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DOWNING COLLEGE ASSOCIATIONEdouard Pouret was a veterinary surgeon for the French thoroughbred racingindustry. After early work in Argentina, he was based in Normandy where hegained an international reputation. He has been described as “not only a greatvet but an enormous character as well as a man of the highest integrity.” Heacted as a Steward for many years and, in the mid seventies, he was Presidentof the Fédération Française des Sports Equestres.John Armstrong Raven CBE (1937) died peacefully in Brussels on 6th November2011, at the age of 91. He read History and English. Hisdaughter, Caroline has submitted the following obituary.John Armstrong Raven (1937) died peacefully on the6th November 2011, at the age of 91, with his third wifeLucienne at his side, in a hospital in Brussels. Born onApril 23rd 1920 in Tewkesbury, John (‘Jock’ to friends)was brought up in the Newport/Cardiff area of SouthWales. He gained a scholarship to Canton High SchoolCardiff and, despite great financial difficulties,matriculated to Downing College at the age of 17 with the assistance of at leastfour scholarships. He studied English under F R Leavis and History gaining hisB.A. in 1940 and his M.A. in 1944. In 1940 his education came to a halt whenhe contracted TB and was sent to an isolation hospital in Wales for the nexttwo years. From his bed and despite being given little hope for a full recoveryhe strove to continue his studies and work towards his law exams.In 1955 he was called to the Bar at Gray’s Inn but did not practise. From1947–1968 John was Director of the British Coal Exporters’ Federation, SectionHead of the National Economic Development Office 1968–1970, DirectorGeneral of the Association of British Chambers of Commerce 1972–1974.Having been Director of the Board initially, John held the position of ChiefExecutive and Vice Chair of the Board of Simplification of International TradeProcedures Overseas for several years from 1974. Its recommendation reportpublished in 1970 represented the start of international trade’s discussion anddrive for facilitation.In the 1980s and 90s, he worked on behalf of the fast-growing express andcourier sector, travelling extensively across the globe, representing the industryat the World Bank, United Nations Development Program and the WorldCustoms Organisation. This work was recognised in 1982 when he received theCBE for his services to Export from the Queen.He became Director of the International Express Carriers Conference, whosemembers include UPS, Fed-EX, TNT and DHL, whilst continuing to engagein WCO matters.72