OA Bulletin - Spring 2008 Edition

OA BULLETIN

Past and present OARFC Presidents Ali Mills and Adrian Tominey at this year’s June garden party

Old Albanian Club

DIARY DATES

JUNE 2008

Annual Dinner – Friday 4th July 2008 Founders’ Day – Saturday 5th July 2008 London Drinks Party – 13th November 2008 AGM – 9th December 2008

OA CLUB www.oldalbanianclub.com President Stephen Burgess 01727 867868 hawkeyeb59@btopenworld.com Secretary David Buxton 01727 840499 d.buxton@virgin.net Treasurer Brian Sullman 01582 460317 Membership Secretary Roger Cook 01727 836877 Rogercook@btinternet.com OA SPORTS www.oasport.com RUGBY President Adrian Tominey 01727 830226 ajt@rudwickhall.fsnet.co.uk Chairman Robin Farrar 01727 832621 robin.farrar@OARugby.com Treasurer Sandy Bell 01727 833519 sandy.bell@OARugby.com Secretary Peter Lipscomb 01727 760466 peter.lipscomb@OARugby.com Mini & Junior Rugby Chairman Rory Davis 020 8267 0003 rory.davis@OARugby.com OA Saints Chairwoman Tasha Saint-Smith 07971 849290 Tasha.saintsmith@club-concierge.com FOOTBALL www.oasoccer.co.uk Club President & Manager Simon Bates 07720 383600/01442 240247

Nick Chappin – Editor Andy Chappin – Design & Production Roger Cook – Membership Mike Highstead – Gazette Printing - Herts & Beds Printing 01923 234959 2

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Treasurer & Club Secretary David Hughes 07890 831315/01727 769237 dh@sherrards.com Sponsorship Secretary David Burrows 07841 431614 CRICKET www.oacc.org.uk President Alan Philpott Chairman Andrew McCree 01727 845513 andrew@oacc.org.uk 07890 831315/01727 769 237 Treasurer Denis King denis.king@btinternet.co.uk Fixture Secretary Julian Baines Jules_baines@msn.com TENNIS Membership Enquiries Sue Barnes 07970 301345 sbarnes@st-albans.herts.sch.uk Coaching Enquiries Diana Wilkinson 07767 237474 diana@kennett37.freeserve.co.uk OTHERS Rifle & Pistol Andrew Wilkie 01727 856857 Angling Geoff Cannon 01582 792512 Golf Royce Bryant 01727 863130 OA LODGE John Williams

www.oa-lodge.co.uk 01438 715679 jtwilliams@onetel.net

SCHOOL WEB SITE www.st-albans.herts.sch.uk

Address for correspondence: Nick Chappin 18 The Pleasance, Harpenden, Herts AL5 3NA Telephone: 01582 461674 (home) 07980 565645 (mobile) e-mail: nick@chappin.co.uk

OA COMMENT

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Editorial

Bones of contention

lost during the destruction of his Shrine after all, but instead had been I must confess, in the past my transported to Rome. They were then knowledge of freemasonry was given by the Vatican to a German limited to the usual urban myths: Duke as a wedding present (these silly handshakes (courtesy of Monty were the days before toasters, Python), dodgy dealings in the upper remember) and subsequently echelons of the police force (courtesy enshrined in Cologne Cathedral. In of The Sweeney and similar), and a 2002 a shoulder bone, believed to be theory linking the Jack the Ripper that of St Alban, was presented to murders to masonic ritual (courtesy the Abbey and is now back within of an old friend who wrote a book on the restored shrine. Having clocked the subject). Of course, as an up nearly as many air miles as Alan essentially secretive organisation Whicker, it’s nice to think that part they don’t do themselves any favours of him at least is back where he on the PR front. As any belongs. spin doctor will tell you, Still on the subject of The Pen Arthur I create an information bones, Justin Pollard (86) vacuum and people will has had another book recall was, to put it published: The Story of rush to fill it – and whether it’s the truth is Archaeology: 50 bluntly, a freezing Discoveries that Shaped largely irrelevant.

I’m therefore grateful our View of the Ancient hovel that you to John Williams, World, while Jonathan Secretary of the OA Trigell’s Boy A recently Lodge, for his fascinating wouldn’t keep a won an online public contributions to every vote as ‘The Book to goat in issue of the Bulletin. As Talk About’ and actor well as giving us a Andrew Garfield, who regular peek under the played the main covers of the Lodge’s activities of the character in the C4 TV adaptation, Lodge – and in particular their scooped the best actor BAFTA for his unceasing charitable work – he portrayal. As usual, OAs have been always manages to feed us some busy in all walks of life – see Mike tasty factual morsels about the Highstead’s Gazette on page 18 to history of freemasonry. We all know, find out more. for example, that St Alban was the Anyone at the School from the late first English martyr, but hands up 60s onwards will have memories of those who knew that he was also the Pen Arthur. My compliments to the patron saint of freemasonry? And writer of the School’s website, who there are bonus points on offer for describes it as “a well-equipped Field anyone who was aware that his relics Studies Centre”. He or she is surely (bones to you and me) had not been destined for a successful career as an

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President’s Notes estate agent. The Pen Arthur I recall was, to put it bluntly, a freezing hovel that you wouldn’t keep a goat in. At least there were no mice; they’d packed their Bermuda shorts and departed for more hospitable climes years ago. Our Sixth Form English set visited late one Autumn, and it was so cold that serious consideration was given to a ritual burning of our Shakespeare texts. My abiding memory of this cultural outing was incendiary rather than literary, as one of our number entertained us royally with pyrotechnic displays of igniting his farts with a cigarette lighter. As for the rest of us, we were just grateful for the small bursts of heat. David Camplin (70), a member of the first

group to visit the newly acquired farmhouse in the Brecon Beacons, offers some rather more refined memories of his trip on page 22, and Development Officer Kate Le Sueur has issued an appeal for further Pen Arthur memories the School’s Facebook group.

Elsewhere in this issue you’ll find the usual sports club reports, and a good crop of letters from OAs of all vintages. My thanks as always to everyone who has provided material for this edition, and I will end with my usual appeal for contributions to the next issue, which is due to be published in November.

Nick Chappin (75) Editor

Saints alive: players from the OA Saints, who have done so much to enhance the reputation of the OARFC both on and off the field, enjoy a drink at this year’s garden party

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Losses and gains

OA President Stephen Burgess

■ OA Club President Stephen Burgess bids farewell to three outstanding Old Albanians, and welcomes the improvements in the Club’s administration and records as it works closely with the School’s new development office Losses Since I wrote my notes for the November Bulletin, the Club has lost three outstanding Old Albanians who were very active in OA matters over many years: Dick Thrale, Peter Van Horne and Peter Smith. Dick was the first to go last November, and was an outstanding OA and citizen of St Albans.

His family were connected with the town over literally hundreds of years, and the Thrale’s baking and catering business and Waterend Barn base played a part in many lives of OAs and non-OAs alike. I was personally grateful for Dick’s help when organising Old Albanian and Rugby Club functions at the Waterend Barn. It was his family business but it was easy to become and remain a friend. I was pleased to have a friendly chat with Dick a few weeks before his sudden death in which, of course, he inquired how my term as President was going and wished me luck in the future. It was a typical cheerful and considerate conversation. He will be much missed.

Both Peter Smith and Peter Van Horne had served as Presidents of the Club in 1979 and 1974 respectively. They were workers both for the OA Club, the Rugby and Cricket Clubs, and several other local organisations. Peter Van Horne was a great Rotarian for many years, and I particularly remember him for his amusing company when playing for the cricket 2nd XI. You certainly enjoyed your cricket when Peter

was around. Both Peters had attended Rugby VP lunches during 2007 and both were in good form. Peter Smith served in the OA committee until the end of 2006, and both will be sadly missed.

Gains Moving on to matters that are more positive, I referred in my last notes to changes which were taking place in the Club’s administration and records. Much has happened since then with the records passing to the School and the establishment of a new website. The School’s Development Officer Kate Le Sueur has been steadily increasing our database of OAs, contacting many lapsed members and working to fill in the gaps with considerable success. She and our Membership Secretary Roger Cook have done an outstanding job in uniting the records. Of course, through its newly established development office the School has the motivation of needing to raise money for some exciting developments (about which you will be hearing more), but the benefit to the OA Club and the former pupils generally is considerable.

A very successful year group meeting took place last year, and this was reported in November’s Bulletin. Another year group reunion for the 1965 leavers is planned for September 2008, which is being organised by

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Headmaster’s Notes Mike Hodge. Information can be obtained from Kate Le Sueur at the School and details will be given on the website. Further events are planned, and OAs will be invited to take initiatives.

I believe that these developments, with better records and an improved website, will be very beneficial for the OA Club and the members in the future.

One example of better and more timely communication as a result of the melding of records and work with the School was the much-improved attendance at the November Drinks Party at the East India Club. We have been holding this event for many years and attendance has generally been in the 40 to 50 region. It has been an enjoyable occasion but in November 2007 92 people attended and it was a very cheerful do with attendees from 18 to 84 years in age.

The School worked hard to get recent leavers along, but attendance across all age groups improved and I believe that this is a good sign for future events.

Gaudy-Reunion This year there will be a reunion on Founders’ Day for those OAs who left during the 1970s. Our investigations into those who left during this decade have discovered details of over 200 former pupils whose whereabouts have been lost. This again shows the benefit of linking up with the School’s development office. You may well have been contacted already but if you have not and wish to come along on the 5th of July please get in touch with Kate Le Sueur at the School.

The Club Dinner The Dinner is being held on Friday 4th July before Founders’ Day on the Saturday. The venue is the Woollams Clubhouse, and I am

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looking forward to a much-improved attendance. As with last year, we are hoping for a fine evening with drinks on the terrace from 7.15 to 8.00pm to be followed by a four-course dinner and, I am sure, some lively speeches. Please come along for an enjoyable evening. Details are on the website and tickets can be obtained from Kate Le Sueur at the School (01727 855521) or from me on 01727 867868 or hawkeyeb59@btinternet.com.

Woollams Sport at Woollams continues to thrive. The Rugby Club had an up and down season but maintained their position in the competitive London 1 Division. Junior rugby continues to thrive with several year groups winning county divisions and the Colts winning the County Cup. Our ladies had another very good season. The tennis and netball clubs are also doing well. The cricketers are now well organised at senior and junior level.

There is much to be enjoyed at our excellent facilities. Details of contacts are given at the front of our Bulletin.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the dinner and at Founders’ Day. Stephen Burgess President, Old Albanian Club

Building on success

uniquely at this School, play two terms of rugby, have also shown up very well at the ■ Headmaster Andrew Grant reports on end of the spring term and won the another hugely successful few months for the Broxbourne tournament without conceding School – and news of some exciting building a single point, beating Watford Grammar 19developments to come 0 in the final.

The netball team had another good Attendance at December’s season and there were some strong Carol Service broke all performances in badminton. previous records and filled the To return to the subject of amusing but Nave and Crossing to absolute meaningless league tables, the DCSF capacity. The superb quality released its Achievement and Attainment of the Choir, continuing seamlessly under Tables in the first week of the spring term new management, is undoubtedly one of the and however high-minded one tries to be, it reasons for the steadily increasing demand was difficult not to be pleased to see St for seats which may call for Albans School topping the some radical thinking if large GCSE table for Hertfordshire Occupying the top by a clear margin. numbers of parents and guests are not to be disappointed in The GCSE tables are badly spot in a flawed future. flawed, most seriously in Our rugby players completed excluding the IGCSE league table gives examinations followed by many the autumn term with a clean sweep at all levels against new of the best independent schools opponents Aylesbury Grammar. one the moral (and indeed by this one in Just how good a rugby season it English Literature), but at least was can be gauged by following authority to occupying the top spot in a the fortunes of our teams on the flawed league table gives one criticise it Schoolsrugby website the moral authority to criticise www.schoolsrugby.co.uk to it without being accused of which all results are uploaded. sour grapes or special pleading.

There is a hotlink to this site and its hockey In any case, even were that flaw to be equivalent on our own website. Though corrected, it would not alter our position to entirely unscientific, because no two schools any great degree, and in the A level tables, play an identical fixture list, there is fun to which are not subject to the same be had in browsing the site’s various league objections, we were, according to The tables, of which the ‘superleague’ sponsored Independent, in 40th place among England’s by the Evening Standard and covering independent schools, and, according to the schools in their distribution area, is BBC, 73rd among all schools nationally at A probably the most relevant. Among level and also in the top hundred at GCSE. universally impressive rankings for our Combining GCSE and A level performance, teams, the undefeated 2nd XV were placed as The Times does on its website, lifts St third in their league by the end of the Albans to 22nd place among all schools in autumn term. Meanwhile, the U12’s who, the country.

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Some hardy souls enduring a Duke of Edinburgh exercise this Easter The DCSF A level figures, in fact, correct some of the anomalies of the UCAS tariff that so flatters schools offering the International Baccalaureate in the league tables published by newspapers in August and puts into a more realistic context the earlier triumphalist claims of one or two of our neighbours.

Notwithstanding all of this, it was slightly bemusing to receive a letter from Jim Knight MP, Minister of State for Schools and Learners, congratulating me and St Albans School on our excellent performance, which showed us to be “amongst the top performing schools this year based on sustained improvement in 5+ A*-C GCSEs including English and mathematics GCSEs.” How does one show sustained improvement on a track record of 100%?

Resisting the temptation to attribute this to another governmental misplacement of data, it is pleasant to receive congratulations from a source that has tended to be grudging in its acknowledgement of the achievements of

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the independent sector.

This year’s Oxbridge admissions round brought seven offers, by our standards, a no more than middling total, but it was hard to find fault with the judgements. Still with academic matters, in the British Mathematical Olympiad first round, both David Phillips and David McLeod were awarded Distinctions (placing them in the top 25% of scorers) with the latter in 100th place of the 1,232 entrants and qualifying by right for the second round.

The earliest Easter for many years confronted three Duke of Edinburgh’s expeditions with just about every kind of weather these islands have to offer: In the Brecon Beacons, for example, 40 CCF cadets faced, successively, heavy rain, strong winds, 30-metre visibility and hot sunshine, arriving at the finishing line in Trecastle soaked, sunburnt, shattered but successful.

However, these delights were also available much closer to home and it was a similar story for the silver group on their training in the lee of Ashridge.

At least the skiers benefited. Snow

reports were very encouraging and were certainly confirmed when the group encountered problems actually reaching the resort, crossing the Col du Lautaret just before the pass was closed for the night with reports of other groups having to abandon their journeys until the following morning due to the heavy snow fall.

Thereafter, with deep powder snow and glorious sunshine, they could not have hoped for better and the students were lucky to experience the best conditions seen for many years.

Our top competitive skiers, meanwhile, who are of international standard, were training in Italy, among them, Max Greenfield who, competing against much older boys in a recent British Interschools Challenge in Les Houches, was sixth in the Slalom and ninth in Giant Slalom.

Following a fine Joint Schools concert, this year hosted by the High School, to close the spring term’s musical activities, no fewer than 76 School musicians and staff escaped the English Easter weather to perform in cities along the River Rhine including Bad Ems and Koblenz. At the latter, reached by a boat trip along the river for an afternoon concert in the Christuskirche, there was standing room only in the Church and a very enthusiastic response to all the performances. The highlight for the choir came on the last day, when they sang in the Angelus service in Cologne Cathedral after which, most unusually in a church service, they were spontaneously applauded by congregation and clergy alike.

Last year’s Easter tennis training camp has clearly paid off, as the senior tennis team Ross Hannah, Jamie Dillon, Katie Pollitt and Amy Scott reached the National Finals of the LTA mixed senior students

competition, having beaten Cambridge Hills Road Sixth Form College in the regional final.

The hockey season opened with a 6-day tour for 51 boys and six members of staff to Barcelona. Unfortunately, the first games coincided with the onset of norovirus which took a toll of 29 players during the week and which kept all the staff, some of whom themselves succumbed, very busy.

Nevertheless, though weakened, the senior squad played three Spanish sides in the round-robin tournament beating Catalunia U16s 1-0 and losing to the host club FC Junior 1-0 and to CD Terrassa, the eventual winners, 1-0. They then played in the 3rd /4th place playoff against Eton College, also on tour, and won 1-0, securing bronze medals. The U16 and U14 sides, equally ravaged by the bug, both won 1 match and lost 2.

Over the whole of the spring term, our hockey teams won 53% of their matches, with the First XI splitting wins and losses exactly 50-50. Captain of hockey, Thaddeus Rivett, represented his club, Southgate, in the U18 Indoor National Final, which they won.

The cross-country squad were undefeated during the autumn term and opened their 2008 campaign in fine style by dominating the Hertfordshire County Clubs Championships in which we were represented in four age groups. Both the U17’s and the U20’s were team winners, while Dominic Easter took the individual U20 Championship and Billy Collins the U17. The county teams in the AAA National finals were dominated by St Albans runners, no fewer than 12 being selected for representative duty.

Then, after a four-year fallow period in which they have won every race they have

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contested except the two great national trophies, the Knole Run and the King Henry VIII relay, they found the way back to their glory days. Narrowly beaten into second place by Manchester Grammar in the Knole Run, they returned, bent on revenge, to Coventry, where, last year, they were beaten, heartbreakingly, right on the line by St Anselm’s. This time, against Manchester Grammar again as well as arch rivals Judd and nearly 50 other top teams from all over the United Kingdom, St Albans regained the title with another time to rank among the ten fastest-ever. A real Captain’s run from

School cross-country captain Dominic Easter in full flow

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Dominic Easter, who recorded the second fastest lap of the day, a brave run from an injured Billy Collins and an inspired sixth and final leg from flying Fifth Former Euan McKenzie saw the historic trophy return to where it belongs – the trophy cabinet in School House.

They ran the season out making yet more history in the South East Championships at Harrow School. The junior team won their race, with Vasudev Zaver first across the line and Euan Mackenzie leading the intermediates to victory with Antonio Razzano third. The senior team was weakened by the loan of Mackenzie to his correct age group, but finished second team with captain Dominic Easter completing an unprecedented treble of individual first places by a single school.

Performances in football improve from season to season and towards the end of last term, the Under 14’s scored a famous victory against the reigning District Cup holders, Nicholas Breakspear School, in a tense penalty shoot-out, to go through to the semi-finals, where, unfortunately, their run ended.

The developing squash team had some success, and Ben Richards played for the Hertfordshire U19 squad, which finished third in the national inter-county finals.

Our swimmers ended the season-long Herts league with the junior and intermediate squads in second place and the seniors in third among the eight competing schools.

Academically, our scientists have been busy: in the Physics Olympiad national competition. Rory Carver achieved a silver award, and Todd Davidson a bronze, level 1, whilst in the Biology counterpart, Joe Wragg was commended. As term started, news arrived that in the Chemistry

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An artist’s impression of the School’s new sports hall Olympiad, James Madgwick had achieved a gold award, Patrick Courtney a bronze and Matthew Bevan, Paul Harris and Laura Evans commendations.

There are some exciting building developments in prospect. Further refurbishment of the Physics laboratories will be carried out, thanks in part to a grant of £50,000 from the Wolfson Foundation.

The work which is currently in progress in the East Gate Room to create a proper School Museum and Archive will come to fruition this term; work will start on the third phase of refurbishment of the Hall; the first phase of redevelopment of the Sixth Form Centre will begin and planning permission has been granted for floodlights for the Astro Turf pitch at Woollams.

However, the biggest news, which I am sure will delight everyone, is that the construction of the Sports Hall and Swimming Pool will get under way in the

Orchard. This will be a huge project and a very expensive one. It could potentially be quite disruptive to the work of the School and to avoid this, a good deal of the work will take place during two successive summer holidays. At present, therefore, we are planning for a commissioning date of January 2010.

That, however, will not be the end of things. The new facility will, in turn, unlock possibilities for the future redevelopment of existing areas of the site to allow us properly to fulfil our vision for St Albans School in the 21st century. Funding those future developments will be a challenge to which we must rise and, to that end, you will be hearing in due course about the launch of the St Albans School Foundation.

As you can see, therefore, we have plenty to occupy us over the next year or so.

Andrew Grant Headmaster

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OA Lodge codes of conduct, setting high standards and regulating the training of apprentices. The original Glaziers ■ Once believed lost, the relics of St Hall was burnt down in the great fire Alban – Patron Saint of Freemasonry of London 1666. The current Hall, and the first English martyr – have located on the south side of London now been identified and a shoulder Bridge with magnificent views over bone is back in the Shrine in the the River Thames, was acquired and Abbey. Secretary John Williams refurbished in 1977. reports Sadly in February, the Lodge lost one of its stalwarts with the death of The Lodge year commenced in May, Peter Smith, aged 81. Peter was when our new Master Roger initiated into the Lodge in 1975 by Shrimplin was installed in the Chair the then Master, David Gray. After by the outgoing Master Dr Max passing through the various offices Pitcher, followed by the appointment he was elected Master of the Lodge in of the Lodge Officers for the ensuing 1989, and thereafter year. It is invariably the elected to serve as best attended meeting, The Lodge has had Treasurer, an office he and dinner jackets are held with distinction the norm – although this until May 2001. As a an excellent year is entirely optional. The result of his services to Lodge has had an Masonry, he was with a good excellent year with a appointed to good attendance, Hertfordshire Provincial delightfully spiced with attendance office in 1996. that earthy humour that Our oldest member can only emanate from a delightfully spiced Ray Hughes was 94 in Master who is also a Consultant with earthy humour February and now finds it difficult to attend Gastroenterologist! Our meetings due to the new Master, who by stairs up to the Lodge room in the profession is an architect and town planner, was previously Master of the Gateway. Nevertheless Ray, who for many years was the Honorary Lodge Worshipful Company of Glaziers, one Organist, is in good spirits and has of the long established Livery made an excellent recovery from a Companies which form the backbone stroke he suffered a couple of years of the organisation of the City of ago. Ray was born in Hornsey in London. Originating in the medieval craft guilds from which Freemasonry 1914. After his father was demobbed from the Navy, the family moved to is believed to have originated, the Woodstock Road, St Albans where Livery Companies were formed his grandparents kept a shop at No 1 specifically to look after skilled Approach Road, off London Road. He craftsmen’s interests by establishing

Coming home

Ray Hughes at home playing his Domus 5 church organ

attended Hatfield Road School from which he – and most of his class – gained scholarships to St Albans School. His best friend was Terry Newell (father of Mike Newell of Four Weddings and a Funeral fame).

Ray became a choirboy in the Abbey and learnt to play the organ, becoming ‘unofficial’ organist in the Abbey for a period after his teacher, the then Organist died suddenly.

After finishing school Ray went into insurance in the City for 10 years, specialising in fire damage. On the outbreak of war he dearly wanted to join the RAF, but with his experience he was drafted to join the Fire Service – in which he remained following the end of hostilities, eventually rising to become the Deputy Chief Fire Officer for the County of Hertfordshire. After marriage he lived in Watling Street, a close neighbour of the Atkinson family of ‘Zombies’ fame. Over the years Ray has played the organ not

only for the Old Albanian Lodge, but for many other Lodges, and has also been the organist for St John’s Church in Harpenden and St Francis in Welwyn Garden City. At his present home in Knebworth, Ray has a Domus 5 church organ on which until recently he practiced but now finds difficult to play. He would dearly love to find a good home for it and would be most happy to donate it to a budding organ scholar or to a Church. If anyone is interested, please contact the Secretary as detailed below.

In March a number of Old Albanians and their partners travelled with a party of Freemasons, ‘the Hertfordshire Wanderers’, invited to spend a weekend on the west coast of Ireland to attend the 275th anniversary meeting of Lodge No 14 –

Visit OAconnect the OA online database follow the link on www.oldalbanianclub.com

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the ‘Premier Lodge of Connaught’ – in guided tour of Galway City and a trip to explore the west coast scenery, Galway. The Lodge meeting was much enjoyed by all. Although the preceded by a meeting of the Grand weather was as might be expected for Lodge of Ireland, the second oldest the west of Ireland in early March, at Grand Lodge in the world. least the prevailing winds reduced One of the oldest Lodges in the flight time back to Ireland, the warrant of Luton by some 20 Lodge no 14 was granted The party minutes! in 1733 by “Lord In April members of Viscount Netirville, undertook a guided the Old Albanian Grand Master, the Rt. Chapter were enthralled Hon the Lord Viscount tour of Galway City by a talk by George Kingsland, Deputy Laverick, Clerk of Works Grand Master and the and a trip to to the Abbey, on the Hon. Will'm Ponsonby & history of the Abbey and Dillon Pollard Hampson, explore the west the Freemasons who Esqrs, Grand Wardens, played a part in its to erect a Lodge of Free coast scenery restoration in the late Masons in the Town of 19th century – a Galway in Ireland.” The connection that warrant records that it is continues today with the recent a duplicate, “the original being restoration of the tomb of Humphrey, destroy'd by vermin or otherwise Duke of Gloucester, brother of Henry rendred useless.”

V. What came as a complete surprise During the remainder of the long to those of us who had believed that weekend, the party undertook a

the relics of St Alban – the Patron The Lodge meets only five times a Saint of Freemasonry and the first year on the second Saturdays in English martyr – had been lost when January, March, May and September the Shrine in the Abbey was and the first Saturday in November. destroyed, was that apparently they All those connected with the School, had at some time previously been including fathers of past or present removed to Rome. And pupils are welcome to they were subsequently apply for membership, In June 2002, the for which purpose the given by the Vatican as a wedding present to a first approach should be shoulder bone German Duke and to any Lodge member, enshrined in Cologne the Secretary as below, believed to be Cathedral. Recently the or Nigel WoodSmith or relics in Cologne have Alan Smith at the that of St Alban been examined and they School. Members of include a skull bound other Lodges, be they with a golden band. King was presented to OAs, parents of past or Offa is recorded as present pupils, staff or the Abbey having placed such a Governors are band around the skull of encouraged to visit the St Alban. In June 2002, Lodge whenever they the shoulder bone believed to be that wish, and the Secretary will be of St Alban was presented to the delighted to hear from them.

Abbey during a bi-lingual Choral The Lodge website address is: Evensong and is now back within the http://www.oa-lodge.co.uk/ restored Shrine.

The party of take a tour of Galway during their weekend in Ireland

The 275th anniversary meeting of Lodge No 14 – the ‘Premier Lodge of Connaught’ – in Galway

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Membership Secretary’s Notes

Under new management ■ We should see improvements to the OAconnect web site now that it’s managed by a new operator – but we still need everyone to ensure that their contact details are up to date, says OA Club Membership Secretary Roger Cook OAconnect You will all be aware that, following criticisms of the alumnus web site, we moved your data to a new OAconnect site in early April, operated by Donor Strategy.

Those who had registered with the previous site should find their data on the new site. Your password and username will be unchanged. Access to the site is either via the icon ‘OAconnect’ on the school or OA web sites or, direct, to www.oaconnect.co.uk.

I hope that you are finding this new site an improvement on the old site. Comments would be welcome.

OA web site I have been running this site (www.oldalbanianclub.com) since it started. We intend to close the site shortly and transfer all the information to the OAconnect site.

The success of any site is dependent on the useful data it contains. It is incumbent on all of us to provide information, including pictures, for insertion, that may be of interest to the OA community. Again, views on what you would like to see on the

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site are always welcome.

Waifs and strays

Bulletin subscriptions As usual, those who receive a postal copy, will find the year your subscription expires on the address label.

■ We have lost contact with the following OAs – can anyone help?

Waifs & Strays The waifs and strays who left before 1985, and for whom we have neither a postal address nor an email address, are listed below. If you can help in tracing any of the people below, please let me know.

As I mentioned in the last Bulletin, there are many in the OAconnect database who provided an email address but no postal address and who have not updated their email address since registration. Please note that unless you update your personal data the objective of OAconnect, to enable former pupils to contact each other, becomes unachievable.

Roger Cook Membership Secretary

Visit OAconnect the OA online database follow the link on www.oldalbanianclub.com

Year

Name

Last known location

1932 1932 1933 1934 1938 1938 1939 1941 1942 1942 1943 1944 1944 1947 1948 1949 1952 1954 1955 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1967 1968 1968 1970 1971 1971 1971 1971 1972 1972 1973 1974 1974 1974 1974 1975 1975 1975

S C BISHOP C M BRACEWELL J BROOKES KM BUCKINGHAM JM BULSING R G BUNTING A P CAUNT N A J CHAPMAN J CLARKE J F CLEAR Peter CLEGG P A COCKBAIN A G D COOK B J COOMBE E J COOPER R C COOPER M J CORNWELL R M CRAIGHEAD D C CROSS N C DILLEY C DIXON M J DUXBURY G EARL A W G EVANS E J EVANS N G EVANS I A FORBES K FORD J B FRENCH S FUNNELL A J GEORGE R R GINGELL J R H GOTT Andrew GRANGER K GREEN M HALL Chris HALLIDAY P L HAYES A HAYWARD R J W HODGE S I HOPKINS P H F HUDSON P INGRAM A JACKSON P A JENKINS JENKINSON A P R JONES Roy JUGGINS D R KINGHAM

Shefford Desford Harpenden HA9 9JS Welwyn Garden City Leighton Buzzard Newington Middlesborough Knebworth Windlesham Redhill Germany Redhill Hants Luton Harpenden Potters Bar Southsea High Wycombe Harpenden Hitchin Church Road Thonbury Park Street Hemel Hempstead Bristol Tring St Albans Barnet Farnham All Saints St Albans Kentish Town Ferndown Croxley Green London St Albans St Albans RAF Wittering St Albans Cranbrook Maryhill Harpenden Boscombe France Silsden Kelvin East Grinstead

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D KIRK G KNIGHT J V KNIGHT D J D LAWRENCE Robert LAWTON A P LEE John LESTER A LION N K LOVATT A MARSH J T J MARSHALL N J MARSHALL A T J MASLEN R J MATTINGLY Guy P MEADOWS B MENZIE K J MILLS P J O'SULLIVAN Andrew PALMER P E PALMER S C PARKER V A PEACH Simon PEGG H M PINNOCK J S C PIPER G H POWELL Tim J PRYCE J C RABUSZO J RIDDLE D M ROBERTSON G T ROSS Hugh ROSS M G SAMUEL M E SEABROOK M R SMITH Peter SMITH M G SPURGEON C J STANSBURY G D STAPLEHURST D K THOM R N THOMAS M R TOWERSEY T WADDINGTON N WASTELL Kevin WAYGOOD-WEST C W WEIR David WELSH Keith WELSH E D WHITFIELD A D WILKINSON M C WILLIAMS D P L WILLIAMS Dave WILSON A J WOOD J C G WOODROW R A WORTLEY J A WRIGHT

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1 Pondwicks Close St Albans AL1 1DG Telephone: 01727 836877

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De fortunis Albanorum ● Justin Pollard (86) has had another book published: The Story of Archaeology: 50 Discoveries that Shaped our View of the Ancient World, published by Quercus 9781847241832. It takes you back in time to meet the men and women who discovered them along the way and muses on the nature of archaeology.

● Peter van Horne (39) died on the 6th January 2008. ● Alan Hawes (43) died in January 2008. ● Peter D Smith died on 21st February 2008.

The School Museum ● Chris Moore (76) sailed the Atlantic in November/December last year in the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) from Gran Canaria to St Lucia. “We had a lively trip,” he reports, “including a knockdown on the first night and 48 hours in a named tropical storm later on...” ● Headmaster Andrew Grant is to become the Chairman of the Headmasters' Conference from September 2009. Prior to that will be the Chairman Elect, and will follow on as Vice Chairman from 2010.

Deaths It is with regret that the following deaths are announced: ● Richard Thrale died on 28th October 2007. An obituary written by his son and fellow OA Christopher is published on page XX. ● Rear Admiral Bryan Straker (46) died on 25th December 2007. ● George Cooper Groundsman from February 1970 to March 1990 died in 2007. He had been a very active and committed member of the British Legion for many years.

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I am delighted to report that work on the East Gate Room, which is to house the museum, began during the School’s Easter Holiday. We can expect to be able to display the many items we have in a few weeks’ time.

Much thought and work have gone into the last 11 years and it is to my great delight that, eventually, this has all come to fruition. So much help has come from David Morgan, Robin Ollington, two Bursars and Betty Scammell, and I should like to thank them here for their efforts so far and their continuing work towards completion.

Many suggestions regarding the inclusion of various items have been made and there is one, at least, on which I should like your help. It has been suggested that as a memorial to some past staff it would be an idea to display the nicknames (positive) by which they were known. Many I can remember, but there are many that I do not know. Can you help? Let me know of your fond memories, please.

Mike Highstead

Obituary: ● Richard William Thrale Richard William Thrale, who died on October 28th 2007 aged 76, was a

member of the oldest family resident in St Albans, with a proven descent from 1480. He played a very great part in both the business and social activities of the city, over a period of more than 50 years.

Educated locally at St Albans School, Thrale subsequently commenced his National Service in 1950, entering the Mons Officer Cadet School at Aldershot, after which he was commissioned into the Army Catering Corps in July of that year.

Whilst in the Army he was SMO at the school of Military Engineering, Gillingham, and Adjutant, No.1 CIC at the Woolwich Garrison. He was also a Lieutenant in the Army Emergency Reserve until 1955.

Upon leaving the Army, Thrale declined a place at Selwyn College, Cambridge, where it is likely that he would have read History, and instead went to Lausanne, Switzerland where he trained at the ‘Ecole Hoteliere’, and where he was also to meet his future wife, Odile. Following Switzerland he joined his father, William, and uncle Ralph, in the St Albans family business of bakers, caterers and restaurateurs, where they were later joined by his brother John. The hub of the business was centred on the Waterend Barn restaurant in the middle of St Albans, which over the following 25 years became a focus of social activity in the city, catering for both the ‘little old ladies’ who merely wanted to chat over a cup of tea for an hour and a half in the morning, to the full-blown dinner dances which would continue long into the night.

Everybody was welcomed!

By 1978 the ‘Barn’ had passed into other hands. However, another important part of the business continued, which will be fondly remembered by local people. This was the ‘café’ in the Market Place, which was a regular meeting place for many, and which is still in business. Others will remember both the shops at ‘The Quadrant’ in Marshalswick, and in London Road, and in later years also in Mutton Lane, Potters Bar – all now sadly gone.

From his earliest days Thrale contributed enormously to the community and environment in which he lived. In 1971 ‘STADACAN’ was formed under his chairmanship to provide a voice against the expansion of Luton airport, and he continued in this role for some years.

In 1976 he took on the chairmanship of the Ver Valley Society, and campaigned to try and reduce the huge abstraction of water from the River Ver by the water companies.

He later became president of that society.

At the same time Thrale continued his association with his old school and friends, by being part of the Old Albanian Club, in earlier years having been a member of the Old Albanians 1st XV, in which he played as a ‘lock’ forward, as that position was then called, now known as the ‘second row’. Being obliged to rush

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off straight after a game to prepare for the Saturday night dinner dance at ‘The Barn’ eventually took its toll though, and he retired from playing in 1957.

Upon retiring from the game, however, he maintained a close link with the OA Club. He initially became Dinner Secretary, was Joint Secretary from 1964 to 1973, and eventually was elected to be President of the Old Albanian Club in 1981-82.

His close association with the Old Albanians continued throughout his life, and particularly so in the last few years where he spent a great deal of time and energy assisting in the development of the new joint Old Albanian and St Albans School playing fields in Harpenden Road, St Albans, known as ‘Woollams’ after one of the benefactors of the School.

These magnificent facilities not only benefit current pupils at St Albans School, but more widely the hundreds of young people from 7 years and upwards, from all over the local area, who participate in the rugby and cricket played there. At the same time he was also concerned with the management of the adjacent Cheapside Farm, no small matter as it was run on a commercial basis.

Not only was Thrale closely involved with the OA Club but also with St Albans School itself, as he was appointed to the Board of Governors in 1983, at one stage becoming Chairman, before standing down after 11 years’ service in 1994.

During his time as a Governor he was charged with the responsibility

of appointing the current headmaster.

In 1980 Thrale became chairman of the Trustees of the ‘Glenalmond’ old folks home in King Harry Lane, St Albans where he worked to improve the facilities and the environment in which those elderly people lived. He devoted much time to the home in spite of the mounting bureaucracy and increasing regulations, which eventually conspired to close the establishment.

The Rotary Club of St Albans was another organisation which Thrale fully supported during the whole of his working life, again involving himself not only with the club itself but also with all the associated charitable work carried out by them, particularly that which involved helping the elderly. The great irony was, of course, that there came a time when he was not much younger than some of the people he was helping, which caused amusement in some quarters!

Thrale was enormously interested in history, whether of his family, St Albans or the wider world, and could speak knowledgeably about most subjects. He was happy to give talks in public to small groups or organisations, generally about local history, and did so for anybody that asked.

His particular interest was in the life of Samuel Johnson, and since 1977 had been a member of the Johnson Society of London, where he used to attend their meetings. At various times during his membership he had occupied the roles of both

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vice-president and chairman of the society, and had only recently been recognised by them for his work.

In 1963, together with his wife Odile, Thrale embarked upon an ambitious project which for once was for himself and his family: the acquisition of a completely run-down farmhouse in the depths of the Dordogne in rural France. The summer holidays that followed involved conveying materials and artefacts, together with a family, 500 miles through France, in the family car, sometimes with a small trailer in tow! Upon arrival he would then immediately start work on the restoration to which he devoted hours and hours, and in so doing also demonstrated what a very skilled carpenter he was, and at the same

time endearing himself completely to the locals who had never before seen his kind!

In spite of being required to manage a family business, be a chairman, president, governor, secretary or trustee of various organisations and raise a family of three, together with the renovation of a derelict farmhouse in France, Thrale still found the time to write three books! Firstly in 1953, Historic Sandridge, with Edward Giles, then 20 years later a history of his own family and the local family in which they lived, entitled A New Thraliana, and finally in 2005 an updated version of that book, A Newer Thraliana.

Thrale is survived by his wife Odile (née Hoechstetter), two sons, a

Please send all items for inclusion in the Gazette to: Mike Highstead,

Starter for 10

33, Cornwall

● Fearghas MacGregor (05) was a member of the successful St Andrews team Road, that won in its first two matches against Birmingham and York in the 2008 Harpenden, series of BBC2’s University Challenge before succumbing to Magdalen Herts College, Oxford in the quarter-finals.

AL5 4TQ

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daughter, and six grandchildren, together with an old, battered and heavily used Olivetti typewriter!

Erratum Regretfully, the last paragraph of Tony Wadley’s article ‘With and without engines’ in the Autumn edition of the Bulletin was inadvertently truncated. Our sincere apologies to Tony, and we are delighted to reproduce the full text below.

“I finally left the Service at the end of April 1950, seven years almost to the day after joining up. I had been on 35 different stations in that time.

The most memorable part was my 590 hours on Lancasters – what a marvellous aeroplane!”

The book to talk about Jonathan Trigell’s second novel, Boy A, was voted ‘The Book to Talk About’ in a recent online poll among

Memories of Pen Arthur ■ This year marks the 40th anniversary of the first trips to Pen Arthur, the School’s Field Studies Centre that was once a derelict hill farm in the Brecon Beacons. We reproduce below the recent correspondence between one of the pioneers David Camplin (70) and Head of Lower School Pat Taylor, who is currently responsible for organising trips to this much-loved Centre

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the general public to mark ‘World Book Day’.

Achieving 21% of the public vote, Boy A tackles the sensitive subjects of whether the rehabilitation of children who commit crime is the right thing for society, how we fail such children, and whether it is ever really possible to change the path of a disturbed child. It was described as “a searing and heartfelt novel” on the World Book Day website, which went on to comment: “Though it did win the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, Boy A is still a very low profile book, which we firmly believe deserves wider attention.” Since then its profile will have been raised by the news that Andrew Garfield, who played Boy A in the C4 TV adaptation, won the best actor category at the recent BAFTA Awards for the role.

Boy A is published by Serpent’s Tail and retails at £7.99.

Email from David Camplin to the Headmaster Whilst the purchase of Pen Arthur did, indeed take place in 1967, it was not until the half-term of February 1968 that its inauguration could truly be said to have taken place. It is with this in mind that I am writing. On that occasion Tony Cooper, Mike Highstead and Vince Lockwood led a group of seven Sixth Formers to a desolate hillside in South Wales. I was a member of that first group.

After a cramped journey, and stops for provisions, we arrived at a bitterly cold, damp, derelict farmhouse – I

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remember with great clarity that this was the coldest weekend since the retreat of the ice sheets! The unswept chimney mocked our attempts at warmth without suffocation, and light was provided by candles, hurricane lamps and car batteries provided by Frank Kilvington, then Headmaster.

We slept, fitfully, on the floor in the main room.

The next morning saw me sweeping the chimney in the kitchen so that we could have a hot meal without smoke, and a general exploration of the School’s new acquisition. The roof leaked, the hillside had slipped against the back wall, the Dutch barn was full of rotting hay, the cattle sheds were filthy, the stairs were rotten (a memory says that access to upstairs was by ladder, but this may be fancy; certainly a parent later built a new staircase), but the view and isolation ensured that all these

The derelict Pen Arthur when it was first acquired problems paled into insignificance.

Over the next two years a transformation took place, and Pen Arthur gradually took on the form that allowed for regular use. As an undergraduate I assisted in taking groups of First Formers for their week’s stay and have fond memories of walking boys up the access road following their coach journey. I remember a group stopping and looking intently at the cliff face, “Sir, look ... a stream!” A first sight, of many first sights, for the week. I remember the tears of homesickness, and the tears of frustration when confronted by washing up in a sink, without the benefit of dishwasher. I

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remember the transformation that meant that, by the end of the week, everyone wanted to know when they could return. I remember making pinhole cameras that actually worked and wide games at Iron Age forts where the Romans always lost (I suspect more because of their cursed language rather than the brilliance of the defence!) and visits to the far more majestic Carreg Cennon. I remember the caves at Dan yr Ogof and hunting for gold at the Dolaucothi mines. Most of all, I remember the majesty of the Beacons and the wonder that the peaks inspired in 11 year-old minds.

I have a special memory of one boy, whose name has long since been forgotten. In the early 70s the access road was ablaze with the light of glow worms on Spring and Summer evenings. This boy caught one, and carried it back to Pen Arthur in a matchbox, where, of course, it ceased to glow. When we returned it to its habitat he started to talk about his week. “You know Sir, it’s brilliant here. There’s things to do, there’s things to learn and everyone’s different because we’ve come here, but you know what I’ve learned? I’ve learned that there are wild things that belong here and make it what it is. They don’t work if you try to take them away, so you just have to take the memory.” Pen Arthur taught him lifelong lessons that I am sure he has never forgotten. That is why Pen Arthur is so special.

Reply from Pat Taylor The Headmaster forwarded your e-

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mail to me and, as the member of staff who now organises the First Form trips to Pen Arthur (yes, they still occur, each form taking a week out of school in the Summer Term, going with their form tutor and other staff), I was struck not so much by what was different, but by what still, 40 years on, remains the same.

My first visit was in 1986 or 87; I can count myself amongst the ‘fortunate’ few remaining staff who remember toilets with ferns growing adjacent, divided by chipboard; the ‘pigsty’ dorm, no heating other than the fireplace you mention (sometimes with coals banked up to the ‘knee’) and of course the one constant: the total isolation. I have seen trees grow to block views –none, alas, from the front door just now, although I live in hope – and parts of the hillside revealed for the first time since your days by the lumberjack’s chainsaw.

I was fortunate to be inducted into the ritual of Pen Arthur by some of the stalwarts: Robin Scase (whose name may be familiar to you?) and Mike Highstead’s influence: because although I worked alongside him as his deputy in later years, I never went to Pen Arthur with him; but I travelled with many who did, and picked up much through osmosis, it seems. The boys still go to Carreg Cennen, and Dolaucothi goldmine; still play wide games on Carn Goch (but not Celts vs Romans – dumbing down, some might say), still walk the Bannau Sir Gaer ridge and play wide games in the woods. They still marvel at a night sky full of stars, and a silence so total that it feels like

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a blanket; still grumble at washing up, even though there now is a dishwasher; still walk up the track from the coach on their first arrival: so there is much from your pioneering days that has become tradition!

The changes? We now ask (or force!) the boys to leave their Nintendos, i-Pods and mobile phones at home, to maintain the sense of isolation; the ‘short’ track is somewhat overgrown, though we blaze a trail each summer through long grass, nettles and foxgloves; the Post Office opposite the ‘Three Horseshoes’ has gone the way of so many of its rural companions – as has the Three Horseshoes itself, much mourned by those staff who fancied a swift half whilst the boys slogged on foot up the short track!

The first group to visit Pen Arthur Pen Arthur has joined the digital age, too - a popular innovation of the last couple of years has been the Pen Arthur ‘blog’, posted daily by First Formers during their visit – even if it does go down a traditional dial-up phone line that loops between the trees to civilisation. But as a counterbalance, parents are encouraged to write real letters to their sons, and the boys write back: how the postman must love the busy weeks of June…

And, as this e-mail proves, one of the greatest gifts of a trip to Pen Arthur is the common bond it offers

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and the conversations it spawns. If I am covering a lesson for an absent colleague and no work is set, and the class starts looking ugly, I merely have to ask: “Tell me about your time at Pen Arthur”, and the class turn to smiles, and jokes, and reminiscence, all uniquely different, yet somehow much the same. In some ways the stones, wood and slates of the building are immaterial: what matters are the people, and the way they are changed by their time in a small, remote, corner of Wales.

To finish, I note the anniversary, and am pleased to acknowledge it: as you can perhaps tell, I am keen on Pen Arthur traditions. I suspect that there will be few (fool)hardy enough to spend time at Pen Arthur this February; but the First Form boys all

Centenary celebrations ■ On 20th March a special exhibition opened to mark the centenary of the Old Hall Block, which now houses English and Geography classrooms with the Library above. Noel Cassidy, the School’s Head of Publications, reports The old school bell, which once summoned tardy pupils from the town from its tower on the roof, was rung again on the 100th anniversary of the building’s official opening on 13th March 1908. The end of term saw the opening of the exhibition, which will remain on display in the library next term. There is a pictorial and

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receive a Pen Arthur sweatshirt when they go away: and this summer I will make sure that the fortieth anniversary is shown on the sweatshirt. If there is any interest, I could make up a few more in adult sizes at cost price.

I did also wonder whether you are in contact with any of your group of pioneers; and if you would like a return visit to Pen Arthur at a more hospitable time of the year? Please let me know.

Prompted by this exchange of letters, the School’s Development Officer Kate Le Sueur has issued an appeal via the School’s Facebook group for memories or stories of Pen Arthur. I hope readers of the Bulletin will be similarly inspired. Editor

photographic record of the design by P C Blow OA, the laying of the foundation stone, and school life through the 20th century. The pictures are interspersed with anecdotes and memories of two OAs at school during the Second World War, Robin Ollington and Derek Giddings, which blend tales of wartime austerity with the admission of cheeky pranks – and their punishments! A commemorative set of postcards has been produced, which is available for sale from the School library.

There is also a podcast with interviews with Sue Jex, Mike Highstead and Robin Ollington, available from the school site or Apple's iTunes store.

Old meets new: Robin Ollington records his memories with two sixth formers for a podcast on the School website Robin's only edition of the seditious Gallery Post, and below, his drawing of school uniforms

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Old Hall memories ■ In the last Bulletin we asked for your memories of the Old Hall Block.

Cliff Pope (68) has sent us his reminiscences I entered the school in 1961, when of course it was just The Hall. I have several abiding memories: Mr Marsh presiding at school assemblies. He was a bit like Nelson to ‘Daddy’ Read’s Hardy, in that although there was no doubt he was in overall command, he left Mr Read to undertake the mundane duties of running the ship. Marsh always managed to stand throughout assemblies as if he was not really there, or rather was a critical observer who just happened to be sharing the same platform. I can see him standing leaning slightly sideways and backwards, twirling his glasses in one hand, staring hard but not aggressively, almost quizzically, at the poor boy having to read the

The Old Hall Building

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School Prayer. It was as if he were thinking to himself, “I wonder if he is going to fluff it”. He certainly was not praying himself, because on one occasion he interrupted the recital, corrected the way the boy was reading, and made him start again.

Frank Kilvington, ‘FIK’, was like an action man. He strode into the hall a bit like an actor responding to an encore he had known was coming, and bounded up the steps two at a time. In a later age it could have come out of a management training session – demonstrate by your body language that you are youthful, fit, eager, ready to take on responsibilities. He was the young chairman of an old established company, keen to stir things up and demonstrate his new and different style of helmsmanship. I don’t remember his being terribly popular, but then ordinary pupils hardly met any headmaster.

I was in his Latin set, and his favourite saying was “Some men

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haven’t learned their vocab, have they, Pope?” He warned once in assembly towards the end of my school career that there were boys (‘men’) in the 3rd year sixth who were hanging around being a disruptive influence. Others were like me, I already knew I was going to Cambridge, and Kilvington said we might as well leave if we had nothing better to do. So I went along to his study and told him I wanted to leave.

He was flabbergasted. He had not meant it literally, and had I suppose meant to shame us into showing more respect for rules and buckling down into something useful, I don’t know what. He told me I couldn’t just walk in after seven years and calmly announce I was leaving, and seemed puzzled that I thought that was what he had said I should do. All the same, I left soon afterwards. That was in the Autumn of 1968.

The entrance lobby to the Hall was the scene of regular confusion and terror at the start of each term, because the announcements of setting and timetables were posted there. So every boy in the school was trying to push his way to the front to try and read from a small piece of paper what his timetable was, and where he was supposed to be going.

It seemed an incredibly inefficient way of communicating such basic information. Throughout the morning stragglers would appear in lessons, having gone to the wrong place first, or misunderstood the timetable. Anyone caught running about desperately trying to get to the right place would be jumped on by

the Gestapo-like prefects which, of course, caused further delay and then probably further punishment. In fact, the analogy between a somewhat benevolent regular police (ie staff) and the feared Gestapo (prefects) was quite an apt one. Monitors were I think a more recent creation, like traffic wardens a bit unsure which side they were on, but with some doing their best to clock up enough bookings to ensure promotion.

Milk cartons were dispensed from temporary benches in the Hall at break, having recently displaced 1/3 pint glass bottles. They spilt easily, especially if dropped, as demonstrated once spectacularly by Maylot, I think, who threw one from the gallery into the assembled crowd.

If not actually expelled, he was certainly beaten by Daddy Read for that exploit.

The new hall was under construction in my later days, but not I think actually opened for use. I remember watching the opening ceremony. Some bigwig laid the foundation stone, and pretended to carefully trim the mortar away and neaten it up. Then the instant he had gone two workmen picked up the stone and whisked it away into the site hut. When it subsequently reappeared it was in a different place.

I think the new hall probably did just open in my time, because I remember that there was a design fault with the projecting cantelevered

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concrete steps up to the stage.

Certainly they could not withstand FIK’s robust bounding, and most snapped off within a few weeks.

The Persuaders ■ On Monday 25th February, five OAs returned to the School to give their insight into their lives in marketing and journalism. Angus Kinnear, Tom Land, Jenny Tod, Ed Grenby and David Grossman were joined by parents of the School Colin Mills and Alan Smith, to share their experiences with aspiring writers and admen The evening began with a series of presentations by speakers representing the marketing industry.

The most recent of the OAs, Tom Land, spoke to us prior to his talk, and is now the International Marketing Director of the Universal Music Group. Despite the considerable threat posed to his industry by the recent ‘digital revolution’ in the music world, Tom offered his encouragement to anyone who was thinking of pursuing a similar career. Indeed, his advice to all of the students in attendance followed that, should any of them aspire to one day enter the world of music, they should start early, building connections and persisting while working from the bottom up.

This message of determination and initiative was not advice offered exclusively by Tom, but was instead a sentiment shared by all of the speakers from the marketing

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industry. Other ideas that were featured in each of these four talks included the common claims that marketing was an excellent opportunity to meet interesting new people, work for diverse range of brands, and (as long as you could withstand a few years spent sleeping on the kitchen floors of your friends), the chance to excel in a field that both satisfies and stimulates you.

Thus, quite appropriately, the marketing trade was well sold to the audience by its representatives that evening.

The second half of the evening focused on journalism, and we spoke to David Grossman, now a Political Correspondent for Newsnight, about the secret to his success. “It’s one third hard work, one third the right attitude and one third luck,” he explained. His first job was on local BBC radio, and emphasised that, while there are many routes to a job in journalism, work experience is vital. But it isn’t just the turning up – you need to turn heads (for the right reasons). “Some people arrive for work experience and we ask them ‘What did you think of last night’s show?’ and they haven’t seen it. To a potential employer, that isn’t very impressive. You have to be enthusiastic, but not pushy.”

Determination was emphasised by other speakers, although Alan Smith admitted that, while the routes in to journalism are many and varied, becoming a professional footballer and turning to the pen or mic in retirement was not exactly practical for the majority.

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The evening was valued by pupils, who were fortunate to have an opportunity to talk to professionals in the ‘persuasion’ industry. As David Grossman observed, “We didn’t have these sorts of evenings, but then we didn’t need them – today the business is more competitive than ever.” Each speaker had their own story to tell, from starting out at the local radio station to writing a column in The Telegraph following a successful football career, and one thing was clear; there are plenty of routes into journalism and marketing – just don’t do Media Studies.

melts and 100° when water boils while a Fahrenheit thermometer shows 32° and 212°, respectively. At what temperature do they show the same value?

2. The number of diagonals of a polygon for various number of sides is shown below Sides Diagonals 3 0 4 2 5 5 6 9 7 14 How many diagonals for an 8-sided figure? What is the general formula?

Brain teasers ■ For our more numerate readers, Frank Deamer (43) has sent in these two mathematical puzzles – answers on page 38 1. We know that a centigrade thermometer shows 0° when ice

WHO TO CONTACT Please address your correspondence to the following people – you’ll find their contact details on page 2.

OA Bulletin Nick Chappin, Editor Comments, letters, photos Subscription/membership enquiries Roger Cook, Membership Secretary Change of address, notification of deaths OA Gazette Mike Highstead, Archivist Member news, obituaries, School archive and museum

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Forceps delivery Robin Ollington (47) celebrates the contribution to medicine of OA Sir Thomas Spencer Wells, whose name lives on in the forceps that he designed Spencer Wells will undoubtedly mean nothing to OAs unless they happen to be in the medical profession and, in particular, involved in surgery.

Despite the fact that he died in 1897 his name lives on in the name of the forceps that he designed, and somewhere in the world his name is involved in operating theatres as a request for this particular instrument.

Sir Thomas Spencer Wells was born in 1818, and after his education at St Albans School he studied medicine at Leeds, Trinity Dublin and Paris and worked at St Thomas’ Hospital with a spell in Malta as a naval surgeon.

It was during this period that he was sent for to join the medical staff in the amazing prefabricated hospital built by Brunel at Rekioi in Turkey to cope with the wounded of the Crimean War. It was whilst dealing with wounds from the battlefield that he developed the artery forceps which bear his name and which were later to help revolutionise the previously dangerous procedure of ovariotomy which had claimed many women’s lives. Between 1858 and 1886 he performed over 1,000 successful operations and the procedure is still recognised today. Elected a FRCS and Hon MD he became surgeon to Queen Victoria’s Household, later being awarded a Baronetcy.

Not only was his surgical prowess before its time, but he was also ahead of Lister in his campaign for cleaner conditions for hospitals and the use of anaesthetics. It is interesting to note that not only did his wife accompany him to Turkey but during that time she gave birth to a son.

Thus as a famous OA he should rank along with Hawking and Renfrew, for his role still continues today for the benefit of others.

Juggling work and life Farming, direct marketing, charity fund-raising and even a stint as a professional juggler – Peter Knight (76) looks back on an astonishingly varied working life, interspersed with sailing trips across the world It seems a lifetime ago that I walked out of the school gates for the last time to catch the 343 bus from St Albans back to Brookmans Park.

Sadly, I don’t remember the day, but I would probably have sat down that evening and thought about what I was going to do next.

Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that 32 years later I’d be sitting on a yacht in Darwin, Australia, feeling the cracks of thunder as another tropical storm comes through, a can of Bundy and Coke to hand, and finally responding to yet another e-mail from Roger saying “Come on, peeps – let us know what you’re doing”.

And, maybe for the first time, realising how much I owe to the School and the many staff who

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probably despaired about me – realising what helped me to be here today.

Well, it was certainly clear that last day that University was not for me – my A Level results were pretty poor. So I ended up working on the research side with ICI Plastics – and earning a good wage while most of your friends are struggling students has its benefits.

Yet they also had something I was missing. Not just the camaraderie of students (and cheap beer from the Uni bars), but a real excitement about their futures.

So, after a couple of years, and with an HNC under my belt, I decided to head off to Sheffield to do a degree. Not one of my better ideas.

My poor parents – they’d paid all this money for me to go to the School, and I decide to work rather than study further. Then, just as a reasonable career seems to be opening up, I walk away and head to college. And then, after two years, I decide University’s not for me after all and head down to Cirencester in Gloucestershire to work on a friend’s farm.

That was good fun for a year or so.

I got into music, helping run a folk club, and became a fair juggler, spending three months travelling Europe with a juggling troupe. But life was very hand to mouth. I needed a ‘real’ job and, fortunately, there was a DM advertising agency in Cirencester. I got a job with them, albeit in one of the lowest of the low positions.

This was in the good old days, way before databases, when customer

lists were held on 2,400ft computer tapes and sorting a few thousand records would be an overnight job. I was fortunate enough to be part of a team that recognised the value of customer data, and how that could be applied in the market place.

That led to a move back to London after a few years with a job offer with WWAV in Bayswater. One evening after work I met Annie, a Kiwi teacher doing her two years OE and pulling pints in the local pub, The Moscow.

A couple of years later we married but on our return from sailing around Turkey for our honeymoon, we discovered the burglars had had three weeks to empty the house. Like “We used to have furniture”.

Neither of us particularly enjoyed living in London so we cashed in and went walkabout through Africa and SE Asia. Six months later, we were at a dinner party in Sydney and a chap asked if I might be interested in a job in Melbourne. They flew me down and I fell in love with the most magical city in the world.

I worked for a few years for a couple of agencies but sadly during that time Annie and I fell out of love and divorced. In the mid-90s, I went into partnership with Jean, one of the great Zimbabwean diaspora, and we established our own agency, specialising in helping charities raise money.

Mind you, we had a bit of a false start when we were offered the chance to sail an American Swan 57 from NZ to Bali and took a year out.

With the Darwin-Ambon (Indonesia)

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race under our belt, I asked Jean to marry me in Halim’s Restaurant in Ambon, cheered on by the owner and crew of Walk on the Wildside, a Perth-based yacht.

From Bali, we headed back to the UK and spent six cold wintery months in a cottage overlooking the Irish Sea in Pembrokeshire. At last, I had time to start writing and now contribute to a few sailing magazines around the world.

Back to Melbourne and we were blown away that our old charity clients came back to us when we restarted the agency. We spent 10 glorious years working with some of the most special and caring people – and felt we were actually contributing something.

But as you may have noticed, there’s been a bit of a theme about sailing popping in and out with this narrative. While at School, I was a Sea Scout – indeed, ending up a Scout leader teaching sailing and canoeing. I didn’t just want to be in the Naval Section of the CCF so we could play cards on a Friday afternoon and watch the pongos square basing, but because for a brief while I considered the Navy as a career (but it would have meant cutting my hair).

I’ve been sailing since I was 10, mainly dinghies and land yachts in the UK, then keel boats when I got to Oz. Many of the early Oz days were spent racing around the sticks in Sydney or on Port Philip, but I drifted towards cruising and sailing to places. One of the joys of your own business is the chance to take a

month or two off and do yacht deliveries or ferry jobs in various places around the world.

Back in Oz, Jean’s folks now live in Perth and eight years ago, we chose to marry there. Fortunately, Walk on the Wild Side lives at the South of Perth Yacht Club, so we married on her, anchored in Matilda Bay on the Swan River.

That night, we decided that we wanted to sail the world. Our business had clients all around Australia which was not only great for Frequent Flyer points, but also meant we could look in lots of places for the right boat. We must have looked at over 50 boats before we found Hinewai, a 45ft Kiwi ketch, in Brisbane.

We sailed her back to Melbourne and spent five years refitting her. In 2007, we got rid of the business, rented out the house and in May headed off. Everything was hunkydory until we got close to Darwin when I managed to break five ribs in an accident on board. I did a good job on myself, ending up laid up for 10 weeks, not able to fly or do anything.

Thankfully, all has now healed, albeit the last X-ray still has my ribs looking like a game of Pick-up Sticks.

It has made me realize at the age of 50, I am not as invulnerable as I thought I was. Now, we’re just waiting for the cyclone season to pass and come May, we’ll be heading off for Singapore and the west coast of Malaysia and Thailand, heading up for the Kings Cup in December.

From there, across the Indian Ocean to the Med sometime in mid-

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2009. And from there? Well, that takes me back to the UK, and remembering that last day of School.

I certainly never shone academically, and I’m pretty sure my captaincy of the 1stXV gave the School one of the worst ever stats for a season. But the School gave me something for which I will always be grateful. Somehow, it gave me a confidence in myself that I would always be able to achieve what I wanted to in life, even if it took a while to know what that was.

It also strikes me that while we had the business in Oz, I was fortunate enough to be able to pop back to the UK once or twice a year for business (well, pleasure). Yet while it was great to catch up with friends in the UK, I realise tonight they were all post-School friends.

Somehow, I’ve managed to lose touch with all my old schoolmates.

So if you’d like to say “Hi”, my email is peterk@oceanodyssey.net – the web site for the trip is www.oceanodyssey.net. And if you have a yacht that needs delivering anywhere, we have all the tickets.

Best wishes.

In loving memory OA Chris Dunkerley and his sister Anna have organised a Sponsored Walk to raise funds for the charity that supported their father through his rare neurological illness OAs who live in St Albans or perhaps Harpenden may recognise the name of my father Peter Dunkerley, as he

was a founder member of St Albans Mencap and worked tirelessly on their behalf. He was very well respected in the area.

Sadly, he died on the 24th February 2007 from an unusual and progressive neurological disease, Multiple System Atrophy. He was 70 years old. The illness robbed him of every faculty save cognition over the course of about six years. My sister, Anna (who attended St Albans High School) and I always said we wanted to do something big to support the small but really important charity who were an absolute godsend to us all in coping with Dad's condition. So we have organised a long distance walk to raise funds for the Sarah Matheson Trust in Dad’s memory to be used in the design and production of information for children.

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It may also be of interest to readers that Dad pledged the donation of his brain to the National Brain Bank to enable research into Multiple System Atrophy to continue after his death.

The Sponsored Walk took place at the end of May. Our donation site can be found at www.justgiving.com/chrisandannadun kerley

Lane honoured Anthony J Lane writes to the Headmaster in response to the news that he had been included on the School’s Honours Board some 60 years after leaving To think that after 60 years my name should appear on an Honours Board.

My embarrassed daughter could probably be heard from Salisbury to St Albans. I regret to say that I shall not be able to be present on the occasion of the official unveiling, having family problems that take all my time, and such energy as I can muster. The date, however, is down in my diary, so I shall be mindful of what is happening at the school on 5th July.

I should have specially liked to be there were there the opportunity to meet R L Beckett, who was my ideal Head of the School, he being in that capacity when I first entered the school aged 11. I picture him as a scrum-capped, blonde giant, captain of rugger. He read the Christmas gospel at the conclusion of the 1941 carol service so impressively that the

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Headmaster commented on it in ‘The Albanian’. Then there was D R Aitchison. His name appeared as the 1940 Head of the School on the first copy of ‘The Albanian’ which I was given, recording events before ever I was a pupil there. I never discovered anything whatsoever about him – there was no Valete in that ‘Albanian’ for some reason.

Nevertheless, to think that there had been someone senior even to Beckett.

What a scarcely-human paragon he must have been!

For many of course, as for me, it was sheer chance that we should have finished up as Head of School. R G (Ronald) Griffiths would have been a more obvious candidate in September 1947, had he not had to leave aged only 15, I would guess after his father had died, leaving his mother unable to pay the nine guineas a term fees. Presumable he was a better-equipped sportsman than I was, and a very reliable and solid character. W T Marsh and Dean Thicknesse somehow contrived to see him through medical school eventually and I believe he worked his way up to becoming Medical Officer of Health for Tower Hamlets, serving as GP in the East End as well as lecturing in general practice at the Royal London, for all of which he was awarded an MBE. Then, when it came to it, in 1947 G M (George) Steer was Head of School House, captain of rugger and senior to me as a prefect and in the Corps. He, however, passed the exams he needed for becoming probationary second lieutenant in the Royal Marines

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rather unexpectedly early. That meant I was left as the senior prefect remaining, and the senior NCO in the corps, the tenure of office that then fell to me being unique, in that it was for the millinery year with all that involved.

If what W T Marsh wrote in my final school report is to be believed, I must have carried it off, having a touch of the actor in me I suspect, which would have helped cover over some deficiencies! I had time for it all since I had not sat my Higher Certificate in the July, and all I was to do academically in the next year school year was work for a subsid in Latin to add to my Certificate. I had a loud enough voice to be able to call the school to order when the Headmaster was about to appear on

the stage in the school hall for morning assembly, and for leading the first XV pack (at a later date that voice was heard barking commands on the parade ground at the Royal Marine Barracks, Chatham, then later again singing in a cathedral choir, so you’ll see what made me smile when you wrote once of the boy who was “lead tenor in the school choir” and was also “a drill sergeant in the Corps”. It was all happening sixty years ago. I was pleased to hear that the tradition goes on).

I can remember succeeding in raising a couple of laughs in my speech at the OA Annual Dinner and holding my own in conversation with a Lieutenant General who was my neighbour at the Millinery lunch.

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Coached by the Headmaster in a Latin speech he himself had written, as head of the School (Stuart version) welcoming King Charles I to the school, I had to perform in the Millinery Pageant, on one night before Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Consort as she was then.

The OA medal I was finally awarded is now amongst the material for the School Museum, since that is unique – at least until some future Head of the School is awarded the next millinery year medal!

However, from time to time I reflect on the maxim, attributed to Richard Branson, I think when he said: “if I came across a man whose CV recorded that he had been head of his school I might put him up for secretary of the local golf club but I wouldn’t give him a job”. Sad to relate my immediate predecessor in office, B (Barry) Phillips, and my successor, R C (Bob) Ashworth, both died comparatively early from alcohol-related medical problems.

Both were good lads in their way.

Phillips switched from Chemistry to History at Oxford and Stoker Bill thought well enough of him to give him the first teaching job, where he was deputy to John Willé as assistant Housemaster in School House. He taught subsequently at Campbell College, Sedbergh and Durham School. I don’t know how Bob Ashworth earned his living, I remember hearing that he played for the Oxford Greyhounds whilst at Lincoln College. To be realistic I guess were the truth to be known, none of us would be found to be

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flawless. “Mortal men, mortal men”.

Does the name of Francis Handslap still appear on a board recording your predecessors as Headmaster? Though well knowing better, I used to enjoy thinking of him as Francis Handflap.

I wonder whether you would have seen the enclosed newspaper cutting?

I ran the mile at school, so Jonny Hampson was a legitimate enough hero, even though he taught at St Albans well before my time. I don’t know when the Belmont playing field first came into use, but when flogging around the track there I liked to think it was in the footsteps of Jonny Hampson, who presumably trained there when he was on his way back to London after attending a millinery event. I, a train-boy from Mill Hill, had the privilege of sharing a compartment with him.

Brain Teasers answers: Question I 40 Question 2 an 8-sided polygon has 20 diagonals and the general formula is ½ n(n-3)

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OA Rugby first team quad at the start of the 2007/8 season

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OA Rugby

So far, so good ■ Newly elected OARFC President Adrian Tominey reports on a good start to the season as the First XV looks to consolidate its position in the upper reaches of the highly competitive London League One Well, we survived again in London League One and had we not had two points docked for a registration error, we would have finished the season on 18 points, two more than last season. After a perfect four wins from four games the season started to unravel somewhat as injuries cruelly affected our ability to field a first choice team. We are not alone in this, but it does point to the increasing need to build a strong squad with depth. This clearly means developing a strong Second XV, and

to this end we are strengthening the coach staff in order to create more structure both in playing and in training. We reached the semi-finals of the Herts President's Cup, losing to Stevenage, and the quarter-finals of the National Intermediate Cup, losing to Bracknell. We had to play cup games on Saturday and Sunday of the same weekend, and the players showed grate commitment to the club in turning out for both games. I congratulate our coach Bruce Millar and his staff on the effort he has put in, and the players for all their efforts. We look forward to a seventh season in London One. I know Bruce is actively recruiting for next season already!

We turned out five sides whenever opposition was available, which is becoming increasingly difficult to organise, and great credit must go to

fixture secretary Darren Ead for all his work. A special mention must go to James Osborn and Liam Ead amongst many others for their valiant efforts throughout the season on the field of play.

The Colts fielded two sides this season, a feat unmatched by any other club, and after a slow start improved dramatically as the season progressed to reach the final of the Colts County Cup again, managed by Rob Kennedy, where they lost narrowly to a much bigger Bishops Stortford side, having beaten them in the final last season. The strength and quality of our Colts augurs well for the club’s future and they rightly won the team of the year award.

Player of the year was Alec Bennett, most committed players were Mark Evans and Bradley Bruce, and most improved player was Jeremy Edwards. Well done to all!

The Saints 1st and 2nd XVs made massive strides this season, and both are looking for promotion next season .Two players received international recognition, one of whom, Karina Page, was voted player of the year. Gemma Knighton was voted most improved player. The ladies are a real asset to the club, both socially and on the playing side, and set the standard for volunteers who are so important to the successful running of the club. We always need more!

The mini and junior section continue to go from strength to strength under Chairman Rory Davis, who takes over as Chairman of the senior club. Membership

stands at over 630 boys and girls.

Virtually every age group won cups and/or promotion, and I congratulate them on this most satisfactory progress.

I wish to thank the members of the committee, the players, the sponsors and the supporters along with all the backroom staff for all the effort, enthusiasm and commitment they have shown this year. A particular vote of thanks must go to outgoing Chairman Robin Farrar for the sterling work he has put in over the last two seasons, for which he was justifiably award the prestigious Ellis Cup award.

We look forward to next season with great anticipation.

Adrian Tominey President, OARFC

All Saints ■ OA Saints Press Officer Alexa Ransome looks back on another successful season and applauds a hatful of representative honours 2007-2008 has been a very exciting season for the OA Saints. A restructuring of the leagues and the breaking of limbs leading to many challenges over the season, not least of which another international fixture against Sweden, whilst on the UK leg of their European tour, and a challenging friendly with the British Army.

The Saints 1st XV achieved 10 Wins, 6 losses and 2 draws this season, a fabulous achievement in a league of hard hitters including

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Richmond, Bath and Saracens II to name but a few. The 2nd XV also held their own in a new league structure, achieving 13 Wins, 6 loses and 1 draw.

The regional trials took place on the 16th December in Peterborough, where the turn out from the OA Saints was staggering – a quarter of the trial entrance! Congratulations went out to Caz Rees, Sarah McKenna, Jemma Knighton, Rachel Evans and Sophie Deronde who all made the squad. What an achievement!

Congratulations also go to Sarah McKenna for making the U20 England squad, Karina Page for the England A team and Caz Rees making it through to the Super League squad, achievements we are all very proud of amongst the Saints.

Ex-Saints Sian Davies, Sue Mac/Lewis, Lisa Mason and Liz Langston/West took part in this year London Marathon in aid of several very deserving charities. Please offer them your support by sponsoring them, via the Justgiving website, or by giving cheques or cash in person to Jemma Knighton (our Club Captain) who will ensure that the money is forwarded to the runners.

Sian Davies www.justgiving.com/siani-does-themarathon Lisa Mason www.justgiving.com/masegoesrunning Sue Mac/Lewis www.justgiving.com/susanlewis1 Liz Langston/West www.justgiving.com/lizisrunning Alexa Ransome Press Officer, OA Saints

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Congratulations to David Goodier and James Rourke who both managed to play their 100th games for the club, and we are hopeful the likes of Andrew Douglas and Simon Rabbitt will be not too far behind them.

Congratulations to David Hagen who has reached 75 goals for the club since his signing late in the ‘05/06 season, and David Goodier and James Crane for reaching 50 goals for the club.

Club captain Carl Swann was happy with the way the season has panned out for the first team but also delighted at the growth of the club: “To finish fourth in the division and get to the semi final of the biggest cup was a fantastic achievement, especially when the club had introduced a second team to the league with as much success as it had”.

Old Albanian reserves completed their full schedule of matches in Division 5 and established a great platform for the future. Manager Simon Rabbitt has done an extraordinary job of maintaining the motivation and drive and is looking forward to a bright future for the reserves with new players promised for both teams next season.

Any new players are more than welcome to join the growing and successful Old Albanian Football Club, just contact Simon Bates on 0772 0383 600 or Old_Albanian_FC@hotmail.co.uk If you wish to follow the club and their results then please visit: http://www.football.mitoo.co.uk and within the Herts County look for the Review Sunday Football League.

Simon Bates Chairman, OAFC

OA Football OA Angling

Crane raises his game ■ Another successful season for the OA Football Club as Crane, Hagen and Goodier all reach goalscoring milestones, reports Chairman Simon Bates Old Albanian Football Club enjoyed a successful season both on and off the field. The Club made the decision to expand and enter two teams into the Observer Review Football League.

The first team finished fourth in Division 3 and just missed out on back-to-back promotions, following

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their promotion from Division 4 last year. They enjoyed a magnificent cup run, defeating many higher division teams on their way to the semi finals and finally lost out to Premiership side London Road.

We worked hard to introduce many new players this year and the likes of Steven Brewer, Geoff Rowland, Darren Kempster, Ben Barnard, and Chris Kouwenbourg all played a big part in the clubs improvement.

The season also saw some milestones reached which could not go without a mention.

Fishing across the pond ■ From Costa Rica to Tierra del Fuego – Secretary Geoff Cannon reports on another busy winter of globe-trotting for OA Angling Society members The winter coarse fishing season has now finished and we are looking forward to the game fishing season for salmon and trout in the summer.

Members have fished during the

winter for pike, perch and other coarse fish on The Broads, River Nene and Ouse.

We again entertained our ladies at The Fishwives Supper at The Wicked Lady at Nomansland, which was a most enjoyable evening.

Our globe-trotting members have been at it again. This time David Morgan and Brian Ward went on a three-week fishing trip to Chile. It took them three days to even get there!

They flew from Heathrow to Madrid, Madrid to Santiago then to Punta Arenas and lastly to the fishing lodge

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in Tierra del Fuego – just beyond the Falklands. The last leg over the now covered mountains between Chile and Argentina was awesome and stunningly beautiful. The river and lake fishing was quite spectacular which comprised sea trout, brown trout and rainbows up to 8lbs (all on the fly). Hey-ho: where next?

Adrian Blackwell was also on the

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move and visited Costa Rica fishing for tarpon. Members of the Club again went to France after the New Year, not to fish, but to enjoy fellowship and the local wines.

Again, any Old Albanians who are interested in our activities are very welcome to join us.

Geoff Cannon Honorary Secretary, OA Angling Club

OA Shooting

Brrrrisley ■ Secretary Owen Simmons looks back at a successful winter for the OA Rifle & Pistol Club – and a wintery start to the summer season!

Herts Winter League 2007/08 Our team of four (Owen Simmons, Andrew Wilkie, Andrew Moore, Moray McMillin) competed in Division 3 of the Herts postal leagues this winter. We won four, tied two and lost four to finish in fourth place.

The individual averages were: ● Owen Simmons 96.7 highest score 98 ● Andrew Wilkie 95.7 highest score 98 ● Andrew Moore 94.5 highest score 98 ● Moray McMillin 92.7 highest score 98 Herts County Teams Winter 2007/08 Three from the Club were selected for the County Reserves team, competing in Division 9 of the

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National postal leagues. Owen Simmons (C team), Andrew Wilkie (A team), Andrew Moore (B team).

Bisley Summer 2008 Our Summer season (with the odd hailstorm and plenty of wind) at Bisley started on Saturday 12th April 2008, coming a close second to the Old Lawrentians. Our team of four (Owen Simmons, Andrew Wilkie, Andrew Moore, Moray McMillin), shooting at 500 yards and 600 yards on the Century ranges, achieved a team score of 361, versus the Old Lawrentians team total of 363.

Country Life match versus the School The photos (right) were taken at the Country Life match against the School for the Coles Trophy, held on 18 February 2008. Thanks to a sterling effort by Martin Warr we won, but not before Andy Moore's rifle disintegrated in his hands!

Surely those old No8 rifles can’t go on much longer! Our thanks to Nigel

WoodSmith and the School team for their hospitality and we look forward to seeing any of the boys who would like to pursue a career in shooting with the OAs at the range on Monday evenings.

2, Honeymead, Welwyn, AL6 0EG

Find out more Anyone wishing to find out more about the Club should contact one of the following:

Captain – A W B Wilkie

Hon Secretary – O L Simmons

Tel 01438 840674 Hon Treasurer – A Q S Moore 69, Long Fallow, St Albans, AL2 3ED Tel 01727 830344

5, Batchwood Drive, St Albans, AL3 5RZ Tel 01727 856857

Owen Simmons Secretary, OA Rifle & Pistol Club

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