Fw: OWT86 April 2015

Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 2015 5:20 PM

Subject: OWT86 April 2015

OLD WYVES' TALES 86

FOR WYVERNIANS 1919-76

EDITED BY DENNIS J DUGGAN, ROCK COTTAGE, BROOK STREET,

WELSHPOOL, MONTGOMERYSHIRE. SY21 7NA

TEL 01938 555574   07971 282356  

www.wyvernians.org.uk

www.facebook.com/oldwyvernians

APRIL 2015

 

REUNION 2015   The continuing success of the annual reunions continues to amaze! This year we had over ninety people present throughout the day, a mix of old faithfuls and a considerable number of new members. Over the past year there has been an influx of Downing Drive pupils. As always there were numerous apologies for absence, which was probably just as well. If everyone who wanted to attend could have done, we probably could not have coped. As always Age UK bent over backwards to accommodate us, and everything was spot on. They even closed the restaurant to the public, so we had sole occupancy for the seventy Wyvernians who had ordered lunch. It was pretty much business as usual, except this year Mrs Ruth Foster (Age UK Anthony's wife) served the teas and coffees because she wanted to be involved. The memorabilia display was mainly the items rescued from Downing Drive when the building was demolished, next year it might be time to reshow some of the original collection again.We were privileged to see several teachers present, along with Gill (now Povoas) who was school secretary during my time at CBS. Gill has become a regular visitor, along with Trish Kenyon, Joe Melia's sister.

 

 



Trish Kenyon - sister of the late Joe Melia



Former secretary Gill (Povoas) with
ex-teachers Tony Baxter and Dave Lawrence

The AGM went without problems, Brian and myself were re-elected as Treasurer and Secretary unopposed . I gave my usual rambling speech, and presented the last copy of the school history book to Age UK. Lunch was enjoyed by everyone, and although a few people did not stay for the afternoon session Bob Childs' talk was very well-received. 

Bob Childs in full flow!

There was a great atmosphere, and feedback included the following slightly abridged comments: 'Many thanks for a memorable event, it was good to meet up with two of my contemporaries. Everyone was very pleasant. Although Mann, Baxter and Lawrence did not recall me exactly, it was unbelievable to meet them again. I thought they would have been much older. Bob Childs' speech was very entertaining, he must have been a great teacher.'
'It was a really good reunion this year, it seemed to have a real buzz. Thanks to all who helped arrange it.'
'My annual thanks to you and the team. It went very well, everyone appreciated what had been arranged for us. We can but say - yet again - thank you.'

As the comments were not necessarily intended for publication I have witheld the names.. My own thanks must go to Brian Screaton, whose efforts behind the scenes are crucial to the success of the reunions; Frank Smith, doorman & IT expert; John Offord, Age UK liaison; my wife Stephanie, whose unfailing support is vital. Her contributions include helping me with IT problems, doing the badges, helping Frank as required, dealing with the raffle, selling items as required. Some years ago her contribution was formally recognised, and she was made an honorary member of Wyvernians.

FROM LES OSWIN 1935-39 I can only offer a vague reference to CBS, but other elements in this story will, I'm sure, iterest many Wyvernians. In the mid-1930's, during the long August holiday, I cycled from Leicester to Barrow-On-Soar to stay with my grandfather in an old stone cottage. It was named Trafalgar Square. I distinctly rememebr three ancient photographs of my grandfather, one in army uniform, possibly the Leicestershire Regiment; one in cricket gear, most likely the Gentlemen of Leicestershire; one in rugby kit, with a cap. It is quite clearly the Leicester Football Club before it became The Tigers. The photos would have been taken in the 1880's, but unfortunately no longer exist.

For my recent 91st birthday I received a copy of the 2014 edition of the Official History of Leicester Football Club, and on page 18 are details of the original fifteen Leicester players at the club's first ever official game. It was on 23rd October 1880, against Moseley. They include a schoolmaster, aged 29, another aged 26, an art teacher at Wyggeston School and a 26-year-old teacher at the same school. The fifth teacher was my grandfather, aged 22, who taught at a school in Quorn There is a wonderful photograph of the main players in 1886/7, and my grandfather is included.

My birthday book records he made 104 appearances and scored nine tries from season 1880/1 to 1889/90. Considering that he would, at that time, have been wielding a cane as a schoolmaster, and a bat as a member of The Gentlemen of Leicestershire, he must have proved a valuable asset to the former Tigers club. I am proud to be his grandson, though confess I only played onr game of rugby. That was in the army during WW2 - we lost the game!

I am reminded that on 19th November 1940, when Leicester was bombed, a bomb dropped on the Tigers building in Welford Road. Later that evening, across the road in the infirmary, I spent the night dealing with bomb victims. As I say, not a lot about CBS but many Old Boys still take an interest in rugby, family history and the war.

FROM PETER GRUDGINGS 1936-41 I have photos of my form 1A 1936-37 and 4A 1939-40. Below the school was Jimmy Joblings, one of several sweet shops. It was usual for us to patronise it for rocks (Leicester dialect for sweets, as in 'gizza rock' - Ed) In the fifth year our form room was on the third floor, overlooking a pedestrian alley. When the master's back was turned it was customary to throw gym shoes at each other. In summer, when the windows were open, some went into the alley. These days we hear of pupils attacking teachers. We never dreamed of such things, in fact we stood in awe of them. In the fifth year Don Harmer came to school with a type of bandolier under his blazer, fitted to hold not bullets but knives. When the masters back was turned he pulled out one of the knives and pretended to throw it. But real violence? Never.
In our first year Bob Cooper, who took us for RE, made us learn - in order - the names of the Old Testament books. I never did understand the reason, but I can still recite most of them. How many recall Mr Clarke (Music) a thin wizened man with a dry crackly voice? About once a month, after assembly, he would play Scarlatti studies and preludes for us. We were far too young to appreciate them. And T T Ormandy (German) who had a row with Mr Crammer about 'voluntary' fire-watching duties. His name often appeared as winner or runner-up of the weekly New Statesman competitions.
 

(Peter donated some school photos, which are now on our website and facebook page. The following note accompanied the photos - Ed)  Peter Shuttlewood was best man at my wedding in 1951. At the time of the Korean war (1951-54) as a Class Z reservist, he became a conscientious objector, and much later was a lecturer or tutor at Nottingham Varsity. Nigel Ruffle: sometime in the 1960's there was a snippet in one of the dailies referring to him as manager of the British Rail terminal at Harwich. Ken Day was killed in the war. Alan Thody died some time in the sixties. Derek Whitehouse became a teacher. John Harlow went into hospital administration. Mr McHardy (teacher) was in his first post, he taught biology. Please note that because of the passage of time, and a failing memory, some of this information may be erroneus!

FROM DAVE WINTER  1960-67   Thank you for OWT85, which as always was very enjoyable. It was interesting to hear from Mark Hayler, I remember him as a pretty good violinist in the school orchestra. He was also a very good swimmer - surprised Doc Burrows did not mention that!

EROM MIKE CAPENERHURST 1947-51  
Apologies for missing the 2015 reunion, but it is a long way from New Zealand. I was looking forward to the fish, chips and mushy peas. Decent fried fish is rare here, the batter tends to be stodgy and intended to apparently double the size of the portion. I reach 80 years of age this year, and continue to be gainfully employed for three days per week at the local tannery. Predominantly it is a QA role, but I am able to utilise my sixty-years experience in that trade. I left school in 1951 to join T N & F H Briggs, Tanners, Waring Street, Leicester as a cadet (sic) In 1964 they went into voluntary liquidation, and I brought my wife and family to NZ in February 1965. Despite the lack of decent fried fish and pork pies, I have never regretted the move. At CBS I dropped art in favour of woodwork, but failed the theory paper in the School Cert exam, along with history. The former did not surprise me whilst the latter did, since in the mock exams I passed history with no problems. In NZ I became interested in art again, and over the years it has been an important hobby for me.

FROM KEITH SERCOMBE 1956-61   Lovely to read OWT. I must have been asleep for most of the time, as I can remember very little of my schooling between the ages of 10 and 16. Clearly others were having a lot more fun than I was. Little appears in OWT from the 1956-60 era, so the same must apply to everyone else who was there at that time. John Lawson excepted, of course, but he was being paid by then! Every club or outing for which I put my name down either never got off the ground, or collapsed after a few meetings. Even a week in France was cancelled due to a strike or similar, and I have still never been to the place! I hope others continue to send contributions to OWT, so the presses can keep on rolling for a few more years.

OBITUARIES
Alan Cornfield 1944-52, passed away May 2014

From John Jake Blaikie (1955-62) on January 27th. It is with great sadness I inform Wyvernians of the passing of Robert Beef Neill (1955-62) from complications following a several-year battle with limbic encephalitis. Rob was the eldest of three Neill brothers who attended CBS during the late fifties and early sixties. The middle brother, Ian, with whom I migrated to Australia in 1969, is still here. The youngest, Alex, is still in the UK. Rob will be well-known to pupils and teachers of 6S1/2/3 as one who had such a keen intellect it enabled him to succeed with what might be politely termed minimal effort.
Brian Screaton informs me that Alan Castle (1933-38) passed away January 1st 2014.

Bernard Wilkowski, died peacefully at Eastfield Lodge on Friday January 23rd 2015 aged 93 years. Bernard was a teacher at CBS and Judgemeadow School

 

FROM ROBERT 'BOB' TOWNSEND 1935-40   Sorry I could not attend the 2015 reunion, but I am now over 90-years-old and restricted in what I can do. I remember my years at CBS with great affection - but perhaps only the good parts!

 

FROM DENNIS BIGGS 1949-56   Yesterday (January 27th) I went to see Bill Brushe. He has now moved to a care home in Ware, Herts where he is able to receive 24 hour care. It is the same care home where his wife has been for the past 2 years so they are together again. His mind and memory seem to be fine, but his eyesight is now bad and his mobility very limited, but he will soon be 92 years old. He reminisced about his own school days in County Tyrone and the fact that he and his wife went to the same primary school in the 1930s. I mentioned the comments of Don Wright in the last issue of the OWT about his slapping one of his pupils. Bill could not recall the incident, but he was of the opinion that strict discipline was necessary for good teaching. I remember with some shame the way in which we ragged such teachers as Bob Roberts and Hanny Handtusch. They did not deserve such treatment. I agree that Mr Gimson was a first-class teacher, and we studied for German 'A' level with him. I recall that music was very important to him, and he said that German and music were complementary subjects. However, I feel that Mr. Goddard, who taught us German in 3 Alpha, was the best teacher of languages. He drummed into us in one year all the essentials of the language which were the foundation for our further studies. Indeed, one of my classmates, Bob Gregory, who was later a teacher at CBS, told me that he used many of Mr. Goddard's techniques in his own teaching of the subject. I do think that Mr. Whitbread deserves an accolade for teaching us Latin in one year in the first year of the sixth form to 'O' Level and Oxbridge entrance exam standard. When I think back, that was some achievement.

 

FROM RICH WAKEFIELD 1961-68  
I had a conversation with a fellow Old Boy about leather elbow patches on jackets. We have memories of these being fairly rampant in the staff room, but could not recall exactly which staff wore them. We were both fairly sure that Ken Witts was a key supporter of the trend, but can anyone shed any more light on the matter?
During my third year, my last at Elbow Lane, there was a concert featuring performances by pupils and the more obliging members of staff. I will never forget the passionate, exuberant performance of 'Neath The Spreading Chestnut Tree, complete with all the gestures along with exhortations to a couple of hundred bemused boys to join in. This was 1963, when The Beatles were in, so who was the performer? It was a man I had always seen as an austere, authoritarian figure, who had left humour in his locker back at the teacher-training college where he had learned his trade. If I describe his entrance as being accompanied by wobbling jowels and flowing cape you may recognise the performer as our own, our very own, Mr J E Wardle. the beloved (?) head of the junior school. His voice resonated round the hall, delivering the lines with gusto. The accompanying gestures became more and more flamboyant, and his face reddened beyond the colour of beetroot. We all hoped that first-aid would be available, but needlessly. The doughty performer reached the end of the piece and sailed off the stage, cape trailing in his wake, like a fully-rigged tall ship in a favourable wind. And that is the image I keep. During my third year I went badly astray, and Mr Wardle gave me the roasting of all roastings. I was reduced to tears, but he was absolutely correct and I believe he turned my life round. I learned a lot from Mr Wardle, and will always respect his memory.
Who recalls the lunchtime throng outside the dining room at Elbow Lane? Loads of us standing there, looking towards the railway and the one o'clock southbound passenger train entering the station. It was often hauled by an interesting locomotive, and if it was on time we got to see it. If it was a few minutes late, we did not. Eyes were torn between the railway and the door to the school. The sight of Mr Wardle sweeping majestically through the door and across the playground, cape billowing in his wake, brought sighs and long faces if the train had not arrived. I have often wondered if he thought we were impatient to get in to dinner.

 

 

FROM FRANK SMITH 1959-66   Thanks to those who responded to my appeal in OWT84 for assistance with the replacement web site. The new site is now operating from the original web address www.wyvernians.org.uk  Most features appear to be working satisfactorily, but testing continues. Please report any issues to info@wyvernians.org.uk My thanks must go to our outgoing webmaster, Tom Horton, who is the editor's nephew. His site has served us superbly for many years, and Tom is providing valuable support during the transition. Thanks, Tom!


Over the years, retired teacher Bill Mann kept various photo albums about life at CBS. The photos, some 200 from 1965-72, have been added to the website and facebook page, largely thanks to the efforts of Andy Marlow and Mike Ratcliff. Andy is hoping to identify as many people as possible - can you help by looking at the site to see if you recognise anyone.

 

AND FINALLY...  

Dave Winter mentioned the school orchestra, and his original e-mail made mention that I was once a member of that worthy organisation. The saga has been told in an early edition of OWT, but for the benefit of our many new readers the salient facts are these. On my first day at CBS during September 1959, Wally Wardle interrupted a lesson to enquire if any boy was interested in joining the orchestra. My interest in the matter was nil, but being a cunning and devious boy I instantly saw that showing a bit of initiative might not be a bad idea. Thus I stuck my hand in the air, and awaited developments. Of course I first had to learn to play the violin (can't remember if a choice of instruments was given) and this was via a weekly lesson after school. Bill Sykes was often present, but the regular teacher was Mr Hall. He was not a member of the school staff, presumably he went round several schools. I had been issued with a beat-up violin from the school stock, but I made sufficient progress for my parents to kindly purchase a better-quality one privately. After about three years I joined the orchestra in the second violin section, but alas by this time most of my enthusiasm had evaporated. It was a real bind carting the instrument on the bus to and from school e every week, so eventually I left it in the corner of the hall with the school ones. Next I began to miss the regular rehearsals, arriving home late so my parents thought I had been practicing with the orchestra, and spinng them a yarn to explain why I no longer did any playing at home. The orchestra had two major performances during the year, one was the annual music concert at the school, the other was prize day. On returning to school after the Easter holiday, it would be 1963, I was dismayed to note that the corner was now empty, and my violin was missing. I could only assume it had been stolen, and reluctantly reported the matter to my form-master. He in turn notified Mr Bell, who wasted no time in launching an enquiry. The solution was simple, the caretaker had moved the violins to a position under the stage so mine was OK. Mr Bell was not too pleased with me, and I remember the next bit as if it was yesterday. I was taken to the secretary's office, which was across the corridor from his office, along with my violin. Secretary Gill produced a sticky label, on which I wrote my name, and the label was then stuck inside the case. How could I have known that fifty years later I would once again meet Gill at the reunions?


But my musical troubles were far from over. The onset of the summer term meant that the orchestra began rehersals for prize day at De Montfort Hall, so I thought it might be advisable to show my face. But when I made my entrance Bill Sykes rejoinder was, 'You can bugger off,' or words to that effect. It was serious, because the one thing my parents had to be proud of about my pathetic career at CBS was that I was a member of the orchestra. They were really looking forward to seeing me perform at De Montfort Hall, and to make matters worse said they intended to bring my brother and sister as well. Now, any normal boy would have confessed and taken the consequences - but not me. Incredibly I kept up the deception until prize day evening, and only as we were climbing the steps to the building did I blurt out the horrid truth. Then, not waiting for a response from my shocked family, I RAN OFF. Of course I had nowhere to go but home, and I will draw a veil over what happened next. That is my recollection, it was all a long time ago. If some of the facts are not 100% spot on, believe me the account is basically correct.

 

 

 Dennis J Duggan
April 8th 2015

 

 

 

 

---

This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. www.avast.com

Fw: OWT 85 January 2015

 

OLD WYVES' TALES 85

FOR WYVERNIANS 1919-76

EDITED BY DENNIS J DUGGAN, ROCK COTTAGE, BROOK STREET,

WELSHPOOL, MONTGOMERYSHIRE. SY21 7NA

TEL 01938 555574   07971 282356  

www.wyvernians.org.uk

www.facebook.com/oldwyvernians

JANUARY 2015

 

 

REUNION 2015   Most of you know that our 2015 reunion will take place at Clarence House (our old school building) on Saturday March 21st 2015.  Official invitations will be sent later this month.  Meanwhile we are looking for someone to give a short talk after lunch, as these always prove popular.  The talk should last between 15 - 20 minutes, and be relevant to the school.  The subject can be serious or humorous.  The PA system will be available, and it might be possible to use PowerPoint or similar if required.  No need to be nervous, you will be talking to a friendly and receptive audience in Clarence House, not the Glasgow Empire!  If you want to give a talk please contact me asap, with brief details of the topic.  There will also be a Q & A session afterwards.

 

FROM LES OSWIN  1935-39   What a wonderful surprise to read the memories of a Wyvernian from my era - Peter Grudgings (1936-41)  We were at CBS at the same time, though I do not recall Peter.  That is probably because I was in the alpha stream, leaving in December 1939 after a final term as a prefect and captain od De Montfort House.  We are about the same age, and the fact we can still put pen to paper pays tribute to our English grammar lessons at what is now Clarence House.  I don't remember Mr Pedley being described as Sam Scruff  in previous OWT's, but I always called him that but could not recall the reason.  But I do remember so many of the other popular teachers.  Buffers, of course, our form master; Carps; Joss Carter; Bull Smith; Pig Kearsey; Johnny Jeeves; Mr Trump; Pluto ???? - never found out where that nickname came from, but what a disciplinarian!  I always considered The Beak to be an exceptional headmaster.  I am one of three brothers who attended CBS, and my education there played an important part in a successful forty-two year career in the hospital/NHS service, and five years in the Royal Corps of Signals during WW2 and twelve years in the Army Emergency Reserve after the war.  We must have spent those alternate mornings and afternoons together at Wyggy Boys, in the last term of 1939.  I used those 'spare' mornings and afternoons to deliver groceries for a local shop in the streets between Narborough Road and Fosse Road, using a bicycle with a small front wheel and a wicker basket on the front.  I believe I earned 14 shillings per week, and gave ten bob to my mum, as at the time my dad was serving in the Pacific with the Royal Navy.  Thank you for the memories, Peter.

Editor's note - I sent an advance copy of Les's above contribution to Peter, along with the former's contact details.  I know that breached the data protection rules, but I'm glad I did because Les sent a further letter to me:Just finished my apple pie on Guy Fawkes night when the phone rang.  It was Peter Grudgings, and what a wonderful chat we had.  Can you imagine two ninety-year-old veterans reminiscing back to the thirties whilst my neighbours' fireworks could be seen through the windows.  Peter was able to remind me that Pluto's name was of course Mr Lewin.  He was able to name the grocer I delivered for, and there was a family connection with the Joyce family, who ran the shop in 1939   (Stories like this make all our work worthwhile - Ed)

FROM HOWARD TOON  1951-58   A propos the entry from Robert Clifford, in which I was sorry to read of the passing of his elder brother Dick, I was very keen on cycling in those days, being in the habit of saving the money from my several newspaper rounds to buy a pair of alloy pedals one month, and an alloy front wheel another month until I had eventually built myself a very lightweight racing bike.  Johnny Jeeves was never able to accept the Ping! of the racing bicycle bell, insisting that it was not a proper bell because it did not give a Ting-a-ling sound.  I was never able to match the bike owned by Dick Clifford, which was a Claud Butler with peculiar shaped front forks which had a double bend in them causing the wheel spindle to be some 3" further forward than it would otherwise have been.  He informed me that these were dihedral forks, meant to increase the wheelbase of the bike and make it more comfortable to ride on long journeys. Do not ask why I should have been carrying this conversation in my head for the past 60 years - if only I could remember my French and German with equal ease!

.

FROM PETER GRUDGINGS  1936-41   Here are some comments about staff and pupils from my time at CBS.  I'm sure that not all staff held a teaching certificate, though most had a degree.  Pluto Lewin, who taught French, was excellent.  My French accent, which I learned from him, has often been praised by natives of France.  Alec Fisher was highly regarded, and nicknamed Rosebud.  He would sometimes refer to his naval service in the Dardanelles during 1915.  Joss Carter was reputed to have a dreadful temper.  I recall Bull Smith with affection.  When we left CBS in 1941 he said goodbye to us very warmly, knowing that in two years we would be in the forces.  Mr Jephcott (woodwork)  In 1940 he fulminated about modern youth and dancing.  He said, 'If it comes to the retreat from Mons again (perhaps he was there?) we would be lost.  Dunkirk followed in May and June.  No further comment.  Horace Trump, a marvellous person but no disciplinarian.  Mr Hanson, history, spoke of the French and the 1848 revolution.  However we did not know what he meant by the bourgeoisie. 

In those days it was possible to take an Inter-BA or BSc at 6th form level.  Donald Harmer, my form-mate, became a successful architect and married well.  The marriage was noted in The Times.  Paul Lewin, a 6th former in my time, always wore plus fours.  How or why that was tolerated I don't know.  There were school dinners for the County Boys from Wigston, Anstey and Glenfield - about thirty in all.  The meals were provided by the caretaker and his wife.

Talking to Mr Bufton in the 1950's, he described some members of staff as ardent communists.  No names, no pack drill.  Mr Carpenter, maths, was my bete noir, and I probably his.  He was impatient, intolerant, sarcastic.  He could have made maths more interesting, fibernnacci numbers for example.  During autumn 1940, bombs hit the Freeman Hardy & Willis building on the corner of Rutland Street.  Firehoses snaked all down Humberstone Gate.

 

FROM MARK NAILS  HAYLER  1956-64   In the summer of 1963 I was informed by Manchester University Medical School they would consider a reapplication for the next year if I improved my A level results, which were abysmal given my preference for racing a bicycle rather than studying.  So back to school I reluctantly returned. However Dr Burrows advised me to try Dentistry. His exact words being "They will take anybody."  I got an unconditional offer from Newcastle Dental School in January  1964  for the following October.  Spent the intervening period discovering that a life as a professional  bike rider was not to be.  Rode for the university cycling team. Came away after five fears with an honours degree.  I retired eleven years ago on an NHS pension after a career in general practice.  Been a great life for a thick lad.  And I'm still riding the bike but not in anger anymore.  Thanks Doc.

 

FROM DR ARNOLD BURROWS  1957-68   I have no recollection of the conversation with Mark Hayler.  I hope that it was in a situation of flux; I certainly did not intend to be rude to the Dentists!

FROM TONY INGHAM  1953-58   Now, here's a funny thing!  Having been retired for some time I am at last, between jolly intervals amusing the surgeons of North Worcestershire, able to scan the mass of literature, music etc amassed by any good Wyvernian.  And, like many others, I am interested in my ancestors and been compiling a family tree (more like a forest now)  This has been made more difficult because I have not lived in Leicester since 1961.  I opened Andy Marlow's history of CBS, and note that our editor and founder called an inaugural meeting during 1998 at The Harrow, Thurmaston.  No doubt that meeting took place in the lounge, as the bar would not have been suitable.    Now, here's the funny thing.  Decorating that room for many years, and certainly when the meeting was held, are photographs of how the place looked in the 1800's.  One view is of the front, the roof thatched, with three members of the licencee's family standing outside.  Over the door is the usual nameplate and licence, which identifies the licencee as someone with the name BARR... but the last part is obscured.  Many years ago I identified the two women as, almost certainly, my great-grandmother and great-aunt, with a male member of the family surname BARRASS, which matches the nameplate detail so far as can be ascertained.  The conclusion to this mammoth tale is that even in those pioneer days, a member of part of a future pupil's family was there, watching over proceedings for boys to come.  I have not finished reading Andy's book, but no doubt will find other claims to fame as on page 105, where I am there in glorious black and white with old classmates Brookes and Boneham in 1958, and also at the 2002 reunion  (I don't have much recollection of the 1998 meeting at The Harrow.  The venue was chosen because it was within walking distabce of our house in Oakland Avenue - we did not own a car in those days - it had a good car park and the landlord was very helpful.  One thing I do remember my visit to the gents.  I had made myself a name badge, and a fellow at the neighbouring urinal said something like, 'Oh look, it's Paddington Bear.'  - Ed)

 

FROM DON WRIGHT  1951-58    I am not surprised that Clive Davies still remembers the occasion when he was hit by Bill Brushe. Witnessed by myself and Alan Manship, and maybe by others, it was a single but violent slap, across the face I think, and these days it would have led to further consequences.   My recollection is that it was at the end of the school day, so about 4pm, and that Clive had said he was unable to swim for the school in a competitive match, possibly a match on the same day. However awkward that was for Bill his rea_ction was extreme, to put it mildly.  Despite all that, many of us had a high regard for Bill and rapidly adjusted to his mood swings, some of which were well justified by various members of his classes arriving unprepared for his lessons. He could be savagely hard on individuals whose b_ehaviour  he regarded as unacceptable - for example, one of our sixth form French class members, who shall be nameless, a very tall, gangly guy with massive hands stained a deep yellow through nicotine - was given a real verbal dressing-down before the whole group for his smoking. Those of us who also took German well knew the contrast between the potentially explosive Bill and the serene and gentlemanly John Gimson. He was as effective as Bill but his weapons were persistence, thoroughness and stealth and he rarely if ever raised his voice. Bill taught me to begin to understand the subtle language of the French classical literature of Molière and Co, and Gimson the complexities of German grammar, plus an introduction to classical music for which I owe him a great debt.  I was fortunate to be taught by two such men, who clearly knew their subjects well and enjoyed teaching them. I was equally fortunate to be taught English by the superb George Franey, whose smooth style and erudition I remember so well. These were good days. '  

 

FROM DENNIS BIGGS  1949-56   Bob Gregory, Cliff Dunkley and I visited Mr. W.T. Bill Brushe in August and had a pub lunch with him. It was very interesting to dredge from his memories some things which we did not know about his time at CBS (1953 t0 1960) as Head of the Modern Languages Dept, following on from Mr. Arthur Nockels. He had studied at Trinity College Dublin, Oriel College Oxford and the Sorbonne. He is now 91 years old and still remarkably well, as can be testified by those who met him at the 2014 School Reunion. He has some difficulty with his mobility now so I don't expect he will be able to attend future reunions. I visited him again at his home in Hertford in October, and he was pleased to be able to get out of the house for our usual pub meal and a few glasses of wine. He told me that he enjoyed looking after the life-saving team during his time at CBS, but in fact he only learned to swim in his late teens (as did I ) taking private lessons from a local police officer. Unfortunately his wife of 67 years has had to move into a Care Home nearby so he is feeling particularly lonely, especially as he is now no longer able to drive due to problems with his eyesight. He remembers with fondness some of the trips overseas which he led during the late 50s, and has a particularly good memory of many of his pupils. He told me that he would not like to be teaching in current times since he was very strict on discipline, and kept order in class by the occasional slap around the head of any recalcitrant pupil. Bob, Cliff and I have a lot of gratitude to him for his enthusiastic and idiosyncratic teaching of French and German, and he set us on the paths to our future careers, where this knowledge was decisive. Let's hope there will be many future occasions for our get-togethers and I am sure that many of his ex-pupils will wish him well.  All the best and thanks for the OWT 84. I am sure that we shall eventually reach 100.

FROM JOHN A LAWSON  1940-46   (John was both a pupil and teacher at CBS.  The dates given are from the former - Ed)  Continued from OWT84...   In some ways the staff room resembled a gentlemen's club at lunchtime.  Bill Sykes and others played shove-halfpenny and Howard, Remmington, Pace and others usually played Bridge at one end of the long marking table. It was not long before Ron Smith set up a second four at the other end,  often with Kay as his partner against myself and Ken Witts. About 10 years later Bill Mann joined in as well as many others. A year after we joined CBS, Ken and myself got married  (I hasten to say not to another) but it was on the same day.  Ken married Agnes, who had a first in Mathematics and was teaching at Collegiate Girls, and my wife was Mary, who was teaching Physics at her old school, Newark Girls. At that time she was only the second lady to obtain a first class honours degree in Physics at Birmingham.   Before we were married I realised her interest in sailing was rather minimal, hence my sailing with Green Wyvern came to an end.  I retained my interest in school cricket and coached the first X1 for several years until David Lawrence arrived. He had been Cricket Captain at Nottingham University and was a first class wicket keeper and opening bat, with an excellent cricket brain, and it seemed best for him to take over the first X1 and I looked after various teams in the lower school, which I did for many years.

Soccer kept me busy on Saturday mornings in the winter. Soon after I joined the staff I found things had changed from the Mr Crammer days, he had not allowed our junior boys to have teams in the local school leagues. We, as in 1952, had 1st, 2nd, & 3rd year league teams. There was no 4th year team, so I started one, which was very popular and proved most successful for many years. About 16 years later I managed a few more and finally finished with the 1st year B team.  It is well known that the County Cricket Club used our ground at Grace Road, and John Arlot in his commentaries on the BBC was not very kind in his remarks about the uneven outfield. Not so well known is the fact that Walter White, our groundsman as well as the county groundsman, did a wonderful job on the ground. Every time the boys had played football he would be out on the field with his spiked roller etc, and before the next time a match was played the field looked like a billiard table again. It was absolutely perfect for football. Walter certainly did his best.  Here is another little-known fact, which may be of interest. In the mid 50's, I think, the director of education told me off. It was at a cricket tea at Grace Road, probably against Education Dept. I happened to be sitting near the Director. I made a remark to som one near by, to the effect that "It is quite obvious the County are trying to get us off our field " The Director stated " that is not true" in no uncertain terms, and made it quite clear I was not to suggest that ever again.   Where do the county play their matches—GRACE ROAD. I rest my case.

In the early 70's Mr.Bell had started a 6th form Squash group on a Wednesday afternoon for their games period, and in a staff meeting asked for help. At college I saw many students going to the Leicester Squash club, but there was no way I could afford to go. So I told him I had never played the game, but would love to try. He suggested I should join him after school next Wednesday for a game. This I did and he proudly produced his special ball, very squashy! Never having played before I found a little book of how to play. It talked about domination of the "T" and reverse angle shots etc. We played a game, it did not last long, and the rallies were short. I won easily in spite of the squashy ball.  I realised later the head did not want long rallies, which happen with a normal ball. Next week, I was master i/c squash and continued to be for several years.  Project Technology:  This was one of the holiday courses I attended at Loughborough University. It enabled me to introduce Electronics to the school. Initially it was a one-year CSE course. and provided they obtained a grade-1 pass this was equivalent to a C grade GCE.  Little money was available, however being a member of Project Technology I had permission to collect electronic scrap from Harwell atomic energy station. At that time whole Labs. were being decommissioned, and I was able to go to their scrap yard and  load the car and roof rack at £2.50 a cwt. Over the years I made 3 or 4 trips. I think all our labs. benefited in some way.  Meters, small components, circuit boards, clamp stands (some brand new) CRO's and even a portable Geiger counter etc.  The boys enjoyed the course, including the practical, and usually obtained a grade-1 result. No other schools in this area were doing this study, but some in the south were.  A few years later, the "A" level Physics course contained an electronics option, & this proved very popular.  It was probably about this time Mr Remmington told me another little unknown fact.  I had long since given up teaching Chemistry and Maths to the lower school to be replaced by 6th form Physics and Maths for Biologists, which was essential for those also taking Physics.  He said for some years now he had found great difficulty in drawing up the timetable.  In fact the only way it seemed to be possible was to fill my TT in first!   I will leave you to imagine my thoughts!

The year we changed to the new school at Evington our son Peter joined as a 1st former. I was against it, but he was very keen, particularly after he and his sister had climbed the ropes in the gym in the old building during the holidays. When I joined as a pupil in the first year, Mr Bufton's oldest son was in the second year and later his youngest son also came. In fact I was already teaching John Lawrence, my head of departments son.  My wife Mary was presented with the job of making a fencing jacket. Peter had joined the school fencing club. She was a keen needle worker but the material was so tough she had sore fingers for several days later and said "never again". Speaking of my wife Mary, perhaps I ought to point out, after doing her teacher training course, her first post was at Wyggeston Girls teaching Physics, before she returned to teach at her old school Newark Girls.  In 1952 when he appointed me, did Mr Pedley know about my about my fiancée? I do not know.  Just one more fact about our school roots. My mother was an old Newark girl (probably 1908-1914) and I think wanted the become a teacher, but she had to leave to work at Faire Brothers and eventually became one of the first comptometer operators in Leicester.

My ramblings are now more or less where I started.  So you will perhaps realise I am a true-blue Wyvernian ( even DeMontfort House man & boy).  We have a large terracotta plaque with a Wyvern on it alongside our front door.  I realise now if I taken notice of my grandfather none of the above would have happened. I have 3 grandsons, so I am very careful what I say.

AND FINALLY...   Many thanks to thosw Wyvernians who were kind enough to send us Christmas cards, that was much appreciated.  We hope you will understand there are too many for us to respond to individually.  The layout of some OWT might look a little strange.  That is because when I cut and paste e-mails, some of them seem to upset the system and sometimes I cannot return to the original format.  As always contributions are needed for the next OWT.  I have two in hand, both from contributors to this issue so they have been held over

Dennis J Duggan  Jnauary 1st 2015  Pupil 1959-64

---

This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. www.avast.com

OLD WYVES' TALES 84

 

OLD WYVES' TALES 84

FOR WYVERNIANS 1919-76

EDITED BY DENNIS J DUGGAN, ROCK COTTAGE, BROOK STREET,

WELSHPOOL, MONTGOMERYSHIRE. SY21 7NA

TEL 01938 555574   07971 282356  

www.wyvernians.org.uk

www.facebook.com/oldwyvernians

OCTOBER  2014

 

 

REUNION 2015

    The 2015 reunion will take place on Saturday March 21st  at Clarence House.  More details later, meanwhile please make a note of the date

FROM FRANK SMITH  1959-66  We are in the process of producing a replacement web site for Wyvernians. It is almost ready to publish, however we have hit a technical problem that maybe one of our members and/or their friends or family can help with.

The problem is this: If you enter a phrase like "city of leicester boys grammar school" into a search engine like Google, the new website does NOT show up at all in the (first 20 pages of the) search results – why? What changes need to be made to our website to make it appear near the top of the search results? If anyone can give us a clue, it would be much appreciated! You can send your answer to me at frankmsmith48@tiscali.co.uk.

At the moment the new website can be seen here:-  www.wyvernians.blogspot.co.uk but will take over our official web address (www.wyvernians.org.uk) once the technical issues have been resolved. Oddly the new website has been constructed using Google's own Blogger web building tools – yet continues to hide from Google searches!

FROM BRIAN SCREATON  1959-65  I was honoured to be invited to the opening ceremony of the new City of Leicester College on Friday 29th August as a 'special guest', representing Wyvernians. I duly arrived at the new building at the appointed time of 1.15pm, after parking in a reserved space (I could get used to this) and was greeted by the Headteacher Anne Gregory, and the College Secretary Ruth Clewlow. Drinks were served and canapés consumed in the reception area, and I chatted to Tony Baxter, Bill Mann, Dave Lawrence, Fred Hutchinson and Bob Childs. Many other former teachers were present and other guests included representatives of Miller Construction UK, Leicester City Council, school governors, and a company called LMEC (Leicester Miller Education Company Ltd). It is this company which, as a Public Private Partnership, is "delivering the £300m Building Schools for the Future programme in Leicester". By a strange co-incidence the Chairman of this company is Rick Moore, a well known Leicester Magistrate, but also a contemporary and friend of mine in the local estate agency world in the 1970's and 80's, who I had not seen for a long time. Although he's actually an old Wyggestonian, so shouldn't really have been allowed in!  At 2.00pm we were ushered upstairs to the Hall, where the Year 7 choir sang songs, then Anne Gregory opened the proceedings with a short speech, thanking all those involved in the construction of the college, and welcoming the guests. Awards were then presented to sixth form students with outstanding academic achievements. Sir Peter Soulsby was supposed to be present to unveil a plaque but apparently had to cry off for some reason, so the unveiling was done by his deputy, Councillor Vi Dempster.  We were then given guided tours of the new building, which is fantastic – the equipment they have has to be seen to be believed.  I'm no fan of modern architecture, and the outside, especially the front elevation, is not to my taste, but internally the design has been extremely well-thought out. This aspect was led by the College Business Manager Jenny Sterland, who was also so helpful to us in rescuing many old documents and trophies before the demolition men moved in. Both the former City Boys and Spencefield Lane Schools have been completely demolished – the former is now a car park and the latter is part of the playing fields.  After our guided tour we were free to wander around – I  had hoped to grab a burger or a hot dog from one of the several barbecues that had been set up in the grounds, but was beaten to it by 1200 pupils all eager for a free feed!  On the subject of food, the sixth form have their own café on the first floor, whilst the other years use a canteen on the ground floor which has four identical serving counters and they claim to be able to serve about 600 pupils in 40 minutes  My only slight disappointment was that the 'History Wall' that was talked about during the planning of the new school has not materialised, and seems to have been condensed into a collage of photos in the shape of the college's logo. I know that economies had to be made during the construction, so I assume the History Wall fell victim to these.  The school was intending to have an Open Evening after the official ceremony so that everyone could view the new college, but this had to be postponed – as soon as I have the new date I will pass it on to Dennis for circulating, as the college is well worth a visit. In addition Wyvernians will have a stand there.

 

FROM CLIVE DAVIES  1950-57   I have recently been reading back issues of OWT, having somehow missed the last few newsletters, and as a result I have just purchased a copy of The History of A Grammar School by Andy Marlow. What a good read it is and I would recommend it to everyone  I noticed in OWT 80 a piece by my former classmate Master Clifford about Nobby Clarke hanging a ginger-haired miscreant out of the classroom window three floors up. I too witnessed this memorable event, and can confirm it really did have a sobering effect on the whole class and he always had the best of b_ehaviour from us thereafter.  Methods of punishment varied from teacher to teacher I recall, most of which would be considered as assault today. Basher Brewin with his wooden ruler followed by can't you do it duckie; the blackboard duster or chalk thrown with deadly accuracy by Messrs Bufton and Wardle ; the slipper from Gould or Flash Gordon and of cause the cane from Pedley  or Ding Dong Bell. In my particular case it was a slap across the face from Herr Brushe when I informed him that for some reason I was unable to swim for the school that evening, and I was left with an imprint of his hand on my cheek and a memory that has lasted over sixty years.

 

FROM JOHN O' GRADY 1959-64   In answer to Robert Clifford (OWT83) who comments on the Green Wyvern Yacht Club.  My elder brother, Peter (1955-60) was markedly different to me.  He took part in as much sport as possible, and in addition joined the Green Wyvern activities on several occasions.  At the time of his involvement the events described by Robert were history.  However I do recall Peter making comments about a legendary event involving a young lady and some home-made swimming attire.  Unfortunately I have no recollection of the lady's identity, and now have no means of checking.

 

FROM DEREK BOLTON  1953-58   Speaking to old classmate David Sharp the other day he asked me if I remembered the gift that our year (3B) bought for the form teacher at the end of the year (I think it was 1955). The teacher in question was the Rev Holman, who somehow drew the staffroom short straw and had our motley crew as his responsibility for two years on the trot.  Gifts for teachers in those days were unheard of, therefore I think it showed the respect we boys had for Rev Holman who taught us Maths and of course Religious Instruction. At the end of term we had a whip round and raised enough cash to purchase a pocket watch, it so happened that one of the boys, Alan Mecklenburgh had a brother who was an engraver running a shop in Silver Street. We had the watch suitably engraved along the lines To Mr Holman from 3B.  I am sure it read a bit more flowery than that.  Rev Holman left the school that year to go to be senior maths teacher at Harwich grammar school I believe. A year after leaving City Boys I was shopping in Lewis's with my mother, in reality she was doing the shopping I was just tagging along as you do at that age. We bumped into the Rev Holman, who was visiting Leicester and was shopping ….with his mother. Exchanging pleasantries and introductions he suddenly took out his pocket watch to show my mother what the boys had bought for him, it was very clear to me that he valued it highly.  The bottle of beer….. somehow I acquired a bit of a reputation amongst my peers, subsequently a bet was made that I couldn't drink a bottle of beer during an RI lesson ….I never could resist a challenge, still can't to this day. Money was mentioned so how could I refuse? The bottle of beer purchased for me was a large bottle of stout, I decided the best way to tackle it was to utilise a couple of straws to get the beer out of the bottle and down my throat whilst keeping the bottle in the desk. It took a while but I managed it, in spite of voices all around me drawing attention to the odour of beer that one could clearly smell in the air.  At least when I left school that day I was half a crown better off.

 

FROM JOHN A LAWSON  1940-46   (John was both a pupil and teacher at CBS.  The dates given are from the former - Ed)    Some thoughts about my time with CBS by John A Lawson sometime known as Larry  I began school at Catherine Street Board School as an infant and continued in the Junior Dept. where I sat my 11+. For some unknown reason I had to take part of it again some weeks later. I was offered a free place at Wiggy Boys. Grandad was greatly in favour of that, having had to leave school at 12 to chop sticks for a living, just as he was beginning to learn. Granny had to leave at 9 years old to go into service. However at this time my best friend was Alan Cherry who had just spent 2 happy years at CBS and I was sure I wanted to join him. I played soccer for Catherine St and although with Dad I supported the Tigers I felt soccer was better than Rugby at WGS.  I had my wish and Mum & Dad had to pay 3 guineas a term for me. There were advantages. CBS was in the middle of town only a one penny tram ride, in fact only half a penny if I got off the tram at St Marks church and ran or walked the rest of the way.  1B was my first form with Miss Reed (I was expecting a man - but the war had started) as I remember only one detention from Mr.Jeaves for turning round in class, followed by 2B, 3B, 4B, & finally 5A and 6S 1.  Monthly Orders (latter became form orders twice a term) in years 2,3 & 4, I was usually top or in the first three. In fact in year 3 I was awarded the Junior Mathematics & Science prize, the book was Makers of Science by Hart and it still holds a place in our bookcase. Also in 3B I was in detention again for not having my gas mask in school. No worry this time, detention was held in the Hall with over half the school!

I enjoyed the football. Beeby, De Montfort house captain & House master Mr. Bufton were very pleased with me when I turned up as a reserve for Senior House matches and always played although only a junior.   Later I gained my colours for football and cricket and in my final year 1946 was 1st X1 cricket captain. In fact I still have the bat, signed by Mr Crammer & given by Sports Ltd as best all-rounder of the year.  In 1945 after Harvest camps of previous years, Mr Howard introduced small groups of boys to the pleasures of Canadian canoeing on the Great Ouse. It was on a small island in the middle of the river at Hemmingford Abbots where I first heard my 5th year school certificate results. This was after camping and canoeing to Bedford and back. Another time we visited Ely and the river Lark and Prickwillow. By this time the war was nearing the end and Cecil persuaded Woods boat yard at Potter Heigham to have two boats, Smuggler and Ladybird ready for sailing. In 1946 I skippered Smuggler (described as a fast boat for an experienced sailor). I had a crew of 4 and my cabin boy was Guy Forcett Butler, my Physics teacher. Cabin boys usually sleep on the floor, but in this case an exception was made and he had a bunk. It was rather nice since he brought an early morning cup of tea to my bunk each day. In 1947 the Green Wyvern sailing group was formed. George Matthews from Newtons and myself were the two youngest skippers. More details are available on the Green Wyvern website.  Academic work was not too good in 6S1, OFTR Mr. Roberts suggested, on my report, it was probably too much cricket.

The war had finished and schoolteachers were in short supply, so I did my bit for the country and accepted a four-year Teacher Training course at University College Leicester. After the first year, I completed my Inter BSc in Pure Maths Applied Maths Physics And Chemistry.  Two years later, having failed my degree, I was called up for national service. The next two years I enjoyed, after putting on a stone in weight during 8 weeks square bashing at RAF Padgate, I was sent to RAF Yatesbury to train as an Air Radio Mechanic.  The course went well and they retained me as an Instructor.  On demob I was able to return to UCL to complete my Teacher Training course, as I still had one year of my grant left to qualify as a schoolteacher.

When it came to teaching practice time in a school, I was amazed and delighted to be offered a term at Loughborough Grammar School, and for the last 3 weeks I was doing a full time table for a member of staff who was ill. Saturday morning school was also part of the timetable. I played my second and last game of rugby in the staff match against the school, but I did not manage to score a try as a flying right-wing on one of the few times I received the ball. Anyway they seemed to think I was a good teacher and I even picked up some private maths coaching - it was nice to have some money in my pocket again. Even 3 years later I was still doing private Maths coaching through the Loughborough connection.   In the last term my tutor recommended me to apply for a post. I could hardly believe it—at CITY BOYS!   Maths teachers were in short supply at this time, however I know there was at least one other applicant and possible others. Mr R R Pedley was now Headmaster. I knew him as he came back from the forces in 1946 as Head of English and had taught me English in general studies periods in 6S1. All I can remember of his lessons was that he brought in copies of the Daily Mirror and was very pleased to introduce us to JANE. This was a cartoon strip and Jane was usually showing all her assets. My only other contact with him was in the School v Staff cricket match. He was well-known as a good batsman and was going well, having got his eye in, looking for his 50. I'd had a good season as slow right arm off-break bowler and he was on 40.  I was bowling and he hit the ball very hard and and it was still rising and would have gone for six or at least a one bounce four, but I caught it (very painful). He did congratulate me on the way to the pavilion at Grace Road.

Six years later we met again. This time in his study which used to be the old staffroom. Mr Crammer retained his large room with three toilets; I understand Mr Pedley knew how bad the small room was for the expanding staff. Full of apprehension we talked and I have no idea what about and then he showed me my letter of application and said this will not do--- and proceeded to show me how to write it.! I was accepted to teach Maths, Physics and Chemistry, and in my first year taught 3B for Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry – a quarter of my timetable with what was always said to be the worst form in the school. I survived. After about 20 years Mr Remmington, who was Deputy Head and had been Head of Mathematics when I was appointed, confessed to me-" you know I did not want you as a member of staff in my department". By then of course I was the teaching Physics and some Electronics.

So I came back to CBS in 1952, and the following also joined at the same time  K Witts ( Maths, Geog)  A Sweet (English)  F Gould (English)  R Smith (Head of History)  I immediately made friends with Ken; we seemed to be the two youngsters although Sweet and Gould could not have been much older. We all settled in well although the latter, I think, had trouble adding up the monthly orders. The rumour was that he had to go to the head's study to be helped. If true I would sympathise, remembering my application letter  (To be continued - Ed)

FROM ALAN PYKETT  1959-66   Just a couple of observations from OWT 83 as our editor tells us he has currently used up all material received. Firstly, if Paul Wheatley (friend of Laurie For ) is an avid racegoer he will know that the Cheltenham race festival always finishes on a Friday (for many years it finished on a Thursday) To my knowledge it has never taken place on a Saturday. Perhaps Laurie would pass this on to Paul and we could welcome him to next year's re-union! Secondly, there were quite a few references to the teaching of English, particularly the Literature part. It has been well-documented by me in the past that English was not my best or favourite subject. This was perhaps somewhat surprising as through junior school I was very good at reading and spelling. As the fifth year and consequent taking of  'O' levels approached I had a dread of being one of only a handful of pupils who failed English Language. This was despite my taking the form prize for 4A the previous year! I was not too concerned about failing English Literature, although I thought the syllabus for that year might give me a fighting chance. For the record the novel was Pride and Prejudice, the play was The Merchant of Venice and the poetry element was The Narrative Art in Verse. My efforts at English during the fifth year did nothing to dispel my fears of poor exam results despite the best teaching efforts of Ras Berry who I believe did have some health issues. The day of course eventually came to sit the English Language exam. The one bright spot in the exam paper was that one of the choices in the essay section was Experiences of being in hospital. As I had spent five days at the children's clinic when I was seven years old having my adenoids removed I had quite a lot of material for that part of the exam! Regarding the Literature exam I thought I might just scrape through with the lowest pass mark. Fast forward to 28 August 1964 when the O'  level results were published I was still feeling very nervous about the Language result. Lo and behold I was amazed to find I had passed English Language with a grade 2, my joint-highest pass mark with History, but not so surprised to find I had failed Literature with a grade 8 (6 being the lowest pass mark). Remarkably I got a better pass mark in English Language than in all the other subjects I preferred such as Maths, General Science, French and German. In conclusion one could say that having my adenoids out at age seven helped me pass my English Language 'O' level nine years later! I hope other material keeps coming in as it would be a shame to lose OWT. I realise there is only so much one can write about, and there may come a time when publication has to cease, but wouldn't it be great to see an OWT 100!

FROM DAVE POSTLES  1960-67   Andrew Tear was one of the kindest of peers.  He drove a white van, though not in the spirit of the later white van man.  He is unduly modest because the Oxbridge entrance exams, like all exams, were a lottery, down to the contingency of the questions and how one felt on the day.

FROM PETER GRUDGINGS  1936-41   From 1941-43 I was in insurance, followed by service in the Royal Navy until November 1946.  I trained as a teacher, and taught in Leicester until 1960 then in Warwickshire and finished as Headmaster of a now-closed village school.  I took early retirement in 1982.  During my time at CBS the Head was R W Crammer, an austere figre known as The Beak.  Career guidance was minimal, and consisted of a brief interview with Mr Crammae.  The most popular teacher was R R Pedley, known as Sam Scruff for his habit of wearing a tie to hold up his trousers and no socks.  He really brought Shakespeare to life, and we read the plays with parts allocated round the class.  He went into the army, and his popularity was renewed when he visited the school whilst on leave.  We had Henry Morgan Wardson as our form master and German teacher.  He was a consciensous objector, and being ignorant boys we gave him a hard time.  He was Professor of German at Cardiff. I wrote to his family when he died. It was the custom to give school leavers a bible (I still have mine) and we tried to obtain the signatures of masters and fellow pupils on the flyleaf.  For the first term of the war there were no air raid shelters at Humberstone Gate, so on alternate weeks we went to Wyggeston Boys from 8.30am to 1pm, and 1pm to 6.30 pm - six days per week!  School on a Saturday afternoon was not popular!  Later brick air raid shelters and trenches were constructed, and some downstairs rooms were reinforced with steel struts.  It was possible (though forbidden!) to do a Tarzan swing on the horizontal struts.  During 1940 and 41 we had some women teachers, including Mrs Eden and Mrs Wynne.  The former shocked us with the Not bloody likely line from Shaw's Pygmalion.

ALAN MERCER  1959-63   After City of Leicester and Beauchamp I worked in Uganda for four years.  On returning I got a short term contract at Wyggeston Boys. Towards the end the Head called me in and put this question to me, "You have seen the inside of three grammar schools in Leicester (I attended Newtons as a boy), what is your impression of Wyggeston?" I said the impression I had before was confirmed. The main effort went into getting pupils into Oxford or Cambridge, while CBS and Newtons spread their efforts more equally. I knew one boy who came out with two 'O' levels and I thought he would have done better at say, Lancaster Boys down the road. I was encouraged by his reply. He had the same impression since staring there that year and was determined to do something about it. There was a story going round that for one boy who only passed RE and Woodwork, the career officer suggested he should become an undertaker, but it is probably just an apocryphal story.  

AND FINALLY...   Alan Pykett says it would be great to reach OWT100, and what a milestone that would be.  However, apart from the balance of John Lawson's contribution we have run out of material again.  It is marvellous we have amassed so many memories, and so much information, about one school.  We have achieved so much over the past sixteen years, and not only with OWT.  This worthy publication depends on you, the readers, to provide contributions.  The ball is in your court!!

Dennis J Duggan  October 15th 2014

Fw: OWT83 July 2014

OLD WYVES' TALES 83

FOR WYVERNIANS 1919-76

EDITED BY DENNIS J DUGGAN, ROCK COTTAGE, BROOK STREET,

WELSHPOOL, MONTGOMERYSHIRE. SY21 7NA

TEL 01938 555574   07971 282356  

www.wyvernians.org.uk

www.facebook.com/oldwyvernians

JULY  2014

 

FROM BRIAN SCREATON  1959-65   Neil Marston (1966-73) has produced a DVD of his photographs taken on the 1970 cruise to Gibralter, Spain, Athens, Istanbul and Venice.  Anyone wanting a copy please contact Neil on 07927 620348 or e-mail neilmarston@yahoo.com

 

FROM BRIAN SCREATON  1959-65   We are down to the last four copies of Andy Marlow's book about the history of CBS, and it is unlikely to be reprinted unless and when Andy produces an updated version.  To obtain a copy please e-mail me at brscreaton@dsl.pipex.com or phone 07770 413228.  Cost is £25.99 inc p&p in the UK.  Cheques made payable to Wyvernians.

 

FROM BRIAN SCREATON 1959-65   I have managed to acquire a copy of Highways & Byways in Leicestershire, by J B Firth.  This is a presentation copy, with the CBS logo embossed on the front cover in gold.  It was presented to Dennys Cope Edwards, of Form IIIA, by Percy H Wykes in 1935.  Dennys Edwards was at City Boys from 1932-37, and lived on Kingsmead Road, Knighton.  The book was purchased for a very modest sum through the good offices of eBay, and will be on display at the 2015 reunion.

 

FROM BRIAN SCREATON  1959-65  Obituary for Geoffrey Francis Matthews.  Geoffrey Francis Matthews was a pupil at City Boys from 1943 to 1949.  Sadly he passed away on the 18^th April, aged 81. Geoff spent his early years in Broughton Astley where his father, Maurice, was a railway clerk on the former Midland Counties Railway which ran from Rugby to Leicester, with a station at Broughton Astley. Geoff commuted to Leicester on this railway to attend City Boys. After he left he did his National Service with the RAF, and then got a job with Evode, which entailed him moving to Stafford. This was where he met Dorothy who was to become his wife, and they moved back to Leicestershire in 1976, settling in my home village of Cosby. Geoff was still working for Evode, who made shoe components, at their factory in Enderby.  Geoff was involved in many aspects of village life, notably the Church, where he sang in the choir, and Toc H.  Every December Toc H toured the village with Father Christmas in a sleigh, hauled until recently by a vintage tractor. Geoff was Father Christmas every year from 1978 until 2012, and I can remember my children climbing onto his sleigh to confide in him the presents they would like for Christmas. The sleigh itself was built by Geoff. He will be sadly missed by his family and the village of Cosby as a whole. His wife, Dorothy, has suffered from dementia for a number of years, and Geoff was her carer. This precluded him from attending our reunions, though I think he may have come to one. He was however always keen to hear about the latest reunion whenever we met in the village.

 

FROM ROBERT J CLIFFORD  1950-57   Richard F Clifford (1946-52) was my brother.  He passed away last year, so I cannot confirm the following story.  If any members of the Green Wyvern Yacht Club were on the same cruise I would be delighted to know if it is substantially true, and the name of the other actor.  Richard was a member, and sailed the Broads with the Howard brothers for three or four seasons.  Usually this was during the Easter or Whitsuntide holidays.  He was vastly different to me, being very interested in sport of all types.  Her played tennis with Bob Roberts after school, swam and life-saved, played squash, badminton, cricket and football.  His stories of life on the Broads held me spellbound, and this particular one has stuck in my mind.  I hope it is true.  On one cruise they were joined by Shirley Eaton, who would have been around 19 at the time though a seasoned stage performer from the age of 12.  This is the famous Shirley Eaton who was killed by being covered in gold in the James Bond film Goldfinger,  though she appeared in many other films.  They were joined by a young man, an actor, whose name I cannot recall.  Together they sailed with the Green Wyverns for a while, and Richard commented that Shirley made a brief swimsuit from two yellow dusters.  That made a lasting impression on the crew!

FROM RICH WAKEFIELD  1961-68   (The second half of Rich's school memoirs - Ed)  Next we come to the excellent and oft undervalued Mr Stanley Berry.  I had always assumed the S stood for Straw, though many years before he had been wittily christened Ras.  I learned his name the day he stood fumbling with the library door, struggling to unlock it.  Ken Witts strode by in that business-like way of his and boomed, 'Stanley Berry, just get that door opened!'  The reason I put Berry on a pedestal was thus.  He taught a group of five of us for 'A' level English Lit.  I recall two of the group, but won't name them for fear of offending the other two!  The authors we were studying were Jane Austen, who was a somewhat unlikely subject for 16-17-year-old boys, and the poet Gerald Manley Hopkins - also not a likely hero of the average 17-year-old.  During one lesson this good and honest man read a passage from Miss Austen's Emma, roared with laughter and looked seriously non-plussed and troubled when not one of us smiled.  He looked quizzical, and we feared the man might have suffered a stroke.  His voice rose sharply.  He shouted, do you not see the humour in this?  We said we did not, at which point he rose majestically, gathered his belongings and sailed from the room, not to return.

Now that doesn't sond like hero material, but some five years later the lady who was to become my wife was majoring in English Literature at university, and had an essay to do on Jane Austen.  I re-read the book, and still found it dull and pointless.  However, we move on six or seven years and for reasons I cannot recall I read Emma for a third time.  This time all the qualities that Stanley had espoused, all the humour we had missed as seventeen-year-olds came through.  I was enchanted by the book, and have remained a huge admirer of Jane Austen and her writing.

Around thirty years later I was going through a very difficult and distressing period which led to a meltdown, and almost a whole stanza of Hopkins came back to me.  I actually heard Mr Berry's mellifluous tones reciting it, it made a difference to me.  I wrote down what I had heard and went to buy a book of his poems.  I checked the relevant verses and found I was not quite word-perfect - though not far off.  My heart went out to the teacher who had done so much, I later understood, to instill in me a huge love of literature, especially the lines from Mr Hopkins.

 

FROM LAURIE FORD  1962-66   Firstly thanks to all who organised the 2014 reunion.  It was thoroughly enjoyable and also thanks to Brian Screaton who was kind enough to send me a scan of my entry card.   Í have a  plea from my old school friend Paul Wheatley. Can you pick a Saturday that doesn't clash with the Cheltenham Festival!! I thoroughly enjoyed Tony Baxter's presentation and was glad that 40+ years later I was able to personally thank him for his part in getting me through my Maths 'O' level. See also below.  Noting the photo of the badminton team I wondered if any of them are still playing.  Glad to say I still am.  When I was in the fourth year, in the two terms before I moved, I played for the team.  I seem to remember matches against Gateway, Guthlaxton and Humphrey Perkins.  There may have been more.  After the Humphrey Perkins match I was dragged into the pub.  It was the first time I had been in a pub, having led a sheltered life in the Manse.  I remember praying I wouldn't be caught.  From that team I remember Richard Abell, Dad Warner, Bill Draycott and Oakhill - first name escapes me.  I note in Old Wyves Tales  lots of references to Flo Willan.  I have strong and not too pleasant memories of Flo.  I remember well the tests referred to.  I always thought the arrangement whereby the unlucky ones with the lowest marks had to sit at the front was a bit dodgy, as those at the back with top marks usually stayed there as it was easier to use crib sheets undetected! I also had the unpleasant experience of being belted on the back for the heinous crime of not folding my arms.  Not surprisingly I failed biology (twice) at Northampton ,which was where I moved to two thirds of the way through the fourth year.  A few memories about other teachers:-  Bill Sykes: I think Paul Wheatley summed up some of our lessons with Bill perfectly in a previous OWT.   Wally Wardle: those terrifying words I'm waiting.  Bill Gates:  Bill joined around '64 or 65 and taught English. He was my form master in the 3rd year, and always seemed very fair. He was from Leeds, and was always happy to debate the merits of City against Leeds (who were then a very strong outfit). He also looked after the badminton club, of which I was a team member. Wonder where he is now?  Geoff Elliot:  Another of the Yorkshire mafia.  From Sheffield, taught French and started off rugby at City Boys.  Bunny Hutchinson: let's just say woodwork and I did not get on.  I think I probably split more wood than he had a budget for.  Charlie Varley: inexplicably thought some of my art was quite good.  I think he was probably the only one!  Tony Baxter: taught me maths in the 4th year. Had it not been for him I would never have passed maths 'O' level, as at Northampton Town & County Grammar  where I moved to as my maths teacher was  - let's just say not very good.  Ding Dong Bell: met with him on my last day before moving to Northampton. Obviously had marginal impact on him as he thought I was going to Southampton.  I think my only other contact with Mr Bell was when given the form that allowed me to get a colours tie (for badminton)  Other miscellaneous Elbow Lane memories:  Record Club: spent many a lunchtime in the hall listening to 45's. Some tracks heard again years later can take me back to those lunchtimes. I seem to remember the Record Club being closed down for a while, and when it reopened you needed a pass to be allowed in.  2nd form yard: excellent facility for use of 2B only.  Our own yard.  Also had the advantage of large cupboards where pupils could hide during lessons. Usually the above mentioned Bill Sykes lessons. After-school football: played many a long game after school in the yard.  Always played better there than at Grace Road.  I was obviously a better player on tarmac.  I was never in any danger of getting into a City Boys football team.  There was lunch time handball, with benches as goals.  A surprisingly well-stocked library.  Vestry Street swimming baths, with a sadistic instructor who pushed you into the water whether you were ready or not.  One such belly flopper just about  put me off diving for life.  The crocodile walk from Humberstone Gate to Elbow Lane.  Summing up my time at City Boys it stood me in good stead for what life had to offer. I've not had a stellar career like quite a few. However, it provided me with a good education and  I just wish my son had had as good an education as I did.  

 

FROM CLIVE DAVIES  1950-57   I was not an academic by any means when I started Grammar School in 1950 and chose City Boys because it was considered to be a sports school and played football rather than rugby like most of the other grammar schools in Leicester. I was sports mad as an eleven year old and did just enough academically to progress through the school without too much conflict with the teaching staff. As a result most of my schooldays memories are of sporting moments on either the football pitch or in the swimming pool where I represented the school throughout my years at CBS. During my time we had a very good football team indeed and after six years together we were difficult to beat. Most of us going on to represent our colleges or universities and some even went on to play professionally. Paul Cobley I think was at Aston Villa, Graham Povoas Peterborough among others, with Bill Whittaker and myself briefly associated with Leicester City. My lifelong friend Eddie Blount says his claim to fame is to have scored against the late great David Frost while up at Cambridge.  We travelled miles to play other grammar schools, particularly when in the sixth form with visits to Kibworth, Coalville, Derby and Nottingham High Pavement and without motorways in those days it took most of Saturday to play away matches. We played in all weathers as it was difficult to contact opponents once they were on their way and in the winter particularly this could be a problem.  On one such wintery day we were playing with the wind and snow behind us when Kev Hall, playing at centre half, turned round and disappeared  into the background as he had about two inches of snow on his back. In the same match we had to carry our winger, Parker I think, off the field and into the boiler room to thaw out .No vests or gloves allowed in those days, not like todays pampered  professional footballers.

Another magic moment was witnessing the same ginger headed miscreant who was hung out of the third floor classroom window by Nobby Clarke trying to hit eight bells out of Arthur Sweet in the back of the net because he took exception to the high tackle the teacher had performed on him in the penalty area during a friendly game at Grace Road. It took two other members of staff plus a couple of sixth formers to drag him off.  We seemed to have either swimming or PE on the timetable every day, and if not there was the after school swimming club at Vestry Street baths or an evening session with the Old Wyvernians at Spence Street baths to attend if necessary. Back stroke and diving were my speciality but had large boots to fill, following as I did ,Johnny Hunt and Brian McNally who both represented the County in those events. However I did manage to win the Junior Victor Ludorum one year (I thought it was 1954 but I see from the book on the school's history by Andy Marlow that Graham Walker won it that year so it must have been 1953 as I was a year ahead of Graham)  Vestry street was either too hot or too cold as I recall, and when the boiler was working you could feel the vibration through the water in your stomach which wasn't very pleasant, especially when retrieving the brick from the bottom of the pool when practising life saving.

I particularly remember  Pete Boat who was an expert at the plunge spending the whole period nose down floating on top of the water at Vestry Street, and only coming into his own on gala day at Spence Street baths (which was longer than Vestry Street) where he held centre stage for ages, holding his breath for ever while drifting almost a full length of the baths.

The other contestants had usually surfaced half way down the pool twenty minutes earlier.  Happy days.

 

FROM KEITH WRIGHT  1948-54   Richard Thompson's mention of Spiv Beaumont in OWT81 set me thinking.  He had taught English and History to his/our form 1 Alpha in 48/49 and was held in high regard.  He claimed Norman ancestry in view of his surname; obvious perhaps, but I googled Beaumont recently to find that a certain Robert de Beaumont was given the title Earl of Leicester by William the Conqueror. I am not sure whether R Beaumont MA (Oxon) knew that!  I suppose most Leicestrians knew/ know it, but if not join the club!    I conjectured whether Spiv was a Norman Robert, a Plantagenet Richard or even a Take It From Here Ron (Glum).  On eventually turning to page 227 of Andy Marlow's The Story of a Grammar School I found it was Ron(ald),  so problem solved. Only pupils' surnames were used in those distant times, though in Andy Marlow's magnum opus an occasional Christian name can be seen.  I wonder if this has altered in schools in the 21st century, for the  irksome familiarity through overuse of Christian names seems rife in the population at large?  Despite swirling his gown and walking back and forwards whilst teaching, the dramatic effect achieved failed to imbue me with a love of history at the time; probably because he had to teach us social history- the agrarian and industrial revolutions to boot.  Turnip Townshend and 4 crop rotation not being as boy-friendly as kings and battles, though no doubt more fashionable at the time. I have previously railed against educationalists failing to take boys' likely outlooks properly into account in the field of poetry (epic rather than romantic being ,at least initially, more attractive to lads in my view). Maybe the same applies in other areas – of the humanities at least.  Perhaps Mr Gove should have a committee look into this area, in view of the poorer educational performance of boys these days?!   Mr Beaumont spent 4 1/3 years at CBS before moving, on promotion.  A fairly typical length of service for many members of staff, I realised from reading Andy Marlow's book.  So much the better for a dynamic school, though I am sure there needs to be a backbone of time servers,.  Interestingly my wife's old school in leafy N. Wales was criticised by the inspectorate a few years back for its static staff, something which, I suppose can lead to complacency.

Andrew Tear's comment in OWT81 about the 4 year course to "O" level enjoyed by the alpha stream was interesting.  Geared to some extent to make more possible a 3rd year 6th form hot house for Oxbridge entry, in my case it meant I started at Med School on my 18th birthday, probably too early, and, I would suggest, definitely too early for someone with a summer birthdate. 

 

FROM LES OSWIN  1935-39   I'm pretty certain my interest in football started in the mid-thirties when I was at CBS, and in my last quarter at the school I captained De Montfort House football team against Abbey, Bradgate and Charnwood at Grace Road.  A few years earlier my elder brother Jim had also contributed to De Montfort soccer games, and in the early days of WW2 younger brother Rex, also at CBS, kicked a ball around for De Mont, so we brothers obviously became fans of Leicester City.  They played at Filbert Street, not far from our parents' house.  This year, 2014, is a special year for Leicester City for they are being promoted from the Championship Division to the Premier League and the fans are already celebrating.  These include my son, and one of my grandsons, who are ardent supporters and season ticket holders.  From my early interest in City during the thirties to this year they have been up and down a few times, but are there any Wyvernians who remember when Leicester City gained promotion during the 1936/37 season - perhaps the 2014 reunion attendee, aged 92, might recall the occasion.  Indeed, he may even have been at the match AS WAS I

The date was 1st May 1937 when Leicester City was scheduled to play Tottenham Hotspur at Filbert Street, and if they won then City would be promoted from the second division to the first and join such teams as Arsenal and Leeds United.  I was aged almost 13 years 7 months, and probably paid a shilling to enter the Popular Side.  It is likely that other CBS pupils would have been there, possibly with their dads, but I was on my own as our dad had no interest in soccer, having spent most of his life in the Royal Navy.  Being small, the adults allowed me to get right to the front, leaning on the brick wall where I watched this important match which finished 4-1 in Leicester's favour.  The goals were scored by Jack Bowers (2) James Carroll and Arthur Maw.  To this day I remember that Fred Sharman was captain, and Sandy MacLaren was in goal - other team members were Danny Liddle, Willie Frame, Sep Smith, Dai Jones, Eric Stubbs and Percy Grosvenor.  At the end of the match, when the result was confirmed, my grown-up companions helped me over the wall and we all rushed onto the pitch to congratulate our team.

This was 77 years ago, and that match is one of my most tresured memories.  Perhaps the dads of some younger CBS pupils might have similar memories?

 

FROM DR MIKE DALY  1963-70   I seem to remember being at Elbow Lane in class 2B RE, or was it a history lesson with Mr Scott, one day in 1964-5. At some point one of my classmates, Kevin Brennan, who sat immediately in front of the teacher's desk, decided to lift the lid of his desk and eat his sandwiches and sip his school milk third. For anyone who remembers Mr Scott this was not only foolish but downright dangerous. As I remember it, although memory plays tricks, Mr Scott, without breaking his sentence, walked around his desk, picked up young Brennan and his desk, marched to the door, pushed it open with his foot, still speaking, and unceremoniously deposited said pupil and his desk outside, closed the door and calmly continued his lesson. What a star. We were all in awe and fear of him for years, until he finally left - I believe to become a vicar!

 

FROM DENNIS BIGGS  1949-56   Whilst on a recent holiday, I re-read Great Expectations and it brought back memories of this work being introduced to us by George Franey in the first term of 1 Alpha in 1949. It was a complete contrast to the books I had read until then, ranging from Biggles, Jennings, Just William, Just So books etc borrowed from the Humberstone village library and of course a weekly dose of the Rover, Hotspur and Wizard comics. We had also our introduction to Shakespeare with The Merchant of Venice and poetry from the Golden Treasury of Verse. I am sure that Mr Franey was only following the curriculum but now knowing so many works of English literature, I wonder why we were not introduced more gradually to the wealth of English literature with the books of R . Stevenson, Conan Doyle, Walter Scott, Orwell etc before having to read The Cloister and The Hearth or Brother to the Ox, which for me are certainly easily forgettable. My memory is now fading of the other set books which we had in first two years at CBS, but they were not particularly inspiring in my recollection. There is currently a debate about pupils of today not being introduced to American literature such as Hemingway, Steinbeck, Harper Lee etc and I do not recall Mr Franey giving us an insight to the wide range of other reading matter available at that time. My wife informs me that she was reading the Russian classics of Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky and French literature of Victor Hugo, Zola, Balzac, Maupassant during her early school years, whereas these were never mentioned to us at all.

My father was a member of the Red Circle Library in the Haymarket and he introduced me to Edgar Wallace, Conan Doyle, Sapper, Agatha Christie and Sexton Blake books which were not classics but certainly easier and more enjoyable reading. One of our classmates, Baines, seemed to have had a regular supply of Hank Jansen books which were surreptitiously handed around in class.

I wonder what the views of other classmates are on the teaching of English Literature at CBS, and perhaps they may be able to refresh my memory of other books which were in the curriculum at that time.

 

AND FINALLY...   This edition of OWT has used up all my material, so I hope that you will be able to dredge up some memories of our old school.  This particularly applies if you have not yet made a contribution to OWT.  I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Dennis J Duggan 1959-64

July 29th 2014