Issue No. 2 Spring 1993
"THE
DORKINIAN” 
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Contents
Dear 'Dorkinians',
I
am relieved to be able to report in this second newsletter that the Association
has made some progress!
We
now have 128 paid‑up members – (a list was enclosed for information) and to give you the chance to note any
'absentees' you feel may wish to join. May we please ask members to accept this
list as confirmation of membership this year. We will consider doing something
more formal next year! Also enclosed is a spare copy of the application
form. (the annual subscription is £5 for
a single member or £8 for a joint subscription at one address; for school leavers
the first year's subscription is £2 and remains at that level during full time
education The Membership Secretary is Chris Tottman, 13(b) Arundel Road,
Dorking, Surrey. RH4 3HY.
The
Committee listed in our first newsletter has been completed by the welcome
addition of Debbie Collier and Anna Hoyle, two members of the present Sixth
Form.
The
Association was represented by four Committee members at the School's Awards
Evening in December 1992 when the presentations were made by Professor John
Crookall ( 1946 ‑ 1952 ). In addition to the Old Dorkinian prize for
Sixth Form Sporting Achievement, there will now be a Dorkinian Association
prize for 'The pupil who gives exceptional service to the school community'.
I
hope that every member will find something of interest in this newsletter.
Comments and contributions for future issues would be very welcome. Don't be
too modest!
David Mountain ( Chairman ). 0372 273227
SCHOOL CONCERT Thursday June 10th at
7.30pm at the School.
Dorkinians
(and companions) are invited to attend this concert to be given by some of the
School's talented musicians. The programme will include the Correlli ‑
Barbirolli Concerto for oboe and strings, the first movement from a Mozart
string quartet, and other solo items ‑ about 40 minutes in all, to be
followed by refreshments. After the interval some old '78's from the days
of Dr. Morgan will be played for those
who suffer from nostalgia! At present the supply of records is small, so any
offerings would be much appreciated and treated with great care. There is no
entry charge; a collection will be made for the benefit of the Music
Department.
It
would be helpful, for catering purposes, if those proposing to come would
telephone either Maureen Farley on Forest Green (030 670) 216 or David
Mountain, as above.
SCHOOL CAROL SERVICE held on 17th December 1992.
This
enjoyable school event was attended by several members of the Association, who
appreciated the extremely high musical achievements of the soloists, choir and
orchestra under their directors Ms. E. Clift and Mrs. S. Kingsford. It was
thoughtful of Arthur Webster, the Headteacher, to invite us and make us
welcome. It is hoped that more members will attend this function in future,
making it an occasion to renew old and make new friendships.
OLD DORKINIAN FOOTBALL CLUB ‑ from our
correspondent Peter Mills.
The
O.D.s have just completed a successful season, and it is likely that the senior
side will be promoted from Senior Division 3 of the Old Boys' League. They
achieved a club record on reaching the quarter final round of the London Old
Boys' Senior Cup for the first time, narrowly losing 2‑1 at Westhamians,
a Senior Division 1 side, who went on to reach the final against Glyn OB. They
also reached the quarter finals of the Surrey A.F.A. Senior Cup, losing 3‑1
away to a strong Nat. West Bank side who compete in the Senior Section of the
Southern Amateur League.
The
Reserves reached the final of the Dorking Charity Cup, after beating Brockham 9‑
South Park (w.o.), and Mickleham 1‑0. They narrowly lost the final 1‑0
to Westcott, playing on Dorking Town's ground at Meadowbank.
The
Third XI reached the quarter finals of the London Old Boys' Junior Cup for the
first time, finally succumbing to Meadonians III 5‑0, and the fourth
round of the A.F.A. Junior Cup, losing to Nat. West Bank III 4‑0 away.
The
Fifth XI were the most successful side in the league programme, gaining
promotion from Division 8 (South) to allow the Sixth XI, who enjoyed a full
programme of friendly fixtures, to apply for entry into the League next season.
An
innovation during the past season has been the formation of a Veterans' XI who
competed in the Jack Perry Veterans' Cup Competition played on a mini‑league
basis. Although they were unsuccessful in the 3 matches played it is hoped that
with more players reaching the 30 age limit a stronger side will be fielded
next season.
The
Club was honoured by being invited to host a representative match between the
Old Boys' League and the Arthurian League at Pixham Lane in November last,
which says much for the excellent facilities available at Pixham and the standing which the Club enjoys. Any
former pupils and staff of the Schools would be made most welcome to Pixham
during the forthcoming season, and to partake of the hospitality available.
The
Club completed the season with a successful Annual Supper at Pixham at which
there was an attendance of 86 including no fewer than 9 Vice Presidents, a
record! During the evening a minute's silence was observed to honour the memory
of Gerry Clow, a past Captain and Vice President, and of Peter Farrenden. both
of whom the Club had learnt with sorrow had passed away during the past year.
OLD DORKINIAN
CRICKET CLUB
Having
played cricket at Meadowbank Recreation Ground since 1949, Dorkinians field
sides both on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as entering a local cup
competition. The 2 Club Captains are Mark Longhurst and Andrew Culton, and the
President for 1993 is Sandy Hughes. The Club is run by a committee with Dave
Wilcockson as Secretary and Team Secretary. If any Old, or younger, Dorkinian
(perhaps we should now just say 'Dorkinian'!) is interested in participating in
weekend cricket please contact Dave on 0306 883428.
For
any would‑be spectators here is an extract from the fixture list for June
and July:
June
5 Kelvin H 2.30 June
6 St Andrews Coulsdon H 2.30
12 Forest Green A 2.30 13 Whyteleafe A 2.30
19 Kingswood II H 2.30 20 Horsham Trinity A 2.30
26 Old Guildfordians A 2.30 27 Stoneleigh Park H 2.30
July
3 Old Coulsdon 11 H 2.30 July 4 Meadowbank H 2.30
10 Old Caterhamians A 2.30 11 Falcon A 2.30
17 South Hatch RacingH 2.30 18 North Holmwood A 2.30
24 Oakwood Hill A 2.30 25 Morden II H 2.30
31 Kelvin A 2.30
NEWS OF DORKINIANS.
Rosa Baigent
Rosa's
name has been inadvertently left off the membership list ‑ quite
inexcusable in view of her standing in Dorkinian matters! She still lives at
Sefton Cottage, Spook Hill, North Holmwood. Last year Rosa was heavily involved
in the Reunion arrangements, and was much thanked for her large contribution
towards the success of the occasion. Sadly, later in the year she suffered a
severe relapse of rheumatoid arthritis necessitating her admission to hospital
for some months. Rosa was sufficiently recovered to return home in April and is
now managing well. Everyone knows Rosa! However, some of the following may be
news to members; we hope none of it will embarrass her! Rosa was appointed as
school secretary at the age of 18 in 1937, after interview by the full Board of
Governors! Mr.Rivett was Headmaster, and there were about 280 pupils at the
school. In 1942 she joined the Army (ATS), involved in clerical work for 4
years and rising to the rank of Sergeant. Rosa returned to the school in 1946
when Dr. Trefor Jones was Head, and stayed until her retirement in 1980 under
the successive Headships of Mr. Johnson, Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Roder. It was not
until 1959 that an assistant secretary was appointed! She regards the whole of
her association with the School as enjoyable, partly as she was always treated
as part of the staff Rosa would be too modest to point out that part of her
pleasure was the affection that all had for her because of the way she did the
job. Rosa's service to the School was recognised in 1977 by the award of one of
the Queen's special Silver Jubilee Medals. Rosa has also had much pleasure from
playing a good game of tennis, which she gave up only 3 years ago. She was
Captain of the Ladies Team at Dorking LTC for some years. Thanks again, Rosa!
Frances Carder,
Frances,
of 38 Arun Vale, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 ILP ‑ also for some reason
not in the members' fist! ‑ has for many years acted as an 'Overseas
Secretary' and enjoys keeping in touch with Dorkinians abroad and helping to
establish links between them.
Maureen
Collins
We
have received a letter from Maureen (1951‑1957) describing her travels;
she is leaving Sydney on about 28th May, for Maine, USA, and will be returning
to the UK via Hong Kong at the end of October. Her UK address is 2A Elm Road,
Ewell, Epsom, Surrey KT 17 2EU, but she suggests that she can always be
contacted via her cousins Bernard and Margaret Burbidge. She would like to hear
from interested Dorkinians.
Anthony Lockwood (1983‑1987) Garden
Close, Gadbridge Lane, Ewhurst, Surrey GU6 7RW would like to set up a reunion
of his contemporaries.
Bernard
Burbidge
(1942‑1950)
Bernard
is now more or less 'retired', so a potted biography seems appropriate! After
leaving school, as Head Boy in his last year, he took a degree in chemistry at
University College London and did 2 years National Service (2nd. Lieutenant,
Royal Corps of Signals) spending 1 year in Germany (Minden, Westphalia).
Bernard joined BP in 1955 at the BP Research Centre, Sunbury and was engaged in
petroleum refining research for 23 years. During that time he worked on most
refining processes and was responsible for pilot plant development of BP's Low
Temperature Isomerisation Process ‑ now commercially installed in a
number of refineries making a component for motor gasoline (petrol). He had a
spell as manager of BP's French Associates' research facility at Lavera, near
Marseille, for 2 years. ( a thorough grounding in French at the hands of Miss
Coney ‑ eventually ‑ proved very useful!) Bernard's last 7 years
with BP took him into a totally different area of Internal Audit, rising to
Audit Manager in Head Office before retiring.
Retirement
is fully occupied by, amongst other things, a mixture of part‑time
Consultancy, Tennis, Golf, Bridge and Choral Singing with Mickleham. Choral
Society, a hobby deriving from Dr. Morgan's enthusiasm at DCGS.
Frank Snushall
We
regret to report the recent death of Frank Snushall who was born in 1923
and attended the
School from 1935 to
1940. He was well known to many Dorkinians,
particularly those who shared his love of music. On leaving school Frank joined
the local branch of Barclays Bank, and after 2 years went into the RAF. Nearly all his
service was spent in India. On returning to civilian life he rejoined the
Dorking branch of Barclays Bank for a short period. He was then made an
inspector, and following various management appointments became a Divisional
General Manager with responsibility for Barclaycard. At the same time he was a
Director of Visa International and served for a term as President. This
position resulted in very extensive travel. On retiring from Barclays Bank,
Frank became Chairman of Bank Leumi (UK) Ltd., and remained in office until
shortly before his death.
ODDMENTS!
Reunion
Booklet ‑ a few spare copies were still (not now) available on request to the Membership Secretary with payment of £1.50 (including postage).
The Old Dorkinian Association, forerunner of the present association, was wound up in accordance with the wishes of a Special General Meeting on 4th January 1979.
The
assets of £523 were
distributed as follows:
The Ashcombe School
£300
Old Dorkinian Cricket Club £100
Miss R.M.Baigent (for
services rendered) £50
Dorking and Leith Hill
Preservation Society
£73
What's in a building?
"With
the advent of the new examination system a great deal of caution and
reorganisation will be necessary. We would like more staff and more buildings,
but the latter do not seem to be forthcoming" (Dr. Trefor Jones, Head,
Speech Day 1951)
"This year the accommodation has been substantially improved .............. and dinner is
taken in 2 sittings instead of 3” (July 1960)
I”... new cricket nets; new tennis courts enabling senior and junior boys to play" ( 1962)
I
“...
a complete redecoration of the School was overdue; it took place, lending a
brief novelty and freshness to old classrooms which looked very pretty until
humanity and clutter returned" (1967)
(After
this was a list of current members; this is not repeated here).