mhs society newsletter 2007 / 2008 - Marlborough House School

MHS SOCIETY
NEWSLETTER
2007 / 2008
Produced by the MHS Society for the benefit of former pupils and former Staff of Marlborough
House School
David Hopkins, with wife Emma and daughter Bethan, by the Eiffel Tower after his cycle ride, which
raised over £22,000 for the Royal Marsden Children’s Hospital – a tremendous achievement!
Email: news@mhssociety.org
Web: http://www.mhssociety.org/
Address: Marlborough House School, Hawkhurst, Cranbrook, Kent TN18 4PY
1

CONTENTS
Page No
PRESIDENT’S LETTER 3
CHAIRMAN’S LETTER 3
HEADMASTER’S REPORT 4
TREASURER’S REPORT 6
REGISTRAR’S REPORT 7
VALETE 8
REUNION REPORT 8
SPECIAL FEATURE BY YEAR 8 PUPILS 10 - 11
NEWS FROM FORMER PUPILS & STAFF
SECTIONS A & B Leavers up to & including 1969 13
SECTIONS C & D Leavers 1970 – 1981 19
SECTION E Leavers 1982 – 1985 20
SECTION F Leavers 1986 – 1989 21
SECTION G Leavers 1990 – 2002 22
SECTION H Leavers 2003 & later 22
SECTION S Staff 23
OBITUARIES 27
STOP PRESS 28
Why not leave your news up-dates in the Guestbook (see below) on the MHS Society Website?
www.mhssociety.org/
MARLBOROUGH HOUSE SOCIETY ANNUAL NEWSLETTER
Guestbook of mhssociety.org
08-08-2008 - 16:41
MHS Society Guestbook - Please leave a message
Sign the Guestbook
Name
anoldpupil@yahoo.com
Comments
I visited the school last week and was amazed to see all the new
buildings which have appeared since my time. Would love to catch
up with any of my old chums. Please get in touch by email.
2

PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Contrary to the previous two years, when I have sat down at my desk to pen a few words and the sun
has been blazing down, be it in England or Spain, this year I am at my desk in Spain and the weather is
dreadful. However, you can read more about our life in Spain, the weather etc in my ‘piece’ in Section
A.
Since last year’s letter, Jill & I have been back to England less than last year as our flat is, once again,
let until March 2010. We did, however, manage to visit the School briefly in April. We also visited
during the summer last year to have a look at the new building which I think fits in well and is
obviously a considerable asset.
Unfortunately the Annual Reunion coincided with a wedding to which we were invited, near
Winchester. I gather from Andrew Cloke that it was a very enjoyable occasion.
I am now in my 3 rd year as President of the local ex-pats Club, for which we organise, with a
Committee, a full range of activities throughout the year. Those duties, together with Jill’s Computer
Club, the garden and our weekly Bridge afternoon, keep us both well occupied.
I close with my best wishes to you all and if you are passing this way, please give us a call.
Peter Thompson
casa3b@gmail.com
Benimeli, Alicante 0034 96 558 7467
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
As I write, the nation is just preparing for the Olympic Games; the English cricket team are in the
middle of the final Test against the South Africans at the Oval (Kevin Peterson’s first Test in charge
as captain) and I have only one week to go before I take my family away on holiday. It’s a great
time of year, August. Like the French, I always regard August as the summer month.
Last year we had a particularly bad summer. I was writing about time spent “stewing” inside,
instead of out and about on the games field. But on the whole, we have had a pretty good time of it
this year and let’s hope it continues well in to the autumn term.
As well as managing the Chair this year, I’ve also looked after the finances and even had a go at
gathering some news. Thank you very much to those of you who kindly contributed. In return, I
thought it only right that I remind some of you about events 30 years ago at MHS, by reproducing
this short passage from the school magazine Number 65 (1978). John Murray writes about the
Under 11 cricket team as follows:
3

“Despite the fact that we were not blessed with too much talent, the season ended reasonably
enough. The XI was capably captained by Mark Summerhayes who was, for a change, a nonbowler.
He batted well (6 innings at 18.2) and kept wicket economically. James Gough-Cooper, an
Under 10-er, looked a very useful prospect as a bowler (12 wickets at 8.9), though he could have
more reliably pitched it up on the wicket, and Robin Pollock and Simon Cloke turned in some useful
performances. Perhaps the least impressive aspect of the team was the inattention and frankly feeble
stopping and catching of the ball in the field by some of the players”.
So gentlemen, in conclusion, I declare that life for most of us since leaving MHS has not changed a
great deal. We started out with enthusiasm, showed promise and have turned in the occasional good
performance despite out inattention! I look forward to my next 40 years with some trepidation.
As for my children, the eldest, Hamish is starting his last year at the school; he still thoroughly
enjoys it all. Isobel returns to year four – just as happy as ever.
As always, I will sign off by thanking the Society officers who keep the whole show on the road. To
the Editor (Linda Beasley) and Registrar (John Waters) who both keep me honest, to the Section
Correspondents, the President, Secretary and Committee, my thanks to you all for giving up your
time to run the Society.
With best wishes.
Andrew CLOKE (74-80)
Chairman
andrew.m.cloke@btinternet.com
HEADMASTER’S REPORT
I write in the last week of term as school life (or mine anyway!) rises to a crescendo. Someone once
said to me a few weeks before the end of the summer term “No doubt you are winding down for the
summer”. Nothing could be further from the truth as a flurry of sports days, swimming sports and
leavers’ events, not to mention reports and speech writing, fill every waking moment. Nothing
daunted, there is still time to write this report!
This time of year always gives the opportunity to reflect on the 12 months that have just passed. We
can proudly look back on another excellent year for the school. Everyone passed their exams at 13
plus and some with distinction. Sports results have been first-class, with particular achievement in
cricket and football. Art, music and sports scholarships have been won to various schools and these
achievements underline the high standards seen here. We enjoyed a marvellous summer concert
earlier this term. A highlight of the Spring term was our production of “Oliver!”, so much so that
4

it’s hard to look at the pupils who played parts such as Fagin, Nancy and the Artful Dodger in quite
the same way again!
In addition to the successes mentioned above, a number of material improvements have been made.
The IT room has been completely refitted with purpose-designed computer desks and airconditioning.
Two Pre-Prep classrooms have also been greatly improved through the addition of
French windows which open onto a decking area – in effect giving them an outdoor extension.
Future plans include further work to the Pre-Prep to construct a small hall which will prove
invaluable as a venue for dance, drama and assemblies.
Far more important than physical facilities are, of course, the ethos and values of the school. We
continue to give great emphasis to manners, kindness and mutual respect. A few years ago staff and
pupils together drew up a code for us all to follow. These are “The School Values For Living”
which are printed on the back of the termly Almanack:
Be Honest
Be Kind
Be Helpful
Be Polite
Listen
Do Your Best
We do our very best to uphold these in all we do.
We were very pleased to see a number of you at the Young Leavers’ Reunion in November and
others at the Reunion and AGM earlier this term. It is always good to see Past Pupils at the school.
Do call in – you can be sure of a warm welcome.
David Hopkins
5

TREASURER’S REPORT
Accounts
for the year to 31 st March 2008
Marlborough House Society
Profit & Loss Account
Year ended 31st March 2008
Income £
Credit Interest 62.69
Leavers' Subscriptions 2,000.00
Members' Donations 0.00
AGM Reunion Lunch 377.50
Young Leavers’ Reunion 0.00
School Governors' Donation 3,050.00
Other Income 0.00
Total Income 5,490.19
Expenditure
Newsletter Printing 952.00
Newsletter Postage 236.98
Newsletter Distributor Charge 110.76
General & Administrative Expenses 2,650.00
AGM Reunion Lunch 0.00
Young Leavers' Reunion 400.00
Leavers' Gifts 600.00
Other Expenditure 70.00
Total Expenditure 5,019.74
Profit / (loss) for year 470.45
When our long standing Treasurer decided to move to Japan, the Committee agreed that it was
necessary to set up a properly constituted bank account in substitution for the building society
account held with Nationwide. The Nationwide account was not a cheque account and so it was not
a convenient account when we needed to discharge expenditure incurred by the Society.
Consequently, we have set up a new cheque account with NatWest in the name of the “Marlborough
House Society”. We also have a linked interest bearing deposit account so that any interest earned
on deposit may be paid to us gross of tax.
The old Nationwide account is now closed and all funds have been transferred to NatWest.
6

As far as the funding is concerned, all subscription income due to the Society has been collected by
the School and has now been paid over to us.
The highly successful Young Leavers’ Dinner on the 13th October 2007, organised by Teresa
Sibree, was hosted by the School without charge. We have therefore recorded in the accounts a
notional expenditure sum of £400 in respect of this Dinner which is matched in the income account
by a Governors’ donation.
Similarly, the School has also very kindly provided the Society with certain general and
administrative services, for which there has been no re-charge. We have also matched this
contribution, at cost, in the income account, in recognition of the contribution made by the School.
ANDREW CLOKE
Interim Treasurer
Marlborough House Society
REGISTRAR’S REPORT
WELCOME TO THE 2007 LEAVERS (listed below)
Hopefully you will receive a copy of the Annual Newsletter by post. Otherwise you will be able to
read the ANL on the website http://www.mhssociety.org/mhsnew/jsindex.html
Our new members are: Tom Ash, Charlie Bickerton, Jake Cramp, Zanna Casement, Freddie Crofts,
Lucy Douglas, Edward Down, Ben Easton, Jessica Edwards, Jemima Ellis, Brodie Forbes, Chloe
Freeman, Samuel Gearing, Barney Gould, Harrison Gowers, Giles Greenhalgh, Hannah Harries,
Lucy Harrington, Ben Harris, Laura Hill, Stephanie Holweger, Lucia Ive, Oliver Llewellyn, Tabitha
Machin, Ben Michaels, Joshua Michaels, Ella Nobay-Godin, Oscar Nobay-Godin, Josh Saville,
Rosie Taylor, Josie Wilson.
We hope you have enjoyed your first year at senior school. Please send your news about it to Mrs
Teresa Sibree at: t.sibree@sky.com
2006 & 2007 LEAVERS - PLEASE SEND ME (J.W) your email address, and PLEASE tell me if
your postal address changes so that you continue to receive the Annual Newsletter.
John Waters
M H Society Registrar
john.waters31@googlemail.com
7

VALETE
Paul BUTLER Paul joined the MHS music department in September 1999. He was initially
appointed to give piano lessons and teach in the pre-prep but ultimately his talents reached further
than that. His piano pupils, which also included some members of staff, will remember him for his
quiet good humour and natural musicianship. He is an accomplished organist, and many have heard
his fine accompaniments at carol services and in concerts. He is now recovered from the ill health
that blighted his last year at MHS, and we wish him a long and happy retirement with his wife Rita,
children and grand children.
Hilary McKENDRICK Hilary has taught English and Classical Studies on a part-time basis at the
school and now joins her husband Alan in retirement. The staff room will lose one of its ‘larger than
life’ characters!
Camilla SARGEANT Camilla moves on to pastures new after four years at the school as matron,
classroom assistant and games teacher. Her many talents will be greatly missed.
Clive TURNER Clive has been the IT teacher in the Pre-Prep, but has also supported the teachers
with their everyday IT hiccups. Clive is retiring and hoping to do all the things he has not been able
to find time to do while working. Kate Nash (Head of Pre-Prep) says that her abiding memory of
Clive will be of him sitting in the middle of a group of mesmerised female teachers. As one wag in
the crowd at the staff end of term party called out “then why are you leaving, mate!”
HONOURS FOR PAST PUPILS
Brothers Martyn and Stephen Poliakoff were both awarded CBEs last year. Martyn for Services to
Science and Stephen for Services to Drama (read more in Martyn’s news). Martyn invites you to
view his videos on the web by visiting: www.youtube.com/nottinghamscience (search for Poliakoff).
Ed: Is this a first for MHS?
The MHS Society Reunion 2009 is on:
Saturday 25 th April.
(AGM at 12.30pm followed by lunch at 1.00pm).
THE 2008 REUNION
More often than not, the weather has been unkind for our reunions at MHS. To put it delicately, this
year there was a most welcome roaring fire in the Gallery grate! As usual though it was a happy day
(see picture inside back cover). Those attending included: Mr and Mrs Jack Ackroyd, Linda
Beasley, Mike Benians, Mr and Mrs Peter Bullard, Andrew Cloke (Chairman), Paul Habershon,
David Hopkins (Headmaster), Mr & Mrs Michael Money, James Montgomery, Richard Murray,
Rosalyn Saunders, Philip Thompson, and Mrs Rosemary Whittome. As in previous years, the lunch
was excellent, and this year provided by Philip Lockyer, the new catering manager and his staff to
whom we’re most grateful. Congratulations were expressed by all at the AGM to David Hopkins for
8

aising more than £22,000 for the Royal Marsden by cycling from MHS to Paris, a most remarkable
achievement (see front cover picture).
James Montgomery.
Readers will notice that the date for the 2009 Reunion is somewhat earlier than in past years. This
is to fit in with the school’s revised calendar due to the cessation of academic lessons on Saturdays,
and to ensure that there will be sporting fixtures taking place on that day. Des Phillips (current Head
of Geography) who has taken over as Section S (Staff) Correspondent, said he would be very keen to
meet some of the staff who have taught at MHS in the past and from whom he has received news, so
perhaps we will see some more former staff next year. You will find the slip for booking your place
included with this Newsletter – don’t delay, send it off today, or simply email Ros Saunders your
intention of attending or phone the school office and they will pass on a message (01580 753555).
To give you all a sample of just what you are missing, I have reproduced the menu from the fine
lunch we were treated to this year. So why not get in touch with some old friends from your own era
and meet up again in the Gallery in 2009!
Linda Beasley (Editor)
Marlborough House Society
Reunion Lunch
Saturday 17 th May 2008
Slices of Ham with Chutney
Roasted Lemon & Thyme Chicken
Smoked Salmon Salad
Roasted Vegetable Couscous
Vegetable Quiche
Garden Salad
Buttered new potatoes
Sauces, mayonnaise & other sauces
Freshly Baked Rolls & Butter
Syrup Steam Pudding & Custard
Fresh Fruit
Cheese Board & Biscuits
Tea & Coffee from side table
9

A SAMPLE OF WORK DONE BY PRESENT PUPILS
For their post Scholarship work in their last term, some Year 8 pupils were asked to research the
former MHS pupils after whom the four Houses were named. Below is a sample of their work.
Claude Ernest Vincent Hawkings
• British World War I Royal Naval Officer;
• Lieutenant, Royal Navy, H.M.S. “Erin”. Had served on H.M.S. “Orion” at Battle of Jutland.
• Son of Percy and Leonore Hawkings of Brighton.
• Temporarily assigned to H.M.S. “Iris” for the Zeebrugge Raid. On the night of 22-23 April
1918, an armada of British sailors and marines in a motley collection of destroyers, launches,
old submarines and Mersey ferry-boats attacked the mole [breakwater] at Zeebrugge,
Belgium, at the head of the canal leading to the German submarine pens at Brugge. The
Authorities in the Royal Navy realised there was no way they could actually capture the
canal or the submarine pens, but they could block access by sinking three obsolescent, coalburning
cruisers, filled with concrete, across the canal.
• Hawkings was shot by a German while attempting to moor the “Iris” to the mole; his body
was never recovered.
This giant grave is where all the
sailors of HMS Iris are buried at
the Zeebrugge memorial at Brugge,
West-Vlaanderen, in Belgium.
This is the HMS Iris, the boat on
which Hawkings and his comrades
sailed at the Zeebrugge raid.
10
Leon Devereux (Year 8)

Carol Edward Vere Awdry
Carol Edward Vere Awdry was born on the 11 of June 1884 in Broad Hinton Vicarage,
Wiltshire. He was baptized on 15 July 1894.
He died on 27 August 1914 in action at Oise, France (killed in action), and buried on 28
August at Etreux British Cemetery, Aisne, France. There is a memorial in Etreux, that marks the
grave of 2nd Lt. Carol Edward Vere Awdry of 2nd Royal Munster Fusiliers where he is listed as the
son of the Rev Vere Awdry and Mary Louisa Awdry (nee Man) of Box, Wiltshire, England.
His father wrote this about his son's death: "We are inclined perhaps to ask why the splendid
young fellow in the prime of life and with all his future - as we call it - before him, should be so
suddenly cut off while older and possibly feebler ones are left. "The Lord hath need of him". That is
the answer. He needed him in particular for some good purpose of His own which we here cannot
and shall not know in this world. Nothing is done by God be mere chance [...] We have at least the
satisfaction and great comfort of knowing that our dear lad suffered no pain ... death has come, but a
death to be proud of, not that probably others have not died equally brave and noble deaths - we
know many have - but he was our boy, our own lad. He has lived his whole life among us at
Ampfield, and we can be proud of that Ampfield lad, who has proved himself trustworthy and
faithful unto death".
Carol Awdry was one of four as his father, Vere, married Margaret Emily Man and fathered a child,
Hildred. But after her death on the 18 th of May 1889, Vere married Margaret’s cousin, Mary Louisa
Man. They then had 2 children, Bridget Hildred Vere Awdry and Carol Edward Vere Awdry.
Though, tragically Mary also died in 1908 after bearing 2 sons, George and Wilbert, the creator of
Thomas the tank engine. Carol was educated at Marlborough House School in Hove.
Jake Spence (Year 8)
If members would like to receive a copy of the school Review,
just send a cheque for £3 (payable to Marlborough House
School) addressed to Linda Beasley at the school, and your
Review will be posted to you.
11

SECTIONS A & B (Leavers up to &
including 1969) Correspondent: Section A (up to
1960) James Montgomery, 5 Trafalgar Way,
Stockbridge, Hants SO20 6ET Email:
tansy.mont@virgin.net Section B (1961-1969)
New correspondent required – volunteers please
contact Andrew Cloke
Peter HORSEY (33-38)
The boy who lost his life in WW 1 was Frank Egan. He
was killed at Jutland and is commemorated in the Roll of
Honour in the chapel. The bell was presented by his
father, Colonel Michael Egan who was one of the first
boys to be sent to the school (then 'White's) in Brighton,
before it moved to Hove. The bell was, I think, from
another RN ship and it was stolen just after Bubbles
retired - he was disconsolate about this as he had always
stored it away as soon as term ended. The present bell
replaced it and I do not know if it is a ship's bell. Colonel
Egan was a very loyal supporter of MHS and I
remember him at sports day in the 1930s. I wonder how
many of the children in the four prep school houses
know whom the houses were named after? The school
magazine for 1940-41 (No 29) refers to this.
Due to the work by this year’s scholars (see earlier
items) all current pupils are now aware of whom the four
Houses were named after. Ed)
Jack ACKROYD (39-44) We were all very happy to
see Jack and Dee at this year’s luncheon. He recognized
the two Dalmatians featured in last year’s Newsletter –
as he was sure many who were at Bridestowe would – as
belonging to Arthur Harrison. He recalls Arthur
referring to them as the “local gasworks”! ‘There was
also an Old English Sheepdog called Giles and a pack of
corgis’.
On their way down to Camelford in Cornwall last
summer, Jack and Dee stopped overnight at Bridestowe
where they stayed at a ‘very comfortable’ farmhouse
B&B. This farm had been part of the Great Bidlake
estate. The owners told them that Great Bidlake Manor
had been bought recently and was undergoing major
refurbishment.
Continuing their journey they decided to stop by, and
indeed the Manor was being transformed [a co-incidence
that Michael BAWTREE – see below with photographs
– did exactly the same]. ‘The builders had just
completed re-slating all the roofs, inside it was chaos
with cables everywhere, but the entrance hall, the library
and Arthur’s study were immediately recognisable. The
workmen said that the water had stopped flowing into
the trough outside the back entrance, something I never
13
recall happening in the four years I was there. They
showed us the wall paintings in the Barn which were
becoming rather dilapidated, but brought back memories
of concerts and plays that were performed there; the only
one I acted in being The Crimson Coconut, after which
Muffet Harrison decided I was not cut out for a life on
the stage. We intend to call in again later this year when
the work is completed. We can recommend the Week
Farm B&B, run by the Hockridge family – telephone
number 01837 861221.’
Nick ALLEN (55-60) As ever Nick remains impossibly
busy with the European Youth Theatre he started in
2002 in Austria. What with writing, broadcasting,
directing, producing and so on – with a good dollop of
Shakespeare thrown in, which we could do a bit more of
in our state schools here – he’s become something of a
cultural one-man Austrian powerhouse over the years,
extremely well-known in that part of southern Europe.
He always regrets missing the reunion, but then you can
understand why he can’t make it. Here’s his latest
missive: ‘I am staying put in Austria after forty two
years here. It is truly home. Britain has become the
country I hail from that I like to visit. Life has continued
to be hectic despite formally having retired. I continue
with my "political awareness and debating" training by
popular demand from schools all over Austria. I do
enjoy it so it's no real hardship and the extra cash helps.
I'm also heavily involved in the Austrian Socialist Party
both at local level where we have an election to fight in
2010 and in various national and Styrian committees.
And then there's my Shakespeare festival. My European
Youth Shakespeare Project has become bigger and
bigger and is attracting serious support now, and much
more attention from further afield, this after 6 years
unpaid slog. If anyone wants to know more they need
just go to www.europeanyouththeatre.eu. It's all there.
MHS visitors more than welcome! So music, theatre,
literature, history, singing, Europe, all given me by
Sheila Mitchell, Martin Briggs, Andrew Best, Geoff
Martin, Hilda French, Ba Howard, and are still my focus
in life. Life in the small town up in the Alps is busier
than ever, time too short to fit everything in. My garden
keeps me fit and out of mischief and ensures a good
counterbalance to all the stress – quite a challenge at 800
metres above sea-level. Not up to Muffet's standards yet,
but I'm doing my best. I’m in regular touch with David
Leishman and hope to see more of him now he has left
Africa (as far as I know). As gradually, in theory at least,
I acquire more free time, I plan a visit to MHS at last
after donkey's years. Funny, I recall being hopeless and
more at maths, and then Mr Low (I think his name was)

who was a non-mathematician, took over our maths for
one term around 1957/58 because whoever was meant to
be teaching us was ill. He turned out to be the only man
in the world who was ever able to explain mathematical
ideas to me so that they made sense and I could
assimilate them! There was much kindness, much music
around at MHS - rare in the late 1950s. It’s great to hear
the school remains in such good shape.’
Tony BASTEN (48-52) A distinguished professor of
the sciences in Australia, Tony enjoyed a wonderful
wave of nostalgia last year re-visiting every nook and
cranny of MHS while on a one-year sabbatical at
Cambridge. His memories of MHS in a separate article
were much valued and are well worth re-reading. His
only snippet of news this year is that his number two son
now has three strapping boys under the age of 4 whom
he’s collectively called ' front row' in the hope that they
will restore the Wallabies fortunes in future world rugby
cups!
Michael BAWTREE (44-51) Michael regrets that
although he was back in the UK from Nova Scotia in
April, he couldn’t stay on for the Reunion on May 17th.
While here he went to his old school Radley and various
country churches to raise money for their restoration by
giving four performances of his dramatic reading of
Three Men In A Boat – first introduced to him by Arthur
Harrison. One of his MHS contemporaries who came to
his show in the Cotswolds was Brian KNOX-PEEBLES
(46-49), with his wife Rose. Michael had been staying
with them in London. ‘Brian is the only chum from
those days I still meet regularly – though of course I saw
John Le Mare in Brisbane in 2006. I believe Brian also
sees Richard TOMS (45-49), since he has a seaside
place in Hove where Richard lives. Oh and by the way, I
was in Devon for two or three days last month, staying
with a distant cousin I had never met before, and he
kindly drove me around to all the wartime houses my
family lived in, including one in Bridestowe. On a hunch
I suggested we look for Bidlake, where MHS was during
the war, and for my first two terms. [The co-incidence –
see Jack ACKROYD above – J.M.] And we found it! It
was extraordinary actually to walk around and inside it.
It must have recently been bought and is at present full
of workmen, installing under-floor heating and other
delights. It was chock-a-block with building materials,
but I took three photographs. The first (below) is of the
front entrance where I remember arriving in September
1944 with my toy giraffe which had developed a broken
neck. The first thing I remember is Miss French taking it
off and repairing it with a patch. A good start!
I also peeked into the barn where we had chapel, plays,
and even boxing if I remember. So I took another
picture. On the white wall at the far end I could make out
the painted rainbow which also originally showed Noah
in the Ark, and the Flood, and the animals going in two
by two. No doubt the animals were thought appropriate
for the barn. The third photograph is I think one of the
classrooms. The door beyond led to a little library room,
where I first came across Andre Maurois’ ‘Fattypuffs
and Thinifers’, which I loved. Does anyone else
remember that? A year or two ago I picked up an old
copy at considerable expense and enjoyed it all over
again.’ Many thanks for sending us the photographs
Michael.
The Barn at Bidlake
A Former Classroom at Bidlake
14
Peter BULLARD (41-47) Peter says he’s glad he made
the effort to get to the lunch with Judy this year. It was a
great pleasure to meet him. Even though the school

thrives, like many other old boys I suspect who haven’t
managed to re-visit MHS in recent times, he finds the
experience oddly disconcerting to return; in some ways
distantly familiar and in others completely strange.
Here’s Peter’s news: ‘I notice that in 2007 we were
planning a trip to Scotland, another to Switzerland and
worrying about our eldest grandson’s impending
GCSE’s. The trip to Scotland was wonderful. We looked
up various cousins (who were surprisingly pleased to see
us) and then travelled on to spend ten days in Skye. It is
the most beautiful place, on the right day; one of the
loveliest in the world. We were blessed with gorgeous
cloud-free weather and some very civilized places to
stay. Also the second half of May is blessedly midgefree.
On the way back to England we stopped off as
usual for the night, in Moffat where I was interested to
read that Martin HARRISON (44-49) and his wife
Wendy have moved. It’s a nice area and well worth the
stopover. True to our pledge the previous year, following
our horrendous trip back from Toronto on the day of the
security drama, we have not travelled by air since, and
don’t miss it at all. We have been over to France a
couple of times which was very pleasant, but sadly we
did not get to Switzerland. My wife Judy had one of her
periodic MS problems which I am afraid was just one of
those things. Fortunately she made a good recovery so
we are hoping to set it up again in the future. As for our
grandson James, he made a digital gesture to all those
who had been nagging him about working for his
GCSE’s by getting ten A*’s, an A** and a letter of
commendation from the Examining Board. His siblings
and cousins are pretty sick about it as they think it puts
them on the spot; perhaps they’re right. But I don’t think
that anyone else is too bothered! I am quite glad that my
own exam days are over. Otherwise we continue to
divide our time between our main home in Camberley,
where we recently completed our thirtieth year in the
same house, and Eastbourne (Willingdon) which we use
as a bolt hole and a wonderful base from which to
explore the south-east of England whose attractions
often seem to be overlooked. This year our project has
been the Romney marshes, but we don’t work very hard
at it – there are too many good pubs and restaurants to
tempt one from the path of righteousness! A further
appeal is that the next door house has been bought by
my cousin and her husband, so we enjoy some lively
evenings.’
Allan DONNER (56-62) Allan couldn’t come to the
lunch this year. Along with many other old Radley
pupils he was at the memorial service there for a muchtreasured
former schoolmaster (details in Anthony
HUDSON’s news below). Allan and Judy’s twin
daughters are finishing school this year and plan to take
15
a Gap Year before going to University in 2009. He’s still
working three days a week for a small IT company near
Windsor and the rest of the time overseeing their kitchen
extension. Like everyone his 60th birthday came too
soon, an unfortunate event only mitigated by a
wonderful, fun family skiing holiday.
Charles GRIFFIN (48-52) Charles would have attended
the reunion lunch but for being out of the country. He
may be retired, but he’s still skiing and plans to go to
Chile again in late August and visit China to see the
Total Eclipse of the Sun just before the Olympic Games.
David HABERSHON (59-63) Brother Paul represented
the Habershon clan at the lunch this year. David still
works at the London head office of St Dunstan's, the
charity for blind ex-servicemen and women, the job he
took after completing thirty-six years in the Royal Navy
in 2004. Many at St Dunstan’s are middle-aged and
elderly, but now of course David is dealing with young
soldiers blinded in action in Iraq and Afghanistan. He
and his family are still based in their Emsworth home
where they moved in 1984, although their three sons are
grown-up now – two working in London; Edward who’s
with the Sunday Times, and James who works for a
London travel business. Charlie has just finished at
Nottingham University where he read History.
Julyan HEAZELL (46-52) It would be lovely to see
Julyan at the reunion again, but it’s a long way to drive
from Snape and back again – totally understandable. She
says, ‘Not a lot has changed in the last year. Hopefully I
wont ever need any more operations on hips and knees
as the present replacements are doing brilliantly. Martin
[Martin HARRISON (44-49 – his correct MHS dates,
not ten years later as printed by me incorrectly in last
year’s Newsletter – J.M.) and Wendy have decamped to
Scotland as you’ll remember from my news last year so
we certainly miss them here in Snape, but it's good to be
able to go and stay with them there. They have a very
nice house in a wonderful position about a mile from
Moffat and are loving it, especially as they see a lot of
the grandchildren. Apart from that the only change here
since last year in the Heazell household is a new dog –
not so new now as she is about 14 months old. She’s a
blue merle border collie called Blue, a fantastic dog. We
are besotted with her….sounds very Harrison!’
Robert HENLEY (55-59) Since 1981 Robert has lived
in Singapore and still works as a shipbroker. He remains
extremely busy and he’s extraordinarily happy, unlike
the rest of us, about the high oil price. His is one of the
few businesses that thrives on it. No doubt his youngest
children, Louise, 18 and Jemma, 20 will be launching

themselves shortly into as successful business worlds as
his eldest, Sam (30), and 28 year old Jessica. We trust
that Robert is enjoying many breaks on Bali, where he
built a villa two years ago.
Peter HORSEY (33-38) Peter was sorry to have missed
the reunion this year, especially as Michael MONEY
(31-38) and Richard MURRAY (35-40) have told him
how pleasant the lunch was. Peter thought the fire in the
Gallery, which had been lit for our reunion lunch, had
long since been replaced by a stove. However he
remembers sitting in front of it to keep warm on many a
winter’s evening while the staff were at dinner. He had a
temporary heart setback in February and spent the whole
of March being very breathless at the slightest physical
effort. He thinks it would have been described as cardiac
failure. Thankfully it was cured instantaneously by a
clever intracardiac procedure in which a miniature flame
gun is shot at the lining of the heart and destroys the
origin of the mischief. He’s been back to normal since
then. Peter and Rosemary have lived in a lovely house at
Ashley near Stockbridge in Hampshire for many years.
‘We’re determined to stay here for as long as we can,
even though it means a great deal of work in our large
and in places steeply sloping garden. I stopped playing
tennis three years ago but have maintained our court and
we now arrange Sunday men's fours whenever the
weather allows – I have always been dismayed by the
sight of a long neglected court. Two years ago we
became grandparents again; our younger daughter and
her husband adopted a brother and sister (then aged
nearly 3 and nine months respectively) and we have
seen them several times both here and in Shropshire
(they live near Shrewsbury). It has been a great success
and both children have been a joy to their parents and to
us. Incidentally, what a good effort by David Hopkins to
raise so much for the Marsden.’
Patrick HORSLEY (52-56) Patrick remains extremely
nonchalant with news of his most skilful and demanding
harpsichord making, not the easiest instrument to
construct. He’s building another two-manual (keyboard)
one, the last he hopes, this time to keep rather than offer
for sale. Otherwise he continues to see overseas visitors
and introduce them to Cambridge Science Park, ‘and
other elements of the high tech cluster round where I
live.’
Anthony HUDSON (48-52) Anthony couldn’t be with
us at the reunion this year. Understandably he attended
the memorial service at Radley (where he taught before
becoming headmaster at Pangbourne College) for, as he
puts it, ‘a lovely, gentle, bachelor schoolmaster called
Tony Money, who was secretary to the Old Radleians as
16
well. He also won the MC, looked after our wines and
played soccer into his 60s’. Anthony and Liz are, as he
describes it, ‘grandparents x3’ at last. Our children
started late – it’s a moot point as to which age group is
finding the happy re-adjustment the more exhausting.
What dwindling energies I have go into Chairing our
local John Madejski Academy for Excellence in Sport
(no surprises there then), some committees at Skinners
and a role at Tonbridge that will end in November.
Otherwise golf, friends, Cornwall and going to the gym.
Ugh – it’s not the wonderful PE of Meyrick Brown’s or
John Laing's day; no flying handsprings over box and
boys. No… just trying to walk or bicycle for a few
minutes.’
David HUTCHINSON (51-56) When David was with
us last year, we were waiting for the publication of his
fascinating account of his near year-long kidnap by
Colombian guerrillas and his other adventures in
Colombia. The book, Through A Looking Glass,(cover
pictured) is now available, published by The Memoir
Club. It includes photos by Mathew Leighton and a
foreword by Michael Portillo, and you can buy it from
many sources, first and foremost
from The Memoir Club itself:
www.thememoirclub.co.uk/ or tel.
0191 373 5660. You can also order
it through Amazon, Foyles,
Blackwells, Countrybookshop, WH
Smith and Waterstones websites.
The ISBN number is: 978-1-84104-
174-2. However these days of
course you can obtain it via virtually
any bookshop in the world. End of
commercial! David is back in
Bogotá pursuing a myriad of activities, commercial and
pastoral.
Richard JACOBY (52-57)
My communication is about the photographic query
concerning the two Dalmatian coach hounds on the
inside of the back page of the magazine. I remember the
large male one in front of the smaller one, which I
presume is a bitch. The male was called Rupert
(Rudolph, by general consensus – Ed) and sat at the feet
of his owner, Arthur Harrison, in one of the school
photos. Not only was he sitting at the feet of his owner,
but he was also sitting on me! His white and black hairs
showed up well against the maroon colour of the jacket,
when the school photo was completed. Arthur had an
Armstrong Siddeley car at that time and I believe it was
temporarily out of his possession when some felon
helped himself to it. I think that the sphinx on the
bonnet symbolised the aristocratic pose of the

decumbent Rupert who was master of all he surveyed.
Certainly the pupils were denizens living within his
domain and never vice versa.
Rupert McNEILE (54-60) Rupert couldn’t attend the
reunion as he was marking National Curriculum tests
this year. He’s been through the mill again poor man
since the last Newsletter with the return of cancer, this
time requiring surgery. Not surprisingly he describes his
last term of teaching ‘not an easy one’. Having lived in
school accommodation since they married, Rupert and
Diana have now bought a house a mile from Summer
Fields (where he taught for 35 years) and are enjoying
life in their own home for the first time. Their three
children all live in Oxford. ‘Our son is a housemaster at
the Dragon School and one daughter works at the
Dragon pre-prep so we are still in touch with the prep
school world. Our other is a full time mother to our
granddaughter. I’m keeping my brain active doing Open
University physics courses, and I’m also involved with
the local branch of the National Trust.’
James MONTGOMERY (54-58) Readers may or may
not recall that singing has returned to my latter days, a
physical activity that took a back seat during my whole
broadcasting life when my musical knowledge was
devoted to producing and presenting classical music and
arts programmes. Emma also sings, not only with the
Winchester Cathedral based Waynflete Singers – of
which I am a member too – but also with a fine chamber
group also in Winchester, called Southern Voices. Only
one problem though. Our dog Bella, a black and tan
rescue creature of 57 varieties, also sings, which makes
rehearsals at our home in Stockbridge somewhat
challenging. As soon as we begin, at the piano or not,
she opens her mouth and wails – whoooooo whooooo
whoooo whooooo endlessly at high volume. The same
applies when we put on a CD or the radio with choral
music. She is undoubtedly a canine soprano of
distinction. We also run a monthly madrigal evening at
home to sing and drink wine for a couple of hours with a
lovely gathering of singing friends. On our first meeting
last October they said ‘Oh don’t worry, it can’t be that
bad.’ We began, and of course Bella’s contribution,
worthy of the stage at Covent Garden, was of such
vociferous intensity that it was all that our kind
neighbours could hear penetrating our double-glazing.
They took her in for the evening, which they always do
now. Otherwise we find Stockbridge a wonderfully
convenient place to live, Winchester but ten minutes
away through glorious country; the west, east, north,
south all within reasonable reach, and Waterloo an hour
away. Emma has a new job at Southampton Hospital, I
continue giving talks on various subjects left right and
17
centre and distributing ‘how to conduct’ DVDs
worldwide (the latest orders as I write have come from
Slovenia, Iceland and Melbourne if you please), and
daughter Tara has just got a First with Honours at Royal
Holloway (University of London) University, of which
all family and friends are extremely proud. She certainly
deserves it, having worked incredibly hard. A Masters
beckons next.
Patrick MONTGOMERY (56-61) Patrick is still at the
Bar in Melbourne, though less than fully occupied now.
He hit 60 in February, and among other guests to
celebrate with him was his eldest sister Diana who flew
there not just for his birthday, but to combine the trip
with a visit to New Zealand having tracked down a harp
originally owned by their great grandfather. He’d been
harpist to Queen Victoria, and bequeathed the instrument
to a nephew who then sold it to a man who emigrated to
New Zealand taking it with him. That man died in his
nineties five years ago, but his son invited Diana to stay
in Auckland for a few days to see the harp and watch a
video of it being played by his father. Patrick admires
his sister’s tenacity in finding it, a remarkable story in
itself. Since he last wrote, Patrick and Mandy have taken
their son Nick to New Zealand’s South Island for a
seven-day ‘tramp’ walking tracks near Queenstown – the
Milford Track and the Routeburn Track. They stayed in
the apparently excellent Department of Conservation
huts, so that you don't need to carry a tent or stove – just
clothes, food and a sleeping bag. ‘It’s hard but satisfying
walking and we got less rain than usual in that area. We
were told it normally rains for fifteen days in January
(summer of course). Wonderful rainforest and alpine
scenery. Nick is 14 now and playing clarinet in the
Melbourne Grammar School Orchestra. He went on tour
with them in December giving concerts in Dubai,
Zagreb, Ljubliana and Venice. He also did a good sixday
school hiking trip in Central Tasmania, the area
known as the Walls of Jerusalem. [Spectacularly rugged,
stark and beautiful terrain which I recall from my time
there in the 1960s. J.M.] I'm sure we indulge our
children too much these days as we also spent Easter at
Lord Howe Island, two hours flight north east of
Sydney. It’s a perfect 11 kilometres long, no more than 2
kilometres wide, the island discovered later than any
other significant island in the world in 1788 – and that
was by mistake on the way to the larger Norfolk Island,
the old penal colony. Only four hundred visitors are
allowed to stay there at any one time because it’s a
World Heritage site. No jets can fly in, so it’s not a
package deal destination, and only three hundred people
live there. Lord Howe is tropical with a coral reef 200
metres off shore, a beautiful lagoon with fish
everywhere, sensational beaches and some of the best

walks. Mount Gower is 875 metres pretty much straight
up. Many plants are unique, also the birds – especially
sea birds – that breed there. English residents might note
the sea temperature is 24 degrees centigrade, nights are
20 degrees and the days 27 degrees – PERFECT. And at
that age, 14, I thought a trip to Mousehole in Cornwall
was a big deal! That said, travel is a great education in
itself. The MHS geography teaching must have been
good with… Mr Bindloss? I can't recall, though I do
remember with affection Tommer, Derek Whittome,
Martin Briggs, Geoff Martin, Miss French, Mr Pardoe in
other subjects.’ If readers would like to have a taste of
the Montgomery family’s time on and around Lord
Howe Island, Patrick has made a little album at
picasaweb.google.com/npmontgomery1/LordHoweIsland
(Well worth a visit – it looks like paradise. Ed)
Martyn POLIAKOFF (56-61)
This year Martyn and his brother Stephen
POLIAKOFF (61-66) are collecting yet more much
deserved honours, this time jointly at the same ceremony
– Honorary Doctorate degrees from the University of
Anglia in recognition for their various contributions to
science and culture. Last year they were both awarded
CBEs. Martyn is an internationally acknowledged
pioneer of ‘green chemistry’ in his role as Research
Professor in Chemistry at the University of Nottingham.
His Clean Technology Group is exploring new ways in
which chemistry can deliver environmental benefits, and
he’s also active in promoting collaboration between
chemistry and engineering. To mark his 60th birthday
his students and fellow academics held a ‘PolFest’.
Martyn has something of a notorious reputation in the
science world for his somewhat energetic and
imaginative approach to teaching, and is regarded with
affection at the University. The filmmaker-in-residence
at Nottingham Science City has produced a series of
short videos featuring Martyn. They’re called ‘Hello
Einstein’, ‘The Professor’s Wiggley Giggly’, ‘Water
Bottles and Green Chemistry’, ‘Bad Exams’ and
‘Supercritical Fluids’ and can be viewed through
www.youtube.com/nottinghamscience. Those who
remember Martyn at MHS – complete with shock of
hair, now grey – will discern little or no change from the
boy of 50 years ago. Stephen began writing and directing
plays at school and was writer-in-residence at the
National Theatre by the age of 24. Among his feature
films are Runners, Close My Eyes and Century, but his
favoured medium has remained television. In 1999 he
won the Prix Italia for Shooting the Past and other
television dramas have included Perfect Strangers, the
Emmy award-winning The Lost Prince, Capturing Mary
and A Real Summer. His play Breaking the Silence,
based loosely on the brothers’ Russian grandfather has
18
been playing this year at Nottingham Playhouse. Martyn
says, ‘I think that the award of Doctorates to the two of
us is very imaginative and a great excuse for a big family
celebration!’
Michael STARK (58-62)
I am alive and well and still living and working in
London. My work at the Education Ministry now
involves narrowing the gap in school achievement
between poor children in England and their peers. This
work clearly has some relationship to what I was doing
in Africa, but it is literally a world apart in terms of the
funds available (unit cost of a year's schooling is about
100 to one).
A few weeks ago I met Stephen Poliakoff at the Hay
Literary Festival and reminded him of the play he wrote
at MHS jointly with my late brother Donald (1960-66 or
so) – a farce entitled ‘Notes Among the Keys’ –
probably Stephen’s only work not to have been an
acclaimed film or television success or a sell-out run at
the National. Stephen remembers his own MHS days
with little affection but he remembered Donald well and
recalled the play. I was delighted to see him and he was
kind enough to autograph a copy of ‘Shooting the Past’
one of his best TV dramas and recently re-screened.
My brother Antony is also alive, well and living in
London. Recently became a grandfather and mighty
pleased about it!
Colin THOMPSON (58-62) Colin continues teaching at
Brambletye, but hopes to retire to France before too
much longer.
David THOMPSON (51-56) David is still stockbroking
and would like to work more from home. His young
family, Amelia now 8 and Guy 5, keep him on his toes,
(or is it his knees?).
Peter THOMPSON (47-53) Peter and Jill are still
thoroughly enjoying retirement in Spain and are
spending much more time there. After a successful
letting of their Southborough flat for seven months in
2006/7, they’ve let it again, hopefully until March 2010,
which suits them fine. Accordingly visits to the U.K.
will be even more curtailed than recently. Happily
though family and friends manage to visit them in Spain,
so they keep up with everyone. ‘I am now in my 3rd
year as President of the local ex-pats Club, and this
keeps us both very well occupied, with a wide range of
activities, as well as an annual coach trip away. We took
110 club members to Seville, Jerez & Cordoba last year
and this year's trip is organised for Salamanca, Toledo &
Aranjuez.’ At the time of writing Peter was bemoaning
the state of the Spanish weather, especially as it had been

so good at the beginning of the year. At least he didn’t
feel guilty watching cricket, rugby or tennis from the
U.K. when it was teeming down with rain there.
Philip THOMPSON (53-56) It was good to see Philip
at the lunch this year. He hasn’t found the need to retire
from his accountancy business yet. Great news that a
second grand-daughter was born in June last year to
James and Viv. A third grandchild is due in October,
Charles and Erica's first. Philip and Jo are off to New
Zealand and Fiji for three weeks in August with
Cranbrook School's Hockey and Rugby Tour. He’s
going to umpire some hockey while Jo will act as Tour
Mum.
SECTIONS C & D (Leavers 70 – 81)
Correspondents: Andrew Cloke
(andrew.m.cloke@btinternet.com) & Michael
Pockley (mpockley@btconnect.com)
Sean ASHFIELD (73-77) Sean joined Stockbrokers
Charles Stanley about 3 years ago having had a long
career with Teather & Greenwood. He is playing lots of
cricket in the summer months at Ightham, near his home
in Sevenoaks, Kent. His daughter, Zoe is now 15 and
has just sat her GCSE exams, "hard work, but not like 'O'
levels in my day!". When the winter arrives, Sean
spends time on the terraces watching Wimbledon AFC
(the real Wimbledon) who last season managed to gain
promotion, thanks in no small part to support from him
and his fellow Don fan, Richard Brown.
Richard BROWN (74-79) I am afraid that not a lot has
changed in my world for 20 years!! Still playing squash,
tennis and golf but doing more shooting now. Still
watching AFC Wimbledon play football [with Sean
Ashfield] Still working as a surveyor in the west end
doing shops and shopping centres - complete 20 years
this summer. Emily is 6 and George 4 so school fees
beginning to rack up just in time for the credit crunch to
really bite. Living in Coombe (posh Kingston) and
enjoying life. Though it may sound rather dull there is
not a spare moment for much else, particularly as we all
live in blackberry world now; even chair lifts and
beaches are not exempt from calls or emails from
clients!!
Jason CLOKE (82-90) Is still working as a Buyer and
last year moved from Eurostar to Compass Group.
Living in Fulham and enjoying life in London. Has just
returned from a fantastic 2-week holiday in Canada.
Simon CLOKE (76-81) I am still working in London -
for HSBC - and in between looking after three sons I
still find time to indulge in a few of my main pastimes of
cricket watching, golf (mostly looking for balls) and
following the fortunes of the once mighty Nottingham
Forest. Moving to Brenchley this summer having been
living in South West London for 17 years.
Brad KIRKLAND (78-81) Brad has been in Tokyo for
2 Years now with MUFG. “Had a great time. Pippa,
Oliver and Sophie have loved their experience here too.
At the end of June, Pippa and the children will return to
the UK and they will go back to School there. I will
leave Tokyo and go for a stint in Hong Kong for around
9 months prior to returning to London myself. I will be
back for 2 weeks in the summer. Hong Kong will be
good, but away from the family which isn’t ideal, but
playing the long game.”
Patrick MUIRHEAD (76-81)
After assorted careers including regional TV reporter
and BBC Radio 4 newsreader, painter/decorator and
menswear retailer, Patrick has proved that life begins
(again!) at 40. He has just qualified as a commercial
helicopter pilot. “That entailed more study in twelve
months than I ever did during thirteen years of rather
expensive schooling,” he says. More surprising still, he
is now contemplating the merits of marriage and
children. Currently renting a 14 th century house with
Polish immigrants and heavily tattooed railway worker
at Midhurst, West Sussex, he adds: “Heiresses apply
here!”
Patrick Muirhead, England
West Street, Midhurst, West Sussex GU29 9NQ
Tel: 01730 817710. Mobile: 07730 987898
Email: info@patrickmuirhead.com
Web: www.patrickmuirhead.com
Nicholas O’RORKE (77-81) Address: 1 Woodwalk
Cottages, Longparish, Andover; tel: 01264 720 303
email: ororkens@onetel.net. Education: Haileybury
1981 -1986; Southampton University 1987 – 1990;
College of Law, Store Street 1991-1993; Career:
Solicitor, Allen & Overy 1993 – 1997, 2000-2001; Blake
Dawson Waldron, Sydney Australia 1997 – 2000;
Sydney Airport Corporation 1999-2000; Infineum Uk
Ltd 2001 – 2006; General Counsel at Redstone plc 2006
to date; Governor Longparish Primary School 2004 to
date; Married Sarah (née Hills) 1995; 3 children George
(1999), Alice (2000), Humphrey (2003). Interests:
Sport, Theatre, Reading, being a Dad.
19

[Nicholas – we have passed your message to colleagues
as requested. Copied to your email ]
Alex PATTISON Alex is still living in Australia and
has had a very busy year. In September 2007 he bought
a house in Sydney and in March 2008 got married to his
Australian fiancée Erin. Outside of those big life events
he is still working for Nestlé as an IS/IT specialist and
occasionally finding time to play hockey. He hopes to be
back in the UK for a visit at the end of 2009.
[Congratulations, Alex! Ed.]
Michael POCKLEY (75-80) Not much has changed
since last year. I’m still teaching at The Dragon, i/c
Cross-Country and coaching loads of hockey. I was
terribly excited by both my boys’ teams having unbeaten
seasons, which just proves that I’ve not quite yet grown
up. Other than the hockey, I guess the highlight has to be
having a vast painting in a show at Modern Art Oxford,
the most prestigious gallery in these parts – and the
painting actually selling was a big bonus. My own
hockey playing career seems to have dribbled to a close
on account of my body falling apart – but I’m four years
older than Roy Keane and he’s already moved into
management!
Robin POLLOCK (79-81) “I am currently working as a
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at The Royal National
Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore. I specialise in the
treatment of hip and knee arthritis as well as bone and
soft tissue tumours. I've been here since 2004 having
trained at London University with a stint at the
University of Sydney, Australia. On the social front I am
getting married to Sarah in August this year in
Richmond. We live together in Paddington at the
moment. James G-C (who I met on my first day at MHS
in January 1977!) is my best man. I still play a bit of
cricket and am secretary of the Bradfield Waifs CC. I
became a member of the MCC a few years ago and also
go to most test matches at HQ”.
Mark SUMMERHAYES (74-80) Living in Watsons
Bay and enjoying the Sydney sunshine (apart from the
fact that it has been bucketing down here most of this
year). Regularly capsize in a Laser on the Harbour and
generally make it up onto my knees before tumbling off
the Malibu at Bondi.
Working with RMB Capital Partners, a mid market
private equity firm specialising in buy-outs - never a dull
moment cometh the credit crunch! Teaching two boys
(George 5 and Max 3) how to hang a beach cricket bat
20
out to dry the Derek Whittome way. Not at all interested
in the modern Australian techniques. We would
welcome any old MHS friends who are coming to
Sydney and are looking for a decent curry house or a
pint of Guinness
Jonny SHINGLES (81-83) All doing very well thank
you although very much the lull between the storms as
junior number 3 arrives next month! Working at
Mergermarket (part of the FT Group); I still fly albeit
only recreationally on nice sunny days and played one
game of cricket to an appallingly low standard last year.
Best retired!
David THACKRAH (69-73) David wrote on behalf of
his dad Tim THACKRAH (35-38) who had sadly been
diagnosed with a vascular disease, but asked David let us
know that the dogs were Arthur Harrison’s and the
bigger one of the two was called Rudolf which had a
habit of leaving nasty smells. So, if anyone else did, the
cry was ‘Oh Rudolf’ as usual it appears that the dogs
always got the blame!
David recalled meeting Arthur when he retired to his
farm, where he still had two Dalmatians, though not the
same ones! He also said how well ‘Tommer’ & Jocelyn
looked after his father when he lost his own father.
Tommer taught both David and his father and always
compared one with the other, saying ‘you will probably
never make a fortune but as long as you are happy with
yourself, it doesn’t matter’. David still fondly
remembers that he did teach him honesty, respect for
others and a love for one’s fellow man. David felt the
Thompsons were a ‘match made in Heaven’ a young
Master and Matron who looked after two generations of
boys – many of them father and sons. He says his
daughters are still amazed at his prowess in quizzes on
History and Latin etc. Email: davethax@uwclub.net
SECTION E (Leavers 82-85)
Correspondent: Marcus Gault
moshgault@hotmail.com
Richard BLAND (79 – 85)
Still living in London, working for Virgin Media. Now
the proud father of one-year-old Freddie.
Marcus GAULT (78-83)
We continue to be based in North Oxfordshire, although
I recently moved jobs (again), this time commuting to
the city (ouch – 2 hours each way) to run a media

usiness. Little ones Dotty (5) and George (3) have
convinced me unequivocally that 2 is more than enough!
Not much life outside work and family!
Adrian GAYLON (79-82)
Adrian is still in the leisure & sports development world.
Next stop is 2012......especially if there can be some
funding to build up community sport to build a local
legacy.
David HARDCASTLE (79-84)
David reports that life is treating him well. Lola is now
almost 3 yrs old and keeping them busy and constantly
amused. They moved to a new house in Fulham last year
which is walking distance to Arrows office in Chelsea
Harbour (definitely a luxury in London.). Arrow
Panamax Ltd is, has, and continues to enjoy a boom
market as China's demand for commodities continues
unabated.
David was recently invited to Andrew SEALE’s (79-
84) wedding in Botswana but was unable to attend and
caught up with Ollie TOPLEY’s (79-84) news via his
parents: - I understand he now has 4 children!
Ben HORLEY (79-85)
Last x years condensed - went to Liverpool Uni -
Computer Studies - started contracting, worked all over,
now settled in Manchester.
Tim MASKELL (77-83)
Tim is still in the RAF after 19 years and currently
deployed to Qatar for his 3rd tour of the Middle East
after Kuwait and Iraq. His current home Unit is RAF
Odiham where he is based with the Chinooks but will be
posted to Rheindahlen in Germany in July. The family
is well and the 4 children Emily, Guy and the twins
Henry and Charlie are all doing well. Says he would
love to get back to MHS sometime.
Adrian is now living in Australia with his wife Penny
and 3 girls and James lives in the Brighton area with his
new wife Jo and daughter Serafina.
Andrew SEALE (79-84)
Andrew is still living happily in Botswana. All continues
to go well out there with the printing business. The golf
handicap is still stuck at around 14!! Big news of the
year is that he got married in March to Sareta and they
are getting very excited (and sleeping as much as
possible!!!) before the arrival of their first child in
January 2009. [6 month’s sleep! – sounds wonderful –
Ed.]
21
SECTION F (Leavers 86-89)
Correspondents: Mike Crompton (86-87)
mike@zubaski.com
Alex South (88-89)
alexander.j.south@jpmorgan.com
Mike CROMPTON
I (we) have had another baby - this time a girl! So all in
all I now have 2 boys and a girl (the knot has been tied
already before you ask!!). My work life is mad also as I
continue to develop my sales and marketing agency (we
do website development, email management, design etc.,
as well as consult on marketing and sales in general).
We have also set up a niche travel company
www.zubaski.com which is doing some very fun things
in the Alps and Norway at the moment...ski touring, dog
sledding.... all cold and energetic! Long may the
adventure continue! If anyone wants to get hold of me
for an adventure, email mike@zubaski.com
Jonathan MICHAUD (81-86) After graduating from
the University of Maryland School of Law in May 2006
I moved to Boston. Took and passed the dreaded bar
exam in July 2006. Clerked for a trial court judge for
one year. In September 2007 I began working at a law
firm in downtown Boston doing products liability
defence work. Enjoying the change from TV director,
but not enjoying paying back those horrible student
loans. As for MHS...well the memories grow fonder as
you get older. Funny because I do not remember
enjoying those cross-country runs very much! Also I
was very lucky to have great teachers like Martin Briggs,
Peter Sayers and Derek Whittome. Happy days indeed. I
am on Facebook – look me up. Still single, no
children...maybe by the time I am 40! email:
jphmichaud@hotmail.com
Jeremy UPTON
Jeremy is still working for Channel 4 TV within
the Graphics Dept. He is living with his girlfriend and
they have moved out of London to a farm cottage in the
country. Waking up to the sound of birds and sheep
definitely makes up for the commute in to work! He
now finds himself working in the garden on weekends
rather than going to bars and clubs; and wonders what is
happening to the Jezz of old?! He still misses the days at
MHS - such good times and would love to hear from
others of his era. His Email addresses are:
jeremyupton@hotmail.com jupton@channel4.co.uk
Mattijs van BAALEN (83-86)
All is well here in Amsterdam. We eventually tied the
knot on the 18th of August 2006, and are still happily

married. We just sold our house and hope to find
something new soon (in Amsterdam), although with the
credit crunch hovering over us, it’s a tricky decision
whether to buy or rent. Work has been fun, as we set up
a Yacht Management company for super yachts and a
dealership for several brands including Fjord Boats and
Trader Motor Yachts – but it’s also a lot of hard work!
SECTION G (Leavers 90-02)
Correspondent: Ros Saunders
pinklady2803@aol.com
Tim BLISSETT (97-00) Tim is coming to the end of his
2nd year at UEA - still enjoying studies and hoping to
get a job in Norwich over the Summer as his house is
rented all year round. He was 21 in November and
treated himself to a turntable to play vinyl from his
birthday money.....spending lots of time seeking out
good records to play! News also of Tim’s sister
Hannah who met up with old MHS friends when they
visited Provence in October last year on the bi-ennial
French/Classics trip. They enjoyed a lovely day together
ending with an enjoyable dinner in Aix-en-Provence.
the UK when possible. Occasionally fly gliders & still
planning to start commercial pilot training at some point,
but seem to have got a bit distracted! Nevertheless,
herewith sending regards and best wishes to all at MHS.
Email: andrew_s_wright@yahoo.co.uk
SECTION H (Leavers 03 & later)
Correspondent: Teresa Sibree
t.sibree@sky.com
The Young Leavers’ Reunion 2007 took place at the
school on the evening of the Rugby World Cup Final –
who could have predicted that it would involve England!
However, it made for a very exciting evening which all
who attended thoroughly enjoyed.
Felix DANCZAK (99-03) in his last year doing IB at
Sevenoaks and hoping to do English at Edinburgh after
taking a gap year.
Annabel DURNFORD (94-03) is planning on doing a
gap year in an orphanage in Cambodia, then on to York
or Bristol to read music.
Jo CRIPPS (88-98) After leaving Uni last year, I spent
some time travelling and working as a physio in Africa.
Since returning, I have got a job as a Physio at the
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London which I
really enjoy. That is pretty much all the news from me, I
can't believe it's been 10 years since we left!
Stephen GOURMAND (85-90) Stephen is still
working in London, but has recently moved his family to
Headcorn.
Amy WETMORE (86-91)
Married fellow musician George in 2005 and we have
now left the big smoke for life in the country-Headcorn.
I continue to freelance on the London music scene and
still teach a bit; at local schools - St Ronan's, Sutton
Valence and now MHS! Strange to be back. Email:
amywetmore@hotmail.com
Andrew WRIGHT (89- 95)
Graduated with Mechanical and Aeronautical
Engineering at Brunel in 2006. In between 2004-5 also
completed an internship with Alstom in high
temperature turbine materials; in 2006 moved back to
Zürich and into R&D, this time working between
Alstom and EdF in development of clean power
solutions. Enjoying the peace and skiing in particular,
but it's also nice to catch up with friends and family in
22
Young Leavers’ Reunion 2007:
Some very serious viewing going on here!
Felix HARRISON (97-03) is going to read forensic
science at Kent University.
Sophie HUNTER BLAIR (95-04) is doing Business
Studies, Textiles and History of Art in the Sixth Form at
Eastbourne and plans to do a gap year.
Thomas McMURRAY (96-03) plans on doing his gap
year on a game reserve in South Africa after finishing at

Worth Abbey and then going on to do a zoology degree
at St Andrews.
Hamish McTRUSTY (96-03) is at Plumpton
Agricultural College doing outdoor pursuits.
Emma MORGAN (00-03) plans on doing a gap year
and then going into marketing and/or advertising.
Chris MORGAN (98-04) is doing Maths, Further
Maths, all the sciences and RS at A2 Level and plans on
joining the Foreign Office.
James RYLEY (98-04) is at Norton Knatchbull and
doing Maths, Further Maths and all the sciences at A2
Level.
Amy SAUNDERS (93-03) hopes to go to London
College of Fashion to do a Foundation Year. She is
Deputy Head Girl at Bethany.
Angus SHARP (93-03) doing Oxbridge and wants to
read PPE. Has been selected for the Bank of England
Economics Competition. He is a school prefect at
Lancing
Tom SIBREE (93-03) might do a gap year or go to
college to do something in sport. Doing BTEC Sport
and Communications at Milton Abbey.
Young Leavers’ Reunion 2007:
Girls just want to have fun!
Jack SMITH (00-03) finishing his IB at Sevenoaks, is
doing Oxbridge and wants to read politics or law.
Jo STEWART (98-03) spent her summer in Bolivia
helping out in the community. Plans to return to South
23
America for part of her Gap year and then maybe go to
Edinburgh or Newcastle to read History
Alex STOUGHTON (98-04) is doing Maths,
Economics, History and Physics and might try for
Oxbridge.
SECTION S (Staff)
Correspondent: Des Phillips
des.phillips@marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk
Bex BYRNE
Greetings from Germany (again) we are currently back
out in good old BFG but for how long who knows! We
have put in a posting order to stay out here as Mallaidh
has now started school – yes my little baby is growing
up fast.
Kitty (3 years old and already playing Rugby – good
girl!) has just started Pre School and doesn’t even kiss
her mother goodbye of a morning! I am working for the
Salvation Army, as trying to get a job in education here,
even with my experience and qualifications, is a
nightmare. I did go for the job of matron at the boarding
house on camp but they didn’t even compare to you
guys. Just to let you know that I am in reasonable health
and my fits aren’t too often although often enough to
allow Kitty to say that whenever I have one, “Mummy’s
dead again Daddy” – what a little sweetheart my
daughter is! My next CT scan is later on this year but
everything is fine on that score and no recurrence of a
tumour. Luckily Col is staying here at the moment and
so far we have no news of a tour of Afghanistan or Iraq,
but that could all change. My love and hello to you all
and I will try to pop in next time I’m in the U.K. If you
want to contact me please do, as it’s nice to hear from
people.
Email: bexie1172@hotmail.com
Jo COCKROFT
Jo is now working, teaching Year 2 at a school like MHS
but near Leominster. Harry has started nursery there and
will start school in September. Husband Simon is
working a lot in London, running his own irrigation
business.
Janet ELSE
Janet is thoroughly enjoying retirement and keeps very
busy. She is in contact with the school and does supply
teaching in the Pre-Prep & Nursery, as well as helping in
the after-school crèche twice a week. Looking after
grandchildren (George aged 4 and Emma 14 months)
once a week is great fun. She and Eric go caravanning

frequently and this year went all through the year,
including Christmas when Janet even managed to cook a
five course Christmas lunch!
Sarah FURNIVAL
Sarah writes: We lead a fairly quiet life here in the
suburbs of Ottawa. My husband James has his hobbies
of computing and making a form of protein in the
basement! He also helps other retirees with home repairs
(other people’s!) and once a year goes to Jamaica to
work with the Caribbean Junior Staff College, teaching
war-gaming. As a result of surviving cancer three times I
designed a flower garden in front of our house where
once there was just lawn to keep me busy all spring,
summer and autumn, along with a slightly larger garden
in the back. During the Canadian winter I dream of the
spring!
Genevieve GREENWOOD
Since leaving MHS in 2004 Genevieve has been to
South America in January-April 2005 and in 2007 with
husband Robert to trek in the Andes and explore the
countries, even venturing into the depths of the Amazon
jungle with some locals in a canoe. They are planning to
go again in 2009. Tennis still plays a very prominent
part in life at home with regular coaching and organising
tournaments for all ages. Daughter Charlotte is off to
teach PE in Hong Kong and the other two children are
working in London. Genevieve is always delighted to
see former pupils and hear all their news.
Sheila & Stephen KENT
Sheila and Stephen left MHS in the October 2007 half
term as a Matron and Bursar respectively to move into
semi retirement in Norfolk. Their first month was spent
living in their caravan on the Sandringham estate (Her
Majesty was out at the time!). They then moved into a
rented house for five months while their house sale in
Northiam and a purchase in Hunstanton eventually took
place. They now live in a lovely house set back a little
from the cliffs overlooking the Wash and are gradually
settling in with plenty of DIY and decorating to do.
Stephen works as part-time Bursar at Glebe House
Preparatory School just four minutes walk away. Like
MHS, Glebe House is a very friendly and family
oriented school with a lot going for it. Sheila is
thoroughly enjoying her retirement although making
curtains is keeping her very busy. Both really enjoy
seeing a lot more of their children and due to a recent
addition, their three grand-children. They would
welcome any visitors from the south.
David & Katharine LEES-JONES (88-95)
David and Katharine “retired” last summer after almost
20 years of Prep School Headship. Their final year at
Lockers Park was significant – 14 of 23 leavers won
major scholarships, with a Kings Scholar at Eton leading
the fray. A wonderful community provided a
memorable send-off and now, almost a year on, life
continues to be equally busy but in a very different
mode! Katharine works part-time as a physiotherapist at
the Horder Centre and continues to enjoy her magistrate
work; David enjoys visiting London and indulging his
motoring interests, participating in the RREC Derby
Phantom Rally to The Rhine recently.
Ian MILES
My only real news is that as from March this year I
became village Organist at All Saints’, Sutton Courtenay
(in which churchyard both H.Asquith and George Orwell
are buried). Also, that I turned 50 in early June.
Christopher MORGAN (76-85)
There has been a delay in the publication of
Christopher’s new collection of poems; so that news will
have to wait another year. Meanwhile, he reports that he
is well and enjoying life in his retirement cottage near
Shrewsbury.
Jan NEWCOMB
Jan writes that Charles has had a tough year so their
escapes to their flat on La Cote d’Azur have been
somewhat curtailed – but heading there again soon.
Recent personal achievements? None to boast of: except
more advanced bridge lessons but very slow progress in
Portuguese. A new granddaughter takes tally to 6! Very
sorry to miss Marlborough House Society gathering in
May, which is always an enjoyable fixture. As ever,
delighted to stay in touch with many MHS friends and to
know how well the school continues to prosper.
Mike & Christine PARDOE (58-01)
Mike and Christine keep going as best they can but
Christine – in spite of her problems – has so much more
to do, due to Mike’s difficulties which remain about the
same.
Edward, Timothy, Pam, Sam and Aidan carry on as
before – needless to say we much enjoy their visits. One
highlight was Sam’s 5 th birthday party which was held at
a children’s gym near Heathrow Airport. Edward took
Christine and they both enjoyed watching Sam and his
26 friends playing in the gym – followed by a “Thomas
Tank Engine” tea!
Edward’s highlight was going to The Belfry Golf Club,
near Sutton Coldfield, with several friends where they
played golf on two courses.
24

Des Phillips is now the Correspondent for Section S
(Staff) and Mike would like to thank all those involved
for their cooperation and contribution during his tenure.
Sheila PAYNE
Sheila has been on the Board of Governors for over 30
years and is beginning to feel she should think of
retiring! However the school is in such good heart that it
is always a pleasure to be involved in all its activities
which she and Basil find very stimulating. It is
particularly interesting to compare the fortunes of the
Pre-Prep department with the progress of grandchildren
in the State sector and to reflect that pupils at MHS. Are
very lucky indeed to be part of a happy, thriving and
forward-looking independent school, largely free from
the shackles of Government imposed initiatives.
Ian and Gill ROSS (71-88)
Gill and I were sorry to have missed the Society’s AGM
this year. However, we did attend the memorial service
for Max Gardner at Rolvenden, where we met his
Mother and two brothers, as well as Ros Saunders, and
also Barbara and Peter Goad, and Mrs Quitman. As we
have two grandsons at MHS we do have news from them
and their parents.
I hope the Headmaster and Governors have been
preparing plans to satisfy the Charity Commissioners in
their determination to judge whether a school can
deserve to retain the financial advantages of having
charitable status.
We are both committed to several local activities: Gill’s
tend to be of a more physical form than mine!
Peter SAYERS (74-88)
2008 heralded my 70 th and a new hip, both bringing a
new zip to life. Rosaleen continues as receptionist to the
local Osteopath. There is time for us both to be in the
garden, sing with the Seaford Choral Society, do some
travelling and enjoy the family, especially watching the
grandchildren growing up.
Ros SAUNDERS
Still here!! Year 2 remains a delightful age group to
teach. Amy and Emily are both doing well. Amy has
now left school and will start her foundation year at the
London College of Fashion in September. Emily has just
done her GCSEs and did a week of work experience in
the MHS sports department. She is going to do Sport,
Photography Spanish and Communications in the 6 th
Form.
Gail THOMSON
Having left MHS in 1999 I moved to Benenden in order
to teach maths at higher levels. Eight years on I am still
25
here and still enjoying teaching maths to girls from the
age of 11 in year 7 up to the sixth form. Having been
introduced to golf by Linda Beasley (your Ed!) whilst
still at MHS I have become just as mad a golfer as she is
and through this I have maintained connections with old
friends and new. I enjoy playing in the MHS masters
and mistresses competitions as it allows me to catch up
on news and to meet some of the new staff. I am able to
follow the fortunes of those MHS girls who occasionally
join the throng at Benenden and this is another way of
maintaining contact. My son Kif, having spent 2 years
in Australia and New Zealand where he spent his time
working with racehorses in training yards and on studs,
has now returned to the UK. He still enjoys riding and
races our point-to-pointers during the winter months. He
has set up his own business with James Walshaw who
was his best friend when he was at MHS. The MHS
boys (Kif, James Walshaw, Simon Ashdown and several
others) are all still good friends and spend much of their
leisure time together. Tim finally went back to gamekeeping
which had always been his first love, having
worked in the fencing business for several years. He has
been working as a game keeper on the Glassonbury
Estate for the last four years. Tim has also maintained
contact with his friends from MHS and always meets up
with Martin Allison when he is back in the UK.
Robert & Judith WADDINGTON (69-76)
Latest news is that son and daughter-in-law have
produced another grandchild – an 8lbs 8 oz bouncing
girl, Zoë whose voice is already carrying across the
Welsh valleys and startling the local sheep!
Grandchildren now total three with a fourth expected
from daughter any day now.
Graeme WALKER (56-58)
I now have two grandchildren and am a church reader in
the Linton Parishes, near Cambridge. I hear that the
Revd John Eddison is now in a clergy nursing home at
Lindfield, Sussex.
Gilly WALTON
After our six week trip to Australia and New Zealand
last year, followed by three family weddings (2 sons and
a cousin!) we have lived a fairly quiet life since.
Enjoying the family coming to us now. As for me, a girl
originally from Norfolk, I am now an expert on Kent!
Diana WATERS (88-01)
Not so many overseas holidays this year, though life
continues to be busy and enjoyable! In June we
celebrated the arrival of Katie’s second daughter Sophia.
Mother and baby are both well – and I was privileged to
be assisting at the birth! We continue to see a good deal

of our other sons’ families who live nearby. JJ
graduated from Cambridge last year. Since then he has
worked in Kenya and then in the Zoology Department at
Cambridge on a biodiversity project. He is now working
in London on an internship before commencing a
Masters in Environmental Technology at Imperial
College. John and I spend many happy hours gardening
and also enjoy playing bridge.
Rosemary WHITTOME (55-89)
Rosemary writes that her eldest granddaughter was
married in June and that she still enjoys her garden.
Henry the Spaniel is “The Best Thing”. Sadly Rosemary
hasn’t had the happiest time of late having broken her
wrist last summer, then losing two old friends in Charis
and then John, whom she had visited for 4 years. In
January she lost her sister. Very sadly, her youngest
daughter was diagnosed with Lymphoma in March and
is now undergoing treatment. Rosemary visits Claud
who is 102 yrs but still enjoys “outings” with her and
Henry the Spaniel. Also still helping with Scott who is
improving slowly – Autism is so tragic. Rosemary plays
the piano in Nursing Homes; but doesn’t miss teaching!
26

Past Pupils’ News
**************
OBITUARIES
Max GARDNER (74-80)
Maxwell Gardner, son of the late Andrew Gardner, the veteran ITN Newsreader, sadly died of a heart attack
at his home in Bournemouth in April. Andrew Cloke writes “I remember Max very well as an adventurous
and wonderfully mischievous character, who loved the outdoor life that MHS offered in such rich quantities.
Max was never an enthusiastic sportsman, but he was an avid tree climber and raft maker. He would spend
hours in the dell, thriving and happy on the edge of danger. Max always carried with him the scars and
scrapes of battle with the great outdoors; but he wore these with pride and accepted them as part and parcel of
his trade. His family used to live in Sandhurst at Sponden Old Hall and then later moved to Benenden. He
left Marlborough House in the summer of 1980 for Cranbrook School, but was never far away from his next
tumble! In 1982, as a young leaver, he delighted in reporting that he had fallen from his bicycle, a second
time, and broken his collar bone. I also remember the excitement when Max was presented with a spray
painted ‘silver hammer’ made for him by Paul, one of the maintenance staff, from wood off-cuts. Whilst the
Beatles connection was probably lost on us at the time, his happiness was not diminished. Max was a great
free spirit and I know for certain that many of my contemporaries will be greatly saddened by his passing”.
K. Morton HOOPER (39-41)
How sad we were to hear of Kenneth Morton Hooper’s death at the age of 80 on November 1st last year.
Morton (or ‘Hoops’ as family and friends knew him) was one of the first Bridestowe boys, at Marlborough
House from 1939 to 1941. In recent years he and his wife Betty had become well known in Oxford, deeply
involved with the Bodlean and Ashmolean. His knowledge of the University was enviable, and friends and
visitors delighted in his enthusiastic, masterly enlightenment of those institutions’ contribution to academic
life. After MHS came Shrewsbury, a year teaching back at MHS, and then Oxford. He taught for two years at
the Governor Dummer Academy in Massachusetts (now the Governor Academy) where he met Betty, and
returned in 1954 to begin his remarkable thirty-two year career as teacher and housemaster at Pangbourne.
Six years followed back in Massachusetts at the Tabor Academy, and then, unsurprisingly, he chose
retirement in the area and academic surroundings he loved. However ‘retirement’ was a Hooper euphemism.
Just as Pangbourne had been a long-term beneficiary of his academic commitment, so Oxford proved to be.
Every year as grandparents, Morton and Betty enjoyed visiting their two sons, both senior geologists who live
fifteen minutes apart with their Australian wives in Perth, and – at the last count – collectively four children.
Their eldest, Edward, moved to Libya with his family for a two year spell exploring for off-shore oil and gas,
a move which inspired Morton’s visits to fascinating archaeological World Heritage sites such as Leptis
Magna, Ghadames, and Sabratha. He was much looking forward to visiting Cyrene as well, a plan sadly cut
short. Betty tells me that Cyrene remains in her sights.
At the age of twelve, Morton played the organ in the church at Bridestowe, and when he re-visited it a few
years ago he was delighted to find that the little brass weight which indicated the inflation of the organ
bellows was still there.
His memorial service was held on 12 th November 2007 in the Falklands Memorial Chapel at Pangbourne,
which fittingly was built as a result of Anthony HUDSON’S (48-52) energy and drive nine years ago. Jack
ACKROYD (39-44) was among those – including Anthony Hudson of course – who packed the chapel.
Morton has left a huge gap in Oxford life. Our sympathy goes to Betty and the rest of the family.
27

Past Pupils’ News
AND NOW FOR THE DOGS!!
Well done and thank you to all who sent in answers to the question of the names of the pair of Dalmatians
inside the back cover of last year’s Newsletter. They were in fact Rudolph and Reckless. Rudolph being the
bigger and by all accounts the windier of the two!
Answers were received from: Robin Benians, Robin Blunt, Richard Jacoby, Michael Money, Richard Murray,
Michael Percival-Smith, Tony Uloth, Peter Vansittart
Peter Horsey also gave information on the boy who last his life in WW1, Frank Egan, who was mentioned in
the Kent Life magazine article.
Nobody has, as yet shed any light on the photo of the young girl, June, who was also pictured in last year’s
publication, but you never know, someone may yet remember her.
STOP PRESS
Do you need to receive a printed copy of the Annual Newsletter ? If you would be willing to read the Newsletter on the
website in future www.mhssociety.org/mhsnew/jsindex.html then please tell the Registrar John Waters, either by email
john.waters31@googlemail.com or call him on 01892 785492. (email is john dot waters31)
**************
Donations, to assist with the Society's costs, are always appreciated. Cheques should be made out to "Marlborough
House Society" and addressed to our Secretary Rosalind Saunders, c/o the School.
**************
LATE NEWS from Kristin SCAARBERG (84 - 86) in Denmark
I'm now working as a pedagog, child care worker, in an after school activities klub for teenagers. And I am getting
married on Saturday the 30th of August, to my boyfriend of 5 years, an electrician.
Email: kristin@skaarberg.com
**************
Vinod RAVINDRAN (82-86) Email: vravindran14773@hotmail.co.uk
**************
Johan van t'HOF (63-67) Now living in Toronto, would welcome news and contact from any former MHS pupils
passing through. Email: jvanthof@tonbridgecorp.com
28

Past Pupils’ News
2008 MHS Society Reunion Lunch in The Gallery
The Pardoe Cup is a National PRSA Trophy which was presented to mark Major Pardoe’s service to Prep
School Rifle Shooting. Each term, pairs of children under twelve compete by submitting their shooting results
by post. Most appropriately, it was won this year by Marlborough House pair, Henry Davies and Charles
Snelling-Colyer and was presented to them by Major Pardoe himself.
29

Past Pupils’ News
WHAT ARE MHS PUPILS DOING NOW?
Rugby still thrives!
Year 8 visiting the BBC Television Centre as part of their Leavers’ Programme
Can anyone identify the cliffhanger? Answers or funny captions, to the Editor please!
30