Aunt Agatha
To tell Aunt Agatha what you have been doing click on the 'Contact Us' link, send an email to davidwoollatt@gmail.com or write to Aunt Agatha OH, at 106 Wyndham Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire. SP1 3AQ
Mr Derek Booman recently wrote to the club:
Martin Penfold (Ch 66 - 70) sent Derek Blooman, his old Housemaster a striking card of one of his recent oil paintings that depicts him out on the Canadian prairies when a Colorado Low would pass up the US Great Plains over his farm.
Martin still grows barley and oats, though he has sold his ewe flock, but he has his Angus cows and grows barley and oats.
At 72 he isn't sure he will ever retire, when some of his farmer friends are in their 80s. Martin's art has become a bigger part of his winters when he finds work indoors!
Hello from John Paterson ST 77-80
Dear Aunt Agatha
I haven't written for some time and wanted to share with leavers. I'm currently a contractor with the US Space Force in Southern CA.
Any leavers interested in the now 800 billion $ space industry or leavers in the area are free to reach out johnpaterson@verizon.net
have many photos and publications from the school including overhead shots.
Best,
John Paterson
The Club recently received a message from Alan Lloyd, Shallow House 1965-1970.
Alan writes:
To my shame, I have only recently found that the Old Honitonians Club still exists, but this probably illustrates my less-than-total love for the school whilst a pupil!
In fairness, I did not enjoy any of my schools, but because of the location of Allhallows, I effectively said goodbye to my family for each complete term and this didn't improve things.
To make matters worse, I was placed in Shallow House (known to the rest of the school, cruelly, as 'the leper colony'). We had quite a walk morning, night and in the afternoon to get to and from the main school, made just a little worse when it rained or was mid-winter!
Allhallows was chosen for me as my cousin Anthony Lloyd as already a pupil - as far as I remember he spent more time underground in the Grott playing his drums than studying, but it did him no harm as he now has a lovely relaxed life in Spain.
My time at Allhallows was saved by John Bardolph and the Mechanics Club, of which I held the dubious post of President for a few years. In a lethal old orangery which dropped the few panes of glass that it had left on us from time to time, we had hours of fun at the weekends trying to run our old cars that we usually bought for a few pounds from the 'Shrubs' - the famous Shrubbery Service Station. So, I did learn something, but it was how to drive and not how to pass exams!
John Bardolph not only looked after the club, but he also took the school bus (if it had any petrol left in it after we had syphoned off what we needed to run our cars) to take a small group of us to the local motorsport venue - Wiscombe Hill Climb. What a lifesaver this was for me; I enjoyed these visits so much that once I was out of school and able to afford such things, I started competing in motorsport for some 20 years, even holding the class record at Wiscombe Park for some years. Thank you, John.
Now retired, I ran Jaguar/Land Rover/Citroen/Volvo dealerships for most of my career before starting my own company to import and restore classic French Citroen vans for street food.
After reading this, you may think that I have few good memories of Allhallows, but actually, surprisingly, I do, but not many!
Sadly, I have no contact with old friends like Chris Coates, Ian Husband, Martin Penfold, Justin James, George Burns etc., and, of course, the very first group of girls that joined the school, but it would be lovely to meet up again.
Finally, in the Aunt Agatha column, I saw mention of the production of Oliver! - this was fantastic and I watched it most nights - huge credit to all those who produced it or were in it. A long time ago, I know, but it was a brilliant effort.
From Andrew Sanders (Chudleigh 1965-70).
Having retired from a career as a consulting actuary, advising life insurance companies, a little over 10 years ago, following a degree in Maths and Philosophy at Magdalen College Oxford, I now do mainly as I please, spending time with my family (3 daughters, 3 grandchildren) and playing lots of sport - tennis at my local clubs in Reigate, Surrey, a bit of golf, and also hockey. For the last two years, I have played for the England over 70 hockey team in the home internationals and in international tournaments. This year we won the European Championships in Valencia, which was a great experience - though playing hockey in over 30 degrees is a bit of a challenge for 70-year-olds.
I’ve always liked classical music, and have continued playing the piano after a fashion, following lessons with Alan Thomas all those years ago (I remember Martin Penfold also did those lessons, and I think I recall trying to play a duet with Lionel Paston-Cooper on tenor sax) - my belated thanks to Alan. My lockdown project was over ambitiously Beethoven’s Waldstein sonata, which I managed eventually to ‘play’ from memory, at times in the Eric Morecambe style (though some parts, such as the octave glissandos, are beyond me). We go to the opera a lot, and travel, and have been to most major opera houses in Europe.
Music and sport have been lifelong pleasures nurtured from Allhallows - those happy days being squashed into the freezing mud on the rugby field or lazing in the Gramophone Society. I still have from those times my cross country minor colours green Blazer, and a white Bukta rugby shirt (I actually used it in a hockey match this year - not many people play in a shirt over 50 years old), which have survived moths and immense pressure from my wife to throw them out.
Although I don’t get to many OH events, other than occasional OH golf, it is always interesting to hear in the magazine about contemporaries and staff whom one hasn’t seen for so long, reviving memories of events long ago, and my thanks to all for their hard work in producing it.
We recently received this sad news regarding OH Peter A Read ( Headmaster's House, Chudleigh approx 1964-67)
It is with very great sadness that I have to report the death of my good friend, fellow solicitor, fellow Law Society Golf Club member and lunching companion. Peter Read He died last night after a brief and hard-fought battle with A M Leukaemia. A man of great warmth, kindness, humour and generosity. Allhallows is the only school to have produced 2 captains of the LSGC. Not bad for a school that barely recognised golf as a sport.
He had only recently retired from a successful career as a sole practitioner in Twickenham.
Others will know better than I his career at Allhallows. We met again about 20 - 25 years ago and had some great times together. He will be greatly missed in my circle of friends and associates.
Peter’s funeral has been fixed for Tuesday June 13th at 1.00pm at St.FRANCIS DE SALES CHURCH ,16 Wellington Road ,HAMPTON TW12 1JR and afterwards at Peter’s golf club-the HAMPTON COURT PALACE GOLF CLUB at Home Park.
If you intend to attend please advise OH Patrick Musters by contacting the club here so that he can assist the family with catering numbers.
Maj Jeremy Lillies
Brig David Shaw has informed the club that Maj Jeremy Lillies passed away on the 3rd of April aged 82.
Jeremy was at Allhallows between 1954 and 1958 and was in Chudleigh House. He was in the shooting eight and was awarded his colours. He joined the Devon and Dorset Regiment on leaving school.
Both Jeremy’s father and brother attended the school.
David Shaw and several other OHs intend to attend the funeral.
Andrew Moore (Venning 54 - 58)
On 22nd Feb 2023, a gathering of the Irregular old OH lunch group met for a very jolly lunch at The Ship Inn, West Stour. Some excellent banter from full members (over 80s) Giles Blomfield, Alec Crawford, Ivan Moore, Nigel French, Martyn Langford, Andy Moore and apprentice members (close to 80) David Shaw, and Richard le Fleming brought forth stories of all manner of appalling behaviour whilst on prolonged vacation at Rousdon. Sadly Roger Wheeler (urgent business elsewhere) and Michael Green (IT failure of the organiser) were unable to attend and add to the diversity of chatter.
If any OH feels he qualifies (+80 or close) and would like to be included on future dates, he should make contact with Andy Moore via the Club.
Jay Smith (Venning 87-92) Dear Aunt Agatha,
Having read the new President, Seb Warner's introduction and the OH reunion piece aboard the HQS Wellington by George Hayter ( including memories from Tom Simpson) I feel quite moved by the reflections of the final years of Allhallows and the initiative to reach out to the 'lost era' of the 80's and 90's. I was in Venning House (87-92), and therefore the era to which Seb refers.
The closure of Allhallows at the end of 1998, despite occurring some 6 years after departing for university, still troubles me now. Tom in the OH article seems philosophical, yet I am sure it must have been a terrible shock to pupils, particularly those in the middle of exams and the teachers at the time. Perhaps this is a reason why many of us from this period have moved on. I realise I am hardly in a position to comment, but there remain questions in my mind about the long-term strategy of the school while I was a pupil. Previous OH articles, including more recently an interview of a former Headmaster left me with as many questions. The entry in Wikipedia on this topic says it well. The closure was such a great loss to all of us. I visited in around 1997 while serving in the Army and met Keith Moore who seemed upbeat, despite the pressures he must have been under. The liquidation, including council approval to demolish many school buildings, (including the new Sports Centre which we all helped fund-raise) was also difficult to hear about.
Contrastingly, the continued efforts of those championing the OH cause since 1998, keeping the memories going through the magazine, and brilliant website is a source of great comfort and enjoyment. It is an amazing achievement and what has prompted me to write today; as I reminisce about the fun we had in the 2nds Rugby Team (I was never really good enough to play 1st team), Cadets & shooting full bore at Bisley, the extraordinary brutal endurance that was the Allhallows Cross Country competition (I recall other schools used to dread the near vertical route via the undercliffs) - was this the Larkman Cup referred to in this year's OH Magazine? Above all, the amazing school environment, almost Hogwarts-esque mystery of the mosaic marble staircase, towering portraits of the Peek family, slightly creepy bird displays and the mysterious central tower with its dragon weathervane. I missed the weekend trips down to the beach in Lyme Bay, lighting driftwood fires and exploring the undercliff near the ruined Pumping Station. Art lessons in particular were brilliant, the ever-welcoming and encouraging Philip Graves-Morris. Above all it reminds me how much time has passed, the friends we had and the great memories.
I would very much like to reconnect with former pupils from my era and hope that others will answer the call from the club president. Perhaps this year I will make it to an event!
Yours sincerely,
Jay (Jonathan) Smith
Ted Sandbach (St 67-71) I was at Allhallows 1967 -71. A triple colour and Head of School for one term. I went on to Loughborough University where I played some serious sport before going into teaching. This only lasted 7 years and I joined a wine company before setting up my business The Oxford Wine Company in 1992. We have just been voted the "No 1 wine Independent Wine Merchant in the UK" which after 30 years of hard slog is very satisfying. We have 5 Retail Shops, three Piano Bars and two Wine Bars. The Oxford Wine Company, The Oxford Wine Cafe, The Oxford Wine Cellar and Sandy's in Oxford, Witney and Abingdon.
Any OHs are very welcome but let me know in advance (07710910026 or e-mail ted@oxfordwine.co.uk) and you may get a free drink !!
As stated in the last magazine I recently met up with Richard Anderson, David Viccars and Ted Dark at an Exeter Chiefs game - great fun. I have kept in touch with very few old boys but can anyone tell me what happened to Malcolm McCulloch ?
Peter Clegg (Chud 69-74) with his wife called on Derek his old Housemaster whilst they were on holiday in Lyme Regis. The weather was terrible but he welcomed them for a chat. Peter is an accountant and lives near Oxford. He had already been for lunch at the Tytherleigh Arms with Justin Tunstall (St 69-74), the cheese expert who used to run a popular shop in Lyme but has now been forced to become a cheese expert on the international scene. The proprietor of the Tytherleigh Arms is the son of James Turner’s daughter Jane. It has for years been one of the most popular restaurants in Devon.
(09/2021)
Andy Green (V70-74) and his brother Roger (V73-78) were staying in a house on the Rousdon Estate which they said was part of the school science block. They kindly called on DJB in Lyme Regis and observing social distancing had an engaging pow-wow about the good old days. Andrew worked in publishing and Roger is a Psychotherapist for a prestigious independent school and some state schools. Andy is in touch with John Wong in Hong Kong and Roger brought news of Peter Clegg (Chud 69-74) start of the Allhallows production of ‘Oliver’ produced my Michael Drew and Alan Thomas - director of music - in which so many members of staff participated including the Headmaster, Geoffrey Johnson, Barbara Clark and Jimmy Bliss.
(09/2021)
Phillip Ainsworth (Chud 75-79) - Was head of house and a school prefect and 1st VIII colour - it was no surprise when he went to Sandhurst and served in the Rifles for 12 years and then the Reserves, altogether for 38 years. He then worked for the NHS is Suffolk, became Chief Executive of an agricultural association. Phillip and his wife have 3 grown up girls, mad on horses until they flew the nest. Philip remembers pointing his 303 from the terrace at Allhallows with James Turner giving advice. In the Army he gained the nickname of Bisley Bill as he spent a fair amount of time on the ranges there.
(09/2021)
David Crees - Staff On Friday 17 September I had the pleasure, as Club President, of hosting Chris Preston, son of Bill and Honor Preston, at the Axe Yacht Club’s President’s Lunch and Commodore’s Update. Chris is now the Chair of the Royal Yachting Association, the UK national governing body for sailing and powerboating. His sailing background, having learnt by sailing with Bill off the beach at Axmouth, included several years as a member of the very successful British Admiral’s Cup team during the late 1970s and an Olympic trial in the Star Class Keelboat.
Later that day, Chris cut the ribbon and declared the newly extended and refurbished AYC clubhouse open. The ceremony dispensed with the traditional pair of scissors and the ribbon was cut with an axe, which seemed appropriate for the location.
This was the first event in the Club’s Charity weekend programme which raised over £5k for the RNLI. Chris very kindly offered a sail in his Classic Yacht “Suvretta”, a 1924 West Solent One Design (featured in the August edition of Classic Yacht Magazine) together with a visit to the Cowes Classic Yacht Museum (Chris’s wife Victoria is a trustee) as one of the lots in the Saturday Evening Charity Auction. This was very popular and was the most successful item in the auction.
Earlier that week, I had another “deja vue” moment when, after several decades, I found Stuart Mahlich in one of my classes again. Stuart was a student on one of the Club’s RYA Powerboat courses, for which I was the instructor for the second day. I think that we both agreed that being afloat on a very pleasant late summer day in Seaton Bay and Axmouth Harbour, was probably better than being in a Physics lab!
(09/2021)
[11/20]
John Wong (Chud 70-75) Hon. Life Vice President writes from Hong Kong that he goes out when absolutely necessary and returns home pronto. It is still summer in HK and some so-called experts have predicted a 4th wave of COVID-19 when the weather changes. People coming to HK must undergo 14 days quarantine in a single room for fever-like symptoms - compared with boarding school dormitories I was better off. John says he as spoken to Mark Williams (St 70-75), Head of School of ‘The Bird in Hand’ hostelry, Mathew Phillips (V70-73) since his father passed away and James Negaard (St 71-75) who lives in Putney, but his injured ankle has put a stop to tennis. John keeps in touch with Steve de Wild (Chud 71-75) by email who sends news of Mark Hunt (Chud 72-75) in Exeter. Rob Scowen (Chud 72-75) has been posted to Kazakstan. Stephen Dixon (V70-75) superb athlete still works for the NHS in Berkshire and is head of planning.
[11/20]
We all owe so much to so few
OH’s may have noticed that on Fiona Bruce’s Antiques Road Show, which was slanted towards the Battle of Britain, she mentioned Sq Ldr DSO, DFC Brian Kingcombe (OH 1929-31), a contemporary of James Turner (1923-31). When Brian died some years after the war, James wrote about him in the School Magazine and OH newsletter. On the same evening Channel 4 gave a super programme on the Battle of Britain presented by Peter and Dan Snow in which we all in Churchill’s words owe so much to so few. (10/20)
News of John Bardolph
John Bardolph (Staff 65-77) - modern languages teacher, 7 a side and 1st XV backs coach and motoring enthusiast extraordinaire made a cheery phone call to AA a short while ago to chat about the old days. AA has also recently heard from John Wong (c.70-75) who said that he would have to postpone his planned re-union lunch at the Victoria Hotel in Sidmouth yet again due to the continuing COVID 19 situation and the quarantine restrictions imposed on returning Hong Kong citizens.
Doorstep Visit by the Lewis Brothers
Both Clive (B62-65) and Roger Lewis (B63-67) have recently paid a visit to AA, observing social distancing by chatting and exchanging news on AA's doorstep. Clive lives in Colyton.
Sorry to hear the news
Eddie Channon (Sh. 68-72) has been in contact to say how sorry he was to hear of the death of Graham Jones. He writes: "He taught me Maths when I came to Allhallows for the Sixth form (1968-70). I'm sure his enthusiasm helped me to get a place at Oxford, particularly because the Oxford entrance exam focused on traditional school mathematics (whereas we were learning modern Maths). I believe that he introduced computer programming into the school. At the time we had to punch cards (by hand), post them off to Imperial College and wait a week to receive the computer output (usually full of mistakes). It was great to be involved with computing at the beginning - I still have the now useless knowledge of codes for punched cards. I think Graham also helped me to get work at Shell Centre in London where I did programming on an oil pipeline project in my 8 month gap before uni."
Lyme Regis Theatre in good hands
Nigel Clegg (M. 62-65: palladinehouse@gmail.com) has written to say that he has been Chairman of the Trustees of the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis for the past three years and has really enjoyed his part in ensuring this lovely old seaside theatre survives for the long term.
Driving past the school entrance
Simon Gibbons (St.79-83: stagibbons@live.co.uk) has made contact with Aunt Agatha after recently driving pass the old school entrance gates. He writes: "The skill set learnt at Allhallows has allowed me to run a company for 27 years (a few false starts with working for other people), taught me how to negotiate, work with people you like and sometimes don't like. How to beg forgiveness rather than ask permission. How to work in the real world and not from a text book ideal scenario. I look back fondly on my time there, it was dull and boring sometimes, but mostly fascinating and exciting. With my company I have held the Wallace and Gromit licence for pin badges... don't laugh, we made over 1.5 million of them. Created products for Peroni, Aston Martin, Bentley, Rolls Royce, British Airways to name but a few. I have had to deal with people from the broadest range of society and had a great deal of fun doing it. Would I be where I am today without the skillset learnt at Allhallows, I am not sure. One thing I am sure about, it was a great education and I don't just mean academic (growing, brewing, selling etc added to the academia). I have been fortunate in business to allow me to send my son to Clayesmore whereas I would have sent him to Allhallows if it was still around. It continues to be a blast & thanks in part to my 4 years at HMP Allhallows every cloud most definitely has a silver lining and my glass is half full."
Flying High
Steve Bath (Chud 66-71) replied to a request from his old Housemaster DJB for some news, with a huge package about what he has been doing recently. He says the family sold the 90 year old business of Bath Travel to John Hayes in 2013. John has since been propelled into stardom when he bought the retail arm of Thomas Cook in October 2019 thereby saving 3,500 jobs. Steve continues to publish the Christchurch River book, although this has been shelved until 2021. Steve invested in an aircraft - a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle, which he operates as an Air Ambulance that carries human organs all over the UK for transplant. Steve has had a pilot's licence since 1979. He says his flying was inspired by joining the RAF CCF section in 1967 when they were taken to Exeter Airport for a flight in a Chipmunk which gave him confidence. He recently met up with many of the class of 66-71 when they met for a reunion in November 2019 at the Grand Hotel in Exmouth, the same weekend that the Rugby World Cup Final was being held. A great weekend, but sadly a disappointing result on the playing field!
Seaton Development
Mark Beckenham (Middy 69-74) bumped into AA in the carpark of a giant emporium in Seaton in March and said he is engaging in the development of a major residential property in Seaton. He was delighted to hear that the school's long term Bursar, Paul Dallimore (73-94), is now in a flat in Seaton near his daughter Katie and her husband David Mason, a former estate agent. Mark was his normal cheerful self and asked after several members of staff and former pupils.
A Royle Wedding
George Royle (Middy 94-98) a talented cricketer in our outstanding 1998 1st XI, married Jenna, a lovely girl and teacher at Seaton Primary on December 7th 2019. Moira Royle, Head of Modern Languages and Pastoral Care at Allhallows says the wedding was at their local church in Offwell and nearly all of George’s cohort from Allhallows were there. Moira says it was very nostalgic for her and her husband Harvey, whose firm made those striking shorts of the OH Sevens Squad which played on the Sidmouth Ground
Berkeley Square to Berkeley Street
Claus Andersen (Chud 79-84) says he drove a new Rolls Royce Cullinan to Courcheval for a few days, partying and skiing. Rachel enjoyed horse-riding and dog walking in the countryside. In March, Frederik helped Claus move out of his showroom in Berkeley Square to a new property in Berkeley Street. Claus then headed to Shanghai for the RR World Dealership Conference. In May, Claus became an ECB Cricket Coach helping the U9’s Cricket Squad and Frederik played his first match as Captain and they won against Ham and Petersham. After super family outings, Rachel still helps her children’s school 3 days a week and in October the family stayed in their usual cottage in Lyme Regis, lots of crabbing but ghastly weather, and in December a trip to Yorkshire to visit Rachel’s parents.
Mapping out Knightsbridge
Greg Mahlich (Chud 72-76), that towering figure in Chudleigh did brilliantly in his A levels and obtained a place to read Law at Exeter University then told the startled professor that he really wanted to be a journalist. He headed for London and joined Reuters where he eventually became an Editor. Greg says that he recently retired. He and his great friend Philip Curtis (St 72-70) were both at the OH AGM and party at the RAC club in 2018 but didn’t go to the 2019 gathering as they were both in St Lucia for Philip’s sisters 60th celebrations. The good news is that following the 2018 gathering they met Amanda Musgrave (Char 74-76) and Gill Sherlock (Char 74-76) in Knightsbridge with a trip to the Map House where Philip, author of the history of maps and that masterpiece War Map 1900-80 still labours away. Greg says he has been preoccupied sorting out his mother’s affairs who passed away a few days short of her 94th birthday. His brother Stuart (Chud 72-74) has moved into her house in Seaton. Greg has been painting and decorating their home in London whilst his daughter Hetty, who read History of Art at Bristol, is an intern for Snow Studio an online fashion portal.
A Fairytale in Lyme Regis
Darryl Hunt (Chud 64-68) who was interviewed by our super editor George Hayter for our 2018 OH Magazine, featured in the BBC4 programme on the 19th December ‘The Story of a Fairytale of New York’, in which Darryl played Bass. It is the classic Christmas song. Darryl says he always wanted to return to Allhallows and stand where Mike Walsh (M61-67) had performed in the Great Hall. When Darryl was playing in Exeter he kindly called in on Derek in Lyme Regis.
A seat at the Notre Dame organ
Alan Thomas (Staff 63-74) - Super housemaster of Stanton, brilliant Head of music and teacher of French and Spanish, who later became Head of Music at Ashbury College Ottawa and then later ran his own music school, reports that he is leaving on an 8 hour drive for the Annual Welsh Festival and there will be a choir coming from Machynlleth in Wales. Alan says he has performed in the festival for many years. He keeps busy with many music engagements in Ottawa and standing in for his local church organist. Alan remembers flying with Derek and Barbara Clark from Exeter airport for a weeks holiday in Paris, when they were entertained to a wonderful lunch by Alan’s Aunt and visited Notre Dame. She knew the keeper of the Le Tresor who introduced Alan to the organist and he was privileged sitting on the organ bench with him and allowed to play. Alan keeps up with Tim and Francis Edwards (Chud 66-71) in Nova Scotia.
Dogs Galore at Rousdon
Chris Bryan (Venning 65-72) has lived on the Rousdon Estate with his family for many years and tells AA that there are dogs galore there. He was just off to Scotland when Derek phoned and Chris was going to help Jim Rowe with the OH shooting.
Allhallows fire engine off to the Midlands
Keith Moore (Staff 76-98) Head who took about 40 of our boys and girls to Taunton school when Allhallows closed, tells me that Jim Rowe (Middy 66-7) crack shot and Andrew Frampton (Venning 88-89), farmer and star goal scorer for the OH Hockey XI, kindly took him out for lunch at the McCaig family hostelry in Honiton. Keith says that the first Allhallows fire engine, Bedford J2, known to the boys as Bertha and in his ownership for the last decade has just been sold. Despite some initial interest an OH buyer could not be found and the engine is now on its way to a new owner in the Midlands. Keith says he has a pile of press cuttings, an AFS sweatshirt and one of the famous red helmets which he has given to the Allhallows museum. It is amazing how much press coverage the AFS generated for the school from local and international press and TV, including the feature on Blue Peter in 1990. Keith and Lynne fly to Brisbane this month to stay with their son James and his family for a few weeks. They were at Downing College, Cambridge, in June where he was offered a BP sponsorship in North Sea Oil and Gas. His professor advised against it saying he didn’t see much future in North Sea Oil!!!
Battle of Colluden
Dr Tom Pollard (Middi 36-40) appeared on Lucy Worsley’s show about George II, ‘The First Georgians’, on the BBC4 programme on August 14th. He was seen strutting around the battlefield of Colluden with Lucy explaining the details of the battle.
Zoo Tales
Julian Mallinson (Chud 79-83) sent a super tale for the 2018 OH Magazine about his boyhood adventures at Gerald Durrell’s Zoo on Jersey, where his father Jeremy Mallinson was the manager. OH’s may have been reminded of that when ITV screened ‘What the Durrells did next’ in which HRH Princess Anne and Sir David Attenborough paid tribute to Gerald Durrell. We were enchanted by the adventures of that wonderful family on Corfu before WW2 and afterwards.
Around the world retirement
Nigel Clist (Chud 67-72) Retired from the NFU in July 2019 after almost 37 years in the job. He says he has plenty of things lined up including spending more time visiting friends and family in Canada and New Zealand and his 2 year old granddaughter Molly. He sees Jeremy Best (Chud 67-72) when can spare time away from his fruit farm in Cornwall. He was intrigued by Myf Adams (nee Gregson) (Charton 69-71) reference to the OH AGM and party on Thursday November 28th aboard HMS Wellington moored on the Thames.
Chance meeting with AA
Ted Sandbach (Stanton 66-71) met AA in the Alexandra Hotel in Lyme Regis where he was being taken for a birthday lunch. Ted was staying there with his wife Sue and was down from Oxford where he owns the Oxford Wine Company and the Oxford Wine Cafe. They are currently ‘UK Fortified Wine Merchant of the Year’ and No2 merchant in the UK. OHs will remember Ted as an outstanding cricketer and sportsman. Derek recalls the summer when our Junior Colts who boasted Ted and Malcolm McCullock (St 66-71) beat our Blundell’s opponents. Ted’s sons follow in their fathers footsteps. Chris is Director of Sport at Pangbourne College, captains the Old Chelonians in the Cricketers cup and has opened the batting for Oxfordshire. William is in the property world in London, plays rugby and was in the Exeter University 1st XV, whilst George captains Oxford Downs CC, owns Sandy’s piano Bar in Oxford and is opening a new branch soon in London. Derek hopes to meet Ted again when the Free Foresters play the Devon Dumplings at Seaton in July.
Branch Line Video
William Evershed (Shallow 56-59) wrote a long letter to the HonSec sharing memories of the Lyme Regis branch line and trips to and from the school on the train. He also generously enclosed a 60 minute DVD from Branch Line videos detailing the line with film footage and history. If anyone would like to borrow for a small donation to club funds please contact the HonSec.
No Christmas in Japan
Sylvia Hastings (Staff 81-98) who became Keith Moore’s secretary says her son Patrick Newton (L89-92) his wife and their 8 year old son Kion, who is bilingual, were with Sylvia and Jim over Christmas, which doesn’t happen in Japan. Last year, Kion went to school on Christmas Day. He was overwhelmed by the presents under the Christmas tree and in his stocking. Patrick still enjoys TEFL teaching in Japan and is very much involved in the community. It was sad to see them go but Sylvia keeps in touch with Skype. Many OHs of the 90s will remember the Allhallows Jazz Concerts organised by Jeremy Wills (Staff 77-93) Head of Music with the help of Kathy Stobart, Sylvia and Jim Hastings. The concerts took place in the dining hall and senior boys stayed up late to move the tables back for breakfast, the concerts brought many outsiders into the school. In some ways it started with the grand summer ball of 1988 when a huge marquee was erected on the playing fields and 1200 guests sat down for dinner and dancing. Music was provided by the Pasadena Roof Orchestra. Many famous bands performed once a term in the dining hall. Acker Bilk was a big hit with his Somerset burr and playing ‘Stranger on the Shore’. George Melly provided another memorable evening. Humphrey Lyttelton came to the school twice and was hugely popular on both occasions; he kindly chatted to a young Nick Jones (M84-89), a talented guitarist, throughout an interval about his days at Eton and his career. Sylvia’s husband Jim teaches music at the University of West London and is busy as usual with his jazz and big band concerts.
Tiverton Nature Reserve
Andrew Hughes (Stanton 72-77) is currently developing a nature reserve on Backswood Farm, Bickleigh, Nr Tiverton EX16 8RA. He has built a classroom and created a 2 acre nature garden to host local school groups. He hopes to inspire children to engage with the countryside, nature and farming through this purpose built visitor centre. Andrew always comes to the West Country lunch and keeps in touch with AA.
A canal view in Amsterdam
George Hayter (Venning 65-70) our former editor and his wife Jan left for Amsterdam in the new year 2019 and have been revelling in the cafes, bars architecture and museums. They came by car and have been on trips to Haarlem, Leiden, Gouda and the coast. As Jan is from NZ they drove all the way to Zeeland. They love the architecture and not just the older stuff. Their flat is in Looiersgracht and overlooks a canal. They authorities take a very dim view of cars with parking charges in excess of 4 Euro an hour. Council vehicles with number plate recognition cameras roam the city. Jan and George have conceded defeat and will take the car back to the UK and rely on public transport! Most of us probably think of Amsterdam recently as a place where David Hockney was stuck in a lift prior to his Van Gogh / Hockney exhibition, but soon recovered after a cup of strong Yorkshire tea and a fag! Watch out David, George is painting again.
Sandhurst Dinner
Richard Anderson (Middy 67-71) is organising a dinner for OH’s commissioned at Sandhurst where our President Peter Sloan (B66-71) will be present. Numbers are limited as space is a problem. Aunt Agatha sent Richard a long list of OH’s commissioned there, but it’s hard to find addresses for some. Richard says he boarded Oceana with his wife just after Christmas 2018 and sailed through the Suez Canal to Dubai where they had dinner on the old QE2. He is trying to catch up with his booking for public speaking. The proceeds go to Polio plus the Rotary campaign to rid the world of disease. Well done Richard!
History TV Star
Professor Emeritus Tony Pollard (Mid. 55-60) former Head of School who has written books on Edward IV, and in print with Penguin books, Warwick the Kingmaker, Richard III and the Prince in the Tower, has now told the story of his village in ‘A Perfect Paradise: Eryholme from 1066’ – OHs may have seen him on TV.
Cricketing at the Talbot
Steve Gardner – the last Allhallows Catering Manager, now at the Talbot Arms, Uplyme, told Derek who came to him with an OH magazine, that he had several visits from OH’s recently among them Tim Huxtable (V92-97), Captain of the OH Sevens team that played in the Sidmouth Festival. Tim came with a gang to see the England v’s France game in the Six Nations. Graham and Mary Jones had also called with his Colyton Breakfast Club along with Sue Bourhill. Steve said his family loyalties are divided between Wales and England. The Talbot has a very good pull-in adjacent to the cricket ground where Derek saw James Sienesi (V94-98), captain of our outstanding cricket 1st X, nearly scored a century but for an Uplyme and Lyme Regis declaration.
Breadstick House
Derek Ridge (Middy 60-65) and his wife Alison with their dog Flossie kindly called on AA in Lyme Regis shortly before Christmas in 2018 and said they had been in touch with serval OHs including Dudley Hopkins (B59-64). Derek built his beautiful New Mill House in Burton Breadstick and said he would still go trawler fishing if he could find the crew.
Navigating on your wits
Jonathan Christie (Chud 64-69) was unable to come to the OH Golf in Lyme Regis in 2018 as he lives far away in Suffolk but he joined the OH Golders in 2017 and found the other players a complete delight, perfectly normal, a wide range of age and all good memories of the school. He used to think the other think he learnt at Allhallows was how to navigivate his way across London and how to use his wits but he was clever, got some good A levels and prospered.
Rolling with the tide
Claus Anderson (Chud 79-84) was awarded Rolls Royce Global Dealer of the year in March 2018 with a dinner and formal ceremony. His family Rachel, Ella (11) and Frederik (9) have enjoyed holidays with skiing, football and cricket with visits to Denmark and the beach in Lyme Regis with the children swimming, making sandcastles and of course lots of crabbing.
Strictly Come Dancing
Shirley Ambrose (Staff 68-92) - Who was house mistress of Charton and taught games says she is delighted Peter Sloan is President as he has always been devoted to Allhallows. She remembers when Richard died how Peter and Richard Anderson were so helpful to her together with David Vicars, Peter Rooke and others. Shirley taught Peter, Richard and altogether 6 of the 1st XV how to dance in secret gym sessions for ‘Oliver!’ When she last met them they could still remember some of the steps.
A Natural Director
Clare Freeman (Charton 85-87) keeps in touch and is now Director of the Natural History Society of Northumbria based in the Great North Museum. She and her partner Chris come to Bedstone when they can and catch up on OH news. Shirley Ambrose reflects that she and Richard were so lucky to be at Allhallows under Gethyn and Peggy Hewan.