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Obituaries
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of OGs from the RGS community over the past year. We rely on information coming to us from the OG and RGS community and every possible endeavour is made to ensure accuracy. Wherever possible we have included valete information from our School records.
Ronald Smith OG 1937. Nettles 1929-1937. School Prefect 1937. Gen School Cert 1937, Cert “A” 1936. OTC L/Cpl 1937. School Colours: Football 193435-36-37. House Colours: Rugby 1935-36-37; Cricket 1935-36-37. Member AFA Public Schools XI 1936-37. Member General Games Committee 1937. Member House PT Team 1935-36-37. After Ron left school, he worked in London for a motor insurance company travelling daily from Guildford. Eventually the company moved him to Brighton where he lived with his wife, Enid. He took early retirement in the early 1970’s. Always involved in the church, Ron was ordained as a minister of the United Reformed Church in 1978 serving churches in the Brighton area. His love of sport continued through his support of Sussex Cricket and Brighton and Hove Albion FC. His recollections of his RGS days were featured in DialOGue #4 p82 as he celebrated his 100th birthday. Died 12 July 2020.
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James Wakeford OG 1938. Nettles 1933-38. Cert “A” 1937. OTC L/Cpl 1938. Empire Marksman 1935-36-37-38. House Colours: Football 1937; Rugby 1938. Died 6 February 2020.
Arthur Saunders OG 1941 1940. House Colours: Rugby 1940-41; Cricket 1940-41; Athletics 1938; Boxing 1939-40 (Winner Class “D” 1939). Michael Staff OG 1979 who worked for Arthur wrote: “Arthur was a ‘true’ Guildfordian, born in Weston Road in 1924. On leaving the RGS he became a Captain in 114th Field Regiment, Burma. He subsequently trained as an architect and set up his architectural practice, merging with another to become Nye, Saunders & Partners in Guildford. Arthur was for many years Surveyor to the fabric of Guildford Cathedral, the appointed Diocesan Surveyor to the Guildford Diocesan Parsonages Board and held Inspecting Architect appointments ‘looking after’ numerous churches in the Guildford and Southwark dioceses. Arthur personally designed many of the replacement parsonages in Guildford Diocese built during the 1970’s and 80’s. A passionate sportsman, he was a member of Blackheath Cricket Club for many years. In 1952 he married Irene May Allison and they had two devoted daughters, Allison and Emma, and four grandchildren. He was a loving family man, charming, always smartly dressed and loved to entertain.” Died 6 April 2020.
The poem below was written by Arthur’s grandson, Daniel Goddard, who lives in Singapore.
THE ARCHITECT My grandfather was an architect, Always designing from his chair, Surveying the world and its structures, Strong, pragmatic and fair.
Imposing in the office, Difficult at times and often direct, Treated by those that knew him, With admiration and respect.
Spring afternoons with his girls, The scent of rose petals in the air, Giggling and gossiping together Dressed for the occasion, debonair.
Long summers spent in France, In the shade of old fig trees, Surrounded by his friends, Reminiscing under the gentle breeze.
Broad shoulders and towering, He would walk down thin country trails, Me scuffing my feet behind him, Misty mornings and smell of hay bales.
Time stood still for a moment, As we fished together by the lake, His warm hands upon mine, Thin ham sandwiches at tea break.
Sunday lunches at school house, a Gin and tonic close to hand, An Airedale nuzzled by his feet, watching sport on Grandstand.
My grandfather was an architect, someone you couldn’t help but adore, The patriarch of this family, Rest in peace, evermore.
Geoffrey Snelling OG 1945. Austen 1938-1945. Cert “A” Pt 1, 1945. Died in Spring 2019.
Lawrence Roy Gilbert OG 1948 Beckingham 1941-48. Matric 1946. 1st Class Scout 1945. Green All-Round Cords 1945. Asst Scoutmaster 1946. House Colours: Rugby 1946-47; Swimming 1945-48, Capt 1946-47. Member House PT Team 1945-46-47-48. Roy was a great supporter of the School for many years and died 1 March 2020. Here is an appreciation from his wife, Frances:
“Roy, as he was always known, attended the Royal Grammar School from 1941 to 1948. He was a typical example of how the scholarship system offered by the School enabled a boy from a home with a modest income to have a superb income and then proceed to university. He looked back on his schooldays as a supremely happy and fruitful time, and often spoke of his friends and teachers with loyalty and affection. In later years he was a devoted member of the Old Boys’ Association and looked forward to their meetings. RGS was a treasured part of his life.”
Keith Hollis OG 1948. Nettles 1940-48. Gen School Cert 1946. 2nd Class Scout 1942. Asst Scoutmaster 1946. House Colours: Athletics 1947; Cross Country 1948. Member House PT Team 1946. Died 16 July 2020.
Francis Perriman OG 1948
Francis Perriman OG 1948. Perri, as he was known to all, was a proud Old Guildfordian and loyal supporter of the School throughout his life, attending many OG social events and musical occasions at the School. A longstanding attendee at the Market Day concerts, he loved the music-making at the School and took delight in identifying and naming virtually every pupil in the School photo of 1948, for which we are ever grateful. After university in London, Perri joined the Merchant Navy where he worked for 35 years as a Chief Engineer, travelling the world. He spent a long and happy retirement travelling, pursuing his love of model railways and his garden, always surrounded by his beloved cats. His valete reads Austen 1940-48. Matric 1948. Cert “A” 1947. JTC L/Cpl 1947. Empire 1st Class Shot 1946-47. House Colours: Rugby 1947. Member House PT Team 1946. Much loved by his wife Gina, family and all who knew him, died 20 June 2020.
David Bull OG 1949. Beckingham 1942-49. Won a scholarship to the grammar school at the age of nine. Cert “A” 1949. CCF L/Cpl 1949. Empire 1st Class Shot 1947-48. House Colours: Football 1948; Boxing 1947-48; Swimming 1949. Member House PT Team 1948. David and his wife Jan immensely enjoyed the Old Codgers Reunions organised by Kenny Wyatt OG 1952, catching up with everyone David knew. As an OG, he was very proud to have attended the School. Died from COVID-19 6 April 2020.
Brian Bedford OG 1950. Nettles 1941-50. Prefect. Matric 1949. CCF L/Cpl 1949. Cert “A” 1948. PTI 1948. Empire 1st Class Shot 1947; Marksman 1948. School Colours: Football 1949-50; Rugby 1948-49; Athletics 1947-49, Capt 1950, Victor Ludorum 1950, County Colours 1950, England School Sports 1948; Cross-Country 1950, Gymnastics 1948-49, Capt 1950. House Colours: Football 1948-50; Rugby 1947-49; Athletics 1945-49, Capt 1950; Cricket 1948-49; Gymnastics
1948-49, Capt 1950; Cross-Country 1948-50; Swimming 1948. House PT Team 1947-49, Instructor 1950. Brian was a loyal member of the Old Codgers for many years and is much missed. Died 27 February 2020.
Alan Harding OG 1950. An appreciation from Colin Christmas OG 1950, family and friends: “In 1943 Alan obtained a scholarship to the RGS and in 1950 was awarded a scholarship to University College, Oxford to study medieval and modern history. Before going up he undertook two years’ National Service and after graduating completed a B.Litt. specialising in medieval legal history. There he met Marjorie (then Aitken) who was reading chemistry at Somerville and they married in 1958. Medieval history was always of special interest to him and academia beckoned: he was appointed Lecturer at Edinburgh University in 1961. He took teaching and the support of students very seriously, becoming Director of Studies, then Associate Dean and ultimately Reader in the Department of Medieval History. His first book, ‘A Social History of English Law’ was published in 1966. He organised a conference on British Legal History in Edinburgh in 1967 and was involved in others around the country in later years. In 1980 Alan moved to the University of Liverpool as Professor of Medieval History. Both the University and the City experienced great problems during the early 1980’s: The Toxteth riots, University funding reduced and the Hillsborough disaster among others. But Alan’s and Marjorie’s principles stood them in good stead, putting work, colleagues and students first. The widely used book “England in the Thirteenth Century” was among his publications in this period. On his retirement in 1997, Alan and his wife returned to Edinburgh where they both had Honorary Fellowships at the University. Here he completed ‘Medieval Law and the Foundations of the State’, started in the 1980’s and eventually published in 2002. Alan enjoyed hill walking and explored many places in the UK, Europe, USA and China. He had a great interest in classical music and attended many concerts at the Edinburgh Festival. An end of term musical interlude by one of the masters when he was in the fifth form at the RGS was the moment he discovered classical music.” Died 23 August 2019.
Peter Batten OG 1951. Hamonde 1945-51. Died September 2019.
John Andrews OG 1953
John Andrews OG 1953. Nettles 1945-53. House Captain 1953. Prefect 1951-53. GCE A Level 1953. CCF CQMS 1953. PT Instructor 1951; 1st Class Shot 1950-52; Marksman 1953. School Colours: Football Capt 1953; Athletics 1951-53 (Victor Ludorum 1952); Boxing 1950, Capt 1951-53 (Winner Class “B” 1950-51, School Champion 1952); Cricket 1952-53. House Colours: Football 1950-52; Athletics 1948-50; Cricket 1950, Capt 1953; Fives 1951; Rugby 1950, Capt 1953; Swimming 1952. Committees: Debating, General Games, Geographical Society. House PT Team 1949-52, Instructor 1953. Died in Dubai in January 2020.
Interview with Grandpa (John Andrews) about school in the olden days By Ava-Lola Chudleigh-Lyle
When were you born? I was born last century! In August 1934.
So how old you? I am 81 years old.
What school did you go to when you were younger? When I was eleven I went to the Royal Grammar School in Guildford in Surrey. It was a school for boys only. RGS is a really old school. It dates back to 1509. So it is more than 500 years old.
Did you like school? Yes. I liked school. I worked hard, but I was particularly fond of sports. I was in the football team, rugby team and cricket team.
Were the teachers strict at the school? Yes. I think they even used the cane on naughty boys. Not me though!
old wooden desks with inkwells. We had chalk and chalkboards in primary school to learn how to write, and then when we were in secondary school we used pens with real ink. It was very traditional.
How did you get to school? I was very lucky as we were one of the few people who had a car. My father would drive me to school, but I would often walk even in the rain.
Did any famous people go to your school? Yes. Terry Jones who starred in the Monty Python Series.
How long did you stay at the school? I stayed there until I was 18 years old and then went to Sandhurst to train to be an army officer (he rose to Major, 1st Kings Regiment, Liverpool).
Peter Bullen OG 1953. Nettles 1948-53. He was a Lance Corporal in CCF, Scout with the Holy Trinity Troop and spent his working life as a reporter. It was Pete who first encouraged his friends on the path of electronic Christmas greetings instead of sending cards, to save resources and donate to charity, a win-win for everyone. He died of cancer in 2014.
Tony Evans OG 1954. Hamonde 1950-54. Prefect 1954. Entry to Sandhurst 1954. GCE O Level 1953; Magnus Prizes for History and Geography 1953. CCF Sgt 1954; Guard 1952. School Colours: Rugby 1951-53, Capt 1953; England XV 1953; Football 1952-54; Athletics 1952-54. House Colours: Athletics 1950; Football, Capt 1953-54; Gym 1953. General Games Committee 1954. Died 3 September 2020.
Michael Floate OG 1954. Prefect 1953. Surrey Agricultural Scholarship to Reading University. CCF: CQMS, Empire Marksman. House Colours: Boxing, Cross-Country. Member General Games Committee and Science Society Committee. Died April 2020.
James Eastwood OG 1956 died 31 May 2020.
Roger Bowers OG 1960
Roger Bowers OG 1960. Austen 1957-60. School Prefect 1960. GCE O Level 1958. A Level 1959-60. CCF L/Sgt 1960. Cert “A” 1957. Empire Marksman 1958-60; Acting Platoon Commander 1960. Played Chess for House 1959-60 and School 1960. House Crossword Captain 1959-60. Won Top Commonership in Classics at Wadham College, Oxford 1960. Roger was influential in English language teaching over five decades and a key figure at the British Council for many years. On graduating, he joined the British Council and was posted to Ghana in 1965; he later led projects in India and Egypt and was a visiting professor at Ain Shams University, Cairo from 1980 to 1984. In 1985 he became director of the British Council’s English Language division. At the end of the cold war in 1989, Roger was influential in setting up initiatives to develop English teaching in eastern and central Europe. In 1992, he became assistant director-general of the British Council, overseeing restructuring and expansion as the organisation became more commercial and enterprise oriented. In 1998 he became CEO of the Trinity College London Examinations Board in the areas of English language testing and teacher training, music, and speech and drama. He retired in 2006, and in 2007, after 10 years of work as a trustee, became chair of the AS Hornby Educational Trust, an English language education charity. Roger was made OBE in 1984 and CMG in 1997. Some of his best memories were of the School, where he mentioned in particular, Colonel Bishop, who taught classics and encouraged him to apply for Oxford. His widow, Jenny, comments: “I was Roger’s colleague, partner and then wife over 36 years. I was always touched by the affection with which he spoke of RGSG, and the admiration he had for its teachers who provided high levels of education and commitment in a struggling post-war Britain. Roger understood how essential
was the support by parents of their children in education, including his own family. We had several happy celebrations with a number of his former classmates and colleagues at the house of the late Terry Jones – great camaraderie, after all these years.” Roger is survived by Jenny, by his first wife Gwen, and their children Mark and Alison, and his four grandchildren, Ellie, Holly, Hazel and Pippa. Died April 2020.
Clive Smee OG 1960
Clive Smee OG 1960. Austen 1953-60. School Prefect 1959-60. Magnus Prize for Economics 1959. CCF L/Cpl 1959. Cert “A” 1957; Classified Signaller 1958; Asst Instructor 1958; 1st Class Shot. School Colours: Badminton 1958-59-60, secretary and treasurer 1960; Athletics 1960, capt 1960. Half Colours: Athletics 1959. Member School Cross Country team 1960. House Colours: Athletics 1960, capt 1960; Cross Country 1960. Clive was Chief Economic Adviser and Head of Analytical Services at the Department of Health from 1984 to 2002 and developed the idea of evaluating the cost-effectiveness of medical treatments and injecting the findings into government decisions. An exceptional economist, he guided eight Health Secretaries throughout his career, inspiring a generation of health economists and policy researchers with his incisive commentary and analytical skills. He was the recipient of a Nuffield Trust Fellowship which enabled him in 2005 to write a memoir – Speaking truth to power: two decades of analysis in the Department of Health – which remains very relevant today. An early example of his lasting contribution came in 1985 when he commissioned two breakthrough studies. The first concluded that, despite the controversially high expense of heart transplants, they might be cost effective and were therefore worth pursuing. The second used international evidence to make the case for the UK to adopt breast cancer screening. Both recommendations were acted on, saving many lives. He also played an important role in the development of NICE, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and is credited with assembling the evidence for the progressive ban on tobacco advertising. Described by Virginia Bottomley, “as good as they come: a man of total integrity and ability”, at 6ft 4in tall, his children’s friends called him the Big Friendly Giant. Clive continued to keep close links with his School friends and helped organise a reunion for them in 2017. Died 26 December 2019.
Adrian Bentley OG 1971. On leaving the RGS, Adrian took a catering course at Guildford Technical College, gaining his first job at the Percy Arms in Chilworth. He later worked at the Mad Hatter in Guildford and the Onslow Arms in Clandon, followed by many years at Langans in London, until he retired. He was a great scout and venture scout and later helped with the pantomimes at the old Royal Surrey County Hospital. Died 13 June 2020.
Peter Jenkins OG 1971 died in January 2020.
David Benest OG 1972
David Benest OG 1972. Prefect; 1st XV rugby team. David was commissioned into The Parachute Regiment and enjoyed a varied career including several tours in Northern Ireland, his last as Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion in South Armagh for which he gained his OBE in 1997. He was also awarded the MBE in 1989 and a GOC’s Commendation in 1991 and rose to the rank of Colonel. In 1982 he was Regimental Signals Officer with 2 Para during the Falklands conflict which saw the battalion defeat the Argentines at the first major land victory at Goose Green. His account of their campaign formed the basis of 2 Para Falklands: The Battalion
at War by Major General John Frost published in 1983. A specialist in counterinsurgency he volunteered to serve as counterinsurgency advisor to the British Ambassador in Kabul in 2008. He was also Director, Security Studies & Resilience Group at the Defence Academy. David gained a 1st class degree in international relations at Keele University and in retirement combined his military and academic interests, reviewing numerous books for the British Army Review. David raised funds in aid of The Ulysses Trust, a national charity dedicated to funding expeditions for young Army cadets. Having discovered that his local newspaper delivery was in jeopardy he volunteered to become a ‘paperboy’ and take on the round, donating all his earnings to the charity. Five years on, he had raised more than £10,000, and been shortlisted for Wiltshire Life magazine’s Local Hero of the Year. David was a passionate advocate for equal access to education for all. He attended OG dinners and reunions and was principal speaker at the 2012 RGS CCF and OG Mess Dinner, discussing the importance of School CCF in future life. In November 2012 he returned to the RGS to give a King’s Lecture about his time with 2nd Batallion, Parachute Regiment during the Falklands War – his first-hand account was inspiring and thought provoking. His friend and fellow OG 1972, John Chaplin, wrote “He was someone who had deeply held and consistent views, which also came with a very high level of personal integrity. This is something he had as a young person at the RGS and retained through his life. His contribution and leadership in having such a vibrant CCF during his tenure as CSM made a very significant contribution to the school.” David died at home from heart disease on 10 August 2020.
Robin Havard OG 1974 died in May 2020.
Martin Randall OG 1974. After leaving the RGS in 1974 Martin attended UMIST where he studied Business Administration. His early career was in Product Marketing, working for several leading food companies, remember the Honey Monster? He transitioned into key Account Management for international Advertising Agencies, moving to Hong Kong in this capacity in 2000. Martin became a resident of Hong Kong, started his own business and in total spent 18 incredibly happy years there before succumbing to cancer on 14th September 2018. Martin is survived by his partner Valentina, two sons Chris and David and granddaughter Scarlet. Jack Izatt OG 1978 died 31 January 2020.
Thomas Patterson OG 1980 died 2019.
Joe Lyons OG 2007
Joe Lyons OG 2007 joined Global, Europe’s largest radio company, in 2011 and rose to become Senior Producer of Capital Breakfast with Roman Kemp. Since 2016, Joe had been producing Roman at Capital Radio, starting with him on the evening show then moving to the breakfast slot a year later. He also produced Capital Breakfast when it was hosted by Dave Berry and Lisa Snowdon, was a freelance producer at Classic FM and worked as a video content producer. Joe was one of the ReelWorld Radio Academy top 30 under 30 people in 2016 and also had spells at Apple Music and talkSPORT. He studied Management & Psychology at the University of Leeds and had a Masters in Radio Journalism from Goldsmith’s College, University of London. He returned to the RGS to offer valuable and entertaining advice at the Careers Convention in January 2020. Much missed by friends and family, he died on 4 August 2020.
To submit an obituary or notice of death, please contact Philippa Green on
