ONA 78

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ONA Ol d N o v o c a s t r i a n s A s s o c i at io n M a g a z i n e Issue 78 | Spring 2010

In this issue:

Memories of a 25-year Reunion Whither the London ONA? Old Novo Visits to RGS

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ONA — Old Novocastrians Association Magazine

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President’s Welcome Old Novo Visits to RGS Who? What? Where?

Memories of a 25-year Reunion RGS Footballers Tour the USA The Final Penrith Reunion Old Novos Set the Challenge Whither the London ONA? Arthur Taylor Memorial Service Obituaries

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13 ONA Magazine Issue 78 | Spring 2010

Contribute!

We are always looking for articles and news from Old Novos to include in the magazine, so send your contributions, via email (if possible) to: ona@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk or to the ONA Office at the school.

Please include relevant pictures if possible.

They will be returned as soon as the magazine has been printed.

The deadline for acceptance of copy for the Summer 2010 issue is: Monday 15 March 2010.

Copy may be carried over to a future issue.

ONA magazine is the magazine for the Old Novocastrian Association Editor: Tove Elander All correspondence should be addressed to: The ONA Office Royal Grammar School Eskdale Terrace Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4DX Telephone, ONA office: 0191 212 8924 email: ona@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk The Editor reserves the right to edit, alter or omit all submissions to the magazine.

Copy may be carried over to the next edition. The Editor’s decision is final.

Designed and produced by www.infinitedesign.com

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Welcome

Welcome to the latest edition of our magazine Many ON events have taken place this term and you will find reference to them in the following pages. The first of these was the “last, positively the last” Penrith reunion organised by Geoff Orde (40-49), who has arranged all of these events over the decades. My wife and I consider ourselves privileged to have been at the dinner which was held in the George Hotel, as the Seventieth year since the start of hostilities has evoked many memories across the country this year and it seemed fitting, somehow. I found it a very moving occasion, particularly as I was able to speak to those with first-hand knowledge of the evacuation.

The ONA Annual Dinner was the best attended for some years, and I hope that this is a sign of things to come. As is customary, the Senior Prefects attended the dinner and judging by the feedback, they thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We have also achieved our aim of reducing the speeches to no more than a total of 30 minutes, so if you do not come because you were bored or you didn’t win the sweepstake on the length of the Headmaster’s speech, why not give it another go?

Why not get a group from your time at school and come and join us?

Suggested themes for this year include cricketers, campers and technologists.

The reunion weekend for the 1984 leavers reunited us with several who for various reasons are not on the ONA mailing list, and this has created another challenge. If you are still in contact with any of your contemporaries who for some reason do not receive the ONA magazine, could you ask them on our behalf if they would like to be added to the mailing list? If so, the ONA office would need an email from them to that effect.

As part of the ongoing strategy to raise the ONA profile in the school the committee, together with Mr Steven Davies, our staff representative, asked the students who were going to Russia to enter an essay competition. The winning essay is published on page 8 and the prizes were presented in the last assembly before Christmas. We also supported two gap year students in their struggle to gain funds towards their projects.

We were pleased also to welcome the Head Boy and Girl to the monthly lunch for ON’s at the Northern Counties Club, and hope that they enjoyed the experience as much as the regulars who were present.

Looking forward, I hope to meet up with those of you who can be present at the London ONA Dinner, on 12 March, held at the Royal Air Force Club in Piccadilly. An invitation to the dinner is enclosed with this magazine.

Mike Barlow (53-64) ONA President

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Old Novo Visits to RGS

In November, the school was fortunate to have a visit from Old Novo Steve Munby (67-74), the Chief Executive of the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children’s Services.

After meeting the Headmaster, attending an impromptu fire drill and being given a tour of the school (to which he had not returned since the 1980s) he met with a group of sixth form students. Steve and Michael Pain, his special advisor, spoke for a few minutes each about the role of the quango in UK politics, leadership and the role of the special advisor.

The latter was particularly pertinent given the reports in the news in the preceding weeks.

challenging, both Steve and Michael were put on the spot on a number of occasions as our students kept the pace going.

Steve was particularly impressed with the quality of the questioning and it really showed that our students have an active interest in this field and are quite prepared to challenge senior people.

In the evening Steve returned to deliver the Taylor Lecture, on leadership in schools. To the small, but very engaged audience this was a fascinating insight into his thinking about the way leadership can drive improvement and progress in institutions such as ours. To those in the business it was inspirational. After the lecture Steve was accompanied to dinner by four sixth form students who The floor was then opened up to had the opportunity to talk to him the students to ask questions. at more length. For all concerned it After some initial reticence the questions began to flow; and what was an excellent day and one that will stay with us for a long time; we questions they were! Searching, hope it will for Steve too. perceptive, probing and

Richard Harpin (76-83), founder, and Chief Executive, of the multi-national company, Homeserve, quite literally dropped in by helicopter this morning, to address upper and lower sixth students regarding his experience of starting and developing a business. When Richard was at RGS, he had already begun his first moves into business; producing flys for local fishermen – a business which led to further success designing and manufacturing fashion ear rings!

During his sessions with RGS students he demonstrated how Homeserve has grown and developed over the years – his talk providing excellent information for those doing A Level economics, and providing some useful illustrations for our own would-be entrepreneurs amongst the student body. We are very grateful to Richard for taking the time to share his thoughts with us.

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Who? What? Where?

Who? What?

Where?

Barry Potts (86-93) After graduating with a Bachelor of Music (Hons) from Trinity College of Music, London, I continued my training at the Royal Academy of Music after winning a scholarship from the late Sir Michael Tippett. I have gained an international reputation as a musical director and vocal coach and to date am the youngest person to conduct The Jonathan Wall (60-68) is a magazine editor in Honolulu Symphony Orchestra in Hawaii. I have also worked extensively with the Wellington Hong Kong.

Sinfonia New Zealand, The Johannesburg Festival Orchestra, The Cape Philharmonic and Rob Shrubsall (77-87) I’m still in the The KwaZulu Natal Orchestra. computing and electronics business after a varied career with BT, JP Morgan and MTI Following an international tour of Rock Legends Technology, and since 2001 I have been I returned to New Zealand to arrange and running my own consulting firm record the music for the Spirit of Christmas. (www.contentengineer.com). We work in This show has run in America for the last six computer forensics and technology advisory years. In 2006 I conducted Frank, Dean and related to enterprise data/systems. I’m a Sammy Live in Concert on Broadway after chartered engineer and member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology plus a being musical director for the original production in South Africa, India and the UK. Chartered IT Professional and member of I have also been musical director for Dancing British Computer Society. For my sins, I’ve Queen. I am heavily involved with the arranging been a school governor for over seven years and musical production of The Twelve Irish now including three years as a chair. Most recently I was asked to help at another school, Tenors. Over the last four years this show has toured extensively worldwide, and now has a and ended up chairing that board within three permanent show in Missouri. months. Perhaps I should have gone into teaching!

Faheez Mohamed (81-91) is a consultant surgeon in Basingstoke.

Ben Giaretta (82-92) I have been made a partner in the international law firm Ashurst LLP, and have been appointed head of Dispute Tom Machell (01-08) My first year studying Resolution for our Asia offices. I am based in drama at Queen Mary, University of London, Singapore and would welcome it if Old Novos has been very exciting. I have been in Blue in SE Asia (if any!) would like to get in touch. I Remembered Hills, been cast in two short films can be contacted on ben.giaretta@ashurst.com. which will be entered into numerous festivals this year, and am now treasurer of the Queen Mary Theatre Company. I have completed the Ben Appleby (99-06) I successfully completed a degree in Politics and Economics National Youth Theatre Program, making me a member of NYT. My next project is to finish at Newcastle University and am now working writing a play that I am working on about as a graduate management consultant for families who are effected by the war in Mouchel Management Consultancy, (the Afghanistan which will then be shown at the largest consultancy firm to specialise in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in the summer. I am public sector) based in Westminster. I am also hoping to attend the New York Film currently managing a programme that Academy next year to study screen acting. combines 11 different local councils and Microsoft’s public sector division, known as the Microsoft Shared Learning Group.

As executive producer of Icon Theatrical Ltd, my latest production The Sopranos, is eight sopranos entertaining the audience with timeless classics from the world of opera to Broadway and rock. Featuring exciting new arrangements recorded by The Wellington Sinfonia under my direction, The Sopranos perform some of the best-loved and instantly recognisable music of all time. The Sopranos is touring the UK, and is visiting The Tyne Theatre in Newcastle on the 25 March.

Robert Cottrell (65-74) is manager for development infrastructure at Altera Europe.

Congratulations to Richard Elwen (74-81), HST fleet manager of East Midlands Trains, on being elected a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Stephen Dagg (87-94) left Newcastle City Council in 2008, and is now planning, highways and CPO solicitor with Dickinson Dees in Newcastle.

Darren James (89-96) flies 737s from Gatwick Airport for British Airways.

Andrew Maidwell (78-80) recently walked the boundaries of Northumberland, a walk of around 250 miles, raising over £10,900 money for the NSPCC Full Stop campaign.

Note: In the previous issue of magazine the 50 years since the first RGS athletics Uniform included a picture of the 1958 RGS athletics team. On that photograph there is an A.N Other.

It is in fact W A (Tony) Rising (49-58) who was awarded Half Colours.

Degree Results Alistair Mills (99-06) First in Law, Magdalen College, Cambridge.

Richard Sen (96-06) Law, Newcastle University.

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Memories of a 25-year Reunion by 77098S (Rob Glass) We set off in a Galley’s coach. It was 20 minutes late. I sat next to White and Alexander… Hang on. No. That was the start of my third year Junior School Holy Island Trip journal. I set off on a National Express Train. It was 3 minutes late.

I sat on my own, although not in my reserved seat as someone had nabbed it…

Reunited after 25 years – The 1984 reunion

… eventually I turned up at the Jesmond Dene Hotel. Walking in was a bit like walking into a black hole. Not that I’ve done that (although I dare say school trips these days take them in). I walked into a room full of forty or so strangers. And yet one by one the clock spun back. They transformed in front of my eyes – some into blue blazers, some into black, some into long trousers some into shorts. Suddenly there were no more middle-aged men; just a room full of fine fellows with whom I’d spent a quarter of my life growing up with.

We had a lot of catching up to do. Richard, do your folks still have their campervan? No. Oh. Dick, are you still in a band? Yes. Good. Duncan, do you still like motor racing? No. Good. And so seven hours slipped slowly by, fuelled merely by bonhomie (and Becks).

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ONA Feature: Memories of a 25-year Reunion

Left to right: Reunion organiser Martin Purvis with Mark Calverley, Mike Richards and Jonathan Calverley.

Bill Taylor and David Miles.

Picture bottom right: Carl Greener , Richard Wise, Ian Hasson and Sonya Dixon from Central High.

Thanks must go to Martin Purvis who was, and it would appear still is, our head boy. Not only did he get in touch with as many people as possible but organised us and the entire bash. In his pre-dinner speech he thanked everyone for coming, especially those who had travelled so far. I’d rather expected a name check as I had come all the way from Newark-upon-Trent in Nottinghamshire, but it would seem that I had been pipped by Simon Taylor who had travelled from California, Fraser Graham who had trekked from Kuala Lumpur and Bill Taylor who had made it from Boston, Massachusetts. My troublesome change at Doncaster became less significant.

Back then I clearly had my head in my books. However it transpires there was (and still is) a girls’ school across the road. And so it was that several ladies joined us, making it a joint reunion. Thanks should definitely be extended to Sonya Dixon for her organisational role and ensuring the words “champagne” and “reception” appeared on the invitation.

“A short hike and we were at the swimming pool. Memories came flooding back of my falling in twice and winning the Second Year Junior diving competition.”

Rob Glass Two hours later and the Collingwood Arms was calling. On our exit we perused the RGS hall of fame; David Miles – ran for England, David Webb – played rugby for England. And then WOW! Look at this! Fraser Foster plays for NEWCASTLE UNITED! Finally there were pictures from the recent rugby tour of New Zealand. NEW ZEALAND! I wonder if they set off on a Galley’s coach.

We seem to spend so long looking forward wondering where we’re going it’s refreshing to have a look back and see where we’ve been.

And so suddenly Sunday was upon us. We assembled in the school hall I feel privileged to have been part of the RGS and am indebted for the that reassuringly appeared unchanged. A selection of teachers had way it shaped and directed me. Catching up with my peers was an made the enormous effort of joining us for the tour. Amongst others was important of this realisation. As Morgan Metters put it in a subsequent my second year form tutor Mr Merritt who not only remembered me but e-mail, “Everyone seems to have turned into a well balanced and well suggested I call him Dave. This was of course impossible. It was difficult mannered adult somehow… how did that happen?” enough not calling him Sir. Here’s to the 26-year reunion.

Our stroll took in form rooms and the sixth form block. Richard Lyst remembered how if you timed your approach right you didn’t have to Rob Glass (77-84) touch the swing doors. We were shown one room that we were informed was and still is the library – one or two of us remembered it.

And then things entered the Twilight Zone. Staircases appeared.

Dance halls appeared. Tunnels appeared. Recording studios appeared. More stairs. A theatre! A basketball court. We had lost all sense of direction. Ian Hasson wondered if we’d reappear in Sunderland. In fact we re-emerged by the playing fields proudly harbouring the new all-weather pitch.

A short hike and we were at the swimming pool. Memories came flooding back of my falling in twice and winning the Second Year Junior diving competition. Then on to the all new IT and Technology blocks. It was great to see that woodwork projects were still being carved with gusto. It turns out that most of us still treasure our coat hooks and spice racks, although alas Simon Hutchinson’s cheese board came to a sorry end when battling (successfully) with a mouse.

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RGS Footballers tour the USA

New England is rightly regarded as one of the most beautiful regions of the United States.

Combining stunning natural landscapes and areas of charming architecture, it is a must see for any tourists travelling around the north east of America. However, when the 25 strong RGS football touring party arrived for their two week tour of the region, it was football, not tourism, that was at the forefront. Travelling across New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maine and finally New York City, the squad faced a gruelling twelve matches in the space of the next two weeks.

Things started off as they were to continue, when at Newark Airport, the whole squad was delayed by Adam “Greek Keps” Linardatos, who realised when in the queue for immigration, that he had left his wallet on the plane. The airport staff were not amused. Eventually the lads set off to New Jersey. After a night of fantastic hospitality from the host families, the lads finally got down to the business at hand, playing the first matches of a round robin tournament against West Essex and Milburn High School. The RGS won both games, 4-0 and 2-1 respectively.

In New Hampshire, the lads stayed with players from Oyster River High School, who were to be our first opponents. Once Martin Bagnall scored an impressive diving header, the RGS began to dominate the game, eventually winning 5-0.

That afternoon, the lads went down to Tom Johnston’s house and spent a few hours on the

lake that it backed onto. At the end of a long swim, all the squad got out. Except one. It was not until five minutes before we were due to leave, that anyone noticed that Keps was missing. The Greek had fallen asleep on a lilo and drifted a mile away down the lake. Whilst most of the lads found this hilarious, Mr Shelley was unimpressed, as there was no substitute keeper should Adam drown. That evening, the RGS faced their toughest test on the pitch so far, with a game against New Hampshire state champions, Exeter High School. In what was a tight affair, the lads picked up a credible 0-0 draw, with Rory Morris and James Robson at the back particularly impressing.

sightseeing days in a hospital. However, the hospital was more luxurious than the hostel accommodation the rest of the squad stayed in.

The penultimate leg of the tour saw the lads travel to Casco in Maine to take part in the highly respected Team Prep Camp, which consists of professional training sessions, and matches against other schools, all on a residential camp site. The lads literally won everything at Team Prep. After a disappointing performance against Phillips Exeter, which we scraped 3-2, the RGS showed more dominance by bossing games against Pingree (2-0), a highly rated Suffield side (4-0) and finally Tabor (3-0).

New York City itself was spectacular, and all the lads managed to go sightseeing and shopping, including James Douglas purchasing himself a pair of female Ugg boots and subsequently being told to walk 10 yards behind the group!

However, undoubtedly it will be the memories of visiting iconic places such as Times Square, Wall Street and Ground Zero that will live on.

The final stop on our travels was in New York City, where we had only one match scheduled.

In the blazing sunshine, the lads went down 3-1 at Rye School. Martin Bagnall wrapped up the top scorer award, with a well taken finish, moving his tally to seven for the tour. An injury to Andy Carling, playing in goal for the final 15 minutes, meant he had to spend the

The trip was made all the more special by Old Novo Peter Walker (52-60) and his wife, who kindly hosted a party at their luxury apartment on 5th Avenue. Another Old Novo, Bill Nixon (52-59), had brought his Colours blazer from 1958 (!) to the party, which was declared ‘better than the current blazer’ (if slightly heavy)!

The boys fared well in a quiz constructed by their hosts and left the evening feeling well fed and watered, as well as more knowledgeable about their city of residence.

After such a successful pre-season tour, the lads hit the autumn term ground running and progressed to the quarter final in the ISFA knock-out competition, losing 4-1 to a very strong side from Shrewsbury School.

Sean McGregor (U6) Bottom left: Mr & Mrs Walker and Mr & Mrs Nixon with the RGS Football squad.

Bottom right: Bill Nixon showing off his 1958 colours blazer.

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The Final Penrith Reunion

The Final Penrith Reunion The latest reunion of Old Novos who were evacuated to Penrith during the Second World War was held in Penrith between 1st and 3rd September 2009. The reunion, held 70 years to the day after the beginning of the evacuation, was a most enjoyable occasion when men, now in their late seventies and eighties, looked back on those days of long ago when we were uprooted from home and the school to what, for most, was a completely new and strange environment.

Our three days consisted of a low key gathering at The George Hotel on the evening of 1st September. The following day an old open top bus was hired which took a party to Keswick in what proved to be somewhat inclement weather with consequent crowding on the lower deck. Several of the party enjoyed a boat trip on Derwentwater whilst others preferred to remain in the town and sample its attractions. On the evening of 2nd September the highlight of the reunion was a dinner held at the George Hotel attended by some 45 former evacuees and 30 of their ladies. Here old friendships were renewed and reminiscences of our days in Cumberland were revived and relived. One of our guests was the present headmaster of the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School who invited us to visit the school. It was sad that Dr Trafford, the headmaster of RGS was unable to join us; however Michael Barlow, the president of the Old Novocastrians’ Association attended.

Many among our number took the opportunity to visit old haunts such as the hostels where they stayed, several of which are now residential care homes. One wonders how many of us will return to our former residences for a second story. Others went out to the lakes and hills where so many of our free time expeditions took us. The Beacon Pike which stood out so clearly above the town during the 1940’s has now all but disappeared surrounded by 70 years growth of trees. All that remains of Lowther Castle is a roofless shell. The town has expanded in all directions and new industrial and residential estates are on every part of its periphery. Christ Church Parish Rooms where classes were held is now the Freemasons Hall, and the whole area is served by the M6 motorway. However, the core Penrith which we knew during our stay is still there and makes any visit a memorable and rewarding experience.

The reunion, as the previous ones since the fifty year gathering in 1989 was very effectively organised by Geoffrey Orde (40-49) to whom we must record our most grateful thanks. He is determined not to organise another. The depredations of time ensure that the numbers grow smaller on each occasion.

No doubt individuals passing that way will relive their memories, but I think that seventy years is probably a good time to draw a line under Penrith.

S G Ashman (41-52)

Pictures published with kind permission of Derek Horn. ©Derek Horn.

Donald Gascoigne (36-46) writes: On the Wednesday of the reunion Geoff Orde (40-49) (or Geoff “Awde” as reported in The Cumberland and Westmorland Gazette) had arranged a coach trip to Keswick, followed by sailing on Derwentwater. The weather was disappointing but that did not dampen our enthusiasm, even sitting on the foredeck and not in the cabin, where the less hardy sat. In the evening we very much enjoyed the dinner at the George Hotel, with many old boys and wives being present.

On Thursday a few were up early for breakfast; others had too much of the hard stuff, or were just tired out. For once, Bill Weeks (35-44) was talkative, not as on the last occasion when he stood alone at the bar. Do not be offended by this remark, Bill!

Finally, we cannot thank Geoff enough for the hard work he has put in over the years arranging these events. Sorry it is to be definitely the last he will organise – his words.

We must also think of Anne his wife, long suffering and uncomplaining, who sits quietly in the background.

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Old Novos set the challenge to venturing pupils ONA Awards History Essay Prize

The ONA Vice President Adam Goldwater (87-97) explains the thinking behind ONA’s new award scheme:

How the Russians Choose to Remember their History Rory Allan (U6)

One cannot visit both Moscow and St. Petersburg and not be struck by how vastly different each city is. The chillingly ubiquitous concrete facades of former I was very interested to hear about the ministerial buildings and the somewhat (second) Sixth Form visit to Russia and how grim outlines of apartment block after thought-provoking the experience was for apartment block litter the skyline of those 44 students who ventured to St Moscow. The city encapsulates all too well Petersburg and Moscow. It seemed a perfect the communism that dominated it for nearly opportunity for the Old Novocastrians’ seventy years; the sickle and hammer is Association to work with the RGS History emblazoned over the entrances of Department on a new award scheme. buildings, in the various metro stations and even cast into the finery of street lamps.

I’ve always been fascinated by Russian Only the occasional palatial grandeur of the history, from when I studied it at RGS, but assorted ‘Museums of Modern History’ that never visited Russia to experience it first hand, further chronicle the hold communism had and to be honest never really had the desire to on this place provide any insight into the travel there... until now. Everything I’ve ever pre-revolutionary life of Moscow. learnt about Russia is from books, from other people’s experiences, perspectives and St. Petersburg, on the other hand, is a startling views. It got me thinking about how everyday and somewhat irreverent antithesis to the in my profession, (the museum, gallery and monotony of Moscow’s communist apparel; it heritage sector) we’re not just communicating wears an altogether more regal garment. The facts and information about objects, paintings, hundreds of palaces casually nestled on and archaeological treasures in our care. almost every street reflect the opulence that We’re trying to give people an insight into characterised the life of Russia’s elite in the those artefacts and historical places through Tsarist era. It forsakes its ‘Museum of Modern inspiring stories – to inspire people to find out History’ for the inconceivable extravagance of more. I wanted to set about challenging the the Winter Palace, the Exhibition of Vodka and pupils who went on the trip to share their the rather unexpected Museum of Pickled experience – to write a short piece for the ONA Monsters (a personal collection of Peter the to judge about what most struck them about Great). Here the legacy of the Tsars lives on – their visit to Russia. This wasn’t to be judged an omnipresent magnificence that cannot be simply as academic writing; we were looking for replicated in any other city. inspiration, prescience and insight that might be associated with high quality feature reportage.

But enough about the architecture, it is what They were asked to submit an article with the is encapsulated in that architecture that is title How the Russians Choose to Remember interesting. For beneath the concrete blocks their History. Four entries received prizes, and of Moscow and the ornate marble pillars of the winning entry by Rory Allan is printed St. Petersburg there is a fundamental opposite. I found it very thought provoking and difference in the attitudes of the cities’ enjoyable to read. The ONA is delighted to be inhabitants and, more importantly, a difference working with the History department and in how they remember their pasts. It is a looks forward to extending the award scheme difference forged by their individual to other trips in the future. city-histories that leads them to view what Russia is and was in quite separate lights.

The antithesis of Tsarist Russia and the USSR is both responsible for and reflected in the antithesis of Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Both cities were the seats of two very different governments; both cities have been moulded by them and the effect upon their populations is remarkable. In Moscow our tour guide, a surgically informative but slightly scary woman called Tatyana, would proudly tell anyone who listened of the various successes of Nikita Khrushchev: ‘the great Soviet reformer and statesman’ was her tribute to him at his graveside in the Novodevichy Cemetery.

When a member of the audience ventured to point out he was also responsible for bringing the world to the brink of nuclear war, she simply glared and ignored the comment. Indeed, the various accounts we received of the 1917 October Revolution characterised the Bolsheviks as liberaters and the Tsars as cruel and tyrannical oppressors. The Museums we visited seemed to almost wantonly ignore the darker side of the USSR’s history, the Great Terror of the Stalinist regime, the Gulags, the Cuban Missile Crisis – all were either omitted or only fleetingly referred to.

However, just as Moscow was shaped by the Communist government, so was St. Petersburg by the Tsarist rule. The Revolution, far from glorified, is keenly remembered for its more lethal consequences; a side chapel of the Peter and Paul Cathedral containing the tombs of Nicholas II and his family serve as a tragically poignant reminder of this. Just like the inhabitants of Moscow, the people of St. Petersburg are proud of their cultural heritage, proud of their Tsars who built great palaces, great cathedrals and the great Hermitage Museum. Rather than oppressors, they are seen as cultural innovators.

This, then, is surely how the Russians choose to remember their history, not as a nation but as a city; not as citizens of Russia, but as citizens of Moscow or St. Petersburg. In each city one cannot help but be drawn into their chosen historical sphere, the influence of the USSR or Pre-Revolutionary Russia exudes from every part of the cities; from the buildings to the inhabitants of them to the very culture itself and it part of what makes Russia as a country so richly diverse and culturally intriguing.

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Hindmarch!

Hindmarch!

‘Hindmarch!’

‘Yes Sir.’ ‘Is that your homework?’

‘No Sir, ‘afraid I left it at home.’

‘Hindmarch, how long is it now since I asked for it?’

‘Fifty years, coming up, Sir.’ ‘Well, let’s hear your latest excuses but before you start, how did they pick that nickname, Horace, for you?’

‘Easy Sir, it’s my initials RS…Horace.’

‘Ever heard it since the last time you were here?’

‘Only once Sir. London ’68 in front of the Law Courts from Rutherford in his gown bounding up the steps and past me with a ‘Hello Horace, keeping well?’ never since, Sir.’ ‘What’s your excuse this time?’

‘Been swotting Sir, on trying to do better.’

‘And not far, I suppose, with ‘poor’ against Geography?’

‘No Sir, only thirty countries, not enjoying myself, just working a bit.’

‘Foreign languages were not your subjects, Hindmarch.’

‘No Sir, but I learnt to ask for two beers in fifteen of them, Sir. It helps to remember the endings, like Latin, Sir, or you only get one. Not asked for any in five years now as it brings on my allergy, Sir.’ ‘Dropped Latin, didn't you Hindmarch?’

‘Yes Sir, but Bibendum was the College mascot, so I didn’t feel I had dropped it completely, Sir.’ ‘I remember seeing, Non-U, against your name posted in the Common Room; squeeze into a Redbrick eventually, did you.

How?’ ‘Yes Sir, one of the Governors gave me a Scholarship, absolute Godsend, just like a Bursary, Sir. Would never have made it without.

Meant I could swot all the time, not work behind the bar and go on skiing and rugger trips.

‘Don’t expect it was History or Natural Sciences?’

‘No Sir, History I only remember as Monty coming to Speech Day, talking 22 minutes and some seconds on Rommel in the war and me not winning the Prefect’s sweep, Sir. Zoology, I’ve nearly stepped on a rattlesnake.’

‘What was it then that you struggled through?’

‘Polymer Science and Technology, Sir. Not real Pure Science that we were to aim for, like using isotopes to take those photos of leaves in the Chemistry Lab.’ ‘And where did those Polymers take your brain and body to, Hindmarch?’

‘Pretty well everywhere, Sir, from knicker elastic to Haldron; rubber plantations to nuclear submarines; milking parlour to Embassy; copydex in kids hair to forensics on homicides; slipping and sliding to fatal explosions; one to one teach in to conference performances; air crash investigations to ten patented processes; golf balls, oil platforms, weapons, medical operating theatres, stealth, half a tonne of cocaine sting…want to try to catch me out Sir?’ ‘Just two questions, Hindmarch. Are you still fussy about food as I heard you would not eat mustard without something to go with it?'

‘No Sir, that was Robson on the train to White City. Ethiopia has quite good locusts and the cicadas in China, these days, are best deep fried rather than in noodles.’

‘And why did you come back after fifty years?’

‘I just wanted to come and thank the ghosts, like you Sir, that took so much time and effort to rub School off on me, even though I did not know it at the time, or indeed for a long time after… and even the Latin… Discendo Duces.’

‘Bye Sir. Oh! Can I join the ghost club, one day and sorry about the homework, I’ll try and do it for next time.’

Horace (RS) Hindmarch (48-59)

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ONA — Old Novocastrians Association Magazine

I met an ON a little while ago who had left the school about 7 or 8 years previously. He said that, whilst he was aware there was a London dinner every year, he didn’t realise there was a regional ON association in London organising it.

The average age of the attendees is getting older every year. Has the London ONA lost its relevance to younger members? The comments of the person I met who said he didn’t know there was a London ON Association would appear to partly support this. Therefore if the London ONA is to have a long term future we need to be asking its members “what are we here for?” Should our sole function be to organise a dinner every year? Or can we be doing other things as well that would enable our association to remain relevant to everyone, young and old?

networks that resulted from this were invaluable to many in being aware of career opportunities and other openings at various stages.

This model of what happens to ON’s once they leave the school has, however, become outdated in a number of respects. There is a far wider choice of degree awarding The London ONA is the only active regional institutions around now than existed a association in existence at the present time. No generation or so ago, and the routes into and doubt we all regret the passing of the other through higher education and career choice regional associations. But I believe the London are more diverse, so it is more likely now than ONA, by virtue of being based in the capital city, it used to be that when ON’s progress down has the potential to fulfil a unique role. For this these paths they will not have the ready reason it’s vital we don’t let it go to the wall in availability of near-contemporaries to I believe there are a number of areas that we the same way as the others. Of course, if any associate with. Also the old certainties of a organisation is to survive across the decades, it could explore. What underpins many of them, lifetime career have gone – it is more likely needs to reinvent itself from time to time. If it does however, is the concept that as well as being merely a social club facilitating an opportunity to now that in the course of ON’s economically not do this it will lose its relevance to the age in which it is trying to operate. I believe the London meet up once or twice a year we should also be active lives they will make two or three career choices, often requiring further periods of active in the area of mutual self help. There has ONA has reached this point in its history now. study in mid-stream to facilitate these That is why, over the last few months, I have been of course been some of this in the past but it attempting to meet with as many London-based has been mainly on an informal basis. It used to changes. People have to make more choices at different times and because of the atomised be quite common that, upon leaving the RGS, ON’s as possible to see if we can arrive at nature of modern society they cannot rely on one went to a university where there was some consensus about our future direction. already an ON studying who had left the school informal networks to support them in this a year or two previously. If you were lucky there process so we need to be thinking about For some time now our only activity has been slightly more formal structures instead. Our might even be someone else going there from to organise a dinner at the RAF Club every your own year cohort. This continuity of contact ON’s may also need help sometimes in facing year. Numbers attending this fluctuate a little, with near-contemporaries often continued into other work-related issues such as redundancy but regardless of the headcount there is a and retirement – and increasingly pregnancy, one’s professional life afterwards. The informal slow but steady trend in the demographics.

Bruce Embleton (66-73), President of the London ONA, considers what role the London ONA should have in the future.

Whither the London ONA?

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ONA Feature: Whither the London ONA?

childcare and work-life balance are likely to feature as well now that the school has had several years of female as well as male alumni.

Another area which is particularly important in London is housing. People coming to London need to know about opportunities that will enable them to get a foot on the ladder.

Perhaps there are ON’s already established in London who could offer accommodation in their homes to new arrivals for a few months.

My own experience of moving to London entailed spending seven months in a somewhat substandard basement bedsit in Chelsea with shared toilet facilities and no laundry provision on site. If we were to build up a database of available accommodation we would be able to spare many ON’s from being subjected to this sort of experience.

Of course, many of you will say “what is so special about London?” ON’s living and working in London share most of these problems with those living in Birmingham, Glasgow and Newcastle. The difference, I would suggest, lies in the fact that London, because of its nature as a capital city, has a large number of businesses and government departments whose corporate HQ’s are based here. These offer a unique range of

“My own experience of moving to London entailed spending seven months in a somewhat substandard basement bedsit in Chelsea with shared toilet facilities and no laundry provision on site.”

Bruce Embleton

opportunities to be explored, particularly in the field of work experience for recent leavers whilst they progress through higher education and in their early career paths. I suffer from epilepsy and I’m lucky enough to have a consultant neurologist who is Medical Director of the National Society of Epilepsy. When a colleague of mine asked me if there was any chance of her daughter getting a work experience placement in the hospital I wrote to him. She got a two week placement at the NSE and she is now in her third year doing medicine at UCL. Such opportunities as these, at the centre of a cutting edge field, are invaluable and London can offer opportunities that are unlikely to be found elsewhere.

So there is no doubt in my mind that if the London ONA goes the way of the other regional ON associations the ONA as a whole, and many of its members, will be the poorer for it. We therefore need to address the question of how we should reinvent ourselves to keep our Association relevant to people whose life experience is likely to be very different from those of us who left the school 30 years ago.

I’d be interested to hear from you if you would like to join in this debate. Please e-mail me at bruce.embleton@yahoo.co.uk with your comments.

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ONA — Old Novocastrians Association Magazine

2009 Annual ONA Dinner Over 130 Old Novos and guests attended the 2009 Annual Dinner, commencing with sherry and presentations to teachers who’d retired earlier in the year. The dinner itself was interspersed with toasts and speeches, with the entertaining speech given by guest speaker Professor Ian Gilmore (55-65) the highlight of the evening.

Old Novos of all ages attended, and group tables included the 2002 Leavers table, The Novo Rugby Club, 1989 Leavers, and a table of Old Novos athletes celebrating athletics as it was 50 years ago at the RGS. Next year’s dinner will be held on Friday 15 October.

Top left: Retired teacher Norman Baker and Robert Newton (68-78).

Top Centre: Chris Calver (60-71) with senior prefects.

Top Right: Old Novos at the reception.

Bottom right: Guest Speaker Professor Ian Gilmore (55-65).

Bottom left: The athletics table: 50 years of athletics at the RGS.

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Arthur Taylor Memorial Service

Arthur Taylor Memorial Service More than 300 people packed into the RGS assembly hall on November 22 to celebrate the life of Arthur Taylor CBE, a former deputy chairman of the board of governors of the school, captain and president of Old Novos’ rugby club, who died on April 9, 2009.

Speakers recalled Arthur’s service to the school, the city of Newcastle, the National Health Service, the legal profession and the Jewish community as well as his selfless work on behalf of a range of causes such as St Oswald’s Hospice, which he co-founded, and the Association of Jewish ex-Servicemen and Women.

School musicians Helena Pearson (harp) and Ben Rowarth (piano) provided delightful musical interludes.

With Arthur’s widow Maureen Taylor, children and grandson present in the front row, former chairman of the RGS governors Nigel Sherlock recounted how Arthur had diplomatically managed to lower the average age of the board by proposing a retirement age of 70 and applying it immediately to himself.

Maureen Taylor (middle) surrounded by family and friends.

Barry Speker, Arthur’s law partner and successor as head of solicitors Samuel Phillips, praised his high ethical and professional standards and told of how he insisted on wearing his bowler hat to work, even when driving a borrowed sports car.

Judge Peter Fingret, a longstanding holiday companion, raised laughter by recounting how Arthur, “an innocent abroad”, would wander off alone into the souk in Luxor in search of someone with whom to discuss the National Health Service.

Professor Alex Crombie, former dean of medicine at Newcastle University, described how Arthur was widely respected as chairman of the Newcastle Health Authority for his sound judgment and for helping win extra resources for patients in the Northeast.

“Arthur was a thoughtful man, a cerebral but witty man, a reflective man, constant and lasting in his friendships, never unkind to anyone and assiduous in all he attempted and achieved,” he said.

Freddie Hoult, a friend and neighbour on Holy Island, remembered being taken as a child to watch Arthur play rugby for Old Novos. He also told of how Arthur once serenaded his guests with Gilbert and Sullivan from a window at their holiday cottage on the Northumbrian coast.

Photos by Louis and Kate Taylor

A collection after the ceremony raised nearly £800 in donations in memory of Arthur for the RGS Educational Trust Bursary Campaign.

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ONA — Old Novocastrians Association Magazine

Obituaries Hugh Patterson Deputy Head, Junior School 1960-1982 A remembrance by Colin Patterson (60-69)

My father Hugh Patterson died on 7 May 2008, aged 90. He taught at the Junior School from September 1960 until his retirement in December 1982, and was Deputy Head during most of that period.

Of all the things in his life, Hugh was probably most proud of his association with the RGS. As a child he had passed the entrance examination for the Senior School, but was not able to take up a place, as his parents could not afford the fees. It was therefore a source of great satisfaction for him to spend the best part of his teaching career preparing Junior School boys for Senior School entrance, and to see his sons and grandsons going through the school.

Alan Anderson (19-25) born 1909, died September 2009, aged 100.

James William Walton (34-39) born 1923 died 30 June 2009, aged 86 Ian Angus (31-37) born 1919, died 7 August 2009, aged 90.

I was in Hugh’s class for a year, and had the interesting experience of being a pupil called by my surname during the school day, then a son called by my Christian name once we left the premises. He was most careful to avoid any favouritism. As a teacher, I found him methodical and patient, yet ambitious for his pupils’ progress: he knew that bright children enjoyed being stretched. I remember the thrill of learning some elementary algebra, getting a sneak preview of what properly belonged to the Senior School syllabus. One regularly found that Hugh knew a surprising amount about all sorts of things. An all-rounder, he was able to teach most subjects, both in the classroom and on the sports field. He took over the teaching of art when R.B. Bertram retired, and when the Junior School moved from Eskdale Terrace to Lambton Road, it was Hugh’s good fortune to be able to design the new art room himself. He did not accept the first plans, which had the sinks at adult height!

years. He was also a gifted craftsman. For a couple of months during 1965 he would disappear into the woodwork block several times a week after school was over, and busy himself building a small sailing boat for my brother Ken and me. It was first launched in the school swimming pool, and proved free of leaks!

Peter James Lamb (49-54) Born 1938, died 27 November2009, aged 71.

Correction: in the last issue we incorrectly reported the death of Ian Gray (67-74). Ian is in fact alive and well and living in the Midlands.

Hugh was proud to be a Geordie. He was born in Jesmond, and courted my mother, Evelyn Brown, while they were both at West Jesmond Teacher Training College. They married in 1951, and were hardly ever apart for the next 47 years. In preparation for retirement they moved from Newcastle to a cottage near Wark, and thrived on their love of the countryside. They regularly visited their caravan at Derwentwater, and walked the hills in the Lake District. On his 80th birthday, Hugh resolved to learn word-processing so that he could write memoirs of his time as a prisoner of war. In spite of his shock at Evelyn’s early death in 1998, he went on to publish his book, Many of Hugh’s most enduring friendships Geordie Hussar, P.O.W. As that saga makes were with fellow staff members, from the clear, he emerged from the war years Senior School as well as the Junior School.

He saw the RGS as a way of life, not just a job. resourceful, resilient and grateful for life – and On a Saturday morning, he would often be out these were qualities that never left him. He on the school field reffing an informal game of spent his last years in Hexham, alert and active, regularly attending plays and concerts at RGS rugby for Junior School boys. He became to support his grandsons, Jonathan and known as the staff football team’s “Stanley Campbell. A faithful husband, father and Matthews,” playing in the annual staff vs. prefects match until well into his fifties. A keen grandfather, he is sadly missed. walker and rock-climber, he helped to run a summer camp on the Isle of Arran for several

Francis Stuart Lowe (26-32) Born 1916, died 26 November 2009, aged 93.

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Obituaries

David Salkeld (30-38) Born 1919, died April 2009, aged 89.

with great fondness by many of his patients who knew him as a straight talking gentleman who could always be relied on to offer help and sympathy in their times of need. Heaven knows how many babies he delivered: David’s family are forever meeting people who tells them that he brought either them or their children in to this world!

David Salkeld was born in Newcastle and educated at the RGS. He chose to do medicine and having started his training at King’s College in Durham, in 1938 went to Charing Cross Hospital which was to become his alma mater and source of huge pride. He qualified in 1942.

During the war he worked in trauma and orthopaedics in London before moving home to the North East to become a GP in Newcastle. Initially he worked as a single handed doctor gradually building up a large practice which was to become the Saville Medical Group and he remained Senior Partner of his practice for more than four decades.

David was one of those doctors that the patients just adored, and his family keep being told about his patient care over his 50 years in practice – mainly positive, sometimes funny stories, some sad one. What always comes through was his dedication and commitment and how much his patients trusted him, and more importantly genuinely loved him because he was always ready to go the extra mile for their care. He continues to be remembered

David Salkeld was a man for all seasons: the rugby season, the golf season, the football season! He was a committed and talented sportsman from being a lad. He played very successfully on most of the RGS school teams in cricket and rugby. He played for and captained Durham University and London University’s 1st XI and 1st XV teams and captained the Combined London Universities in rugby. He captained the 1st XI and 1st XV teams of the United London Hospitals when he was at Charing Cross.

He played his club rugby for Old Novos and was their captain from 1946-48; he was honoured to play for Northumberland County and was their captain in 1947. He played for South Northumberland Cricket Club and captained that side between 1956-59 during which time they won the Northumberland league twice. He also played for Northumberland County between 1944-49.

He was a talented boxer at school and was a mean tennis player in his day, teaching his three daughters to play a useful game of both tennis and squash. He was a committed member of the Gosforth Bowls club. He played his golf for Northumberland Golf Club, managed to get his name up on several trophy boards and was made captain in 1986. Northumberland Golf Club probably gave him the most enjoyment in the last 20 odd years since retiring – it’s only a couple of years ago that he had to hang up his golf bag but he continued to be an active and opinionated member of the club, and enjoyed the old boy friendship network that was very special for him.

Even when he was no longer able to compete, David still had a huge and active interest in all sports, especially football. He was passionate about the game and having been the team doctor for Newcastle United for many years, he was hugely honoured to be made a Club Director for a few years back in the 80’s.

He loved his garden – right up to the turn of this year you would find him pottering and his lawn was his pride and joy. He loved nothing more that a trip to the local nurseries where you would think he was re-stocking Kew Gardens and it gave him much pleasure.

David and his wife to be Marion Angus, a Central High school girl, met as teenagers when they were both still at school, thanks to Marion’s brother Ian who was also in the same year at RGS. They were married in 1947 and they got their telegram from the Queen on their 60th wedding anniversary.

Having been a keen member of the OTC, David became a member of the Territorial Army and was the Medical Officer of both 439 and 101 Regiments, Royal Artillery. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a Mason and a member of the RGS Lodge. He was also a talented violinist playing in the school orchestras.

Despite the hardships of illness, David never gave up. He had a strong Christian faith and was a true fighter – many a weaker man would have given up years ago and even at the end he was more worried about the family than he was about himself. David is survived by his wife Marion and three daughters Lindsey, Alison and Judith (all Central High girls).

Alison Moodie

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Obituaries Eric Wilkes (30-37) Born 1920, died November 2009, aged 89.

Eric Wilkes, educated at RGS, went up to Cambridge in 1937, ostensibly to read Modern Languages but in fact to act. He was an enthusiastic amateur but most unusually he was given the main part in a play produced by Dodie Rylands in his first term. He was well reviewed in the National Press and two years later became the President of the University Amateur Dramatic Club. The war prevented him taking this up and he never acted again.

He was invited on to the National Cancer Subcommittee and there he wrote the Wilkes Report on Terminal Care, published in 1980.

He recommended greater attention be paid to the needs of dying patients and their relatives and the diversion of health care resources to the community. Twenty years later, the UnderSecretary of State for Health praised in Parliament the foresight of the report and the influence it had on altering the pattern of health care in Britain.

Eric had by now become involved in the hospice movement, opening the first modern unit outside London. The quality of bedside care at St Luke’s Hospice, Sheffield, gained a national reputation – integrating complimentary treatments with conventional skills. He also opened the first Day Hospice, copied by other units up and down the country. As Co-Chairman of the national In 1940 he trained as a Signalman. Five years charity Help the Hospices, he emphasised the later, after service in India, the Middle East, vital importance of physical symptom control Malta and Italy he was a 25-year old, and worked to improve the management and decorated Lieutenant Colonel commanding communication skills of hospice personnel. a Regiment in Germany. He spent most of his With the support of the Minister of Health he war in forward areas intercepting German brought unity by convening and chairing the radio traffic for M15. meetings between the independent hospices, As the war approached its end, like so many of the NHS units and the major charities his generation, he had to re-plan his life. He has concerned to form the National Council of Hospice and Palliative Care Services. always been grateful to King’s College, Although due to retire, they made him Cambridge for letting him return to the honorary Vice-President. university, this time to study medicine. He eventually qualified from St Thomas’s Hospital, In an age of specialism, Eric remained a London with various prizes, at the age of 32. determined generalist, conscious of the social He then spent 18 busy, happy years as a responsibilities of the physician. He served as Country General Practitioner in the village of Chairman of the Sheffield and Rotherham Baslow in Derbyshire, until he was appointed Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of Professor of Community Care and General Offenders. He gave a kick start to the Sheffield Practice at Sheffield Medical School.

Victim Support Scheme. He held meetings at the University, at which psychiatrists and social His impact may be informed from the fact that the percentage of Sheffield Medical Students workers could meet with the police members opting for a career in General Practice became of the Drug Squad to discuss the evolving problems of drug abuse. As Chairman of the the highest in the country.

Prevention Committee of the National Council of Alcoholism he encountered government indifference and a refusal to face a difficult future. He served on the Council of Mind and on the Advisory Council of the Charities Aid Foundation.

A master of words, he was Public Orator to Sheffield University. A frequent broadcaster, his series of Thought for The Day and Sunday Epilogue were well received, as were his lectures on Dr Johnson and Gibbon.

He was awarded many honours; in addition to his military MBE he was awarded the OBE for service to Medicine. He was elected to the Fellowship of three Royal Medical Colleges: Physicians, General Practitioners and Psychiatrists. He was awarded Honorary Degrees from both Sheffield Universities, he served as High Sherriff of South Yorkshire and a Deputy Lieutenant of Derbyshire.

A happy family man, he was not interested in personal publicity and was rather taken aback when in retirement a medical journalist called him the last of the great eccentrics. His family were the centre of his world and he enjoyed many years of retirement with them.

Eric died peacefully at home. He leaves his wife Jess, his three children and six grandchildren all much richer for having shared his love and life. He will be much missed and always treasured.

Ruth Ostrovskis-Wilkes

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Obituaries

Brian Shallcross (50-57) Andrew Peter Manley (75-82) Born December 1937, died August 2009, aged 71.

Born 1963, died 15 August 2008, aged 44.

Brian Shallcross, a political broadcaster, was a former chairman of the Parliamentary Press Gallery. During his successful television and radio career, Shallcross interviewed most of the leading British politicians of the past 50 years, including Harold Wilson, James Callaghan, Margaret Thatcher, John Major and Tony Blair.

One of Andrew’s passions was cricket. For the school a left-arm fast bowler, he played also for Northumberland, and Durham City and Esh Winning in the Durham League.

During his gap year he played for Colne in the Lancashire League.

On leaving RGS, Brian went to Durham University to read English. He was also the president of the students’ union and editor of the university newspaper. After university he joined Thomson Newspapers, but soon moved to Tyne Tees Television, where he presented a weekly studio discussion called Youth Puts the Question, before moving on to presenting North East Roundabout and chairing Front Page Debate, a political programme.

In 1973 Shallcross joined Southern Television.

As well as producing and presenting the station's political programme, Your Westminster, he covered parliamentary affairs for the nightly news programme Day by Day, and presented Agenda. Brian also found time to write and produce documentaries both at home and abroad. In the early 1990s Shallcross moved into radio, joining the Southern Radio Group, as parliamentary lobby correspondent. In 2008 he started producing a podcast for Classic FM, Window on Westminster. He also wrote a popular blog about the House of Commons, called Brian in the House.

Brian Shallcross was based at the Press Gallery at the House of Commons and had a desk there for over 30 years. For four years, he was chairman and then deputy chairman of the Press Gallery.

He is survived by his wife and their three children.

Another passion was theatre. He appeared in the RGS productions of Royal Hunt of the Sun, as Northumberland in Henry IV, and Estagon in En Attendant Godot. As stage crew, he lit Peter Schaffer’s demanding Black Comedy.

Inspired by the teaching of Mr Alan Mitchell, History became Andrew’s chosen subject.

At University College London he took a First in Medieval and Modern History, the Sir William Meyer Prize, and, jointly, the intercollegiate Derby prize for the best First of the year. His postgraduate research work concerned the role of Islam in the history and culture of West Africa, under the direction of Louis Brenner at the School of Oriental and African Studies.

His love of Africa was deep but unblinkered.

He experienced a military coup in Mali, was an EU/UN observer at elections in Nigeria and Tanzania, was with French Special Forces in Djibouti, and had a rushed escape from Chad after a brush with the security services of a government unappreciative of his kind of probing journalism.

Music was fundamental in Andrew’s life.

Early exposure to the heavy rock music of He went to live in a Malian home in Segou, on the 1970s (typically ahead of his age) was followed by punk bands like the Clash. In the banks of the Niger in the cotton-growing London, he worked at the legendary Ray’s area of the Sahel, south of the Sahara. From there he travelled with local people over much Jazz Shop, at the heart of Soho’s jazz of the West Africa, developing an insight into community. It was inevitable that he would embrace the emergence in the 1980s of how societies are shaped by their history, African performers on the UK scene. He religions and cultures. There followed made his pilgrimage to Timbuktu to meet the extended stays in Paris where contact with guitarist Ali Farka Toure, made recordings of the African communities of the 18th Arrondissement deepened his interest in the Fulani flautists in the field, and of Toumani politics, economics, cuisine and above all, the Diata in his home. In recent years, he wrote pungent reviews for the world music journal music of Francophone Africa.

Songlines.

On his return he was invited to join the Andrew is buried in Foulridge churchyard, Economist Intelligence Unit as Africa Editor. among his roots in North East Lancashire.

Later, he became a freelance writer School friends were pallbearers at his contributing to a range of journals, newsletters, professional briefing services and funeral. His headstone reads: broadcasts on BBC and RTF. In recent years Historian and Africaniste. his expert witness reports were frequently critical in ensuring that African asylum seekers Alison and Peter Manley to the UK got a fair hearing on appeal.

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ONA Merchandise Cufflinks £10 Enamelled cufflinks (presentation box included)

Polo Shirt £18 Canterbury polo shirt with embroidered crest.

100% cotton. Available in black, navy or royal blue, in sizes M, L and XL.

Tie £10 Polyester tie, striped with crest.

Hooded Sweatshirt £35 Canterbury hooded sweatshirt with embroidered crest. 60% cotton 40% polyester.

Available in black or grey, in sizes M, L and XL.

Wall Plaque £25

The new ONA merchandise is now for sale To order any of the items, please send a cheque (payable to ONA) to: ONA Office Royal Grammar School Eskdale Terrace Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4DX

Remember to include your name, address, phone number and/or email, and to indicate which item you are ordering.

Please include phone number and/or email so we can contact you if delivery is likely to be delayed.

The ONA accepts no responsibility for non-delivery via standard post. If you would like your order to be sent by special delivery, please contact the ONA office for a price list.

All goods are sold subject to availability.