it John. Regular readers will know we
try and find an article called “Carpe Diem” (Seize the
Day, the motto of the Old Grammarians since its
inception). In the past we have had a non-alcoholic
drink, a teeshirt, a meal choice in a restaurant in Ronda,
a sundial in the south of France etc. Keep looking folks.
David FOSTER (50-55) 34 Drum Brae Park,
Corstophine, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH12 8TF. Email:
david.foster63@tesco.net. Tel: 0131 339 5708. David
says “It is always a a pleasure to read “The News”,
keep up the good work. Thanks David.
Keith DALE (52-58) sent two football Team photos
from 54-55 and 55-56 (see picture pages) He had been
astonished to hear a voice from the past, Eric
VAUGHAN had just joined TOGA and got back in touch
after decades! He says thanks for all your efforts in the
past year for TOGA and imagines it can sometimes be
a thankless task!
John ALLEN (58-65) We are delighted to congratulate
John as he has recently been awarded the MBE for
recognition of his prolific work with young people across
the county, particularly through Starcross Yacht Club,
Sea Scouts and Devon Lawn Tennis Association. He
has taught Chemistry at Exeter School for 38 years,
and served as Pastoral Head of House, and Residential
Trips Organiser. John retires at the end of this term.
Eric VAUGHAN joined TOGA this year. He lives at 18
Priorswood, Taverham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR8 6FY, tel.
01603 865979. Email: e.vaughan@tiscali.co.uk.
Grace JACKMAN (54-61) has moved again! This time
she is either in Galashiels or Melrose! She is back in
touch with and is hoping to come south to meet up with
Linda BENSLEY nee LAIDMAN (54-63) Tel: 01896 822294
Christine McELLIGOTT (nee TOWLER 51-57)
Coldharbour Farm, Fittleworth Road, Wisborough
Green, W Sussex, RH14 0EX, tel: 078 7901 5224 or
email: christinemcelligott@yahoo.com.
Terry MITCHELL (58-65) HAS A NEW ADDRESS.
He has moved back to Teignmouth! 19 Drake Avenue,
Teignmouh, TQ149NA Tel: 01626 775959. Email
terrencemitchell@yahoo.com
May GALE (nee HAWKE 53 aged 13 -56) (HOSTEL
girl) 13 Tavistock Place, Paignton, TQ4 7NZ, tel: 01803
844011, recently joined TOGA and came to a lunch in
Spring 2007. May writes: Thank you for TOGA NEWS.
I’ve had such fun reading it all through although I
Professor Adrian SMITH (58-65) is Principal of Queen
Mary & Westfield College, 58 Noel Road, London, E1
4NS. His email is afms@qmul.ac.uk
13
Vancouver,Canada. Economic considerations led us to
Perth where we spent twelve very happy years in the
sunshine. Apart from family my life consisted of Rugby in
the Winter and Sailing in the Summer. I was working for
Norwich Union, who eventually persuaded me to leave
Perth and move to Melbourne as Manager for Victoria and
Tasmania. After a few more years of “Corporate life” I
decided to set up my own Insurance Broking Business
which has been running successfully for over 25 years. I
now divide my time between work(occasionally), golf
(frequently) and water sports (in season). Surrey Hills is a
suburb of Melbourne about 6 miles from the City Centre.It is
a fashionable suburb on the tram route. My offices are in
Surrey Hills but I live further out in an area called Croydon
Hills (all English names with 'Hills'). I remember Eric
VAUGHAN, mostly because he also came from Starcross ,
we were both in the Youth Club and I was in the church
choir with his father, Len, who was a fair tenor. I am
amazed ,on reflection, just how much the staff at TGS have
shaped my life. My thanks in particular go to: the late Les
BOSSOM for his interest in the CCF which led to my
obtaining gliding and private pilot’s licences and later to
flying Jets as a “Star Cadet”; Joe BOLT for fostering my
interest in rifle target shooting and introducing me to Rugby
Union football. After many years of grade Rugby,I still retain
interest through membership of “The Weary Dunlop Club”
which is a gathering of Businessmen who meet to
exaggerate their playing feats and also to support the
“game they play in heaven”. On the down side you may
also be indirectly responsible for my recent double total
knee replacements! Don THOMAS awoke my interest in
English Literature during sixth form lessons in the old
stables and during various outings to such places as
Dartington Hall. Jonah JONES, Mrs JONES and Miss
Mollie BRICE introduced me to the pleasures of travel,
particularly remembering the school trip to Switzerland.
“Gusty” Gale, my form teacher, who showed me that
respect and control is a state of mind, not a result of force.
She also taught me French which remains with me today
and is useful when I holiday in France, Noumea and other
places. I was fascinated to read of classmates such as
Jennie Henderson, Enid Stocker and Joy Crispin. Does
anyone know the whereabouts of Eddie Harris and Nicky
Rossiter? If anyone is interested in contacting me, my
details are:-e-mail brians@atlanticinsurance.com.au or
PO.Box 1045, Surrey Hills North, Victoria 3127,
Australia.Tel: +6138363733
Carole MILLMAN (nee HONEYWELL 55-60 - Hostel Girl)
reports a correct new email: carole60millman@msn.com.
Carole lives at Buckfastleigh.
Kathy HOLMES (nee McClaughlin 53-58) lives in
Plymouth - 01752 782883. Email: Kathyholmes@btinternet.com
April ASHTON (nee WOOD 55-58) Now back living
permanently in the UK and less of a Transatlantic traveller –
it may be thought to be a glamorous lifestyle, but the regular
turn around required constant organization and provided
regular jetlag – although I do not deny that it was a great
experience living the American lifestyle for a while.
However, now no longer constantly on the run, I am loving a
more settled existence back in England and having time to
catch up with friends and to smell the daisies! NEW
ADDRESS: The Coach House, Beardley Farm, Kittisford,
Wellington, Somerset, TA21 0RZ. Tel:
Mob: 07976
271610. I wonder if it would be possible to consider a
request from TOGA members for memories and details
about School Events during our years at TGS? The reason
I am bringing this request is that a couple of years ago I
visited the school premises and spoke to a current member
of staff, who had heard absolutely nothing about the
Eisteddfod! (It was axed 26 years ago. Ed). As a keen
family historian I would hate to think that the memory and
any records of all those excellent traditions from which we
all benefited and so much enjoyed were disappearing.
Also, does anyone know anything about Ann PALMER,
who lived with her grandmother just off the Exeter Road in
Dawlish: we were good friends for years that I lived there
and I would love to hear news about her. Can anyone
help? April: There has not been an edition of TOGA
NEWS for years where someone has not mentioned the
Eisteddfod! However, I have taken your good idea on board
and we have a special section of Eisteddfod Memories in
this issue. We have covered Guiding, CCF and school trips
in the past. We do listen you know!! Ed.
Denise STEPHENS (nee WOOD 56-59) came to the
Autumn reunion with sister April ASHTON. She lives at
Tresco Bridge, Luxulyan, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 5EF and
her email is: denise.stephens1@tesco.com
David EVANS (57-64) is still in Chester, but with a new
email address: d.evans@chester.ac.uk
Brian SMITH (54-62) I left TGS in 1962 and took off to
London to explore the “swinging 60” scene and to take up a
place at Charing Cross Hospital to study medicine. For a
variety of reasons I finished off my flying training and then
entered the Insurance Profession as a trainee actuary
instead. I married Cynthia BATTERSHILL (TGS 54-60)
and we have four children (Peter-43,Karen-41, Deborah –
41 and Darryl- 35) and eight grandchildren. Unfortunately
the marriage only lasted for 36 years and we divorced in
2000. I have since remarried to Jacqueline in 2001.
Cynthia and I emigrated to Australia in 1964. Being ‘country
bumpkins’ at heart we could not see ourselves raising a
family in London and so we sought a place in the world that
was the best combination of City and Country. We came up
with two options, Perth in Western Australia and
Erica CHAFFEY (nee WHITLOCK) 51-57 lives in
Leatherhead. She wonders where Carol GODSALL,
Christine BLADON and Julie WILLIAMS are these days?
Michael WHITLOCK, does anyone know. (see photos)
Keith WHITLOCK (Dr DAK) lives in East Grinstead. Tel:
01342 315180.
Colin REYNOLDS 58-63:. For no apparent reason I am
reminded of "throwing First Years into the holly
bush" as a rite of passage. Was that just for the late 50s
I wonder or an enduring tradition? It has been a hot dry
summer here this year - too hot for my taste, For
14
Wal-Mart with her two kids, yelling obscenities at them all
the way through the entrance. The Wal-Mart Greeter said
pleasantly "Good morning, and welcome to Wal-Mart. Nice
children you have there. Are they twins?" The ugly woman
stopped yelling long enough to say, "Hell no they ain't."
"The oldest one's 9 and the other one's 7. Why the hell
would you think they're twins? Are you blind, or just
stupid?" "I'm neither blind nor stupid,
Ma'am," replied the greeter. "I just couldn't believe you
got laid twice." "Have a good day and thank you for
shopping at Wal-Mart." (Thanks to J M Connelly)
example it has been in the low 30s in the day and high
teens at night for the last week or two with the result
that the house gets progressively hotter day by day and
sleep harder and harder to come by. I gather from the
news that rain has been the order of the day with you..
Fort McMurray,CANADA Email:creynold@altech.ab.ca.
Professor PAUL HILL (56-64) has a new email:
paul@paulhill.demon.co.uk, 95 Duffield Road, Little
Eaton, Derby, DE21 5DT.
A very loud, unattractive, mean-acting woman walked into
HISTORY OF MT EVEREST
The house was once called TREVERVEN LODGE and was
the home of Mr Albert Casanova Ballard known as “Archie”
born 1876 in London, who was a millionaire philanthropist.
He paid for boys to go to grammar schools. He was very
wealthy and endowed scholarships and schools for poorer
children in London and in Plymouth where he came to live,
prior to coming to Teignmouth to Treverven which had
previously been a priest’s lodgings. He gave each boy in
his schools a Christmas present, and any boy from a poor
background was also provided with clothing of good
quality in the right sizes.
He was the donor for The
Ballard Institute in Plymouth in the 1920’s The Ballard
Institute was a Boys' Club, which provided activities such
as ping-pong and boxing etc. for the boys in the area.
Currently the new Ballard Centre which is a swimming
pool and sports centre, still exists in Plymouth. Mr Ballard
died of a brain haemorrhage at his home, Treverven.
Exeter, Road,Teignmouth, on 10 August 1942. Shortly
afterwards, the house was endowed to the school. The girls moved in 1948. Shirley North (nee SILVERSTON 49-53)
remembers her father, the Head, Mr Silverston, with him each time he had to attend Fire practice at Mt Everest.
From Viv Wilson, Teignmouth Historian and Mary Thomas.
PLANS FOR MAJOR NEW
TEIGNMOUTH MUSEUM EXTENSION
TOGA Members will be interested to learn that there are plans for a new extension at Teignmouth Museum, which will more
than double its size and create a major attraction in the town. A bold and exciting new building will be constructed on the
triangle of grass beside the present Museum, which will be interlinked and provide a wealth of new facilities.
The Teign Heritage Project has been set up to raise around £700,000 for the enterprise: a major amount of money for such a
small town! Grants totalling some £300,000 are already in the pipeline and there is a dedicated team of volunteers looking at
ways to raise the rest of the money.
A number of events, both large and small, are planned for the next 18 months or so, but the Fundraising Committee have also
devised a number of ways for people to donate money to this excellent cause. With Old Grammarians having such strong links to
the town, it is hoped that many will want to offer a donation or become involved in the project in some way.
Heading the Appeal is long time Museum supporter Colin Trigger. He is dedicating a huge amount of time and effort in pursuit of
the funding. If you would like to find out more about the Teign Heritage Project or make a donation, please contact Colin
through the Museum.
Teignmouth and Shaldon Museum, 29, French Street, Teignmouth. 01626 777041
From: David Force, Chairman Appeals Committee
15
CLERICS CORNER
Sent in by our regular
reverends. and one or two not
so reverends!
There was a tale of a strict
Buddhist monastery where the
monks observed a vow of
silence. Each monk was allowed to utter just two
words every ten years. After his first ten years
one of the monks went to the abbot and was
allowed his two words. "Bed hard" he said.
Another ten years passed. "Food crap" he said and
another ten years passed. "I quit!" he yelled. "I'm
not surprised" said the Abbot, "You've done
nothing but complain ever since you got here."
THE TALE OF TWO PRAWNS
Far away in the tropical waters of the Caribbean,
two prawns were swimming around in the sea. One
was called Justin and the other called Christian.
The prawns were constantly being harassed and
threatened by sharks that inhabited the area.
Finally one day Justin said to Christian, "I'm fed
up with being a prawn, I wish I was a shark then I
wouldn't have any worries about being eaten." A
large mysterious cod appeared and said, "Your
wish is granted" Lo and behold, Justin turned into
a shark. Horrified, Christian immediately swam
away, afraid of being eaten by his old mate. Time
passed (as it invariably does) and Justin found life
as a shark boring and lonely. All his old mates
simply swam away whenever he came close to
them. Justin didn't realize that his new menacing
appearance was the cause of his sad plight.
While swimming alone one day he saw the
mysterious cod again and he thought perhaps the
mysterious fish could change him back into a
prawn. He approached the cod and begged to be
changed back, and, lo and behold, he found himself
turned back into a prawn. With tears of joy in his
tiny little eyes Justin swam back to his friends
and bought them all a cocktail. (The punch line
does not involve a prawn cocktail - it's much
worse).Looking around the gathering at the reef
he realized he couldn't see his old pal. "Where's
Christian?" he asked. "He's at home, still
distraught that his best friend changed sides to
the enemy & became a shark", came the reply.
Eager to put things right again and end the mutual
pain and torture, he set off to Christian's abode.
As he opened the coral gate, memories came
flooding back.
He banged on the door and
shouted, "It's me, Justin, your old friend, come
out and see me again." Christian replied, "No way
man, you'll eat me. You're now a shark, the enemy,
and I'll not be tricked into being your dinner."
Justin cried back "No, I'm not. That was the old
me. I've changed." "You're going to love this".
…………………………… I've found Cod. I'm a Prawn
again, Christian".
Little Tony was staying with Grandma. He had
been playing outside with the other kids when he
came into the house and asked her "Grandma what
is that called when two people are sleeping in the
same room and one is on top of the other?"
Grandma decided to tell him the truth "It's called
sexual intercourse dear." Little Tony just said "Oh
OK" and went out to play. A few minutes later he
was back in and said angrily "Grandma it's not
called sexual intercourse, it's called bunk beds
and Jimmy's mother wants to speak to you!"
Having been a hospital chaplain I thought this
next was very funny.
The man was drowsy coming round after the
operation. When the nurse came in he asked her
"Are my testicles black?" She relied she didnt
know. "Will you look please, I would like to know."
So she did and told him they were fine. "Thanks"
he said "that was nice but I asked are my test
results back?" Naughty but ....true?
There are two ice-cream makers mentioned in the
bible. Lyons of Judah and Walls of Jericho.
Seen in a church magazine. "Young Mothers will
meet on Tuesday, anyone wanting to become a
young mother should see the vicar in the vestry."
One day, a man came home and was greeted by his
wife dressed in a very sexy nightie. "Tie me up,"
she purred, "and you can do anything you
want."……………………………..So he tied her up and went
golfing.
Bill PRINCE is in glossy magazines,
sometimes literally! Occasionally, I buy
a glossy and there he is, modelling a
suit or writing an article about traveling
on Concorde on its last flight. Email:?
1960’s
Heather FREEMAN (nee ASHFORD 69-74) has moved
some time ago to 19 Icy Park, Aveton Gifford, Kingsbridge,
TQ7 4LQ. Email: freemanh@freemanh@fsnet.co.uk. I am
a primary teacher at Ermington Primary School. My
husband works for a farming firm locally. I have two
daughters aged 22 and 20.
John PRINCE does cutting edge things in wireless
technology. No one understands, but him, probably
because no one can read his handwriting yet! In one of
his TGS Physics books, he wrote up an experiment and
succeeded in spelling “temperature” in at least 5 different
ways in the space of half a page, but it does not seem to
have held him back!! Next time we all meet up I will get
them to describe their current activities a bit more
accessibly. (Jane, if you give them my email, they could email it
Andrew HERBERT (63-67) I am an old Grammarian
living in Sweden since 1990. I was at Teignmouth
Grammar from in touch since schooldays. I remain in
touch with Steve PERROTT who may be interested in
joining TOGA. (Andrew, my Mum was Steve’s
Godmother, Ed). I visited him in France many years
ago and he comes to visit me in Sweden regularly. I
would like to see a copy of the newsletter, thank you. I
will tell Steve about the homepage and the Old
Grammarians. I left Teignmouth in 67 to we moved to
my brothers in Leeds. My mother couldn’t cope after
the death of my father in 1960. I took my O levels in
Leeds and then got a job at the BBC in London. I
worked at TV Centre as a cameraman on such
programmes as Morecambe and Wise,Fawlty Towers
and the Two Ronnies. In 1990 having married a
Swedish girl and having two daughters, we moved to
Sweden. I have worked on Local TV here in Jamtland
for many years and now work at the local brewery. I
hope the information is interesting. I can arrange
brewery visits but its a long way to come. My home
address is Backvagen 4, 84058 Pilgrimstad, Sweden
and emailmosone392@hotmail.com.
straight to me, maybe they could join TOGA instead of reading yours or
Mum’s copy of TOGA NEWS. Ed) Email: ?
Jackie Wolstenholme (nee MURPHY) (66-71), who
been promoted to Branch Manager of Portman Building
Society, Exmouth.
Christopher SMITH (64-70) Join Metropolitan Police (as
a cadet) in 1970 and retired in 2002. Final post - head of
unit at Westminster within the Directorate of Professional
Standards. Since retirement, have: run a consultancy
offering liaison between business and government
agencies; concentrated on hobbies including beekeeping
and gardening; h ave been a Parish Councillor, School
Governor at two schools; run the village cinema, etc. Tel
01409 254457. Hedgerow, 24 The Willows, Chilsworthy,
Devon EX22 7BB Christopher-d.smith@tiscali.co.uk
Charmian TAUNTON (61-67) sent the following message
through the discussion forum on our TOGA website.
www.toga.org.uk...” A chap called Chris MILFORD was
taking the big yahoos through their paces in a programme
called Celebrity Detox, (No, he didn't do the colonic
irrigation and puking everywhere one - the topic was
trusting and getting through fear and it involved climbing
and heights and so on),and I think it was our Chris Milford
who was at TGS in the 60's. Even as a 5th former he was
into climbing and as I remember, looked pretty impressive
in his kit! Email: charmiantaunton@tiscali.co.uk (Do
anyone know of him? Ed)
Kevin CORBETT lives at 18 Moorgate, York, YO24 4HR.
He is a Senior Research Fellow and works at John
Moores University, Faculty of Health & Applied Sciences,
79 Tithebarn Street, Liverpool L2 2ER.
Email
k.corbett@ljmu.ac.uk. He was very sorry to read of the
death of Adrian Gillespie and wondered if any of the family
could send him an obituary printed at the time.
Glyn WILLIAMS (61-66) lives in Crediton. Glyn has your
email changed, I can’t make contact with you. Mary/Ed.
Lesley SALTER (nee BARDELL 61-68) lives in 3 St
Michael’s Close , Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leics, LE65 1ES (Does
anyone else remember that that was Priscilla Underhill’s
nom-de-plume in one of the Eisteddfods in the 1950’s)!.
Email: tim_salter@ntlworld.com (there is an underscore
between tim and salter!!) Tel: 01530 452625.
Rod HUNT (60-68) has a new business address :
Colyton Antiques, Old Station Yard, Station Road,
Colyton, E Devon, EX24 6HA; Tel: 01297 552339. Rod
runs this business with his sister, Marilyn CONWAY.
They both attended the Autumn reunion last September
and it was a pleasure to meet them at last.
Jane PRINCE (68-75) lives at 11 Lys Hill Gardens,
Bengeo, Hertford, SG14 3EH. Jane enjoys reading news
of former pupils, even though she can rarely get to reunion
dinner or lunch. She is still living in Hertford with husband
Nick GOUGH and children, Patrick, Tom and Mary. She
is still known as Jane PRINCE even though she has been
married for 22 years. She thinks TGS obviously
encouraged an independent sort of girl! As to the
brothers…I don’t really know what they do all day but they
do it in very exciting parts of the world!
FRANCES NEWBERRY (64-70) Many thanks for your email and also the TOGA News for this year. You have
Lesley McGinn to thank for my getting in touch. She was
checking something about Teignmouth on the Net and the
TOGA website popped up so she suggested we both join.
However, I am not sure if she has got round to it yet, if not,
I will give her a nudge! I lived in Shaldon back then and
until this year have been visiting on a very regular basis as
my Dad was still around. Sadly he died back in May but
17
staff of Rolle College , Exmouth in charge of the Art
Gallery at which time he exhibited and sold his paintings
quite successfully. He and his French wife moved to
Madrid where they both taught English in a language
school.
David continued
in Paris, where to Dr
Thompson’s pleasure, he attended the Sorbonne
University as a part-time student, gaining his Doctorate in
Philosophy. He changed career path and has joined the
staff of Les Echos (the Financial Times of France) where
he is responsible for arranging seminars and conferences.
He is father of three sons, with a new addition expected in
2007. He and his second wife live in a delightful area of
Paris. He isn’t a letter writer, but sends emails :
dhirst@lesechoes.fr. I only wish my grammar school had
had such a lovely newsy magazine. Rosemary says that
her contact with Dr Peter Thompson was at Trinity
School where she was tutor of Learning Support in the
Prep School. (Thank goodness for proud mothers and
fathers. Ed.)
was the grand old age of 92 so I was lucky to have him for
so long. What I noticed when I visited Teignmouth/
Shaldon was that I hardly knew anyone there anymore
and never seemed to bump into anyone from school in all
my years of visiting. I wonder if when I get a mention in
the Mag. whether there will be anyone around who still
remembers me. I really enjoyed browsing through the
magazine and reading news of some of the old staff and
pupils. I can't remember the exact years I was at the
Grammar School but it was probably around 64 - 70. So I
certainly remember a lot of the teachers in the photo of the
Staff of 1969 on page 28. My favourite was Mr. Nodder
who was my Spanish Teacher for A levels. What a lovely
man he was. I notice a couple of question marks for some
unidentified teachers - I hope I can be of help in putting
some names to faces. If I'm not mistaken I believe the
teacher next to Erik Peckett at the end of the 2nd row is
Mr. Davies the Music Teacher, and in the front row the
lady next to Mrs. Cresswell could be Elspeth Tucker who
taught English, although I am not sure who is sitting next
to her. Next time I see Lesley I will take the Magazine with
me and see if she can help out. I am amazed to hear that
Dr. Thompson is still going strong. I had him as a French
teacher for a while, but of course was very intimidated as
he was the Head Master. Miss Stockley also taught me
French and she was quite scary too! As well as French
and Spanish, Barbara Walker and I also did Russian
together, but teachers came from outside to teach the two
of us as we were the only ones doing a 3 language
combination for A-levels. I went on to study Languages at
Swansea University - firstly Spanish, Italian and Russian
and then I settled for Spanish and Italian Joint Honours. I
have been working as a translator in London ever since,
for 26 years in a Company and for the last 2 years as a
Freelance translator. I currently live in East Twickenham,
near Richmond and enjoy a lovely view of the river
Thames whilst I am at my desk. I am obviously too late for
any reunions this year but will see what happens next
year. I do have very fond memories of my school days
and was very happy at the old school. Well done for all
your hard work and keep up the good work. Email:
benfran2@aol.com
Carol NIGHTINGALE (nee HARVEY 69-73) has a new
email since last year. caroln41@sky.com. She would love
to hear from her schoolf riend, Sally DAWKINS nee
PARNELL who married Tudor, or anyone else who
remembers her.
Christopher CHAPMAN (68-71) is very well known for
his sympathetic and evocative photographs of Dartmoor
and its people over the centuries. He was interviewed on
the Judi Spiers show this week. Chris tells us, “I have just
finished presenting a six part series, Secrets of The
Cotswolds, for ITV West (not shown here in Devon) and
have recently been awarded a grant from the Dartmoor
Sustainable Development fund to shoot a new film about
moor. I didn’t hear the Judy Spiers piece but I was interviewed by someone from BBC Radio Devon after my talk
on Foot and Mouth at the Devon Guild of Craftsmen. I was
grilled on my views on photography as an art form!” Tel &
Fax: +44 (0)1647 231508; Cross Park, Wonson, Throwleigh,
Devon EX20 2HY. www.chrischapmanphotography.com
Beverley OSBOURNE (nee CHARMAN 68-73) must have a new
email: b.osbourne@sgul.ac.uk, 181 Monkleigh Road, Morden,
Surrey, SM4 4EQ. This email seems to be out of date. Ed
Dr David HIRST formerly known as David DANIELL (69-76)
A very interesting letter came from David’s Mother, Mrs
Rosemary DANIELL, married to Geoff DANIELL (50-56).
She writes: How fascinating TOGA NEWS is! Reading
through my husband’s copy from cover to cover to my
surprise I found my son’s name and address. He was
entered as David HIRST (1975) with his Paris address.
Unfortunately, there are mistakes. He is actually Dr David
HIRST, formerly known as David DANIELL. His address
is 83 Rue Petit, Paris 75019. During his Grammar School
days he was pleased to use his stepfather’s name
(DANIELL). After school years he found it easier to return
to his birth certificate name of HIRST. He has led an
interesting life since University, where he supplemented
his grant by playing his guitar and sitar! He was on the
18
Words Women Use
Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they feel they are right and you need to shut up. Never use "fine"
to describe how a woman looks - this will cause you to have one of those arguments.
Five Minutes: This is half an hour. It is equivalent to the five minutes that your football game is going to last before you
take out the rubbish, so it's an even trade.
Nothing: This means "something", and you should be on your toes. "Nothing" is usually used to describe the feeling a woman
has of wanting to turn you inside out, upside down, and backwards. 'Nothing" usually signifies an argument that will last "Five
Minutes" and end with 'Fine'
Go Ahead: At some point in the near future, you are going to be in some mighty big trouble.
Go Ahead (With Raised Eyebrows) : This is a dare. One that will result in a woman getting upset over "Nothing" and will end
with the word "Fine".
Go Ahead (Neutral Expression) : This means "I give up" or "do what you want because I don't care" You will get a "Raised
Eyebrow Go Ahead" in just a few minutes, followed by "Nothing" and "Fine" and she will talk to you in about "Five Minutes"
when she cools off.
Loud Sigh: This is not actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she
thinks you are an idiot at that moment, and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over
"Nothing"
Soft Sigh: Again, not a word, but a non-verbal statement. "Soft Sighs" mean that she is content. Your best bet is to not
move or breathe, and she will stay content.
That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can make to a man. "That's Okay" means that she
wants to think long and hard before paying you back for whatever it is that you have done. "That's Okay" is often used with
the word "Fine" and in conjunction with a "Raised Eyebrow.
Please Do: This is not a statement, it is an offer. A woman is giving you the chance to come up with whatever excuse or
reason you have for doing whatever it is that you have done. You have a fair chance with the truth, so be careful and you
shouldn't get a "That's Okay"
Thanks: A woman is thanking you. Do not faint. Just say you're welcome.
Thanks A Lot: This is much different from "Thanks." A woman will say, "Thanks A Lot" when she is really ticked off at you.
It signifies that you have offended her in some callous way, and will be followed by the "Loud Sigh." Be careful not to ask
what is wrong after the "Loud Sigh," as she will only tell you "Nothing"
Now guys, please write them down and learn them in order to avoid future misunderstanding and ladies, please send this to
every one so that us guys have a chance of survival... Sent by a brave man, Ted Fice (48-53) “ My wife made me do it!”
Anne DAVIES (nee BRADSHAW 73-78) lives at
Kynance, Holcombe Road, Dawlish, EX7 0JB, email:
anne@kynance56.freeserve.co.uk, tel: 01626 866525.
1970’s
Daryl
Hume
(73-79)
has
a
new
daryl@wrighthume.net. Tel: 07976 015094
email:
Paul HUMPHRIES (1979-86) is a Pharmacist at the
Kidney Transplant Unit at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.
Paul and his wife live at Ivybridge.
Roger and Amanda WELCH (nee FAUCHON 73-76
and 70-76) Glenlea, Liddington New Road, Guildford,
Surrey, GU3 3AH.
Tel: 01483 233525;
Email:
welchfam@tiscali.co.uk.
Carole McILROY (nee Webber 71-76) lives at
Starcross : Email carolemcilroy@btinternet.com
Kevin CORBETT (1971-75)
I was a student at
Teignmouth Grammar School 71-75, and I was looking
at the TOGA online and was quite shocked to read that
Adrian Gillespie was listed as dying suddenly in 2003.
I think this was the same lad in my A class, and I
couldn't see him on Friends Reunited. So I was
wondering what had happened and was there an
obituary?
Annette WILLIAMS (nee NEWTON) (71-75) Has a
NEW ADDRESS 3 Clifford Close,Kingsteignton, TQ12
3HE. Tel: 01647 331770.
email: annette.williams4@btinternet.com. My new
telephone number is 01626 331770 and you have. It is
fine to put them in the directory.
Trudy CLARK (nee FULLER (77-82) 52 Birchwood
Road, Exmouth, EX8 4LL: Tel: 01395 268148. NEW
EMAIL: trudy_clark@talktalk.net (That is an underscore,
not a hyphen) On leaving TGS I attended Torquay
Liz and David FRANCIS (nee AYRES 71-78) have a
new email: marvoging@hotmail.co.uk
19
Andora GLANVILL (nee REPTON 79-83) has a new
email: andora-haydn@tiscali.co.uk. Tel; 01803 835422.
I’ve just got/found myself out of work, in order to care for
my dad who has had another heart attack, he’s doing well
though.
And apart from being happy looking after him and my
family there is nothing dynamic or newsworthy to say.
If anybody remembers me and wants to get in touch you
can print my email address. I have time to answer them
now!
Ok, so I am still working on a little project www.got1in.com
which might do well in the future.
Tech and studied A Level Business Studies and
Communications. I started work in a Pensions company,
and worked my way up the ranks until I was head of
Corporate Pensions. I left there in 1993 to have my first
son, followed by the second in 1997. Stayed at home with
the boys until the Big 'D' nearly 4 years ago. Currently living
in sunny Exmouth and I am now back at work part-time,
working for a Charity called Home-Start, as the
Administrator. I enjoy the job as it's so varied - one minute
the basic 'office stuff' the next, organising a Family Fun Day
and face-painting! I'm (very) occasionally in touch with
Julia (Jordan), but I'm afraid I've lost contact with most
others in my year. It would be great to hear from anyone other classmates were - Wendy Freemantle, Cindy
Hutchings, Helen Gove, Jon Watkins, I 'visit' Teignmouth
a bit more nowadays as my boss lives there, and has a
beach-hut - so plenty of BBQ's and other socials. email
must have changed!!. Can’t contact you Trudy! Ed.
Lesley HERSHLAG (nee CONNELLY 76-82) Lesley,
together with her husband and three friends have recently
traversed the haute route in the Alps, which involved
climbing and skiing difficult and dangerous terrain around
Mont Blanc crossing from Chamonix to Zermatt in a week,
sleeping in high mountain huts. It was the trip of a lifetime,
and necessitated high levels of skill and mountaineering
knowledge to accomplish it . There were glaciers to cross
which contained hidden deep ravines, and ice and snow
covered climbs and descents, often using crampons and
ropes. Lesley lives at 288 Route 232, Bryant Pond, Maine
04219, USA.
Paul STARLING (72-79) recently enquired about TOGA.
He lives at 198 High Street, Wickham Market, Suffolk.
Home email: paul.starling@tiscali.co.uk. I have been
married 16 years. No children by intent. Two dogs and a
psychopathic goldfish. I am an ex-draughtsman, expublican, now working as a Configuration Controller (don’t
ask!). Sporting activity down to a minimum (golf- very
badly), but used to play and am still an avid fan of
American football. I am a bit larger than I was at school!
(aren’t we all Paul? Ed)
Paul and JENNY CONNELLY (nee TIBBS 78-85) have
moved back to South Devon, but are still of “no fixed
abode”, as it were. We were delighted to welcome them
together with Sam BAKER (nee WALL 79-85) and her
partner Jeff, to the Autumn reunion last September. Hope
to see you again with some friends this year.
Sarah LACURIE nee CLARKE (77-83) I came across
TOGA whilst surfing recently on the internet. (via
www.TOGA.org.uk) I occasionally search for news from
Devon as I have lived in France for over 20 years now and
like to catch up. I work in Geneva, Switzerland as a
technical writer for a small Swiss software company but
live just over the border in France with my French
husband and two children. My strongest memories of the
Grammar school years are of the teachers, Mrs.
Behenna, Mr. O'Riordan and Mrs. Helmore (who
inspired the French in me as of 11) to name but a few. Of
the teachers you mention I was taught whilst still Grammar
school by Maggie Helmore, Mr. Frost, and of course by
Mrs K Y Force. Have just also remembered Mrs Mofitt
also taught us hockey and tennis. As I mentioned earlier
Maggie Helmore was a great inspiration to me and have
very fond memories of her classes. Her French grammar
lessons I still use daily whilst helping my own children
through the French schooling system. Once the school
turned comprehensive I was also taught by Mr Thynne
and poor Mr Ford tried very hard to get me through my
maths 'O'level. Although I remember Mr. Watts, I only
had the pleasure of being taught English by Adam
O'Riordan and Mr. Curtis-Rowse, once comprehensive. Another big memory of the time, living in the
Bartons in Dawlish, was the epic journeys to and from
school every day on the school bus and later when we
had to use public transport. My maiden name was Clarke
and I was in Dart and yes we never won anything,
especially on sports day! It was always Exe....
Caroline KEANE (nee FEY 75-82) Congratulations on
your marriage to Adrian Keane. I wondered why Caroline
had not been heard on Radio Devon’s Coastguard Watch
for a while , and now we now the reason why. - the arrival
in June of new baby, Alice, who is a sister for her older
brother and sister. Caroline has a new address: 8 Nelson
Road, Brixham, TQ5 8BH. Tel: 01803 852303
Keith MacDonald
20
BIRTHS
Mr & Mrs Adrian KEANE (nee Caroline (nee FEY 75-82)) in June 2007, a second daughter
Mr & Mrs Peter STENNER, a daughter on 12.09.06
Mr & Mrs Matthew JACKSON, on 29.08.06, a daughter
MARRIAGES
Caroline FEY to Adrian KEANE
DEATHS
Air Vice Marshall D G “Bill” BAILEY, died 1 November 2006, aged 82
Graham BOWEN, in 2007,. (Brother of Anne Davies) aged 83
Connie CROYDON (nee ANDREW) in September 2007, aged 90.
Bryan STOCKER, 30 December 2006, aged 80.
Mollie COOMBE, on 21.2.07, aged 77.
Doris PRICE (widow of Jack Price retired Staff (Music), 02.02.07, aged 98
Len MATTHEWS, on 26.03.07, aged 85.
Jean DART (nee CREWS) September 2006, aged 80.
Esme EGGINTON (nee SHORT) April 2007, aged 87
Frank BULLEY, 16.04.07, aged 88
June LAMACRAFT (nee SOLLIS) (1936-41) age 80
Tom UNDERHILL (41-45) died after a short illness in June 2007, aged 77
Ken COLE (Staff 73-78) in January 2007 aged 77.
Patricia (Paddy) NEWTON died April 2007 aged 69.
Trevor TOWLER (43-48) died on 12th Jan 2007 after a very long illness.
Marjorie DAVIES (wife of Roly DAVIES (Chemistry teacher) died in March 2007 at the age of 93. We send our
condolences to Susan and Caroline
Mary NUTMAN nee STANBURY (25-31) aged 94
STAFF NEWS
Ken COLE, who died in December 2006, was Head of French at TGS from 1973 to 1978. Though these years were a
relatively small part of his long career as a teacher, he is still remembered with affection by both pupils and staff. He
managed to be inspiring, but relaxed and friendly in his teaching, as one former pupil has put it. Several of his pupils
always kept in touch (Sarah Culver/Joiner, Lesley Davis/Allen, Nicola Redfern, and Anne Hunting/Boxall for instance.)
He was particularly proud of having established the French (Morlaix) exchange while at Teignmouth. Incidentally, he
always said that Dr Thompson was the best head teacher he ever came across and, as he had taught in 9 schools, this
was some compliment!
Ken went on to become Head of French at Maynard School. Then, after taking early retirement, he took his keen
interest in justice and fair play to the voluntary sector. He worked tirelessly for OXFAM for many years, helping to
promote the Fair Trade ideal in its infancy, and always concerned for the interests of the Third World. He and Jean
developed a wonderful garden where he loved to entertain friends with intelligent conversation, taking a keen interest in
their doings even when he himself was seriously ill.
Elaine and Alec Henderson
21
Mrs Barbara MERRICK (English Staff 73-86) We’ve
changed our email address, and you can now bombard
us with emails at themerricks@talktalk.net I was so
sad to learn from the TOGA NEWS of Cressie’s death.
He was a wonderful presence in the Staffroom when I
arrived back in 1973, as a very young and very green
teacher, and he and Mrs Joan Cressie were like
parents to me. Do pass on my love and best wishes to
Joan. The late Roger WATTS was Head of English all
that time and I miss him dearly, I have just retired from
5 demanding years working for the Diocese of
Gloucester with well over 200 people across the
parishes in something called “Local Ministry”. My
daughter, Catherine, for whose birth I resigned from my
teaching post at TGS in 1986, has headed back down
to Exeter for a degree in French, so we found ourselves
revisiting old haunts. It has been wonderful to spend
time with Elaine and Alec HENDERSON on some of
our visits to Exeter. I am also in regular contact with
other staff, Ann (WEILER nee KITSON, Pat MASSEY,
Trefor THYNNE and Dave and Monique BENNETT
and of course, Dr THOMPSON.
I’d love to hear from anyone who’d like to catch up; at
the moment I’m in touch with Father Kevin ALBAN
(72-75)and hoping to make a visit to him in Rome and
also Christina BELL who was in my first 6th Form
group to include adults and Chris certainly taught me
more than I taught her! I have enormously fond
memories of all those young people whom I was truly
privileged to teach.
Address: 9 Turners Close,
Highnam, Gloucester, GL2 8EH. Tel: 01452 504376.
Email: as above.
EISTEDDFOD MEMORIES
The annual Eisteddfod was started by Mr Thomas, Deputy
Head, and French teacher, an excitable Welshman,and ran
from the 1920s till 1980 when Mr Ablett, the then
Headteacher, decided, in his wisdom! to dispense with it.
Every year the programme went out on the last day of the
Christmas Term, and the excitement was palpable and the
silence only punctuated by squeaks of delight as we pored
over it and found something we could enter. The last 3
days of the Spring Term were given over entirely to the
Eisteddfod. All children, ages, capabilities and skills were
catered for. The programme covered the curriculum but in
a competitive way from Music to Meccano, Religion to
Rock, Sewing to Singing, Maths to Maps, Art to , Dance to
Dinner Menu, Painting to Prose, Jam Tarts to Gymnastics,
Cakes to Crochet, History tableaux, the House Plays,
House Choirs, Choral Speaking and much more. Mr Argyle
and Mr Cresswell ran it for years afterwards. Most of
have have memories of how character-building it was.
Every competitor submitted their entry under a Nom-dePlume.
These proved hilarious as the most unlikely
“Marilyn Monroe” got up or an “Ashby-de-la Zouch” or
“Mummy’s Boy” for example, stood to claim a winning
ribbon. The tension when the winners were about to be
called for an event for which you had entered, makes my
pulse race even now. House competition was healthy and
FIERCE, every pupil wishing to gain fame for their House.
I still remember my “Make a model of a home from
another country” entry. I filled half my world globe with
melted wax, let it set, painted it white, scored it and set it
in a tray of “snow” with a polar bear and a little man
fishing. That was my Igloo! It won 2nd prize. Children
since 1981 who missed out on this experience missed an
education opportunity which would stay with them through
life. See for yourself from the comments below: Thanks
to all who contributed from the 1920’s to 1980. Ed. TEIGN
Roger FORD and friends in a syndicate at the Castle
Inn, had a modest win on the Lottery last year, at least
enough to ensure his TOGA membership for the rest of
his life and to buy a round at his local in Holcombe.
Alec HENDERSON: Alec and Elaine travel as much as
possible. They also meet Dr Peter Thompson and
Jean quite often for lunch. Alec really appreciates
receiving letters from former pupils.
The Eisteddfod…I have always thought it was a marvellous
idea, after all, it produced a tremendous amount from the
pupils and it was all voluntary. I won first prize for writing
a sonnet on the Battle of Waterloo! All I can remember is
it started "All day long the noise of battle grew" and
finished "the wounds of hate will heal however sore" I
remember having to find out what a sonnet was before I
could start. All submitted entries had to be under a “nom
de plume”. Mine was Charteris. I thought it sounded very
literary. The most memorable things were always the one
act plays which were right at the end on the last day. One
of the most popular of which was The Monkeys Paw. (Jim
Stacey, 41-45) EXE
Kate FORCE (formerly WILKINSON, nee McLEES
48-53) Such is the demand for her Locum Medical
Secretarial Team that Kate couldn’t retire if she wanted
to! She is crossing the Pond later this summer on the
Queen Mary, to visit her sisters Alison Conte (48-50)
and Mollie in America.
Ken BURFORD (49-56) Is very busy making a 1/500
model of a new affordable housing development for his
village of High Bickington. This is being created with
Devon County Council. Ken and Elizabeth now have 7
grandchildren. Ken has lost touch with Mr JO BOLT
and wonders how and where he is? He has moved and
I don’t know, Ken.
Alan MacDonald always winning the Meccano, with huge,
outstanding models which his father had to help him carry
into school. No wonder he became a Civil Engineer. Ged
22
Tucker & Taffy Duncan singing “The Bold Gendarmes”,
then unforgettably, Carole Massey winning all the piano
events, especially The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba”
(who did she play with? And Juliet Whitehead singing
“Nymphs and Shepherds” with a fascinating heaving bosom.
I didn’t have one of my own then and I’ve still not got one
I can heave!! (Mary Thomas nee Power 48- 54) TEIGN
(of course!!)
skillful cookery and needlework efforts (not mine I hasten
to add). Having fun in the classroom dressing rooms on
Parent Evenings, waiting to perform in the choir - the
very last event. Exe House always seeming to win
everything. Watching the magnificent senior French plays
and not understanding a word!
(Karen Gove nee Brewer 72-77) DART
What a sheer relief for the non-academic strugglers; it
gave us a brief glimpse of a wider perspective – richer and
more relevant;
e.g. singing, poetry, drawing, acting,
cookery, handicraft, painting, piano, orchestra, public
speaking and much more. Particular Memories: Cutting
and Ponsford(?) singing “The Bold Gendarmes”; The
Arrival of the Queen of Sheba”, she must have arrived so
many times as the piano duet favourite; Poetry recitation
– the evil delight of waiting for yet another pupil, (usually
a girl) to foul up the opening lines of Browning’s “Prospice”,
“Fear Death; to feel the fog in my throat….”!!; Jack Price
– his benign accompaniment of timid vocalists; Public
Speaking, Charlie Cresswell was much embarrassed by one
contestant (naming him as a War Hero (for his MC ); FLA
(Argyle sweeping up the whole event, setting the context
and aims of the Eisteddfod, he was so unassuming.
(Michael Court 51-58) DART
It was held at the end of the Easter Term. On the great
day lessons were abandoned and the whole school
assembled in the Hall (200 of us) to watch and clap for
their own House. There were joint efforts such as the
one-act plays, or single events such as poetry and singing a
solo. I remember getting 2 points for Dart once for
telling the best joke: It was, Old lady to Doctor, “Oh
Doctor me rheumatics be so bad, I can’t lift me arms
above me ‘ead – and tis the same with me legs!” Spoken
in broad Devon of course. (Audrey Watson nee Jones
27-33) DART - what a memory from our 92 year old
Audrey.
I just have a general overall impression of excitement in
the whole school along with endless choir and history play
rehearsals. Of course house rivalry played a great part.
(Sarah Lacurie 77-83) DART
Many great memories of the Eisteddfod organised by dear
old Tommy Thomas, including a second in the senior duet
competition with Ponsford, surprising as I have no singing
talent whatsoever I don't think there were too many
entries in this event!! So Tommy if you are able to read
this, in the great Eisteddford in the sky, remember us all
and thanks for being such,an inspirational and wonderfully
What I remember most is my first and only time on a
stage, reciting from Dr Faustus, “..Now thou hast one bare
hour to live, and then thou must be damned perpetually…”
I got and yelled it and got 3rd prize because no one else
entered! Also I won a First for my Rissoles in the
Cookery!, I also made a collection of Epitaphs, cycling
round to churchyards to get them and a mounted collection
of grasses. Derrick WILLEY (43-50) DART
entertaining teacher. (Tony Cutting 45-52) TEIGN
I was House Captain in my last year and I seem to
remember Exe House were overall Eisteddfod champions
every year I was at TGS. (Bo Baker 69-77) EXE
I remember running a hotdog stall for a couple of years in
the Eisteddfod. We used to borrow some pans and so on
from my father who owned the Fountain Café in Dawlish.
We bought the hotdog sausages on sale-or-return locally,
except one year when we forgot the tin opener and
someone borrowed an electric tin-opener from the canteen
and opened all the tins at once! The shop owner quite
rightly considered them all sold. We placed the stand
outside the music room, for access to the power sockets.
We sold out the first year, due to the abysmal weather. In
the second year, I think we made a loss, mostly due to the
Texas tin-opener massacre described above. (Dave Martin
73-78) DART (I loved this, not your usual Eisteddfod
memory! I wonder if Dave is still an entrepreneur? Ed)
Jed Tucker and Brian Duncan singing “The Bold
Gendarmes”.
Tommy (Mr Thomas) in his element
organizing HIS Eisteddfod, then Mr Argyle and Mr
Cresswell taking over. (Sylvia Harris nee Copeland 4451) EXE.
I was very proud to be House Captain of Exe in 1944-45,
and I will always remember the friendly rivalry between
the houses and the great fun we had rehearsing for the
plays, choral speaking, I also remember the celebrities
who came to judge. A J Coles (Jan Stewer of Devonshire
dialect fame), who said he was impressed by the standard
of acting. (Dorcas Porter nee Stowers 38-44) EXE
Loved the Movement (dancing) but was never brave enough
to take part myself. Fond memories of the French song
and dance, especially Sue Armitage dressing up as a
whale!? and the repetitive Cadet Roussel in our bright
yellow tabards and caps. Wonderful displays of very
The whole school (220 pupils) assembling in the Gym; I
was always chosen for the Country Dancing with Molly
Clark and Kenneth Sing as we were the smallest and the
23
youngest. We often won and then performed on Parents’
Evening. Spelling Bees on the stage before the whole
school in French and English. I still have my ribbons for
this. Choral Speaking introduced in 1938 and we went on
to enter competitions in the Exeter Music Festival. Nomde-Plumes raised many laughs. I used “Litto Gel”, and it
caused much mirth when read out. (Pauline Seaton nee
Rose 35-41).TEIGN!!
I remember:- learning reams of poetry, then faced by an
invigilator in a dismal room forgot it all! - a small walk on
part in a French Play had me quaking;- a judge of our
English Play telling us all that those supposed to be
depicting someone in a nervous state would not be sitting
with their legs crossed! (April Ashton 56-59) EXE
After my performance in the singing competition one year,
the judge said I’d been "crooning". He did still put me in
joint 1st place with John Miller, like me, a TGS hostel boy.
Alas, there were no agents in the audience, vying for my
signature to a recording contract, as the new challenger to
Bing Crosby. Bit too late now. I don't do rap. (John Float
45-48) EXE
My heart pounded as the results were announced. It
sounded so loud to me that I thought everyone else in the
assembly hall heard it. It was like the snare drum in a
military band. No. A series of firecrackers. No. The sound
of a volcano erupting, crackling with heat so that I felt I
was melting. I had won! My legs felt wobbly and I was
blushing beet red with relief and embarrassment. Was it
worth it? Is the Pope a Catholic? Can a duck swim? Yes,
yes and yes. Quite apart from the emotional experience,
what good was the Eisteddfod? It was of inestimable
worth to all who took part. In the individual events, it
imparted the spirit of competition which now generally
exists only in sport and is sadly lacking in our schools
today. The opportunities for shining were endless. You did
not have to be a performer, standing on the stage. Making
a perfect fruit cake or a wooden coat rack or writing a
winning essay were all passports to confidence as well,
which helped to round us as individuals. In the House
events, the Eisteddfod taught us loyalty and the value of
shared efforts as we took part in the Choral Speaking
events or the French Play. We pinned our winning ribbons
to our gymslips and the boys wore theirs on the lapels of
their jackets as we walked nonchalantly around the school
bursting with pride, but trying not to let it show. My
eternal thanks go to ‘Tommy’ Thomas, the Welsh Deputy
Headmaster who introduced the Eisteddfod to TGS and
who sadly died during my early years at the school and to
Mr Silverston and subsequent Heads who retained the
tradition. We coped with our exams despite this
interruption to the curriculum. No-one was ticking boxes
then, thank God. Bring it back. Tell the new Minister for
Education (whoever he/she might be) about it and we
might see a renaissance. Don’t hold your breath though –
unless it appears as a blog or as a pod cast or on YouTube.
I’ve had confirmation that it won’t happen in the near
future as I’ve just seen a large pink animal with a curly tail
flying past my window. (Juliet Stubbings (nee Bond 4853) (DART) (Editor’s note: Juliet always won every
I have chatted to many people over the years about our
Eisteddfod and although other schools may have had inter
house competitions none of them seemed to have the
breadth of non curriculum related items which we had
included such as hobbies. This, to my mind made our
Eisteddfod unique. One incident which I have never
forgotten, relates to the drill displays which each Air
Training Corps section of each house had to put on. It was
a condition that every member had to be included. Now in
my house (Teign), we had a lad called "Tothill", who was a
big chap but he had a problem that when he was
concentrating on his marching would swing arm and leg on
the same side together.(You try it). I tried to hide him in
the middle of the squad but as I said he was a big lad and
it was obvious that we were in trouble. We practised as
much as possible but to no avail. On the day of the
competition, I thought we had had it, but to do the lad
justice he never did a thing wrong and we won. To this day
I will never know how he did it . (Jim Tucker 40-46)
TEIGN
Three days with no lessons, three days in the Hall;
listening, watching, playing, singing, acting, dancing. When
we were given a coloured ribbon, whether first, second or
third, we were delighted, both for ourselves and for
either Dart, Exe or Teign (putting them alphabetically
shows no bias or favours). But those three days surely
taught us more about ourselves -our ability to rise to
challenges, attempt new things, work with others, and
accept defeat gracefully -than would three days of sitting
in the classroom. And all for the sake of TEIGN! (Jean
Potter nee Palmer 44-51) TEIGN
singing event in her class throughout her years at TGS.
She went on to have a prestigious career as a singer in
many arenas of music and entertainment, and is still
singing to this day.)
My lasting memory is that of being in awe of the amazing,
normally hidden, talents which emerged from among our
school mates. I think that was the very essence of
Eisteddfod - to help us to know and appreciate each other
better. One-liners? Mac's fantastic Meccano constructions (Alan MacDonald) ; Mike Harris's Welsh
accented songs - often unfairly criticized for "poor
pronunciation"; Ged Tucker and (was it Osborne?) belting
The year I was House Captain I think I was the only one
who worked out we had lost. (We had actually won!) Not a
good start as an accountant. It was always a great week
enjoyed by all. (Bo Baker 69-77) EXE
24
out "The Bold Gendarmes" ;my first and, only, acting
performance in a play for "Exe" with Shirley
Silverston.(Janice Jones nee Watkins 47-53) EXE
a friend of Mike Earp). He loved Lois but had been flirting
with me and she had found out. Lois and I had a slanging
match around the village well. Unfortunately this part was
not scripted so we had to ad lib; that’s when the problems
started; if my memory serves me correctly once we got to
‘hairy tomatoes’ and ‘pink bananas’ (or similar) we dissolved
in laughter rather that anger. Lois left the stage and
enter the young man who thought his beloved had thrown
herself down the well. He had been frantically rubbing raw
onions into his eyes before his entrance and the smell was
overwhelming…bit like his grief really!! Needless to say the
truth won the day and the young man and his love were
reconciled. AAAHHHH! Nothing like a happy ending. Think
Teign, won if they didn’t they should have (hooray for
Teign) Pam Jones nee Pell (60-66) Think she may have
been in TEIGN!
For me it was the high point of the year, and is the school
experience I talk about most the thrills and challenges,
and above all the conviction that everyone could have a
part.; what a preparation for life it was . i have never
heard of anything that came close to equalling it. (Hazel
Smith 43-50) EXE
The Eisteddfod was a remarkable annual week of individual
and house events, in the Easter term, introduced by Mr
Thomas, a Welshman. The total number of points awarded
decided the winning house (Dart won in 1955!). I still have
a programme of events and even a few ‘silk’ ribbons (1st =
white; 2nd = scarlet; 3rd = mauve): “how sad is that”, my
wife says! Looking back, I wonder that the staff were
willing to supervise all this extra-curricular stuff, and that
the pupils were cooperative – but then with peer pressure
and house captains urging us on, I suppose there was
motivation (before the age of boredom?). In the
Handicraft section, I remember entering “A collection of
5 of the various joints used in woodwork” (and if I gained
any points it would have been a tribute to Mr Burford’s
coaching). I also recall probably the greatest challenge of
my life: having to conduct Dart choir in a rendering of
“The Old Superb”. But it was huge fun, and a valuable
extension of our education. (John Morris 49-56) DART
One year, a team event item was 'This is your life' on any
famous person in history, Teign House ( Hoorah for
Teign! ), decided to put on the life of Cleopatra. Charmian
Taunton played an excellent Cleopatra, and I was her
handmaiden called Charmian! I had to carry a wicker
basket that contained a rubber snake! I think Clive
Mieville was Eamonn Andrews, but I could be wrong.
Anyway we must have done a good job because TEIGN (
BIG HOORAH for TEIGN! ), won the event. Then we had
to do it again for the parents evening show. (Christine
Burton nee Pell 60-67) TEIGN!
I was in Teign. We rarely seemed to win anything, it
usually Exe. I remember how different the school
during evening rehearsals and performances and
taking part made you feel special, even if we didn't
(Helen Harle nee Butler 68-75) TEIGN
Didn't Ken Marshall's band play a song called "I like
Marijuana" at an Eisteddfod in the 70's? Ray Boorer (6672)
Memories of the School Eisteddfod: you must be joking, it
is all I can do to remember our Golden Wedding
celebrations and that was only in April. Come to think of it
I do remember winning the cream cake competition with
the help of an Aunt!
(Ray Norsworthy 45-51) DART
was
felt
how
win!
One of the regular house items was girl's choral speaking,
you will remember. For my early years at TGS this had
been, to me at least, a trifle boring, and then somebody, in
Dart House I believe, introduced part speaking, where one
person, or a particular group had "solo' performances.
This certainly won praise and added greatly to the overall
performance. The next year all three houses took up the
method and the following year, my last at TGS (it would
have been '49) I was house captain and we couldn't find
anyone willing to produce it so I had to take on the job
myself. I remember that the piece was "An Ode to St.
Cecelia's Day". Wanting to add something different again
we decided to black out the hall and stage and use the
coloured spotlights to illuminate just those persons or
groups as they spoke - with full lighting on the whole group
in the 'everybody' bits (I am not explaining this as well as
I might, I think, but I hope you get my drift). This was a
first, as was a boy producing the choral speaking, and
I hope acted as a precedent. It brought the house down
at the performance and the external adjudicator was very
enthusiastic and Teign House waltzed away with the win.
My best memories of the Eisteddfod are of an organising
Mr Cresswell with a huge pipe in his mouth; of the Art,
Woodwork, and Domestic Science Rooms full of individual
entries; of the pride of being awarded a certificate and
House points for Dart; of a real sense of excitement at
the House Plays in French and English; and of being of
cloud nine conducting Dart House Choir with Joy Crispin at
the piano . Of all the things about TGS the annual
Eisteddfod is one of the best memories. (John Good 5662) DART , (one would imagine!!)
The play (for Teign house – hooray for Teign) was called
‘Sunday costs 5 pesos’ (if you misbehaved on a Sunday you
were fined the said sum). It was a story of the eternal
triangle played out by me, Lois Pook and this chap (he was
25
At parent's evening it worked even better as the hall was
darker of course. I am not sure but you may well have been
in that choir!! (Peter Bow 42-49) TEIGN
required duty to do your best for your house. Always the
'plays' we wrote ourselves were the things that I
remember most, and the music recitals, sometimes
outstandingly good from our unknown musically talented
colleagues and sometimes dreadful from those who took
music but had no natural aptitude, yet couldn’t hear it
themselves ! It was never regarded (as far as I could tell)
as a 'skive' or 'rubbish waste of time' , but maybe that
was because we were well taught and had respect for the
school to which we belonged and were part of that
community.(Samantha Baker nee Wall 79-85)
I think my main memory of the Eisteddfod (apart from
winning the one-act play when I was producing) was when I
was thrown into the impromptu speaking with no idea of
what to do. The subject was 'My ideal husband/wife', and
as I remember it I just played to the gallery – and came
first! I am still unmarried! (Mike Harvey 38-46) DART
Perhaps because I was the new boy I was asked if I would
organise and conduct our House choir. The chosen song
was Thomas Morley’s Sixteenth Century classic ‘Now is the
month of Maying’. Goodness knows why I was ‘volunteered’
for this task as I knew very little about music. However I
managed to persuade/cajole a competent pianist from
another House to teach us the tune and in rehearsals we
all seemed to get on reasonably well. The big day came and
we were to be on last among the choirs. The others were
not that great and I began to feel we were in with a real
chance of winning. When the curtain lifted however to my
astonishment I saw that the choir had increased
considerably in numbers. Perhaps anticipating that we
would come out in the coveted number one position, several
members of the other choirs had joined ours, thereby
ensuring we were disqualified for exceeding the given
limit! Though the performance was to say the least
stirring, the impromptu extras needn’t have worried as the
judges marked us down heavily for my conducting. It was
extraordinary, they said, that the choir managed to sing at
all since the song was in three-time and I had conducted
throughout in four-time!! Sadly, now that some 40 years
have passed I no longer recall the names of those who
sabotaged our choir, but I do clearly remember just what
great fun it all was.(Chris Miller 66-67) DART
For some reason my lasting memory of the Eistoddfod is
Pam Beare, Pat Clarke and Barbara Sing singing "Three
Little Maids are We" from the Mikado; and a jolly good job
they made of it. i have no idea why this remains in my
memory, but there it is.
Regards. (Mike TOWLER 40’s) DART
I was in Dart and took part in so many things , knitting
sewing & plays ,choir it was a way of getting out of the
Hostel !! I always looked forward each year to taking part.
I have such vivid memories almost like it happened
yesterday my most memorable one is of 2 girls from Teign
singing a version of Bye Bye Love ( Everly Brothers) and
the hall rocked with clapping .I remember piano pieces
being played by Joy Crispin as well as her singing (also in
Dart!) .i could go on & on Jeanne Hawkins (nee De
Wymmer 60-65) DART
Two contributors bravely confessed to actually never
entering anything at all, but they enjoyed the days off
lessons!
FINALLY, he never could write one-liners! This sums it
all up.
To my mind the most important part of my education, even
surpassing University. I still have, I am sure like others, a
collection of white, pink and blue silk patches awarded for
1st, 2nd etc.
1. I still have with me in South Africa a relief model done
in plaster of Paris for a geography project of the Teign
Valley from the Ness to Kingsteignton and from Holcombe
to Stoke-in-Teignhead which took first prize at the age of
13.
2. An English recitation set by 'Rat' Wheeler of a piece
from The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame which
begins "The rat, astonished and dismayed at the violence
of Mole's paroxysm of grief". I can still recite the whole
piece from memory. At age 16 I was the only boy who
attempted the piece and three of us were chosen as
finalists to present on stage before the outside
adjudicator. She, the adjudicator, felt unable to judge
between 2 of us and asked for a repeat presentation from
each of us. Acting out the tears of Mole, the deeper voice
of Ratty etc in front of the whole school was difficult
The Eisteddfod was simply a massive opportunity to lead,
to follow, to shine or to hide a light under a bushel and
still feel part of an all inclusive educational experience.
Wonderful - never experienced anything which came near
to touching what the Eisteddfod meant to me in any of
my pupil or teaching experiences. (Kate Force nee McLees
48-53 and Staff 70-81) EXE
Phil Beer playing the guitar. Just look where its got him!
Dart House play. My father provided a coffin as a prop,
which we delivered early one morning and put under the
stage. The look on Mr Cresswell's face as he came back up
through the trap door very rapidly when he saw it . Read
about him on our website or his, “Show of Hands”.(Mo
Hutchings 64-71) TEIGN
There was always an air of quiet enthusiasm from all the
class, no-one did 'nothing'* we all entered something
whether we though we were good or not, just that it was a
26
enough - but to do it twice!!! In the end she gave me first
place, simply because she felt a boy needed more courage
to present this in front of his friends that did a girl! And
then, of course, that sentenced me to recite it yet again
on parents’ evening. 3. (1947 I think) Teign house
presented the oft repeated Five Birds in a Cage. The last
and only time I was able to be at the Annual Dinner (as
long ago as 1992 I believe) four of the cast of five were
together and reminiscing about it. On that occasion Teign
House did win. 4. The Science Quiz. The finals were run
on stage as a knock-out competition. In 1948 John
Ballantyne and I were the only ones left and question
after question failed to catch either of us out. In the end
Mr. Argyle ran out of questions and it was decided to
award a joint first to us both. I do hope your Memories of
Eisteddfod goes well. Can't wait to see other people's
reminiscences. (Peter Bow from South Africa. Again!)
TEIGN
I was inundated with reminiscences about the Eisteddfod from
all ages as you can see. I make no apologies for including so
many, how would you choose which to omit?
From the replies above the overall Eisteddfod Champion is EXE
nd
rd
with 13 contributors, TEIGN 2 with 11 and EXE 3 with 9.
Thanks to Ted Fice (48-53) for his
FIRST Winner’s ribbon!!
Children's Science Exam Answers:
Q: Name the four seasons.
A: Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar.
Q: Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe To drink.
A: Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists.
Q: How is dew formed?
A: The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire.
Q: How can you delay milk turning sour? (brilliant, love this)! A: Keep it in the cow.
Q: What causes the tides in the oceans? A: The tides are a fight between the Earth and the Moon. All water
tends to flow towards the moon, because there is no water on the moon,and nature hates a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins in this fight.
Q: What are steroids?
A: Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs.
Q: What happens to your body as you age?
A: When you get old, so do your bowels and you get intercontinental.
Q: Name a major disease associated with cigarettes.
A: Premature death.
Q: How are the main parts of the body categorized? (e.g.,abdomen).
A: The body is consisted into three parts - the brainium, the borax and the abdominal cavity. The brainium contains the brain; the
borax contains the heart and lungs, and the abdominal cavity contains the five bowels A, E, I, O, and U.
Q: What is the fibula?
A: A small lie
Q: What does "varicose" mean? (I do love this one...)
A: Nearby.
Q: Give the meaning of the term "Caesarean Section."
A: The Caesarean Section is a district in Rome.
Q: What does the word "benign" mean?'
A: Benign is what you will be after you be eight.
27
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UNFORTUNATE OR WHAT??
All of these are legitimate companies. Unfortunately the
management of these companies didn't spend enough time
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not made up. Check them out yourself! Thank you Ted, Fice!
1. `Who Represents' is where you can find the name of the
agent who represents any celebrity.
Their Web site is www.whorepresents.com
2 . `Experts Exchange' is a knowledge base where
programmers can exchange advice and views at web address
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5. And don't forget the `Mole Station Nursery' in New South
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6. There's the `Italian Power Generation' company,
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7. If you're looking for IP computer software, there's always
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8. `The First Cumming Methodist Church' web site is
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Letter from the Editor
Whether you are an old or new member of TOGA we hope that you enjoy reading your TOGA NEWS 2007. There
is more news than ever before which is not bad after 82 years of the Association. The NEWS goes out to 13
countries worldwide. We can now send it as email to members who live abroad which saves considerably on
postage.
We warmly welcome new members to TOGA – they keep coming – sometimes through the website set up by Keith
MacDonald (at TGS in 1966), www.toga.org.uk which is well worth a visit. If you do visit the website, why not
start up a discussion forum topic or join in one that is already up and running. Many of you have had a look and
logged on, but not had anything to say. For any queries with navigating the site, contact via email or phone Keith
01672 841009 (See Core advert on page 20), all details on the website or email me and I will pass it on.
This year I have not sat in a heatwave, fans whirring around me, as I have for the past 4 years, typing and editing
the NEWS! I have sat and listened to incessant rain drumming on our new, huge water butt!
More photos from those of you from the 1960’s, 1970’s to 1980, for next year, please It is not possible to
reproduce the panoramic school photos in a good enough quality that transfers to the printers. We have tried.
Because of the increased content, postage has risen to 60p per envelope. Reluctantly, subs will increase in 2008.
Thanks to all our contributors, to our wonderful Committee, for helping stick, stamp and stuff these into
envelopes, to our Treasurer, Susan Ansell for keeping us in the black, and for all her work on the Autumn Dinner
and Spring Lunch, to Kate Force, Nigel Power and David Thomas for proof-reading this. Apologies if you still find
errors! And you will!
We would love more news from our former staff, but trying to pin them down is a lost cause! I do try! Keep the
news coming. All old students always ask about their much loved staff. I would like to be able to tell them more
about them.
If you have changed email, moved house, changed telephone numbers, please let me know.
Keep the news coming, no NEWS without your NEWS.
This is more like me!
The End!
Football 1st XI 54-55 sent by
Keith Dale
Back row: J Jones, D Tippins,
D Hulme, P Lockhart, Peter
Wallis, Ian Miles, Mr R N Mitchell
(Head)
Front: D Back, Keith Dale,
Michael Whitlock, C Hall,
D.Winsborrow, Eric Vaughan,
J Stevens.
1st XI 55-6
Back row: ? D Lovell, ? Eric
Vaughan ? Julian Stevens, ?
Front D Tippins, C Bales, M
Whitlock, C Hall, Keith Dale
Taken by Geraldine Lennard at
Reunion Spring 2007
Jim Stowers, Eileen Stowers,
(nee Westlake) Paul Seaton need
Rose,
Dr Peter Thompson (President)
Stephanie Holland (staff)
30
Who are these lovelies?
Garden Party 1968
1956 sent by May Gale nee Hawke
L to R – Back: David Marshall, Peter Trist, Brian Moxon, David Jackman (RIP), Ian Turner
Next: Ted Morris, John Blackwell, Tony Bryant, Veronica Clarke, Shelagh Connelly
Next: John Morris, Pat Walker, Joyce Tucker, Jennifer Newberry, Clare Bailey,
Frieda Giebermann, May Hawke
31
L-R Back: Ted Morris, James Barrett, Paul Foster poss, Tony Bryant, ?, Geoff Daniell,
Joyce Tucker, Charlie Lear poss
Front: Shelagh Wilson, Shirley Jackson, Jill Porch, Mike Connelly
CCF 1956. Apart from Briggsey at the front, who are they? N J Briggs went on to serve in the
3rd RTR, and then trained to be a teacher.
32
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 1972 Hugo Iffla as Puck?
Love the Hair, Boys!
1977 Eisteddfod, but who are
they? And beards!!!!
33
Scouts at Dawlish sent by Calvin Cole 45-50.
L-R: Ian (Mac)Calder, Alan Lennard, Bryan Steed, Calvin Cole, John Davies and a Bigwig who was
inspecting the 1st Dawlish Troop. Our wonderful Scoutmaster, Peter Burdett was not in the photo.
Netball 1951
Back: Claire Bailey, Marcella Vallence, Ann Downie, Miss Preedy, Barbara Townsend, Shelagh Connelly
Front: Betty Willcocks, Dilys Evans, Katherine McLees,
34
REUNION DINNER
Saturday 22 SEPTEMBER 2007 at Teignmouth Golf Club 7pm for 7.30pm
Please send me ..……tickets @ £15.50 each (includes gratuity) for the Reunion Dinner on
Saturday 22 September 2007.
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Return to Miss Susan Ansell, Treasurer, “Briary”, Murley Crecent, Bishopsteignton, TQ14 9SH.
Tel: 01626 775577
If you don’t wish to cut your TOGA NEWS, photocopies of this page will be accepted.
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NAME:……………………………….………MAIDEN NAME………………………………….………
Years spent at TGS
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SIGNED……………………………………………….….DATE…………………………
BACK ISSUES OF TOGA NEWS are available from Mary Thomas at £1 each.
All full of news of friends and staff. If you have just joined TOGA they are well worth reading.
Please send me back issues for 2006,2005,2004,2003, 2002, 2001/2000/1999/at £1 each: Please tick issues required.
Carpe Diem = TOGA DIRECTORY (if required) A list of all members,contact details
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35
CARPE DIEM
TOGA
Teignmouth Old Grammarians
Association
Directory of Members No 10
Updated October 2006
36
Front: Peter Hooper, Colin Rushmere, John Prentice, Derrick (Wrecker) Brice, Skip Skerrett, Brian (Taffy) Duncan, Robin Osborn.
Sent by Fred Farnham
1st XI 1948 L-R Back: Mr Silverston, Bob Bradford, Bill Coombes, Bill Heath, Mr D H Cole, Fred Farnham, Alan Lennard, Mr J Jones.