Fwd: OWT March 2024

OLD WYVES' TALES
 THE ONLINE VERSION
MARCH 2024
EDITED BY DENNIS J DUGGAN

FROM HOWARD TOON  1951-57   Does anyone remember the regular bicycle inspections?  During my time at CBS I was a keen racing cyclist, and I spent the money from my three paper rounds on replacing the steel components with alloy equivalents.  Amongst these was a single-ping bell, as opposed to the usual ting-a-ling-a-ling version.  This incurred the disapproval of Johnny Jeeves, the inspector, who would not listen to my protests that the Tour de France  riders used them.  He threatened to bar me from cycling to school unless I reverted to the old-style bell.

FROM DAVID ATTON 1955-62   I first met Doc Burrows at the beginning of the 1957 spring term when I was in 3 Alpha.  He was my chemistry teacher, a replacement for Mr Guy.  When I asked the latter, 'How does litmus paper know how and when to turn blue or red?' he barked back, 'I'll ask the questions round here.'
I was twelve years old, Doc was twenty seven.- almost certainly one of the youngest teachers at CBS.  However, looking back his no-nonsense professional approach, and his ability to clearly explain subject matter using impeccable green/yellow chalk presentations, were remarkable given his relative inexperience.
He persuaded my parents and myself that I should pursue science in the fifth form, on the basis that I was a solid student and eventual career options would be wider.
In the sixth form Doc taught me how to study, work hard, and the best way to approach exams and interviews.
My cohorts, Bruce Adams, John Herrick, Bob Neill and Jim Taylor, were more talented academically.  Doc was extremely helpful in my being accepted at Oxford, as were Adams and Herrick.  Neill and Taylor attended University College, London.
Doc's  most enduring influence was to show how to study privately, to work hard and use the distractions of university life for fun.  That formula not only made me successful and happy at university, but also in my business career and retirement.
Thinking of Alan Bennett's The History Boys, the Doc's approach to teaching was more akin to the ambitious Irwin than the devil-may-care Hector.
I owed Doc a great deal, and I made that clear to him at several reunions.  However I owe more to the school which these newsletters commemorate, the school I chose to attend simply because soccer was the winter option, not rugby.  Most of all I made some great friends, and still correspond with many from my home in the USA.

FROM JOHN BLAIKIE  1955-62   The passing of Doc Burrows was sad news indeed,  He was a much-liked figure, a very good teacher who never lost his cool.  Others of my era who took chemistry through to 6Sc3 can better confirm that, as I dropped chemistry and only took maths and physics.
My only distant memory of Doc is when we were doing an experiment involving phenolphthalein.  He made it very clear we should avoid ingesting any, as it would involve us sitting in one uncomfortable place for a long time.

FROM DAVE 'FOGG' POSTLES  1960-67   I was saddened to hear that Doc Burrows had passed away.  I only have vague recollections of lessons in the labs at Elbow Lane, where Mick Quincey and I shared a bunsen burner. 
I do remember the Neill brothers, the older brothers of Alex, remarking on their respect tor The Doc, who assisted them on their passage to Oxbridge.  I send my good wishes to all remaining Wyvernians.

FROM JOHN BENNETT  MBE  1956-63   I received the very sad news of Arnold Doc Burrows' death from his son, Simon, soon after his passing.  Doc was a very special person to me.  He was not only my chemistry master during my sixth form year - 1960-63 - but also a big influence on my later life, for which I will ever be grateful.
After taking my 'A' levels, and receiving a distinction in chemistry, I stayed on for a third year in the sixth form.  At my father's suggestion I applied for a place at dental school, and was accepted at London, Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol.  I then had to decide which one to choose, and went to Doc for advice.  His response was: 'Before you decide, I think you should consider taking the scholarship examinations at Oxford.  And I would recommend you apply to Christ Church, because this school hasn't had a boy at the college, and to read biochemistry, because it is a less popular course than chemistry.' 
So I applied, and in March 1963 found myself in the huge hall at Christ Church taking the exams.  I didn't get a scholarship, but was awarded a place at the college.  Dentistry was abandoned, and I spent four very happy years at Oxford, met some lifelong friends and met my wife, to whom I have been married for fifty three years.
Rather then being a retired Leicester dentist I'm a retired banker, having retired in 2005, then having a second career as a local politician in the City of London, where I chaired several committees and was the City's Chief Commoner, the 'Leader of the House'.  I stepped down in 2023, and continue to live very contentedly in London.  This is in stark contrast to what I could have been had I taken my father's advice rather than Doc's.
Several years ago I contacted Doc through the Old Wyves and asked if he remembered me.  He responded immediately, saying of course he did and recounted things I had long forgotten.  He reminded me that during my time in Oxford he had attended Wadham College as a school master fellow.  We continued in contact via Simon, his son who, like me, is involved in the City livery movement.  None of what I describe would have happened if I had not had that decisive conversation back in 1963.  I owe Doc a very great deal, and I am so sad at his passing.

FROM BRUCE PEGG 1971-78   (Editor's note - the following item is taken from Bruce's book Goin' Down De Mont, and is reproduced with his permission via a third party.  The book was mentioned more fully in the February OWT)  My endearing memory of the show [Showaddywaddy concert, De Montfort Hall, Tuesday June 25th 1974] is of getting there.  A few of us pupils from City Boys had bought tickets to the show, only to find out it was on the same night as the school prize giving.  A week or so before the show we met with our headmaster, Mr Bell, and begged him to let us out of the evening. 
But he ignored our pleas, even when we told him that we would be out the price of the tickets.  In no uncertain terms he told us that our attendance at the school that night was mandatory.  In those days, if a headmaster told you to do something you did it or you suffered dire consequences.  We had no choice, or so it seemed.
Then Rog Mortimer pleaded with his mother to drive us to the De Mont as soon as the evening ended, which she agreed to do.  So as soon as the last note of the school song was over, we flew out of the assembly hall, ripped off our blazers and ties and piled into the waiting car like bank robbers leaving the scene of the crime.  Off she sped, down Whitehall Road, up Evington Road, breaking every speed limit on the way.  Finally she dropped us off on Granville Road and we sprinted into the Hall in time to see Showaddywaddy take the stage.  We may have missed the support band, and we were still wearing part of our very uncool school uniform,   but at least we were able to join the sweating throng and scream for our hometown stars.

FROM TONY WAKEFIELD  1951-56   The photo of 1952 is my class, 1A.  For some reason, I am at the back in civvies though I did own a school uniform.  The teacher is Flash Gordon.
Unfortunately, without any encouragement, I wasted much of my time at CBS, ending up in 5F and getting three 'O' levels without studying.  I was too busy enjoying life away from school to bother, much to my regret.  My ambition was to be a Teddy Boy, which I achieved, but I still have strong feelings for CBS.

FROM DENNIS BIGGS 1949-56   One of the teachers to make a lasting impression was Mr Goddard, who taught us basic German grammar in 3 Alpha.  I still recall him striding between the rows of desks, ruler in hand, drumming into us the declension of the definite and indefinite, articles in the nominative, accusative, genitive and dative cases so we could chant them forward and backwards to him.  This grounding stood me in good stead, as later I took 'A' level German and later in my career I lived and worked in Germany for twelve years. 
One of the impressions and experiences of working in Germany was the general recognition of the preventative benefits of keeping fit and healthy through outdoor exercise, perhaps a legacy of earlier generations.  Employers, and the health care system, fostered the tenets through their policies of allowing workers to undertake exercise and sports. 
All workers can spend four weeks or longer on a spa break, to regenerate their health and learn better ideas about nutrition, diet and outdoor activities.  I attended such a spa break where we spent our time doing hiking, swimming, gymnastics and other sports as well as learning about diet and leisure activities such as yoga, pottery and weaving etc.
One of the lasting ideas and legacies was the teaching of Dr Kneipp that we undertake exercise in water, and to tread water on a daily basis to promote good health as well as drinking medicinal spa water.  I returned to work a stone lighter, I think in the fittest state of my life.  I am sure we in the UK could learn lessons that prevention is better than cure for many of today's ailments.  It seems to me there is not enough emphasis on the idea that a healthy mind and body are the best way to enjoy a long life.  I have continued to take holidays in several German spa towns, as well as breaks in Buxton and Harrogate.  I recommend them to maintain a state of good health.

FROM NICK 'NED' MILLER  1961-68   A belated tribute to Mr Palmer in a new book on Leicestershire Church History.  Several folk have mentioned the inspiration they gained from Michael Palmer, a history teacher during the sixties.  In particular they have recalled the Saturday excursions, which were such great fun and really brought history alive.  I was particularly taken by the treasure hunts.  On Saturday mornings we collected a sheet of clues concerning places round the county and set off on our bikes to seek the answers.  We all hoped to be in the winning team, thus the prize winners, when we returned in the late afternoon.
Many clues were about churches, not surprising given that Mr Palmer was the son of a clergyman.  Somehow that interest has stayed with me, even though my career took me far away from history and far from Leicestershire.  Inspired by an old 1950 British railways poster showing Hungarton church up on its hill, encouraging people to visit this historic county, I have written a book. Church History in Leicestershire 520 pages, plus 41 colour illustrations, it's just been published by Book Guild ISBN  9781916668065 at a giveaway price of £14.99.  Find out more at https://www.bookguild.co.uk/authors/authordetail/2289  The book is for the general reader, you will find something about everything! 
Michael Palmer is duly acknowledged in the introduction as planting the seed for the book.  It might have taken over fifty years to germinate, but great to see it flowering at last.  Mr Palmer receives due thanks, as compensation for the pranks we played on him.  (This was originally written 22nd January 2024 - Ed)

FROM DENNIS J DUGGAN  1959-64    (The following will be published in the local church magazine, but it is also relevant here - Ed)  This little tale is true, a rather trivial story of a guilty conscience and atonement.From 1959 to 1964 I was a pupil at the City of Leicester Boys Grammar School.  Apart from the secretary, and a few dinner ladies, it was an all-male environment. Christian names did not exist.  Most of the masters were old-fashioned disciplinarians, and wore gowns.  At least one had fought in the first world war, and several others were hard-bitten veterans of the second world conflict.
Physical punishment was common, but we accepted it as part of school life and never complained.  The teachers demanded, and for the most-part received, our respect. That said, two or three of the younger teachers had a more sympathetic approach, which endeared them to the more timid boys such as myself.  They managed to strike a balance between the very strict traditional approach and a gentler one, without losing the respect of the boys.
One of these was Alan Mercer, who taught maths.  Alan was a devout Christian, and formed a lunchtime club called Crusaders which met weekly.  As I recall, it was religious but not overly so.  I think it was mainly bible stories. I was not particularly religious, but went along because I liked Mr Mercer, and it was something to do over lunch (The school was in the city centre, so most boys stayed for dinner)  My pal Peter McDermott joined for the same reasons.  I think there were about a dozen of us in total.
Now to the point of this story.  Around 1962, just before the Easter holiday, Mr Mercer - obviously we did not refer to him as Alan, his nickname was Jasper - set a competition for us to enter.  Over the holiday we were challenged to write a bible story in our own words, and the prize was a book. Naturally I decided to have a try, but such matters took a back seat in favour of more interesting pursuits. Before I knew it the holiday was almost over, and I had not put pen to paper once!
It so happened our bookcase held a book of bible stories, and here the trouble began.  I opened it to find an idea for a story, but ended up copying one word for word, which I submitted without any feeling of guilt or shame.  It was Jonah and the Whale. Not surprisingly I won the competition, and duly received the prize.  I still have the book, The Third Curiosity Book for Boys, by Montague Goodman.
And there the matter might have rested, except in 1998 I created an Old Boys Association, which put me back in sporadic touch with Alan Mercer. Late last year he sent me an email, saying he had terminal cancer and his end was near.  He had declined treatment,  having 'no wish to prolong my already miserable existence.'
This provoked my repressed feelings of shame and guilt about my deceit of sixty years ago to resurface.  I confessed, and hoped I would be forgiven. The prompt reply, 'Of course I forgive you,' brought a tear to my eye

FROM FRANK SMITH  1959-66   (Frank is our IT guru - Ed (Guru's a bit tooo strong a word to describe my "skills"! - Frank))  I received this Facebook message from Rebecca Jacobs-Farnsworth.  "I just wanted to say thank you so much for this page.  I did a random search for images of my father and came across one.  It brought a big smile to my face, so thank you.  It's wonderful to find a photo I might otherwise never have seen."
I asked Rebecca for more details and offered to try to find more references to her dad, and she replied, "My father's name is Derek Green, date of birth 19.01.45.  He was good friends with Dave Hornby and Jim Gilfedder.  That's so incredibly kind, thank you.  I just appreciate you looking, anything on top of that is a bonus.  I was over the moon to find the photo.  My father passed away twelve years ago"  Derek Green is listed on the online database as attending the school from 1956-61.

FROM KEITH NICHOLSON  1961-68   I arrived at Elbow Lane September 1961, when Tony Baxter commenced his teaching career.  He was my form master, and made a bold statement on my end-of-year report regarding my maths abilities,  Turned out I did not disappoint, as I went on to Cambridge to read maths.  I was awarded an exhibition for my final year, having just missed out on a scholarship.  I must confess I was not displeased, as I spent my final year playing various sports for my college without having to fret about expectations.
My early years at CBS were unremarkable - I suspect consistent with most of my contemporaries.  I was more of a late developer than a star. 
My first memories are of the trip to Russia.  Even today, friends regard it as an extraordinary venture for a school in 1966.  Sad to say, I have not been back since, but would very much like to do so.  I have, though, returned to Berlin many times, mostly on business.  One member of our party attracted the attention of the border guards.  He refused to wake up and leave his couchette, so they could search for anyone trying to escape from East Germany.  The rather large guard managed to throw the boy out of the couchette.  The second occasion concerned our departure from Russia.  The boy had bought a camera - in those days Russian cameras were very good compared to those available in the west.  The issue was that its value exceded the money he had taken into the country - he had been trading on the black market!  He was allowed to depart and, from memory, take the camera with him.
Our maths set during 1965-68 was very small, only five.  Neil Darlison, Mick Bromilow, Steve Preston, the late Steve Zanker and myself.  At the end of the school day we regularly played cards.  Unsurprisingly it was usually bridge, though we also played poker from time to time.  Stakes were the old penny and halfpenny.  I recall the head sometimes dropped into the room after school when we were playing poker.  Coins were quickly brushed into laps, or the odd one onto the floor, but he never uttered a word.
My last memory is of Tony Baxter giving Neil and I, in his words, some experimental teaching experience.  We taught a first year sixth maths group for two terms, and set their year-end exam.  I had one further experiment - keeping a lower-school English class quiet whilst they carried out set tasks.  I was also invited to play for the staff cricket team on one occasion - it must have been as an honorary member of staff.  No doubt Tony Baxter hoped the experience would turn us into teachers, but it never happened for me.  However, I did head KPMG's training department for two years.
Tony wanted to know where people are now.  Neil Darlison went to Oxford to read maths.  Steve Preston headed to Lancaster University, and Mick Bromilow to Oxford, he became a lecturer in the Open University, and was heavily involved in athletics in Milton Keynes, for which he was awarded a BEM.  He also won blues for cross-country and athletics at Oxford.  There was a brief obituary for Steve Zanker in an earlier OWT.  But I did not keep in touch with anyone.
I went into The City, joining the firm that is now KPMG.  I qualified as a chartered accountant, picking up a prize on the way.  I became a partner, and eventually headed their UK insurance practice, as well as being an honorary partner in the Swiss firm until I retired in 2009.  I was also a member of the UK Auditing Practices Board, with special responsibility for setting standards in the audits of financial sector firms.  I should add that another Old Wyvernian, Stephen Purse - he was younger than me - also became a partner at KPMG.
Today I can be found in Sussex playing tennis four or five days per week, having retired from all my diirectorships.

AND FINALLY...   Having rashly volunteered to join the school orchestra, I was duly issued with a violin.  One day per week we had a lesson after school, with Bill Sykes and a peripatetic music teacher called Mr Hall.  They were held at Elbow Lane, in a room off the gym,  To complicate things further, my parents conceived the idea I was a musical prodigy, and enrolled me on a course of piano lessons at a house on Aylestone Road.  We had a piano at home, and I practiced for half an hour per day after school.  Now, one of my many failings is a short attention span so after a while my interest in music began to wane.  But by then my parents had purchased a lovely violin for me, so I had to keep going!  By the fourth year the remaining trainees were ready to join the orchestra, and I took part in at least one concert in the Great Hall, with parents present.  The orchestra rehearsals took place once per week after school, and lasted one hour.    By that time the piano lessons had long-ceased as a waste of money, and I began to skip the odd orchestra practice.  I had to make sure my parent's suspicions were not aroused, so I spent the hour wandering round the city centre before catching the later bus home.  Carting the violin to and from school was a right nuisance, so I began to leave it in the corner of the hall with the spare school instruments.  When my parents queried this, I fed them a cock-and-bull story which, because I was such a plausible liar, they swallowed hook line and sinker.  I thought I was being clever by attending occasional practices after school to keep Bill  happy, but unbeknown to me the first of two calamities was about to befall me  (To be continued - Ed)

Dennis J Duggan  1959-64
February 27th 2024

Fwd: BONUS OWT Online February 2024

Date: Sat, 3 Feb 2024 at 12:53
Subject: BONUS OWT Online February 2024
 

OLD WYVES' TALES
A BONUS ONLINE VERSION
FEBRUARY 2024
EDITED BY DENNIS J DUGGAN

I am pleased to announce that we now have so many contributions I am able to offer this bonus edition of OWT.  Please keep them coming so we can keep the memories of our old school alive!!!

EDITORIAL   Submissions are always welcome, subject to the following provisos:,
i) I reserve the right to edit articles if I consider it necessary.  Reasons include, to correct errors in grammar, punctuation or spelling;  to make an article more concise, and thus more readable; to remove any allegations against individuals, founded or unfounded; to remove any hurtful comments regarding individuals, founded or unfounded; tales of bad or illegal behaviour, however innocent they seem now!
ii)  Topics are basically restricted to your time at CBS, and/or your career path.  You can also include sporting activities etc. 
Having said all that, I wonder how many errors will creep into the text below!!
Please send contributions via email to djduggan2023@outlook.com   Text only, please.  Send photos direct to Frank via the facebook page.

ARNOLD 'DOC' BURROWS   The Doc's funeral took place on January 25th, and was attended by six Old Boys.  More details can be found on the fb page.

FROM CHRIS HOWE   Sad to read of the passing of Doc Burrows.  He helped a great number of pupils during his career.  During my time in the sixth form, 1963-65, he encouraged a small number of us to stay after school - I think it was Fridays - and attempt some of the preparations in the Finar organic chemistry text book.  He was doubtful as to whether or not they would work.  His advice to initially treat published data with some caution stood me in good stead.  I only forgot it once, during my naval and MoD career, and luck rather than judgement subsequently saved my bacon.  When I was offered a place at Leicester University, Doc was unimpressed and thought I could do better.  I think he had forgotten I was a linguistic moron, so could not pass the French 'O' level required by most universities at that time.  My late mother-in-law also remembered The Doc. It seems he carried the cross at her wedding in St Barnabas church, Humberstone, in 1945.

OBITUARIES   John Page informs us that Richard Thompson (1949-56) passed away January 8th 2023.
From Alan Pykett Sid Lee (1959-66) passed away around November 2022.  Sid had lived in Scotland for many years, most recently Jedburgh.  I met up with Sid in 2017, when he went to see Elgin City play.  I believe we were in the same forms for our seven years at CBS.
From Keith Brown  Dennis Brown (1953-59)  died in Toronto in 2017.  Although never a great academic (I have his school reports, which make rather amusing reading - they daren't write them like that any more!) he was a keen member of the school Army Cadet Force and an accomplished marksman, qualifying at Bisley in the one hundreds. Thwarted in his ambition to pursue an army career, Dennis did government research in early data communications, then emigrated to Canada in 1969.  He worked for Air Canada, ending up as a maintenance technician on flight simulators.  It was a job he loved, and always said it was the second-best job at Air Canada - after the President!  Working for the airline fostered his interest in aviation, and allowed him to indulge his passion for travel, which he did extensively.  Dennis was a keen amateur pilot with his own aeroplane, on which he lavished attention and indulged his passion for flying.  He retained a fondness for his old school, and attended the reunions when in this country at the appropriate time.  He succumbed to a rare form of cancer in June 2017.
Don Hillier passed away May 2022
Martin Fretter  1959-?? Passed away during September 2023.  Martin grew up in Thurnby Lodge, and worked in banking and electronics.  He celebrated his golden wedding anniversary in March 2023.  He was very active locally, particularly in matters of history, and until 2019 was editor of the LRFHS journal.  In his later years Martin developed health problems, and passed away in hospital.
From Trish Kenyon   My brother, Ron Melia, born 14.5.38, passed away on December 15th 2023.  He attended CBS from the age of eleven, but I don't think he stayed on in the sixth form.  I have often been asked about him.  (Trish was a very welcome and regular visitor at the reunions, and is one of two female honorary Wyvernians, the other being Stephanie Duggan - Ed)

FROM STEFAN WOZOWCZYK   1965-72   How wonderful that OWT has returned.  A couple of names excited me.  I'm not going to name the teacher, but I passed maths 'O' level in 1970 with grade 1 then two years later achieved a grade A at 'A' level.  It was my subject, but I could not have done it without the finest teacher I ever had.  He knows who he is!  But I will name Alan Eales.  He was a fine maths teacher in the sixth form, and is seldom mentioned.
They both might like to know I studied maths at university and failed horribly.  I spent the next fifty years wandering round the world.  I too ended up in Australia, perhaps we should form an ex-pats group?  I never lost the love of learning given to me by CBS.  Even now my wife sometimes gets up in the morning and tells me, 'You were up late last night.and been at them prime numbers again.'  Well, I can't help it!
I didn't know that Rob Willson's name had two L's.  We were in the same class and I too was on the SS Uganda   And my dad couldn't afford it either.

FROM ALAN MERCER   (Alan was a teacher at CBS in the early sixties.  Sadly, since he sent this item last year, Alan has passed away - Ed)  I wonder how many remember a ski trip to Hoch Solden, Austria, in 1963?  We 'lost' three pupils on the return journey.  Interestingly, in the staff room before the trip, it was suggested that if we did lose any boys they were the ideal candidates!  The instructions were to get on the ski lift, which only held four at a time, and meet in the valley below.  But the three culprits decided to walk down the mountain.  The snow was crisp up at the hotel, and the ground in Solden dry.  But n between it was slush, then mud.  Consequently we missed the local train to take us into Switzerland, where we would change to the Alberg Express at midnight.  The station master came to our rescue.  For a fee of 17 schillings they would stop the express.  It was a wonderful sight to see the sparks fly as the enormous engine was brought to a halt.  In the end it worked out far better, as we no longer had to change at midnight.  Perhaps after sixty years it's time to thank those boys!
On another topic, at lunchtime in the main staff room in Humberstone Gate there was a bridge school.  But at Elbow Lane we had a slate board for shove ha'penny  (The pub variety)  A young French teacher was very good, and admitted he had spent too many hours playing it whilst at Oxford.  He blamed it for his 4th class degree,, that being in the days before 2i and 2ii degrees were awarded.

FROM BRIAN STEVENSON  1959-65   I was sorry to hear that Alan Mercer had passed away.  As stated, he was one of the younger, less harsh teachers.  Although this occasionally exposed him to a bit of 'playing up' he was never in danger of completely losing control - as per Bill Sykes or Dickie Diack.  His nickname was Jasper, he taught me maths in 3 Alpha.  I still remember the time and trouble he took with me, as maths was not exactly my strong point.  He rapidly identified this weakness, and made a habit of taking me aside after a new maths topic was introduced and going through it patiently on an individual basis.  I've always been grateful for this, and I rank him as one of the two best maths teachers I encountered at the school The other was Basher Brewin, who had a somewhat different style but somehow he got this maths dimwit an 'O' level!

FROM JOHN PASIECZNIK  1971-78   (This was written in January 2023 - Ed)  My classmate Bruce Pegg (1971-78) has written a book covering sixty five years of rock and pop concerts at De Montfort Hall.  I attended the book launch at the Marquis of Wellington, London Road in November 2022.We had group photos taken inside and outside at the famous venue.  Bruce has included many people's memories of rock and pop concerts over six decades at the De Mont - stories about The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin.  Plus Leicester favourites Englebert and Showaddywaddy are all included.  There are also amazing photos of  tickets and a comprehensive list of concerts from 1957.  You can order Goin Down De Mont. A People's History of Concerts, for £19.99 via https://spenwoodbooks.com

FROM JON PRITCHETT  1965-72   I was a member of Charnwood House, and being of a sometimes-obsessive sporting persuasion I was always keen to take part in as many inter-house events as possible.  However, Charnwood and Abbey always seemed to be over-powered by the might of Bradgate and/or De Montfort, especially on sports day, though I have no facts to back that up.  Time can cloud memories, but I have recollections of some fearful beatings, with the possible exception of cricket, during my seven years at the school.  So I took it upon myself to question the allocation process of first-year boys, as I was unhappy that Charnwood were always so short of sporting talent.  I think it was Ken Witts who told me that names were drawn out of a hat, by whom he did not know.  Maybe it was just during my time this disparity seemed to exist, or maybe the masters associated with Bradgate and De Montfort identified the sporty types and manipulated the system accordingly.  Surely not...  (I was allocated to Abbey 1959-64, but was never interested in any type of sport, though did enjoy cross-country.  My own recollection of that period is Abbey being very successful on the whole.  But I have no positive facts to back that up - Ed)

FROM DAVID BILLSDON   An enjoyable reunion (March 2023) when I met up some familiar faces and one or two I had not seen since 1966.  Several people queried the meaning of the school song chorus, here is the Google Translate effort.  Can any Latin scholar improve on it?
Vivat crescat in aeturnum floreat                    May it live and grow forever
Scola quam laudamus,                                    The school we praise                             
Primem lucem juventutius                              The first light of youth
Semper te amamus                                         We always love you

FROM NICK (NED) MILLER  1961-66   I discovered the Wyvernians web site pretty late in the day, and I hope someone can answer my enquiry.  Does anyone know the whereabouts of Mr Palmer, he was referred to as Arnold and/or Percy, I think, but I never knew his real name.  He was one of the history teachers in the mid to late sixties and organised Saturday treasure hunts.  They involved cycling from Downing Drive to East Leicestershire, searching for answers to history clues in various villages.

FROM JON PRITCHETT  1965-72   (A second contribution - Ed)  Thankfully smoking is now seen as more socially unacceptable than hitherto, but during my days at Downing Drive witnessed it often.  Sad to say I was one of the many who went to some lengths to enjoy a fag whilst in school uniform.  The bike sheds were the go-to sanctuary for a nicotine fix, though I recall a little recess to side, or rear, of the woodwork room which was also used.  In the summer one could wander off across the playing field, also in foggy weather, with minimal fear of detection, though I suspect the staff were well aware what was going on.There were periodic purges to catch the miscreants, one of whom (I think it was Ken Witts) developed a technique of flicking water under toilet doors, then presenting a detention to boys seen with wet shoes!  All quite laughable really, as whenever you had resson to visit the staff room, or worse, Jock Gilman's office, you were met with clouds of smoke when the door was opened.

FROM RICH WAKEFIELD  1961-69   (Rich's hat trick was to attend Elbow Lane, Humberstone Gate and Downing Drive - Ed)  Cast your minds back to a glorious afternoon (Come on chaps, try hard, you can do it...) and think of that sun and blue sky illuminating the lush grass of the Downing Drive sports field.  Visualise that grass gleaming greener and brighter than ever before.  An idyllic scene, in fact.
That lovely afternoon is very special, one of the great events that graced the school calendar.  A red-letter day, one looked forward to by the whole school.  Yes, it was the day that eleven noble masters, mainly from the younger end of the age spectrum, elected to reveal their knees.  In order to justify the spectacle of bare patellas a subterfuge was employed, that being a sporting football encounter between the bare-kneed staff and the school first eleven.
The game was going well.  The masters, though not as nimble and speedy as the boys, had experience and guile on their side.  The game remained tight, but then the masters pressed forward, swamping the first-eleven penalty area.  The defenders struggled to keep their goal intact.  Then suddenly, it happened.  A hefty boot sent the ball hurtling towards the halfway line, just inside the left-hand touchline.  It was an early demonstration of what the redoubtable Jackie Charlton referred to as the 'W' plan.  The ball rolled swiftly over the immaculate grass, getting closer to the attacking half of the pitch.  A first-eleven player was making good speed along the wing and gaining on the ball.  Sadly, he was unaware of the danger.  A fleet-footed master, Mr William Mann, was also making a bee-line for the ball from an oblique angle so unseen by the heroic first-elevener.
The crowd feared a collision or, even worse, that Mr Mann might reach the ball first thus depriving the first-eleven the chance of launching a major assault.  Then it happened.  A voice from the touchline alerted the first-elevener to the danger by calling, 'Watch out.  Don't let Bill get it!'  The now-bemused Mr Mann swivelled, at the risk of putting his hip out, and delayed his progress by waving an admonishing finger at the schoolboy who had raised the alarm. But to be fair, he also grinned widely.
This was the chink in the masters' armour.  The boy took possession of the ball and sped towards the goal  It looked like him versus the goalkeeper, as the entire masters' team was now stranded and making their laborious way back to stem the danger.  The race was unequal, with the boy putting more yards between himself and the labouring masters.  He finished his run in fine style by confidently stroking the ball into the net, to the joy of the crowd and the first-eleven.
And that, my friends, is how I came to 'assist' a goal for the school first-eleven from my position among the standees on the touchline.

AND FINALLY...  I too can claim a hat-trick, as I attended Lee Circle, Elbow Lane and Humberstone Gate.  The 1959 intake was the last to use the former British Restaurant 'huts', before they were demolished to make way for the multi-storey car park.  Boys watched  the work from The Pen, noting the novel use of tower cranes.  I recall the gas fires in the classrooms.  My desk was at the back of the room, directly in front of the fire, so I was often uncomfortably too warm.  The laboratory was also used as the hall, the staff room being nearby.  Wally Wardle was in charge.  During the intake's first morning, Wally burst into the room to enquire if any of us had an interest in joining the school orchestra.  It occurred to me that it might be a good idea to show a bit of enthusiasm, so without thinking it through I raised my hand.  It was a decision that led me into all sorts of trouble, both at home and at school.  I have told the sorry tale before, but it was many years ago so I will repeat it in a future OWT.

Dennis J Duggan  1959-64
February 2nd 2024

Fwd: OWT

OLD WYVES TALES
NEW ON-LINE VERSION
NOVEMBER 2023
EDITED BY DENNIS J DUGGAN

INTRODUCTION   Following on from the closure of Wyvernians in March, there was a feeling it would be a shame if our world-wide organisation vanished almost completely.  Admittedly we still had Brian's twice -yearly lunches, but realistically they could only cater for those living in and around Leicester.  OWT seemed a way of keeping in touch, but after well over 0ne hundred issues contributions had all but dried up.  But an appeal for material has brought forth enough to make this online version worthwhile, and hopefully will stir more memories.  This new version will only appear online, you will not receive it via email.  Send contributions to Dennis (click/tap HERE for email address)

FROM JOHN BLAIKIE  1955-62   The passing of the late Bobby Charlton prompted a memory of my own.

Being a member of the chess team, I was entered into an all-schools chess congress during Easter 1960.  I won my group of six contestants, so on Saturday evening I, along with other group winners against a local county champion. 

I was doing alright, and might have achieved a draw, but I looked at the clock and realised I had to leave.  So, to the amazement of the other player, I deliberately made a losing move.  I said I was late for an appointment and had to leave.

The appointment?  Match of the Day.  England 1 - Scotland 0, and a diving header by none other than Bobby Charlton.

Sometimes you just have to get your priorities right!

OBITUARIES Alan Mercer recently passed away after a long illness.  Alan taught at CBS for around four years in the early sixties.  He was much younger than the other teachers, and less harsh in his treatment of pupils.  He was my favourite teacher, and I attended his lunchtime sessions of The Crusaders, a sort of semi-religious club.  At the end of one term he set a competition over the holiday, this being to tell a bible story in one's own words.  I was, and am, ashamed to admit I copied my entry, about Jonah and the whale, from a storybook we had at home.  This won me the prize - a book I still have somewhere.  Shortly before he passed away, Alan emailed me to say his end was near, and this prompted me to tell him about my cheating and ask for his forgiveness.  This Alan gave graciously, and wrote 'Of course I forgive you.'
From Malcolm Savage  1963-70   Great news that OWT is to continue.  This is to advise that my twin brother, Pat (1963-68) passed away on May 1st after a courageous nine month battle with cancer.  He survived four cardiac arrests in 2017, and been battling with Parkinson's Disease since 2018.  He was seventy one years old.  After leaving CBS in 1968 he worked at the E W Brian knitting factory.  Later he set up his own catering business after moving to Welwyn Garden City.
From Peter Knudssen (Nutt)  1950-55   My brother, Jeffrey Joseph Nutt died at the beginning of October 2023.  He was an Old Wyvernian, born December 28th 1929 and was ninety three years old.  Living in Countesthorpe for most of his life, he worked in several roles prior to his National Service.  Much of this was in the Royal Army Dental Corps at Glen Parva.  Most of his working life was with Lloyds bank in Leicester.  Always keen on sport he played football and cricket at local level, but later in life took up race walking at long-distance level.  He participated in a number of London to Brighton, and Leicester to Skegness, races with the Olympian Leicester walker Albert Staines.  In later years he was a long-serving member of Countesthorpe Bowling Club, even playing for them abroad.  Unfortunately Jeff was severely deaf and took early retirement, but loved bird watching, model making and jigsaw puzzles.  Jeff leaves a wife, three daughters, many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He will be sorely missed by his many friends and family.  He did attend a reunion at Clarence House a few years ago

FROM TONY BAXTER   I make this contribution in the hope that OWT will continue to flourish.  I think it's a good idea to continue it, as it helps those friends and colleagues who can't attend the lunches to keep in touch.

At home I have a drawer stuffed with old letters sent before emails and smart phones existed.  It needed sorting so I began to rummage and, of course, read many of them.  Some were from my time as a pupil at CBS, and many more from my early years as a teacher.

When the school was in Humberstone Gate, three teachers made a habit of visiting a small cafe, which I think was in Churchgate.  They were Bob Roberts, John Gimson and Tony Baxter. The lady who served the tasty meals must have thought we were an odd trio, but when we headed back to afternoon school she always uttered a hearty 'Chairy-oh!'

I was reminded of this quirky daily routine by a letter from John Gimson.  This was sent many years after he had left the school and moved to Yorkshire.

Other letters remind me of pupils I taught, or who worked with me on the school drama productions.  Where are Dick Kirby, Andrew Muggleton, M J Rosinger, Neil Darlinson, John Wawby, Andy Hayman, Geoff Litchfield - to name but a few.

I am indebted to Andy Marlow for his remarkable CBS history book.

Does this email trigger memories for other ex-pupils and teachers?

FROM JOHN A HILL  1949-56   (John writes from Chapel Hill, North Carolina)  My parents put CBS as first choice because they considered Wyggy to be too snobbish, and I have always been delighted by that decision.  The teachers were a wonderful cast of characters, and I was very fortunate they put up with me.  To them, and their patience, I owe the fortunate life I have enjoyed.

Although placed in 1 Alpha I was not well-behaved, and in the three terms I received five, five and seventeen detentions.  That was not well-received, and I was threatened with expulsion.  To make up for the lost house points I was forced by the De Montfort seniors to enter the swimming sports day, and was placed last in the beginners' width.  I survived and improved, but still collected detentions like stamps.  In 4 Alpha my house seniors forced me to enter the athletics on sports day, and not being quick on my feet I entered the 880 yards under-fifteen race.  To my amazement I finished third!  It was a lucky discovery, because in my final two years I won both the 880 yards and the one mile races.

During my first year I used to travel home on the No 31 bus from Charles Street.  On one occasion it had just left, and was stopped at the traffic lights outside Woolworths.  I caught up and jumped on, went upstairs and found a seat at the front.  Then DING!  The bus stopped, the conductor came upstairs and escorted me off the bus with a suitable admonishment.  I then ran to the next stop, by the police HQ,where I reboarded and returned to the same seat.  I received a rousing cheer and round of applause.  That felt really good to a twelve-year-old.

We had Bull Smith for chemistry in 3 Alpha, and I well remember his 'Boy - fetch beakers one in number' or 'Go find flasks, two in number.'

In the first year, 1949-50, several of us would go to the bakery on Charles Street (Bayliss's?) at lunch time and buy stale meringues at 1d each.  Sometimes we went to Lewis's, where we ran up and down the escalators.

In 3 Alpha we were taught German by Mr Hantusch, a Czech I believe.  He had the habit of sitting on the corner of the desk on the front row, with his foot on the seat next to the leg of the boy sitting there.  He often wore black shoes, and on a couple of occasions when he was concentrating on the lesson the boy concerned - I think it was Neil - carefully drew a swastika in white chalk on the toecap of the right shoe.  He was never caught!

For some of the less severe teachers a board duster might have a match inserted between the layers of material and, if done well, it would light up when the duster was used.  It was not uncommon for pieces of chalk, paper balls or even paper aeroplanes to be flying around while a relatively lax teacher was writing on the blackboard.

On the second level was a classroom which overlooked Hill Street.  On the last day of term before the Easter holiday, 1950 or 1951, some of us were walking down Hill Street at lunchtime and found a kipper on the floor.  One boy was sent to the aforementioned classroom, and after he had opened the window the kipper was thrown up.  It was later deposited in Ron Gutteridge's desk and the smell was awful.  But to my knowledge that was the last we heard about it.

I am sure the lunches have been much discussed in OWT, but I will never forget being on Flash Gordon's table and being forced to eat inedible potatoes, almost colourless cabbage and what looked like frogspawn!  Slaps round the head from Flash were almost as hard as those of Bill Sykes, but less frequent.

In the last few weeks of my final year we were lucky to have the prefects' room, and we spent many hilarious afternoons there.  I will always remember Bob Gregory telling shaggy dog stories, because they would usually go on for ten or fifteen minutes before the (usually useless) punchline was reached to everyone's relief.

Finally a note on careers advice.I have always loved maps and geography, so thought a career involving maps would suit.  After choosing the science track into 5S, and after 'O' levels, we had to choose three main subjects for 'A' levels.  This presented a challenge, as I did not know which to take besides geography.  So one afternoon I knocked on the staff room door to ask for advice.  I think it was Mr Remington who emerged from the smoke-filled room.  What follows is as near to the conversation that I can manage.

Me:  I would like to concentrate on geography, but don't know what else to study.

Mr R:  Well, we don't really teach anything on the science side that fits with geography.

Me:  So what can I do?

Mr R:  Well, what else are you good at?

Me:  Nothing particularly.

Mr R:  In which subject were you placed highest in your class?

Me:  I was fourth in chemistry.

Mr R:  So why don't you do chemistry then?  Chemistry, physics and maths go well together.

Me:  OK, thank you.

So a discussion lasting less than one minute was the only career advice I received, and it set me on a career in chemistry instead of my beloved geography.  It must have been good advice, because I ended up with a Ph D in organic chemistry and worked in chemistry for most of my working life in the UK, USA and finally for a company in China.

FROM ROB WILLSON  1964-72   In the spring og 1968 we were invited to take part in a two-week 'educational' cruise around the eastern Mediterranean aboard the SS Uganda.  I think the total cost, including flights and meals, was around £65 per boy.  This represented three weeks wages for my dad, so I was very fortunate my parents allowed me to go.  The SS Uganda was used as a hospital ship during the 1982 Falklands war. 

We flew from Gatwick to Genoa, where we boarded the ship, then travelled to Malta, Egypt, Turkey and Venice.  We slept in dormitories on board.  There were boys and girls from all areas of the country.  I don't recall a lot of formal education, and everyone - including the teachers - had a great time. 

One incident in Egypt stands out.  We visited Cairo, the Sphynx and the pyramids.  Some of us purchased souvenirs from market traders.  It was a novelty to haggle, and the most popular items were stuffed camels.  During the following night our slumbers were disturbed by itching and scratching.  It transpired that the camels were infested with fleas, because they had been stuffed with camel dung!  Needless to say the teachers demanded that all the souvenirs purchased in Egypt be handed in, and they were unceremoniously dumped overboard.

FROM RAY HARROLD  1952-56   I live in Australia, south-west of Sydney.  I joined CBS in the second year (1952) having completed my first year at Derby Grammar School.

In 1956 I completed six GCE 'O' levels and left school to become a student electrical apprentice at Leicester power station.  With a family like mine it was what one did, there being no thought of the sixth form or university. 

I am pleased to say I picked up a bachelors and masters degrees in my thirties, having served eleven years in the Royal Navy.   After working in electrical/electronic engineering for a number of years I finished my working life as a university lecturer.

In summary, CBS gave me an excellent basic education that stood me in good stead throughout my life.  I strongly believe it is the type of education that should be used today.

It is very unlikely I will be attending any reunion lunches.  All of my classmates are in their mid-eighties or dead!

FROM DAVE PALMER  1957-64   One amusing event I often recall took place in my first year at CBS when we were in the Lee Circle huts.  Mr Gould took us for English, and on the first morning gave duties to various boys in the class.  He told us he was a lover of fresh air, and I was given the task of making sure all the windows were open before he arrived.

They were old buildings, and I think some of the windows had never been opened.  One in particular was very stiff, so I gave it a good thump with the palm of my hand.  But I missed the frame and hit the glass, which smashed just as Mr Gould arrived.  He was not very happy, but fortunately I did not have any cuts.

After that I never got on very well with English - in fact I had to have two goes to achieve my 'O' level!

AND FINALLY...   I have related this tale many years ago, but it is one of my favourites so am repeating it.  Here in Welshpool Stephanie and I occasionally come across a crocodile of school children on their was to who knows where!  All the kids wear high-vis jackets, and are accompanied by an army of teachers and classroom assistants.  How different to the sixties, in particular the exceptionally severe winter of 1962/63.  Normal games activities were out of the question, which more than suited me, but life had to go on.  So around once per week we were bussed to Grace Road, and walked back into town along Aylestone Road.  I think we were usually accompanied by only two teachers, Jock Gilman and Bill Mann, who spent their time at the head of the crocodile chatting to each other.  At the time my family lived in South Wigston, on the new Fairfield Estate, and it so happened that the No 87 Corporation bus - my transport home - went past Grace Road.  So I could not see the point of walking all the way into town, only to return on the same route, and occasionally I had the opportunity to take advantage of the situation.  If I could make sure the teachers were somewhere near the front of the crocodile, and I could manage to become the back marker, I would nip into one of the large front gardens until the crocodile was some distance away.  Then it was a simple matter to wait for the No 87 at the nearby stop.  I probably only attempted it two or three times, but always got away with it and thought myself to be very clever.

Dennis J Duggan  1959-64

Fwd: OWT

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Brian Screaton 
Date: Sun, 22 Oct 2023 at 11:56
Subject: OWT
To: 

Hello,

At the Old Wyves Lunch I was asked several times about what is going to happen to Old Wyves Tales. Well, the good news is that it will continue, but will be posted on the Wyvernians website rather than emailed out to everyone. Dennis has kindly agreed to continue in his role as editor and Frank Smith will ensure that each issue is put on to the website. You will be notified each time a new edition appears on the Wyvernians website which is of course www.wyvernians.org.uk and you can then click/tap the Newsletters button.

But OWT cannot continue without your contributions. They can be a few lines or a few pages, but the important thing is that we actually receive contributions so that OWT can live on. In short, no contributions = no OWT, so please get your thinking caps on and rack your brains for your memories of City Boys. Contributions should be sent to Dennis and please note his new email address which is djduggan2023@outlook.com. The deadline for the next issue is 30th November so please send in your memories before that date.

We look forward to being inundated with your contributions!

Best wishes,

Brian

Fwd: OWT117 Jan 2023

OLD WYVES' TALES 117
FOR WYVERNIANS 1919-76

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

WELSHPOOL, MONTGOMERYSHIRE. SY21 7NA

TEL 01938 555574   07804 520730  

www.wyvernians.org.uk

www.facebook.com/oldwyvernians
  JANUARY 2023

EDITORIAL   At 4pm on Saturday March 18th 2023, Wyvernians as we know it will be no more.  After twenty five successful years the time has come to hang up our satchels.  Feedback from the original announcement showed the decision was the right one.  Better to go out on a high, rather than the inevitable whimper if we struggled on for a few more years.  Since 1998 many old friendships have been renewed and twenty three reunions have taken place.  Andy Marlow wrote a detailed history of the school, and we have amassed a vast amount of memorabilia.  One hundred and seventeen OWT's have been compiled.  There can be few 'ordinary' grammar schools able to match our achievements, we can feel proud.  I have said, many times, how ironic it is that after my difficult five years I should have been the chap who resurrected the original Old Wyvernians, but I am pleased and proud to have done so.  The memorabilia is currently in safe storage in South Wigston, coincidentally on the Fairfield estate where my family lived from 1961 to 1977.  We have hopes that the documents will be accepted by the Leicestershire Records Office, and the balance will go to the Museum Service.  As regards Old Wyves' Tales,  readers will have noticed it has been shrinking over the past few editions.  Hardly a surprise!  But so long as contributions continue to be received it will carry on, albeit at a reduced frequency.
Invitations and full details for the reunion will be sent to you asap.

AN APPEAL  On occasion, members have asked to borrow items from the collection.  Hopefully no one has borrowed anything without permission!!  No records have been kept, SO IF YOU DO HAVE ANYTHING PLEASE BRING IT TO THE REUNION.  If you are not attending, but do have something to return, please contact Brian Screaton to make the necessary arrangements.

FROM KEN WARD 1959-66   The 1st XI's defeat at the hands of King's College, Cambridge, was avenged by defeating Worcester College 11 - 1, with Geoff Elliott scoring three and yours truly two.  We had a write up in the Leicester Mercury.  fame at last!  In my last year it was decided the school should also have a rugby team to represent the school.  There was always going to be banter between the sporty blokes (footballers) and the grunts (rugby players)  The only way to decide which was the cream was to have a game of each.  I don't remember much about the football match, other than we won.  But now for the crunch match.  I was small, they were big.  They knew the rules, I didn't have a clue.  They won by a large margin, and I learned a big lesson - DON'T PLAY RUGBY.  My idea was to pick up the ball and run - between legs if necessary.  I was doing OK until a monster, eighteen years old and probably eighteen stone, picked up both me and the ball and threw me to the ground.  His mates then piled on top of me. 
At the finish of the sixth form exams I was relieved, as one would expect.  But I could not have realised the changes coming my way, and how I would, or could, deal with them.  First thing to hit me was the realisation I could legally enter a pub, which is what we did after the final exam.  But once the results were out, what would become of me?  I had a conditional offer from Imperial College, which was well out of my depth with two waiting lists, plus Brunel University and Loughborough College.  Rejections came from Nottingham and one other.  In August we went to the school to obtain our 'A' level results.  I queued while the secretary, Gill Povoas, handed out the certificates.  I remember looking at the Imperial 66 manual typewriter - was that an omen?  My modest achievement was a 'B' in chemistry, 'C' in physics and 'D' in maths.  So what of my future?  Not much chance of Imperial College, London, as they wanted three passes at 'B'.  I waited for two weeks to find I had been accepted by Imperial and I was amazed to say the least.  So I went to Imperial in 66!
Many of my schoolmates also went to London universities, my biggest mistake being not to keep in touch with them.  We could have supported each other, and shared experiences. But I did bump into a few old mates.  Paul Vaughan in Liverpool, I think he said he became a dentist.  Michael Kitchen, who I met in a trendy South Kensington pub.  We talked about his drama ambitions, so no surprises there.  I literally bumped into Andy Tear in a football match against University College, London (?)  He was left back, I was on the right wing.  He tackled me, and we went down in a heap, but my initial anger melted away when I recognised Andy. I also met Des Moran, he was working for Bridgeford's in Altrincham.  I was having problems selling my house - this was in the seventies - and he came to the rescue.  Des, if you are reading this, a big thank you!
Before I end my story, I would like to say a huge thank you to all the masters who gave support and encouragement along the way.  They made my school life so enjoyable, and left me with some great memories.  I did manage to graduate from Imperial College as a chemical engineer.  I had a wonderful, challenging and exciting career with companies such as British Oxygen, Burmah Oil, ICI Phamaceuticals and AstraZeneka.
I mentioned one teacher in my previous contributions, he said, 'Ward, if you haven't applied to go to university then you should.'  I said it wasn't for me, but he insisted and the rest is history.  Thank you for your attention - home time.

FROM MERVYN BROWN  1958-62   With reference to fags, as mentioned by Alan Pykett in OWT116, I also recall the ritual of being made to run between lines of second-year boys as they gleefully bashed us on the head with folded caps.  I seem to remember that one or two did not wish to participate and attempted resistance, but they were dealt with less gently than the rest of us!

FROM ROGER GOWLAND  1957-64   Happily retired in North Devon, I have bumped into a vision of lovliness known as Julie Bowskill.  During a few short chats we realised we had something in common.  I was a pupil at Humberstone Gate, and several years later Julie taught at Downing Drive  (So not that much in common then!)  Our chats did not lead to a date, but I wondered if any readers recall Mrs Bowskill.

OBITUARIES   Harry (Henry John) Newman, 1945-50, passed away October 2022.
Mike Capenerhurst (1947-51 ) passed away peacefully November 1st 2022 aged 87 at his home in Wanganui, New Zealand  (Information from John Capenerhurst 1951-58)
From John Pasiecznik 1971-78 :  I regret to inform you that Chris Jez Holden, the very popular history teacher 1969-76, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 17th 2022.  He was seventy five.  CBS was his first teaching post, when in his twenties with black curly hair.  He travelled to the school on his motor bike.  Chris was ceetainly different to many of the long-established teachers.  He liked football and Monty Python, which made him even more popular.  Chris was an inspirational history teacher and made the sometimes-dry subject come alive.  I obtained top grade in 'O' level history, and took the subject at 'A' level.  I went on to take history and politics at Manchester University.  And perhaps, through his love of football - he was a lifelong Man Utd fan - Chris might have inspired a young Gary Lineker to take up the game.  RIP Chris, 1947-2022.
From Andy Howes 1957-60:  I want to report that my cousin Stephen (Steve) Mellor (1960-66) died in Spain December 5th 2022.  I belive it was a heart attack, but the jury is out.

FROM STEFAN WOZOWCZYK  1965-72   My mum had asked if I wanted long or short trousers.  I wanted long.  Satchel or briefcase?  Brief case.  And so, in September 1965, I walked into Downing Drive.  I was full of fear.  My mother had offered to accompany me, but I declined.  I caught the bus into town, then the bus out of town.  I don't think we should denigrate those of us who were not at Humberstone Gate or Elbow Lane.  I call Downing Drive Downing Strive.  I walked in and, yes, at the age of eleven I got clobbered by the caps.  They were never going to do any serious damage.  For the next seven years I received what I consider to be the finest education anyone could hope for.  I hated a lot of it, but that is neither here nor there.  Wally Wardle and Sadie Thompson both taught me.  I would like to name others, but they are still alive and attending the reunions, so don't want to embarrass them.  But I would like to credit one.  I have had a lifelong fascination with prime numbers, and at almost seventy years of age I am still scribbling mysterious notes whch my wife finds on the kitchen table.  She suspects they are secret messages to Martians, or lovers!
I refuse to have anything to do with social media, so when OWT arrives I am thrilled.  I will try to write more frequently so it can continue.  Perhaps we could compile a catalogue of those fine teachers.  I was not aware that Grit Whitbread was also Aunty Gritty.  I was beaten up four times, twice by the school thugs, though apparently I put up a good fight, and twice by teachers.  No doubt they would be dismissed nowadays, but as I said, they gave me a superb education.

FROM DAVE POSTLES  1960-67   Re the seat in Oadby dedicated to Grit Whitbread, it was donated by his daughter, Hilary, who worked in the personnel department at the University of Leicester, whilst I was also employed there.  I met Grit at the Department of English Local History on a celebratory occasion, when he visited with Hilary.  Towards the end he was ill, and I suspect that Hilary looked after him.

AND FINALLY...   It's odd what insignificant memories from my time at CBS became  lodged in my brain.  Bob Dennis was one of the younger, kindly, masters.  His subject was science, and one day in the lab at Elbow Lane his topic was good and bad conductors of heat.  He made a comment that, even at that tender age, I thought was rather sexist as my mother was regarded as being very clever.  Bob said something like, 'You might have noticed that when your mother makes a mug of coffee she probably puts a spoon in the cup first.  She won't know why she does this, but it is to take up some of the heat from the boiling water so the mug does not crack.'

Dennis J Duggan  1959-64
January 5th 2022

Fwd: OWT116 Oct 2022

OLD WYVES' TALES 116
FOR WYVERNIANS 1919-76

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

WELSHPOOL, MONTGOMERYSHIRE. SY21 7NA

TEL 01938 555574   07804 520730  

www.wyvernians.org.uk

www.facebook.com/oldwyvernians
OCTOBER 2022

LUNCH 2022   Wednesday October 12th at Clarence House.  I hear the event was a great success, with about twenty five people enjoying an excellent meal - and excellent service - courtesy of Age UK.  Many thanks to Brian, Frank and John for making the arrangements. 

To see a few photos on Facebook (courtesy of John Hames) click/tap HERE 

FROM DENNIS BIGGS  1949-56   With the passing of the Queen, and her funeral, my thoughts went back to 1952 when her father, King George VI, died.  I was in 4 Alpha at the time, and recall Mr Gould, our form master and English teacher, informing us of his death.  As far as I can recall, we were sent home for the day.  The radio played solemn music for days, and as a result we missed our favourite programmes.  We did not have a TV set at the time.  The coronation took place in 1953, and the whole city centre was decorated with bunting.  But it was a miserable, damp day.  We crowded in front of a neighbour's small TV to watch the ceremony and procession.  It was a day to remember, and we also had the news that Mount Everest had been conquered by Edmund Hilary and Sherpa Tensing.  One other hazy memory goes back to, I think, 1946 when King George and Queen Elizabeth visited Leicester.  We were taken from Humberstone Junior School to Victoria Park to wave to the royal party as they paraded through the city.  That was my only contact with the royal family, as despite living in London for the past fifty seven years I have never managed to attend another royal event.  I'm sure Queen Elizabeth II visited Leicester several times, but by then I was on my travels.  I wonder what my old school friends recall of these events?

NEW FB PAGE   Mick Howell (1973-80) has created a new facebook page for ex-pupils who joined CBS in 1973  (Search fb for City of Leicester Boys' School 1973 joiners) or go straight to www.facebook.com/groups/398425992420613.  The 'committee' feel this is a good idea.  When I re-formed Wyvernians I was fifty years old, next month I will be seventy five.  Way back in 1998 it made sense to restrict membership to pre-1976, but as time passes the current Wyvernians will gradually continue to fade away.  New blood will help it to survive, though I suspect that many people (including me) have no attachment to Downing Drive.  But perhaps we can also say the Downing Drive contingent have no attachment to Humberstone Gate!
On that topic, you might have noticed that OWT is now much shorter than it used to be.  That is because there is a shortage of material.  After 116 editions, and several hundred thousand words, those Old Boys who wanted to share their memories have done so.  Perhaps it's time to pull the plug?

OBITUARIES   Dennis Leavesley (1943-48) passed away earlier this year.
I received the following message from Brian Screaton - Ed  Some sad news - Old Wyvernian Malcolm Law has passed away.  He did not attend any reunions, and as far as I know he was not on our email list, but some of you may remember him.  I think he was at CBS around the same time as me - 1959-65.  I came to know him again when I was a volunteer on the Great Central Railway, and an obituary appeared in the railway's newsletter.
John Williamson informed me that his uncle, Tom Williamson (1946-51) passed away December 2021.  He was living in Namibia, near Swakopmund, which was the location for the remake of The Prisoner.

FROM HOWARD TOON  1950-57   Memories fade with the passage of time, but with reference to your And Finally... of OWT115, and your account of Jock Gilman as a sports teacher, I have a different recollection, and recall my first introduction to Pirates in the gym.  Jock had lowered the ropes from the ceiling, and set up a number of vaulting horses in a carefully calculated circle.  He leapt at one of the ropes, causing it to swing towards its neighbour, and transferred himself to it Tarzan-style before landing on a vaulting horse.  From there he launched himself at another rope, and continued until he had completed the circle.  Most of us looked on in amazement, then trepidation, as he ordered us to emulate his performance.  He was also quite good at reaching up to a horizontal bar and pullimg himself up by his arms until his chin touched the bar.  But his most memorable trick involved a. vaulting box with twin semi-circular hoops embedded in the top.  He would jump smoothly on the box, grasp the handles one in each hand then swing his legs in a circular path, lifting each hand in turn to allow his lags to pass between his hand and the hoop.  The speed and co-ordination all but decived the eye.  But mostly he just stood.  May he rest in peace.  In passing I note that Steve Mellor, in the same issue, refers to Grit Whitbread.  In my day the nickname was Aunty Gritty, because of his very frequent use of the word integrity when trying to instil some sense of mature behaviour during his classes.  Perhaps this is where the shortened pseudonym came from?  Not many people know that...

FROM STEVE MELLOR  1960-66   At the risk of becoming too-regular a contributor I was interested to see there is a memorial bench for Grii Whitbread in Oadby.  My thought was, why Oadby?  When I was at CBS, and until I left the UK a little more than thirty years ago, his residence was Abbot's Oak, an imposing house on the corner of Abbot Road and Main Street, facing what was then Humberstone Junior School.  Michael Hadden (German, amongst other subjects) had been a near-neighbour of mine in Humberstone Garden Suburb.  With a few other Old Boys (Richard McMorran, Chris Chapman, Gerald Zoot Taylor, Ian Small, Brian Tosh Jordan, to name some) hailing from the area it appears to have been a source of multiple talent.  Noting the greeting from John Williamson, Hola from sunny Spain to you.  We probably had more contact with each other after leaving school, mainly at the Crown & Thistle, Loseby Lane.  It has always puzzled me how you picked up the nickname Zop - and whatever happened to the dud Czechs?  Answers on a postcard please...

FROM JOHN WILLIAMSON  1960-66??   Loseby Lane, they were the days.  My Zop handle was the invention of Martin Stuart.  The progression was from Williamson to Billson to Billso, but the last seemed incomplete so he moved on to Zopo  then finally settled on Zop.  Following on from this, it occurred to me that life might throw completely different things at someone whose forename was Elvis compared with what it might throw at someone christened Cuthbert, for example.  To put this to a sort of test, at university I told my new chums that I was always known as Arthur.  Moving to Chelmsford I initially became Ace, and more recently JAWS  (Which is a slight misordering of the sequence of my initials)  The obvious and fatal limitations of the different forenames/different experiences notion is that unless you can simultaneously interact with two sets of people and circumstances, one as Elvis the other as Cuthbert, there is no basis for comparison.
And a message to Steve Mellor.  The Czech twins, actually Anglo-German-Czech...  The lovely Madeleine I married, and we are still married.  Patricia, the equally lovely sister, married a reasonably-famous architect who was on nodding terms with Richard Rogers.  Sadly, Patricia died a few years back.  Both sisters worked in the fashion and design business.

FROM ALAN PYKETT   As the years roll on it becomes increasingly difficult to know what to write about.  However, one word which has come to mind recently is fag - but not yhe cigarette variety.  I was thinking of it in relation to our school, and whilst there was no fagging system as in Tom Brown's Schooldays (a film I never tire of watching) there was a reference to the word on my first day at CBS in 1959.  The first and second years were based in the Lee Circle annexe, and I remember our caps, which we had dutifully and proudly been wearing, were removed by the second-year cohort and we were 'forced' to run a fags' gauntlet whilst being gently swatted with our caps.  They were returned to us - presumably they bore our names.  In retrospect it was good fun, and we looked forward to doing the same when we began our second year.  But following the demolition of the huts in the summer of 1960 that would be at Elbow Lane.  At that point the tradition was stopped by the school, so the 1959 intake was the last to undergo it.  Happy days.

AND FINALLY...   September 1959, the end of the long, carefree, summer holiday and my first day at CBS.  I recall feeling very worried and despondent the previous evening, as I had no real idea what was in store.  At the time we lived at 5 Tamerton Road, on The Monsell  (No one referred to it as the Eyres Monsell Estate) and tomorrow I would have to go on a bus and walk through the town by myself for the first time.  It was decided I would use the No 24 Corporation bus, which had its terminus at the top of Saffron Lane.  The fare was 2d, though I was soon issued with a bus pass, and I alighted in Bowling Green Street.  Presumably there had been a reconnaissance at some point, as I knew where to go.  Horsefair Street, Gallowtree Gate, Humberstone Gate, Clarence Street, Lee Circle.  I joined the other new boys in the playground, but have no recollection of any initiation rites regarding school caps etc.  I must have forgotten.  So there I was, my new uniform crisp and clean, black shoes polished.  Most of us were in short trousers.  After a while a master blew a whistle, and we were told to form up in three ranks according to the number of our class.  I was in 1 Alpha. The master, I think it was Mr Whitbread, told us to form up in alphabetical order.  One innocent piped up, 'Please, sir, is that first names or last names?'  I thought the answer was rather ominous.  'We don't bother with first names here, boy.'  We were marched to the relevant rooms in the huts, which were formerly the wartime British Restaurant, and allocated a desk.  I was pleased to note mine was at the back of the room, in a corner, protected by two of the walls.  Even now I prefer to sit with my back to a wall in a pub or restaurant.  We were introduced to our form master, Brian Sadie Thompson, and presumably much of the day was spent settling in and being issued with exercise and text books etc.  The only other memory I have is of Wally Wardle suddenly bursting into the room.  He asked if anyone was interested in joining the school orchestra, and I impulsively stuck my arm in the air.  I had no interest in music, but had a vague feeling it might be advantageous to show an interest in something.  Equally it could have been chess, or any other activity.  That rash decision caused me major problems later in my school career.    My subsequent problems have been well-documented in OWT's over the years, so I will not rake them up here.  As an aside, in 2002 I met Brian Thompson on the Ocean Majesty.  We were on a cruise to Iceland, and I had packed my bright blue Wyvernians tee shirt.  I was wearing it on one of the days at sea.  Lunch was open-sitting, and Stephanie and I found ourselves on a table for eight.  One of the chaps looked at me and the tee shirt, and said 'I was one of your teachers!'  Talk about a small world.  We chatted over the meal, and had a longer talk in the afternoon.

Dennis J Duggan  1959-64