16024 RGS ONA Magazine 92_PRINT 12/09/2014 14:16 Page 10
A HISTORY OF THE RGS IN ITS PEOPLE by David Goldwater (51-62)
In recent issues, we have concentrated on individuals who have left their mark on the school and much interest has been stimulated as ONs have recalled their own personal recollections of notable staff and pupils. So regular have been the messages to Jane in the ON office and to myself, we thought it might be interesting at this point to recall some of this feedback. It also serves the purpose of connecting more ONs to the readership at large, numbering a surprising 5,500+. After all, what is the purpose of the ONA Magazine, if not to connect our membership to our readers?
Sydney ‘Sammy’ Middlebrook (18-58), Senior History Master and Second Master (from 1950)
David Selley (52-57), now living in Toronto enjoyed recalling Thomas Tucker Anderson (24-60), OW Mitchell (48-60) (see issue 86) and ‘Ma’ Steven (31-56) (issue 89). He remembers OWM sweeping into the classroom clutching his gown around him. David suggested an article on ‘his hero and mentor’ Sydney ‘Sammy’ Middlebrook (18-58), Senior History Master and Second Master (from 1950). Christopher Dean (45-53) recommended a piece on his father, George ‘Dixie’ Dean (24-67), who succeeded ‘Sammy’ as Second Master in 1958. May I appeal to as many readers as possible to send in their recollections of these two fine men who exemplified the best in RGS educational standards (email ONA office: ona@rgs. newcastle.sch.uk). Colin Young (68-75) acknowledged the piece on John Elders (57-82)(issue 87): Good to see the old school doing so well. I particularly enjoyed the piece about John Elders in the current edition. Without doubt the most inspirational teacher I had in my time at the RGS – a great leader who always found time to encourage you to aspire to a higher level than you believed you could achieve and, who helped you get there. Jim Reed (33-40), whose passing at 91 is sadly noted in the last issue (issue 91), remembered ‘Ma’ Jean Steven (issue 89) as ‘a formidable woman’. His son Bill, who would read the magazine to him, recalled his Dad’s friendship with Gordon Victor Smales (34-40), three of the four Tulloh brothers, Frank (34-41), Clifford (35-41) and Harold (35-41) and his time at Penrith. Keith Phillips (53-62) remembered her
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