---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Den Duggan
Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2025 at 13:15
Subject: OWT Nvember 2025
From: Den Duggan
Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2025 at 13:15
Subject: OWT Nvember 2025
OLD WYVES' TALES
THE ONLINE VERSION
NOVEMBER 2025
EDITED BY DENNIS J DUGGAN
FROM TONY FOWKES 1961-68 I too recall the severe winter of 1962/63, and its affect on our games afternoons. We were bussed to Grace Road (three to a seat!) and instantly formed into a crocodile for the walk back into town.
FROM ROGER GOWLAND 1957-64 One wet ,lunchtime, I was sitting in the 5S form room, smoking a cigarette as usual. Suddenly Bunny Hutchinson burst into the room. Desperately I tried to extinguish the cigarette under cover of my desk, burning one of my fingers in the process. 'Gowland, have you been smoking?' asked Bunny, I admitted my guilt, Bunny replied, 'Well can you give me a light, the so-and-sos in the staff room won't oblige!' Fond memories of one of my favourite teachers.
OBITUARIES Dianne Godby informs us that Steve Godby (1968-75) passed away February 2025.
Keith Duguid informs us that Steve Hunt (1958-63) passed away on the 14th August. Keith was told some months ago that Steve had terminal bone cancer, but was still playing golf. It is likely that Steve represented the school in both football and cricket.
FROM DAVID BILLSDON 1959-66 Sad to hear that Bunny Hutchinson has passed away. I am grateful to hm for preparing me for two foundations in my career as a Chartered Electrical Engineer. In the first year sixth he provided as optional 'O' level course in geometric and engineering drawing. As a boy, I had been interested in electronics, and assembled radios of increasing complexity. A friend gave me a magazine which had a project to construct an electric guitar. As I did not own the necessary tools, I asked Bunny if I could work in the woodwork room over lunchtimes. He agreed, made the tools available, and also provided advice on techniques and choice of materials. The project was a success.
My 'A' level results were below expectations, but I obtained an interview for a course on electrical and electronic engineering. The panel seemed keen to assess my level of interest and ability on the subject, particularly hobbies and the guitar. I think it was the guitar that clinched the offer of a place.
The skills learned in Bunny's classes have been useful in many DIY projects over the years. My other memory is that he took part in motor cycle scrambling, and from time to time turned up wearing a bandage or sling! Happy days...
FROM HOWARD TOON 1950-57 This contribution concerns my English teacher, George Franey, and a comment he supposedly made to all his pupils. It was simply this: people who use bad language have lazy minds, in so far as they cannot not be bothered to think of the appropriate words for the prevailing circumstances. Although not given to swearing myself, the comment has stayed in my mind as being true, and I'm glad to say the use of bad language has never taken hold. May he rest in peace.
FROM GEOFF MANCHESTER 1961-66 I volunteer at the Great Central Railway, and a few years ago came across John Offord. . That was on the platform at Leicester North station. I mentioned that I had joined Wyvernians after it was well-established, so had not seen the first dozen or so editions of OWT. John then printed issues one to twelve, and brought them to the next reunion. Recently I came across them again, and noted the request for catch phrases in the July 2001 issue. Ken Witts was a good source. Go and get organised; don't just sit there and let it roll round your ears; and one often aimed at me in response to an incorrect answer - don't insult my intelligence.
FROM DENNIS BIGGS 1949-56 I was interested to hear about Peter Robinson's sports photo exhibition at De Montfort University. Peter, who attended CBS, is a leading photographer, specialising in sports. These include Olympic Games and world cup football. I made contact with Peter at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. I was one of the many volunteer Games Makers, seconded to the Protocol Group at Wembley stadium. This gave me access to the VIP lounge, enabling me to watch the matches with FIFA officials, team managers and delegations from abroad. My role was to ensure the well-being of the visitors, so I met a number of former and current players, plus the leaders of the delegations.
Peter was there in his official capacity as an accredited photographer, and I was able to spend time with him behind the scenes, and by the pitch. When we said goodbye, Peter was already preparing for the 2016 Olympics, in Brazil. I have recently been in touch with Peter, who remembered our time together.
Unfortunately I cannot travel to Leicester, but am sure the exhibition will prove of great interest to visitors. We can be proud that one of our Old Boys achieved such fame and success in his chosen career..
A couple of years later I undertook a similar role in the Para Olympics at the O2 London Dome, which hosted the wheelchair basketball matches. It was a memorable time for me, as I was involved in this once in a lifetime event. That included the opening and closing ceremonies, plus the opportunity to watch the action at close quarters.
AND FINALLY... My only memory of woodwork lessons involves an accident. A fellow pupil managed to use a panel saw to gash his knee. The wound was soon bandaged, but possibly require stitches. So a prefect was summoned to accompany the unfortunate boy to the A & E department at the infirmary, travelling by bus! We never heard anything further of the matter, though one can't help wondering what would happen in today's risk averse society and its obsession with health and safety.
Dennis J Duggan (1959-64)
November 6th 2025
THE ONLINE VERSION
NOVEMBER 2025
EDITED BY DENNIS J DUGGAN
FROM TONY FOWKES 1961-68 I too recall the severe winter of 1962/63, and its affect on our games afternoons. We were bussed to Grace Road (three to a seat!) and instantly formed into a crocodile for the walk back into town.
FROM ROGER GOWLAND 1957-64 One wet ,lunchtime, I was sitting in the 5S form room, smoking a cigarette as usual. Suddenly Bunny Hutchinson burst into the room. Desperately I tried to extinguish the cigarette under cover of my desk, burning one of my fingers in the process. 'Gowland, have you been smoking?' asked Bunny, I admitted my guilt, Bunny replied, 'Well can you give me a light, the so-and-sos in the staff room won't oblige!' Fond memories of one of my favourite teachers.
OBITUARIES Dianne Godby informs us that Steve Godby (1968-75) passed away February 2025.
Keith Duguid informs us that Steve Hunt (1958-63) passed away on the 14th August. Keith was told some months ago that Steve had terminal bone cancer, but was still playing golf. It is likely that Steve represented the school in both football and cricket.
FROM DAVID BILLSDON 1959-66 Sad to hear that Bunny Hutchinson has passed away. I am grateful to hm for preparing me for two foundations in my career as a Chartered Electrical Engineer. In the first year sixth he provided as optional 'O' level course in geometric and engineering drawing. As a boy, I had been interested in electronics, and assembled radios of increasing complexity. A friend gave me a magazine which had a project to construct an electric guitar. As I did not own the necessary tools, I asked Bunny if I could work in the woodwork room over lunchtimes. He agreed, made the tools available, and also provided advice on techniques and choice of materials. The project was a success.
My 'A' level results were below expectations, but I obtained an interview for a course on electrical and electronic engineering. The panel seemed keen to assess my level of interest and ability on the subject, particularly hobbies and the guitar. I think it was the guitar that clinched the offer of a place.
The skills learned in Bunny's classes have been useful in many DIY projects over the years. My other memory is that he took part in motor cycle scrambling, and from time to time turned up wearing a bandage or sling! Happy days...
FROM HOWARD TOON 1950-57 This contribution concerns my English teacher, George Franey, and a comment he supposedly made to all his pupils. It was simply this: people who use bad language have lazy minds, in so far as they cannot not be bothered to think of the appropriate words for the prevailing circumstances. Although not given to swearing myself, the comment has stayed in my mind as being true, and I'm glad to say the use of bad language has never taken hold. May he rest in peace.
FROM GEOFF MANCHESTER 1961-66 I volunteer at the Great Central Railway, and a few years ago came across John Offord. . That was on the platform at Leicester North station. I mentioned that I had joined Wyvernians after it was well-established, so had not seen the first dozen or so editions of OWT. John then printed issues one to twelve, and brought them to the next reunion. Recently I came across them again, and noted the request for catch phrases in the July 2001 issue. Ken Witts was a good source. Go and get organised; don't just sit there and let it roll round your ears; and one often aimed at me in response to an incorrect answer - don't insult my intelligence.
FROM DENNIS BIGGS 1949-56 I was interested to hear about Peter Robinson's sports photo exhibition at De Montfort University. Peter, who attended CBS, is a leading photographer, specialising in sports. These include Olympic Games and world cup football. I made contact with Peter at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. I was one of the many volunteer Games Makers, seconded to the Protocol Group at Wembley stadium. This gave me access to the VIP lounge, enabling me to watch the matches with FIFA officials, team managers and delegations from abroad. My role was to ensure the well-being of the visitors, so I met a number of former and current players, plus the leaders of the delegations.
Peter was there in his official capacity as an accredited photographer, and I was able to spend time with him behind the scenes, and by the pitch. When we said goodbye, Peter was already preparing for the 2016 Olympics, in Brazil. I have recently been in touch with Peter, who remembered our time together.
Unfortunately I cannot travel to Leicester, but am sure the exhibition will prove of great interest to visitors. We can be proud that one of our Old Boys achieved such fame and success in his chosen career..
A couple of years later I undertook a similar role in the Para Olympics at the O2 London Dome, which hosted the wheelchair basketball matches. It was a memorable time for me, as I was involved in this once in a lifetime event. That included the opening and closing ceremonies, plus the opportunity to watch the action at close quarters.
AND FINALLY... My only memory of woodwork lessons involves an accident. A fellow pupil managed to use a panel saw to gash his knee. The wound was soon bandaged, but possibly require stitches. So a prefect was summoned to accompany the unfortunate boy to the A & E department at the infirmary, travelling by bus! We never heard anything further of the matter, though one can't help wondering what would happen in today's risk averse society and its obsession with health and safety.
Dennis J Duggan (1959-64)
November 6th 2025