Versa: Issue Eleven

6 OA News
BEST CCF SHOOTERS
recognised
OA PUBLISHES
MEAL-PLANNING BOOK
for head and neck cancer patients
7
In 2015, Andrew Gaylor (OA 1973) had major surgery and radiotherapy for
a malignant tumour in his neck which paralysed the left side of his face.
This had a major impact on his ability to eat and drink and initially he
survived on liquid nutrition drinks – but even those had a bitter metallic taste
due to his radiotherapy.
When Lt-Col Robert Gregory (OA 1956) was
a pupil at the School, Commanding Officer
Major LG Walker presented silver spoons
for excellence in shooting to those in the Combined
Cadet Forces (CCF). In memory of this, Robert and
his brother Michael have given their own spoons to
be awarded whenever Major Forbes-Whitehead feels a
cadet deserves it.
During the presentation ceremony, Robert spoke about
Major LG Walker, who was posted to Burma as an officer
in the Essex Regiment during the Second World War,
saying: “The most shocking thing to me was that those
who served in Burma were ordered not to talk about what
happened there on their return. LG obeyed this order and
never said a word about Burma. He was keen on shooting
and took us to shoot .303 at the 300-yard range in the
wood near Sandridge, as did the RSM Sam Kilpatrick
(Scots Guards). Both were always cool, calm and collected,
a rare quality, and both were truly great men.”
For this academic year, the spoon for best shooter
was awarded to L6 pupil William following the CCF
parade on Friday 14 October 2022. The spoon has been
mounted and will be stored in the museum, ahead of the
presentation to the best shot on camp each year.
OC CCF Major David Forbes-Whitehead said: “It was
a pleasure to welcome Robert back to the corps and to
revive a little bit of its history. The presentation of silver
spoons for excellence in shooting was introduced by
former contingent commander Major LG Walker. As a
serving soldier in Burma in the Second World War, he
knew the value of good shooting and we are delighted
to continue that recognition with this presentation to
William as the Contingent’s best shot on our Summer
Camp in Scotland.”
COME IN AND
SPEAK!
Huge thanks to all the OAs who have returned and supported pupils
this term, through giving a lecture, providing work experience or
presenting at a careers event, including Mitchell Zhangahza (OA
2013 – pictured) who shared his experiences of the West End stage
at the start of Black History Month. We really appreciate all of your
help! If you are interested in speaking to pupils as part of our ‘what’s
it like to study…’ or ‘what’s it like to work in…’ series, which are
running from January 2023, please do let us know!
Over the following years his ability to eat slowly improved, though he still had to
plan his meals carefully. Although he was given advice from dietitians on what
to eat, working out meals was a real worry and getting enough calories, fibre
and nutrition was a challenge. During his recovery he kept a record of what he
could eat, thinking that it might be useful in the future. He also devised several
of his own recipes and started to put together weekly meal plans. These gradually
developed into a meal-planning book specifically to help head and neck cancer
patients – and indeed anyone who finds eating solid food difficult.
His book has now been published as an e-book by The Swallows, a national
charity for head and neck cancer patients. It covers a range of eating difficulties
– from those who have lost their teeth, and even their tongue, to those who
just find swallowing food very difficult. There’s also a section with suggestions
for eating out, as many pub and restaurant meals can be difficult to manage.
You can read Andrew’s book here:
https://www.theswallows.org.uk/library/
LOCAL HISTORY
REMEMBERED
Blue heritage plaques have been going up all
over St Albans and the OA community is well
represented. So far those recognised include
OA Percival Blow, a local architect who designed
School House, the 1928
building and the War
memorial at the turn of
the 20th Century. Also
represented is former
teacher John Ball, who
was one of the leaders
of the Peasants’ Revolt
in 1381.
JOIN OA CONNECT
TODAY!
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