Matts v Greggs Three Matthews take on a unique ‘fast food’ challenge to raise funds for a local charity Also in this issue: John Brand | RGS Bursary Campaign | New Director of Development
Issue 104 | Autumn 2018
ONA Magazine Issue 104 Autumn 2018
Contents
ONA Magazine is the magazine for the Old Novocastrians’ Association Editor: Jane Medcalf All correspondence should be addressed to: The Development Office, Royal Grammar School, Eskdale Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4DX Telephone Development Office: 0191 212 8909 email: ona@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk The Editor reserves the right to edit, alter or omit all submissions to the magazine. Copy may be carried over to the next edition. The Editor’s decision is final.
Contribute!
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We are always looking for articles and news from Old Novos to include in the magazine, so send your contributions, via email (if possible) to: ona@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk or to the Development Office at the school. Please include relevant pictures if possible. They will be returned as soon as the magazine has been printed.
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The deadline for acceptance of copy for the Winter 2018 issue is Friday 26 January 2019. Copy may be carried over to a future issue. Special thanks to David Goldwater (5162) for his research and contributions to the ONA Magazine, particularly on his search for A History of the RGS in Its People.
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The ONA Magazine is available online
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Please note that the magazine is circulated in hard copy and on the ONA website shortly after circulation. By submitting an article or news for inclusion the contributor is accepting that it will be available through both formats and will also be accessible beyond the Association membership through internet search engines or any member of the public viewing the ONA website. www.ona.rgs.newcastle.sch.uk
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Please note that the ONA Magazine content does not necessarily reflect the views of the school or the ONA and is based on personal experiences, recollections and memories of its contributors. Design www.infinitedesign.com
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President’s Welcome News and Congratulations ONA Now and Then Matts vs Greggs New Director of Development Joint Venture – RGS Bursary Fund John Brand William Drives His Business Forward We Will Remember Them Obituaries
Welcome
Welcome to the 104th issue of ONA Magazine! Last month we held the 93rd annual Newcastle ONA Dinner, with yet another full house. The evening was a tremendous success. It was terrific to be able to take wine with so many ONs who attended the school during the reign of King George VI! Thank you to David Goldwater (51-62) for acting again as MC. Our thanks also to our engaging and thought-provoking guest speaker for the evening, Dr Keir Shiels (93-00). We are already looking forward to our next London dinner, at The Lansdowne Club on 15 March 2019. More details to follow in due course. Whilst on the subject of upcoming events, don’t forget the annual John Elders Memorial Match where the undefeated ONA take on Novos RFC for the fourth time. The match is scheduled for Saturday 29 December 2018 – kick off is 2pm but, more importantly, the bar will be open from 12 noon and all are most welcome! Inside this issue, we read about the three Matts and their running tour of Greggs and we also introduce Susan Beck, the new Director of Development – welcome Susan! On the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One, we also remember those ONs – and indeed everyone – who gave their lives in conflict, and are immortalised in those words we all know so well, dulce et decorum est pro patria mori. This is also my final Welcome as my two-year term as President of the ONA comes to an end. Two years have flown by – it has been lots of fun and I will remember the experience fondly. There have been too many highlights to list them all here, but one thing is for sure – the success of these events has absolutely nothing to do with the President of the ONA! I would like to take this opportunity to specifically thank all those who work so hard behind the scenes. The ONA would barely exist without Jane Medcalf’s tireless commitment, and I am also particularly thankful to Joel Dickinson (91-01) who has been made to work hard for the title of Deputy President – standing in for me on countless occasions – and the rest of the ONA Committee. I wish Kate Harman (née Appleby) (06-08) the very best of luck as she takes over the helm, as the Association’s President.
Chris JJ Wilson (97-02) ONA President
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ONA – Old Novocastrians Association Magazine Autumn 2018
News and Congratulations Our congratulations go to…
Adam Bower (93-00) who, after 25 flights over the pond and seven years of international courtship married Maribel on 20 January 2018 at the Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas. The photograph shows Maribel and Adam leaving the Bellagio Chapel showered with rose petals as they embark on their life together. Adam emigrated to the USA early that month and now lives in Chicago. Adam would be happy to be contacted by all ONs who are living in the States. Please email Adam at splitter@blueyonder.co.uk.
Kate Waugh (10-17) on her Bronze Medal in the 2018 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final Gold Coast, Australia in the Junior Women’s class.
Findlay Edwards (11-18) for being awarded the newly inaugurated Bilclough Cup. The cup is named after the three Bilclough brothers, George (02-12), Edward (04-14) and Tommy (06-17), all of whom played 1st XV rugby, were in the school Senior Prefect Team and studied at the University of Cambridge. The cup was presented by Tommy for, ‘outstanding commitment to sporting and academic excellence’. Sir Gregory Winter CBE (64-69) on being jointly awarded the most distinguished Nobel Prize for Chemistry 2018 for the phage display of peptides and antibodies. Sir Greg is the first ON to be awarded a Nobel Prize.
Graham Ward (74-81) on becoming
President of Novocastrians RFC. Graham first played for Novos whilst still at school in 1981; he followed many other ONs to the club in this era, under the stewardship of Head of Sport John Elders (57-82 and 92-96). Graham becomes the 49th President of Novocastrians and the 39th ON to hold this position. If you would like to join the mailing list on future events at the rugby club, please get in touch with ona@rgs. newcastle.sch.uk.
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Recently spotted…
Bryan Stevens (44-49) whose latest book Laughter and Reflection: Poems to Suit Your Mood was reviewed in a local publication. “I wrote these poems mainly for my own pleasure, and to give expression to ideas as they occurred to me. Some are humorous and selfexplanatory. Some arise from personal memories. In other poems, I meditate on the brevity and uncertainty of life. But I am not trying to depress people – quite the contrary. There is much to celebrate in our world, its mystery, its beauty and the immense diversity of its people. So please enjoy the poems.” Copies of Laughter and Reflection can be purchased for £7.99 (plus £1.20 postage). Collection is available if preferred. Please contact Bryan on 01434 321314.
Join us on Facebook and LinkedIn There are plenty of Old Novos social media groups around, but we have our own groups. Join us by following the Old Novocastrians Association pages on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Appeal for ON email addresses Where appropriate, we would like to stay in contact with you by email. Please email ona@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk with a current email address where we can contact you.
We are delighted to have heard recently from…
John Dodds (L) with Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin. Other cast members attending were Terry Jones, Anette Badland and Neil Innes
(L-R): John Thomson (70-77); Mike Bradford (67-77); Phil Burns (70-77); Andy Morgan (70-77); Mark Stringer (70-77); Mark E Robson (67-77); and Gary Dobson (70-77)
Mike Bradford (67-77) who writes: ‘Following the get together of the ’77 leavers reunion at the ONA Dinner last year, a group met up 14 months ago. Following pre-dinner beverages at a rather lively Westgate Road pub, we convened at the King Neptune on Stowell Street. Distance was no object — Dundee, Leicester, Nottingham, Leeds — plus local attendees from Whickham, Ponteland and Morpeth. So it just shows the real value of RGS — enduring friendships. The years just slipped away as we caught up on
The ONA has been able to put several members of the classes of ’64 and ’65 in email contact with one another. As a result, Tony Boullemier (57-64) and his wife Marie were able to meet up during their summer holidays with David Hazelwood (67-73) and his wife Anne, in Nice; and John Garland (5764) and his wife June (ex-CNHS) in Dorset. “We had two extremely convivial catch-up lunches as you can see from the photograph,” said Tony. “A lot of great memories and lots of laughs.”
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40 years and reminisced about those formative teenage years. No stories suitable for publication! A brisk walk out to St Mary’s Lighthouse on Sunday to clear rather woolly heads before going our separate ways. Our next get together will be in the spring. Mike Dodds (66-77) and Mark G Robson (67-77) should be able to swell the numbers. Mike was in France on this occasion, being the first of the team to hit 60. By spring we’ll have a few more sexagenarians in the ranks of, ‘The Likely Lads’.’
(L-R) Marie and Tony Boullemier, Anne and David Hazelwood
ONA – Old Novocastrians Association Magazine Autumn 2018
John Dodds (65-75) who writes: ‘When I left the RGS one of the first films I worked on as assistant director was Terry Gilliam’s Jabberwocky. It became an iconic film and recently Terry invited me to the London Film Festival screening and party for the new version that is to be released on Blu Ray, 40 years after the original film. It was a wonderful evening with lots of happy memories.’ Eric ‘Spike’ Middleton (45-53) who writes: ‘I should like to challenge all my fellow ON friends to contribute to my third book. Now almost 84, originally called ‘Spike’, once Captain of Boxing, Leader of the First Orchestra etc. You may well have experienced a ‘special place’ in your life, perhaps more than one – places where you experienced peace and calm. The Celts called these ‘thin places’ where heaven and earth are very close — almost spiritual — some of my friends say. I should be delighted if you were to email me at: eric.middleton2@btinternet.com. It would be wonderful to have some special places from a number of ONs, from my own entry point under ER Thomas (22-48) to the present day. What did your special place feel like, perhaps in another dimension? P.S. My first book, The New Flatlanders was in answer to all the questions about science and faith which my students came to ask after lunch on Wednesdays and who made me promise to write a book about them!’
ONA Now and Then One of the most moving events of the past year was the special Remembrance Service we held in the Main Hall on Sunday 11 November to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War. The Memorial Organ was also rededicated and it was so good to see the Main Hall full. The combined School and Community choirs sang beautifully and I’m not sure that Matthew Bradbury’s there was an impressive turn out from the (15-17) account of running the ‘Greggs’ CCF. Particularly moving was to hear all of Marathon’ is the same as Running to the names of the fallen read out by the Paradise as written by Sue Saunders, Head Boy, Head Girl and two Junior but both talk in their different ways of dedication. The feat of the three Matthew’s School students. I would like to thank is not only one of continued friendship, but everyone who was involved in the event, from the readers and musicians to the also a heart-warming example of a CCF and archivists for their display. In contribution to the society of the North particular, my thanks go to the Rev. Roy East in raising such a sum for the Greggs Large (48-58), who rededicated the Foundation. They may have thought the run a ludicrous idea but their impact on real organ, and Col. Ben Banerjee (78-85) for their support and involvement. lives is, as they observe, anything but ludicrous. It has been a delight to welcome Susan Helping lives is certainly something which Beck as Development Director to the school and she will be working closely Peter (52-60) and Wuliang Walker have also done in their very generous donation not only with Jane Medcalf and the ONA to the Bursary Campaign. His description Committee, but with so many groups of the impact of the various School Camps connected to the RGS. And in mentioning the ONA Committee, I would like to made me think about the many camps which I have visited over the last year with thank Chris Wilson (97-02) for all that he has done over the last two years as our current students. It is so good to see President and also welcome the new such traditions continuing, even if the ONA President, Kate Harman (née details have changed over time. I hope that the current crop of students also look Appleby) (06-08). I very much look forward to working with her and the whole back on their experiences with such fondness and can remain close friends as committee over the next two years. well. What I do see already though, is the transformational effect on our students of John Fern Headmaster having these opportunities and the more widely they can be made available the better for us all. We never know where these opportunities and interests may take us and the lovely article by William Coates (13-18) sums this up. I could not agree more with him that what matters is that we try our best and do not all just assume we need to fit into one single mould. I think his entrepreneurial spirit is to be applauded and something which we would encourage in so many more and forms part of some of our current partnership work with firms in the region. Talking to ONs at the dinners, events and visits to the school is not only a pleasure and informative, but also reaffirms this strong affinity with the school and peers. Such depth of feeling for so many of you is humbling as the Headmaster and certainly something which I do not take for granted.
‘Enduring friendship’ is a very fitting theme that echoes throughout this edition of the magazine. It is also a theme that I have been very aware of during my first year in the school. It has been striking just how strong the bonds forged at the RGS have been over the following years and decades.
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ONA Now and Then Running to Paradise RGS students recently performed in a concert of classical music by ON Michael Jon Smith (49-59): Return to Paradise. By Sue Saunders (née Smith).
Michael Smith at school camp in the Scottish Hebrides c. 1957
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ichael Jon Smith (1941-2009) was at RGS until 1959, studying music with Jack Wolstenholme (48-75). He began playing violin and piano at an early age and was a pupil (later friend) of Johnson Hood (44-52) who made a great contribution to the school’s music; I remember at age 10 being fascinated by a solo performance he gave on wine glasses at one of the First Orchestra’s concerts. Mr Hood encouraged Smith to join the National Youth Orchestra where he was lucky enough to perform under the conductor Walter Susskind, and visit Berlin before the Berlin Wall was erected. After studying Music under Herbert Howells at Leeds University, and at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and after seven years with the Scottish National Orchestra, he went to the Netherlands in 1975 and spent the rest of his career playing violin and later viola; he became Leader of the North Holland Philharmonic viola section. He always remained loyal to his roots and returned to the North of England regularly, often camping and fell walking in the Lake District; his love of the outdoors had been fostered by the many summer camps he went to with school. Michael was a prolific Composer all his life. Major influences were Sibelius and Bartok, but his style, melodic and expansive, cannot really be pigeonholed. His love of literature began at school, and is evident in the way in which he devoted 16 years to setting a selection of William Wordsworth’s
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ONA – Old Novocastrians Association Magazine Autumn 2018
The Prelude as an oratorio; a 40minute version of this was performed by Ryton Choral Society a week before he died. The ‘Paradise’ of the concert’s title comes from WB Yeats’ poem Running to Paradise, which Michael made the subject of his last suite for flute and piano. The landscapes of the Lake District, Lindisfarne and Scotland also figure hugely in his compositions. A CD of Running to Paradise, which was launched in the Netherlands in February 2018, was sold at JG Windows (Newcastle) in time for the concert, although it can be purchased from music sites such as Amazon and iTunes. The concert will feature selections from the CD performed by John Garner, Dawn Allen, Lydia Abell, and Sarah Robinson on violin, viola and piano and accompanied by many talented non-professional musicians from the Cobweb Orchestra. Further details about Michael’s life and music, together with selections from previous concerts, can be found at www.michaeljonsmith.org or www.mjsmith.eu.
MattsvGreggs Going away to university, how do you keep in contact with your friends? I asked myself this when I realised I wasn’t seeing these people every day, being in the same lessons and all doing the same things. I worked in Beijing while they studied in the UK; I found myself doing things I’d never done before, like sending postcards or writing letters at Christmas. In a few treasured (and expensive) phone calls, we would always come back to the same question: what would we do when back in the North East? By Matthew Bradbury (15-17).
Matthew Bradbury (15-17), Matthew Clark (08-17) and Matthew Hutton (09-17) at various stages of the run
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t RGS, most weeks we would go out running together, and during exam season this was the only time we ever got out of the School Library. During those phone calls we decided this would be a good tradition to continue whilst away. I’d missed stotties and the company of my best friends in equal measure, so we decided that running around all of the Greggs in Newcastle would be a laugh. By the time we realised that it was a marathon distance, we had already told too many people to back out. We also realised this was an opportunity to do some good and started raising money for the Greggs Foundation Hardship Fund. That was it really, that was how an offhand suggestion managed to get quite so out of hand. We got in contact with the local press to try and get more publicity (as a means of raising more donations for the charity) for the run and we found they were all very happy to talk to us. I was being made to consider my relationship with Greggs in a new way, each person wanting a weirder fact or some jokey titbit to fit into their article. Never before have I been made to consider my favourite Greggs (the one by Central Station, as it’s the surest reminder you’ve finally arrived home – beaten only by seeing the bridges from your train carriage window); or favourite Greggs food or any other Greggs related stories. It turns out one of us had even taken a girl on a first date to a Greggs!
We were all drastically underprepared for the run, completing it in 6 hours 40 minutes which the BBC charitably rounded to 6 hours. We visited each one of the 29 Greggs in Newcastle, excluding any that were south of the Tyne or made the route look less like a squirrel. We, at a minimum, got a selfie at each for the run — stopping to fill up our water bottles and eat sausage rolls at the rest. The shop staff were always lovely and their desire to chat was a great excuse for a rest! Matt Clark found a, ‘train for a marathon in 30 days’ website, and after having done four days of training he felt sure he was ready — he told me afterwards this included three rest days! A couple of days afterwards, the Foundation Manager from the Greggs Foundation emailed us a thank you, sending us the stories of those we’d helped with the money — it was incredibly moving. A laugh, something to see friends again, something done to be a good story, had raised over £1,800 for the Hardship Fund. I’d read the website and knew we’d be, ‘providing grants to people in extreme financial need in the North East’, but the distance in those words meant I didn’t see quite what we were doing. Then I read people’s stories and realised what the support people had given us meant, how this ludicrous run had helped lives. We’ll all go off to university soon, but the Greggs Foundation will still be raising money and people in the North East will still be living in poverty.
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ONA – Old Novocastrians Association Magazine Autumn 2018
Map showing the ‘squirrel’ route taken by the Matts – including all 29 Greggs in Newcastle
“We’ll all go off to university soon, but the Greggs Foundation will still be raising money and people in the North East will still be living in poverty.”
Please consider donating to this worthwhile cause, by going to www.justgiving.com fundraising/the-matts or write a cheque made out to The Greggs Foundation and send it to the Development Office to be forwarded on. Thank you.
Introducing Susan Beck, New Director of Development I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Director of Development at RGS, with overall responsibility for fundraising and our broader alumni programme.
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t is an understatement to say that I am thrilled to join the school. Having spent the past 20 years living in London, working as a senior fundraiser in some of the country’s largest fundraising charities, it has been wonderful to return with my young family to my hometown of Newcastle. The RGS is such a vibrant place to be; full of outstanding teachers who are stretching the minds of the brightest boys and girls. I feel truly blessed to have joined such an energising organisation. I know that our Old Novocastrians have been given exemplary care by our Development Manager, Jane Medcalf. Jane will continue to support our ONs, so please do continue to keep in touch with all of your news. I very much look forward to working with Jane, and the wider ONA Committee, as we develop our alumni programme. There are some wonderful traditions, such as the ONA Dinner and the ONA Magazine that we look forward to growing and improving. Please watch this space for some new activities, through which we would like to give more opportunities to broaden and deepen ONs involvement in the school. In addition, the Governors, Mr John Fern and the wider school leadership team have a burning ambition to grow our fundraising programme, not least to expand the number of bursary places in the school. As the leading school in the North East, we want to broaden access to as many bright young people as possible, especially those brilliant boys and girls who, without a bursary, could not afford to attend the school.
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“As the leading school in the North East, we want to broaden access to as many bright young people as possible, especially those brilliant boys and girls who without a bursary could not afford to attend the school.”
We are inspired by Thomas Horsley’s original endowment to establish Newcastle’s ‘free school’ and appreciate that we are the guardians of our founder’s wishes. I look forward to sharing our ambitious plans with ONs and the wider RGS community in due course. In the meantime, I wanted to share a little story which exemplifies the importance of the ON community. In my first few weeks I have spent as much time as possible around the school, and recently attended my first assembly in the Junior School. Our wonderful Acting Head of the Junior School, Mr James Miller was talking about the ‘RGS Family’ and asked our youngest boys and girls, “Who might be part of our family?”. A tiny hand went up, and the student said, “The dinner ladies”. A second timid hand appeared, a young boy who had just joined Year 3 said, “The Old Novocastrians, they are the old boys and girls who went through the school before us, and still look out for us…”. For me, this shows just how important you, our ON community, remain to the school, even the very youngest and newest students know who you are and look to you as role models. What a privilege to be in a position to inspire such young minds. Of course the story also highlights the unwavering importance of the RGS Catering staff, some traditions never change… I very much look forward to meeting as many ONs as I can. If you’d like to get in touch to discuss something specific I can always be contacted by email at s.beck@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk or on 0191 281 5711.
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Calling all Bursary, Assisted Places and Direct Grant ONs In 2019 we will mark the 40th Anniversary of the RGS Educational Trust, the registered charity through which we fundraise and manage voluntary donations. As such we would like to publish a special edition of the ONA Magazine, specifically featuring the stories of ONs who attended the school through one of the Direct Grant, Assisted Places or Bursary schemes. We want to be able to share as many stories as possible, in particular to celebrate the lives and achievements of these specific ONs and hear first-hand what fee assistance has meant to you. We would also like to use the stories to thank donors for their past generosity and to encourage more funders to give to the Bursary Campaign. If you feel able to share a few words about what having a supported place at the RGS has meant to you, then please do get in touch with Jane Medcalf on 0191 212 8909 or at j.medcalf@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk.
Joint Venture Why I give to the RGS Bursary Campaign. By Peter Walker (52-60).
My starting point at the RGS was in 1952 at 11 years old. My family lived across the river in Low Fell. As it must have been for many new starters, it was quite an experience to come from a small local school and suddenly find yourself among hundreds of pupils of all ages, in an environment with imposing buildings and an extensive sports area.
Peter Walker, High Jump record, 1960
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n the 50s, you encountered boys; yes, it was entirely boys at that time, from Durham, South Shields, Tynemouth, Jarrow, Shotley Bridge, Blaydon, and a host of other places. The school certainly provided an output for self-expression in areas we had barely heard about, let alone had the opportunity in which to participate. The sports programme throughout the school years was incomparable, slogging around the Town Moor being a major feature. One of the activities that really got us together was the School Camps held in Race Week. I went to Wensleydale and Littondale, and later, to a survey camp on the Isle of Eigg. Many of the teachers spent their holiday time supervising these camps, assisted by ONs. How invigorating the camps were, the long walks during the day to appreciate the beautiful countryside, and the camp fires in the evenings. Many of those boys are still close friends today and how priceless that is. One of the most striking aspects of the school was the quality and dedication of the teachers. They were an extraordinary group of individuals whose teaching was stimulating and proficient. Not only were there core subjects, but we were fortunate in having options such as Woodwork, with Bill Elliott (52-88). We first made towel rails and then progressed to bookcases. One boy made a complete hash of a fine piece of wood: “What are you doing boy, wood doesn’t grow on trees you know!” One of our Summer Holiday assignments in Geography, under Laurence Meaken (31-74) was to carry out a survey of our home area. Three of us went around every company in the Low Fell Trading Estate: floor tiles, glass, carpets, engineering, Hunters the Bakers and De La Rue. It opened our eyes to the working world. In the last day or two of each term it was the tradition to do something recreational. Once, Colin Hunter (48-76) brought in his record player and put on some classical music for us to listen to; he was trying to get us to appreciate something he obviously loved himself. MG Robinson (34-72), our English Teacher was a master of benign sarcasm. One day in class I was squinting through the window, lining up a tree with a lamppost. Suddenly, I was interrupted by MG saying, “Walker, would you kindly read us the second verse of the poem we are studying; of course, when you have finished your optical experiments!” Jimmy Herdman (22-66), French Teacher, used to vacation in Corsica in the summer holidays, and would tell us stories of the local life, transporting us to an exotic world. In the Sixth Form, I was fortunate to take Engineering Drawing under Colin Dales (50-84). I still have some of those drawings with three projections. Little did I know that designing things would be something I would still be doing 60 years later,
‘Wuliang and I are more than pleased to make a donation to the Bursary Campaign. We hope that our gift can support talented students of tomorrow to receive the type of education at RGS that I so much benefited from.’ the only difference being that I now use CAD software rather than a drawing board, pencil, compass, and protractors. After the second year in the Sixth Form, I took the Cambridge University entrance exams which required staying for another term. Several teachers helped make it worthwhile: MG Robinson with Poetry lessons, Cecil Marfitt-Smith (32-70) teaching about Picasso and how to paint posters, and ‘Willy’ B Macro (36-62) teaching extra Maths. I was accepted to Cambridge University to read Mechanical Sciences and still have the vision of going there for the very first time and seeing all those ancient college buildings. Even when I visit today, there is still a magic about it. After Cambridge I spent three years as an Engineering Apprentice at George Angus (now Dunlop) on the Coast Road, then did a PhD at Leeds University on the Lubrication of Human Joints. I was then recruited by a Surgeon from the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, where I started designing artificial joints. After that I worked at other prominent institutions in the USA and England. My present and probably final job is Professor at New York University, with positions in Orthopaedics and Mechanical Engineering. This year I had the honour of receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the USA Knee Society. Looking back, the experience at the RGS provided a solid foundation for a Cambridge
Littondale Camp, Arncliffe, 1954
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ONA – Old Novocastrians Association Magazine Autumn 2018
Peter and Wuliang (left) hosting the RGS soccer visit, August 2009
education and for my subsequent career. Last year, my wife Wuliang and I visited the RGS. Wuliang, who came from an academic background in Beijing, studied Molecular Biology, and worked at a research faculty at New York University, was very impressed with the school. For me, remembering what the RGS was like when I was there, the changes that had occurred seemed remarkably progressive. Wuliang and I are more than pleased to make a donation to the Bursary Campaign. We hope that our gift can support the talented students of tomorrow to receive the type of education at RGS that I so much benefited from.
If you would like to get in touch to make a donation, or leave a legacy in your will please email Jane Medcalf at j.medcalf@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk.
John Brand ‘A colourful character’
In a previous article (Issue 101) about distinguished Old Novos who had featured in The School Song, I wrote of Henry Bourne (unknown-1709), Folklorist and Historian and I included reference to John Brand (1750s and 1778-1784), who drew upon Bourne’s work. Brand hailed from Washington where his father was the Parish Clerk. After his mother’s early death and his father’s remarriage, he lived with his maternal aunt and uncle, Anne and Anthony Wheatley in Gateshead, remaining devoted to them throughout his life. By Alan Castree (53-61).
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rand’s education at RGS was under the headship of the formidable Hugh Moises (1749-87) who took an interest in him, recognising outstanding talent and an exceptional grasp of the Classics. Moises found support for him to enter Lincoln College, Oxford. After graduation and ordination he accepted a curacy at Cramlington, which he retained until his death despite the fact that he spent most of his later life in London. He also enjoyed spells as Under-usher, then Usher at RGS. A significant early patron, thanks to the assistance of Moises, was the Duke of Northumberland. Could one ask for greater support? The Duke granted Brand the rectory of the united parishes of St Mary at Hill and St Mary Hubbard, London, just off Cheapside. He appointed Brand as one of his domestic chaplains. Brand also assumed the role of Secretary and Librarian to the Duke. Already a member of the Society of Antiquaries while in Newcastle, when he arrived in London (1780s) Brand was elected Secretary to that body, for which he received a stipend and accommodation; he held the post until his death. His early ventures into publication were through poetry, including poetical essays and a singular work, On Illicit Love Written Among the Ruins of Godstow Nunnery, 1775 (the location refers to the burial place of Rosamund Clifford, a favourite mistress of Henry II). Mackenzie, in his History of Newcastle (1827), describes the poem as, ‘beautiful, pathetic and moral’; it focuses on the exposure of the criminality of unlawful passion, a subject that concerned Brand throughout his life.
History and Antiquities of the Town and County of Newcastle upon Tyne by John Brand, 1789
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In 1777, basing his work on that of Henry Bourne, he published his Observations on Popular Antiquities. There is little doubt that the scarcity of, and demand for, Bourne’s earlier book, stimulated interest in Brand’s expanded version. Brand thereafter amassed additional material for a second edition but his collection overwhelmed him; not a tidy scholar, his storage of documents lacked system.
‘He was a fine scholar, politically astute and a live wire. He seems to have become unmethodical in his later life but whatever his flaws he made an impact upon 18th Century society.’
Sir Henry Ellis based his work on folklore (1813) on the unpublished papers of Brand. Ellis, a later Secretary to the Society of Antiquaries for 40 years, edited Brand’s work with, ‘footnote upon footnote’. The result is a fascinating compendium; there is recognition today of this publication by Ellis as a standard work, with the caveat that it is difficult to distinguish among Bourne, Brand and Ellis as to who was the originator of much of the material, making dating of references problematic. In 1789 Brand published History and Antiquities of the Town and County of Newcastle upon Tyne, again drawing on Bourne. The fine engravings therein, by James Fittler, an engraver to George III, made this an attractive and expensive book. Volume 2 opens with a quotation from the poetry of another former student of the early 1730s, about whom I have written in the past (Issue 97), Physician Mark Akenside (RGS 1730s).
Print from a drawing by Edward Edwards, was published in 1789 in John Brand’s History and Antiquities of the Town and County of Newcastle upon
Brand acknowledged in his introduction to the history the debt that he owed to the Duke of Northumberland in being able to peruse and extract, ‘…whatever I found to my purpose from many of the valuable records of his illustrious house’. His reference to Bourne’s work on Newcastle was not so complimentary. Brand described it as, ‘a thin folio’, with remarks about contradictions therein, ‘I have selected whatever I thought authentic and interesting to my subject.’ Commentators considered Brand’s work as dull. There were even remarks that it lacked the freshness and style of Bourne. Worse still, Brand had added no index (later remedied by William Dodd, Newcastle antiquarian, in 1881). Brand ploughed on with his gathering of diverse material but as a hoarder rather than as a researcher. His storing of personal papers was so chaotic that, after his death in post as Secretary of the Society of Antiquaries, it was necessary to appoint a committee to remedy the confusion in which he had left the Society’s affairs. Mackenzie (1827) saw Brand as, ‘able, attentive and indefatigable …attending to [his business] not only as a duty but also as a pleasure’. Not so complimentary was Joan Evans (1956), who described Brand as, ‘an amiable muddler’. His lack of concern for detail, in her opinion, was reflected in how he left his and the Society’s accounts.
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ONA – Old Novocastrians Association Magazine Autumn 2018
Tyne (1789) showing The Guildhall
There was a jumble of financial records that presented an impenetrable mix of fees received at his church, subscriptions to the Society, personal living expenses and other affairs. Records at the Society showed that he either did not respond to correspondents or, if they were persistent, rebuked them for harassing him. Verbal exchanges with members could be lively too and he often engaged in personal attacks on anyone who challenged his work as Secretary. Taking advantage of accommodation at Somerset House, he unlawfully sub-let his rectory address. This led to prosecutions of him, but he survived. He had, of course, powerful patronage. After his death, auction of his vast library lasted a month and raised the considerable sum of £17,000. His aunt, now living in Hanover Square, Newcastle, benefitted from the estate. Brand was a ‘colourful character’. He was a fine scholar, politically astute and a live wire. He seems to have become unmethodical in his later life but whatever his flaws he made an impact upon 18th Century society. His work still commands respect today as a significant record of his time.
William Drives His Business Forward I joined RGS in Year 7 after obtaining a place from my previous school NPS. I can look back at my time at RGS as being a good stepping stone that allowed me to go on to do what I love doing. I owe a huge thanks to all the teachers who taught me and guided me in the right direction. By William Coates (13-18). Above: Dr Mark Bell, Biology Teacher visiting William
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B
efore obtaining my GCSE results I knew from the outset that I wasn’t going to be a student with a set of straight A* results but what I did know beforehand is that I tried my best and that’s all anyone can ask of anybody. Without the help and guidance from the RGS staff I can definitely say that I would not have obtained the results I did. Outside of school Ever since my early childhood I have always been fascinated with all things mechanical and from the age of about eight my focus turned to tractors. I bought my first tractor when I was 11 years old from the local auction mart which was a 1947 Ferguson TEA-20. Over that winter I stripped it down including the engine and rebuilt the tractor finishing it off with a fresh coat of battleship grey paint. The restoration all took place in a single stone-built garage just next to our house (which is now our kitchen). After winning 3rd Prize at a local tractor rally with the same tractor, my interest for vintage tractors has grown stronger ever since. The early years of buying From the age of around 12 to 13 I started buying tractors to sell. The problem was I wanted to keep every one I bought. This became quite a problem for my mother, who was forced to negotiate a host of tractors to get to the front door. After a long and hard decision, I decided to sell all the tractors I had collected, which at the time numbered around 13. I successfully sold every one of them and the business began in earnest after I took the decision to buy in tractors to sell.
‘The first year has flown by and after leaving school I can now turn all my attention to what I enjoy doing. Looking back on the first year I can say I’ve built up a good contact portfolio with various people whether it be private sellers or traders across the country.’
Setting up of the business After two years of ‘training’, when I turned 15, I set up a business; buying, selling and restoring vintage tractors. I named the business Coates Classic Vehicles. Since then, I have been all over the country, locating and purchasing these machines. From the Outer Hebrides, off north west Scotland to Lands End in Cornwall. I’ve travelled all over buying forgotten machines, some of which have been laying in barns for over 30 years, bringing them home and giving them a new lease of life. Much to my mother’s disappointment the yard started gradually to fill up with tractors, only this time they were only here for about a week before they were sold and shipped all over the world. After one year of trading The first year has flown by and after leaving school I can now turn all my attention to what I enjoy doing. Looking back on the first year I can say I’ve built up a good contact portfolio with various people whether it be private sellers or traders across the country. This has enabled me to build up what I would think is a good reputation throughout the Tyne Valley in Northumberland and further afield. It’s not only great to bring these old tractors back to life, but also to meet along the way some amazing people who share a similar interest in these old machines. Where next? After driving around in a tractor for nearly a year, I’m ready now to take my driving test. Some people have asked what car I’ll drive. After buying Land Rovers in the past (most of them in very poor condition) I thought the time was right to buy a proper Land Rover which didn’t require restoration. After going to view a tractor for sale, the same seller had this very tidy 1991 Land Rover Defender 90 truck cab, which he had just finished rebuilding. I managed to buy the tractor and Land Rover. I intend to use this for necessary towing jobs and as a general workhorse. This is now the business I intend to stay with.
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Top: A John Deere 3350, one of the larger tractors William has sold to date Middle: William at work Bottom: A typical weekly stock of tractors on sale by William
A word of thanks I would like to end by saying a huge thank you to all the teachers, support staff and friends that I have had the pleasure of meeting during my RGS career. I wish everyone in all years the best of luck for future exams and indeed the future. I would like to finish by saying don’t let anyone tell you what’s best suited to yourself. Only you know what you want to do with your life and nobody should be able to tell you differently. I know for sure, I wouldn’t change my way of life for anything in the world. Do your best and success will follow.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM A TALE OF TWO COMRADES IN ARMS
If I should die, think only this of me: That there’s some corner of a foreign field That is for ever England. There shall be In that rich earth a richer dust concealed; A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware, Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam, A body of England's, breathing English air, Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home. And think, this heart, all evil shed away, A pulse in the eternal mind, no less Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given; Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day; And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness, In hearts at peace, under an English heaven. The Soldier by Rupert Brooke
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W
ith the rededication of the iconic School Organ at a special service on Sunday 11 November 2018, it is of immense relevance to relate the poignant story of two ONs, one who fell at the Somme in March 1918, aged 21, buried in Pozieres Cemetery, near the battlefield in France, his name commemorated on the Organ with 277 others, who fell in both World Wars. His fellow ON who survived the slaughter of Passchendaele in rural Belgium and returned to lead a most fulfilling life in northern England until his death in 1972. A poignant display was set up by Sarah Huck, Library Assistant, with the support of Genny Silvanus, Archivist, and Jane Richardson, Librarian in the School Library.
Neville Hind (1914-16) Neville was educated at the RGS and in 1917 he was awarded an exhibition (scholarship) to enter Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. However, he enlisted at the Newcastle Barracks on 28 February 1917 before taking up his place at Cambridge and was posted to 3rd Northumberland Fusiliers at West Boldon. On 10 June he was transferred to 1st Lancashire Fusiliers. He was then wounded on 9 October and admitted to Wharncliffe War Hospital in Sheffield, where he wrote an account of his experience in France. There is a copy of this book in the School Archives and at the Imperial War Museum, and it has been referenced in Paul Ham’s book Passchendaele: Requiem for Doomed Youth. He was discharged from hospital in April 1918 and had various postings in the north of England until he was demobilised in January 1919. He was presented with the Military Medal by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle on 14 May 1918. After the War, he took up his exhibition at Cambridge, obtaining an Honours degree in History, and then trained as a teacher. He married Dora Maughan of Gosforth in Newcastle in 1923 and they had one daughter, Dorothy, who kindly donated the Hind Papers to the school in 2006. In 1933 he was appointed to the post of Headmaster at Keighley Grammar School, where he remained until his retirement in 1958. Neville Hind Memoir
‘A soldier carries all his stuff on his back. Full marching order is as follows:- Army boots, socks, trousers, tunic, puttees, cap, pants, cardigan (if not in pack) shirt, belt, braces, pouches with ammunition, sandbags, rifle, bayonet on scabbard, entrenching tool and handle, water bottle, haversack, iron rations (emergency rations) day’s rations, valise (containing overcoat, change of underclothing, extra socks, shaving tackle and other extras) oil sheet, steel helmet, two gas helmet… When you get all this on you… you feel rather warm, especially with a French sun in a sandy district, with the prospect of getting a drink (if you are lucky) after 9 hours hard training.’
William Gaston Duval Hall (1906-unknown) Top to bottom: The newly regilded School Organ, Main Hall Neville Hind William Gaston Duval Hall 6th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, circa 1918
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ONA – Old Novocastrians Association Magazine Autumn 2018
William attended the Royal Grammar School before joining the 6th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. A few days after war was declared, he saw action in France at the Battle of the Somme where he died aged 21on Saturday 23 March 1918, a very disasterous day for the 6th Northumberlands. He was engaged as a Runner and after having taken despatches, had returned and taken more. It is officially presumed he was killed on this day. He is buried at Pozières Memorial, grave reference panel 16 to 18. His name can be seen on the Memorial on the School Organ, ‘Hall WGD’.
Obituaries John Harrison (40-47) Born 2 September 1929, died 15 May 2017, aged 87 In late 1947, four of us from Samuel Middlebrook’s History Sixth went up to Cambridge at scholarship time; John Harrison among them. Alas, he failed to win an award, a disappointment that caused considerable soul searching. His thoughts then turned (not very enthusiastically) to Law, thinking to follow his brother Vincent Harrison (41-48). However, two years National Service barred the way. John was posted to Austria. Perhaps it was his first views of the Alpine lands, with their striking land-forms, plus the attractions of an outdoor life, that turned his mind toward geology. This would be a bold step; a decision made in his youth, yet one which would contribute richly to the rest of his long life. So, 1954 saw him as a Petroleum Geologist working in oil search for BP. Thereafter his career makes remarkable reading, taking him to five continents and some 18 countries. The School Song tells us: “Far went they forth from the school of the North”. John went forth indeed: Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait, Sicily, Libya and Algeria, Columbia, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia, Kenya, Trinidad and Brazil, Alaska, New York and Germany. His career climaxed as Regional Exploration Manager for the Middle East, Africa and Ireland, areas of major importance and responsibility, especially when one recalls that on leaving school he seemed destined to be a Provincial Solicitor, perhaps in some legal backwater. His job also led to his marriage. In 1962 he and Nina met in California, where her father worked for Texaco. They would have two daughters and three grandchildren. After retirement from BP and a short period as a private consultant they moved to Devon to be near one of their
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daughters. However her husband’s job soon took her elsewhere, leaving John and Nina to rethink their retirement home. They decided to return to the North, moving finally to a flat in Corbridge. Though, while at school, John lived in Whitley Bay, he had been born in Hexham. So Corbridge, only three miles distant, was in every sense a homecoming. Nina writes that her husband loved his work. Being, ‘in the field’ offered an insight into those many countries that a desk in their capitals would not have given. In short, life as a Geologist was never, ‘just a job’. Lucky him! How many spend their working lives doing what most pleases them? Lucky too that Cambridge turned him down! But it took more than luck to succeed in all he then did. Thinking back to schooldays: was there a clue that pointed his way toward that tough, upward climb through Britain’s biggest company? Was it, one wonders, his skill and pluck in the RGS boxing team, whose final victory against St Paul’s School, London, made us national champions in that sport? John died in Corbridge on 15 May, 2017, aged 87. As one of the best of a fine harvest of Novocastrians, I salute his memory. By Derek Williams (39-48)
David Curd (44-51) Born 27 March 1933, died 23 January 2018, aged 84
I first met David on joining the RGS in 1945. We struck up a close friendship which lasted until recently when he fell victim to cancer. He was born in Essex in 1933, moving to Tyneside in 1940, living first in Monkseaton and eventually to South Gosforth. National Service was spent
in the RAF followed by a short spell in the construction industry at Heathrow and Calder Hall. A return to Newcastle was made to support his parents due to illness. He worked for a short time in a company supplying butchers with tools etc. before eventually moving to Parsons Engineering. This gave him the opportunities for which he had been looking; providing a launch pad for a distinguished career in engineering insurance, becoming the Director of Insurance for NEI Rolls Royce. On his formal retirement he began training apprentice insurance practitioners in the North East. As a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Insurers he travelled to many overseas countries imparting his wealth of experience – accumulated over 30 years – to a wide audience.
He enjoyed sailing and swimming (hopefully not at the same time) and was a very active member of a number of organisations. These included the Lemington Male Voice Choir, Ponteland Rotary Club and Ponteland Golf Club, as well as being a long serving Mason. Our families met up as much as possible. We looked forward to these meetings immensely. One memorable time was a surprise party given by David and Maureen at their home in Ponteland for my 65th birthday. He also encouraged me to start getting the ONA Magazine for which I thank him greatly. David is survived by his wife Maureen of over 50 years and their sons, Ian and Richard. By Keith W Leach (46- 50)
Stuart Armstrong (46-54) Born 6 June 1935, died 16 June 2018, aged 83 Stuart obtained a Durham LLB degree at King’s College, and was admitted a solicitor in 1959, collecting en route the Broderip and Newcastle upon Tyne prizes which were awarded on the results of the Law Society final examination. After some years as an Assistant Solicitor, he became in 1971 a Partner in our firm of Nicholson Martin (previously Nicholson Martin & Wilkinson), which at one time had offices in Newcastle and various places in County Durham. Stuart I never knew Stuart at school being operated at Washington and then several years his senior, though I at Houghton-le-Spring, succeeding noticed in Speech Day programmes me as Senior Partner in 1990. His that a youth of that name seemed to speciality was in non-contentious carry off a disproportionate number work. I always owed an immense debt of prizes. He ultimately became a to his acumen and his analytical and Prefect and a member of the First logical mind. He was a man to whom Orchestra, finally winning a state you could, with confidence, entrust scholarship. For the benefit of recent any responsibility. generations, these scholarships were Outside the profession his time awarded (vary sparingly) to those who was heavily engaged, primarily with had done outstandingly well at A Level. the Methodist Church, in which he Even the future Lord Chief Justice only was for many years a Lay Preacher, achieved a reserve state scholarship. also occupying other posts, besides
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seeing as Choir Master and Organist (he was a gifted and versatile musician). On moving to North Shields he and Margaret joined the United Reformed Church, becoming dedicated and active members. He had long been a very committed Rotarian and held many senior positions in the movement. At one time he was President of the local Conservative Association and had been invited to stand as parliamentary candidate for Houghton-le-Spring, but declined. He never lost his intellectual curiosity. In his late 60s he was not too old to embark on the study of Italian and Spanish, much as Cato The Elder decided to learn Greek at 80. But his most abiding commitment was to his family, two ONs and his daughter Rowena and an increasing band of descendants. His passing leaves an unfillable gap in their lives, and in the lives of so many who valued his abilities and his friendship. By Bryan Stevens (44-49)
Obituaries Graham Dugdale (62-68) Born 21 March 1951, died 7 May 2018, aged 67 Graham died unexpectedly at his home in Chudleigh, Devon, aged 67. I first met Graham through his running interests in Nottingham in the early 80s. I did not know him at school as he was six years younger than me, but we seem to have followed similar pathways through RGS. We both had a love of running and became Captains of the Cross Country Club; we both played cricket for the 1st XI, and we were both Prefects. Although we both enjoyed all sports at RGS, no doubt we both longed for the grass pitches to be out of commission now and again, so ‘The Run’ could be substituted, and it was that introduction to running that inspired many students to take up the sport seriously, Graham and myself included. Graham was a multi-talented man. He was not only a keen sportsman but was also an academic who went up to Oxford University. He worked mainly for the National Coal Board in London as an Operational Research Analysist before moving to Ashby-de-la-Zouch and on to Nottingham. While in London he joined Thames Valley Harriers (TVH) where he made a huge impression. Not only was he an able performer, but he became a well-liked and respected member, who provided leadership and inspiration to other TVH members. He made considerable contributions to the development of the club from 1974 to 1980. One such initiative was organising training camps on the dunes of Merthyr Mawr in South Wales. His best personal performance was in the AAA Marathon in 1977 where he finished 3rd in 2 hrs 17 mins 16 secs. When he left London his loyalty to TVH never diminished, demonstrated by the attendance of several of his TVH colleagues at his funeral in Whitwick, near Leicester. He joined Notts AC in the 80s, and later Redhill Road
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Runners. Again, Graham became a highly respected member of both clubs. I remember meeting him in the local pub in Arnold, Nottingham on many occasions to discuss running topics, but we would chat about almost everything else in the world as well! Five things struck me about him: his power of thought, his caring about other people, his social skills, his determination, but above all, his modesty. Graham became a keen walker in the early 00s and in 2002 completed LEJOG (the walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats). I think he regarded this as one of his greatest achievements. Around 2003 he moved to Chudleigh in Devon where he fell in love with the surrounding countryside. He became a keen hill walker, and eventually joined the Devon Orienteering Club. He went on to become the Membership Secretary and organiser of several orienteering events. His love of the British countryside may have also been influenced by RGS, because one of his favourite parts were the Yorkshire Dales. I wonder if the camps at places like Wensleydale (the location of the First Year’s camp in the 60s), had a lasting memory. While in Chudleigh, it was no surprise to learn that Graham had been tempted into a role working for the NHS, organising data files right up to his sudden and untimely death. His death was so unexpected that he was involved in the planning of a major orienteering event later in the year in Devon and had also planned a walking holiday in Ireland. Although he continued to live in Devon, Graham used to commute frequently to Whitwick to spend time with his partner, Veronica who he had met in 2007. We will all miss him. By Richard Hays Milne (54-64)
Eric ‘Roger’ Bambrough (71-78) born 1960, died 5 May 2018, aged 58. Catriona Duff (07-09) born 1991, died 5 August 2018, aged 27. John M French (39-45) born 1928, died 30 June 2018, aged 90. William Murray (50-61) born 1942, died 8 June 2016, aged 73. The ONA were saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs Betty Elliott, wife of retired Teacher Bill Elliott (52-88), who died 25 August 2018. Corrections (Issue 103) Page 10: George Pallister’s dates at school were stated as (22-66). He was actually present from 26-66. It was also incorrect in that it was not George who had a sister, but he was married to the sister of Laurence Watson. Page 11: Picture caption states ‘Laurence Pallister c.1930s’, whereas it is George Pallister shown in the photograph. The amended article can be downloaded from the ONA website at https://bit.ly/2DME1br
John ‘Clive’ Hilton (40-42) Born 9 August 1929, died 13 April 2018, aged 88
Clive was born in Sunderland in August 1929. He grew up in Gosforth, and after attending Ascham House School in the 30s and RGS during the evacuation to Penrith, he joined St Peter’s School in York. There he developed a love of the stage, acting with fellow pupils, the Dench Brothers maintaining a long friendship with their sister Judith, now Dame Judy. After leaving school, National Service and a
spell in the family business, Clive went to London, working for many years at the Times Book Shop in Mayfair, frequented each and every day by royalty, the aristocracy and luminaries of the arts, stage and screen. Great fun! Returning to Newcastle in the late 50s Clive became a long-standing devotee of the historic People’s Theatre, opened by George Bernard Shaw in 1911. There he acted in, and brilliantly directed, numerous plays including Royce Ryton’s Crown Matrimonial about the Abdication Crisis of 1936: there was Alan Bennett’s The History Boys, as well as his Lady in the Van, superbly directed by Clive in his mid-80s in November 2016. At the People’s Centenary, Clive organised a visit by Sir Ian McKellan. The tea party was both memorable and quite hilarious. He loved his television,
David McBriar Boll (38-49)
especially the soaps, recognising the huge effort which went into the writing and production of these, and enjoying the occasional appearance of high profile actors. Apart from his close family to which he was utterly devoted, Clive leaves behind a myriad of friends all over Britain. He would often spot a favourite play and travel to small theatres around the country such as Scarborough, Kendal and Edinburgh, for the Festival. He regularly attended the Annual Association of Jewish ex-Serviceman’s Parade at the Cenotaph each November, missing only last year’s. For many years he worked tirelessly for Age Concern in the East End of Newcastle. A most generous, brilliant and unique man, who will be sadly missed. By David Goldwater (51- 62)
as their first Head of Business Studies and latterly as Vice-Principal. Ill heath Born 29 March 1931, died 14 May 2018, aged 87 forced his retirement in 1987. He was always literary-minded and he had written a novel, The Thicket, Certificate (Matriculation). In the Sixth published in 1967 – this was about Form he became a Prefect and then his early life in Newcastle. This was won a Scholarship to Balliol College followed by a further two novels. Oxford. This award excused him from He joined a poetry group after his having to take his Higher School retirement and co-founded the poetry Certificate. Prior to taking up his Scholarship, he undertook his National magazine MAGMA which he chaired for 18 years. Service where he was commissioned David was very much a gregarious into the Royal Army Education Corps. and outdoor man with a fine sense of At Balliol he read Modern History. David Boll entered the Junior School in humour. He walked extensively in the September 1938. He was the elder son After graduating with Honours, he British Isles, travelled most of the long joined Proctor and Gamble and spent of WH ‘Billy’ Boll (24-62) who for 38 distance footpaths and was for many time selling soap in the North East. years ran the Maths Department at the However in 1956 he joined the Unilever years a member and an official of The RGS. A year later and with war Travellers Club. Among the many other Group, firstly as a Marketing and imminent, the entire school was clubs and societies who enjoyed his Advertising Executive with Bird’s Eye evacuated to Penrith as part of the company was the Northumbria Club. Government’s scheme to move schools Food. Later Unilever acquired Lipton’s He frequently attended the London Tea and David was appointed as their out of danger areas. It was during his ONA dinners, and for a number of years, time at Penrith that he developed a love new Marketing Director. He was he took part in the Penrith reunions. described by one colleague as ‘a of the countryside, particularly fell He very much valued his family life. breath of fresh air’ because of his quick walking in the adjacent Lake District. He leaves behind his first wife, Antonia, The school moved back to the North insight and new ideas. David travelled his son Marcus, his daughter Miranda, East for the start of the Autumn term, in worldwide on business and helped five grandchildren and his second wife establish Lipton’s Tea as a market September 1944. David progressed Vicci who he met through their mutual leader internationally. His career well at the RGS and excelled both at interest in poetry. changed somewhat in 1980 when he English Language and English Literature. He obtained no less than ten joined the staff of the Croydon College of Higher and Further Education initially By Christopher Dean (45-53) distinctions when he took his School
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ONA Diary dates
London ONA Dinner
John Elders Memorial Match Saturday 29 December, kick-off 2pm, bar open from 12 noon — 11pm
Novos RFC v ONA, Sutherland Park
Friday 15 March, 2019
The Lansdowne Club
Please come along to support the teams and enjoy what is sure to be an enjoyable festive afternoon’s entertainment.
Personal Details and Data Protection
ONA Merchandise To order from our range of merchandise, please send a cheque payable to ONA, confirming your delivery address and contact details. For further details please email: ona@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk.
The school has a very special relationship with its former students and we very much wish to continue to keep in touch with you. To do this we would like your consent to keep basic details of your time at school, what you have been doing since leaving school and your contact details.
Scarf 100% double thickness wool £35
A copy of the letter and consent form can be found at https://bit.ly/2OAWpXB
Tie
Please complete the consent form so that we can continue to keep in contact.
Bow Tie
100% pure silk, slip-stitched, fully lined £29
100% pure silk, ready made £29
Cufflinks Polyester ties are also available.
T Bar, enamel gilt plated, school crest £29