| | | | | | EVENTS DIARY | | | | | | | | MONTHLY LUNCHEONS: NB REMEMBER NEW VENUE: Last Thursday of each month, 12.30pm for I pm at the Conservative Club, South Walks, Dorchester. It helps if you let Peter LEWENDON know if you intend to come; he can be contacted at Higher Folly Farm Cottage, Crewkerne, Somerset TA18 8PN (Tel 01460 73927) 1999 AGM & ANNUAL DINNER: NOT TO BE MISSED! Saturday 20th March 1999. AGM starts 6.00pm., Dinner follows 7.30pm for 8.00pm at the Thomas Hardy Hall, Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester. The Speaker will be Dr Paul LIGHT, Vice Chancellor of Bournernouth University. CHURCH SERVICE at ST PETERS, DORCHESTER: Sunday 21st March 1999, i.e. Sunday following AGM & Dinner, at 10.30am (Communion Service) SKITTLES MATCH FEBRUARY: (Date to be confirmed) against the School.
TEN PIN BOWLING MARCH: (Date to be confirmed) against the School.
If you are interested in being selected for the teams for either of the above please contact Colin LUCAS. | | | | | | | | OUR CHAIRMAN WRITES | | | |
LONDON DINNER 1998: Once again our thanks are due to Hugh GRIFFITHS for arranging the London Dinner at University College.
In slightly cramped conditions the Nissan Primera Estate, piloted by Colin LUCAS and conveying such worthies as the Headteacher, Dr. lain MELVIN, two former departmental heads Peter LEWENDON and David LACEY, and Past President Alfred BARRETT, departed from Dorchester at 3.30pm and the intrepid travelers stopped at Fleet Services (or is it The Welcome Break?) for refreshment and natural convenience before continuing to London. The M3 and M25 did not pose any problems and there were no serious delays and thus the party arrived at the Gower St. entrance to the University College in ample time to sample an aperitif prior to dining.
We were welcomed by our President Maj. Gen. J A STEPHENSON, CB, OBE, and his wife Sheila. Hugh as usual took the Chair. Sixteen in all sat down to dine and enjoy the menu which was again up to a high standard. Hugh spoke of the importance of the occasion in that Mrs Sheila Stephenson was the first lady to grace us with her presence, setting the precedent for future dinners. The President spoke of the aims of the Club and anticipated that with the Council now in place further progress would now be made. Although not present, we do have two lady members, "the times they are a-changin". The Headteacher, Dr lain MELVIN, spoke of the excellent results again achieved this year and reported on the continuing expansion programme at the School. The developments now taking place would provide a new classroom block to support the continuing demands of a progressive school. It is hoped that the old Jacobean screen will find a home in this new structure. Those in attendance were The President and Mrs Sheila STEPHENSON, Hugh GRIFFITHS, Colin LUCAS, Clinton GRASSBY, Dr lain MELVIN, Paul BARTLETT, David CULVER, Nick LIGHT, Peter LEWENDON, George FOLEY. John FARWELL, Peter GARLAND, Alfred BARRETT, David LACEY, and Brian TAYLOR. The Dorchester party returned safe and sound at 1 am the following morning tired but happy. ARMISTICE DAY, SCHOOL GATES, 11th. NOVEMBER 1998
The Service of Remembrance was held as is traditional at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month at the School's Memorial Gates in Queens Avenue, Dorchester. Following the traditional pattern the names of former students who gave their lives were read out by today's students as a mark of respect. The wreath-laying ceremony was performed by students on behalf of the School, Colin LUCAS on behalf of the Governors, Clinton GRASSBY on behalf of the Hardyeans Club and Mr SENNETT for the Royal British Legion.The CCF paraded together with their newly instrumented band and again the weather was fine. Coffee was served afterwards to the visitors and a good-sized group of supportive Club members. CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON 1998
The change of venue did not deter Members from attending the Christmas Luncheon, held this year at the Dorchester Conservative Club. This year the weather was kinder than in previous years and the Luncheon was prepared for 51 persons, 11 of which were wives of Members, therefore mathematically 40 Members attended, this being a record for the occasion. The catering staff at the Conservative Club provided a veritable feast which continued until mid-afternoon. Everyone present enjoyed the conviviality of the occasion and the cordiality of the atmosphere which prevailed. As In previous years and by way of tradition, the Christmas Draw was organised and all present received a festive gift. Grateful thanks were accorded to Peter LEWENDON our luncheon co-ordinator and also to John TURNER and Peter HARRIS for taking charge of the Draw. Our President Maj.Gen. J A STEPHENSON and his wife Sheila were both present to complete a most enjoyable and successful luncheon. List of those attending: Colin C. ALLSOPP (1938-47), Alfred BARRETT( 1931-38), Tim BOWDEN (1972-77), Colin BRAGG (1935-41), Ron CORNICK (1937-42), Donald CULVER (1943-51), Tony DAY (1957-62), Frank DIKE (1961-66), Tony FOOT (1969-76), Peter FOSTER (1958-64), Leslie D. FRISBY (1924-26), Brian R GILL (1952-60), Clinton GRASSBY (1937-42) and Mrs Aileen GRASSBY, Mike GUY (1944-51), Peter HARRIS (1942-47), Nick HIBBARD (1953-57), Maurice JENKINS (l939A6), John M. KEEPING (1929-36, ex-President), Bernard KIRBY (1932-37) and Mrs Marjorie KIRBY, David LACEY (Staff, 1959-91) and Mrs Pamela LACEY, Godfrey LANCASHIRE( 1958-66), Peter LEWENDON (Staff, 1948-84) and Mrs Jill LEWENDON (South Walks 1951-75), Colin LUCAS (L 946-50) and Mrs Brenda LUCAS, Neil MARSH (1942-51), Ron MEYERS (1925-31), Leslie NEWCOMBE 1939-44), Terry PARSONS (1943-51), Ken PEARCE Clerk to the Governors 1984-96) and Mrs Maureen PEARCE, Philip RALLS (1946-52), Bob RENCH (1952-59) and Mrs Helen RENCH, SRN (Weymouth Tech 1953-59), Mrs Gwen ROBERTS (JO's widow, Heathcote 1951-64), Geoffrey RYALL (Staff,1964-79), Ted SHELLABEAR (1935-44) and Mrs Rona SHELLABEAR, Bryan STEPHENSON (1942-48), John A. STEPHENSON (1938-47, President) and Mrs Sheila STEPHENSON, Allan STEVENS (1936-4O), John A TURNER (1942-48), George WELCH (1948-53) and Mrs S. WELCH, Haris WELLS-FURBY (1943-53), Jack WESTLAKE (1936-41, ex-President) and Mrs Jean WESTLAKE. ANNUAL DINNER 20th March 1999
Remember wives and partners are very welcome to attend. Please book early using booking form at the end of this Newsletter. Our guest speaker will be Dr PAUL LIGHT, Vice Chancellor of BOURNEMOUTH UNIVERSITY. | | | | | | | | THE CHARITABLE TRUST | | | | | | | | Re THE AGM The following areas are to be discussed at the next meeting of The Hardyeans' Council, and may form the basis of proposals to be presented at the AGM on 20th March 1999. If YOU have any observations, views or comments please send them to the Chairman, Colin LUCAS, c/o Vauxhall Chambers. Trinity St., Dorchester, DT1 1TU. The formation of a charitable trust has been suggested from several former pupils and the following are the main factors to be considered. Why a TRUST? A Trust, agreed by the Charity Commissioners has the following advantages:-
Donations made by Covenant and Gift Aid (minimum £250) allow tax to be reclaimed by the Trustees (24% of the donation as at December 1998). Legacies in wills are free of all tax including Inheritance Tax. It is anticipated that most of the Capital in the Trust will be donated by former students, who wish to acknowledge the debt they owe to the School.
Memorial. Rather than leave the Trust founded in the memory of a particular individual, it is suggested that a more broadly related memorial would have greater appeal to potential donors. A Trust in the memory of former teachers and students of the School should command universal support.
Awards. Awards made by the Trust will be limited to the annual interest on investments made by the Trustees. As at December 1998, a maximum of 3% interest on capital is assumed. Thus £5000 capital would yield about £150 per annum, while a bursary of £1000 p.a. would require a capital in excess of £33,000.
Purposes of the Trust. To command universal support, the purpose of the Trust should be simple and clear. It is also important that the terms under which the Trust is drawn up should not be too rigid. It should allow Trustees to make larger awards in later years when the capital invested. and thence the interest available, is larger.
Trustees. All Trustees should be members of the Hardyeans' Club, including at least one who is also a Governor of the School. The Trustees should meet several times a year to make awards based on completed application forms for financial assistance. The Trustees may consult the Head Teacher or other members of staff before finally making any award.
Promulgation of the Trust. When the Trust deeds have been finalised, it is essential that the purposes of the Trust should be promulgated as widely as possible at regular intervals. Members of the Club and others need to be encouraged to donate by covenant, Gift Aid, and particularly by a legacy in a will.
Proposed outline of the Trust Document
TITLE. The Hardyeans Club Charitable Trust, in memory of former staff and students of the School. TRUSTEES. These should be members of The Hardyeans'Club, including at least one who is a Governor of the School. MEETINGS. They should meet several times a year to:-
Make awards based on the completed application form. They may consult the Head Teacher or member of staff before granting the award. Having sought outside professional advice, to review investments.
AWARDS. Awards made by Trustees should be limited to the income provided by the Trust.
PURPOSE. The annual income from the Trust should be applied in promoting the EDUCATION of persons under the age of 25 years who have at any time attended the Thomas Hardye School at DORCHESTER, as students, and are in need of financial assistance. The scope shall include:-
Initially awards to students who wish to travel overseas to improve their education. In due course, when funds permit, the award of Scholarships, Exhibitions, Bursaries, maintenance allowances or grants to students who leave the School to complete higher education at university or other educational institution approved by the Trustees.
The suggested programme for the way ahead over the next year is:- Discussion at the next Council Meeting (25/1/99). Presentation at the AGM if agreed by Council, and discussing legal implications.
Proceed with documentation in consultation with solicitors and Charity Commissioners. Launch of Trust 1st January 2000. Wide promulgation of the purposes of the Trust, if approved, at the first available opportunity and at regular intervals thereafter.
| | | | | | | | OBITUARIES | | | | | | | | Kenneth Archibald HOLLAND (1917-22) died December 1998 (Dorset Evening Echo) formerly long-serving Rating Officer for Dorchester. David Russell LEGGATT (1919-24) from Daily Telegraph, 9th December 1998, "On December 6th 1998, aged 91 years, peacefully and with dignity. Hugely respected and loved husband of Amory (died April 1998) father to Alison, Judi and Andy, grandfather to Nicola, Claire, James, Christopher, Amy, Jonathan, Jessica and great-grandfather to Eleanor. Greenwich Borough Librarian until 1972 and active supporter of local cultural and sporting organizations." David was Head Boy of Dorchester Grammar School in 1924, and in 1930 organized the first London Dinner. [see later in this issue] Edward George BAKER (1923-30) "Ted Minimus" died 11th August 1998. [Advised by Alfred BARRETT] Sqdn. Ldr. E G B (Barney) REID, DFC died 28th November 1998, at Lymington, aged 82. (Obituary from The Scotsman forwarded by Henry TILLING) Barney REID won the Distinguished Flying Cross during the Second World War as a bomber pilot. He later became one of Scotland's most experienced air traffic controllers, and was Commodore of Ayr Yacht Club. He was born 15th October 1916, at Innellan, near Dunoon, and educated at Dorchester Grammar School. (No Dates Given). With war clouds looming and having had work experience in an aircraft factory, he joined the Reserve of Air Force Officers in 1937 and was posted to No 8 Flying Training School at Montrose. His first operations as a pilot consisted in dropping propaganda leaflets over occupied France during the "Phoney War" of 1939-40, before becoming a flying instructor and later joining 149 Squadron at RAF Mildenhall, transferring to 419 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force at Mildenhall in 1942. His service continued as Flight Commander with 514 Squadron at RAF Waterbeach, from 1943-44, flying Lancaster Mk II's, during which period he was presented with the DFC by King George VI. He was then posted to HQ No 3 Group as a staff officer, before leaving the RAF from HQ No 83 Group in 1946. He later joined the Civil Air Traffic Control Service at the former London Airport before transferring to Prestwick, where he remained until retiring in 1976. He was a stalwart on the committee of the Ayr Yacht Club for several years before becoming its longest-serving Commodore in the 1970s. He enjoyed sailing around the Firth of Clyde in his 40ft motor cruiser, Elshin. Reid was a convivial man who did not suffer fools gladly. He was respected for his dynamic personality, and loved for his sense of humour and his heart of gold. He never fully got over the loss in 1995 of his wife, Barbara Darvell, and is survived by a daughter, Liz, and two grandchildren, Jonathan and Caroline. |
| | | | | | | | YOU WRITE | | | | | | | | Barry LEYLAND (1940-47) writes from 12, Patricks Way Staplehay, Taunton, Somerset TA3 7HQ The other day a former contemporary pupil at DGS phoned me and said that on a recent visit to Dorset he had called in at the old School to find it had been demolished! I also had a dream. This has prompted me to write a lament on the passing of a fine old School and to ask the question, Why was it allowed to happen? I am not a trained writer, nor a poet, but I have expressed my feelings and thoughts, which I hope you will consider worthy of printing in the Newsletter.: A Lament The other night I dreamed I was back at School. It was 1945, Autumn Term. I was in the Sixth Form. The War was over. I had a girl friend. Suddenly everything was fine! .... My old school. My dear old school, Dorchester Grammar School. No More! Demolished! A pile of rubble. My long cherished dreams of revisiting the old place, and chatting with the staff - "Do you remember?" - No longer to be anticipated, to look forward to. Gone for ever. What of the former pupils, as they go about their everyday lives? In their dreams do they see hundreds of eager young faces, hear excited voices, the stamp of thousands of feet when classes changed over? The Break Bell? Do they remember these sights and sounds of their youth? Do they still see the Old Man, Monty HILL, stalking the cold corridors and staircases, with his black gown clutched tightly round his black suit, black hair and dark looks, daring any boy to make a sound? And what of the Palgrave Twins, Dunk LIDBURY and Jimmy WHITTAKER? Can they still be heard reading from The Golden Treasury? Do the classroom doors still swing wide, announcing the whirlwind entrance of 'Steamboat", Latin Grammar books already open. I would like to think so. Surely they haven't removed Harold MANN's beautiful maps from the blackboard! Frescos in chalk, to be copied and cherished by generations of boys. Can they still hear young voices reading aloud French verbs, and reciting French sentences, encouraged by the loveable Bertie CRUSE. or the beautiful words and melody of the School song "I vow to thee my country", heard by so many of us long before the Royal Wedding? We did not know it at the time but we were blessed by having such a dedicated and teacher-talented staff at the School, even though several younger members had not yet returned from service in HM Forces. "Saffy" FOX was brilliant at Maths, Walter "Tum" LANCASHIRE a close second, not to forget "Fanny" OSBORNE. Miss HILL, "The Duchess", always good value for the Juniors. "Ticker" COLE, marvellous in the Chemistry Lab, as was "Nutty" HAZELGROVE in the Physics. Then there was "Skipper" HOPEWELL in the Gym, as well as assisting Jimmy WHITTAKER in the OTC, the inspiration and start of many successful military careers. "Stella" EVANS taking Art classes. All ruled over by the Headmaster, R W HILL, MA. The memories of war-time years spent at the dear old School are too numerous to record here, but I am certain that they will live on for a few more generations in the hearts and minds of former pupils. From Mathew PRICE, 3. Milborne Wood Cottages, Dorchester, Dorset. DT2 7SQ The Autumn issue arrived today and amongst the various memories and anecdotes rather more than usual that meant something to me - perhaps that's a sign of increasing age !! The report by Norman BAKER of the Tutor Group 5B made mention of younger brother David - still with the Royal Navy, based in Portsmouth with wife and two children. Immediately below was a letter from Brian BUTLER (1962-69). Brian is a colleague of mine in the NFU, albeit in Devon rather than Dorset, and we frequently meet at regional NFU meetings, etc. We both joined the NFU at the same time and attended the same training courses. On one such occasion we were even obliged to share a hotel room. Only now has it come to light that we have a degree of common heritage! Brian mentions with warmth and affection "Andy Mac", Capt. McTAVISH of the CCF. I too spent many hours in the CCF under Andy Mac's enthusiastic leadership and loved every minute (well everything other than walking backwards off cliffs at Portland!). I believe the particular cave that could only be accessed by abseiling was not "Blacknor" but instead was named "Aerial". Although my fear of abseiling prevented me attending any of the forays of discovery into this new cave system I well remember being in Andy Mac's tutor group, being regaled with stories of how Hardye's CCF had been called out one weekend to take part in a rescue from that cave, where a member of Dorset Caving Group had suffered a broken leg and the CCF had been called in to work alongside Coastguard/RN helicopter to extricate him (because of their intimate knowledge of the cave system). My recollection is that this cave was first discovered by Andy Mac when he requested the RN to take a photograph of the cliff face from their helicopter so that he Could use it for an exhibition at one of the CCF's AGI'S. On receiving the photo he noticed what appeared to be a previously unknown cave entrance and decided to explore. PS On Saturday last (14/11/98) I attended the funeral of John BURDEN, proprietor of Sturminster Newton abattoir and a very well known character in Dorset farming circles. He died on 4th November aged 75 years. Was he an Old Hardyean? In the tribute given during the service by John Bundy of Shaftesbury Market he referred to John Burden being a Dorchester Boy who had skived off school to attend Dorchester Market and sell ferrets, etc !? Perhaps some of your readers will remember him? [Ed. - Thank you Matthew, for your kind donation to Club funds which has been passed on.] From G.H.G (Henry) TILLING, (1932-42) 1, Standpretty, Gorebridge, Midlothian, EH23 4QG..... I shall look forward to seeing what can be gleaned about the Hardy Scholarship.[see YOU WRITE, Newsletter 76] So far as I remember the money was bequeathed by Thomas Hardy's sister - though no doubt it came from him to her earlier. I think the Scholarship was first open for competition in 1942 though not awarded that year. Given that date, the scholarship would presumably have been closed to boys of Dorchester Grammar School, the change in the name of the school having no harmful effect if ROLLS held the award as late as 1969. It would he disconcerting to find that later changes had enabled the college to divert the scholarship from Dorchester on the grounds that they could no longer be sure who the intended beneficiaries were. I can't think of any other ground. This does remind me of a couple of questions which I asked some while ago and which are still unanswered - The first was why the CCF needed a Best Cadet Trophy or in other words what has happened to the Davies Cup which existed for that precise purpose? And the second was whether the Tilling Prize for History was still being awarded? It may well not be the Editor's job to answer such questions but would it be possible for you to put the two questions to whoever's job it is? I should much like to know. I have just unearthed a couple of pictures of myself taken something over 70 years ago in the field that became South Court Avenue. That too reminds me to ask you to mention to young STEVENS that people who were in the School in 1933 may have matured but have not become older. Plenty of time for that yet! [Henry also mentioned the delay in receiving Newsletter 76, as have other members. Sorry, Henry, but the actual dispatch of the Newsletters is outside the Editor's control and he can only apologise on behalf of those responsible. A copy of your letter, has been sent to the Chairman, Colin Lucas] | | | | | | | | MEMORIES OF JO | | | | | | | | The Editor has been pleased to receive the following recollections of the late JO ROBERTS. From A.J. MacTAVISH, M.A.(Cantab), Headmaster John Hampden Grammar School, Marlow Hill, High Wycombe, Bucks HP11 1SZ (Tel: 01494 529589/522393 Fax: 01494 447714 email: jhgs@jhampdengs.demon.co.uk) JO taught me Latin when I was very small at the Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe. He then left and, being a small boy, I did not know where he went. Some twenty years later, I arrived for interview as Head of English at Hardye's. After Tony Hamilton saw me, JO came in and was introduced as Deputy Head. I was staggered to see him, but no flicker of recognition passed over his face. He continued interviewing me with Tony for an hour. He then escorted me round the School. After a few minutes, I plucked up courage to ask if he had ever been at Wycombe whereupon he burst out laughing and said he wondered how long it would be before I asked. Of course he knew me: my name is rather noticeable and anyway he had read my school details from the application. It was typical of his wicked sense of humour that so many of us remember. Eighteen-year olds were given the vote in 1971(?) JO thought this was a nonsense. A few days later he appeared in the Staff Room very pleased indeed "I have just caned my first voter" he told us, to prove the foolishness of the new law. He was less happy when we pointed out that this voter would probably now cancel out his vote at the elections. (I know who the victim was, but I feel it would be wrong to name a very respectable member of society.) But it was the deadpan humour and the deadpan delivery that I remember best. One caretaker could not discuss problems with WC pans without miming the shape of a toilet seat with both hands, drawing an oval in the air, "The trouble with toilets"...... JO enjoyed this and would continually engage the man in toilet conversation just to see how many times he would make this gesture. With arguing Sixth-Formers, he had another technique. "But the Headmaster said"...... the boy would say and JO would interrupt with feigned astonishment "Oh yes, but haven't you heard? Good Heavens, it's all been changed". This technique I personally found very useful. Just before I left, he addressed the School at the end of Assembly. "Last week I read out the names of six boys who had to attend for a hearing test. (Pause) Not one turned up." It was a perfect delivery. Staff and Sixth Form quietly rocked. The rest of the school stood wide-eyed. Back in the Staff Room he said "I thought I did that rather well". It was a stone-faced humour with a warm twinkle in the eye, a humour of the older generation. Eheu Fugaces! From Jonathan PULLEN, 14, Princes Drive, Radipole, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 7UH It is such a long time since the long period (1959-65) when he was such a formidable influence. I recall that he made a hatabasis (a Greek expression) in order to impart Latin to Form 3B of which I was a member, and he took school assembly on at least one occasion. He was the rock on which the thriving Classics department was founded - at least from 1951 onwards, and it would take a mightier classicist than I to extol his sovereign worth. It would, perhaps, be worth mentioning that quite a number of Old Hardyeans actually taught Classics (that number included myself for most of my nineteen years in the profession). Curiously enough, I recall him vividly in the Christmas term of 1960 in his RAF uniform, standing by the Prefects' Gate, exhorting us as we began our afternoon's parade, to swing our arms. Evidently I fell short of perfection because the voice of Stentor (JOR) boomed, "SWING YOUR ARMS, PULLEN!" There were if I recall rightly - two Classical members of staff, ably reinforced by Rex TOMPSETT, but JOR was magister. There must be quite a gaggle of Old Hardyeans who recall the classical trips to Italy and to Provence. I was a member of the latter trip in 1963 when JOR and Kit LASH were in charge. JOR was a magnificent teacher of Classics whose strong and even bizarre exhortations still come to mind. He would preface his more caustic utterances with the sound "OHRRR!" Underfunctioning Sixth Form classicists would either quail or chuckle quietly as he would say "Why don't you leave, or do Science ?" or this gem "Take Horlicks, take Brand X, take Ajax!" It was all tongue in cheek and JOR was quietly supportive of so many of his pupils and, despite his formidable intellect. was always down to earth. | | | | | | | | RE-UNION IN DORCHESTER | | | | | | | | Your Editorial Team, i.e. Peter FOSTER and his wife Heather, were in attendance at Richard CUMMINS' reunion at the Colliton Club, Dorchester, on Saturday 17th October 1998. The picture below (which unfortunately did not copy well enough to include on this web page), courtesy of Michel HOOPER-IMMINS, shows some of those who enjoyed the get-together, including (front row) Clive DICKINSON, Stuart HARGREAVES, Richard CUMMINS, Michel HOOPER-IMMINS, Paul LIGHT, and among those at the back, Colin SQUIBB, Peter FOSTER and Richard SONLEY. The event was organised to gather together those who became 18 in 1965, along with their partners, thus creating an interesting cross-section of the various Dorchester schools. The 1997 re-union had concentrated on those boys and girls who went up, from Damers Road First School, in 1958, to their various secondary schools, including Hardye's, and several returned this year to meet up with old friends, 40 years on from their first meeting. Your Editor made some tape recordings for posterity . A good representation of Dorchester Schools was obtained this time, including Hardye's, the Secondary Modern, Green School, and St Genevieve's Convent, which was represented by Heather FOSTER, who whilst not being in quite the right age group, was at least at the school for the appropriate period. For more information about future re-unions, please contact Richard CUMIMINS on Tel No: 01 494 - 817301 | | | | | | | | ORIGINS OF THE LONDON DINNER | | | | | | | | As reported in the Obituary Section, the late David LEGGATT initiated the Old Hardyeans' London Dinner in 1930. Quoting from the 1955 publication "Old Hardyeans": In July 1930 the following notice appeared in The Durnovarian under the heading "Old Boys in London" "There are a large number of Old Boys at present living in London and the Home Counties and it is hoped to arrange a reunion gathering of these exiles during the approaching winter. Every effort will be made to ensure a good muster, of Old Boys to meet old friends and new ones". This announcement led to the first Old Boys' Dinner in London at Pinoli's, Piccadilly Circus, later in the year. From then on dinners were held annually until a few years before the war. They started again in 1949. The idea for a London dinner was given birth at the dinner table at a restaurant in Fleet St. when two old boys, David LEGGATT and Eric LAMBERT, were talking about old times. David LEGGATT writes: "The Club at Dorchester had just issued a second edition of its Register and this gave us a nucleus of names and addresses in the London area. Mr R W HILL gave me every encouragement and I was able to arrange the first dinner at Pinoli's at the beginning of November 1930. We dined each year about the same date from 1930 to 1937. There was a steady attendance of about 20 and Mr. HILL came up on every occasion. The opportunity of meeting him and of hearing the latest school gossip was, I am sure, the great attraction of the dinner. Other members of staff came from time to time." Major H C Lott, MC, was the Chairman at the first dinner, Old Boys present were A G F Amor, G J Bayliss, F W Bowen, W J Bratby, J H Burtt, W G Fall, A C Fox, E G Gould, G Harris, D R Leggatt, T A N Pallett, G Pegler, F J R Pitcher, C H Pike, T H Rice, T J Score, W W Gill, G R Taylor, J H Thomas, and W A H Weston. When the Annual Dinner was revived in 1949 it was an immediate success. The next year the support was again excellent and from 50-60 Old Boys attended. But when the parent Association in Dorchester started up their Annual Dinner once more the numbers at the London Dinner were halved, and in 1953 only 21 Old Boys were present. Last Year [1954] there was no dinner..... but whether a dinner is held or not all old boys who find themselves in London can be sure of a friendly welcome if they call on any of their fellow members of the Old Hardyeans' Club. This helps to underline the value of this Association. | | | | | |
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