President	-	Hugh Griffiths
Chairman and Hon. Membership Secretary	-	Bob Rench
Hon. Secretary	-	Tony Day
Hon. Treasurer	-	Colin Lucas (ag)
Newsletter Editor	-	Peter Foster
Hon. Press Officer	-	Michel Hooper-Immins
Webmaster	-	Terry Stone

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THE OLD HARDYEANS REMEMBER PETER LEWENDON

Peter Lewendon was one of those, who when the Old Hardyeans were at a low ebb of their activities in the early 1970s, put much effort into revitalising the association into one of the most active old school societies in Dorset.

As organiser of the monthly luncheon every last Thursday of the month at Dorchester Conservative Club, Peter was an important part of the Old Hardyeans’ activities. Colleagues and friends stood in silence at last week’s lunch to remember an old friend and mentor who rarely missed the monthly lunch, despite failing health and reduced mobility.

So many Old Hardyeans and other friends attended Peter Lewendon’s interment at Winterbourne Monkton church on Saturday, that about 60 had to stand outside the church. Funeral director and Old Hardyean David Grassby organised a sound relay system so those outside could follow the service.

Colin Lucas, current treasurer and longtime officer of the Old Hardyeans, spoke one of the moving tributes to his old schoolmaster and friend. First, he outlined Peter’s war service as an officer of the first Parachute Regiment. In 1948, following teacher training, Oxford-born Peter Lewendon was appointed to the staff of Dorchester Grammar School- later to become Hardye’s School - as junior geography master under Harold Mann. He taught there for an incredible 36 years.

"He was no mean rugby second row forward and as well as teaching geography, took on added responsibilities for sport at the school," spoke Colin Lucas in his tribute. "It did not take him long to earn the respect of his charges. Soon Peter was appointed Housemaster at South Walks House, where he met Jill, who became matron and soon they were married. What a formidable team, both loved and respected by generations of boarders entrusted to their loving care."

Peter Lewendon did much for the community of Dorchester, as a charter member and past president of the Lions Club and as president of Dorchester Rugby Club.

"Although he retired from teaching at Hardye’s School in 1984 and they moved to Winterbourne Monkton, his keen interest in former students and rugby never diminished. His contribution and influence in sporting development was a significant factor throughout his life. In more recent times it was always a pleasure to see his smiling face at Old Hardyeans’ functions. Peter had an amazing memory of school-related events and individuals. His devotion to the Old Hardyeans association was total, despite increasing physical limitations," continued Colin Lucas in his fulsome tribute at Peter Lewendon’s funeral service. "Soldier, sportsman, mentor, servant of the community and treasurer of this church at Winterbourne Monkton, Peter gave so much. He lived respected and died regretted."

Peter leaves a widow Jill, son Kerry and daughter Lizzie. Old Hardyeans will stand in silent tribute to Peter Lewendon before their annual dinner on Saturday 15 March at the Sixth Form Centre of Thomas Hardye School.

Photograph attached: The late Peter Lewendon and Jill Lewendon at the Old Hardyeans Christmas lunch in December 2007.

Obituary Dorset Evening Echo

OLD HARDYEANS RETURN TO LORD’S CRICKET GROUND

The Old Hardyeans’ London Dinner was again held in the prestigious President’s Suite at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Saturday 15^th March 2008. A splendid event overlooking the world famous ground, there was general agreement that the dinner and service were first class.

A number of members travelled from Dorset and joined London old boys for this annual reunion, beginning with a reception in one of the private hospitality boxes.

After dinner, Club President Professor Hugh Griffiths thanked those who had organised the event, particularly Old Hardyean Godfrey Lancashire- an MCC member- who had first suggested the venue in St. Johns Wood. He thought it important to maintain the tradition of the London Dinner. The President recalled this was a landmark occasion- the last to be attended by Headmaster Dr. Iain Melvin, who had been a "truly wonderful influence" on Thomas Hardye School .

Dr. Melvin responded, saying he had been privileged to be Headmaster for 20 years. His first London Dinner with the Old Hardyeans had been at Queen’s Club in 1988. "It is important to maintain and sustain the Old Hardyeans- and it is a wonderful opportunity to come to this venue. He spoke of the importance of the bursaries being given through the Charitable Trust and revealed the school now numbered 2,300 students, including 850 in the sixth form. The Ofsted inspectors had highlighted Thomas Hardye School as "one of the best schools in the country" and he was very proud.

Colin Lucas read letters from two students who had benefited from the Charitable Trust’s bursaries and encouraged more donations and legacies from Old Hardyeans.

Godfrey Lancashire particularly welcomed the four ladies present and said it had been a fine occasion in superb surroundings. He joined in thanking Dr. Melvin for all he has done- both for the School and the Old Hardyeans- over 20 years.

The menu had started with woodland mushroom soup, followed by roast maize-fed chicken supreme, served with Dauphinoise potatoes & roasted Mediterranean vegetables. Dessert was seasonal fruit crumble with toffee apple ice cream, then coffee & chocolates to finish. The best possible attention was given by the staff at Lord’s, which made for a most enjoyable evening.

THE LOST LEGION

Bob Rench has done a sterling job of reducing the Lost Legion, it has gone down from almost 120 members to 56 but there are still 56 people out there who are not receiving the Newsletter!

Please take a moment to follow this link where you can make sure you are not one of the lost legionnaires. If you are or if you have changed your e-mail address or you do not yet receive the Newsletter by E-Mail please drop an e-mail to Bob Rench.

MEMBERS WEBSITES

Nigel Newberry has set up a Website at:
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/hardyes/
which has a copy of the 1957 Panoramic School Photo, well worth a visit for those who were at Hardyes in that year.

Graham Allen also has a Website at:
 http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/grahamallen/Old%20Hardyeans/index.html
which has a great selection of pictures of life at Hardyes in the Fifties, again well worth a visit.

Carambola Real Estate at:
http://www.stkittsandnevis.net
Lists properties for sale and rent in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, the twin island Caribbean state

SITUATION VACANT

The position of Club Treasurer remains vacant and Colin Lucas continues to fill the gap. If you are interested in the position pleas e-mail Colin.