The
Silhillian
Number 21
November, 1970
The Silhillian
THE MAGAZINE
OF THE
OLD SILHILLIANS' ASSOCIATION LIMITED
Hon. Editor: BRIAN R. KNIGHT, Meiringen, 22 Robin Hood Lane,
Hall Green, Birmingham 28
Magazine Sub-Committee: J. E. J. BAGGS, J. B. CURRALL
No. 21
NOVEMBER 1970
1
CONTENTS
page
Committees—Sports Sections Officials
Diary—December 1970 to December 1971
Editorial
The President's Letter
The Headmaster's Letter
...
The Parents' Association Letter
The School, University Awards and Entries
London Dinner
Past Presidents' Annual Dinner, Planning Report, Golden Jubilee
and Public Schools Club
..
.
Commemoration 1970 and Old Boys' Day Golf ...
Annual Ball
School Fete
Meet the Backroom Boys
Sports' Sections Reports—(Cricket, Golf, Hockey, Rifle. Rugger.
Squash, Swimming)
Sports' Sections Tours—(Cricket and Rugger)
Ladies' Society Report
Golden Jubilee Appeal
The Welsh Old Silhillians' Letter
The Oxford Old Silhillians' Letter ...
The Cambridge Old Silhillians' Letter
Letters to The Editor
Grafton Morrish Trophy 1970
Management Committee Report
University and College Honours and Lists
Honours
News of Old Boys ..
Births, Engagements, Marriages and Obituaries
They'll Spend Five Months on Unexplored Island
A Trip Through Rumania
Addresses Unknown
New Members' List
Select Sub-Committee Report
Acknowledgments
2
3-6
7
9
10-12
14-15
16
17-18
19
20
21
22-23
23
24-26
28-36
37-38
39
40
4/
43
44
45
47-49
52
53-56
56
57-62
63-65
65-66
67-68
69
70
71-75
76-80
OLD SILHILLIANS' ASSOCIATION LIMITED
COMMITTEE 1970
President: J. E. J. BAGGS, 14 Silhill Hall Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
705 0659 454 4811
Past President: F. A. R. MOON, 41 Danford Lane, Solihull, Warwicks.
705 3196
President Elect: R. G. TOY, 678 Fox Hollies Road, Hall Green, Birmingham 28. 777 6674 454 2202
Headmaster: B. H. McGOWAN, Solihull School, Solihull, Warwickshire.
705 0201 705 0958
D. H. TOMLIN, 19 Blackdown Road, Knowle,
(or represented by):
Solihull. 560 4853 705 4273
Hon. Secretary: P. W. LACEY, 31 Bowen Court, Bromford Park, Belle
Walk, Moseley, Birmingham 13. 449 5745 643
4024
Hon. Treasurer: S. R. RUSSELL, 58 Hollie Lucas Road, Kings Heath,
Birmingham 13. 444 4012 078 971 2781
(Alcester)
Hon. Membership Secretary: G. C. WESTWOOD, 155 Alcester Road,
Hollywood, Near Birmingham. 998 2014 454
5037
Editor "Silhillian": B. R. KNIGHT, 22 Robin Hood Lane, Hall Green,
Birmingham 28. 744 2960 643 5033
Chairman Memorial Clubhouse and Ground Committee: P. B. L. INSTONE,
"White Cottage," Aspley Heath, Tanworth-inArden, Solihull, Warwickshire. 056 44 389
(Tanworth) 705 4038
Chairman Entertainments Sub-Conunittee: R. D. ICKE, 403 Warwick
Road, Solihull, Warwicks. 705 3174 440 3143
Chairman Finance Sub-Committee: J. R. Y. MADELEY, 69 Bills Lane,
Shirley, Solihull, Warwickshire. 744 1559 454
1182
Ordinary Members: J. BRADBEER, 10 The Close, Olton, Solihull, Warwickshire. 643 8822
R. J. DOBLE, 42 Swanswell Road, Olton,
Solihull, Warwickshire. 706 7588 744 4595
J. L. R. HARE, 14 Ettington Close, Dorridge,
Solihull, Warwickshire. 560 5404 Pershore 2181
J. F. W. MILLER, 27 Wychwood Avenue,
Knowle, Solihull, Warwickshire. 560 3060 777
1410
A. J. RICHARDSON, 64 Whitefields Road,
Solihull, Warwicks. 705 0551
J. B. M. URRY, "Dormers," 232 Dickens Heath
Road, Shirley, Solihull, Warwickshire. Wythall
3114 359 2553
University Representative: J. R. TREDWELL, 10 Miall Park Road,
Solihull, Warwicks. 705 0030
St. Peter's College, Oxford
London Representative: C. S. MILES-THOMAS, 46 Oakington Avenue,
01 ARN 6995
Wembley Park, Middlesex.
01 WEM 1222
Co-opted Member: P. J. HILL, 18 Mirfield Road, Solihull, Warwicks.
705 4064 236 0237
INVITEES
Fete Representatives: A. B. SMITH, "Millpool Cottage," Millpool Lane,
Dorridge, Solihull, Warwickshire. 560 2824
705 7575
P. G. SUCKLING, 42 Lady Byron Lane, Knowle,
Solihull, Warwickshire. 560 2389 772 5976
3
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 1970
SPORTS SECTION OFFICIALS
Chairman: R. C. CUPIT, 14 Hanbury Road, Dorridge, Solihull,
Warwickshire.
CRICKET
President:
Hon. Secretary: J. BRADBEER. 10 The Close. Olton, Solihull. Warwickshire.
Chairman:
Hon. Treasurer and Chairman Finance and Planning Sub-Committee,
Mr. J. B. M. URRY, "Dormers", 232 Dickens
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Heath Road, Shirley, Solihull, Warwickshire.
Captain :
Bar and Catering: D. M. POWELL, 99 Kempson Avenue, Sutton Coldfield.
W. P. Townsend, 15 Woodchester Road, Dorridge, Solihull.
560 2252
E. G. Wilcox, Green Hayes, Four Ashes Road, Bentley
560 2044
Heath, Solihull.
R. H. Blasdale, 6 White House Close, Solihull. 705 1956
M. J. D. Smith, 83 Lode Lane, Solihull, Warwickshire.
705 5620
D. V. Adams, 118 Fillongley Road, Meriden, Coventry
CV7 7LT.
0676 2405
643 7808
Warwickshire.
Ground: T. J. B. CROFT, "Kingswood Cottage". Lapworth, Warwickshire.
Establishment:
A. J. RICHARDSON, 64 Whitefields Road. Solihull.
Warwickshire.
GOLF
President:
J. M. Urry, 1 Thornby Avenue, Solihull.
359 2553
705 0102
Desmond Cooper, 35 Besbury Close, Dorridge, Solihull.
Secretary
705 2462
KNO 3597
and Treasurer:
J. 13. M. Urry, 232 Dickens Heath Road, Shirley.
Match Sec.:
Wythall 3114
359 2553
Desmond Cooper, 35 Besbury Close, Dorridge Solihull.
Captain:
KNO 3597 705 2462
HOCKEY
President:
Sports Sections Representatives:—
Cricket: J. WATERS, 2 Witley Avenue, Solihull, Warwickshire.
Chairman:
Secretary:
Golf: Mr. J. B. M. URRY, as above.
Hockey: D. D. COX, 15 Northdown Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
Treasurer:
Captain:
J. N. Scott, 7 Nailsworth Road, Dorridge, Solihull.
Knowle 3265
T. G. Jones, Woodside Cottage, Rising Lane, Packwood,
LA8 2411
Hockley Heath, Solihull.
J. P. Jowett, 9 Fentham Close, Hampton-in-Arden, Near
HA4 2431
Solihull.
705 5971
J. Waters, 2 Witley Avenue, Solihull.
J. Johnson, The Coach House, Old Doctors Yard, High Street,
H-in-A 2529
Henley-in-Arden.
Rifle: R. J. DOBLE, 42 Swanswell Road, Olton, Solihull, Warwickshire.
Rugby: J. 0. COOPER, 24 Gladstone Road, Solihull. Warwickshire.
Squash: J. L. HARE, 14 Ettington Close, Dorridge, Solihull, Warwickshire.
Swimming: P. G. C. CURWOOD, 56 Russell Road. Moseley. Birmingham,
13.
RIFLE
President:
Chairman:
Treasurer:
Masters' Common Room Representative: K. A. BERRIDGE, 7 Rockingham
Close, Dorridge, Solihull.
KNO 2792 705 4409
4
Secretary:
Captain:
K. W. Highway, White Ladies, 131 Hampton Lane, Solihull.
J. F. W. Miller, Torino, Stratford Road, Hockley Heath,
Warwickshire.
F. L. E. Dyne, Trescoe, The Crescent, Hampton-in-Arden,
HA4 2743
Solihull, Warwickshire.
R. J. Doble, 42 Swanwell Road, Olton, Solihull.
J. C. Bragg, Blackcap, 103 Avenue Road, Dorridge, Solihull.
5
DIARY OF EVENTS 1970 71
RUGBY
-
President:
J. 0. Cooper, 24 Gladstone Road, Dorridge, Solihull.
Secretary:
A. J. Keeler, 34 Bryanston Court, Grange Road, Solihull.
021-707 5717
705 0852
A. W. Pratt, 13 Heaton Road, Solihull.
Treasurer:
Captain:
KNO 3930
1970
December
3—Parents Association Christmas Fayre Civic Hall.
9-12—School Play.
11-0.S.A. Annual General Meeting Barston Lane.
12—Old Boys Day and Annual Dinner.
13-01d Boarders Day and Carol Service.
14—Parents Carol Service.
15—Lower School Carol Service.
16—Middle and Upper School Carol Service.
16—Christmas Term Ends.
P. R. Johnson, Olde Coach House, High Street, Henley-inHenley 2529
Arden.
1971
SQUASH
President:
Chairman:
Captain:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
H. B. Callaghan, Orchard Close, Earlswood Road, Dorridge,
KNO 2776
Solihull.
705 3173
T. Jackson, 19 Pinfold Road, Solihull.
R. G. Paine, 40 Chapelfields Road, Olton, Solihull. 706 5051
R. F. Slater, 10 Cheedon Close, Dorridge, Solihull.
J. L. R. Hare, 14 Ettington Close, Dorridge, Solihull.
560 5404
January
February 25—Ladies Society Talk and Demonstration of Deep Freezes.
26—Parents Association Annual Dinner and Dance Civic Hall.
March
3—Parents Association Fashion Show Civic Hall.
6-0.S.A. Jubilee Dinner in New Refectory.
24—Easter Term Ends.
25—Ladies Society Fashion Show.
April
20—Summer Term begins.
30—Parents Association Dance at St. Johns Hotel.
May
5—Ladies Society Charity Coffee Morning.
12-19—Upper and Middle School Sports.
18—Ladies Society A.G.M.
June
10—School Commemoration Concert.
11-0.S.A. Commemoration Ball.
12—Commemoration Old Boys Day.
13—Commemoration Sunday.
19—Parents Association Commemoration.
SWIMMENIG
President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Captain:
R. G. Davies, 17 Alderbrook Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
705 1403
B. R. Knight, 22 Robin Hood Lane, Hall Green, Birming744 2960
ham 28.
P. G. Suckling, 42 Lady Byron Lane, Copt Heath, Knowle,
Solihull, Warwickshire.
705 4102
R. B. Gribble, 11 Mirfield Road, Solihull.
8—Easter Term begins.
21—Ladies Society Talk "Value for Money" given by Consumer
Association.
July
9—Summer Term Ends.
September 7—Christmas Term begins.
16-21—School Speeches.
September 7—Christmas Term begins.
SECRETARIES OF SPORTS SECTIONS
Rugger: A. J. KEELER, 35 Bryanston Court, Grange Road, Olton, Solihull,
October
4—Lower School Prizegiving.
5—Middle School Prizegiving.
Squash: J. L. HARE, 14 Ettington Close, Dorridge, Solihull, Warwickshire.
November 6—School Remembrance Service.
7—Remembrance Sunday.
19—School St. Cecilia Concert.
Hockey: P. JOWETT, 9 Fentham Close, Hampton-in-Arden, Warwickshire.
Dec.
Warwickshire.
Cricket: R. H. BLASDALE, 6 White House Close, Solihull, Warwickshire.
Rifle: R. J. DOBLE, 42 Swanswell Road, Olton, Solihull, Warwickshire.
Golf: D. E. S. COOPER, 35 Besbury Close, Dorridge, Solihull, Warwick-
shire.
8-11—School Play.
11-01d Boys Day.
12-01d Boarders Day and Carol Service.
13—Parents Carol Service.
14—Lower School Carol Service.
15—Middle and Upper School Carol Service:
15—Christmas Term Ends.
7
1
EDITORIAL
Once again it is very close to publication time and as usual this is
virtually the last article to be produced, except for the usual late reports.
This year we extend a welcome to our new steward and his wife,
Mr. and Mrs. Samways who seem to have settled in very quickly although
comparatively new to this particular section of the licensing trade. We
all, I am sure, wish Alun and Audrey Tattersfield every success in their
ncw venture, which must at least be quiet after the Sil's, and thank
them for all the hard work they so genuinely did for us.
The grounds as ever are in excellent condition due to the unceasing
attention of John Hammond and his staff.
I would like to take this opportunity of thanking Paul Instone and
John Madeley for their persistent hard work over the past few years and
hope we will see them as much over the next few years. Also, to wish
their successors, R. Cupit in running and taming the Management
Committee and J. B. M. Urry in his post as Treasurer, all the very best.
We all are aware, I am sure, that next year is our Golden Jubilee
year, and we would welcome any ideas and in particular articles for our
special edition of the Magazine. It is only the members' articles that make
the existence of the Magazine possible so any idea, correspondence or
article, historic or futuristic, please forward to me.
We have yet again found that printing costs have risen and greatly
appreciate the consistent support of many firms and organisations. There
must be still a number of organisations connected or unconnected with
the O.S.A. who may wish to have an acknowledgement in our Magazine,
so please contact me if any person has knowledge of these people.
I would like to thank my Committee and yet again my devoted
Secretary who have put so much work into this Magazine.
We wish that sincerity and peace attend your family at Christmas
and may the New Year be even more successful.
Photo: J. Corral!
Ann and John Baggs
8
THE PRESIDENT'S LETTER
14 Silhill Hall Road,
Solihull,
Warwickshire.
Dear Old Silhillians,
This issue of the magazine marks the Association's forty-ninth year.
It has been a year of many changes, which perhaps befits an organisation
approaching its Golden Jubilee. A year ago you were given preliminary
information regarding the likely changes in an article entitled "Rethinking
our Association." This year your Committee has been engaged in converting
thoughts into deeds.
It became clear some two years ago that our finances had taken an
adverse turn, largely because of constantly increasing costs combined with
a very high rate of interest payable on our substantial Bank overdraft.
A Select Sub-Committee was formed under the Chairmanship of Pat
Hill with the task of considering the problem in detail and recommending
to the Committee the steps which should be taken to reorganise the
affairs of the Association. A more detailed statement appears elsewhere
in the magazine of the Select Sub-Committee's recommendations that
were finally accepted. We are greatly indebted to Pat Hill and his SubCommittee for the amount of time and effort which they spent in
compiling and presenting their report.
An Extraordinary General Meeting was held in July to put into
effect the various changes, and I am confident that these changes will
place the Association's finances on a sound basis in the coming years.
The greatest problem facing the Committee at the beginning of the
year was the substantial amount of interest payable on our Bank overdraft. The interest rate had increased by approximately 50% over a
period of three years, with the result that our efforts to raise income and
increase profit were largely for the benefit of the Bank. This problem
not only affected the day to day running of the Association, but also
made it impossible to give any real consideration to future development.
The most urgent task was to reduce the Bank overdraft, which at the
beginning of this year stood at approximately £15,000. It was for this
purpose that the Golden Jubilee Appeal was launched, and the future
development of the Association depends very largely upon the success of
this Appeal. May I, therefore, send my most sincere thanks to all those
who have contributed to date, and may I again ask those of you who have
not yet contributed to send some donation no matter how small it may
be.
There have also been some changes in personnel. Both John Madeley
and Paul Instone resigned during the year. John served for five years as
Chairman of the Finance Committee, and was largely responsible for the
successful financial arrangements made in connection with our move to
Barston Lane. Paul has been Chairman of the Management Committee
since the move to Barston Lane, and served as Chairman of the Ground
Committee for many years before that. Both of them have devoted an
enormous amount of their time to the affairs of the Association, and I
would like to express very sincere thanks to both of them for all of the
work they have done. Peter Lacey, who took over the office of Honorary
Secretary at the beginning of this year, has found the attractions of the
West Country too great to resist, and athough I personally am very
sorry to lose his valuable services I wish him and his wife every success
and happiness in their new surroundings. Finally, we have had a change
of Steward and Stewardess, and have been very pleased to welcome
Phillip and Phyllis Samways to Barston Lane where they have been
looking after our interests most admirably.
A further problem has presented itself following the Government's
decision to site a motorway along the line of Barston Lane with an
inter-section in the vicinity of our car park. It seems likely that part of
our ground will be taken away from us, and to protect our interests a
special Sub-Committee has been formed under the Chairmanship of Mike
Wheelock, a Past President of the Association, and I am certain the
J. E. J. Baggs, President 1970
10
11
Photo: J. Curran
t."
The School
person most suited to deal with a problem of this nature on the Association's behalf.
Social events have followed the normal pattern, and I have obtained
considerable pleasure from meeting so many people as your representative.
Indeed, one of the more satisfying aspects of my year as President has
been the warm welcome that I have received everywhere in addition to
the support given to me by members of the Association. The Commemoration Ball was again held at Barston Lane, and proved to be a
most enjoyable evening. However, this is another function which has
been hit severely by rising costs, and unless there is greater support from
members for the Commemoration Ball we may be forced to consider a
change of venue in the near future. This would be a great pity, as we
shall certainly not find a more pleasant and convivial setting for what
is one of our major social functions of the year. I am also sorry to
say that support for the London Dinner fell away considerably in 1969.
For the 1970 London Dinner we have changed the venue to the Public
Schools' Club, and I sincerely hope that this will encourage a greater
number of members from London and the Home Counties to attend what
is always a most enjoyable evening.
Whilst the major part of our activities are based at Barston Lane,
we are always anxious to encourage the development of the Association's
interests and promote closer contact between all members. If any member
who resides away from the Solihull area has any suggestions to make
towards this end, I shall be very pleased to hear from him. If any of
you are visiting Solihull, I do ask you to visit your Clubhouse where
you will be more than welcome.
During the year I have attended many of the functions at School,
including a most enjoyable and sunny Commemoration Day. This is
another most pleasing part of a President's year, particularly because
of the warmth of the welcome which one always receives when visiting
School. I would like to take this opportunity of expressing most sincere
thanks to the Headmaster and Mrs. McGowan for the charming way in
which they have always entertained my wife and I on our visits to School
throughout the year.
This year we have also been working very closely with the Parents'
Association. We were glad to assist them with their Summer Fete held
at School in July, which produced the very satisfactory sum of £3,000
towards their fund for covering the School Swimming Bath. Here again,
I have always had a very warm reception in all of my contacts with the
Parents' Association, and I am very grateful to their Officers and
Committee for the close co-operation that has existed.
We are now getting near to our Golden Jubilee, the date of which
is the 4th March, 1971. Various celebrations are planned, the most
important of which will be the Golden Jubilee Dinner to take place on
Saturday, 6th March, 1971. It will be held in the new Refectory at
School, and I am very grateful to the Headmaster for granting us
permission to use the Refectory for this special occasion. Full details
regarding this and other functions will be sent to you separately.
Finally, it remains for me to thank all members of the Committee
and of the Management Committee who have worked so well throughout
the year. There has been a large amount of Committee work, and I
have been particularly fortunate in having the support of so many
willing and industrious Committee members. All have served equally
well, and I am especially grateful to Roger Cupit, Brian Urry, Richard
Doble and Jeremy Bradbeer who took office during the year at very short
notice.
May I thank you as the members of the Association for having me as
your President, a position of great honour and one from which I have
derived great pleasure during the year in acting as your representative.
Yours sincerely,
JOHN BAGGS
President, Old Silhillians' Association Limited.
12
13
HEADMASTER'S LETTER TO THE SILHILLIAN
Dear Old Silhillians,
I am most grateful to your Editor for giving me this chance to
write to you again through the pages of the Silhillian. I know that
many of you cannot come often to the School so it is good to have this
method of letting you know what's new and what has been happening at
school in the past year.
There has only been one change on the Governing Body and no
staff changes among the more senior members of the staff. We have
welcomed Dr. Paul Kent as the new Governor representing Oxford
University, and Oxford Old Silhillians will very likely know him already
as Admissions Tutor at Christ Church, a College to which many Old
Boys have gone in recent years.
The most obvious and visible change at school recently has been
the completion of the large new block between School House and the
Science School which faces the Chapel across the Masters' Lawn. This
came into use, as scheduled, at the beginning of the Christmas Term,
and it is the biggest single project the School has undertaken for over
thirty years. The total cost is of the order of £150,000, and it is a
tribute to the Governors' wise handling of their resources that no part
of this has fallen on the fees, nor has there been any appeal or added
burden of debt.
The new buildings, amounting to 18,000 square feet in floor area,
include a refectory and kitchens, a language laboratory and classroom,
and a new Geography School with three large rooms and several smaller
ones. The new refectory has already transformed the whole atmosphere
of school lunch—we can sit, eat and talk in pleasant surroundings, without rush or noise. A feature that appeals specially to the boys is that they
have a choice of menu—made possible by cafeteria service. A result is
that the food—which is exactly the same as before and was always good
—is now generally regarded as being very much improved! A project
the size of this one is bound to take time, and it is nearly six years
since I first pressed the needs upon the Governors. So it is a great
encouragement now to see it all complete, and I would like to say a
special word of thanks to our Architect, Mr. J. W. Tomkins, who took
over the plans of Mr. Neville White when he sadly died last year, and
to the Bursar, Mr. H. A. Steele, who had the responsibility of furnishing
and equipping the new building and generally seeing the project through
from start to finish. All three are Old Silhillians.
Old Boys may have noticed other changes on the school site. The
widening of Warwick Road has opened up and improved the view of
the school from the south; it has also given us the chance to re-style our
main entrance, and to move the cycle park to a safer, tidier and less
conspicuous position near the entrance in School Lane. Simultaneously
we have demolished the wooden building which had served as the Chapel
before the new one was built ten years ago, and which had outlived
its proper span of life.
Further developments are in hand including the covering of the
swimming pool. I should like to express warmest thanks to all Old
Silhillians who helped to make such a success of the School Fête held
last July to raise funds for this project. I know that the Parents Association who organised this event greatly appreciated the support of Old Boys.
By this and other means they have now raised over £10,000 towards
the cost of covering the Pool, sufficient to make them able to go ahead
with the work straight away and aim to raise the balance of some
£3,000 later. May I say how much I welcome the use by the Old Boys
Swimming Club of the school pool in the summer term, and I hope
that when it is covered Old Boys will be able to use it in the same way
throughout the other two terms of the year.
14
The academic results last year again brought reward to . a large
number of boys. Nine places were won at "Oxbridge" including three
open awards at Oxford. At Advanced Level of G.C.E., 76 boys had an
80% pass-rate scoring 2.21 passes each. Their grades were also good
and most of those who aspired to the University won places — 46
altogether at the time of writing. In G.C.E. at Ordinary Level 110
boys in the Middle Fifths passed an average of 5.4 subjects each; as
some had passess already, their average total to date is about six each.
There are 915 boys in the school this term, again an increase on last
year. There has been a welcome surge of demand for boarding with 60
boarders in residence; it may be that the increased demand in part
reflects the internal improvements in School House which have been
taken a stage further this year.
As a way of strengthening the House system in the Upper School,
the Middle Fifth Forms are now organised on a House basis, with all
the boys in one House in the same form. Another Upper School change
is that the members of the Bench (the Prefects) are now elected — by
the second and third year sixth forms — instead of being appointed as
previously.
In games, the swimming and water polo teams were particularly
successful, as were the 2nd XI at cricket, and the junior rugby teams.
The 1st XV and the Cricket 1st XI both won more than they lost and
the Cricket XI had a particularly successful tour of Ireland after the end
of term. Mr. C. J. Lea, 0.5., is now in charge of cricket; Mr. I. R. Jones,
who played for Leicester University, has taken charge of Rugby, and
Mr. I. E. G. Biggs continues in charge of Hockey. All three sports
have been greatly strengthened by the arrival of several talented gamesplayers among this term's new masters.
Mention should certainly be made here of the achievements of Keith
Jones, last year's Head of School, who captained the English Schools
Cricket XI and the M.C.C. Schools XI and scored a half-century at
Lords. In his five years in our own 1st XI he scored the phenomenal
total of 2,500 runs for the school. He now goes to St. Edmund Hall,
Oxford, to read Geography—and also, possibly, to play some cricket!
Keith Jones has been followed as Head of School by Jonathan P.
Wearing (Fetherston) with S. L. Duffield (Pole) as his Deputy.
Old Boys have no doubt seen press reports to the effect that Solihull
County Borough will "go comprehensive" in 1974. You may also have
seen the prediction by some politicians that this will be the death of
Solihull School! The proper reaction might well be that of Mark Twain
who, while in rude good health, saw his own death report in the
obituary columns of his local paper and said "The report is, to say the
least, very much exaggerated!"
Of course a change in the County Borough will affect us, because
we shall probably receive no new free place holders from them in 1974
and after. But there may well be gain as well as loss and neither the
Government nor the Borough has any power to force a change of status
on Solihull School, and the Governors are unanimously determined to keep
the school independent. They have several alternative plans available to
keep up the numbers and the quality of the school and they are examining
these carefully and unhurriedly with that aim in view. The support of
present and prospective parents is most marked and the Governors'
current building plans, now in so large a part completed, offer clear
evidence of their confidence and determination for the future.
. Before I close I should like to say what a pleasure it was for my
wife and me to see so many of you at Commemoration, and at the
winter Old Boys' Day, and to say that we shall look forward to seeing
as many of you as can come next time. Commemoration in 1971
will be on Saturday 12th June, and if you come then you will be able
to take tea with us in the new Refectory and see it for yourselves.
With best wishes to you all,
Yours sincerely,
BRUCE McGOWAN.
15
THE SCHOOL
PARENTS' ASSOCIATION LETTER
Open University Awards
Dear Old Silhillians,
The close and friendly relationship which exists between our two
Associations was strengthened still further during the past year and culminated in the launching of the School Fete which was held on 10th and
1 lth July. The Fete was a great success both financially and socially.
I have much pleasure in advising you that after taking into account
funds raised from all sources for the purpose of providing a roof over the
swimming pool, including donations, covenants, allocations from our
General Fund and the net proceeds of the Fete, we have obtained a sum
of £10,000 towards the estimated cost of the roof of £14,000. The
Governors have generously agreed to advance the balance required. We
have undertaken to reimburse them as soon as funds are available and
building has now commenced.
Under the capable leadership of Roy Loader, ably assisted by his
wife Lorna and a hard working General Committee, the Parents' Association has again enjoyed a most successful year. As a result of this success
allocations have been made to the Careers Fund and the Scholarship
Fund, and many other worthwhile activities and amenities at the School.
In addition, a sum of £1,830 was allocated to the Swimming Pool Roof
Fund.
During the coming season we have arranged a varied programme of
events and I have listed below a few of these. A warm welcome is
extended to all of you and your friends to join us on these occasions:—
Thursday, November 19th — Parents' Dance, St. John's Hotel.
Friday, November 27th — Wine and Pate Party, Hobs Moat Assembly
Rooms.
Thursday, December 3rd — Christmas Fayre, Civic Hall.
Friday, February 26th — Annual Dinner Dance, Civic Hall.
Wednesday, March 3rd — Fashion Show, Civic Hall.
Friday, April 30th — Parents' Dance, St. John's Hotel.
The Ladies Committee are now hard at work preparing for the
Christmas Fayre which is one of our main events and Gloria has asked
me to thank all the Ladies of the Old Silhillians' Association who have
so kindly offered to help at this event.
Gloria and I look forward to meeting many of you again during our
term of office.
May I conclude by congratulating The Old Silhillians' Association
on the forthcoming Golden Jubilee and wish you success and prosperity
during the year.
Yours sincerely,
JOHN W. BINSTEAD,
President, 1970/71 Parents' Association.
16
I. J. M. Griffin ...
E. Chang
J. D. S. Smith
Gordon Warter Open Scholarship in Mathematics, Pembroke College, Oxford.
Open Exhibition in Physics, Christ Church,
Oxford.
Open Choral Exhibition, Exeter College,
Oxford.
THE UNIVERSITY ENTRIES
Bath
Building.
R. J. Standley
Bristol
Law.
D. S. Dean
Cambridge
A. M. Barnsley
S. D. Gare
R. A. Jarman ...
Selwyn College, Economics.
Trinity Hall, Law.
Downing College, Geography.
S. G. Auster
P. A. Roberts
Law.
Theology.
Durham
Lancaster
J. F. Clemence
Leeds
...
N. J. Flood
R. S. Greenhough
R. H. Griffith-Jones
Leicester
M. J. Davies
Liverpool
...
D. H. Potter
W. Thomson ...
S. J. H. Williams
London
S. J. B. Ashton ...
J. Blackstock
S. A. W. Richardson
Manchester
A. J. Blakey
C. J. Stuart
...
...
Manchester Institute of Science
...
H. Chang
J. N. Harper ...
Nottingham
...
D. E. Lloyd
S. M. McLachlan
W. D. L. Williams
Oxford
E. Chang
I. J. M. Griffin ...
J. Hyde
A. K. C. Jones
V. H. C. Peyman
J. D. S. Smith
Reading
N. J. Pearce
Salford
J. W. Cowland
R. E. Moore ...
St. Andrews
I. D. Penman ...
French.
Civil Engineering.
Accountancy.
History and Religious Studies.
Law.
Commerce.
Medicine.
Zoology.
Imperial College, Engineering.
St. George's Hospital Medical School.
Queen Mary College, Mathematics.
Law.
History, Economics, Politics.
& Technology
Paper Science.
Building.
Economics.
Law.
Chemistry.
Christ Church, Physics.
Pembroke College, Mathematics.
University College, English.
St. Edmund Hall, Geography.
Keble College, Law.
Exeter College, Engineering.
Estate Management.
Civil Engineering.
Geography.
Theology.
17
Sheffield
I. H. Paling
Wales
R. P. S. Morris
M. F. Lewis
C. M. Spriggs
Warwick
C. J. Rees
York
R. B. Cook
Metallurgy.
Bangor, English and Philosophy.
Lampeter, History.
Swansea, Geography.
LONDON DINNER, 1969
Everyone present had a very enjoyable evening, but the number
of members who attended was very few. In fact, the contingent from
Solihull made up half the party.
The President, speaking after the dinner, did not unduly delay the
continued enjoyment of the evening. After bringing the members up-todate with the affairs of the Association he mentioned his disappointment
at seeing such a small turnout. This was echoed by the Headmaster, who
also spoke briefly, and informed those present of the progress being made
at School, especially in connection with the new buildings.
There followed a general discussion as to the reasons for the lack
of interest shown in the Dinner by the London members, and it was
generally accepted that a more determined approach would need to be
made in future in order to encourage a better attendance.
Christopher Miles-Thomas, who had served as the London representative of the Association for many years, indicated his desire to resign from
this position at the end of 1970, and it was agreed that J. R. D. Orrett
should assist him to organise the 1970 London Dinner, when a special effort
would be made to obtain better support.
After the formal proceedings a very pleasant hour or so was spent by
members in discussion and reminiscence.
It was good to be honoured once again by the presence of Messrs.
E. Havinden and J. Easterling, who are so dependable for the support
which they give to this function.
FARM
... Law.
...
Politics.
'-9146,15,106Q1e72"4-•
161il
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Photo: J. Currall
Barston Lane
18
Photo: J. Currall
President Elect
R. G. Toy
President
J. E. J. Baggs
19
A Past President
B. J. Swift
COMMEMORATION 1970
PAST PRESIDENTS' ANNUAL DINNER
The Past Presidents Society held their Seventh Annual Dinner at
the Old Silhillians' Associations' headquarters by kind permission of the
President. This was an occasion for those who have been adovcating that
your most senior society should show their faith in the capabilities of
the stewards and management.
I am very pleased to tell you that everyone who attended enjoyed
the hospitality which your excellent stewards, Mr. and Mrs. Tattersfield
laid on and I am sure that if we are given the facilities we shall continue
to hold our dinner at Barston Lane in the future.
The incoming member this year was our old friend Fred Moon.
The initiation speech of welcome was given by Jack Urry (President 1950).
VOH
PLANNING REPORT
A proposed Motorway Link is likely to pass near or through our
grounds at Barston Lane. At the time of writing this report, the line has
still to be definitely fixed. In view of this uncertainity, no consideration
could be given to any major planning this year.
In connection with the Motorway Link, your Committee has appointed
a Sub-Committee, under the chairmanship of M. J. Wheelock, to look
after our interests and to carry out preliminary negotiations with the
authorities or any interested bodies. They in turn, have briefed F.
Blennerhassett in case his professional services may be required.
On Friday, June 12th the School was in procession to the Parent
Foundation, the Parish Church of St. Alphege of Solihull for the annual
service of Commemoration. The preacher was the Right Reverend R. G.
Clitherow, Bishop of Stafford. At the same time there was a service in
the School Chapel for boys of the Middle and Lower School who could
not be accommodated in the Parish Church. The preacher at this service
was the Reverend Michael Goode, of St. Alphege's Church.
On the Friday evening there was the fourth Commemoration Ball.
a report of which appears elsewhere.
We were, once again, blessed with fine weather for all the activities
of the weekend and so our cricket match with the School's 1st XI got
off to a good start on the Saturday morning. There was the usual
enjoyable lunch at the Clubhouse and the afternoon saw the start of the
2nd XI cricket match. A pleasant afternoon was spent strolling round
the School grounds, having tea in the marquee on the lawn and watching
the cricket. For those interested, there was, of course, the shooting and
tennis matches and finally the swimming and water polo. It will be
rather a pity when the School baths are covered as you will not be able to
watch the closing overs of the cricket and the swimming at the same time,
unless the architect provides a large window down one side.
In the evening there was a Discotheque at Barston Lane to round
off the day's activities. The event proved very popular and was well
supported by the younger set in the marquee. Needless to say, the more
aged members were to be found enjoying a drink in the lounge.
OUR GOLDEN JUBILEE
Our Association was formed on 4th March, 1921 and so next year
we celebrate our Golden Jubilee. To mark the occasion, there will
be a dinner on Saturday, 6th March. Your Committee are trying to make
the dinner as different as possible from our Annual Dinner. By kind
permission of the Headmaster, the function will be held in the new
refectory at School and you will no doubt, be delighted to hear that
Mr. Bushell has accepted an invitation to preside. At the time of going
to press, the price of tickets has not been worked out, but it will be
inclusive of reception, sherry and table wines. Please make a note of the
date in your diary, now!
PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLUB
Our London Dinner has just been held for the first time in the
stately, yet comfortable, surroundings of the Public Schools Club situated
at 100 Piccadilly, London, W1V ODA. Membership of this Club is open
to all members of our Association. In addition to luncheon and dining
facilities, overnight accommodation is available at very reasonable cost.
The Club rooms comprise a bar, smoking room, dining room,
television and writing rooms, together with a Ladies Annexe with a separate
entrance in Whitehorse Street. There is an active Club Golfing Society
and, under reciprocal arrangements, members may use squash courts of
the Naval and Military Club, 94 Piccadilly.
Country Membership (over 4 miles from Charing Cross) is 11 guineas
and Town Membership ranges in four grades according to age from 5
to 25 guineas. Overseas membership is 3 guineas and there is a favourable
scheme for school leavers going to work or study in London, for a single
payment of 7 guineas they get full membership for seven years. Further
details can be obtained from R. G. Toy.
20
OLD BOYS DAY GOLF
Approximately thirty golfers turned out on Saturday, 13th December
for the Annual Association Golf Competition on Old Boys Day. Although
the course was wet from the previous twenty-four hours rain the sun
came out. The weather was mild and subscribed to a very enjoyable
morning for all competitors, in spite of the fact that the Match Secretary
announced the stroke allowance for the Competition to be 3 /4 where it
should have been 7/8 of lowest club handicap. It made no difference to
the final placings which were as follows :—
...
Vic Hawley
...
Des Cooper
...
Jack Urry
Duncan Waters ...
.
Robert Winslow ...
Prizes were awarded for the first three places.
40
39
38
37
35
Forty-six people attended the customary Steak and Kidney Pie Lunch
following the Golf, and this was enjoyed by all. Eight members who
attended Lunch had been frightened off by the weather to their own
disappointment.
Mr. Bushell attended the Lunch at approximately 1.40 p.m. having been
collected by Bill Townsend and A. G. Bragg..
21
Photo : D. Assinder
The Annua l Ba ll
REPORT ON THE ANNUAL BALL
The pattern of previous years was again followed with this event,
and the Annual Ball was held during Commemoration Weekend.
Once again it was decided to provide continuous music throughout
the evening and, in addition to our 'resident' band of Arthur Georgeson
and his Orchestra, we were entertained by the Ronnie Marquiss Trio.
A splendid cold buffet was served at the tables by City of Birmingham
Restaurants, with the younger members of the Rugger Club acting as
waiters and providing an excellent service. A raffle was held at midnight,
realising a profit of £30 and helping to offset the reduced numbers attending
this year.
The President, Mr. John Baggs and his wife, Ann, received all members
and their guests, and amongst those present were the Headmaster and Mrs.
McGowan, the Chairman of the Governors and Mrs. Hill, and the
President of the Parents' Association and Mrs. Loader. There were a
number of new faces at the function this year, but it was a disappointment
to see a reduction in numbers attending once again, and it is difficult to
see how the Annual Ball will be able to continue in its present form
unless better support for it is forthcoming.
Much valuable work was done behind the scenes to ensure the smooth
operation of the whole evening. Space does not allow mention of them
all but our grateful thanks go to all of them, particularly to David Powell
and his helpers for the arrangements behind the Bar, and to Richard
Doble for his efficient organisation of the raffle.
REPORT ON THE SCHOOL FETE, 10th & llth JULY 1970
Just two years ago the idea was conceived of raising funds to provide
a permanent cover over the School Swimming Bath. The Parents'
Association, whose formation stemmed from the original idea of building
the Swimming Bath and who have subsequently provided heating and
filtration equipment, undertook to accept main responsibility for fundraising, and a target of £10,000 was set.
It was decided that the main activity would be a Fete to be held
in the School Grounds on July 10th and 11 th 1970, and a small Executive
Committee was formed, consisting of 3 members of the Parents' Association
and 2 from the Old Silhillians' Association — Arthur Smith and Peter
Suckling. From the early part of 1969 onwards many meetings were held
and much midnight oil burned with activities increasing rapidly as the
Summer Term approached.
The main theme of the Fete itself was taken from the BBC television
programme 'Its A Knock-Out' with teams from various youth organisations
in the Borough competing against a School team, with the home side
appropriately finishing up as winners. Around this central theme was
built a wide range of stalls, side-shows and other attractions, with the
O.S.A. accepting full responsibility for the operation of a large section
of these. In addition to these activities, it was decided to hold a sponsored
swim in the School Swimming Bath a week before the Fete, and the
organisation of this, in co-operation with members of the staff of the
School, and was undertaken by the Old Silhillians' Swimming Section. The
event was a great success, over £500 being raised in one afternoon.
As the great day approached, the weather portents were far from
favourable, but the Saturday dawned clear and sunny and the crowds
rolled up in their thousands. When the noise and the tumult had died,
and the money had been counted, our takings for the day were £3000
and the result of two years hard work showed that our original target
had been exceeded.
Work on the Swimming Bath is now proceeding apace, due in no
small measure to the hard work put in by your representatives and by
many other Old Silhillians on that July day. Future generations of boys
at Solihull School will have every reason to be grateful to them all.
23
Pho to: J. Curran
Meet the Back Room Boys
RAYMOND DENNIS ICKE BORN 1922
Chairman of the
Pho to: J. Curran
Cha irman of
Your correspondent was sitting in the cinema one evening with his
wife, when the Editor sidled up during the interval, sat on the stairs
(we were naturally in the circle !) asked if we had had a nice holiday, and
just before the film recommenced casually said "it has been agreed that
you will write an article on Ray Icke for the Silhillian", the lights then
went out and he quickly returned to his seat. It was three weeks before
we met again, by which time it was too late to refuse a task which at
first appearance may seem quite simple, but on reflection can be likened
to a blind man using a torch.
Two words can sum up Ray Icke, enigmatically ubiquitious.
Born in 1922 at Church Stretton, Shropshire, his first taste of
secondary education was 2+ years at Ludlow Grammar School. In 1934
his family moved and Ray started at Solihull School in the Shell Form,
his first Form Master being the incomparable "Swotty" Ansell. He left
in 1940 having reached the dizzy heights of a Prefect and obtained
School Colours for Rugby and Athletics.
1941 saw his acceptance into the Royal Air Force and he served
until 1946 on ground staff, spending 3 years in North Africa and Italy.
Coming from a family associated with engineering, it is not surprising
that he has been connected with that side in industry for most of his
working life, and at present conducts a successful Small Tool manufacturing
business.
Ray has 4 brothers and one sister, the latter having produced a son
who in recent years captained Cambridge University at Rugby, he is also
an Old Silhillian. It was whilst acting as best man for one of his brothers
that Ray met a girl named Barbara who became, in 1949, his wife. They
moved into a house on the Warwick Road in Solihull and their union
was blessed by the arrival of a son Christopher, followed about three years
later by a daughter, Gillian. Christopher is now 19 and Old Silhillian, he
has been known to play rugby, and also darts, in between studying
Accountancy. Gillian is 16 and at Saint Martins School, Solihull. They
are two young people anyone would be proud to be the parents of.
Barbara Icke is an ideal partner for Ray. Bubbling with enthusiasm,
she helps a great deal in all her Husband's social interests, which are
many and varied . . . Past President of the Solihull School Parents'
Association, a post which was immediately followed by chairing the
Committee of the very successful Fete that raised money to cover over
the school swimming pool. Past Secretary of Solihull Outward Bound
Association, past member of the Solihull British Legion Club Committee,
newly elected member of the Robin Hood Golf Club Committee and
present Secretary of the Old Silhillians' Entertainments Committee, of
which the main items are the organisation of the June Ball and the
December Annual Dinner, apart from odd dances in between at the Club.
Ray's sporting interests are also varied. Being of mature age, he is,
of course, limited as regards actual participation, without doubt his
favourite is golf (handicap 16), he is also known to play a very poor game
of bowls, and occasionally builds up the strength to pick up a snooker
cue.
From the preceding information it is easy to see that the subject of
this article is a busy person. He is one of life's workers, and many clubs
and associations have been, and are, glad of this. He is keenly interested
in the running of organisations, and he is admired for not only the time he
devotes, but the pleasant way in which he goes about things.
Quiet, efficient, well mannered, humorous, happily married with a
fine family, what more could a man ask for. Ray Icke is indeed fortunate.
FARM
25
Photo: J. Cu rra ll
ROGER C. CUPIT
During the 1939-1945 war, a soccer game of sorts was being played
in Dorridge. One of the spectators advised those assembled to "kill the breferee". This exhortation came from an angelic little chap, perhaps three
years old. Even at this early age Roger Cupit revealed himself as a man
of firm conviction; with a keen interest in sport.
0
Roger was born in Southampton in 1938, but he moved to Dorridge
the following year, where he soon made his presence felt. Without exception,
the local residents have vivid recollections of the young Cupit, the lad
whose escapades belied his positively cherabic appearance.
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c.)bt
Roger started his formal education at Cedarhurst School at the age
of four. Shortly afterwards he was heard to ask a gardener what won
the 3.30 at Kempton Park—he learned quickly. At Cedarhurst it was
soon apparent that here was a boy of considerable character.
0 6
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(Zst:4
His first two terms at Solihull School were spent with one leg in
plaster, for Roger contracted oesteomyelitis shortly before leaving Cedarhurst. Fortunately this had no lasting effect, and he subsequently played
for the School at hockey, tennis and rugby, captaining the last two teams.
He was a notable Head Boy.
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When he joined the Old Boys Rugby Club, Roger soon gained a
reputation for his performances both on and off the field, and on his
first Easter Tour he astounded everyone by playing four games of football
in five days without ever apparently going to bed. He was to become a
highly popular Captain of the Club and an extremely efficient and tireless
worker behind the scenes.
E
1
crcn
4'4
In spite of increasing business commitments — he is a director of
Cartwright & Co. (Boards) Ltd. — R.C.C. is now applying himself to the
post of Chairman of the Management Committee, an onerous job, where
thanks are few and criticisms all too frequent. However, any man who
still tries to master the art of smoking a pipe after five years of dismal
failure, surely has the determination to succeed at anything.
4E1 **
g
In 1963, Roger married Pat Rudge, whose charm has passed on to
their three delightful daughters. The Cupits now live midway between
Barston Lane and the Railway Inn, Dorridge.
1-6
cr,
What of the future? It seems likely that Roger will take up golf.
With little practice he is already an excellent putter. When he has mastered
his other club he will indeed be a formidable opponent.
It is hoped that he will take an active part in the life of the Association
for years to come; men of his energy and ability are hard to find.
26
71,
27
CRICKET CLUB REPORT
GOLFING SOCIETY REPORT
First team matches have been played against Copt Heath, which
was unfortunately cried-off due to a severe thunderstorm, on the night
when the cedar tree by the 16th tee was struck by lightning; Robin Hood,
which was lost by three matches to two; one match against the Old
Edwardians played at Harborne, which was won three matches to one;
and our annual first team battle against Olton, which was won 44matches to 11, the only losers being our President and John Duncombe,
playing two Old Silhillians who were lent to Olton for the match,
David Winslow and Roy Harris! "B" team matches have generally been
well supported and more matches have been won than lost, although
North Warwicks, have beaten us on their home course by 6 matches to 1,
the teams consisting of 14 players each. At the time of writing, however,
we still have a few fixtures to play, namely our return match 1st team
against the Old Edwardians, the Visitors' competition, and the President's
v. Captain's match.
Our participation in the Public Schools Old Boys' Golf Association
competition continues and in the qualifying round held at Olton in
June, Solihull led the qualifiers once more with a total number of points
of 94, Repton being second with 89.
The individual scores were as follows:
D. A. Winslow and C. A. Smith — 31.
R. S. Winslow and D. G. Waters — 32.
J. Duncombe and J. M. Urry — 31.
It is hoped that there may be space to include a full report of our
visit to Hunstanton in October in another part of this magazine. We
are full of confidence and hope to do even better than we did in 1969.
Congratulations are due to Colin Smith on his engagement to Fiona
McArthur, and he has now decided that domesticity has preference to
golf; it comes to us all at sometime! We look forward to seeing more
of him in due course.
It is particularly pleasing to open the report this year with congratulations to our President, Jack Urry, on his election as President-elect of
the English Golf Union. He will take office in March 1971 as President
of that body. This honour is well deserved and a recognition of all he
has done for golf, both as player and administrator.
Congratulations also to Robert Winslow on his election as Captain
of Warwickshire 2nd team. Their record this season has been very good
and it is pleasing to see another Old Silhillian taking an active interest
in Warwickshire Golf.
Unfortunately, at the time of writing, we are informed by the
editor that copy has to be to him by the 1st September; it is impossible
to include news of all the functions of the society.
The Annual General Meeting was held in April and Jack Urry was
re-elected President, Desmond Cooper, Captain, Secretary and Hon. Treasurer, and Brian Urry, Match Secretary. It is understood that brother
Mel is assisting our vastly overworked Captain in some of his tasks!
The Old Boy's Challenge Cup was held during July and the cup
changed hands within the same family, being won by Jack Urry with
a gross score of 72, less 4, 68. This also won the Charles Hill Salver
for the best gross score. This was the first of several scores which led
to our President being pulled from four to three later in the year. The
runner-up in the Old Boys' Cup was Barry Hudson, 87 less 16, 71, and
it is pleasing to see Barry back with us after his illness earlier in the
year. The Foursomes Cup which was played for in June for the Wiseman Trophy was won by two rivals playing together on a very rare
occasion, Colin Smith and John Duncombe, with a score of 80 less 5,
75, the runners up being Brian Urry and Tony Wiseman and Duncan and
Anthony Waters, 764-. Unfortunately Barry Davison, who was due to play
with David Winslow, who had to cry-off at short notice, because of
illness, played with a member of Olton Golf Club, (Bill Harris), and they
scored 71. They were ineligible for the competition but received a
consolation prize.
28
N. I. Cutler gave his last report as Chairman of the Club, the termination of thirteen years of continuous service on the Committee where his
advice will be badly missed. His contact with the Club continues as he is
a member of the growing group of Club umpires who turn out regularly
each Saturday to control the three home games played each week. Last
season the "home" pitch was provided at an extremely reasonable rental
by Henley-in-Arden Sports Club, to whom we are very grateful. This
season, three pitches are being used at Barston Lane, a fact taken very
much into account by the O.S.A. Finance Sub-Committee in their calculations of the annual amount due from the Sports Clubs each year. The
extra financial burden put on the Club makes it difficult to tread the
narrow path between putting the subscriptions up within reason and
overstepping the mark and losing members to other local Clubs. To
cope with these new financial demands and the introduction of League
Hockey, nineteen of the Committee Offices changed hands at the Spring
General Meeting.
The outstanding Social Event of the year was once again the
Annual Dinner-Dance. Our thanks to Bob Standley, and its financial success was consolidated by Ian Gold's tombola. John Wilkinson has handed
over the direction of the Knockers Draw to John Hathaway. The Club
showed its appreciation of all John Wilkinson's work on the Draw, which
has been the Club's financial life-saver since 1967, by making him an Honorary Member. Trevor Jones found it difficult to get subscriptions in with
members trying to keep the pound in their pockets for the last time but just
managed to produce an excess of income over expenditure for the Annual
Accounts. Roger Flood, apart from continuing his international successes,
improves our fixture list each season. The Oakley brothers managed to get
eleven players on to the pitch for most of the games; Graham Hollway's
headache this year.
29
Unlike the three preceding ones, the 1970 season got off to a good
start and in fact, very little cricket was affected by rain. The season will
be remembered for the many exciting games played by all the sides.
The 1st XI had an improved record, with 6 wins, 4 defeats and 8 draws.
Runs were not as plentiful as in last season but bowling performances
were better. There appeared to be a general improvement in the standard
of the side as a whole, rather than in individuals, with the exception of
Nigel Duckitt, that is, who had a very good season, missing his 1000 runs
by 30 runs or so.
After losing Stewart Burton to Germany and Rob Wyatt to Australia
the club's attack looked a little depleted. Nigel Thomas and Barry Sims
both had very good seasons however, and were helped by some fairly good
fielding (towards the end of the season at any rate!)
It should be put on record that our Sunday captain, Peter Levenger,
was nominated as one of the Midlands Cricketers of the Year for 1969;
one of the highest honours accorded to a Club Cricketer. Well done,
Peter. Congratulations too, on your recent engagement.
The Sunday 2nd XI under the experienced guidance of long serving
captain John Breaker, had a record season, scoring 5 successive victories.
Quite something when you may recall that they had a total of two wins in
the preceding 2 seasons.
Among the highlights of the season was the Fourth Annual Six-a-Side
Tournament won again by Ray Hitchcock's VI and capably organised
as usual by John Breaker and Rob Chetland.
Our sincere thanks, yet again, to Mr. Hobday, who has umpired for the
Club since 1955, to Bob Ainsworth who seems to be taking over (see you
in 1984 Bob!) and to John Hammond who again prepared a glut of
good wickets.
HOCKEY REPORT
Photo: J. Currall
Hockey 1st XI
Standing: H. Fielding, P. Strickland, P. Levenger, A. Smith, G. Essex
Sitting: D. Adams, K. Foster, J. Johnson, S. Burton, I. Smith, M. Smith
Photo: J. Curial!
3rd Hockey XI
Standing: J. Davenport (Umpire), G. Holloway, R. Squires, S. Mackay, C. Roby, N. Duckett, J. J. Marshall, B. Young,
J. Scott (Pres. Elect)
Sitting: M. Oakley, R. Allen (Capt.), T. Jones, M. Bates
Stuart Burton, now banking in Central Europe, reported a hard season
with mediochre results. The Club had finished in the middle of the
Midlands League with a 38% record. There was a distinct difference
between the approach to League Hockey and the approach to Club
Hockey which should eventually improve the competitive attitude necessary
in representative hockey and the overall standard of the game. The
4-2-3-1-1 formation tried this season had proved expensive with 50
goals conceded. Next season 2-4-4-1 would be tried. (Some of us
remember how successful 5-3-2-1 was when played hard.) Ian Gold
found the 2nd XI relishing the new formation with 61 goals being scored
against 40 let in. Tony Hunt, in his second year of retirement from the
thirds, played another full season in the seconds. Richard Allen had a
3rd XI confused by new tactics, new rules and team changes caused by
late cry-offs. Peter Cook suggested that the 4th XI keep a nucleus of
older players to keep a semblance of continuity each week. Perhaps the
cries of "private ball" will ring out once again. Pat Mansell and John
Bassett, leading the lower Xfs, found difficulty in maintaining standards
with the many team changes. Peter Levenger reported first rate competition in the Sunday 1st team games with 30 goals being scored for and 30
against. Mike Oakley almost forgot what Sunday 2nd team hockey was
all about with 18 games cancelled during the season.
The Easter Festival at Weymouth is becoming overwhelmingly popular
and this year 29 people travelled in the hope of playing in one of the
eight games. The standard of play was reported to improve with the
amount of alcohol taken and the results were won 3, drawn 4 and lost 1.
Not a word to the Golf Section but there is a Festival Cup to be won by
one of the lucky players at Weymouth. This year's lucky man was David
Cox, let off the hook once again by Ian Gold who had a disastrous last
few holes. No rest for the wicked during the Summer as the Club came
third in the Summer League Hockey thanks to the enthusiasm of John
Gregory and his merry men.
President for the coming season is John Scott, Trevor Jones is the
new Chairman and Johnnie Johnson the new Captain. The Club certainly
is under new management but with a Club Captain with over fifty
County caps to his credit, the playing results should be interesting.
The matches against the School on Old Boys day and Commemoration
Day were both won by the Rifle Club and also the Tile Shoots which
followed. For the uninitiated a Tile Shoot comprises two members from
each team shooting 104" clay discs at 25 yards, the winners being the
first team to hit all ten discs.
Kingsbury has provided the Never Say Die brigade with several
more soakings and the usual string of excuses as to why the shot missed
the target at a mere 600 yards. To help even out matters ring foresights
have now been fitted to the 303 rifles and a fund started towards purchasing
new 7.62's which are very much more accurate and will be in use for many
years to come as opposed to the 303 which is now obsolete (all donations
to the Treasurer).
Forthcoming events include a Clay Pigeon Shoot, Dances, Jumble
Sale (dates to be announced) and the Annual Dinner on November 19th.
Should any Old Silhillian be interested in joining the Rifle Club the
following costs may be of interest: Membership 11 per annum, Range Fee
2/-, Cost of Ammunition from 5/6d. for 50 shots, Membership forms can
be obtained from the Clubhouse.
RIFLE CLUB REPORT
President:
K. W. Highway
At the Annual General Meeting in March the Officers and Committee were elected as follows:—President: K. W. Highway, Chairman:
J. F. W. Miller, Treasurer: F. L. E. Dyne, Secretary: R. J. Doble,
Captain: J. Bragg, Match Secretary: C. Hollings, and Messrs. A. Upton,
P. Upton, M. Doble, L. Villers, J. Currall, R. Milne, A. Wilson and R.
Burrows.
During the year both the Rifle and Pistol teams have competed in
the Warwickshire and National leagues with reasonable success. In the
current summer leagues both the 'A' and 'B' Rifle teams are lying first
in their divisions and the Pistol 'A' team is joint second. The 'A' and
'13' Rifle teams only requiring two more wins each to win their respective
divisions outright.
In Shoulder to Shoulder matches at Barston Lane, the Rifle Club have
entertained the West Mercia Police Pistol, Rifle and Positional teams
with the following results : Rifle lost by 3 points, Pistol won by 2 points
and Positional won by 6 points.
32
Photo: J. Curran
R.
Presentation of
Doble, J. Miller, K.
the Davis Cup
Highway, The Mayor
33
RUGGER CLUB REPORT
President: J. 0. Cooper
L
W
P
A
F
D
257
405
1
12
21
34
1st XV
297
510
2
10
21
33
2nd XV
220
432
—
8
18
26
Saints XV
357
183
1
12
7
20
Hornets XV
330
73
—
14
1
15
Arabs XV
The 1969/70 Season proved to be a good one particularly for the First
XV. Under their new skipper, Phil Johnson, the side did extremely well,
this bodes well for the forthcoming season for the players are young and
very keen to keep up the high standard. There is plenty of competition
for the first team places from the Seconds and Saints XV, their results
show the strength in this area of the Club.
The disappointing feature has been the results in the lower sides.
For the majority of the season the teams had been short of players but
the Club's thanks must be extended to the Captains for their continued
enthusiasm. The more encouragement that can be given to these sides
the better will be the resulting playing records.
The annual seven-a-side competition was held in September and again
turned out to be a very enjoyable day with the weather being very
favourable. The Old Edwardians walked off with the winners trophy this
year. John Cooper and his sub-committee were to be thanked for the
smooth running of this event.
The dawn of the 1970's saw the Club under a cloud attempting to
accept the tragic loss of our President Elect Alan Shirley. This staunch
stalwart of the Club, who was always prepared to do his quota will be
greatly missed. Our condolences were extended to his widow Margaret
and children Ian and Gill.
The Club continued to be well represented in Senior Rugby with
the Creed brothers, A. Hill, M. Hale, M. J. Green and B. Trippas to
the fore. Several players were selected to represent North Warwickshire
including P. Johnson, R. A. Jones, I. Thorpe, and J. Hofton. The newly
formed North Warwickshire U23 team also got off the ground and
Club members took part in this team including Roger Taylor, this year's
capped player, being the season's outstanding discovery.
Photo: J. Curran
0.S.R.U.F.C. Annual Dinner
Baggs, J. 0. Cooper
B. Talbot, J. Breaker, D. Allen,
34
Our thanks were extended to Nick Taylor who organised a very
successful Easter Tour with vastly improved accommodation than the
year before; the lads played very hard rugger with splendid results,
returning unbeaten.
Very pleasant evenings were spent enjoying the Club's Annual
Dinner, with Peter Jackson the Principal Speaker and the Annual Ball held
at the St. Johns Hotel.
Finally a word about our President S. N. Sanders who has worked
extremely hard during his year of office. Despite numerous problems
he has always managed to produce right answers and strengthen the Club.
Our sincere thanks to you "Stu".
We now look forward to the 1970 /71 Season.
OLD SILHILLIANS SQUASH RACKETS CLUB
In many respects the 1969/70 Season might be considered the most
successful in the history of the Squash Club. The ambitious fixture list
which had been arranged included 14 Midland League matches, 6 of which
were won and 8 lost, 30 friendly matches, 24 of which were won and 6 lost,
and 4 Tournament matches, 2 of which were won and 2 lost. The Club
staged a National Competition in February with several notable squash
players amongst the competitors. In the Final the first seed A. Swift (ranked
15th in the country) defeated the second seed M. Griffiths (ranked 16th
in the country) in a delightful exhibition of physical fitness and ball control.
In the Club Tournament R. J. Varley defeated M. J. Cusack in the
Final of the Open and J. Hare defeated D. W. Rogers in the Handicap
competition.
The Club was represented by M. J. Cusack, R. F. Slater, S. B. Bramley,
R. G. S. Paine (Captain), T. Jackson and J. L. R. Hare in most of the
matches. A number of appearances were made by other members of the
Club during the season and it was for this reason that for the coming
season the Club will have a second team in the Midland League to give
those players who would welcome the opportunity, the chance to taste
competitive squash. It is hoped that the playing strength of the Club,
which has been considerably consolidated in the past two seasons since
the courts opened at Barston Lane, will have fruitful results in the coming
year. It should be added that several members of the Club were given
the honour of representing their County during the Season, which indicates
the standard of squash that is being played.
The Club had two tours during the Season, the first in December to
Bristol and the West Country where the Club's representatives were again
admirably entertained by their hosts and on this occasion ladies were
invited to join the players for a most entertaining weekend. The second
tour to Bournemouth took place in April when matches against Bournemouth and Chichester were played. The Club was welcomed by B. Crisp
of Chichester, until recently a member of the Club, before his leaving
the area and the Club's gratitude to him for arranging a most entertaining
fixture is extended. Although the position of the Club in the League
tables of Division II of the Squash Rackets League was below the place
that could possibly have been expected it should be mentioned that only
11 points separated the third placed team from the Old Silhillians, who
were placed sixth. In the coming season this position is hoped to be
considerably improved.
The Club contributed its financial obligation to the Association
of E1,000 during the season and with this sort of annual
figure, which should be maintained if not indeed increased, there must be
considerable satisfaction in the minds of those members who for several
years advocated the building of the squash courts against the advice of
those opposed to such building. Apart from the financial contribution
of the . Club there has of course been considerable use made of the fine
facilities of the Clubhouse and ground during the season and the Club's
thanks must go to Alan and Audrey Tattersfield for entertaining the Club
35
and its visitors so admirably throughout the season. Once again the
Annual Dinner was a resounding success and for those who can remember
the evening we are sure they will look forward to a recurrence of the
event in the coming season.
SWIMMING CLUB REPORT
President: R. G. Davies
This has been another good swimming club year.
The season started with an extremely noisy and well attended Spring
Supper/Dance. The impromptu swim afterwards caused enough annoyance
to have the Police summoned, and for the participants really made the
evening. It is understood that the coldness of the night air gave several
of the older members severe head colds.
The evening swim was well supported throughout our rather limited
season.
The match against the school on Commemoration Day was (won/
lost) and the organisation by skipper Roger Gribble was admirable.
The Parents' Association fete to raise funds for the covering in of
the school pool was obviously the most important function of the year
to us. Brian and Pat Coles' inspiration to have a boys sponsored swim
in aid of this produced something in excess of £500 net profit. The
organisation was superbly carried out by Messrs. Rickman and Savage
of the school, and everyone enjoyed themselves anyway.
The Fete itself was well attended, and our small membership all
worked hard in their various capacities. The Fete raised sufficient money
for the parents to go ahead with the covering of the pool, and we understand that the order has now been placed. This must be the most beneficial
thing that could happen to our Club.
RGD
CRICKET CLUB TOUR 1970
The Club's Annual trek to North Wales began as usual on a fine
Sunday morning in mid-July. The party left without John Taylor, who had
had a little too much to drink the previous evening.
The opening match against Colwyn Bay had been chosen as the
Groundsman's Benefit Game and as such, a certain standard was expected
of us. To this end the Captain had attempted to have his party in North
Wales in good time and in a fairly sober condition at 2.30. The fact that
Colywn Bay declared at 223 for 2 at tea speaks for itself. Undaunted
however, but without the services of the aforementioned Mr. Taylor (who
scored a century here last year) the Old Boys scored the necessary runs
with four balls to go. Nigel Duckitt scored a very fast 67 and Geoff
Stubbings scored the winning runs with a masterly square cut for four.
An excellent game, enjoyed by all who saw it.
The Monday game against the County Borderers at Llandudno, was a
mundane affair. After the excesses of the previous day the Old Boys
were clinically taken apart, notwithstanding the presence of John Taylor.
The day game against Rydal Dolphins on the Tuesday was played in
windy conditions and thanks to a good stand between David Adams (48)
and Barry Sims (44) late in the innings, the Old Boys finished with 204.
In reply, the Dolphins began disastrously, losing 5 for 30. The game
petered out through lack of real penetration and at the close the home
side were 186 for 7.
A very good tour and we look forward to next year's outing when we
play Chester C.C. on the Wednesday. All genuine fast bowlers are welcome.
DA
Photo: J. Currall
Photo: J. Curran
A Swimming Club Evening at School
36
The O.S.A. Annual Dinner
G. Hill, The Mayor of Solihull, F. A. R. Moon, B. McGowan
37
LADIES SECTION
RUGBY CLUB TOUR 1970
It gives me great personal satisfaction that this tour was one of the
best both off the field and certainly on it as we were undefeated : the first
time for seven years I understand.
This year was the first year for some time we have had no coach
and I am pleased to say everyone arrived home with a car licence still in
their possession.
Our first venue was our annual battle with Bath Old Edwardians
who again proved good opposition and a lively crowd in the White House
afterwards, but we still beat them 16 points to nil.
On Saturday we hired a coach to Bideford which might not have been
a very wise decIsion, but we all arrived home again the victors. It must
have been the best match played by the Club for many a year and we
certainly surprised the locals who thought we were easy game for a top
Devon side. I think we also surprised ourselves but it ust
j goes to show
what alcohol and tour spirit combined can do. The result was 12 points
to 6. The Sunday was its usual so called day of rest. Most people
seemed to enjoy taking the waters of a local hostelry known as the Kings
Arms, Georgham where several club ties were again given away and in
some cases without the owners even knowing about it.
On Monday we travelled to Oakhampton we thought to play rugby but
our coach driver again bought us no luck and we ended up muck spreading
in six inches of .
Nevertheless this too the lads took in their stride and we again won
by 15 points to nil.
Next day (one night a sing song, and a tour trophy) later we journeyed
home via cream tea shops, the Lynton Lynmouth Railway and the Ship
at Porlock—altogther a very happy and successful tour. Thanks lads.
NT
Chairman: Mrs. Jean Shelton
Secretary: Mrs. Maggie Hare
We are happy to report a most successful year, having continued to
gain support and enthusiasm from our members. Penny Madeley was a
most enthusiastic Chairman and we had many enjoyable functions whilst
helping to raise funds to assist the O.S.A.
This last year, we have provided the improved lighting in the Clubroom and Lounge, purchased and made the new curtains in the Lounge
and supplied a new deep fryer for the kitchen.
The interest and friendship between us and the School P.A. has
continued and their help at our "As New Sale" was appreciated, while we
held a Household Goods Stall at their Fete in July which was most
successful.
For the coming season we have an interesting and varied programme
including some mixed evenings when husbands, fathers and boyfriends
are invited. I would like to mention that the Ladies Dinner last year was
a 'sell out', so do make an early application this year to avoid disappointment—make a note in your diary now.
The functions in the coming season include the mixed 'Italian Evening'
on October 22nd, a Christmas Flower Demonstration on November 12th,
the Ladies Dinner on December 12th (Old Boys Day), "Value for Money",
a mixed evening when we are having a Talk given by the Consumers'
Association, ie Which? on January 21st. A talk and demonstration on
Deep Freezes on February 25th and a Fashion Show at the Clubhouse
on March 25th. Our Annual coffee morning in aid of the Tudor Grange
Special School will be on May 5th and our A.G.M. May 18th.
The committee, Mesdames Maggie Hare, Penny Madeley, Christine
Jones, Sheila Jackson, Ann Baggs, Stella Cutler, Gill Kemp, Margot Jacob,
Sylvia Slater, Sue Miller and Michele Abbott and I look forward to meeting
you all and welcome any friends of members. Anyone wishing to join the
Ladies Society should contact a member of the committee. JBS
Photo- B. Knight
0.S.R.U.F.C. 1st XV leaving the field victorious after first game of tour
38
39
When we moved to Barston Lane and built our new Clubhouse, we
had to borrow a substantial sum from the Bank. On the basis of the
information available to us at that time we were satisfied that we would be
able to meet the interest and capital repayments in connection with this
loan on a basis which would enable us to repay it completely over a
period of seventeen years.
Within two years of our move to Barston Lane it became clear that
we would have difficulty in meeting this target because of the substantial
increase in costs and interest rates with which we were faced. In a period
of less than three years interest rates went up by 50%, and when we
received the Accounts for the year ending the 31st August, 1969 it was
clear that whatever profit we were able to make was going entirely for
the benefit of the Bank, and we were only managing to balance our
Account at the cost of failing to make any provision for repair and
replacement of costly items of equipment, including the boiler and heating
system.
At the beginning of 1969 the Select Sub-Committee under the
Chairmanship of Pat Hill had been appointed to advise the Committee
as to the best method of putting our finances in order, but it was clear
that whatever recommendations were put forward would mainly be of
long term benefit and would not provide an automatic solution to the
immediate problem arising from the fact that we were only earning a
surplus on our Accounts sufficient to meet the Bank interest charges
without making any proper provision for repayment of capital. The
problem went deeper than this, for with our finances in this condition
It was not possible to give any serious thought to future development
and expansion. In other words, the Bank loan which had been so welcome
in 1966 was beginning to appear in 1969 as a mountain which it was
difficult to get over or round. It was for this reason that when the
Committee came to consider how we should mark our Golden Jubilee in
1971 it was decided that by far the best way would be to launch an
Appeal Fund aimed at removing the mountain of our debt and thus open
up the way to further expansion and development of the Association.
At the time of writing the response to the Appeal has been both poor
and excellent. Excellent, since approximately one hundred and twenty
members have contributed between them approximately £2,000, and two
members have provided a short term interest free loan of £10,000. Poor,
because more than 90% of our members have not responded at all, not
even by making a token donation. This has been the most disappointing
feature of all of our efforts during the past year, and one can only regret
that there has been such a poor response from so many of the members
of the Association.
The contrast between the attitude of the majority of members to the
wonderfully generous offer made by a very small number of members is
difficult to understand, particularly when it has been made clear that the
very substantial interest free loan was made for a period up until the end
of 1970, with the proviso that if by that time the total amount
contributed to the Appeal Fund had reached £5,000 the Association would
have the benefit of the interest free loan for a further two and a half
years. This really is a magnificent offer, and it is difficult to understand
why the vast majority of members of the Association apparently do not
wish to take advantage of this unique opportunity to put the finances
of their Association into an unassailable position. By the time this
magazine reaches you it will still not be too late to make a donation, and
if you have not already done so you are asked most sincerely to sit down
as soon as you read this article and send a cheque to the Honorary
Appeal Secretary, John Richardson, 64, Whitefields Road, Solihull,
Warwickshire. Please do make this effort to help your Association.
40
41
Ship ley, N. Atkinson, S. Curry, M. Skuse,
Photo: J. Cu rra ll
GOLDEN JUBILEE APPEAL
The Welsh Old Silhillians' Letter
Dear Sir,
May we begin this, our first letter we believe, by saying "Diolch (thank you) for affording us the opportunity to write.
The University of Wales is a federal University made up of the
constituent University colleges of Swansea, Bangor, Aberystwyth, Cardiff
and the "University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology" (Unist).
The "Welsh National School of Medicine" is also a constituent of the
University. The official head is His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke
of Edinburgh, and in terms of size the University of Wales ranks second
in Great Britain, The University of London being slightly larger.
A. P. M. Bennett is reading for a degree in economics at University
College Swansea at present, and he is easily found by the name "Colonel"
on his door and a defiant Union Jack at his window. Despite hospitalization halfway through his part one exams (with glandular fever, tonsilitis
and a suspected quinzey) he has none the less been awarded two honours
courses on the half papers he did take. Paul has just been elected to the
"Student Representative" Committee for his Hall, and he also officiates
there as "Social Events Chairman."
C. S. Upton also of Swansea has just completed his work over two
years for an M.A. thesis in "Dialect Research" in the English Department.
Clive has spent much of the past two years roving about tape recording
rare phrases and dialects in Wales, and the desire to travel has a grip
on him now. This August Clive is off to "Bunda" College at the
"University of Malawi" in Africa where he is to take up a two year
lecturing post. We send him our very best wishes.
A. S. Brown is also at Swansea and is at present reading for a
degree in psychology. Now fully recovered from a nasty illness at
Christmas he lists his hobbies as the bar and active participation in his
Hall Monopoly Society. He also works very hard but is too modest
to admit it himself.
Professor Frank H. T. Rhodes a most distinguished Old Boy was at
Swansea until recently where he held the position of Dean of the
Faculty of Science and Head of the Department of Geology for twelve
years. He is now Head of the Department of Geology and Minerology
at the University of Michigan U.S.A. and has established himself at
Ann Arbour. The Professor has lately acquired half an acre of wooded
land there with a large house and hopes to relax in it now. Frank is the
eminent author of several books in his field and hopes to make a brief
visit to England this summer.
D. W. Rose now hails from U.W.I.S.T. in Cardiff, where he is
reading for his first degree in Economics. As was to be expected of
David at a Welsh University he has soon embroiled himself in rugby.
He is fixture secretary of the Rugby Club and more recently he helped
the "U.W.I.S.T." second fifteen to win the highly competitive University
of Wales Championship.
We would like to close by extending a warm welcome to R. S.
Morris who hopes to join us soon at Bangor and by sending our best
wishes to all Old Silhillians Everywhere.
Yours sincerely,
The Welsh Old Silhillians.
42
Dear Sir,
The Oxford Old Silhillians' Letter
It is always hard to write an account of what Old Boys are doing at
Oxford, because when approached on the subject, they all claim to have
achieved absolutely nothing. Most are reluctant to disclose what they
do in their spare time—that is when they are not making furtive attempts
to circumvent college guest hours, or doing the statutory four hours
weekly work.
However, it is far from time that Oxford undergraduates busy
themselves in their books on arrival, becoming complete morons as far
as outside interests are concerned and in fact a suitably irrelevant piece
of information can be found about everybody.
The Old Silhillians' dinner this year was held in the Eastgate Hotel,
and consisted of a fifty-fifty ratio of students and masters. The latter,
having made a brief stop at the Trout Inn on the way down, made
extremely congenial company, and it would be understandable if not
all of them were at School by eight forty-five the next day. It would be
understandable if a few did not make it back to Solihull at all. Surprisingly,
Mr. Griffiths failed to make his customary appearance, being detained on
a "night-op" somewhere in Hampshire.
The three year Oxford course consists of one year to settle down,
one year to break as many regulations as possible, and one year to work.
This year's influx of young hopefuls with the best year still ahead of
them is one of the largest for some time. Andy Williams is a Bible
reader for the Intercollegiate Christian Union and Jim Cooper plays
hockey, but is awakened at hourly intervals throughout the night by Old
Tom the College clock. His namesake Ted Cooper appears frequently
in an ex-Nato trenchcoat, complete with bullet holes, in an attempt to
join the Christchurch in-set. John Downs having changed his course
from chemistry to music was seen playing in a jazz group at the Exeter
Ball. Andy Maxwell took up judo, but gave it up one week and several
broken bones later, and now fences regularly. Paul Clemence has spent
the summer in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains studying the habits
of the Bedouin tribesmen. and Peter Court has surrounded himself with
second-hand radios, acquired from jumble sales at ridiculously low
prices.
In the second year, an elite is formed by Bob Bullock, allegedly
building a relative of Frankenstein's monster in a dungeon at the Radcliffe
Infirmary; Peter Green, a star member of the "bottom of the river" crew
during eights week, and Steve Newman, who requests that all his mail
should be addressed to a punt somewhere on the River Chervell.
The "old hands" of the third year have now sadly departed. Chris
Chapman although plodding slowly but surely towards a first was sometimes seen in such social centres as the biscuit counter in International
Stores. Steve Curry has given up acting as finals loom upon him, but
whether he has given up beer is less certain. Simon Maxwell has been
President of the University Wine Circle, but the excess of alcohol has
in no way affected his judgement. He has volunteered to go out to Latin
America as a U.N. economist. The sporting types are a very hairy
Chris Morle, Tim Ryder, who was often to be seen in Pembroke Junior
Common Room bar, and Tony Wolfson, who insists he has been "playing
a lot of squash and hockey this year."
Miscellaneous other drop-outs intellectual and professional students
include Phil Nixon, who now lives in happy domesticity amongst the
aristocracy at Boar's Hall, and medics Keith Vaughton and Pete Bradbury
who must be due to retire soon. Surprise appearances were also made
by John Wylie, who goes to teach geography and head to R.A.F. section
at Radley School. and who made his mark upon Oxford by gaining a
sailing blue, and John Treadwell, a refugee from "the other place."
With apologies to any other Silhillians lurking incognito amidst the
quadrangles and Ivied cloisters.
Best wishes from,
The Oxford Old Silhillians.
43
Dear Sir,
The Cambridge Old Silhillians' Letter
As the Cambridge academic year ends and the Social Season approaches
it's exhilarating climax with the Bumps and Balls, we consider that
Solihull should be reminded of its exiles who have spent most of the past
year in the finest University city in the world.
Fortunately, (or otherwise), no Silhillian is as we write being detained
at Her Majesty's pleasure for his part in our now-famed Garden House
riots, so let us proceed to news of the community, whose members all
claim to have done "nothing interesting at all"—as usual.
Of our senior citizens, John Collier is a law don at Trinity Hall,
and Anthony ("Alf") Jones is at Clare and leads Geographical expeditions
to the uplands and the backwaters of Britain. Our third graduate, Keith
Evetts, lives in obscurity at Jesus, and is thought to be doing research
into "drugs and brains and things."
Third year men will by now be biting their nails awaiting publication
of Tripos results, and, judging by their rare public appearances during
the year, all have worked hard. Martin Paling, a scientist at Trinity Hall,
assures us that this is the case, and says that he is still interested in the
cinema. Richard Green is thought to have abandoned athletics in favour
of Geography and pubs, and our other sportsman, John Taylor, has also
reduced his athletic pursuits, after an injury sustained on the hockey field.
We are happy to report that this did not impair his grasping a beer-mug.
Two musicians are numbered among the third-year fraternity—
Trevor Owen, who continues to warble in the King's choir, and Dave
Smith of Magdalene, who has spent the year concentrating on modern
jazz, and numbers amongst his exploits a visit to Bedford jail and several
all-night jazz sessions. Dave has been our President this year, and ruled
over an enjoyable annual dinner in Magdalene early in May. A total of
27 students and masters past and present assembled in the Old Hall,
and were all puzzled as to just how Mr. Griffiths managed to arrive an
hour before the appointed time.
We number only three in the second year, and these gentlemen have
been generally well-behaved, although Dave Jarman has had several lucky
escapes with the guest hours at Girton. It is rumoured that he will drop
all pretences of studying Geography next year in order to become a fulltime student. Mike Stephenson at Selwyn rubs brasses, coxes a gentleman's eight in the summer, and lives conveniently near to the libraries,
whilst Mark Wilson at Magdalene is a medic who finds a little time to
play soccer for the college, and will next year be Chairman of the
Pickerel Inn's "Pick-Prop" club.
Of the Freshmen, Phil King has gained a blue for sailing, and
Frank Knight too has taken to the water. He seems to spend most of his
time beneath the waves, and will be a member of the University Sub-aqua
Club expedition to Italy this summer. Let us pray for the safety of the
Italian nation . . .
Paul Wolfson has made his name known as a star of the Preston
Society revue, and James Yardley sings in the Clare College choir. The
enigma of the community seems to be Ian Dodds-Smith at Downing—
It is hard to believe that in Cambridge of all places, there is no time
between getting up and going to bed in which to do anything worthwhile,
as he claims with a yawn, is the case. Most of us find the reverse,
that there is too much to do in too little time.
So, this colony of Silhillians already in residence extend a warm
welcome to next year's batch of intellectuals, and remain,
Yours sincerely,
The Cambridge Old Silhillians.
44
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
From G. F. Tomlins,
134 Hobs Moat Road,
Solihull, Warwickshire.
Dear Sir,
Having just spent five months in Holland my advice to any readers
thinking of working here for any length of time is to forget it. Holland
is a very expensive place to live in and of course you can only get the usual
continential "Pils" to drink. I've been working in a fertiliser factory as
part of my University course and both work and pay were poor. But the
weather has been very good and the girls are even better. Any Englishman
over here for a short while with a decent expense account and a good
line of chat will I think enjoy himself, especially in Amsterdam. English
beer can be bought here, Watney's or Double Diamond but at 6 /- per
pint. In Rotterdam, English beer is obtainable but otherwise the City
is dead. It's a beautiful city, modern and clean, but without life.
A bit more about Amsterdam—this being the only decent place
to go to in Holland. It's an old city, beautiful in places, and certainly
well worth a visit. You'll meet more Americans here than in any other
city in Europe. It is the European centre of beatnics, drugs and vice.
The nightlife is unbelievable. If you are thinking of visiting Amsterdam
without wife/girlfriend I advise you to get a little book called "Amsterdam
after Dark", giving full particulars of everything imaginable. But, be
warned, Amsterdam is very expensive.
I can't say I've enjoyed working in Holland but living here has
certainly been an experience I won't easily forget.
Yours sincerely,
G. F. TOMLINS
From W. F. Bushell,
"Colonsay",
10 Talbot Road,
B irkenhead.
Dear Sir,
In your last issue of The Silhillian published November 1969
(Number 20) you print a number of letters of appreciation, including one
from myself. I feel bound to congratulate you once again on maintaining
so well the high standard of previous issues, and producing a magazine
of deep interest to its many recipients.
A year ago I made the suggestion that in the interests of economy
you should only publish the list of members of the Association every
three years (say). I am glad you have accepted this advice and now
make the further suggestion that when the list is again published the date
of leaving should be appended to each name. This would help those who
first examine it for those who were at the School about their time. For
various reasons this would be better than the date of entry.
The pictures are a notable feature and I particularly appreciate that
taken of the School O.T.C. at the conclusion of World War I with
accompanying reminiscences. An ancient School so often forgets the past
when traditions were being formed which would meritably influence the
future. My appointment occurred at the end of 1920 when major war
difficulties were over but much of what the writer says is very familiar.
Further it is encouraging to read the admirable list of University and
Academic Honours which seem to increase every year both in quality and
quantity.
It is however right that the major space should be given to the many
activities of the Association. The whole production, somewhat unusual
in Old Boys Clubs, is a most admirable record of what has been
accomplished during the year.
Yours sincerely,
W. F. BUSHELL.
45
GRAFTON MORRISH TROPHY - 1970
St. Edwards
R. S. Skilbeck
w 5/4
R. J. Ellis
I. M. Judge
P. J. R. Webb L 2/1
C. B. Bowles
w 2/1
J. W. Latham
Stowe
B. A. Marshall
Andrew
W. D. Wright w 1 up
P. J. Hughes
R. A. Durrant
C. Smith
D. Rushton w 4/3
D. P. Marshall
R. Sykes
L 4/3
Andrew
L 4/3
W. P. Cooper
I. Hornsby
J. R. Turner
R. Sampson L 2/1
L 2/1
N. M. Stern w 1 up
D. Culling
In the Golfing Society report, mention was made of our hopes for the
Grafton Morrish Tournament which took place at Hunstanton on the 9th,
10th and 11 th October 1970. The members of the team and their individual
results are shown tabulated, but the team this year have played the best
golf they have ever played at Hunstanton and managed to get to the final,
only to be beaten by Sedbergh, who, without question, were the better
golfers. The total handicap of our team was 19 and the total handicap
of the Sedbergh team was 9, they having two scratch players amongst
their six members.
The first round against St. Edwards, Oxford, was played at Hunstanton,
and won by two matches to one. The second match, played against
Haberdashers' Aske's, at Brancaster, former finalists, was again won by
two matches to one, the first match having coasted serenely to victory
by five and four, the second match being the all important one. Robert
Winslow and Duncan Waters were playing David English and John
Rasome, a former Middlesex champion, and were three up with four to
go, and the situation appeared under control. They then lost the 15th,
a long short hole, to a three. At the 16th, English fluffed his second shot
after two magnificent tee shots and Robert Winslow played safe on to
the back of the green. Ransome then chipped up stone dead and we took
three from the back edge of the green to lose the hole. The 17th Haberdashers' won with a perfect three and the match was all square with one
to play. The thoughts of a loss at the 18th or 19th were then in the
spectators' minds. Ransome hit a wild slice into the rough on the left of
the first fairway, from where it was impossible to reach the green, and
English put the second shot into the bunker, short of the green. Duncan
Waters hit a long low drive and Robert Winslow put his second shot
some 7 ft. from the pin. Ransome played a wonderful bunker shot to
within 8 ft. but English failed to hole and we had two for the match, which
Haberdashers' conceded. The bottom pair were certainly not playing their
best and eventually lost 2/1 on the 17th. Once again, and with great relief,
Solihull were playing on Saturday morning.
The match on Saturday morning was against Chigwell at Hunstanton
who we had not played before in the competition and their top pair
consisted of Tony Bonallack, brother of the legendry Michael, and David
Baxter. At one stage we looked to be in comfortable control of the whole
situation with our top match three up with three to play, the second
match having won four and three, but at the 16th, a short hole of 188
yards into the wind at Hunstanton, Tony Bonallack put his tee shot on
the green and David Gibson missed the green on the right by some 30
yards. David Winslow's chip just stayed on the green but a copybook
three and we were two up with two to play. The 17th is always a difficut
hole of some 450 yards, and downwind with a green lying on the flat
47
D. M. Gibson
D. A. Winslow
R. S. Winslow
D. G. Waters
J. M. Urry
J. H. Duncombe
Chigwell
R. A. Bonallack
D. L. Baxter w I up
Photo: J. Currall
Mr. and Mrs. Samways The New Stewards
The Bungalow Barston Lane
46
Haberdashers'
Aske's
E. Hyams
J. Innocenti w 5/4
D. English
J. Ransome w 1 up
A. Anderson
L 2/1
D. Albutt
Sedbergh
R. Beaumont
1/2
C. Guest
part of a ridge the second shot must be hit absolutely straight to reach
the green or have a reasonable chip. We were down the bank on the
right for two and they were safely on the green and won the hole with
a four. The 18th was halved in a rather scrambling five to enable Solihull
to meet Stowe in the semi-final.
Stowe had four of the same players who had beaten us in the quarterfinal the previous year, with the addition of the Marshall-Andrew brothers.
This match looked very bleak after the 1 1 th hole, when all pairs were two
down but David Winslow and David Gibson played some fine golf to
win the next four holes and half the 16th. Once again the 17th was lost
to a copybook four but the 18th was halved in four to win the top match
by one hole. The second match had gone completely the other way and
Bob Durrant and Duncan Marshall Andrew had won two of the four
holes from the 1 1 th to win the match four and three, and all was left
for our bottom pair, Jack Urry and John Duncombe, to get a win. At the
13th, Jack Urry holed from just off the green for a winning three and at
the 14th, a short hole of 225 yards over the top of a hill, John Duncombe
put his tee shot some 6 ft. from the pin, which Jack Urry holed for a
winning two. The 15th, which is 450 yards, was halved in five, Solihull
having been through the green for two and taken three more to get down.
John Duncombe hit a magnificent tee shot to the short 16th with a drive
into the wind and Peter Cooper missed the green on the left and the hole
was won with a three. Neither pair were on the 17th green in two and
were in approximately the same position to the left of the pin for three
with Solihull to putt first, John Duncombe just missing from approximately
8 ft. Stowe then had a downhill swinging putt to win the hole, which they
holed resolutely. At the 18th, after two good tee shots, Jack Urry left
his second shot short of the green and Stowe were on safely in two. John
Duncombe's chip finished approximately 15 ft. past the hole and Stowe
putted up some 3 ft. past the hole. At this stage, none of the Solihull
supporters could think that we could possibly get a half out of the hole
and the question of winning at the 19th seemed somewhat problematical.
However, our President resolutely holed this putt for a four to great
cheers from the majority of the spectators. This was the fourth occasion
we had played Stowe in the competition and the only occasion we had
beaten them. It was unbelievable to think on Saturday evening that we
would be playing in the final on Sunday morning in a competition which
we had helped to found in 1963.
On Sunday morning, in spite of early mist, the first pair drove off
at 9 o'clock and after the 9th hole, after various exchanges, our top
match was two down, the second match three down and the bottom
match one down. The top match was souared after 11 holes and played
immaculate golf from there to the 18th, losing the 16th to a par three,
halving the 17th in four and being one down on the 18th tee. David
Gibson slightly pulled his drive into the edge of the rough and David
Winslow was able to reach the green with his second shot with the opposition well short in two. David Gibson then played the shot of a lifetime
from the pit between the 1st and 18th fairways to within 18 inches of the
hole and the putt was conceded by Sedbergh, who took five, and we had
halved the first match. The second match was three down at the turn, but
in spite of the valiant effort by Robert Winslow and Duncan Waters in
playing the next six holes in 24 shots, against a par of 25, Sedbergh played
these in 22 shots, three under par, and the match was lost by four and
three. It was then hoped that our President and John Duncombe would
once again show some of the brilliant form of the previous day, when they
had come back at Hunstanton in 34 shots. At the 17th John Duncombe
pulled his second shot over the bank, some 80 yards short of the green, and
Ian Hornsby hit a magnificent 2 iron to within 8 ft. and this meant that our
President had virtually to hole his chip for a win to give us a chance of
winning the 18th. Our President's shot was a good shot in any event but
Sedbergh putted up close to the hole and the match was conceded and the
Grafton Morrish Trophy remained with Sedbergh, for the second year
48
running. Although naturally disappointed the team were not depressed at
having lost to better golfers in the final and had overall played the best golf
they had ever played at Hunstanton. It was pleasing to note the support
which came from Solihull supporters in that some eight people travelled
up at 6 o'clock on Sunday morning, including a former President of the
Association, Pat Hill, to caddy and support our team. This, no doubt,
gave them tremendous heart in playing their best in the final.
The competition was graced with the most magnificent weather
throughout, there being a fresh wind in the afternoon matches, but slightly
misty in the morning. Our thanks are due to the Hunstanton and Royal
West Norfolk Golf Clubs for staging the competition under such enjoyable
circumstances. The hospitality and arrangements made for competitors
are magnificent.
Our record in this competition is somewhat peculiar in that the first
year we reached the semi-final, being beaten by Tonbridge, the winners,
and every year from then until 1966 we were knocked out one round
earlier, and in 1966 and 1967 were knocked out in the first round in each
year. In 1968 we got through two rounds and in 1969 were knocked out
in the quarter-finals by Stowe. In 1970 we beat Stowe in the semi-finals and
so reached the final. Is it a natural arithmetical progression?
Photo: J. Cu, rall
S. Saunders (Pres. of 0.S.R.U.F.C.)
D. Allen (Pres. of Solihull)
T. Wattes
at the Rugger Club Annual Dinner
49
0
Photo: J. Currall
The O.S.A. Committee
Standing: B. R. Knight, J. F. W. Miller, R. C. Cupit, R. J. Doble, S. Russell, T. Croft, J. Richardson, G. Westwood
Sitting: D. H. Tomlin, R. G. Toy, J. E. J. Baggs (President), F. A. R. Moon, J. B. M. Urry
Photo: J. Currall
The Management Committee Officers
I. Bradbeer, T. Croft, R. Cupit (Chairman), J. B. M. Urry, J. Richardson
MANAGENIENT COMMITTEE REPORT 1970
Resulting from a recommendation of The Select Sub Committee
under the Chairmanship of Pat Hill, the Management Committee's method
of operation has been streamlined. Regular Meetings were held by the
Officers of the Management Committee (under the headings of Chairman,
the President, Secretary, Finance, Bar and Catering, Ground and Buildings),
and at approximately 3 month intervals a full meeting of the Management
Committee was held including Sports Sections Representatives, and
Elected Members. This new method of operation has worked most
successfully and allowed the Officers to carry out the day to day running
of your Clubhouse and Ground more easily and we hope more effectively.
It is with great regret that during May, Paul Instone who has been
Chairman of the Management Committee for the past 4 years resigned
from Office. Paul during this period has worked tirelessly on our behalf,
continually striving to maintain and improve the standards and amenities
of the Club and its Grounds. The Association has lost one of its most
loyal workers which we hope will only be on a temporary basis. It is also
with much regret that John Madeley resigned from the Management
Committee at this time. John also put an enormous amount of work
on the Financial aspects of our workings. His skill and counsel will also
be much missed.
The officers apart from Chairman, Secretary and the President fall
into 4 categories. Bar and Catering—David Powell, Ground—Trevor
Croft, Buildings—John Richardson, Finance— Brian Urry. All problems
or requests made to the Management are channelled through the Officers
for comment or action.
If the item is particularly difficult or contentious it would then be
brought by the Officer to the Officers Management Committee Meeting for
general discussion.
During May our Resident Steward and Stewardess Alan & Audrey
Tattersfield resigned to take charge of a Steak Bar and Inn in Worcestershire. Alan and Audrey worked extremely hard on our behalf, and we
wish them every success in their new venture. We have been fortunate
in obtaining the services of Mr. & Mrs. P. G. Samways as their
successors, who took up this position on June 16th. We welcome them
to our Club and wish them a long and happy stay with us.
The Management Committee have had increasing concern with regard
to damage to the Clubhouse and general discipline. It is to be expected
that glasses get broken from time to time, and an element of damage is
inevitable. However, this does not explain malicious scratching on the
names of the Presidents Boards, the loss of a bench from the Clubhouse,
selective stealing of Plants, Shrubs and Trees from the grounds. The
disciplinary procedure has been amended and it is only to be hoped that
this regrettable trend will discontinue and the new procedures laid down
will not have to be evoked.
Your Management Committee have two roles firstly to ensure that
the day to day running of the Club is carried out satisfactorily and
secondly to try and improve the amenities of the Club, so that it is
increasingly more attractive to the members. The latter function is both
time consuming and in may cases costly, which we can ill afford at the
present time. However, your Management Committee would welcome any
suggestions from members as to improvements at the Clubhouse and
grounds, or improvements in its method of operation. We can operate
much more successfully under the stimulus of encouragement, and support
rather than m a spirit of apathy. Your support at the Clubhouse is what
we need and what your Clubhouse needs—please may we have it !
52
THE UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE LISTS, 1969 70
The accuracy and completeness of the lists depend largely on the
information received from Old Silhillians themselves.
-
THE UNIVERSITIES
Aberdeen
J. Duffy, B.Sc.
Adelaide
B. L. D. Coghland, Ph.D.
(Professor)
Aston
A. M. Prickett
P. J. Brinkworth
M. G. V. Jenkins
A. N. Taylor
C. P. Fellows
R. J. Fellows
S. R. Blunt
J. A. P. Dodson
G. A. Linnecor
C. Docker
Bath
P. P. Rutherford, Ph.D.
N. R. Haynes
P. A. Hunt
J. R. Aldis
D. R. Goodwin
Birmingham
J. M. Bishop, M.D. (Professor)
C. J. Pollock, B.A.
R. J. Blunt
J. S. Perks
K. A. Pooley
M. B. Gough
C. J. Butcher
C. W. Jenkins
I. L. Kerton
R. D. S. Watson
S. S. Prime
J. P. 0. Chapman
C. J. Wassall
H. J. C. Taylor
D. J. Jarman
K. R. Woodcock
D. A. Henley, B.Sc.
D. J. Anton
C. D. Bellamy
R. C. Fox
J. F. Shaw
T. T. Mokoena
M. L. Rose
R. P. Shackleton
R. S. Stanley
J. W. H. Bennitt
A. P. Millard
S. G. Moody
J. H. R. Payne
J. G. Woolman
N. J. Bard
M. Cumella
S. P. M. Moore
J. A. Botterill
S. T. Colman
A. G. Frame
P. J. Heslop
R. C. Mills
M. K. Mokoena
J. H. Plumb
A. P. Rhodes
Manchester
P. J. King, Ph.D.
S. J. P. Griffiths
P. R. Nowell
B. C. Hales
N. J. Wheatley
P. J. F. Millier
R. P. Green
Bradford
Manchester Institute of Technology
D. C. Miller
D. A. Hard
C. P. Grey
G. Downing
C. M. Harris
Manitoba
Bristol
D. M. Symes, B.A. (Fellow)
D. Parker
Newcastle
J. W. Wilesmith
J. C. W. Richards
Calgary
Nottingham
M. M. Hallworth
D. M. Smith, D.Phil.
Cambridge
J. S. M. Allen
J. G. Collier, M.A., LI.B.
J. M. Davies
(Fellow)
N. B. Homer
J. Bridgwater, M.A.
T. Moore
F. D. Skidmore, M.B., Ch.B.
D. J. Singleton
B. G. Gasson, B.A.
H. A. Bond
J. A. A. Jones
A. J. Braathen
J. D. Harvey
P. J. Wilde
R. M. Green
Oxford
T. J. C. Owen
A. R. Hands, D.Phil. (Fellow)
M. H. Paling
R. A. Stradling, D.Phil.
D. A. C. Smith
P. R. Cook, B.A.
53
E. F. James
K. C. Vaughton
P. G. Bradbury
P. E. Nixon
M. F. Stephenson
M. Wilson
I. C. Dodds-Smith
P. E. King
F. I. Knight
P. M. S. Wolfson
R. J. E. Yardley
City University, London
R. A. Gibbs
Dundee
M. C. Roberts
C. E. Mercer
S. B. Tuckwell
Durham
J. M. J. Rogister, B.A.
D. J. P. Nicholson, B.Sc.
R. D. Miles
A. H. Auster
East Anglia
A. J. Boulton, Ph.D.
B. J. Peart, M.Sc.
N. J. Tyldesley
Edinburgh
D. J. Allen
R. B. Dunnett
A. E. Pugh
I. D. Henderson
Exeter
A. J. C. Lea, Ph.D., B.Sc.
M. I. Brunner
F. G. N. Sj6gren
S. Vickers
A. C. Wilkins
Ghana
Rev. D. E. H. Mole, Ph.D.
Glasgow
A. J. Harrington
Hobart College, New York
F. Reynolds
Houghton College, New York
G. H. Finney
Hull
R. L. Hutchings, M.A.
J. H. Sudd, Ph.D.
P. E. Artiss
L. T. Holmes
Keele
R. M. Whitehouse, B.A.
Kent
G. H. Morgan
Leeds
M. L. J. Rollason, B.Sc.
A. R. Lock
M. P. Probert
R. J. Wyatt
C. J. Bates
P. G. Brown
J. E. Butcher
R. F. G. Ross
G. I. Wood
Leicester
J. H. Parkinson, B.Sc.
B. L. Hocking, B.A.
P. W. Nokes
C. J. Chapman
S. P. Curry
S. J. Maxwell
C. H. Morle
J. M. Ryder
A. S. Wolfson
R. E. Bullock
P. J. Green
S. P. Newman
P. R. F. Clemence
E. T. Cooper
J. S. W. Cooper
P. J. Court
J. C. Downes
A. D. Maxwell
A. R. Williams
J. P. Wylie
J. R. Tredwell
Perth, Western Australia
R. N. Hill
Reading
M. T. Heydeman
N. H. Tattersfield
B. G. Cuthbertson
0. R. Haines
D. M. Pullinger
P. S. Jackson
Salford
R. C. Winfield, B.Sc.
G. A. Stollard
E. A. C. Brindley
Sheffield
M. Cable, Ph.D.
J. R. Tippetts, B.Sc.
S. J. Wheeler
T. R. Russell
A. D. Highfield
S. K. Hollingsworth
Simon Fraser University,
British Columbia
R. I. Ellis, B.A.
Southampton
J. C. Aldis
J. B. Lineton
Strathcylde
T. G. N. Mitchell, B.A.
Sussex
R. J. Tayler, Ph.D. (Professor)
J. A. Epstein
Victoria, British Columbia
J. T. Weaver, Ph.D.
Wales
Bangor
P. Grieg-Smith, Sc.D. (Professor)
Cardiff
M. K. Brattle
54
J. S. M. Hutchinson, Ph.D.
D. W. Rose
M. Hardingham, B.Sc.
C. C. R. Harrold
P. Donnai, M.A.
Swansea
F. H. T. Rhodes, Ph.D., D.Sc.
(Professor) Warwick
A. G. Marriner, B.Sc.
A. P. M. Bennett
Institute of Science & TechnologyWesleyan University, Connecticut
D. R. Holme
J. B. Martin
Liverpool
S. J. Winer
T. R. G. Gray, Ph.D.
Yale
R. S. Ireland
S. E. Salfas
R. M. Sutherland
H. R. Vane
York
London
V. W. D. Hale, Ph.D.
W. J. H. Butterfield, 0 .B.E., M.D.,
P. Winstanley
P. W. Wright
F.R.C.P . (Professor)
UNIVERSITY AND ACADEMIC HONOURS, 1970
Aston
Bath
A. M. Prickett
N. R. Haynes
Birmingham
R. J. Blunt
C. W. Jenkins
C. J. Butcher
Cambridge
Tripos Part II
H. J. C. Taylor ...
T. J. C. Owen ...
D. A. C. Smith...
M. H. Paling ...
Tripos Part I
M. F. Stephenson
D. J. Jarman ...
P. M. S. Wolfson
M. Wilson
...
F. I. Knight ...
R. J. E. Yardley
Dundee
N. C. Roberts ...
S. B. Tuckwell
C. E. Mercer ...
Glasgow
A. J. Harrington
Hull
P. E. Artiss
Leeds
M. P. Probert
R. J. Wyatt
London
T. T. Mokoena
S. G. Moody ...
J. G. Woolman
R. C. Fox
...
Manchester
N. J. Wheatley
B.Sc. Architecture, Class II, Div. 1.
Part I Finals, Sociology, Class II, Div. 1.
M.B.
Ll.B., Class II, Div. 2.
B.Sc. Social Science, Class II, Div. 2.
Economics, Class III.
Music, Class III.
Music, Class II, Div. 2.
Natural Science (Metallurgy), Class II, Div.
2.
English, Class II, Div. 1.
Geography, Class II, Div. 1.
Medical Science, Class II, Div. 2.
Medical Science, Class II, Div. 2.
Natural Science, Class II.
Natural Science, Class III.
B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering.
B.Sc. Chemistry, Class II, Div. 1.
B.D.S. James Kydd Prize for Dental Hospital Practice.
B.V.M.S., M.R.C.V.S.
B.Sc. Chemistry, Class II, Div. 2.
B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, Class II,
Div. 2.
B.Sc. Chemistry.
B.Sc. Chemistry, Class II.
B.Sc. Zoology, Class II, Div. 2.
B.Sc. Horticulture
M.B., B.S., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.
B.Sc. Electrical Engineering, Class II, Div.
2.
55
B. C. Hales
.
B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, Class II, Div.
2.
... B.Sc. Physics, Class I.
P. J. F. Millier
Newcastle
... B.Sc. Physics, Class II, Div. 1.
J. C. W. Richards
Nottingham
W. J. H. Butterfield ... Appointed Vice-Chancellor
Ll.B., Class II, Div. 2.
N. B. Homer
B.Sc. Economics, Class II, Div. 1.
J. M. Davies
Oxford
Chemistry, Class I. Ida Mary Henson
P. E. Nixon
Scholarship.
Chemistry.
C. J. Chapman ...
Geography, Class II.
C. H. Morle
Politics, Philosophy and Economics,
S. J. Maxwell ...
Class IL
Politics, Philosophy and Economics,
J. M. Ryder ...
Class II.
Politics, Philosophy and Economics,
A. S. Wolfson ...
Class II.
Platnauer Research Fellowship.
P. R. Cook
Reading
B.A., Politics and Economics, Class II,
D. M. Pullinger
Div. 2.
Sheffield
B.Sc. Physics and Pure Mathematics
T. R. Russell
Southampton
B.Sc.
J. C. Aldis
Sussex
B.A. History, Class II, Div. 1.
J. A. Epstein
Wales
Cardiff
B.Sc. Microbiology, Class II.
M. K. Brattle
B.A. French and Psychology.
C. C. R. Harrold
B.Sc. Industrial Economics, Class III.
D. R. Holme
Middle Temple
... Blackstone Award.
...
P. B. Castle
Brighton College of Technology
... B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, Class III.
R. L. Harris ...
Lanchester College of Technology
... B.A. Business Studies, Class II, Div. 2.
M. R. Arrowsmith
HONOURS
Mr. William Millward (CB) already holds the C.B.E., Head of a
department at General Communications Headquarters, Cheltenham. Mr.
Millward of Evesham Road, Cheltenham, joined the Foreign Office in
1946, born at Knowle and was educated at Solihull School. He took a
modern languages degree at St. Catherine's Oxford.
SHIRLEY MAN GETS UNWERSITY POSITION
The son of a former Shirley minister has been appointed as Assistant
Director of the Western Region of the Open University, based at Bristol.
Mr. David T. Roberts is the son of the Rev. H. B. Roberts, who was
the minister of Shirley Baptist Church, in Stratford Road, and now lives
at 65 Elizabeth Grove, Shirley.
Mr. Roberts, who is 37, is married with three children and lives in
Sutton Coldfield. He is an Old Silhillian and at present he is a history
lecturer at Sutton Coldfield College of Further Education.
After leaving university Mr. Roberts went into the Air Force for
a period, but has always been interested in adult education.
The appointment which Mr. Roberts will take up on April 1, will
mean that he and his family will have to move to Bristol.
56
NEWS OF OLD BOYS
R. JOY (left December 1964 School House) says he is being married
in Holland at Christmas to a Dutch girl who speaks better English than
himself. He has acquired a second class honours in Electrical Engineering
in External Degree of London University via a three year course at
Military College of Science at Shrivenham and has met some other Old
Boys in Alpbach, Austria.
R. L. T. BOWLEY (left July 1969 Pole) played a lot of rugger at
School for the under 14, under 15 and under 16 teams and his hobbies are
sailing, shooting and rugby.
N. B. HORNER (left December 1966 Fetherston) is in his last year at
Nottingham University reading Law and hopes to go to Guildford Law
School this August before returning to the Solihull area to do his solicitors
articles. He still plays a lot of squash and enjoys a round of golf . when
the weather is right. He says he has been promoted from the position of
Derbyhall Rugby team driver to an active participant in the second row
after an absence from the sport of five years. He has also met Brian
Hocking (Jago left 1965) who graduated from Bristol with a B.A. in
P.P.E. and is now engaged in further light research at Leicester. He also
met Michael Rose (Fetherston left 1966) in a restaurant at Flagstaff,
Arizona, U.S.A., whilst visiting the Grand Canyon National Park as part
of a tour of North America.
W. D. HAND (left 1959 Windsor) is still working for I.B.M. as a
Data Processing representative based in Leeds, and is now concentrating
on selling to the manufacturing industry. His spare time is spent fell
walking, playing tennis and travelling. He will have been married for two
years in September, but there are no children yet.
R. I. HILLS (left 1959 School House). Chartered Auctioneer and
Estate Agent, Chartered Surveyor. Married Gillian Margaret Wyatt of
Stratford-up-Avon in August 1964 and has two children, a daughter
Louisa aged 3 and a son named Rupert aged 9 months. He is a partner
with John Pearce & Co. of High Street, Knowle.
J. E. C. THORNTON (left 1935 Shenstone) says he met S. E. Radbourne
(Shenstone) on the site of the new airport being built on the Island of
Mahe in the Seychelles under his supervision as a representative of the
Ministry of Public Buildings and Works as part of the new stimulus for
tourism as a boost to the Island's economy—while he was visiting the
Islands as the education member of the Ministry of Overseas Developments
Economic Mission.
A. H. AUSTER (left July 1969 Shenstone) is at Durham reading an
honours course in Music and is very interested in sport having played
one game for the first XV and is a regular member of the second team.
J. E. NEALE (left July 1961 Jago) says he finished at Imperial College
in July 1964 and for the last five years has been working for an Oil
Company in London. He married in August 1966 and from November
1969 was working for the German associate of his present company.
M. J. HAWLEY (left 1959 Fetherston) is Works Accountant at
Birmingham Box Company Limited. He married Amanda Smith of
Rowington on 1st November 1969 and is interested in shooting, sailing and
motor racing.
D. LOGAN (left 1934 Jago) on the 26th February 1970 he was
appointed Ambassador to Bulgaria at the same time the appointment of
Oliver Wright, another Old Boy, as Chief Clerk at the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office. He would be very glad to hear from anyone
connected with the School travelling in Eastern Europe or overland to
the East.
C. P. HAYWARD (left 1969 Jago) is not yet married and has interests
in many sports and modern art. He plays hockey for the Old Sils.
W. R. L. HORTON (left July 1913) says he played for the 1st XI at
cricket and football at School and has three children but is too old for
sports and hobbies now.
57
D. F. MARSH (left 1942 Pole) says he is married and interested in
sailing and swimming. He would be very pleased to show any Old
Silhillians around the Lime Regis Adventure Centre if they care to contact
him as he is warden of the centre for Dorset County Council and is
available most of the time.
J. M. JAMES (left 1927 School House) was married on October 22nd
1954 at Weston Super Mare to Rosalind Joyce Oldham. He is interested
in photography and gardening and retired from Dunlop Rubber Company
in 1964. He says he was with the Nomads in School House.
P. J. HESLOP (left 1969 Windsor) has a place at Imperial College,
London University and is working for one year at Joseph Lucas Group
Research prior to going to University. He is interested in squash, shooting
and model aircraft construction.
C. E. MATTHEWS (left 1929 Nomads School House) He is married
and has one son. He was captain of hockey at School and played for the
1st XI at football.
J. KIEFERT (left 1969 Windsor) has played rugger for Warwickshire
Colts three times and is interested in many sports.
C. W. D. COOPER (left 1932 Fetherston) is married and has a son
and daughter. He says he played rugby when young but now golf.
M. J. N. WARD (left 1957 School House) is a director of the North
West Subsidiary of Mercian Builders Merchants Ltd. and married
Cathleen Mary Abell on 1 1 th October 1969.
G. A. GRIFFIN (left 1930 Wanderers) is married with one son and is
interested in hockey and skiing and is a collector of old cars. He still plays
hockey for Womborn V eleven and was top scorer of the club last season.
R. D. BUTLER (left 1963 Windsor) is interested in rugby and has
had meetings with John Wilmot of Midland Illustrating Co. Ltd. and also
N. Benjamin who is his brother-in-law.
S. JACKSON (left 1915) Went to Birmingham University and became
a Chartered Accountant in 1923. He married Hilda Margaret Jenkins
and has two sons and is now retired. He was founder of the London
Branch and has attended every annual dinner since. He is interested
in cycling, gardening and reading.
K. A. BACON (left July 1946 Pole and School House) was married
in 1954 and has four children—one son and three daughters. He is a
Solicitor and is a partner in legal practice in Workington and Cockermouth.
Following his army service he spent eighteen years in the T.A. Now his
family and work are more than a full-time occupation but he has recently
taken up sailing. He would be pleased to know of any contemporaries of
his in Cumberland.
M. P. THOMAS (left 1965 Fetherston) he is at present manager of
R. W. Black Advertising Ltd. at Redditch. He was married in September
last year to Miss Sarah Nichols at Knowle Parish Church and is interested
in rugger and sailing.
P. M. ANDREAE (left July 1967 Jago) was awarded a G.P.O.
scholarship to study Electrical Engineering at Aston University and he
is interested in radio and television and amateur radio communication.
N. C. JENNENS (left 1959 Fetherston) is now working for a family
business who are makers and suppliers of pattern shop supplies. He was
married on 14th May 1966 and has one son Nicholas David.
R. E. LEEK (left 1952 Pole). On 16th October 1969 at the Annual
Meeting of the Alcester Court Leet he was elected High Bailiff of Alcester
for 1969/70. In this office, which is anolgous to that of Mayor elsewhere,
he is constantly meeting people from all walks of life including at times
other Old Boys, particular among which, D. K. Sharman, J.P. who is the
High Bailiff of Henley in Arden. He thinks that the fact that two Old
Boys holding the office of High Bailiff in two separate towns at the same
time is unprecedented in the annals of the O.S.A. especially when one
realises that the Courts Leet which appoint this office are only active in
five towns in the land.
58
J. M. URRY (1915-26 Fetherston) former president of the O.S.A.
was nominated as President elect of the English Golf Union and took
office in that capacity in March 1970. Former captain and president of
the Midland Counties Association, twice captain of Warwickshire Union
of Golf Clubs, once chairman and deputy president of Warwickshire
Union.
R. SHEPPARD (left July 1967 Shenstone). Last year he was a
member of the first official Anglo-Romanian exchange visit. The trip
was organised by the Educational Interchange Council of 43 Russell
Square, London W.C.1., with the Romanian National Tourist Office.
P. J. F. MILLIER (left 1967 Jago) has just completed an honours
course in Physics at Manchester and gained a first. He now expects to
find a job in Manchester for the next few years.
S. BURNS (left July 1969 Pole) will enter Liverpool University in
October 1970 to study medicine.
S. B. BURTON (left July 1964 School) moved to Frankfurt, Main
to work with a firm of accountants in May 1970. Is engaged to Cynthia
Heyworth of Solihull and will be married on 2nd January 1971 in Solihull.
He says there is plenty of hockey and tennis there of a high standard and
he is a member of the Frankfurt 1880 Sports Club where one is expected
to train twice a week to get into the first two teams. Shopping is made
easy as most shops are open until 6.30 p.m. but sensibly close on Saturday
afternoon. If you have any official business to attend to with the Local
Authorities, etc., the offices will be open at 8 a.m., except the British Consul
which opens at 9.30 a.m. and if you need to go to the Bank it is open
from 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. A stock car is most sensible. There are very
few country lanes so if you want to get away from it all you need to go
wandering. For a good steak you will need your cheque book but there
is always Blutwurst, Mettwurst, Rindwurst, Bratwurst or Fleischurst with
Sauerkraut and Brot of course to satisfy your appetite. He has met
Mike and Ly Heaven out there and they have enjoyed a few Pilsners
together. Mike is becoming quite a handyman and is always busy on some
woodwork when he is visited. They are all enjoying themselves but would
readily admit to the pleasures of English beer, cheese and marmalade.
R. C. R. BENTON (left 1961 Pole) quite recently moved into a new
house complete with treble glazing in Sweden. He says that he misses
Rugger but keeps fit with cross country running and swimming in the
summer, skiing in the winter.
N. D. LANE (left 1953 July School House). Since he was last in
touch with us all he has moved from Bromborough and is now living in
Maidenhead having been appointed Works Manager at a Food Factory
in Slough. Before starting work in Slough he spent two months in
Sweden with an associate company based in Gothenburg where he found
it fascinatingly beautiful. He was able to visit many parts of the country
and met several Swedish people. Gothenburg he found to be a lively,
modern city, culturally as well as in other relaxing ways. A superb
concert hall and an equally superb football stadium and a Swedish
"Battersea Gardens" are but three examples of this Pearl of Scandinavia.
A contrast to the U.K. is in a most efficient and expanding tram system :
even to the extent of radio contact with their depots and asking for and
getting a new windscreen wiper fitting at a hour minute stop when passing
a depot en route! The Autumn weather in 1969 was exceptionally good
apart from a mini hurricane in September but this enhanced the country's
natural beauty. Should any Old Sil be in the Maidenhead Area he asks that
you drop in to visit him.
C. J. BOWER (left July 1965 School House) now a qualified ace
designer designing magazines for Purnell's Wonderful World War I, having
just completed his third year of the diploma course at London College of
Printing. He is interested in polishing. He occasionally meets Nick Stevens
who was working for Wates the builders and John Shaw who is studying at
Barts Medical School.
59
G. A. ROGERS (left 1952 Fetherston). For the last ten years he has
been living in Jersey but returns to Gloucester for a few weeks each year
at the close of the season when he catches up with all the Club's news.
His parents have been receiving letters and literature from the Club for
several years having lived near Bickenhill from 1932 to 1952 and have taken
an active interest in the School and attended various functions when
possible. He says that he is still a bachelor and wishes the Association
every success. His father's family contributed hundreds of years service
to Birmingham Canal Company having land taken from their farm at Aston
for the preparation of a canal in 1798.
J. R. BARNES (left July 1953 School) writes that after almost ten
years—ten enjoyable years—as a schoolmaster, latterly at Ranby House
School, the preparatory school to Worksop College, where he was in
charge of music and of French, he turned his back on the teaching
profession and entered industryr–in the shape of Rolls Royce, whom he
joined in 1967 as a computer programmer. His present job title (still with
Rolls Royce) is Senior Data Processing Training Officer, having responsibility for the education of Systems Analysts and Programmers throughout
the company. He married in 1967 and now has a son Simon Christopher
born 17th July, 1969.
R. W. D. MILES (left July 1967 Shenstone) says he is still an overworked student. He is interested in squash and table tennis and has
meetings with Andrew Auster at Hatfield College Durham.
M. F. DOBLE (left July 1964 Shenstone) became engaged to Fay
Holdsworth in August 1969 and married her in May 1970. He has passed
his final examination of Chartered Auctioneers and Estate Agents Institute
in March 1969 and is interested in shooting and fishing.
J. M. P. WALL (left July 1951 Pole) was an English speaking Union
Exchange Scholar to Peddie School, Hightstown, N.J., U.S.A. Achieved
B.Sc. (Hons.) in Mechanical Engineering at Birmingham University in
1954 and was a Sub-Lt. R.N.V.R. 1956-58. Taught at Solihull School
from 1959 to 1961 and then Timaru Boys High School, New Zealand 1961
to 1964 and is at present head of Mathematics at Otumoetai College,
Tauranga, New Zealand. He married Alison Morris in January 1966 and
has two daughters. He is interested in fishing, surfing, school work and
sings in the local choir. He has frequent meetings with his brother
A. D. Wall who is a sole-charge policeman at Whitianga a delightful holiday
resort on the Coromandel peninsula some one hundred miles from his
home. He says New Zealand continues to be a magnificent place to live.
Marvellous opportunities in all walks of life, engineering, geology, medicine,
accountancy, insurance, the law, teaching. They are crying out for
qualified people. Where he lives in the Bay of Plenty they are at the
centre of a tourists paradise with deep sea fishing, climbing, deer stalking,
pig-shooting and river and lake fishing and he says that New Zealand
is a friendly country and his parents moved out there in December 1969
to settle permanently and have been amazed at the friendliness of the
people.
D. R. YORKE (left 1941 Shenstone) is a fellow of the Chartered
Insurance Institute and is an Agency Superintendent in Sunderland. He
is married with one daughter Melanie and is interested in the fields of
watching rugby and wine making and he says that it is a good touring
area for the Rugby Club.
R. A. CLARK (left 1937 Pole). He has obtained a B.Sc. and C.Eng. and
also F.I.E.E. and F.I.Mech.E. and is married and is interested in golf
and the opera. In January 1970 he was appointed to the Board of English
Electric—A.E.I. Turbine Generators Ltd.
M. F. LAW (left July 1946 Jago) appointed Headmaster of Tal
Handaq School in January 1970. Tal Handaq is a co-educational secondary
comprehensive school of 750 pupils under the Service Children's Education
Authority of the Ministry of Defence. It is the only British secondary
school in Malta and caters for children of all Service and Ministry of
Defence civilian personnel in Malta.
60
A. P. M. BENNETT (left June 1969 Fetherston) is interested in
debating and has just started a collection of military badges and buttons.
He has had a meeting with Clive Upton at Swansea where he is in his last
year of a two year English M.A. course in Dialectics and has spent much
of his time under canvas in the country doing field work recordings. He
also just missed meeting Prof. F. H. T. Rhodes who is an Old Sil and has
just flown to a new job in U.S.A.
J. I. H. SMITH (left July 1949 Fetherston) says he still plays hockey
for the Old Silhillians in the 1st XI which must be a bad reflection on
the playing standard after twenty and a half seasons. He also plays cricket
and a little tennis. He has met Colin Benjamin (Jago 1944-50) who was
captaining Lapworth Mixed Hockey XI and says he was pleased to welcome
Steve Adams and Chris Taylor who now make the complement of Old
Silhillians at his place of employment.
G. S. MILES-THOMAS (left 1936 Pole). After 18 years in industry
he has decided to return to active politics. He has recently been appointed
Conservative Agent for Romford and he is now busily engaged in reducing
the eight thousand socialist majority to a Tory one. This has resulted
in his spare time being drastically cut and will hand over the organisation
of the O.S.A. London Dinner which he has done for the last six years to
J. R. D. Orrett.
R. J. H. NEALE (left July 1959 Jago). For the past year he has been
resident Medical Officer at the largest of the Nuffield Nursing Home which
is a subsidiary company of the British United Provident Association.
He and his wife live in a ground floor flat of the hospital. His brother
J. E. (Red) Neale is now working in Hamburg for B.P. and he tells him
that he and his wife are enjoying life with a circle of ex-patriots out there.
He sees a little of R. A. Stokes who manages a firm at Coln St. Aldwyns in
Gloucestershire as he is god-father to his youngest son.
M. P. THOMAS (left 1964 July Fetherston) is at present living in
Redditch and married Sarah Nichols of Solihull in September 1969. He is
now working as Manager/Account Executive with Lawson Advertising
Limited, the John Rowe Group in Birmingham.
P. E. STYLES (left December 1961 Shenstone) married on 30th
December 1969 and has one son Neil Peter. He is at present working for
Sherborne Rubber Co. Ltd. and has had long service for the Old Sils
Rugger Club.
E. J. CUTHBERT (left 1959 Fetherston). Graduated from Aston
University in 1961 with a degree in Civil Engineering. Since leaving
University he has spent three years with contractors in various parts of
the country before joining Redditch Development Corporation in 1965.
While at Redditch he met three other Old Boys John Wright and Roy
Winter both of the Architects Department and Richard Doble of the
Estates Department. In November 1969 he was appointed Senior Engineer
with the States of Jersey Sewerage Board. He was married in October
1967 and his main hobby is golf and he is also interested in fishing. He
will be pleased to hear from any Old Boy in Jersey.
R. A. GRANT (left Summer 1959 Pole). Qualified as a Chartered
Surveyor (Associate of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) in
1965. Married Pamela Redman in November 1965 and now has a son
Ian Kirkwood born 28th April 1970. He works for the Prudential
Assurance Co. Ltd. Estates Department and is responsible for property
investment and management in Devon and Cornwall and parts of Central
London including Soho. In the main they buy and look after shops,
offices and other commercial property in these areas including Cockington
Village near Torquay. He has also dealt with the Bristol and Gloucester
area and Co. Durham in past years. He has played rugger for the
Prudential second XV for a few years but now has taken up golf. He
has done a good deal of Scottish dancing with a local Scottish Association
although this activity has now fallen by the way side.
61
G. C. K. ROWE (left 1940 Shenstone) is now Chief Instructor in
Gunnery at the School of Artillery Larkhill.
R. S. GREENWOOD (left 1953 Shenstone) writes that John Fawcett
is now a consultant pathologist at the Peterborough group of hospitals.
He lives in a converted farm house at Eastern on the Hill, near Stamford
and enjoys country life and the local brew.
G. MAYBURY (left 1945 Pole). He was a candidate in the local
elections on 5th May and is happy to say that he was successful in gaining
a seat on Formby Council as a Conservative member for Ravenmeds
Ward. The seat had been held by an Independent for the past nine years
so the contest was a three cornered one and very exhilarating and tense.
The final result gave him victory of a small margin of 65 votes out of
a total poll of 1664 and he says "Now the real work starts".
D. BIRD (left 1966 School) is on a sandwich course with Tube
Investments Ltd. graduating this summer from U.M.I.S.T. course B.Sc.
(Hons.) Management Sciences and hopes to spend July to October in
the United States. He is interested in travel, competition motoring, guitar
and engine tuning and ornithology. He says contrary to popular belief
most Manchester University students do not spend most of their time in
pubs but in touring round Cheshire getting to them.
F. R. GEISLER (left July 1963 Windsor) married Mary Elizabeth
Heaton on 5th November 1969 at Shipston on Stour, Warwickshire when
Ian Mogford was best man. He spent the winter months at the Army
Winter Warfare School at Silberhutte in the Harz mountains as a company
commander and instructor in skiing. He moved to Bovington Camp in
Dorset in June to take over the job of second-in-command of the Armoured
Vehicle Squadron at the Royal Armoured Corps Centre with the rank
of Captain. He organized a recruiting tour in London in June and July
which included the swimming of three Stalwarts up the Thames from
Putney to the Houses of Parliament. He expects to be posted in England
for about two years.
D. CARR-SM1TH (left 1956 School). Since leaving his post at Bishop
Veseys Grammar School in 1967 he has taken over as Headmaster of
Ruckleigh School in Solihull. There are many children of Old Silhillians
in the School. His hobby is woodland deer stalking in the South of
England. Last year he was fortunate enough in shooting the British
record roe head. This with another gold medal Roe trophy of his will
go as part of a British exhibit to the international hunting exhibition in
Budapest in 1971. It ranks the 1 1 th in Europe for all time. Colin
Crisswell who stayed with him last summer is now teaching in Hong Kong
and is studying for a Ph.D. in Oriental History at the University there.
J. B. MAYERS (left 1919). He is an independent member of the Local
Review Committee for Parole at Birmingham jail and is also Chairman
of a new probation hospital, Elliott House in Birmingham for men on
probation (a new Home Office experiment) and is secretary to the Board of
the Birmingham Rep. He is interested in the building of the new theatre
in Broad Street. His eldest son C. P. Mayers was at Solihull School for
a while before going on to Bryanston, since when he became a doctor
and returned last Autumn with his wife and three children from a year in
Newfoundland with the Grenfell Mission, at St. Anthony as a pathologist.
J. C. W. RICHARDS (left July 1967 Jago). He has just finished his
University under graduate course in Physics at the University of Newcastle
and has attained an honours degree. He will be returning to Newcastle in
the Autumn to do an M.Sc. in geophysics.
M. J. CUSACK (left 1956 Jago) was married in May 1969 after a
month in Australia on business. A son, Paul James was born to his wife
Isabel on 27th February this year and he is a partner of Albert E. Sharp
& Co. a leading firm of Birmingham Stockbrokers and a member of the
Midlands and Western Stock Exchange. After playing squash for
Warwickshire for some years he now plays No. 2 for Worcestershire
following his change of residence.
62
BIRTHS
BRADBEER. Brenda and Michael, a son Matthew Michael, a brother for
Daren on 26th November 1969.
COX. Anthea and Geoffrey, a daughter Julia, on 24th April 1970.
CUSACK. Isabel and Michael, a son Paul James, on 27th February 1970.
McCLELLAND. Gina and Tony, a son Martin John, on 31st January,
1970.
PRATT. Diane and Heath, a son Julian Heath, on 9th February 1970.
RAYNER. Liz and John, a daughter, sister for Elise, on 20th January
1970.
REMINGTON. Monika and Ian, a son Jochen, on 1st October 1970.
URRY. Carol and Brian, a son Stephen John Beresford, on 31st March
1970.
ENGAGEMENTS
ANDREAE-HEATH. Elizabeth Mary, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
J. C. M. Heath and Peter Murray, only son of Mr. and Mrs. D. H.
Andreae of Bushwood Drive, Dorridge, Solihull.
HIPWELL-WARD. Tim, son of Mrs. Beryl Ward and the late Mr.
Headley Ward of Kings Heath, Birmingham and Miss Val Hipwell,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Hipwell of Southampton.
JOHNSON-MITCHELSON. Christine, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
C. Mitchelson of Heronfield Way, Solihull, and Philip, younger son
of Mrs. G. E. Johnson and the late Mr. Phil Johnson of Henley-inArden.
LEVENGER-MERCER. Helen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. V. Mercer
and Peter, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Levenger of Solihull.
NORRIS-FOSTER. Harvey Roger, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. V. E.
Norris of Woodlea Drive, Solihull and Linda Jane, second daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Foster of Wootton Wawen.
DOVEY-NUTTALL. Jennifer, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. E.
Dovey of Shirley and Andrew, only son of Mrs. G. Nuttall and the
late Mr. A. Nuttall of Solihull.
SMITH-BICKNELL. Michael, only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Smith of
Northdown Road, Solihull and Jean, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
L. 0. Bicknell of Ledworth.
MARRIAGES
AWAD-TRUEMAN. Anton Michael, only son of Dr. Michel Awad and
the late Mrs. E. Awad of Whitehouse Green Road, Solihull and Miss
Stephanie Angela Trueman, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth
W. Trueman of Northbrook Road, Solihull.
GOODWIN-DAVIES. David R., son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold F. Goodwin
of Sharmans Cross Road, Solihull and Miss Olwen Davies, daughter
of Mrs. D. B. Davies and the late Mr. Davies of Leominster, Hereford.
HASTINGS-ALLDER. David Jarvey, only son of Dr. and Mrs. G. T. A.
Hastings of Robin Hood Lane, Hall Green and Miss Suzanne Jane
Allder, second daughter of Mrs. Y. D. L. Allder of Blackford Road,
Shirley, Solihull.
HAWLEY-SMITH. Michael John, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Victor Hawley
of Woodcote Drive, Dorridge and Miss Amanda Jane Smith, only
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. Smith of Windmill Farm. Rowington.
HIPWELL-HALL. Bruce, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. P. Hipwell of Falstaff
Road, Shirley and Miss Ann Rosalind Hall, daughter of Mrs. W. L.
Hall and the late Mr. F. G. Hall of Overton Close, Hall Green.
ICKE-HUXLEY. Richard Geoffrey, younger son of Mr. D. S. Icke of
Stonor Park Road, Solihull and the late Mrs. L. Icke and Miss
Elizabeth Jane Huxley, daughter of Mrs. E. E. Huxley and the late
Mr. J. W. Huxley of Welford Road, Shirley.
JAMESON-BIRD. David Neil Jameson, second son of Mr. and Mrs. E.
Jameson of Longdon Croft, Knowle and Miss Jean Marie Bird, third
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. Bird of Lyndon Road, Olton.
63
NORRIS-FOSTER. Harvey, younger son of Mrs. and Mrs. V. E. Norris
of Woodlea Drive, Solihull and Miss Linda Foster, second daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Foster of Preston Hill Farm, Wootton Wawen.
TAYLOR-SHAW. Nicholas Douglas, son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Taylor
of St. Bernards Road, Olton and Miss Valerie Anne Shaw, daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Shaw of Kingscote Road, Dorridge.
THORPE-KING. Ian Anthony, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Thorpe of
Sharmans Cross Road, Solihull and Miss Elizabeth Ann King,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. H. King of 1404 Warwick Road, Knowle.
UPTON-GLOVER. Peter John, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur J. Upton
of Warwick Road, Copt Heath, Knowle and Miss Anne Glover,
daughter of Mrs. Lovie Glover and the late Mr. J. H. Glover of
Waddington Avenue, Great Barr.
WATERS-HALE. John Terence, eldest son of Mrs. M. B. Waters of Witley
Avenue, Solihull and the late Dr. K. T. Waters, and Miss Carolyn
Ann Hale, only daughter of Mrs. Lily Hale of Berkeley Road, Shirley.
WINSLOW-FREEMAN, Martin James, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. J.
Winslow of 6 Mirfield Road, Solihull and Miss Beverley Jean
Freeman, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. G. B. Freeman, of
Radford Lane, Solihull.
OBITUARIES
F. E. ALLDAY
We regret to announce the passing of F. E. Allday (Bill), on
12th September, 1970, aged 59 years. Bill entered the school in the winter of
1923 and did very well there both academically and in sport. He became
school prefect, captain of Jago, School Certificate, School XI cricket and
football (soccer in those days), House first XI Hockey, Sergeant in 0.T.C.,
leaving in 1929. He became one of the early members of the Rugby Club
about 1934 in which year he married Nata Kuhn of Denmark. Successful
in business he was chairman and managing director in the family printing
business of Allday Ltd. of Birmingham.
However, it will be his long and distinguished association with the
Territorial Army by which he will be remembered, joining the 68th Field
Regiment at Stoney Lane in 1938, he subsequently became its commanding
officer in the years 1947 to 1954, Colonel of the Territorial Association
in 1950. Bill was a veteran of Dunkirk and held the C.B.E., Chevalier of
the Order of Leopold and the Croix de Guerre. He leaves a widow, son
and daughter. An old boy to be proud of.
JBC
DAVID MICHAEL JOHNS
ALAN SHIRLEY
Alan Shirley died on 5th January 1970 aged 40 years.
Because of his attractive personality Alan collected many sincere
friends from his many activities. After leaving School in 1947 he joined
the R.A.F. and upon being demobbed set about studying engineering to
obtain his A.I.Mech.E. In the village of Meriden where his family had
lived and worked for many years he was elected to the Parish Council
in 1955. He served on it for 10 years eventually becoming its Chairman.
He was also Chairman of the local Young Farmer's Club and a member
of the Meriden Schools Management Committee for many years.
Old Boys in general first met him in 1956 when, in his quiet but
determined way, he decided to restart one of his old sports. He joined the
Rugger Club and starting from the bottom worked his way up to the first
XV. There he distinguished himself by regularly scoring tries, which,
since he was only a forward, was something most extraordinary in those
days. While the rest of the pack were lifting their heads from the scrum he
would be taking an inside pass from the fly-half and forcing his way over
the line. His efforts were rewarded by the award of the Club Cap for the
most improved player of the year.
Alan was member of the Shenstonian Lodge and enjoyed the respect of
his fellow-masons for his conscientious work, particularly as Secretary
of the Lodge of Instruction.
His many friends will never forget his natural charm, the gift he had
of making one feel at ease, and his great good humour. His family,
Margaret his Wife, Jill and Ian his Daughter and Son, and, not least,
his Father will remember his love and dependable loyalty to them.
In 1968 Alan had a recurrence of a knee injury and was told by his
doctor to rest from playing Rugby. Rest he did for a few weeks, then
as determined as ever, he restarted playing rather too soon. As he
laughingly told us afterwards he found himself in the embarassing position
of being carried off the field by this same doctor who happened to be
playing for the opposition.
However he continued to enjoy his Rugby and help the Club by
taking up refereeing. It was a sure sign of his qualities that no-one
grumbled about the "Ref" when it was Alan. The Club thought so highly
of him that they made him their President-Elect in 1968.
To keep himself fit Alan took to playing Squash. There we saw him
typically playing a hard game and yet both getting and giving an enormous
amount of fun from it. In fact he gave a little too much of his best
because during a keen game with a friend he collapsed and died from a
heart attack.
At his funeral his many friends and relations gave him perhaps his
greatest tribute by travelling from near and far to pack to over-flowing
St. Laurence's Church at Meriden where the service was held.
The death occurred after a long illness of Mr. David Michael Johns,
who was 44.
Mr. Johns was educated at St. Alphege School and Solihull School.
He went into his father's advertising agency on leaving school and became
a director 15 years ago. He was managing director on his father's death
and was also a director of two other companies.
Mr. Johns devoted much of his great energy to building. He set about
the task of building the house in which he lived with his wife Molly and
their two children, now aged seven and eight.
He also tackled the rebuilding of the offices and studios of his firm
Adcraft Ltd. in Ribblesdale Road, Stirchley with the minimum help from
building tradesmen. During the last two years he had bought an old house
near his present home and was in the process of putting it through a
complete modernisation.
During the war he served as a tank driver with the 10th Prince of
Wales Regiment. He escaped from behind enemy lines on one occasion.
Later he was lost for two weeks in the Austrian Alps. He was in charge
of some horses at the time and managed to bring them back to safety.
We extend our sympathy to his wife and children.
An icy reception awaits 14 British officers and men later this autumn
on the storm-tossed and unchartered shores of Elephant Island, off
Continental Antarctica.
The men—scientific and polar enthusiasts from the armed forces—
will constitute the Joint Service Expedition which will survey this remote
island described as "one of the dwindling number of unexplored areas in
the world".
Leader of the expedition, Commander Malcolm Burley, M.B.E., R.N.,
and his 13 men, will spend five months on Elephant Island, which is about
the size of Arran.
First recorded landing on Elephant Island, which is mountainous
and covered with a permanent ice cap, was in April 1916 by Sir Ernest
Shackleton and the survivors of his Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.
They reached the island in three boats after their expedition ship,
the Endurance, had been crushed and sunk in the pack ice in the Weddell
64
65
THEY'LL SPEND FIVE MONTHS ON UNEXPLORED
ISLAND
Sea. The expedition remained marooned for over four months while
Shackleton and five companions made their epic six hundred mile sea
passage in an open boat to South Georgia for help.
The 1970 expedition members will fly to South America in November,
where they will embark in the Royal Navy's new ice patrol ship H.M.S.
Endurance for passage to Elephant Island.
The scientific activities which the 14 officers and men will undertake
will include surveying, geological, glaciological, zoological and botanical
work, while a search will also be made for traces remaining of the
occupation by Shackleton's expedition of over fifty years ago.
The leader is one of the Royal Navy's most experienced polar
explorers and mountaineers. He is already familiar with the South
Shetland Islands having taken part in a helicopter rescue and led diving
operations there a few years ago.
In 1964-65 he led a combined Services expedition to South Georgia and
two years earlier, led the first ascent of Mount Liotard in the Antarctic.
He was engaged in Arctic expeditions in 1958, 1959 and 1961.
Commander Burley is supported by a team comprising four Naval
officers and one rating, five military officers, two Royal Air Force officers
and a flight sergeant. All are specialists in some relevant scientific study.
Four zoologists will carry out a census of various species of birds
in the area, gather information on nesting habits of snow and Antarctic
petrels, obtain a collection for quilitative analysis of sea shore biological
specimens, and conduct a census of the seal population.
Elephant Island has never been surveyed, though aerial reconnaissance
has provided the bare outline of the coast. The expedition will survey
the island, and once it has been correctly positioned the Hydrographics
Department will be able to progress a programme of charting.
The Shackleton Expedition made a small collection of rocks in 1961
and these proved to be of considerable interest, as the rocks comprising
the Elephant Island group are quite distinct from those of the rest of the
South Shetland Group.
General geological mapping will be done and this work will be
handled by Lt. Richard Roxburgh, B.A., Army Air Corps, who is at
present attached to the 16th Parachute Brigade.
The glaciological objectives of the expedition will be to record ice
temperatures, record snow accumulation measurements and gather ice
discharge date on the island's principal glacier.
While climbing does not feature amongst the main objectives of the
expedition, first ascents will be attempted on the highest peaks of the
island at present unnamed.
A 16 millimetre colour film depicting all aspects of the expedition's
activities will be made, and this may be shown on television on return to
B ritain.
The South Shetland Islands were discovered in 1819 by Captain
William Smith after his ship, the Brig Williams, had been blown off course
to the south while trading round Cape Horn. Elephant Island was first
sighted the following year.
The name of the island was originally Sea Elephant Island, derived
from the dense population of indigenous seals of this specie.
Recorded landings, besides Shackleton's, occurred in 1922 when small
parties were landed on the beaches from the expedition ship Quest,
and also about ten years ago, when a small scientific party from British
Antarctic Survey landed briefly during a forenoon to make gravimetric
observations.
The only other known landing was on Point Wild in 1966, when a
helicopter from H.M.S. Protector and a small party from the Chilean ship
Piloto Pardo paid brief calls to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the
evacuation of Shackleton's expedition.
Apart from unrecorded landings by early sealers and whalers, and of
those mentioned above, Elephant Island remains unexplored. No one
has ventured inland from the beaches due to the formidable mountainous
and glacier-covered terrain.
66
A TRIP THROUGH RUMANIA
Eleven exhausted people staggered off a traM at 6 a.m., to be met
by an equally tired Rumanian who was to be our guide for two weeks.
Driving through Bucharest from the station to the agricultural college,
the impression we received was of a drab town with a great many pre-war
houses that were not very well kept up. This impression was soon to be
changed. A tour of Bucharest the next day showed us that the Rumanian
government is making great efforts to raise the standards of the capital
city. The population is over 11 million, and one can see that this is
only possible with the vast expanses of apartment buildings. The city itself
is comparable in size with Northampton, but almost half of it is covered
with modern buildings which could be seen in almost any city in Western
Europe. However uninteresting block upon block of flats may be to
the sightseer, one can but admire the efforts that are being made to house
the population in good conditions. Also, the planners have given ample
space for recreation and children in the housing estates.
Shopping in Bucharest would be a nightmare for most English
housewives. There is absolutely nothing comparable to our supermarkets
or department stores. On our last day, I and three others, went out
to buy food for the return journey. We found that we were obliged to
go from shop to shop for different items, and that in every shop there
was a long queue prohibiting speedy purchasing. If one was to attempt
to explain this particular state of affairs, most probably, one would say that
the Rumanian people live at an entirely different pace to ourselves, and
that this is exhibited in the service one obtains. Long queues are the order
of the day (as they are in most other communist countries).
Compared with our own, living conditions are not good. The national
average weekly wage, so we were informed on several occasions, is about
£12 per week. This must be compensated, to some extent, by the fact that
housing is very cheap and that basic foods are not expensive. We found
that vegetables could be bought in the markets very cheaply; for example
we found tomatoes in excellent condition, for which we paid 1/6 for
2.2 lbs., and the quality was far superior to any tomato I personally have
eaten in England. We were surprised to find that the State did not have
an absolute monopoly on housing, and that the number of people who
owned their own property was quite considerable. For those who did
rent accommodation from the State, the rent they expected to pay was
between 10% and 15% of their wage. As a contrast to this cheapness,
other things are very expensive. Dairy products' prices are not comparable
to our own; but then ours are not comparable to the rest of Europe, so
it can be assumed that these are of a fairly average amount when compared
with other Western prices. The main things that are expensive are shoes
and clothing. I was offered £5 for my blue jeans, which only cost £2.
Wandering round shops we saw that shoes cost about £4 for ladies and £6
for men, but the quality was far inferior to that of Western goods.
Leaving Bucharest, we travelled, by train, to Brasov (Kronstadt until
fairly recently). This is the industrial city of Rumania where almost all
their machinery is made. It is quite obvious when one travels into the city
that there is an old part and a new part. I think the general concensus
of opinion within the group was that Brasov was the most pleasant city
we visited. The old and new blend together in a charming way, providing
a permanent tribute to the ability of the planners.
The journey from Bucharest to Brasov provided a great deal of interest.
Leaving the plains where much of Rumania's wheat and maise is grown,
we gradually ascended into the Carpathians. These mountains are very
reminiscent of the Swiss Alps, except that the Carpathians appear to be
more heavily wooded, and, in some ways, were more attractive than the
Alps. We stayed in a village, about 15 miles from Brasov, which was
the highest settlement in Rumania. It proved to be an ideal base from
which to tour the countryside, even though these particular trips seemed to
be orientated solely at monuments. The most ostentatious of these was
a castle at Peles, which was begun by one of the kings in the nineteenth
67
century and cost a fantastic amount of money. Even in those times
it worked out at several hundred million pounds sterling. Generally, the
Rumanian people whom we met were extremely proud of these "follies,"
even though we attempted to point out that to have them built must have
resulted in severe hardship for the people who, in the final analysis,
provided the money for them.
It was with some regrets that we began the journey from the mountains
back to Bucharest. This feeling was then heightened when we discovered
that the train on which we were to travel was extremely full. We were
separated into two groups, by necessity. The particular group I was in
on this journey consisted of five people, and we were able to find two
seats between us. We were surrounded by Rumanian people, and the seats
turned out to have wooden backs, and were sparsely padded, thus making
the journey a most uncomfortable one. The 60 miles or so took over
four hours to cover, and, when we arrived in Bucharest, we were all
extremely tired, and less than half-way to our destination on the Black
Sea coast.
We spent five days on the coast, which seemed to show that the
Rumanian organisation which looked after us had entirely misunderstood
our motives in going. Indeed, our guide had been informed that the whole
object of the exercise was to have a holiday, whereas we were all anxious
to learn about the country, and, more importantly, to speak to the people
personally. However, one side of the Rumanian character came out quite
clearly at the coast. They are a people who are most anxious to help, if
at all possible. The director of the student camp where we were billeted,
did his utmost to arrange things as we wished. Unfortunately, he was
pitifully understaffed and had minimal facilities for his job. By this time,
also, our guide was in hospital and translation became a sore problem.
We managed to survive.
The port of Constanta was far richer in things of interest, yet we
had only a few official hours there. Some of the party decided to
spend some of the spare time there, and were much rewarded for their
effort, although the journey on the country 'bus was an extremely sticky,
and smelly, affair.
Obviously, the Rumanians are extremely aware of their powerful
neighbours to the North. The U.S.S.R. is a continual threat, and recent
events in Czechoslovakia have done nothing to alleviate tension. No
matter how violently people feel about the Russians personally, the State
manages to translate public opinion into action without offending other
countries, and most folk realise the wisdom of their government's policies.
Rumania is a small country, only a little bigger than the U.K., and,
until the end of the second world war, was almost exclusively agricultural.
This preoccupation with agriculture still exists, despite the tremendous stress
placed upon the expansion of industry. We visited an experimental farm,
and were much impressed by the dedication of the people we met to
their work. Also, the agricultural standards are rapidly being improved.
When one sees the diligence of the people one can only assume that,
unless something disastrous happens to this small nation, then in years to
come Rumania will be a very important part of Europe, which is the
earnest desire of very many Rumanian people.
This was the first year in which an official exchange visit to Rumania
has taken place. Obviously, there were many things that the party did
not agree with. These can easily be put right for next year's trip. The
helpfulness and desire to please of the Rumanians will go a long way to
making any future party feel at home. We found that we were not
hindered by numerous petty restrictions and were given many opportunities
to go off on our own wherever we liked. For this we were grateful,
and, as a result of our individual findings, I think that each member
of the party would recommend Rumania for a touring holiday, if only
it were not such a long way off.
ADDRESSES UNKNOWN
ALLEN, F.A.
ALLPORT, R. J.
BALLS, Major B. W.
BENJAMIN, M.
BERRY, P. M.
tBILLING, S. H. D.
BRIDGWATER, J.
BROWN, S. F. C.
t ESSEX-CATER, A. J.
CLARKE, W. R.
t CRISP, B.
CRAWFORD, H. J. P.
DANTER. W. J.
DAVID, R.
DAVIES, D. G.
DAY, W. P. M.
tDIXON, R. M.
DURNELL, P. T.
EISNER, A. D.
ELLISON, A. J.
EVANS, N. D.
FAULKNER, B. A.
t FORSYTH. I. C.
FRASER, F. P.
GALLOWAY, D. J.
GARDNER, K. L.
GOUGH, A.
HALFORD, G. G.
HAMMOND, P. R. A.
HARDY, J. A. D.
HEATH, W. R. A.
HEINRICH, R. S.
HIGGS, D. A.
tHIGGS, J. M. A.
HOBBS, J. G.
HOLMES, C. J.
HOMER, J. P. J.
HOPKINS, F. C.
JACKSON, D. A. S.
JANES, D. M.
JONES. M. G.
KNOTT, W. M.
LYONS, M. F.
MACKAY, R.
MEERE, W. J. R.
tMERCER, C. E.
MILLER, M. R.
f MONTGOMERY, K. C.
MORGAN, K. D.
NEWBOLD, D. E.
PARKINSON, J. E.
REES, D. W.
REYNOLDS, B. L.
RICHARDS, C. B.
ROLFE, P. J. C.
ROLOGIS, G. B.
ROSSON, Peter
SEATON, P.
SCOTT. C. G. L.
SHORT, S. L. A.
SMITH. S. J.
SWEENEY, R. L.
TANSLEY, C. R. E.
TAYLOR, R. B.
THOMAS, B. P.
THOMAS, N. M.
TOWNSEND, C. M.
WHITEHILL. J. R.
WHITLOCK, R. C.
WILLIS, A.
WINCHURCH. R. H.
WINFIELD, Dr. F. B.
WOODCOCK, K. R.
tReturned postal packets from Reminders sent out in August
RMS
68
69
NEW MEMBERS LIST
AITCHISON, D. B., 55 Woodchester Road, Dorridge, Solihull, Warwickshire.
ASHTON, S. J. B., 45 Blossomfield Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
ATKINS, M. D., 274 Yardley Wood Road, Birmingham 13.
AUSTER, S. G., "The Homesteads", 15 Sherwood Close, Solihull, Warwickshire.
BELCHER, A. E., "Willows", Haseley-Knob, Nr. Warwick.
BELCHER, A. W., 242 Norton Lane, Earlswood, Solihull, Warwickshire.
BELCHER, J. H., 212 Kineton Green Road. Olton, Solihull, Warwickshire.
BELCHER, L. A., 55 Shottery Road, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire.
BETMIDGE, J. R., 53 Southall Road, Hall Green, Birmingham 28.
BETTRIDGE, M. C., 53 Southall Road, Hall Green, Birmingham 28.
BONESS, P. S., The School House, Rowington, Warwickshire.
BOWRING, C. C., 8 Wychwood Avenue, Knowle, Solihull, Warwickshire.
BROWN, H. M. F., 34 Widney Manor Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
BROWN, S. M., 94 Wake Green Road, Moseley, Birmingham 13.
BURNS, S. A., 234 Blossomfield Road. Solihull, Warwickshire.
CHANG, E., 50 Whitefields Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
CHANG, H., 50 Whitefields Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
CHRISTIE, J., 3 Halford Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
CLARKE, D. E., 39 Hampton Lane, Solihull, Warwickshire.
COWLAND, J. W., 9 Hazel Grove, Hockley Heath, Solihull, Warwickshire.
CURTIS, C. J., 1644 High Street, Knowle, Solihull, Warwickshire.
DEAN, D. S., Manor Lodge, Manor Road, Dorridge, Solihull, Warwickshire.
DINES, A. A., 72 Earlswood Road, Dorridge, Solihull, Warwickshire.
DIXON, R. W., 8 Oakley Wood Drive, Solihull, Wanvickshire.
DOCKER, C., Matthews Cottage, Chadwick End, Solihull, Warwickshire.
EARL, H. J., 6 Arden Road, Dorridge, Solihull, Warwickshire.
ESSEX, E., 70 Lovelace Avenue, Solihull, Warwickshire.
FLOOD, N. J., 60 Widney Manor Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
GARE, S. D., 11 Lightwood Close, Knowle, Solihull, Warwickshire.
GLOSTER, R. J., 17 Dovehouse Lane, Solihull, Warwickshire.
GREENHOUGH, R. S., 170 St. Bernards Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
HARRIS, N. A. M., 129 Sandford Road, Moseley, Birmingham 13.
HAY, J. C., 29 Oldway Drive, Solihull, Warwickshire.
HILTON, S. E. C., 5 Dudley Park Road, Acocks Green. Birmingham 27.
HOLLINGS, C. D., 2 Allcott Lane, Marston Green. Birmingham.
HOLTOM, P. E., The Uplands, Camp Lane, Beaudesert, Henley-in-Arden, Solihull,
Warwickshire.
HUBAND, E. W., Flat 1, Hollybank, 116 Peperharow Road, Godalming, Surrey.
HYDE, J., 852 Warwick Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
JARMAN, R. A., 229 Station Road, Knowle, Solihull, Warwickshire.
JONES, A. K. C., 55 Rectory Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
JONES, M. F., 1484 Warwick Road, Knowle, Solihull Warwickshire.
LANCASTER, R. W., 22 Besbury Close. Dorridge, Solihull, Warwickshire.
LANE. C. J., 44 School Lane, Solihull. Warwickshire.
LLOYD, D., 3 Sandal Rise, Solihull, Warwickshire.
LYNEX, D. I., 222 St. Bernards Road, Olton, Solihull, Warwickshire.
MACKAY, K. R., 5 Blythewood Close. Solihull, Warwickshire.
MARTIN, J. D. T.. 24 Jesson Close, Walsall, Staffs.
MOORE, R. E., 18 Windemere Drive, Alderley Edge, Cheshire.
MORRIS, J., Old Hall, Waste Lane, Berkswell, Warwickshire.
MORRIS, R. D. S., 15 Oakley Wood Drive, Solihull, Warwickshire.
MORRIS, R. J. T., 5a Beechwood Park Road, Solihull. Warwickshire.
PAYNE, A. N., 214 St. Bernards Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
PINDER, D. M., 17 St. Gerards Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
POTTER, D. M., 1 Falstaff Road, Shirley, Solihull, Warwickshire.
PRICKETT, R. A., 23 Wychwood Avenue, Knowle, Solihull, Warwickshire.
PURSER, G. J., 225 Moor Green Lane, Moseley, Birmingham 13.
PYATT, H. G., "Casa Bonita", Leys Road, Harvington, Evesham, Worcs.
RAYNOR, I. C., 21 Greswolde Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
REED, S. W., 3 White House Green, Solihull. Warwickshire.
REES, C. J., 97 Seven Star Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
REEVE. I., 518 Warwick Road. Solihull, Warwickshire.
RICHARDSON, S. A. W., 69 Doveridge Road. Hall Green, Birmingham 28.
ROLES, A. J., 16 Grosvenor Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
ROSE, M. L., 5 Alderbrook Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
SIMPSON, I. C., 39 Alder Lane, Balsa11 Common, Nr. Coventry.
SKINNER. T. J., 8 Byron Place. Northmead, Parramatta. 2152 N.S.W., Australia.
SKIPPINGS, R. S., c/o 4 Ratcliffe Road. Solihull, Warwickshire.
SMITH. D. A., 812 Warwick Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
SOUTHALL. M. T., Grimshaw Hall, Hampton Road, Knowle, Solihull, Warwickshire.
SPRIGGS. C., 8 Woodfield Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
STANDLEY, R. J.. 226 Station Road, Knowle. Solihull, Warwickshire.
STUART, C. J., 800 Warwick Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
TYLER, C. C., Old College House, Fen End, Kenilworth, Warwickshire.
VICKERMAN. D., 69 Links Drive, Solihull, Warwickshire.
WILLIAMS, S. J. H., 98 Broad Oaks Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
WILLIAMS, W. D. L., 63 Coleshill Road, Marston Green, Birmingham 37.
WRIGHT, K. T. H., 43 Bantry Close, Sheldon, Birmingham 26.
WRIGHT, L. G., "Ardendale", Bellemere Road. Hampton-in-Arden, Warwickshire.
WILLSON. R. W.. 27 Park Avenue. Solihull, Warwickshire.
YOUNG, F., 232 Blossomfield Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
70
SELECT SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT
The Select Sub-Committee was formed under the Chairmanship of
P. J. Hill, Esq., at the end of 1968 to consider the reorganisation of the
affairs of the Association, and to submit its findings to the Association
Committee in the form of a report. A preliminary report was submitted
and considered in November, 1969, and as a result the Association's
financial year was altered to end on the 31st July, and the form and
method of operation of the Clubhouse Management Committee was
amended for a trial period.
The final report of the Sub-Committee was prepared in April, 1970,
and has been considered in detail by the Association Committee, which
has decided to accept the recommendations and suggestions contained in
the Sub-Committee Report, subject to certain reservations and amendments.
The Sub-Committee approached its task by considering the objects of
the Association, and the following points are those which have finally
been agreed and accepted by the Association Committee:—
1. The Annual Dinner
This is considered to be satisfactory in its present form.
2. The Magazine
The present form is considered satisfactory, but the cost of
producing the Magazine gives cause for concern, and needs to be
watched constantly in order to minimise the drain on the Association's
financial resources. Similar remarks apply to the cost of printing and
stationery generally, and also the cost of circularising members.
3. The development of contact between Old Boys among themselves and
the School
Since activities in other areas have not proved successful, the
Association's efforts under this heading should be concentrated on the
Solihull and Birmingham area, the Universities and London. Efforts
will be made to reorganise and revitalise the London section, particularly the London Dinner.
Old Boys should make a more positive financial contribution to
the School, and an effort will be made to implement this in 1971.
It is also suggested that the Association should endeavour to assist
the School in a voluntary way, and help with the School's Young
Volunteers was cited as an example.
4. The Thanksgiving Fund
It is desirable that a Fund should be maintained which would
enable the Association to help the sons of Old Boys who may need
financial assistance to complete their education because of family
deaths, illness, etc., but the Association's present financial problems
preclude any immediate help in this connection.
5. The Memorial Clubhouse and Ground
In addition to being the Association's major asset, it is also a
War Memorial, and it must be the right of every Old Silhillian who
is a member to use the facilities of the Clubhouse and Ground.
Efforts should be made to cater for all categories and age ranges
of members. The future development of the facilities at the Clubhouse must be geared to the financial rewards to be obtained, and
as to-day's young members will be tomorrow's older members consideration should be given to providing facilities especially for the
benefit and use of younger members in a building outside the present
Clubhouse building, such as the Barn, if it can be safely converted.
Attention should also be given to the provision of a proper dining
area and any consequent readjustment to the kitchen area. Advice
will be sought from an Interior Design Expert to see if it is possible
to improve the atmosphere of the Club Room.
The major part of the Sub-Committee's Report relates to finance, and
under this heading the Association Committee have decided as follows:—
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(a) The present subscriptions should be raised:—
for ordinary members to £4 Os. Od. per annum;
for Country members and junior members to £2 Os. Od. per
annum;
for life membership, £35 Os. Od.
(b) Sports Section Membership
Full consideration was given to the possibility of applying one
inclusive Sports Membership subscription, increasing in accordance
with the number of sports played. A considerable amount of time
and effort was spent in considering this suggestion and in calculating
the likely cost, but it was decided that on balance this method
would not be beneficial and the present system of subscriptions levied
by individual Sports Sections upon their own members will continue.
II
Photo: J. Currall
Interior 4'
ii
the New School Refectory
72
(c) Association Main Account
The following basic principles have been accepted:—
1. Capital and debenture repayments and all interest charges must
be financed out of income, and should be borne by the Main
Association Account, which will benefit from any substantial
surplus on the Clubhouse and Ground accounts by a reduction in
its contribution to those accounts. Provision must be made in
the accounts for depreciation of assets.
Whilst, strictly speaking, proceeds of the School Membership
Scheme should be capitalized it is considered that these funds
can be used for repayment purposes until the capital liabilities
have been redeemed.
3. The cost of providing facilities must be apportioned as fairly as
possible between the members.
4. There is a duty upon the Association to maintain the Memorial
Clubhouse and Ground, and it should provide an adequate
contribution to the cost from its main account.
5. As stated previously, every Old Silhillian should have the right
to use the facilities of the Clubhouse as part of his membership,
and for this reason in particular the idea of a House Membership
Subscription has been rejected.
(d) Clubhouse and Ground Management Account
It is agreed that the Association should bear its proper share
of the expenditure at Barston Lane, that the present structure of
Sports Sections should remain, and that members playing sport
should pay a proper charge for the facilities.
In converting basic principles into practice it is accepted that
the Squash Club and the Rifle Club have both recently negotiated
separate agreements with the Association in respect of payment by
them for the facilities which they enjoy, and these arrangements
will remain unaltered. This means that the remaining cost of providing Clubhouse and Ground facilities should be borne by the Association and the Rugby, Hockey and Cricket Sports Sections.
Dealing first with the Clubhouse facilities, i.e. the item which
previously has appeared in the Clubhouse account as rent, it was
agreed, as the Clubhouse is an asset of the Association, that the
Association should be responsible for paying interest on the Bank
loan, and ultimately repaying the Bank loan out of the main
Association account. At the same time the three Sports Sections
should contribute to the Clubhouse expenses, e.g. rates, cleaning,
insurance, electricity, hot water, etc., and the basis for this contribution should be at the rate of £75 Os. Od. per section per pitch.
In this respect, and in all other respects, it is assumed that there will
be three rugby pitches, three hockey pitches and two cricket pitches,
so that in a full year the Rugby Club and the Hockey Club will pay
£225 Os. Od. each, and the Cricket Club £150 Os. Od. as their rent
for the Clubhouse facilities.
So far as the cost of the Ground facilities is concerned the
greatest difficulty arose in deciding the fairest basis to use for
allocating the costs arising in the Ground Account. It was decided
first of all that the Association must expect to pay out of the Main
Account 30% of the amount which the Management Committee shall
deem appropriate in the light of the Management Committee budgeted
figure for each year. The remaining 70% to be divided as fairly as
possible between the Rugby, Hockey and Cricket Sections. In deciding the final allocation of this amount it was necessary to consider
the matter from all aspects, including the extent of area used by
each of the three Sports Sections, the number of playing members
for which the facilities are provided in each Sports Section, the
fact that some Sports areas cost more to keep up than others, the
73
?.
length of the Winter Sports Season compared with the Summer
Sports Season, the extent of use obtainable from the facilities by
the different Sections and the fact that part of the sports area,
although used only in winter time, has to be maintained throughout
the summer.
It was accepted that these points, and probably many others,
could be argued for or against the charge required from one Sports
Section or another. It was also accepted that a precise measurement
of the value of the facilities to each Sports Section could not be
accurately calculated. Above all, there must be a certain amount of
give and take between the Sports Sections, and some account must
be made of the size of the respective Sections and the number of
their members who are able to enjoy the facilities provided.
Taking all these points into account, it was decided that the cost
of providing the Ground facilities should be borne each year in
accordance with the following percentages applied to the Management Account Budget for the year:—
0.S.A. — 30%
Rugby — 28%
Hockey — 23%
Cricket — 19%
Budget projections for the immediate years ahead were provided for
Sports Sections, to indicate the effect of these percentages.
It is important to note that the budgeted figures will be expected
to provide a certain profit each year on the Clubhouse side of the
Account arising from the operation of the Bar, Catering, etc. However, it is intended that if in any year the actual profit earned under
this heading is greater than the budgeted profit for that year, then
the surplus profit shall be used for the purpose of reducing the costs
on the Ground Account, and will in other words be refunded to the
Association and the Sports Sections, in accordance with the percentage mentioned above, by means of a reduction in the amount
to be charged the following year. It is hoped that this will provide
an incentive for increased use of the Clubhouse, thereby producing
a higher profit than the budgeted figure.
Whilst the projected figures call for a greater rent and membership contribution than has been required in the past, this increase
is related directly to the constantly increasing cost of maintaining
the Ground facilities, and is in keeping with the point accepted at
both of the open meetings held by the Select Sub-Committee that
members playing sport should pay a proper charge for the facilities.
The benefit of the arrangement is that each section knows the extent
to which it can be committed in any one year, and therefore knows
exactly where it stands for some years ahead. In addition, each Section
has a vested interest in making Barston Lane work profitably, since
the total contribution that each Section pays is directly related to
profitability.
6.
The Select Sub-Committee stressed that the Association can only
operate successfully if all members and all Sections do their best to
work together for the benefit of the Association as a whole, and it is
considered that this approach is essential for our future success.
The Select Sub-Committee also drew attention to two new factors
which emerged after they had carried out the majority of their enquiries,
and both of which could have a considerable effect upon the Association's
future and finances. These points are:—
(a) the Golden Jubilee Appeal, which if successful will make a great
difference to the figures upon which the financial calculations
have been based, and should prove of benefit to all;
(b) the current proposals to build a motorway along the line of
Barston Lane, which are likely to have an effect upon the Memorial Ground, which cannot yet be ascertained.
Finally it is accepted that in the same way that an increase in the
membership subscriptions is warranted, so is an increase warranted in
the School Membership Scheme. This point has been referred to the
Governors of the School who have kindly agreed that an increase can be
applied with effect from September 1971.
An Extraordinary General Meeting of the Association was held in
July 1970 at which the main recommendations mentioned above were
accepted by the members.
Association Vice Presidents
The proposition has been accepted that Association Vice Presidents should be accepted who would be entitled to attend the Clubhouse at all times that it is open, providing:—
Candidates can only join by invitation of the Association Committee;
the maximum number of Association Vice Presidents at any one
time shall be fifty;
Association Vice Presidents shall not be entitled to vote, nor to
introduce guests;
the annual subscription shall be £5 5s. Od.
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75
We acknowledge with thanks the support and interest of
the following firms and organisations:
ABINGDON KING DICK LTD.
Kings Road, Tyseley, Birmingham 11
021-706-2881
Hand Tools and General Engineering.
A-P SPRINGS LTD.
Reddings Lane, Tyseley, Birmingham 11 3HA
021-706-2236
Spring Manufacturers.
ARCHERS (SHIRLEY) LTD.
Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull, Warwickshire
021-744-4405
CANDY & MORRIS LTD.
21 Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull, Warwickshire
021-744-6624
Builders and Plumbers Merchants.
CARTWRIGHT & CO. (IMPORTERS) LTD.
Olton Wharf, Richmond Road, Olton, Birmingham 27
021-706-6111 (15 lines)
Timber, Plywood and Wallboards — Suspended Ceiling and
Fencing Contractors.
DAVID CHARLES LTD.
Maypole Lane, Birmingham 14
021-474-3411
Property Development and Construction.
Motor Agents and Distributors — Triumph, Jaguar, Daimler,
Morris.
DORMIE DRESS HIRE,
10 MeII Square, Solihull
021-744-8555
JOSEPH BATES LTD.
Caxton Works, Lyng Lane, West Bromwich, Staffordshire
021-553-2464
Hire the best, and be well dressed at Dormie
Morning Suits 37/6, Dinner Suits 35/-.
Computer Printers.
BIRMINGHAM BOX CO. LTD.
43-59 Western Road, Spring Hill, Birmingham 18
021-554-2294
ECONA (BILSTON) LTD.
Oxford Street, Bilston, Staffordshire
Bilston 41519
Brass Pressure Diecasters (Plumbers Brassfoundry).
Cardboard boxes and cartons of all descriptions, printed and
plain.
ECONA (PRODUCTS) LTD.
Drayton Road, Shirley, Solihull, Warwickshire
021-705-4981
BRADBURY & SMITH (BIRMINGHAM) LTD.
41 Water Street, Birmingham 3
021-236-6121/2/3
Plumbers Manufacturers.
Wholesale Paper Merchants.
BRIGHT WILLIS & BETHALL & JOHNSON
Head Office, 677 Warwick Road, Solihull, Warwickshire
and at Birmingham, Knowle and Warwick
021-705-6491
Chartered Surveyors, Chartered Auctioneers & Estate Agents.
HARBUR METALS LTD.
Saltley Trading Estate, Birmingham 8
021-327-6149
Non-Ferrous Metal Merchants.
HUDSONS BOOKSHOPS LTD.
116 New Street, Birmingham 2
021-643-8311
Booksellers.
H. BRINDLEY LTD.
47/48 Vincent Parade, Birmingham B12 9SJ
021-440-3143/4
Manufacturers of Pliers, Pincers and Nippers.
BERNARD INSTONE
Langstone Works, Lode Lane, Solihull
021-705-4038
Manufacturing Jewellers.
BULPITT & SONS LTD.
133 Icknield Street, Birmingham B18 6SE
021-236-8292
Swan Electrical Appliances, Aluminium Holloware, Swanmaid
Dishwashers.
76
JACKSONS (WARWICKSHIRE) BRICKWORKS LTD,
Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull, Warwickshire
Hampton in Arden 2125
Bricks.
77
JAYNE'S TYPING & DUPLICATING BUREAU
POWELL PIGGOTT LTD.
142 Melton Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham 14
021-444-3761
Herbert Road, Small Heath, Birmingham B10 OQG
021-772-5754
Typing, Duplicating, Printing, Stationery.
Non Ferrous Tubes and Drawn Strip Sections.
A. A. JORDISON & SON LTD.
1-9 Valentine Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham 14.
021-444-5241/2
POWER TOOLS SPECIALISTS LTD.
Wine and Spirit Merchants.
Henley Street, Camp Hill, Birmingham B11 1JD
021-772-4370
LEESON SON & HACKETT
Distributors of Portable Electric Tools and Engineers Hand
Tools.
43, Newhall Street, Birmingham B3 3QP
021-236-0501 (three lines)
Chartered Surveyors, Chartered Auctioneers and Estate
Agents, Valuers.
PRESSCRAFT ENGINEERING CO.
57a Main Street, Sparkbrook, Birmingham 11
021-772-3610
LESTER BROTHERS LTD.
Metal Pressings, Turned Parts and Plastic Mouldings.
Lincoln Road Wharf, Birmingham 27
021-706-0658/2131
ROWANS LTD.
Industrial & Domestic Petroleum Products — Comprehensive
Supply Service.
71 New Street, Birmingham 2
021-643-4066
Ladies' and Gentlemen's Outfitters.
MANLY CLOTHES LTD.
652 Warwick Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
021-705-4502
SHIPWAY, DOBLE & EARLE
School Outfitting and Gentlemen's Outfitting.
Scala House, Holloway Circus, Birmingham B1 1EH
021-643-8822
MORGAN FLOORS & FINISHES LTD.
Chartered Surveyors and Valuers, Estate Agents and
Auctioneers.
Thornhill Road, Lode Lane, Solihull, Warwickshire
021-705-8176
Contract carpets, floor coverings and curtains.
SHIRLEY'S GARAGE (MERIDEN) LTD.
ORESTONE PRESS
Meriden, Nr. Coventry, Warwickshire.
Meriden 242-3
1518 Stratford Road, Hall Green, Birmingham 28
021-744-8390
Coach Transport.
Letterpress and Litho Printers.
GEO. STUBBINGS LTD.
JOHN PEARCE & CO.
1584-6 High Street, Knowle, Solihull, Warwickshire
Knowle 4251-2-3
Streetly Road, Erdington, Birmingham 23
021-373-1681
Building Contractors.
Chartered Surveyors, Auctioneers, Valuers and Estate Agents.
SUCKLING & THOMAS LTD.
HERBERT W. PERIAM LTD.
150-159 Moseley Street, Birmingham 12
021-772-5976
Aston Street, Birmingham 4
021-359-2196
Bolt and Nut Factors.
Non-Ferrous Scrap Metal Merchants.
POWELL GEE & CO. LTD.
F. W. THORPE LTD.
Prospect Works, 10 Hydes Road, Wednesbury, Staffordshire
021-556-1013/1650
Facet Road, Birmingham B38 9PU
021-458-5321
Bolts and Nuts.
Industrial and Commercial Lighting Equipment.
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79
J. T. TUSTIN LTD.
685 Warwick Road, Solihull, Warwickshire
021-705-0722
High Class Family Butcher.
N. WHEATLEY & SONS LTD.
51 Station Street, Birmingham 5
021-236-1982
Funeral Service.
WHITBREAD FLOWERS LTD.
Birmingham Road, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire
Stratford upon Avon 66041
Brewers of Whitbread Tankard and Flowers Keg.
JOHN WILDE & CO. (PLASTICS) LTD.
66-69 Devon Street, Birmingham 7
021-359-3333/3352
Injection Moulders.
J. S. WRIGHT & CO. LTD.
Curzon House, 4 Bartholomew Row, Birmingham 5
021-236-0425
Heating and Sanitary Engineers, Plumbing and Electrical
Contractors.
WYCKHAM BLACKWELL LTD.
Old Station Road, Hampton in Arden, Warwickshire
Hampton in Arden 2233/7
Manufacturers of Trussed Rafters and Prefabricated Building
Specifications Timber Preservation — Fencing Contractors.
80
Philip Blakely ( Printers) Ltd., Birmingham