In Memoriam

We regret to announce the deaths of the following members of the BGS family and extend our condolences to everyone that knew and cared for them.

John Alfred Eaton Evans 1941-1952

Robin Charles Griffiths 1982-1991

Revd Dr Michael George Hinton 1935-1945

Keith Grant Howard Staff 1964-1976

Harry Raymond Joliffe 1941-1946

Tudor Picton Miles 1936-1946

Brian Nolan 1944-1951

David Charles Prowse 1947-1952

Kenneth David ‘Jack’ Prowting 1950-1957

Christopher Andrew Rice 1950-1957

David Foyle Snook 1944-1950

Dr Trevor Anthony Thomas 1947-1958

Martin John Welch 1951-1958

John Alfred Eaton Evans

1933-2020 BGS dates: 1941-1952

John lived life to the full as a husband, family man, committed Christian and distinguished, “old school”, vocational schoolmaster. He was a talented sportsman, an academic and an accomplished musician with an infectious enthusiasm as well as natural ability for these passions. his two years of national service as an officer in the Logistics Corps and reading classics at Worcester College Oxford. He played rugby for Bristol RFC and Oxford University, being unlucky to sustain a careerending knee injury before the blues match. He won a half blue for fives.

In August 1958 he married his beloved wife Vyvyan and they went on to have three children, Stephen, Hugh and Susie.

He was born in Bristol in July 1933 to Jack and Molly Evans and was younger brother to his sister Joy. After briefly toying with the idea of becoming a concert pianist, he started his long career in education,

teaching classics at Blundells School in Devon (1958-63) followed by 18 years at Rugby School (1963-81) where he became housemaster of Kilbracken (1973-81). He then served 12 years as headmaster of Brentwood School in Essex (198193). Brentwood flourished under

His early childhood was rudely inconvenienced by German air raids with the family living in Bristol throughout the war. He then enjoyed his time at Bristol Grammar School where he was head boy (and later president of the alumni society) before serving

his leadership despite playing football as its major sport ahead of Rugby. One of his proudest achievements was to successfully integrate girls to become a leading co-educational school.

Following retirement from Brentwood John and Vyvyan moved to Easton near Wells in Somerset.

An additional key attraction was to live in striking distance of Bristol and the ‘Savages Society’. Like his father before him, he had a passionate interest in all things artistic and he slotted well into its broad-based distinguished membership. His personal contribution was as an exceptional amateur pianist with a particular emphasis on two piano duets with his great friend and fellow Blue Feather Michael Cansdale.

John’s Christian faith was always the cornerstone of his life. As a young schoolmaster, he frequently gave up his holidays to support Christian youth camps with the Scripture Union and the Mull Door Trust. He supported many charitable causes and actively encouraged spiritual exploration and worship at Rugby and Brentwood. After his retirement he played an important role as church warden and organist for St Paul’s Church in Easton and also worked for the local villages providing speakers for years of fascinating monthly lectures known as open minds. He was also proud in retirement to spearhead the fundraising and building project to bring Rugby fives back to Rugby School after fives courts had been removed to make way for the science block. The courts are known as the JAE Evans fives courts.

John touched so many lives and he was always receiving warm letters and emails from the many young (and not so young) students who had benefited from his tutelage over many years. His sense of humour was never far from the surface and those who knew him as a headmaster were often delighted and surprised by his boyish wit.

Robin Charles Griffiths

1974-2020 BGS dates: 1982-1991 Class of 1993

Robin joined the Lower School as a Peloquin Scholar in 1982. He subsequently joined the Upper School in 1986 and was a member of Cox’s House.

He enjoyed School and House sports and was a ‘useful’ Librarian. He played cricket for Clevedon U13. He left after GCSE to attend Malvern College.

Revd Dr Michael George Hinton

1927-2020 BGS dates: 1935-1945

The son of a Schoolmaster, he showed early academic promise at School, and after gaining Distinctions at Higher Certificate in English and History left in 1945 to a Postmastership in History at Merton. There he read History which he went on to teach; he was Senior History Master at Lancaster Royal Grammar School and later Headmaster of Dover Grammar School. He decided to train for the priesthood in 1981.

He played Rugger at BGS, and was in the 2nd XV; he also played Marcellus and Fortinbras in Hamlet and was the Secretary of the Literary and Debating Society. He was involved in Firewatching during the War, and on this we have his own comments, ‘There was much to be said for firewatching in the latter days of the war. Indissolubly linked with my memories of reeking chips purchased in the wilds of Cotham and of chilly, spooky patrols in the small hours are my memories of JG (John Garrett, HM 1943-1960) strolling in to gossip with those on duty …’ [Chronicle March 1967, p 684]

Keith Grant Howard

(Staff 1964-1976)

After a career in industry in France and Holland, Keith Howard joined BGS Languages Department in

1964 to teach Russian and French; in 1972 he became Head of the Modern Languages Department. As well as teaching, he was noted for his contribution to Rugby coaching and at musical events his fine baritone voice and his ‘cello playing in the Orchestra. He left to become Deputy Head of St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School and later the Headmaster of Queen Mary’s Grammar School, Walsall.

Harry Raymond Joliffe

1928-2020 BGS dates: 1941-1946

A School Prefect, he played 2nd XI cricket and received 2nd XV colours, he was also in the JTC.

He did his National Service in the Army and then read Engineering at Bristol University.

Tudor Picton Miles

1928-2020 BGS dates: 1936-1946

Tudor was one of the first members of the newly formed Air Training Corps, and he rose to NCO and became a Sergeant in the JTC. He played Rugby and he secured 1st XI colours for Hockey, as well as the Silver Medal for Life Saving.

His son writes,’ He began his time at Bristol Grammar the week that World War 2 broke out, and had many interesting stories of his chequered wartime education. Despite all the difficulties, the war clearly saw many interesting people brought in as emergency teachers, and ultimately he had a successful school, then university and business career.

Tudor Miles died in April 2020, aged 92. He had a long and varied public sector career, spanning

Dr Ian Murison, Harry Jolliffe [d. 2020], Joy Jolliffe, Gwynnerth Murison, Evelyn Russell and Tudor Miles

aviation, iron and steel and latterly the security services. In 1958, he farsightedly bought a dilapidated Georgian house in Greenwich for £2,000, where he lived for 60 years. He leaves three children, eight grandchildren and one great grandson; his wife Margaret predeceased him.

“This photo is one of very few that we have of my father’s (Tudor P Miles) schooldays, given that it was wartime. I’ve no idea who else was in the photo, but maybe some of your readers can help?” Son of Bedminster draper E N Miles, he followed his brothers, the Rev Frank Jones (d. 1979; at BGS c. 1925-1932), Francis John Jones (BGS 1928-1933), David (d. 1982; at BGS c. 1936-1943 – later joined the E N Miles family business) and David Griffith Miles (BGS 1933-1942) to BGS, starting the week World War 2 broke out.

With many BGS staff called up, his teachers were something of a “Dad’s Army.” They nurtured interests in economics and current affairs, and a passion for piano recitals which never left him. After BGS, he studied economics and statistics at Trinity College, Dublin, then national service before joining the Civil Service in London. He remained lifelong friends with several of his classmates.

Brian Nolan 1932-2019

BGS dates: 1944-1951

Brian was born in Bristol in 1932 and died in May 2019. He was the younger brother of Terrence (Terry) William Earnest Nolan 1938-1943. He entered Shell and left from 6 Economics. During his school days he excelled as a sportsman in Rugby, Cricket, Athletics and was noted for long distance and cross country running. He enjoyed the CCF and his House Master notes that he ‘serves School and CCF well’.

He left BGS in 1951 and attended the West of England College of Art where he was awarded the National Diploma of Design (Hons). After two years National Service in the Royal Artillery, where he was a Gold medal winner in the Regimental Athletics Sports, he saw active service in the Suez Emergency and the antiEOKA campaign, after which he was awarded the General Service Medal. Brian then returned to the University of Bristol to complete his certificate in Education and Art Teaching Diploma.

He was a loyal member of the Old Bristolians’ Society and enjoyed continued contact with the society and school and in particular the School Archivist with whom he exchanged information for many years. He will be missed.

He became a school master and devoted his working life to King’s School Rochester where his interest in art, rugby, athletics, CCF and tradition continued. He was appointed as their Head of Art in 1958 and in retirement worked closely with the Old Roffensian Society. He leaves two sons, Mark and Rupert, and we send them our condolences. Written by Rupert Nolan

David Charles Prowse

1935-2020 BGS dates: 1947-1952

For certain Bristol Grammar School pupils, nothing is as exciting as learning that you attend the same school as Darth Vader. Sure, the school has produced many distinguished luminaries over the years from politicians, actors, musicians, sporting icons… but there’s only one Dark Lord of the Sith. James Earl Jones famously provided Vader’s booming voice, it was Prowse’s towering presence that filled the screen as he pursued the Rebel Alliance across the galaxy and cemented Darth Vader as one of cinema’s most iconic villains. Before travelling to a galaxy far, far away, Prowse was a weightlifting champion, representing England at the 1962 Commonwealth Games in Perth, Australia. On the back of his success, Prowse opened up a series of gyms and fitness centres and even became the fitness consultant to Harrods.

It wasn’t long until the film industry came calling. His bodybuilding expertise even led to Prowse being hired to ‘bulk up’ Christopher Reeve for his lead role in Superman (1978)

Did any other Old Bristolian battle Obi-Wan Kenobi on the Death Star? Crush the rebels during the Battle of Hoth? Sacrifice themselves to save the galaxy and their son from the Dark Side of the Force? No. No, they didn’t and for that reason David Prowse looms large over many OBs.

Born in Southmead and securing a scholarship to Bristol Grammar School, David Prowse is, of course, famously the 6’ 6” actor that was hired to play Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy. While after failing to secure the role for himself. One can only assume that his West Country brogue didn’t suit the superhero fighting for ‘truth, justice and the American way.’ He was also cast by Stanley Kubrick as Frank Alexander’s imposing bodyguard, Julian, in the film A Clockwork Orange (1971). It was appearing in Kubrick’s sci-fi dystopia, where he caught the eye of Star Wars creator George Lucas.

As Darth Vader, Prowse

immediately became an icon to millions around the world as the black-clad Dark Lord pursued Princess Leia, battled Luke Skywalker and tortured and imprisoned Han Solo. While Prowse said all of Vader’s iconic lines on set, he would eventually be dubbed over by the legendary James Earl Jones. However, if you search YouTube, you can still find behind-the-scenes clips of Darth Vader speaking with a Bristolian accent.

The fact that his voice was dubbed allegedly angered Prowse and it was the start of a feud with George Lucas that steadily got worse over the years. Lucas alleged that Prowse spoiled the ending of the The Empire Strikes Back months before its release whilst at a convention, while Prowse felt even more slighted when Sebastian Shaw was hired to play the unmasked Vader at the end of Return of the Jedi. All of this and more, which Prowse describes as him ‘burning too many bridges’, led to him being barred from official Star Wars conventions in 2010.

However, while he may have been best known as the galaxy’s most imposing villain, he was a hero to many in Great Britain when he was cast as the Green Cross Code Man – a superhero-type character who taught children the importance of road safety. For this and his work heading up the UK Child Pedestrian Road Safety Campaign and helping to significantly reduce child casualty figures, Prowse was awarded an MBE in 2000.

Over the years, I’d met David Prowse at various events and he was always proud of his Bristolian roots and the work he’d done over the years. He attributed weight-lifting to changing his life as he often said he’d been quite a small and weedy child. He always delighted in meeting fans, both young and old and was always happy to talk about his experiences.

His death has seen tributes flood in from all corners of the planet, from his Hollywood-based co-stars in the beloved sci-fi franchise to local Bristolians sharing memories of him growing up. While he may have been best known as a villain to most, to many Old Bristolians he’ll always be a hero.

Written by Timon Singh (OB 1995-2002)

He was one of the first boys to enter BGS under the 1944 Education Act, and though he proved not to be very academic, he profited from the access to sports. He was a ‘Pleasant and cheerful boy’, he played rugger but primarily he was a ‘Physical culture expert, weight putter (1st v QEH), throws cricket ball; useful rugger and swimming.’

Kenneth David Jack Prowting

1939 – 2020 BGS dates: 1950-1957

“Kenneth David Jack Prowting”, “Big Jack” or just “Jack”, depending on who you are, was born on 7th May 1939, the eldest of three siblings with Christopher and Mary his younger brother and sister. Jack was brought up in Horfield. He attended Ashley Down School and he went on to Bristol Grammar School where he relished his secondary education which fostered a continuing love for the school for his entire life.

Jack became articled as a Trainee Chartered Accountant with C J Rylands in Bristol on leaving school and whilst training met Hilary his future wife who was clearly seduced by his stunning good looks, wit and repartee.

They actually met at St Michaels and All Angels Church in Bishopston as Sunday school teachers and they were married on 7th August 1965. They were married for nearly 55 years. Hilary, who worked at what is now the NatWest Bank and Jack, as a Qualified accountant, bought a house in South Bristol where they had their first son Simon and shortly after moving to Frampton Cotterell in South Gloucestershire they had their second son Andrew. Hilary and “The Boys’’

meant everything to Jack and he constantly worked hard to provide the best life and experiences that e could for the whole family. Together the family built their own house in Frampton Cotterell. They had purchased a plot of land and moved into a partly completed building when the kitchen sink was resting on breeze blocks and the floorboards were bare.

There was no silver spoon and hard work was the way to provide the kitchen to house the sink and the carpets to cover the floor. Having had an architect design it Jack worked very hard and helped the builders build the house in the mornings and evenings, both before and after work. Hilary looked after the boys.

The “House that Jack built” became a wonderful family home creating many happy memories all made possible by the teamwork that was “Jack and Hilary” and today the house and garden are an absolute picture helped not least by Jack’s gardening activity in retirement.

The three most important things in Jack’s life were 1) Hilary and the boys, 2) work and 3) his school.

Hilary and the boys

He loved bringing up the boys and used to love taking them with Hilary on various day trips and to seaside resorts on holiday.

They often used to play pitch and put at the Victoria municipal course in Bath and whilst the boys were keen to chase after their shots as soon as they had hit the golf ball, Jack was often found being frustrated in the playing of his game as these two tearaways would run around in front of him, often causing him to fluff his shot through not being able to concentrate. In the early days Jack was less patient……

Family holidays in the Isle of Wight at the Littledean Hotel are remembered fondly. Jack played cricket on the lawn with fellow hotel guests every year and always ended up as a finalist in the weekly table tennis competition. The family also remember that the other finalist in the weekly table tennis competition was always Hilary but nobody can remember who would usually win that particular contest.

Jack played Tennis, Badminton and Rugby and only stopped playing rugby when he broke his finger during a game for the Old Bristolians Rugby Club. volunteered to get them there under pressure. The pressure was enhanced when the Old Bill pulled him over with flashing lights blazing and sirens blaring for speeding wondering what the hurry up was for….this lead to points on his licence, a driving ban and a headline in the paper the day after conviction entitled “ Ton of trouble on the M-way”. Jack had been caught doing 104 miles per hour but the boys however made the game in time and Jack kept the newspaper clipping of the speeding offence in his wallet as he was proud to have taken one for the team.

Foreign travel was not something that Jack enjoyed particularly until later in his life but with Andrew moving to live and work in Dallas in the United States Jack and Hilary were drawn there on numerous occasions to visit the family that had grown to include Lisa, Andrew’s wife, and Sophia his much loved only grandchild.

Jack used to ferry the boys to and from Bristol Grammar School which they attended like their father, taking them into school in the mornings and bringing them home in the evenings when he had finished work. He used to go to see them play rugby at home and

Holidays in the US extended to trips with the family to San Francisco, the vineyards of California, Jamaica and the Caribbean Islands. Everyone even went on a Disney cruise when Sophia was younger. Top L-R: Charles Martin, Martin Sisman, Tony Stirratt, Jack Prowting, He thought

David Watts Bottom L-R: Anne Bradley, David Perkins, John Evans, Don Furze, the absolute Melanie Guy, Mike Burmester world of Sophia.

away, there being one occasion where things were running late for an away game that a few of the boys needed ferrying at speed to the oppositions ground and Jack He went to the rodeo in Houston and loved the culinary delights of restaurants both here in the UK and in the US. Sophie remembers

a particular evening at a restaurant called “Harvest” in McKinney Square where Jack definitely enjoyed himself... when asked if he enjoyed his meal he replied in the tone of an exuberant Craig RevelHorwood that it was “faabuulous” and everyone then had fun with this expression for the rest of that night.

Jack enjoyed his wine and his margaritas. He enjoyed some lovely wines both at home and when dining out and was never afraid to buy a nice bottle or twelve to give the credit card a pounding! He had procured a particularly lovely bottle of Chateau Margaux as well as a quite rare bottle of vintage port which he consumed one evening thinking his days were numbered…. but the heartburn soon passed and all was well with the “special occasion” bottles duly consumed prematurely but he had enjoyed them.

Jack’s recipe for the best margarita in town became the result of some experimenting. The use of more Grand Marnier than triple sec to accompany the Tequila and Funkin Margarita mix was his twist on the standard recipe. This provided a joy to the tastebuds, though he used neither salt nor sugar round a lime soaked rim of the glass which was contrary to the connoisseurs view….but he made the best margaritas ever which he would sip or guzzle down, depending on thirst levels, on the back patio of the house that Jack built. On more than one occasion people would call and Jack was well on his way to being a little inebriated. He had well and truly earned this pleasure in his retirement.

Work

Jack was a consummate gentleman who always considered others and often put them before himself. He cared for his family and his clients and often pulled out all the stops to ensure that everyone was looked after not only to the best of his ability but by going over and beyond the call of duty. His clients became his friends and vice versa to the extent that each day in the office was not regarded as work but time to do what he enjoyed.

He had come top in the South West in his accountancy exams and taught accountancy at the College of Commerce in Bristol to students who were striving to become a Chartered Accountant like him. He was addicted to the whole affair.

Jack could have become a partner in a large firm but decided he wanted to be a “larger cog in a smaller wheel”, to use his words, founding his own practice of Prowting and Partners. This grew organically moving from Baldwin Street in the City centre initially to Hayward Road in Redfield, then to Westfield Park in Redland and finally West Park in Clifton which became the home of the business for some 15 plus further years.

Jack was proud to have received a certificate of 50 years membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, recognising a mammoth achievement of such dedication to his profession and the career he had chosen on leaving school.

School and the Old Boys Society

Jack had played rugby at school and loved watching the game at all levels. He had also played rugby for the Old Bristolians Rugby Club and this lead him to become involved with the Old Bristolians Society, the organisation that overarched all the sports clubs linked to Bristol Grammar School alumni.

Jack was Treasurer of the Old Bristolians Society for over 15 years and became President of the Society in 1998, an honour he was so pleased to have had bestowed upon him.

He would not only be involved in the Committee giving the benefit of his professional opinion for the good of the Society but also he would be there helping in any way possible in organising the Old Bristolians Annual Dinner which takes place in March each year. This became a yearly ritual which he loved to be involved with.

At the Annual dinner he would sit with his year group from those

early school days and reminisce about those times as well as where everyone was now and what they were up to. More latterly the pool of peer group attendees was becoming smaller and unfortunately there will be one less attendee at the March 2021 Annual dinner now.

It is with some mixed emotion that Jack has passed away having spent so many hours in the office. In one sense many would say that he has not enjoyed his retirement to the extent that he should have but the fact is that whilst Jack probably would in retrospect have loved to have retired one or two years earlier than he actually did it cannot be denied that he loved his work and the sense of achievement this brought him. To have worked alongside Simon for so many years in the family business made him proud and his whole family were so very proud of what he had achieved.

To get Jack to smile wasn’t easy. You knew often that internally he was laughing even if he did not show this emotion outwardly. If you really “tickled him” with something that he thought very funny you would experience that infectious staccato machine gun laugh that was a trial to elicit but which once heard you knew you could not have achieved anymore to make him laugh. Jack was a serious person who mellowed over time but he did have a great sense of humour if you knew how to bring it out.

The number of people who, in sending their condolences, have commented that Jack was a Gentleman, a true gentleman who acted with integrity and honour, with no agenda just a keen sense of wanting to help at every opportunity, often putting himself second for the good of others is amazing and a reflection of the true man.

Not only was Jack a gentleman however he was a lovely lovely man who will be sorely missed by so many and for whom it is a privilege to have known him and been a part of his life.

He will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace Jack

Written by Hilary, Simon (OB 19781985) & Andrew Prowting

Christopher Andrew Rice

1939-2020 BGS dates: 1950-1957

Nearly every entry for Housemaster’s comments begins with the word ‘Rugger’, and his sporting achievements are notable.

The final entry reads ‘1st XV and House XV colours: Final England Trial (Schoolboys). House Hockey XI. House Fives VI (colours). School 2nd XI (occasionally 1st XI). Captain, House Cricket. Marksman, House Shooting VIII. Drum Major CCF Band. School Orchestra. Good swimmer. Finished 4th in Mile at School Sports (without any training because of cricket). Excellent in every way.’

Also mentioned are, School Orchestra, stagehand in School Play, Astronomical Society, Science Society ‘thoughtful, capable leader’, ‘wants to be an aero engineer’.

He duly studied engineering at Southampton University, and enjoyed playing rugby and Jazz. After working in Human Resources for some years, he found his vocation as lecturer at Nottingham Trent University, and published a textbook on Behavioural Aspects of Marketing. His love of music remained with him, and his success in the School Mile is mirrored by running the London Marathon.

David Foyle Snook

1933-2020 BGS dates: 1944-1950

David’s BGS career is characterised by ‘excellent’ and ‘promising’, and also ‘modest’. He was a ‘good footballer’ and ‘tries hard to be a cricketer’. He went on to play rugger for both School and House teams, he played hockey and fives, joined the CCF, took an interest in current affairs and became a full School Prefect.

At the same time his academic work brought him a classical scholarship to Trinity College, Cambridge.

He did his National Service in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (gazetted 2nd Lieutenant 1951) and after a successful academic career at Cambridge, including a first class in the first part of the Classical Tripos, David was a School Master for 35 years, teaching at Manchester Grammar School, followed by six years in Tabora, Tanzania, then Northwich, Cheshire (Sir John Deane’s Grammar School) and Rubery, Worcestershire (Waseley Hills High School).

He became a Lay Reader in the Church of England in 1960 and remained one as long as he was allowed to (until 2003). He was also a Governor at the local Church of England Primary School in Droitwich.