Obituaries

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of OGs and staff from the RGS community. We rely on information coming to us from the OG and RGS community and every possible endeavour is made to ensure accuracy. Wherever possible we have included valete information from our School records.

Margaret Orme, RGS Head of Religious Studies 1961-1985. It is said that ‘Old teachers never die, they just lose their class’ but with Margaret Orme’s passing RGS has lost an ultimately professional and consummately humane exemplar. It is usual to meet one’s future employer at the job interview, but the gods struck down Margaret with illness the day RGS sought its replacement teacher of Religious Studies, so upon my appointment it had to be said that Margaret had bought a pig in a poke as her successor. As it happened, she was persuaded not to retire in 1977 as planned, but continue as trainer of the rookie, and thus a happy partnership of some eight further years ensued.

She was all that was needed both as colleague and mentor; experienced, having built the subject and blazed the trail as the first female Head of Dept. in a very male establishment in the ’60/70s; courageous and fiercely academic in her own quietly determined way in getting A level RS offered, an unusual achievement in most boys’ schools at the time. Academia had meant much to her and she had shone in Theology studies at Leeds and maintained her interest in Hebrew (and hence her commitment as a founder member of the Guildford Council of Christians and Jews). Thus free discussion on the great matters of life were vital in her lessons and generations of students will have relished those sessions with ‘Ma Orme’ her affectionate sobriquet in an age when a nickname was a sign of status. Such was her authority as theological oracle that one OG, a currently ranking Under Secretary, recalls as a boy putting new staff opining on Jesus’ foot washing right as ‘Oh no sir, Mrs Orme says it’s the ‘pedilavium’, you’re quite wrong’.

She was wise and above all, shrewd – there came the time that we discovered the teachers’ ultimate nightmare, teaching two months into GCE on the wrong syllabus; I asked ‘should we tell the boys?’ After a moment’s thought, ‘Oh no’ came the reply, ‘Tell them it’s all good practice…’. Despite the two courses being diametrically different, good results were ultimately gained and we survived to fight again.

Sharp of mind but not of tongue, she could nevertheless puncture teacher pomposity in staff meetings with a mild query from the back rows, and her gentle but well-honed wisdom as wife to Stuart, rector of the local parish of Albury (and soon recruited to teach Sixth Form general RS, including such vital Sixth Form skills as how to manage one’s first mortgage) was often sought and deployed in Common Room matters of state, for she had a level business head outside RGS to the surprise of many who only encountered the seemingly other worldly persona.

This may all sound rather clinical as qualities go, but with Margaret there was always the homely touch, and perhaps it is not too much to admit that not a few found the almost motherly concern for their wider welfare of use in the macho world of a boys’ town grammar school last century.

The wry chuckle, the ‘mot juste’ comment, the quiet modesty, were all part of the twinkling personality of a true pedagogue, devoted in her time to not only hundreds of current OGs but to family (with endless chocolate cake) and her many friends. A great lady and life well lived for others. Died 21 January 2021. Robert Weaver, RGS Staff 1977-86.

Brian Whitworth, RGS Head of Art 1979-1993. Brian Whitworth, father, grandfather, loving husband and teacher was born in 1939 and passed away peacefully on 30 September 2021. Brian was Head of the Art Department at the RGS from 1979 to 1993. Brian firmly believed that, although some people have an innate artistic ability, everyone can be taught. With that in mind, he spent his life developing and honing a carefully crafted teaching system focused on the fine arts and fundamental skills of drawing and painting. His time at the RGS was the culmination of this lifelong passion. I’m sure many of his former pupils will recognise the mantras of point, line, shape, form, tone and colour.

Although not a proud man, he was very proud of his achievements at the RGS and his association with the school. He had nothing but fond memories. In his latter years, he enjoyed country walks, reading and ballroom dancing, but he never gave up his love of teaching and continued with a busy schedule of lectures well into his eighties. Although he will be missed, he leaves behind a legacy of learning and achievement which I’m sure will not be forgotten by former students and family alike. Kim Whitworth, his son and OG 1981.

Frank Bell, RGS Head of Biology 1976-1999. Frank joined RGS as Head of Biology and in the 1980s became Head of Integrated Science and Deputy Head of Science. As well as being an inspirational, innovative and enthusiastic teacher, who was keen to share his enjoyment of science with his students, he was Hamonde Housemaster from 1978 to 1987, championed hockey as a recognised sports option at the RGS and devoted much time to the CCF where he was an Officer for sixteen years. He introduced amateur radio to the RGS and, as a result, RGS pupils were the first to talk live to Helen Sharman, Britain’s first astronaut to travel into space, on the Mir space station in May 1991. Frank also took RGS to the forefront of schools in the use of satellites and collaborated with Surrey Space Centre. They recall with fondness “his enthusiasm for satellites and space and working together on our weather satellite tracking activities when such things were not so commonplace (or easy). His enthusiasm for amateur radio and space inspired many – young and old – around him and this will be his legacy”.

Frank believed passionately that science is a single entity that should be taught as an integrated subject so that “pupils couldn’t see the joins”. His students clearly loved the spirit of enquiry and exploration that he saw as essential to a scientist’s approach. In February 2016 BBC’s The One Show filmed a feature capitalising on coverage of Tim Peake, by staging a reconstruction of the RGS 1991 Juno space mission link with Helen Sharman, using Frank’s original equipment and four current RGS pupils. There was then an interview with Frank and members of the original RGS radio club, OGs Les Starkie and Pete Hibbs (see above), before linking up live with Helen Sharman.

Frank was a popular guest at OG reunions in recent years and his former pupils were just as pleased to see him and reminisce about lessons in the classroom, field trips to Devon and countless CCF expeditions, as he was to hear about their lives post RGS. Many OGs have paid tribute to the enormous influence he had on their lives as pupils and into adulthood – “a fantastic teacher who treated his pupils with respect and trust, taught self-belief and teamwork”; “A great guy and a lovely human.” Died 14 January 2021.

Frank Bell – The One Show, February 2016

Greg Schofield, RGS History Teacher 1980-2011. Greg joined the RGS in 1980, retiring in 2011, and during that time he fulfilled many roles. As well as inspiring generations of boys with his love of history, he was Head of First Form, a rugby coach and U15 rugby tour organiser for many years, plus involvement in tours to New Zealand and Australasia, and he curated the School Archives. A muchloved character, Greg always had a starring role in the staff pantomime and played a major part in RGS life throughout his 31 years of dedicated service to the School. He had a wide range of interests – he ran fishing trips, was a keen banjo player and a successful Channel Swimmer in August 1964 at the age of 20 with a time of 15 hours, 35 minutes. The following year he broke the then 14-year-old record for the 20 mile “Weymouth to Lulworth Cove and Return” swim with a time of 10 hours, 40 minutes. Greg was fervently proud of his West Country roots and Weymouth beach was a destination for his field trips. On retirement he continued his involvement in rugby, fishing and community life in Weymouth, and became a much-respected Weymouth Historian, contributing historical articles, especially about servicemen in both World Wars, to the Dorset Echo. Many of his former pupils paid tribute to him: “He was a great guy – one of the last of a breed of old-fashioned schoolmasters, respect from the boys, thoughtful kindness to individual pupils”; “Greg Schofield was a legend and inspired all who met him”; “gave us an insight into ‘how to read a building’ by noting the historical aspects that normally people don’t notice”; “Fabulous character with a great sense of fun”; “One day of terror followed by seven years of respect. I’m sure I was not alone. The respect will continue always”. Greg is much missed by his family, colleagues and pupils alike, and we will treasure his archive of sports ties, photos and much more. Died 11 December 2020.

Pat Jolliffe, RGS Laboratory Technician 1988-2015. “I was very sorry to hear of Pat’s death. She had been a good friend and mainstay of the Physics Department at the RGS for many years. I first became acquainted with Pat as a result of a phone call from Margaret Orme who was teaching Religious Studies at the School. She told me she knew a lady who did some housework at the Rectory at Albury. She said that Pat had expressed an interest in getting some qualification which would enable her to become a school laboratory technician, and could I help? I said it so happened that I was looking for a new technician in the Physics Department and, perhaps, she would like to come and see me. When I met Pat, it soon became apparent that she was already well qualified to do the job. She had studied Science to A Level at school and was very familiar with Physics apparatus and experiments. It became clear to me that she was a very quick learner and only needed to be shown something new just once.

She was pleased to accept my offer of the job and soon made herself indispensable to the department. She became a good friend to all, and we soon realised that she rapidly came to know the needs of the subject and not only supplied us with all that we asked for, but anticipated things we had not thought of! I can only say that the smooth running of the department was in large measure due to Pat’s quiet ability to organise us!” Died 23 September 2021. Tony Morden, RGS staff 1961-96. Brian Hallewell, RGS English Teacher 1997 and beyond. Staff and students from the RGS may remember Brian Hallewell, who came on a teacher exchange from The Southport School in Queensland, Australia, in 1997 “to teach English to the English”. Subsequently, Brian was delighted to return to the RGS on a number of occasions over the following decade. Whilst the opportunity to experience life and to travel in another country were bonuses, Brian loved the chance to inspire the students he taught, fuelled by his love of English Literature.

Brian joined the RGS English Department for that term in 1997 and he loved the camaraderie of the Common Room where he accepted, with good humour, jibes such as, “Brian, they tell me that the only live culture that exists in Australia is yoghurt”. However, as a passionate Rugby fan, he did find it more difficult to remain composed in future years, particularly on the many occasions that mention was made of Australia’s defeat by England in the World Cup of 2003.

Brian discovered that, although an English “Field Day” was the equivalent of a Queensland “Excursion”, the destination choices in England for such days away from the classroom were far more varied than those available to teachers back in Australia. For many years afterwards, Brian loved to tell the story about an occasion at the RGS when he was asked where he was going for an upcoming Field Day. When he replied that he was off to Beaulieu to see the National Motor Museum and that he was pretty excited about it, the response he received astonished him. If he had not been engaged to participate already, he would have been very welcome to join the day trip to the World War One Battlefields. The idea that one could leave home in the morning, journey to somewhere of such significance – and be home in time for bed – was hard to comprehend for an Antipodean.

Teaching in England was one of Brian’s most treasured memories. He was especially grateful to Tim Young for giving him the initial opportunity to teach at the RGS and to John Simpson for his support and long-term friendship over many years.Brian is survived by his wife, Judy, their three children and six grandchildren. He loved to write poetry and his legacy lives on in the poetry collections he finally found time to collate during the Queensland COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020. Died 24 February 2021. Judy Hallewell, his wife.

Caddice Fisher, RGS Chinese teacher. Caddice taught Chinese at the RGS for several years and was an excellent and much respected member of staff who worked tirelessly to get the very best from her students. Died 30 November 2021.

Barry Hartop, former RGS Governor and Chairman of the Foundation. Barry was a Governor of the School from 1992-2014 and a member, then Chairman of the Foundation from 2004-2015, providing invaluable support and advice through a great period of change and development for the Foundation. He also played a major part in the successful 1991 Appeal. Barry was a wonderful supporter of the School and we remember him with gratitude and affection for his energy and wisdom. He leaves his wife Sandra, son James (OG 1992), daughter Anna and two grandchildren. Much missed by all those who knew him. He died in August 2021 after a short illness.

Douglas Mitchell OG 1936. Died in 2021.

John Savage OG 1937. Austen 1933-37. Exhibition (Music) to Cranleigh School, 1937. He always spoke of the school with great affection and attended OG events for years. Music, particularly jazz, was a great love of his and he played double bass, piano, violin and bass guitar. Died 9 October 2021.

Laurie Weeden OG 1938. Nettles 1931-38. Matriculation 1938. Magnus Prize for German 1938. Empire 1st Class Shot 1937. House Colours: Rugby 1938. Member House PT Team 1937-38. Laurie was a wonderful supporter of the School, attending events for many years. When his military commitments allowed, he laid the wreath at the School Remembrance services and delivered the address in 2014. He returned to give a fascinating talk about his wartime exploits as a glider pilot on D-Day (see our feature about him in DialOGue 3), arriving with a flipchart and hand-drawn map of his landing (framed in Big School for posterity), breaking down the age barrier seamlessly with the listening pupils – living history indeed. He later featured in the Telegraph’s Veterans portrait series and on Guy Martin’s D-Day Landings programme. Laurie was great company at OG parties, lunches and CCF formal dinners and was much loved for his stories and selfdeprecating wit. He embodied so many of the qualities we treasure in our OGs – resilience, wit, modesty, good manners (a gentleman of his time), quiet courage and a youthful enthusiasm for life regardless of the years. Died 14 November 2020. Robert Grigg OG 1939. Hamonde 1936-39. OTC Acting/Sgt 1939. Cert “A” 1939. Empire Marksman 1938. School Colours: Cricket 1938-39. House Colours: Football 1937-38; Rugby 1938-39; Cricket Captain 1939; Boxing 1938. Member House PT team 1937-38. Robert always spoke very fondly of his school days; he enjoyed receiving our letters and phone calls and remained active, gardening and more into his 99th year. As he was registered blind, he used to save the magazines so his son could read them to him when they visited. Died on 20 July 2021.

John Ballam OG 1941. Austen 1934-41. King’s Scout 1941; Red All-Round Cords 1941; Scout Patrol Leader 1941. Member Gordon Whale Cup PT Team 1941. House Colours: Football 1941; Rugby 1941; Fives 1940-41. John was married to Freda for 71 years and as supporters of the School, they enjoyed attending OG Cream Teas together. Died 29 May 2021.

Ken Joyner OG 1941. Nettles 1936-41. JTC L/Cpl 1941. Capt School Shooting VIII 1941; Empire Marksman 1938-39-40-41; King’s Silver Medal, Imperial Cup Challenge Shield Competition 1940-41. Winner, Honeybourne Cup 1941; Clemson Cup 1940; “Bell” Cert 1940. 2nd Class Scout 1936. School Colours: Shooting 1940. House Colours: Rugby 1940; Boxing 1937; Swimming 1940; Chess 1940. Member House PT Team 1939. On leaving the RGS, Ken served as a Captain in the Army in the Far East, India and led one of the first battalions of troops into Hiroshima after the bomb, an extraordinary experience which he gave a very powerful talk about at the School Remembrance Service in 2012. After the war he became a Civil Engineer working variously with BOAC / BA, as a Board Member for London Transport and Docklands Light Railway. Ken was Chairman of the RGS Beckingham Legacy Society and, together with his wife Joyce, they were welcomed as special guests at OG and School events for many years, with a particular love of the music at the RGS. They have been very generous supporters the School and donated a beautiful chamber organ for future generations of musicians to enjoy. We are so grateful for his friendship, support, great company and wonderful stories – his fabulous smile lit up the room. Died Sunday 18 July 2021.

Kenneth Sarah OG 1942. Beckingham 1936-42. Died Spring 2020.

John Downham OG 1943. Nettles 1933-43. School Captain, Prefect and House Captain of Nettles. JTC CSM 1942-43. Cert “A” 1940. Empire 1st Class Shot 1939. Empire Marksman 1940-42. King’s Silver Medal, Imperial Challenge Shield Competition 1943. Member Country Life Cup Team 1943. King’s Scholarship 1937. King’s School Scholarship 1939-40. Magnus Prize (Maths) 1939. Batterson Gold Medal (Eng) 1939. Nettles Exhibition 1941. Merriman Silver Medal and Broadbent French Prize 1942. Onslow Historical Essay Prize 1941. Hart Debating Prize 1942. School Chess Capt 1942-43. House Colours: Football 1942; Rugby 1943; Chess 1938-39-40-41, Capt 1942. Committees: General Games, Debating

Society, Magazine, Music Society, Chess. School Librarian 1940-43. Member House PT Team 1939-42. John was commissioned into the RAF and read PPE at Oxford before building a career in business, retiring from Unilever in 1986. He was a generous supporter of the School and was a frequent guest at musical concerts and recitals at the School, as well as OG social events. On sunny summer afternoons, he could be found on a bench, on the boundary at Bradstone Brook, watching the RGS cricket. John delighted in the intellectual pursuits at the School such as the Independent Learning presentations, King’s Lectures, TEDx and Any Questions debates. His interests were indeed wideranging, and he supported the breadth of School life for many years. He laid the wreath at the School Remembrance Service and was a welcome guest at the RGS CCF Dinners over the years. Always a fascinating conversationalist, we shall miss his company. Died 15 January 2022.

Donald Adamson OG 1944. Hamonde 193844. Assistant Scout Master 1943-44. 1st Class Scout and Green All-Round Cords 1943. Leader, “Gordon Whale” Cup PT Team 1942. House Colours: Football 1942-43; Rugby 1943-44; Cricket 1942-43-44, Swimming 1942-43; Chess 1942-43-44. Member House PT Team 1941-42-43-44. He spoke warmly of his schooldays in WW2. Died 8 March 2021.

Norman Amey OG 1946. Austen 1939-46. School Prefect 1946. “Batterson” English Prize 1944. Cert “A” 1945. JTC L/Sgt 1946. Empire 1st Class Shot 1943, Empire Marksman 1944-45-46. School Colours: Cricket 1946. House Colours: Football 1944-45; Rugby 1946; Cricket 1943-44-45; Athletics 1942. Member House PT Team 1943-44-45. His association with RGS was long and much cherished and he was an extremely proud member of our alumni. Died March 2022.

Michael Dix OG 1947. Beckingham 1942-47. Cert “A” 1947. JTC L/Cpl 1947. Empire Marksman 1947. House Colours: Cricket 1947. Member House PT Team 1946. Died 5 July 2021. Ian Nicholas OG 1947. Nettles 1940-47. Cert “A” 1945. JTC Cpl 1946. Empire 1st Class Shot 1943. Empire Marksman 1944-45-46-47. Member School Shooting VIII 1946-47. King’s Silver Medal, Imperial Challenge Shield Competition 1947. Member “Country Life” Cup Team 1947 (Silver Spoon for highest score, 1947); Winner “Honeybourne Cup” 1947. Silver Medal “Surrey Advertiser” Competition 1947. School Colours: Shooting 1947. Member House PT team 1944-45-46. Ian’s career was with the Commonwealth Development Corporation, as Personnel Director, and he travelled and worked internationally, in particular to Zambia. Ian loved the School and enjoyed hearing about current School life and future ideas as well as past history. He was a loyal guest at concerts, carol services, lectures, Garden Parties and the Remembrance Services over many years. His shared enjoyment of music and art (he was an organist and a painter) meant that it was always a real delight to see him, and he was a true friend and supporter to the RGS and the Alumni Team. Died 6 December 2021.

Stanley Phelps OG 1947. Beckingham 1944-47. Cert “A” 1946. JTC Sgt 1947. JTC Classified Signaller 1946. Empire Marksman 1945-46-47. House Colours: Football 1945-46; Rugby 1947. Member House PT Team 1945-46. Died April 2020.

Donald Hodgson OG 1948. Hamonde 1940-48. School Prefect 1947. Cert ”A” 1947. JTC A/Cpl 1947. Empire 1st Class Shot 1945, Empire Marksman 1946-47. 2nd Class Scout 1947. School Colours: Rugby 1947; Boxing 1947 (winner class F 1943). House Colours: Football 1946-47, Capt 1948; Rugby 1946-48; Cricket 1946-47, Capt 1948; Boxing 1943-4445-46, Capt 1947; Gymnastics 1946, Capt 1947-48; Swimming 1947; Athletics 1947; Cross Country 1948; Chess 1947. Committees: General Games, Literary and Debating Society, Dramatic Society. House PT Team 1945-46, Instructor 1947-48. Donald was a Member of the Honourable Artillery Company for 68 years, where he was Captain of the Company of Pikemen and Musketeers. He was a Member of the Metropolitan Special Constabulary and Master of the Worshipful Company of Cooks (twice). He was Master of Fitzroy Lodge and an RFU Honorary Steward. Long loved husband of wife, Sue, and father of three – Mark, Claire and Michelle. Died 30 March 2020.

Peter Wadham OG 1949. Nettles 1944-49. Empire Marksman 1947. Empire 1st Class Shot 1948. 2nd Class Scout 1946. House Colours: Swimming 1947-49; Boxing 1946; Rugby 1947-8. Member House PT Team 1947-48. Peter had been married to Margaret for over 65 years. They met in 1947 as young teenagers on the bus journey into Guildford when they were on their way to school. After leaving RGS he studied Chemistry, Physics and Maths and was awarded a London University Batchelor of Science. Degree. He played the violin in the school orchestra and in a square dance band. He was a member of Charlotteville Cycling Club and won medals for racing.

After Peter obtained his degree, he was called up to do his two years National Service. On leaving the RAF he was

employed by several Electronics firms; the last and longest was 25 years at EMI in Hayes, Middlesex. Then on retirement at the age of 60 he set up his own business repairing televisions and domestic microwaves until he reached 75. He had two sons, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was a keen philatelist and an even keener fly fisherman. Quite often he drove down to Surrey to fish at the Albury Estates fisheries. Covid 19 caught up with Peter and he died on 15 January 2021.

Peter Zinovieff OG 1949. Nettles 1944-49. Cert “A” Part 1 1948. House Colours: Boxing 1944-45. He was born into a family of exiled Russian aristocrats and made his name as a pioneer and composer of electronic music, and co-inventor of the VCS-3, one of the first commercial portable synthesisers. As a boy he played “thundering duets” on the piano with his grandmother and experimented with building radios. He went up to Oxford, achieving a DPhil in Geology and began a career as an exploration geologist abroad before turning to experimental music. He co-founded Electronic Music Studios (EMS) and developed the VCS-3 there, together with revolutionary compositions, initially without even a keyboard. In 1968 his Partita for Unattended Computer was the first unaccompanied live performance of live computer music. Difficult to keep in tune, it nevertheless enjoyed commercial success and Pink Floyd regularly used them in multiple numbers. He was not overly interested in pop music but enjoyed demonstrating it to Ringo Starr, who was among the many rock stars who enjoyed the creativity offered by the kit. He continued to create electronic compositions and also wrote the libretto for Harrison Birtwhistle’s The Mask of Orpheus. In 1979 EMS went into receivership and he retreated to Raasay in Scotland. In later life, he worked in graphic design and returned to composing. Died 23 June 2021. Peter Chandler OG 1950. Beckingham 1942-50. CCF: L/Cpl 1949; Cert “A” 1949; Marksman 1946-48. School Colours: Football 1949. House Colours: Football 1948; Rugby 1948; Cricket 1949-50; Boxing 1947-49; Winner Class E 1948; Gymnastics 1947-50; Athletics 1947-48. House PT team 1947-50. Died April 2021.

Andrew Kneen OG 1950. Austen 1942-50. Prefect 1949. County Major Scholarship 1950. Senior Powell Prize 1949. Onslow History Prize 1949. Junior Powell Prize 1948. Scout P/L 1957. School Colours: Chess 1949-50. House Colours: Rugby 1947-49. Committee: Dramatic 1948-50. Nettles Exhibition 1950. “Andrew had lasting memories of his time at the RGS, the teachers, lessons, and fellow pupils etc, as shown in the picture, which he painted and presented in 2014 at a Reunion Tea. It is on display in the School. On leaving he won a scholarship to the Slade School of Art, part of UCL, and, at the end of the Course, was Highly Commended for his painting and draftsmanship, and singled out for Stage Design and Art History. These interests, along with many others, were important to him for the rest of his life. Andrew taught Art and Art History in several Secondary Schools. His last appointment was Director of Art at the Kings School, Worcester. He enjoyed an active, busy retirement in Whitbourne, Herefordshire, until a few days after his 90th birthday. He died on 27 December 2021.” Myrtle Kneen, Andrew’s wife.

Andrew’s painting, 1944 Remembered

Sidney Bass OG 1951. Austen 1946-51. Died in 2020.

Robin Lack OG 1951. Beckingham 1947-51. RGS Guildford was a key influence on his life and in particular, having played for the school chess team, he continued to play chess competitively right up until his passing. He was a proud and active Old Guildfordian and is greatly missed by all his family and friends. Died 13th January 2021.

Kenny Wyatt OG 1952. Austen 1947-52. CCF L/Cpl 1951. Class Sig 1952: Marksman 1950-52. House Colours: Rugby 1951; Swimming 1951; Football 1952; Boxing 1951. Member House PT Team 1952. In 1955 he joined a dental company and worked there for 30 years, his final position as European Technical Director. During this time Kenny was responsible for setting up the first dental factory in India – a venture that is still flourishing today. He then set up his own company with other colleagues, Advanced Healthcare Company, and eventually sold it to the Japanese. Thereafter he worked as a freelance consultant. He loved outdoor swimming, history, genealogy, theatre, pub quizzing, Surrey County Cricket and had an eclectic taste in music.

In 1997, 50 years after joining the RGS, Kenny brought together the ‘Over 60s Club’. At the inaugural gathering at the King’s Head in Quarry Street, 20 OGs attended. Kenny’s list of ‘Over 60s’ (affectionately known as the “Old Codgers”) eventually reached 150 strong. As GE Harrison, their 1st form tutor, said of them, “They were lovely, naughty lads. They are grand old chaps!” Kenny was a wonderful friend to many OGs of his generation and organised the Old Codgers lunches for years. He worked hard in bringing together OGs, sharing news and stories, and keeping them connected to the RGS and each other. Kenny was a generous and loyal supporter of the School and a regular at our OG parties and events. His family said, “Pop’s visits will be missed by the ladies in the Foundation office who always kept a packet of his favourite hobnobs.” A true Old Guildfordian. Died 8 February 2021.

John Buss OG 1954. CCF: Empire Marksman, Cert “A”. School Colours: Football; Cricket (Vice-Capt). House Colours: Football; Cricket (Capt); Rugby; Cross-Country; Athletics. He appreciated all the news from RGS over the years and supported various fund-raising campaigns when he could. Died 28 January 2021.

Michael Dray OG 1956. Hamonde 1951-56. CCF: L/Cpl 1956; Cert “A” 1955; passed Travelling Wing 1956; Empire Marksman 1953-56; Imperial Marksman 1954-56; Member of Shooting VIII 1954-56. Died 25 December 2020.

NS “Tim” Goodman OG 1956. Nettles 1950-56. CCF Cert “A” 1954; A/Cpl 1955; Empire Marksman 1953-56. PT Course 1956. Member of Camp Guard 1955. School Colours: Football 1956. Half Colours: Football 1955; Rugby 1955; Cricket 1956. House Colours: Boxing 1952-56, Captain 1955-56; Athletics 1952-56; Football 1954-56; Rugby 1954-56; Gymnastics 1954-56; Cricket 1954-56; Cross-Country 1954-56; Swimming 1954. “Tim was probably the outstanding all-round sportsman of his year – he was good enough to play football for Crystal Palace in his early 20s – and his energy and enthusiasm was reflected in his post RGS career.

Following a brief spell in sales after leaving school he was “called up” for National Service and volunteered for the Parachute Regiment where he served for a time in a Combined Operations unit in Hong Kong. He moved on to the Northern Rhodesia Police but, before Northern Rhodesia achieved independence as Zambia in 1964, and reluctant to take an “office job”, he became involved in the sale of heavy earthmoving and mining plant to major corporations and governments. Tim married Fran in 1965 and, with their 2 daughters, continued to live in Zambia until 1978. Subsequently, the family moved to Zimbabwe and then South Africa but, because Tim’s job required a great deal of travel throughout Africa and Asia, they lived in Singapore, Saudi Arabia and back to South Africa again before Tim and Fran retired to London for 12 years, finally moving to Devon. Died 23 January 2021.” Bob Howell OG 1957.

Commander Raymond Hale OG 1956. Austen 1949-56. School Prefect 1955-56. Bailey Prize for Mathematics 1954. CCF Empire 1st Class Shot 1951-56; Cert “A” 1952; Classified Signaller 1953. Asst Signals Instructor 1954; Sgt Signals Platoon 1955-56. House Colours: Football 1956. After leaving RGS, always fascinated by the seas and the skies, Raymond read Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Southampton. During this time he was part of the team which accomplished the world’s first human-powered flight, on 9 November 1961.

He then joined the Royal Navy, serving initially in the Fleet Air Arm. He served both at home, at sea on HMS Whitby, and abroad. He was Officer of the Watch to The Queen at the Royal Tournament and took part in Lord Mountbatten’s funeral procession. His final posting was to NATO, based in Brussels, during which time he also travelled to Portugal, Italy and the USA.

On leaving the Navy, Raymond joined the Aerospace Department at the University of Bristol, supervising the work of post-graduate students, and working with Rolls Royce and the University of the West of England. During his twelve years at Bristol he also pursued his other great passion; gliding.

After his retirement in 2002, Raymond became active in local politics and a range of local charities, especially those supporting war veterans. He worked tirelessly for almost twenty years for Diabetes UK, founding two charity shops locally to support diabetics. He enjoyed

sailing and diving, and enjoyed time at the family beach hut on Mudeford Sandbank.

In recent years he also devoted many happy hours to the Solent Sky Museum, developing the interactive exhibit celebrating that first human-powered flight. He was very well-regarded and respected as a kind and knowledgeable man who was always willing to get involved and help.

He leaves his widow, Jane, who he met at Southampton University, and with whom he celebrated his Diamond Wedding Anniversary in August 2020, three children, Robin, Gemma and Caroline, and four grandchildren. Died 5 November 2020.

Brian Hinde OG 1957. Austen 1950-57. Asst School Librarian 1957. After he left school Brian first worked as a Scientific Assistant for the National Institute of Oceanography Wormley following on from a school visit arranged by the then physics master. This visit obviously had a powerful effect on him which led onto a career in science. He later moved onto the Natural Environment Research Council. Here he held a number of roles eventually becoming the Director of Scientific Services which in turn led to him being awarded an O.B.E. for services to science in 1993. Brian was always highly committed to anything to do with science or maths! He is very much missed by his family. Died 5 September 2020.

David Holland OG 1957. Hamonde 1952-57. CCF Cert “A” 1956; Empire Marksman 1955-56. We were notified September 2021. Michael Mumford OG 1957. Beckingham 1950-57. School Prefect 1956-57. Magnus Prize for Economics 1956. CCF: L/Sgt 1956, Cert “A” 1954, Classified Signaller 1955, Asst Instructor 1956; Empire 1st Class Shot 1953, Imperial Challenge Shield 1st Class Shot 1955, Marksman 1955-57. School Colours: Boxing 1956 (School Champion 1956, winner of “Merit” Cup 1955). School Half-Colours: Cricket 1957. House Colours: Rugby 1956, Football 1956, Cricket 1956-57. Committees: Geography Society, Chairman 1956-57, Magazine 1957. Asst School Librarian 1955-56. “On leaving school, Mike joined Dunlop Rubber Company on a sponsored Sandwich Degree course with the intention of becoming an accountant. He quickly decided his real interest lay in the academic side of accountancy rather than its practice and so, on graduating from Aberystwyth, he left Dunlop and joined the University teaching staff. He took a second degree at McMaster University in Canada before moving to the University of Lancaster in 1972, where he became Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Finance.

He became a popular teacher across a wide spectrum of courses and was Head of Department from 1983 to 1987. A member of the National Council of the ACCA, Mike took early retirement from the Department in 1997, but continued with active writing and teaching until 2006. He was active in politics as a mainstay of the local Liberal Democrat party and a strong supporter of the EU.

An excerpt from the “In Memoriam” section of the University website reads: “His colleagues and friends, inside and outside the university, think of Michael as a man of strong liberal principles, a vigorous campaigner who was kind and generous, always willing to lend a hand, and fun to be with. He will long be remembered with great affection.” And I think that is how his friends from RGS will remember him too!” Bob Howell OG 1957. Michael Smith OG 1958. Austen 1951-58. Magnus Prize for Zoology 1958. Scout P/L. After a varied career in agriculture and software engineering, he continued to enjoy climbing – with friends or just solo – most often in Snowdonia, the French Alps and the Pyrenees. Died in 2020.

Jeremy Draper OG 1959. Austen 1953-59. CCF: Cert “A” 1957; Travelling Wing 1958; 1st Class Shot 1957/1959; 2nd Class Shot 1958. House Colours: Athletics 1954; Boxing 1957-58. Lower School Challenge Cup 1954. Entrance to Dept of Architecture, Kingston School of Art 1959. Died 18 July 2021.

David Williams OG 1960. Beckingham 1953-60. David owned a painting by Ron Smoothey RGS Art Teacher which he generously donated back to School as a bequest. Died 31 May 2021.

Reinhard Klewe OG 1962. He achieved a scholarship to Churchill College Cambridge to read Maths and Theoretical Physics. After graduating he joined the CEGB research division working on a variety of projects until 1993, when he took early retirement. Reinhard changed career to financial administration in local Southampton schools and retired again as Bursar in a large secondary School in 2005. Died July 2021.

Paul Butters OG 1963. Hamonde 1957-63. Died in 2021.

Alan Hall OG 1963. Hamonde 1957-63. GCE “O” Level 1962-63. CCF Cert “A” with credit; St John Ambulance Cert 1963. Shooting VIII 1958-62. School Rugby XV 1957-63. House Colours: 1st XV 1962-63. School Swimming Team 1958-59. Died 18 December 2020.

David Slark OG 1963. Nettles 1956-63. Boy Scouts 1956-60, Patrol Leader 1959-60; Senior Scouts 1960-63, Nijmegen March 1962. RLSS Bronze Medallion 1962. Literary and Debating Society; Senior Science Society; Natural History Society; Chess Club; Chairman Junior Debating Society. Died 6 November 2020.

Peter Spence OG 1963 Hamonde 1960-63. Sub Prefect 1963. “S” Level 1963. CCF Empire Marksman 1960-63, Cpl 1962. School 3rd Rugby XV 1961-63. Shooting VIII 1961-63. House Colours: Athletics 1963. School Tennis Team 1963. Geography Society 1962-63. On leaving the RGS, Peter took his degree in Aeronautical Engineering at Bristol University followed by his PhD whilst he was working at Filton for what was then British Aircraft Corporation, now British Aerospace. He worked on the Concorde project and remained in the aero industry for the rest of his career. He was a loyal supporter of the School and always enjoyed his connection to the place. Died in 2013.

Hugh Kearns OG 1964. Beckingham 1963-64. Hugh transferred into the Sixth Form from Reigate Grammar School in 1963, because his family had moved to Guildford for his father’s work. He went on to have a successful career in IT in the City. Died January 2021. Roy Pulling OG 1964. Beckingham 1956-64. School Prefect 1964. Cross Country. Senior Scouts. Died in November 2021.

“After leaving RGS, Roy studied at Kingston and Aston, qualifying as a Chartered Town Planner. His local government career soon brought him to Northamptonshire and culminated in his appointment as Chief Planning Officer for the Borough of Wellingborough until retirement. Roy had many keen interests outside work: theatre, ballet, jazz, poetry, especially the songs of Bob Dylan, photography, wine, gardening, travel and of course motor racing. Above all, it was his commitment to family and friendships and his infectious sense of humour that will live on in our memories. Roy was a loving husband to Ann over their 55 years of marriage, a proud father to Harriette and the perfect Grandpa to Henry and Alfie. He will be sorely missed by them and his many friends.” Chris Gale OG 1963.

“Roy and I became friends soon after we arrived at the RGS in 1957. I think we initially bonded over our mutual love of motor racing. I had Hornby OO, Roy had Scalextric! It gives me such pleasure that the last time I saw Roy face-to-face was 2 years ago, when he and I shared a splendid weekend, damaging what remained of our hearing, watching and listening to ridiculously noisy sportsracing cars roaring round Silverstone. At our annual reunions, it wasn’t long before you’d hear that unique giggle, triggered by a shared joke, memory or, let’s be frank here, a ‘double entendre’. Roy loved a ‘double entendre’ – Oooo, Matron! I will never forget my kind, gentle, funny friend.” Phil Ireland OG 1963.

Tim Pearce OG 1974. Beckingham 1967-74. He was a partner in the local law firm Messrs. Hart Brown. Died suddenly 8 September 2021. To submit an obituary or notice of death, please contact Philippa Green on