Issue No. 12 Spring
1998
"THE
DORKINIAN” 
NEWSLETTER OF THE ASHCOMBE DORKINIAN
ASSOCIATION
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Contents
Photo at the Lunch ‑ NW Bradshaw and committee
Tribute to Miss Macaulay ‑ from Roderick McLeod
Miss Macaulay and Miss Rigby ‑ by Hebe Morgan
Further Memories of Dr William Cole ‑ from R N Mann
Frances Carder celebrates her 80th birthday
How to be an alien (with apologies to George Mikes) ‑ Nicholas Ridley
Janet Roodbol‑Birkin ‑ Letter to the Chairman
Five Ages of Man and Wife ‑ per Shirley and Ron Buckley
Browsing through 1960s School papers ‑ Rob Worsfold
Reporting on Mole Valley today ‑ Robert Miller
Ashcombe Dorkinian Golf ‑ Harold Child
Old Dorkinian Cricket Club ‑ Dave Wilcockson
Old Dorkinian Football Club ‑ Peter Mills
Editor's Odds and Ends
Having just listed the contents for the first time I feel much
less inclined to add very much, especially as our Chairman is on his way to
pick up the whole package any minute now!
My thanks to all of you who have contributed, and a few
explanations. R N Mann's memories of Dr Cole reached me too late to
be included last time, as did Nicholas Ridley's article. I realised too late
that Janet's fax would not be easy to read when reproduced ... (but it had to be transcribed anyway to get it into this page - webmaster). On a similar line Hebe Morgan has written to express her appreciation of
the Association and the many happy moments it has given‑ may I thank you
here, Hebe! Can it really be true that you and Doc,
celebrate your golden wedding in December!
The REUNION/AGM (that is the relationship we are trying
to convey) was a great success, and the turnout of what I might call 'my lot'
was marvellous and made for a very special day. One outcome is the contribution
from Shirley and Buck, another very successful 'school marriage'!
I cannot claim to be 'computer literate' and I am sure that
this newsletter could be made to look more exciting, but I am now on the
Internet, address below ‑ I have not done this just to help Members send
their news items; we have daughters living in Antigua and Mexico, and find it a
brilliant form of communication.
David
Mountain April
1998
65
Broadhurst, Ashtead,
Surrey KT21
1 Q1)
Tel: 01372 273227
Email: David.H.Mountain@BTInternet.com
DIARY
1 STRAWBERRY TEA ‑ Sunday 28th
June 1998 ‑ for details see page 8
2
REUNION/AGM ‑Saturday 10th October 1998.
3 Golf Day ‑ Tuesday 12th May
1998 ‑ Dorking Golf Club ‑ regret that entries have
already closed, but
please contact Harold Child (01306 88583 1) if you wish to
participate next time.
4 Copy for next Newsletter to the
editor by 8th August 1998, please.
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The Chairman's Bit!
Somewhat Belatedly ‑ but nonetheless sincerely ‑ Many
Thanks and our reciprocated good wishes to all those who have sent their good wishes to us on the Committee. We hope you
will understand our not being able to respond to you all individually, much as
we would like to.
Your Committee For 1998
I am pleased to say that
virtually all of your Committee agreed to stand again for this year.
Unfortunately, due to pressure of
work (the paid kind, that is!) Nigel Doe has decided
to step down as Membership Secretary. This
is particularly disappointing as he has done sterling work in updating the
membership list, added to the fact that he is one of our 'new' members, having
attended the School during the transition DCGS/Ashcombe 1976/82. Many thanks
for your help, Nigel, but perhaps we can persuade you to come back later on?
Fortunately, ever willing, Rosemary Dale, has agreed to step into the breach and to take over as
Membership Secretary. Welcome
aboard, Rosemary! And I am sure that Sheila Sandford who, I am happy to say has
agreed to serve again, will be only too pleased to assist.
Maureen Meier has also very kindly agreed to help us out again: not
generally known is the fact that during the school holidays when the School is
shut, Maureen hosts our Committee Meeting venues (She makes a superb smorgasbord)!. That's in
addition to her holding 'open house' for the Strawberry Tea. Many thanks indeed Maureen, from all of us!
Harold Child has had to step down due to personal circumstances,
although I am pleased to report that he has agreed to continue to organise The
Association's Golf Days. Many thanks for your help over the past 5 years,
Harold! (That's 5 years on this Committee, before that Harold was on the
original OD Committee)
Mike Dobson has agreed to remain as Secretary and Peter Rogers as Treasurer,
and together with myself, John Gent as
Chairman, this will be our last
year, as the Constitution decrees quite wisely that incumbents shall hold the
major offices for no longer than three consecutive years.
Lionel Rose has agreed to help us out again, having had to stand
down last year due to pressure of other commitments. We are pleased to welcome
him back as a stalwart member of the Committee.
Another stalwart is David Mountain, who as Editor of this Newsletter has the
unenviable job of trying to ensure that deadlines are met (no easy task I can
feel him say, especially where your Chairman is concerned!). Anthony Lockwood, our very own
horticulturist (dare I say our own 'David Bellamy'), has agreed to give himself
a bit of a rest from exhibiting at the Chelsea Flower Show and other equally
well‑thought of exhibitions, to assist us on the Committee. Many thanks,
Anthony.
Last but by no means least, Robert Miller has
also agreed to help us out.
For your information, the Committee Members' addresses and
phone numbers are tabulated below:
Committee 1997 ‑ 98
Chairman: John P Gent, 19 Chesters, Horley, Surrey,
RH6 8BP (Tel/Fax : 01293 ‑ 821411)
Secretary: Mike D Dobson, Trescott,
Church End, Ravensden,
Bedford, MK44 2RP (Tel/Fax :
01234 ‑ 771 685)
Treasurer: Peter
A Rogers, Fallow Close, Armstrong Road,
Brockenhurst,
Hants S042 7TA (Tel:
01590 ‑ 622 949)
Membership: Rosemary Dale, 5 Water Lane, Wirksworth,
Matlock,
Derbyshire DE4 4DZ (Tel: 01629 ‑ 824 169)
Newsletter Editor : David H Mountain, 65 Broadhurst, Ashtead, KT21 1QD
(Tel:
01372 ‑ 273 227)
Committee : Anthony Lockwood, Maureen Meier, Robert Miller,
Lionel Rose, Sheila Sandford
Data Protection Act
Now that our records are computerised we are obliged to let
you know of that fact, in case you don't want any of your details circulated to
other members. It goes without saying, of course, that we do not circulate the
membership list to any commercial organisation. Nor, we trust will any member
do so.
Membership Renewal
Members are reminded that membership renewal is from 1st
September each year and we should like payment within 3 months of that date, that is 1st December. Unfortunately even at this late stage,
some subscriptions are still overdue. So please can we have any outstanding
subscriptions now. Rates as you no doubt know are : £5.00 (Single); £8.00 (Joint), £2.00 (Students), and School Leavers Free. Cheques should be made
payable to the Ashcombe Dorkinian Association. Ideally though
you should pay by Bank Standing Order or Direct Debit. For the latter cases, the ADA Account Number on the SO or Direct
Debit Mandate is 00151947 and the Sort Code 20‑23‑97. (correct then but not correct
now in 2007).
The Annual Reunion / AGM (1997)
Last year, in 1997, we put the emphasis on an Annual Reunion
rather than the Annual General Meeting of the Association, although both of
course were held on the same day. The AGM was held in the old
School Hall, now called The Study Centre, followed by a splendid meal at the
White Horse Hotel in Dorking.
The meal commemorated the 1st Annual
Dinner of The Dorkinian Association, also held at the White Horse, 'way back'
in 1933, and was likewise held in a (semi‑)formal
manner. Guest of Honour at our event was Mr Norman 'Brute' Bradshaw, who was the 2nd Master to be appointed to the School in 1931 (after the Headmaster, Mr
Rivett). In the Chair was Mr John Gent, The Association's Chairman, who
proposed the Loyal Toast. The Toast to the School was proposed by Mr David
Mountain and the Toast to the Association was proposed by Mr Mike Dobson.
Although being held in a semi‑formal
manner, the event has engendered much favourable comment, so much so that we
propose to follow a similar format next year (see below).
The 'top table' at the 1997 Ashcombe Dorkinian Lunch at the White Horse
Hotel.
From left to
right: Peter Rogers (Treasurer), Norman 'Brute' Bradshaw, Mike Dobson
(Secretary), John Gent (Chairman), Maureen Meier, and Harold Child.
1998 Annual Reunion/AGM
In view of the success of the 1997
Annual Reunion/AGM, it is proposed to hold the 1998 event on similar lines.
Although Denbies vineyard, just north of Dorking, had been proposed as an
alternative venue, the Committee felt that the warm welcome given by the staff
at the White Horse Hotel would be more to our members' liking!
So we shall be holding the Lunch of
our 1998 Annual Reunion/AGM at the White Horse Hotel in Dorking. That will of
course be on the second Saturday in October, the 10th October, and the Annual
Reunion/AGM itself will still be in the Study Centre of the School, as usual.
We are still negotiating a price with the hotel but it is likely to be in the
region of £17.50 and like last year will include a glass of wine with the meal.
We shall be limiting numbers to a maximum of 50, so you should put in your
reservations as soon as possible, together with a £10.00 deposit.
Strawberry Tea
Last June (1997) we held our
annual Strawberry Tea, hosted very kindly by Maureen Meier. It was very
well received after a lot of hard work by the Committee and hopefully it's now
back as a fixture on our calendar.
This year we propose holding it
again if we have sufficient numbers. The date proposed is Sunday 28th June 1998 and the
price, as last year, a very reasonable £4.00. We must emphasise that unless we
get at least 30 confirmed bookings by 22nd May, we regret that it will not take place. Money with bookings to Maureen Meier or John Gent please.
Association Name Change
It is sad really, but even the three
resignations we had because of our name change is too
many. But they say that history has a habit of repeating itself and looking at
past editions of the Magazine bears this out: when the Dorking County School
started in 1931, the same sentiments were expressed in the Dorking High School
magazine. Likewise, similar comments were expressed when the name of the School
changed from Dorking County School to Dorking County Grammar School.
Now that the name of the School has
changed to the Ashcombe School, the Association has to reflect this change and
to be more meaningful to past pupils of the present School: after all the
Ashcombe School is now in its 22nd year although the same bricks and mortar are still there as
they were in the original Dorking County School in 1931, only added
to so that the additional 800 pupils which it now holds can be accommodated.
But No Name Change for The Dorkinian!
No suggestions have been received
for a new name for our Newsletter, so for the forseeable
future it will remain as ‘The Dorkinian’.
Association Ties and Badges
There are still a few Ties and
Badges of the Old Dorkinian Association available. For those interested the
price is still £5.00 each, contact the Chairman, John Gent.
Colour montage photos of the
original Old Chemistry Laboratory (sadly no longer with us ‑ having been
'refurbished and upgraded') are still available. Price £2.00 for the A4 size
and £4.00 for the A3.
The New Sports Hall
Fund raising for the new £1 million
Sports Hall is still progressing apace although it has suffered a slight
hiccough with its not getting the anticipated Lottery money on the latest round
of funding. Better luck next time around! Those who wish to contribute may
contact the Chairman or the School direct.
We whole‑heartedly support the
project as continuing the School's tradition of excellence: hopefully it will
assist in some small way to improve the UK's abysmal performance in the recent
Olympics!
The School's Sports Hall fund‑raising
open afternoon attracted a number of Old Dorkinians, some of whom had not been
back to the School since they left in the 1950's!
John Gent
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A TRIBUTE TO MAC - Roderick McLeod (1956 – 1963)
Barbara Macaulay (Mac) died on 13th September 1997 at St
Luke's Hospital in Guildford. She had fought cancer on and off for two years
and was well aware that her life was ending. She spoke highly of the care and
attention she received at the hospital, and from the various GPs and
consultants who looked after her during her last months. Mac had a strong faith
in a "Christian God" (her words) and faced death with a calm assurance,
tempered with periods of understandable distress.
I count Mac as one of my closest friends' At
school I was pretty hopeless at history ("I gave you D, McLeod ‑
where did you get the material for your essay? H G Wells 'Illustrated History
of the World' ‑that is not a history book"), but soon after starting
at the Grammar School (in 1956) I discovered that I could avoid the horrors of
the boy's playground by becoming a library helper. Pure self interest on my
part, but Mac was willing to exploit my organisational talents and gave me a
lifelong enthusiasm for books and libraries.
During my sixth year we discovered a shared love of Edinburgh,
and when I moved there in the late sixties I started a correspondence with Mac
which flourished until shortly before her death. We exchanged very long letters
at least once a year. On one occasion, I forgot to send my regular Christmas
letter. In August I received a postcard from her holiday destination - Gatehouse
of Fleet. The wording was brief and to the point: "I expect I would have
heard if you were dead. Yours Mac."
A few weeks before she died she phoned me early on a Saturday
morning. She gave me a run down on the state of her medical condition and the
latest prognosis. She always provided rather more details than I wanted ‑
I have always been a bit squeamish. I was beginning to feel very sorry for her
when she changed the subject. "This Scottish Parliament
Referendum ‑ what a lot of nonsense!" I explained why saw a
Scottish Parliament as a good idea. Oh dear. Forty minutes later I put the
phone down after a complete history lesson from Henry III to 1707. Perhaps it
was fortunate that she went into a coma on 11th September ‑ before the
result of the referendum was known.
Auntie Mac, as she was known to many pupils had a long career
at DCGS. Apart from an eight year spell in Cheshire, all her teaching was at
the school. Her distinctive voice (I had an operation on my throat when I was a
teenager) and her strong personality meant that, as one former pupil has
remarked, she was not the sort of person of whom people say "Now which one
was she?" I well remember her arriving at school on her very old bicycle ‑
and later her regaling us with tales of her attempts to learn (at what seemed a
great age) to drive. Mac never embraced change with enthusiasm. On one occasion
I was reprimanded for two errors in a letter to her. I omitted the
"Miss" on the envelope and worse, I included my post code. When money
was decimalised she told me that she would continue to use pounds, shillings
and pence for the rest of her days!
But behind this facade was a very caring person. She wrote in
her long letters most movingly about friends who had fallen on hard times. When
my own family was trying to recover from the aftermath of the much publicised
South Ronaldsay Child Abuse affair she wrote a letter
in which she showed an understanding of our suffering, far beyond that of all
the many other people who wrote letters of support. She quoted poetry which had
helped her in the dark times in her own life. When my girlfriend (now my wife)
came on her first visit to Dorking to meet my parents she was whisked into
Hospital with acute appendicitis. A few days later I visited Mac and told her
the sad tale. "Don't worry", she said. "I'll take her up some whisky
in a thermos flask". (I might add that Emma nearly burst her stitches when
she discovered that Mac really did speak as I had naughtily imitated).
Mac had a fund of stories about her
former pupils. She kept in touch with many of us. Of the 1992 reunion she
wrote, "The School Reunion was delightful ‑ I saw pupils and staff
right back to 1944 when I came. We were ‑ i.e. ex. staff ‑ both
enormously grateful and much humbled by their appreciation of the school and of
ourselves. We were touched that they thought the place had given them GOOD
standards as a guide (to be followed or not) for the rest of their lives".
I feel sure that others will have
their own tales to tell, and many will have memories of this
"character" of our school days. I am sad that she has died but I count
myself lucky to have been supported by the friendship of such a wonderful
person over more than forty years.
Roderick McLeod
(1956 ‑ 1963)
HEBE MORGAN (BLAKE, 1939
‑ 47)
MISS BARBARA MACAULAY AND MISS
WINIFRED RIGBY
I did my 6th form years just after the war. Two formidable
women, among others, guided my steps; sadly, they are no longer with us. My
thanks are due to them for helping me to develop an ability to analyse, to
criticise and to think for myself.
'Mac' and Miss Rigby had much in common as teachers. Both were
intolerant of sloppy thinking and poor work habits. Neither hesitated to make
her feelings known when it was felt one had done less than one's best.
But I was privileged to get to know both of them outside the
normal class situation. I spent many hours a week in the art room with Win
Rigby. Away from the need to discipline she was friendly and approachable; when
I required a particular floral 'model' for my final art exams she prowled
around gardens in Dorking until she found the appropriate flower ‑ a
lovely clematis. I last saw her in 1978 in Shropshire, and her sharp and lively
spirit had not faded, though she was clearly ageing.
I knew Mac on a more personal level. She and I have written to
each other for many Christmases, her letters often spiced with bits of poetry
and quotations from the great historians. We discussed/ argued such vital
topics as the proper length for boys' hair! When I cited King Charles (either
or both) to back my argument she was suitably scornful.
I recall her as a baby sitter. In 1952 Doc and I needed one
while we were involved in a concert, and Mac 'offered'. Doc's mother was then
dying from a stroke, his father was old and very frail, and they lived with us.
Cynthia was not old enough to look after 3 year old Patrick. It wasn't an easy
household to take over. But Mac shooed us out, and got on with the job. When I later
asked her how she had managed Patrick (a light sleeper) she said, 'He woke up
once, and I said, "Now that's quite enough of that!" and he went back
to sleep.' You'll recognise the tone.
There was a very gentle side to Mac, and I'm glad I was
allowed to find it. I shall miss her letters very much.
HEBE MORGAN
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Further Memories of Dr.
William Cole
Last Friday I read in The Independent an
obituary for Dr William Cole, and realised that this was the same man as our
much loved and respected Mr Cole who taught music at Dorking County School
during the years (1937‑1940) when I was a pupil there. Although I was
only ten years old when I came to Dorking County School, I have very
vivid and precise memories of those years, and not least of Mr Cole. I was not ‑
and am still not ‑ particularly musical, but the love and enjoyment of
music which he instilled in all of us have lasted all my life.
Every morning
began with an assembly at which Mr Cole played on what 1
remember as a grand piano. I
suspect that he also chose the hymns (from Songs of
Praise, a popular hymnbook of the inter‑war years,
containing many hymns of dubious
doctrinal orthodoxy, but of a
liberal and all‑embracing optimism, and a consistently
reliable musical quality), and
his flamboyant and triumphal rendering of 'Jerusalem'
should never be forgotten.
We went
to the Music Room (I could still find my way there, if the
topography of the school has not been too drastically reordered) once a week
for a music lesson. This was primarily, but not exclusively, a singing lesson,
when we used books of folk songs, often with the distinctive
qualities of settings by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Many of these I can ‑
and still do ‑ sing, to the embarrassment of my long‑suffering
family. But to these, he sometimes added other, more modern, songs of unknown
provenance, which I have never since heard, and wonder whether he wrote them
himself?
'Blast of
shrill trumpet and loud battering of drum
Army
of youth from the morning we come
Out
of the eastern gate
Challenging
life and fate
Reckless
we heed not of clouds in the west.
Onward
and alter not,
Forward
and falter not,
Strength
is our shield and glory our quest.'
Rather typical of the 19308, I suppose.
But he also taught us music. We learnt to
distinguish the instruments of the orchestra from a set of gramophone records
(not, I think, Benjamin Britten's 'Young Person's Guide ... '). At the end of
term, he would arrange an informal concert at which those pupils who were
learning to play an instrument would each play her ‑ and it usually was
'her’ ‑piece. He challenged us to write a new melody line for the hymn 'My soul there is a country, far beyond the stars, where
stands a winged sentry all skilled in the wars'. He introduced us to the
mysteries of scales and tuning, including the quarter‑tone scale, which
was very ambitious for a class of twelve‑year olds in the 1930s. He would stretch our imagination
by asking us questions requiring not only thought, but some appreciation of
sensitivity. 'Which has the greater variety of intonation: the spoken voice or
the singing voice?'.
'If a millionaire said to me,"I have lost the ability to feel. I will give you a
thousand pounds if you can help me feel again", should I play to him on the
piano or the organ?’ And of course we, knowing his reputation as the organist
of St Martin's Church, all immediately responded 'Organ'. 'No', he said. 'The
piano is infinitely more expressive than the organ. The organ is purely
mechanical'.
He had his shortcomings, too. 'Who has ever
heard of a woman composer?' he demanded. ‘Only men have the ability to
compose.' And, of course, he had a point. But I, being precocious, and having
recently read an article in the Radio Times, asked 'What about Dame Ethel Smyth ?' He didn't answer, but I knew from the look on his
face that Ethel Smyth wasn't a real composer!
He always treated us as though we were more
adult, more intelligent than we really were. And he had sensitivity, too. When
our voices broke prematurely, and I was a little self‑conscious about it,
he made a point of treating George Dobinson and me in
a friendly and understanding way. But above all, it was his energy and
enthusiasm that stimulated us; and his deep love of music which he was able to
communicate so effectively to so many of us. I am grateful to him.
Of course, Mr
Cole was not alone amongst the teachers in those days: I was
well able to assess the
comparative ability of the staff because, at the age of 13 (1940)
I transferred to a prestigious traditional single‑sex
boarding Public School where
the few competent teachers
stood out starkly against the general low level of
old‑fashioned
untrained staff. And, looking back from some thirty years as a teacher
myself, I can recognise the
quality that Dorking County School possessed in the 1930s.
At the age of seventy, I thought I would be retiring at last, but the Bishop of Gloucester has other
thoughts so, on 1st October, I begin a new ministry as Priest in Charge of
Upton St Leonards, a pleasant parish in the suburbs
of Gloucester with a very beautiful church and a lively congregation. I have
not revisited Ashcombe School since I left except for one
brief call on the headmaster, Mr Rivett, in, I think, about 1949. I expect that
much has changed.
Please forgive these wandering
reminiscences.
Yours sincerely,
R. N. Mann
Frances Carder ‑ 80th Birthday Celebrations
On 3rd January 1998, Frances, a pupil at the Dorking High
School for Girls and Dorking County School from 1926 to 1936 celebrated her
80th birthday at Coldwaltham, West Sussex, where she
now lives.
Frances held 2 parties, a Country Dance with a buffet supper
for invited guests in the evening, and an "Open House Coffee, Tea, and
Fruit Juice" one from 10.00am to 11.30am for
well‑wishers who could not dance, or would not wish to be away from home
after dark, or had children to look after. Unfortunately, torrential rain and gales
kept many from attending the morning event, but the dance was a great success.
Niece Helen brought her accordion from Swanage, and
was joined by 2 local friends playing another accordion, and drum &
whistle, making an effective little band, with brother‑in‑law as
Caller.
The dances varied from 18th century ballroom to modem
community, including some from Denmark, the USA, and Wales. The buffet was
excellent with some of the dishes being donated by guests in lieu of Christmas
and birthday presents. Frances danced the whole evening, and the guests all
left happy and looking forward to her 90th birthday!
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“Just
In Time “
------ Paul Mills (1948‑54)
This contribution to your august newsletter (although you
publish somewhat earlier in the year) almost didn't get written. Perhaps I should
explain: I may as well own up to the fact that I only just managed to get into
the Grammar School by the skin of my teeth ‑ helped by a little
intervention, divine or otherwise.
As the Thirty Year Rule has been well and truly exceeded, I suppose
the full story can now be revealed. You see, David Earle's father and the staff
at Powell Corderoy School, Dorking failed with me,
although somehow they succeeded in the case of his own son. I have no
particular wish to pursue this point, but have to reveal the unpalatable truth
that I failed miserably in two successive years to pass the 11+ entry
examination.
Due to this ignominy, my parents then decided that I should be
removed from the school (whose motto 'Do Better Still' was obviously an
expression of hope rather than expectation in my case) and transferred to the
Leatherhead Secondary School to see if they could fare any better with me.
For a while it seemed as though I was destined never even to
put the letters 'GCE (failed)' on my CV, until one day a rumour went round that
the Surrey Education Committee was going to experiment with a late entry into
the Grammar School stream by the introduction of a special 13+ intake.
Amazingly, the unlikely rumour proved to be true, and in due course I was
sitting the dreaded Very Last Chance examination.
No doubt there will be those who would not be the slightest
bit surprised to learn that I managed to fail yet again. On hearing this news,
my long‑suffering parents went along to see the headmaster at
Leatherhead, one Major S.A. Moore ‑ irreverently and unsurprisingly known
as 'Uncle Sam'. He wasn't a relative of mine, of course, but it later
transpired that he and my father had been close compatriots in the Home Guard
the forerunner of Dad's Army but even funnier. Anyway, somehow they came up
with the theory that I had been suffering from an obscure form of Examinitis which warranted further study. I thus found myself
before a specially convened committee at County Hall, Kingston, and
miraculously, thanks to remembering that people are 'hanged' ‑ or used to
be ‑ whereas bacon is 'hung' ‑ or used to be ‑ one sunny
September morning in 1947 I was duly enrolled at the Ashcombe Road School.
How nice it would be to relate that from that moment on (that
could make a good title for a song) my life was completely transformed. How,
thanks to the collective teaching skills and sensitive administrations of
Messrs. Davies, Clegg, Griffiths, Howard, Goffin,
etc, a glittering academic career opened up before me. But
no. In contrast, it seems, with the majority of your previous
contributors, I did not go on to secure an open exhibition to Oxbridge. No
Sword of Honour at Sandhurst for me. No outstanding career in the Government
Service, and, although they seem to be given out with cornflake packets these
days, a grateful nation has yet to make me an appropriate award in the Honours
List. Clearly I have missed out yet again.
I can't help feeling that the 13+ experiment probably wasn't a
conspicuous success, and I have since been told that it was only tried for one
more year after our group before being abandoned. Still, it is said that
modesty is an admirable quality, and perhaps I do have a lot to be modest
about. My track record to date probably indicates that I am a late developer,
so one day, who knows, I may yet achieve my full potential.
Sorry to go rambling on. Is the club still active by the way? I
don't suppose anybody's really interested in this introspection, but you never
know. As they used to say in the science faculty at Reading, 'one person's
hyperbole/ic function is as revealing as another's.'
Now, if I get my skipper to take us into Glitter Bay, I should
be able to get this into the post ... just in time.
With all good
wishes,
Paul Mills
How to be an alien (with apologies to George Mikes)
Nicholas Ridley (1952‑59) (address
now 31‑13‑3 Sri York Condo, Halaman York,
10450 Penang, Malaysia)
Your last newsletter reminded me that had it not been for the
late Al Wolff I
might never have become an alien. The conversion started in 1957 with the
school exchange to Hamburg. Despite just
having failed 0‑level German (though ignorant of the fact) three
weeks in Germany worked wonders, and I passed the next time round without
inclination nor time for further study. Al Wolff opened the eyes of many
Dorkinians in the post war years as to what Europe was really like.
In 1963 I became an alien for the first time, when a German
workmate Heinz suggested I join his company in Stuttgart. So for a year I became
a carpenter on the edge of the Black Forest, building model houses and learning
the Swabisch dialect.
Back to London for two years for what we remember as the
swinging sixties, but then an alien again, this time in Switzerland. 5 years in
Schaffhausen and Geneva enabled me to learn another German dialect Schwyzerdeutsch as well as the slower French characteristic
of the French speaking canton.
Any doubts about
my becoming an alien were during this time removed, as in the Alps I met my
wife to be, Marianne
from Denmark. Where should we go ‑ Switzerland, UK or Denmark ‑ of
course Marianne decided and for the past 26 years I've lived in Copenhagen. Two
children have been one of the results, but now they've got their own lives and
so we started to think what do we do?
Having been an alien all this time, what better than to try a
new role as an expatriate. My employers Maersk
Medical had an opening for a bright young man in Penang, Malaysia, and despite
this I was offered a three year contract, to bring us into the next millennium.
So this month I start as sales manager for Asia, thus postponing my slowing
down for retirement, if that is possible in 1997.
So the home is sold, the furniture packed and we've given up
all the daily routines of the past 26 years to start a tropical Asian
lifestyle. Malaysia is not entirely new to us as last year we climbed the 4000
metre Mount Kinabalu on the Island of Borneo.
The two week introduction course is finished and we've leased
a condo for three years. It will be interesting getting to grips with the culture, an early experience concerns the company prayer
room. The Muslim workers wish to have two prayer rooms, one for each sex. With
more jobs than population in Malaysia, such wishes have to be respected. Should
any Dorkinian be passing by Penang do feel free to contact at 00 60 4229 2948.
P.S. Regarding Mike Dobson's claim to have played in the best
Dorking G.S. team the 1958 team (photo enclosed) took some beating. I don't
have the records, but goals for was near the 100 mark, and the team won the
Surrey six‑a‑side tournament.
Nicholas Ridley (1952‑59)
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Letter from Janet Roodbol-Birkin (1956-63)
Mr John Gent
Chairman Ashcombe Dorkinian Association
Faxed to: 0044 1293 881411
13 January 1998
Dear John,
At the autumn AGM and Reunion Lunch, you asked those present to let you know their feelings about the Association and its future. I do apologise for the belated reply but here goes.
I don’t think you need worry too much about the fact that few school leavers become members. Most of them just want to get on with the rest of their lives, and enjoy feeling young in a slightly less restricted environment. I think nostalgia starts to set in after about twenty years. Indeed, a few from my year started to get together a list for a reunion after 20 years, but through various causes it never came about. I do however have a suggestion to make – my son left 5 years ago, and has just received an invitation to attend a reunion of his year. He is very enthusiastic about attending, although he was not a very enthusiastic pupil at the time! This get –together is being organised by the school itself rather than an old pupils’ association, but it could be a start.
I was also interested to note that three of those attending on October 11th were ‘voluntary exiles’, two of them living a very long way away, and of course myself. Perhaps we have a stronger need to keep in touch.
Another aspect is that most people seem to ’take stock’ as they reach middle age: what have I achieved, was this all there was, what shall I do with the rest of my life? Perhaps the more so for the ladies who have married, and in the case of my generation often given up their career to raise a family; the children are independent, husband has some years to go before retirement, what now? The mind automatically goes back to schooldays and the plans we had. There will be of course those who hated school so much that they never want to cross the threshold again – my older sister for example, a contemporary of Annabel Cooper: but even she, at Annabel’s instigation, has attended a couple of dinners organised for her year, and thoroughly enjoyed them.
This brings me to the point that the Association has a very valid and worthwhile function as a focal point where one can gain information (within the bounds of privacy laws) about the whereabouts of one’s contemporaries, to renew personal contacts or organise a mini-reunion of one’s year. Incidentally, the lists published in the last newsletter included my year, and it was quite surprising how many people I could remember clearly – and some not at all!
Hence it is completely logical that committee members and active Association members are mostly middle-aged, and in the course of things, more people will become middle-aged to keep the Association going. Modern means of communication will perhaps also help. I have just acquired a new computer with all the possibilities for modem, e-mail, internet etc. All I have to do now is to move my fax-line upstairs, connect it all up and ….. find out how to use it, which is the biggest obstacle as I am not your computer whiz-kid! But once I have gained some proficiency there might be something I can do.
Personally I would love to see another large –scale reunion – it took me weeks to get back on an emotionally even keel after the first one, which was made the more enjoyable because so many of the staff were still alive. Sadly several have since died, but I wouldn’t have missed that reunion for worlds. I met about 30 people from my own year, the year above me and the year below me, a few of whom have become members. What about a Millennium Reunion? Perhaps you could invite suggestions in the next Newsletter. Even if only a few people respond, some interesting ideas might turn up by way of potted histories, thumb-nail sketches and so on. Maybe some of the groups having their own regular meetings would be prepared to help, as well as former sporting types who already have old pupils’ cricket and football matches.
Well, there it is for what it’s worth. Not much in the way of ideas I’m afraid but personally I do feel it would be a pity if the Association folded.
If it’s not too late, may I wish you a happy and healthy 1998, and also thank you for all the work you have pit in. I spent 6 years on the committee of the local branch of the Country Women’s Association, so I do know what a thankless task it can be, but it can also be very rewarding at times.
Best regards,
Janet G Roodbol-Birkin
Tel: 31-167-588886 Fax: 31-167-583086
FIVE AGES OF MAN AND
WIFE
Shirley (nee Webb) and Ron Buckley at Dorking County Grammar
School, 1944‑1951 and 1943‑1951.
1. 18‑30, College, Marriage, Work and Children.
"Kissing don't last, cooking do!" ‑ George Meredith.
Buck at King's College, London ‑ Chemistry and then Chemical
Engineering. Shirley at the National Training College for
Domestic Subjects and then working at Reading University. Married August 1955 at St. Martins, Dorking. Then went to the USA, Buck to take up a Fulbright scholarship with
a National Science Foundation grant at New York State University, College of
Forestry. This was on the Syracuse University campus where Shirley
worked. Son Stephen born in February 1958; Buck completed his doctorate in June
and we returned home. Buck joined ICI Plastics Division (PVC) at Welwyn Garden
City and we moved to Harpenden. Second son Christopher, born
April 1960. Moved to ICI at Teesside (Perspex) in 1962 and lived on the clifftop at Marske‑by‑the‑Sea.
2. 30 ‑ 40, Work, Bringing up children.
"The child had every toy the father wanted" ‑ Robert E. Whitten.
Third son, Edward born July 1964. Buck transferred to Darwen, Lancs -(Perspex
Management) and we moved to Clitheroe. After four years moved back to Hertfordshire with Buck returning to
Welwyn (PTFE). We lived in Stevenage Old Town (where the boys went to
local schools) for 17 years. Shirley returned to College and took a Teachers
Certificate, teaching from 1972. Buck became a School Governor.
3. 40 - 50, Children,
Exams and University.
"They teach you anything in universities today. You can major in mud
pies." ‑ Orson Welles.
Stephen, Christopher and Edward at the same secondary school
taking G.C.S.E.'s, A levels and then to University. Stephen
to Newcastle (Maths and Computer Science), Christopher to Exeter (Accountancy)
and Edward to Teesside (Mechanical Engineering). Stephen married an
artist, Esme, in 1981; first grandson born. Buck transferred to ICI,Stevenage Works (Alkalite/Novamura)
‑ can walk to work!
4. 50 ‑60, More weddings, early retirement.
"Strange to say what delight we married people have to see these poor
fools decoyed into our condition." ‑ Samuel Pepys.
A second grandchild ‑
a girl at last! Christopher married a fellow accountant, Elizabeth, in 1984.
Shirley took early retirement later that year and Buck did the same when the
Works closed and the last plant was moved to Hyde, Cheshire. We moved to North
Devon and bought a small guest house (an interesting Regency house) with tea
garden at Lynton. Edward went to Shrivenham (Royal Military College) and at
last left home, marrying Kate, another accountant, who was the girl next door
at Stevenage.
5. 60's, Retirement.
"It is impossible to enjoy idling thoroughly unless one has plenty of
work to do" ‑ Jerome K. Jerome.
We sold the St. Vincent Guest House in 1994 and moved to the other end of
Lynton. Two more grandsons; we celebrated our Ruby Wedding with all the family
in 1995. Still busy with many activities in the village ‑
school, church and local societies. Don't
intend to move anymore!
SEB/RPB/16.03.98.
Rob Worsfold (1962‑69) Browsing again!
From the
Headmaster's Speech Day Address, November 1962
"In assessing a School's academic progress, one must
consider several factors, notably the size and nature of its drawing area.
Obviously a School that creams a wide, heavily populated area, such as London
or Middlesex, has an enormous advantage over a School like this, whose drawing
area is comparatively sparsely populated and whose entry is not anything like
so highly selective. Taking this into account, I consider that our academic
standards are remarkably high, and there is no harm in my saying so, provided
that we resist all temptation to rest on our laurels. There is plenty of room
for improvement ‑ for example in the number of Open Scholarships ‑
but my colleagues on the teaching staff are entitled to derive considerable
satisfaction from the results so far achieved. The hard work of the pupils ‑
or, at any rate, of some of them ‑ is a factor not to be entirely
ignored. They are subjected to far more distractions than they should be and
most of them have too much money, but they do, on the whole, show commendable
self‑discipline in realising that the pleasures of the moment must often
take second place to the demands of School life".
School
notes, 1965‑66 (from 'The
Dorkinian', December 1966)
Change, if not decay, was much in evidence throughout the
School Year 1965‑66. Not only
was the hemline raised and the fifth form cap abolished; liberalisation
extended into other fields.
The diversification of school assemblies was taken further
with the introduction of fortnightly House prayers and of a Sixth Form Assembly
Committee helping Mr Bedwell to arrange both prayers and readings for School
assembly. Thus the whole service is now conducted by the prefects on Tuesdays,
Thursdays, and Fridays. On a more mundane level the shortage of kitchen staff
meant the reluctant abandonment of 'Family Service' catering as pupils who
worked after school in the kitchens discovered, this was no doubt due to low
rates of pay. Instead, we are fed by the more efficient but undignified
`Cafeteria' system.
During the year the new Gymnasium was completed, and opened in
September 1966, thus freeing the
Hall for music, drama, and the new television set. Plans for a swimming pool to
be shared with Mowbray School were unfortunately rejected by Dorking Council's
Planning Committee. We have however gained two new 'temporary' classrooms and
converted two old rooms into a second biology laboratory.
The Sixth Form contributed a Christmas pantomime designed to
exploit the most unpromising talent‑; their Christmas dance, given over
to beat music, was held in Westcott Hut Hall. A line of cars, motor‑bikes
and scooters of all sorts, ages and conditions on the school field demonstrates
not only the affluence of the Fifth and Sixth but also the need for a permanent
car park. During the A‑level period, the Upper Sixth were allowed to
attend only for examinations, reappearing for the last fortnight of term to run
the Parents' Association Fete and the House Plays. Whether this was responsible
for the high level of the A‑level results is a matter of opinion.
Decay, however, has been only too obvious to those concerned
in running the senior school clubs and societies. The school choirs, the
C.E.M., the Debating and Dramatic Societies and all the others have been
increasingly beset by low attendances and unwillingness to contribute. This
apathy seems to be a malaise afflicting every kind of school activity; a notable
exception is the House Play competition, which attracts a great deal of
interest and initiative both dramatic and technical, and which gives a real
meaning to the House system.
In contrast, the junior societies appear to be
enthusiastically supported, as any prefect on duty during lunch will witness.
We hope the juniors will not lose their enthusiasm in the Fourth form when
membership of societies becomes no longer an alternative to staying out in the
cold!
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What's happening in the
Dorking area now? - Robert
Miller reports
It is a fact that the majority of those who attended the
School (now The Ashcombe) have long since left the Dorking area, to reside in
other parts of the country or overseas. Until now 'The Dorkinian' has
concentrated on old scholars and teachers, but it occurred to some of us that
distant members might be interested to hear about events generally around
Dorking ‑ or in Mole Valley to be more precise, including Leatherhead,
Ashtead, and areas to the south such as Ockley.
Therefore future newsletters will contain snippets of information which we hope
will be of interest!
All Change at the Halls
The Dorking Halls, built in 1932 and known for its association
with Vaughan Williams (there has been a series of events in April this year
commemorating the 40th anniversary of his death) and the Leith Hill Musical
Festival (of which RVW was the Conductor from 1905 to 1953!), reopened in April 1997 after a complete £3
million renovation. The main entrance, with new automatic doors, opens on to a
carpeted foyer housing the reception desk which is open daily for bookings.
Turning to the right is the restaurant and bar, from where we see an impressive
spiral staircase leading to another bar! On this upper floor is the entrance to
the cinema where top new releases are now shown on a regular basis. The main
hall has been extensively altered, and now has tiered seating. Several visiting
musicians of international standing have commented on the excellence of the
acoustics, so they must be good! The Halls stage a regular programme of events,
including one‑night variety shows, fairs, exhibitions and all sorts of
concerts.
Dorking under surveillance!
Closed circuit television cameras are now in action in the
High Street, South Street, and West Street. They are linked to the Information
Centre at the Dorking Police Station and monitored 24 hours a day. As Dorking
is not really a bad place, the purpose must be mostly deterrent, but recently a
thief was tracked down to Meadowbank Recreation Ground where seven quick
thinking youngsters from The Ashcombe played a vital part in his arrest, and
were praised by the police for their action.
Farewell - W J Robins, Furnishers
The well known furniture business in the High Street closed
down in January after nearly 70 years' trading because most of the staff had
reached retirement age. The firm was founded by William Robins, with two
partners in 1930, and he continued to run the shop until he retired at the age
of 82. William, and his wife Jessie, had four children ‑ John, Roy, and
twins Peter and Pauline. With the exception of John, the eldest, they were all
born in the flat over the premises, and they all started their association with
the shop right from the beginning and played a key role over the years. The departure
of this establishment means that only S J Clear and Fullers remain of the old
family businesses which used to be so much part of the town.
Reconstruction of the Mill Pond
The Mill Pond, by Meadowbank, has recently been cleared of
surplus mud by mechanical diggers. A dam and weir have been constructed across
the eastern neck of the pond, thus allowing the mill race to be reduced by
opening the sluice at the mill. The surrounding banks have been reinforced by
large rock‑stones which have been covered by top soil, and turfed.
Thorndike Theatre.
The Theatre has gone through difficult times,
having closed early, in 1997, reopened for a few weeks under new management,
and then closed again because of lack of funds. Moves are still being made to
try to reinstate the theatre, and we are not without hope.
Leatherhead High Street
This looks somewhat forlorn at present with too many empty
shops and a very scruffy appearance. However after much deliberation and delay,
some £500,000 has been allocated to resurfacing the road and adding various
other features which it is hoped will lead to all the shops being occupied and
to Leatherhead becoming an attractive place to visit.
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ASHCOMBE DORKINIAN GOLF - Harold
Child, calling all golfers
Autumn 1997 brought about a small
change to previous golfing meetings. Fernfell Golf
and
Country
Club, Cranleigh, required a minimum number of golfers to obtain the necessary
society status
and being
unable to guarantee this, it was decided to invite a number of members from Dorking Golf Club to make up the shortfall. This proved to be successful, not only for the associations
finances but for all who attended.
On the day sixteen golfers, eight association members and
eight DGC members, played for their own separate
prizes and in addition played a challenge match of aggregate Stableford points scored by the respective representatives.
It may be this challenge inspired all participants as the standard of the golf,
judging by the scores returned, was well above that previously attained by our
members. The match resulted in a win for DGC who scored 238 points to the
association's 237.
Association
prizes were..
1st Mike
Scotcher 36
points
2nd Harold
Child 31 points
Best Front 9 David Mountain
Best Back 9 Don Broyd on countback, last 7.
During the course of the excellent evening meal and the
prolonged and inevitable informal conversations afterwards it was unanimously
agreed that an excellent day had been had by all. DGC challenged us to a return
match, this was accepted and will take place at
Dorking Golf Club on Tuesday 12th May 1998. Hopefully we shall enjoy a victory
but home advantage may play some part in the result. Whatever the out come we
can be certain of a very warm welcome,
We feel certain that there must be some more golfers out there
somewhere who would like to participate in these most enjoyable days, so why
not contact us, preferably in time for the next event?
OLD DORKINIAN CRICKET CLUB - Dave
Wilcockson, Hon. Secretary
As the new storage shed at Meadowbank nears
completion the new season should open with a 'new' roller in place and improved
facilities for watering the square. The season
runs from the start of May to the end of September. This year's tour will be in
Nottinghamshire with 4 games in the week commencing on 27th July. The six‑a‑side
tournament is scheduled for Wednesday 15th July.
Although this will be the club's 50th
season, special events are being arranged for next year when the club will be
fifty years old. The secretary would be pleased to hear from
any cricketers (or ex-cricketers) who have been
involved with the club in the past and would like to participate in next year's
events (special match and dinner). A list of 1998 fixtures is set out below:
May 2. Frensham H May
3 Westcott H
9
Nutfield A 10 Churt A
l6 A 17 Bookham H
23
Reigate P. A 24 A
30 A 31 The Bourne H
Jun 6 Blindley
H. H Jun 7 Holmbury A
13 Forest Gn. A 14 Whyteleafe A
20 A 21 Nutley Hall H
27 A A
Jul 4 Wimbledon A Jul 5 Ockley A
11 Frensham A 12 Newdigate A
18 Old Cats. H 19 Nth.
Holmwood A
25 Oakwood H. A 26 Chadwick A
Aug 1 Reigate P. H Aug 2 Woodmansterne A
8 Old Cats. A 9 Nutley Hall A
15 A 16 Carshalton A
22 A 23 Chadwick H
29 Wimbledon H 30 Bookham A
Sep 5 Blindley H. A Sep 6 Westcott A
12 Warnham A 13 The Bourne A
19 A 20 Southwater A
26
S.Nutfield
A 27 A
Dave
Wilcockson Secretary
142 Fairfield Drive,
Dorking, Surrey RH4 1JJ
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OLD DORKINIAN FOOTBALL CLUB -
Peter Mills, Hon. Secretary.
The ODs are experiencing one of the most successful seasons in
their history competing in the Old Boys' League.
Following the championship‑winning performance in Senior
3 last season, the Senior XI have already qualified
for promotion to Senior 1 next season. Currently they lead Senior 2 by four
points from Shene OG who have
one game remaining. Having completed their league programme, the ODs await the
results of Old Tenisonians, who, owing to their cup
exploits, still have seven matches to play. Theoretically, with seven
victories, they could pip ODs by one point for the championship,
two points dropped would see the ODs as champions again.
The Reserve XI, promoted to Intermediate (South) at the end of
last season, currently lead the division by one point from Old Sidcopians. Two points from their remaining three fixtures
would qualify them for promotion to Senior 3. * *
The Third XI, also promoted at the end of last season, occupy
second place in Division 3 (South). Four points from their remaining three
fixtures should qualify them for further promotion. The Fourth XI hold second
place in Division 6 (South) but with several teams below them having games in
hand promotion is unlikely. The Fifth XI have
completed their fixtures and hold a comfortable mid‑table position.
The Veterans' XI, led by Paul Etheridge, have had an
enjoyable season in spite of failing to qualify for the later stages of the
Jack Perry Cup competition.
The Club has a tradition of producing fine goalkeepers, e.g.
Ted Turner, 'Slug' Etheridge, and Tony Winkworth to
name but three, so it is fitting that it has recently been honoured by the
selection of DAVID WILLIAMS for his first full cap for the Old Boys' League
representative side, against the Birmingham and District A.F.A. which the
League won 1‑0. David starred when awarded his second cap against the
Southern Olympian League which the Old Boys won 4‑1, and is now regarded
as their first choice keeper ‑ an honour richly deserved.
Earlier in the season the League Chairman visited Pixham to
award RON PETERS the League's long service award for club officers. Ron served
the ODs as the club's treasurer for an unbroken period of 35 years, and now
joins a select band of 14 officers from other clubs who have been so honoured
by the league.
It is pleasing to report the Club's continuing association
with the School. Earlier in the season players drawn from our lower sides were
successful by 3‑1 against a School XI, and recently at Pixham the ODs won
7‑3. The results, however, were less important than the opportunity to
enhance further our historic association with the School.
**Stop Press! The OD Reserves have now gained promotion to
Senior Division 3.