Maine A Leavers 56–82 Reunion 5th May 2006
Attendees were:
- Mr Dereck Adams Th A, Ma A 1965-1972
- Mr Martin Barker
- Mr Jim Bell Ma A 1957-1958
- Mr Harold Binley Ma A, La B 1960-1969 and Mrs Mandy Binley
- Mr Geoff Bostock Ma A, Ba B 1954-1962 and Mrs Jenny Bostock
- Mr John Brougham Prep B, Ma A 1948-1956
- Mr Peter Burr
- Mr Michael Burridge Ma A 1949-1957
- Mr Anthony Butler Ma A, L aB 1968-1975
- Mr Simon Calder-Brown Ma A 1957-1965
- Mr Peter Cattermole Prep B, Ma A 1956-1964
- Mr R B Courtney Ma A, Pe B 1967-1973
- Mr Bob Crawshaw Col A, Ma A 1968-1975
- Mr John Crisp Ma A, Mid A 1966-1972
- Mr John Cullingford Ma A 1958-1965
- Mr David Edwards Th A, Ma A 1966-1973 and Vanessa Edwards
- Mr David Farnfield Mid A, Ma A 1969-1976
- Mr Peter Farnfield Ma A, Mid A 1966-1973 and Ms Maureen Silvester
- Mr Stephen Farnfield Ma A, Mid A 1971-1977
- Mr David Godfrey Ma A 1951-1958
- Mr Mark Hammond Ma A, Th A 1971-1978
- Mr Andy Harding Ma A, Mid B 1973-1979 and Jayne Harding
- Mr Ian Haynes La A, Ma A 1965-1972
- Mr Howard Holdsworth Ma A, Mid B 1966-1973
- Mr Hywel Jones Ma A, Th A 1971-1978
- Mr Richard Keane Ma A, Col B 1955-1962
- Mr Clive Kerridge Ma A, Th A 1962-1969 and Mrs Suzan Kerridge
- Mr David Lucioni Ma A 1953-1960 and Mrs Joanna Lucioni
- Mr Andy Miller Ma A, Mid A 1965-1972
- Mr Alan Milne Col B, Ma A 1973-1979 and Mimosa Milne
- Mr Richard Moss Mid A, Ma A 1965-1973 and Mrs Ilse Moss
- Mr Jim Nelhams Ma A 1955-1961
- Mr Tim Nicholson Mid A, Ma A 1965-1972
- Mr Vic Pentreath Ma A 1955-1963
- Mr Chris Phillips Ma A 1952-1959 and Mrs Hedwig Verdonk
- Mr Nick Sarel ColB, Ma A 1968-1974
- Mr Colin Sheen Ma A 1955-1962
- Mr John Shippen 1966–2004 (Horsham Staff)
- Mr Mike Simpkin (Horsham Staff)
- Dr Peter Southern (Horsham Staff)
- Mr Tim Stansfeld ThA, Ma A 1971-1977
- Mr Christopher Steane Ma A, ColA 1969-1975 and Mrs Fiona Steane
- Mr John Timberlake Ma A 1972-1976
- Mr Mike Timberlake Ma A 1968-1974
- Mr Richard Tully Ma A 1949-1957
- Dr Chris Watts Ma A 1955-1963 and Mrs Veronica Watts
- Mr David Young Ma A 1956-1962 and Mrs Glenis Young
On a glorious May morning some 60 Old Blues and partners gathered to meet once again. For some like Vic Pentreath it was their first visit to school since leaving over 40 years ago. Others like Jim Bell and Geoff Bostock came from the USA and France respectively to be there. A common theme for almost all was that this was a chance to meet again old friends of 30 or 40 years (some of whom were difficult to recognise after such a passage of time) but old acquaintances were quickly re-established and the day got off to a gentle start in the courtroom with the chance to catch up on news posted by those not able to attend, photos galore together with a cup of coffee and an introduction from Peter Southern, the Headmaster.
A visit was then made to Maine A to see and understand the changes that have been made to the old house with much accompanying comment that "life was much harder in our day"! Where was the table tennis table and the hobbies room? There is much to admire in the new set up and we found that the aforementioned table was still to be found albeit on the first floor. There was much discussion about House Masters' accommodation (or the lack of it in the case of Maine A) and the shortage of computers but all in all it was felt that the boys were in good hands and the house was a happy one.
Now came the difficult bit of the day, one that several of us had indicated that we weren't entirely comfortable about doing, but under the command of Peter Farnfield and Howard Holdsworth the troops were gathered behind the Infirmary for marching practice. There was no avoiding it. Andy Miller was selected to carry the house standard (he was always noted for his particular style of marching and enthusiastic swinging of arms) and a couple of drills were deemed enough practice. We then retired to the Avenue to await the arrival of the band and to lead the rest of the eastern avenue houses into lunch. Peter Farnfield gave the commands, successfully, but much to his chagrin (he was after all a senior drum major so should have known better) he found himself quickly out of step as the photos will testify!
After lunch it was time for the group photo and a tour of Grecians East. We marvelled at the amenities and reminded the current Blues that whilst meant to be a transition from school to university they would find that this was a good as it would ever get! We soaked up the sun on the deck and chatted some more in the easy comfort of friends not forgotten.
Perhaps one of the highlights of the day (certainly for me) was the service in Chapel. Arranged as a contemplative service led by the chaplain and assisted by four of the school's most accomplished vocalists we heard a piece by Bruckner and a reading from St. Paul. The Chaplain also gave a most moving talk inviting those for whom school had produced hurt to be healed and outlining the important place that the chapel played in the school's life. Though very different from the more dogmatic days of the past his message was actually the more powerful for its quiet questioning of the big issues in everyone's lives whether believers or not. The service concluded with a very rousing rendition of the Foundation Hymn, no doubt assisted by Adrian Bawtree's playing the organ at full volume and John Shippen's voice!
Time for tea. We wandered over to the Cricket Pavilion (though no cricket to watch on the 1st XI pitch it being a Friday), enjoyed the sunshine and refreshments before wandering the full length of the campus again to visit the museum. For some reason someone had thought that as old codgers we should need the heating on but it really wasn't necessary as it must have been at least 75 degrees outside and about 90 in.
Anyway it certainly gave impetus to the old thirst buds and a glass of wine was very welcome at the reception in the Library. Again we heard from the Headmaster together with the Clerk, Mike Simpkin and Samantha Ryder, the Development Officer in the Partnership Office. Here was a chance to ask questions that all OBs seem to want answered, is the ethos to the school still being maintained, can you reassure me that this is still the place I knew (and loved)? By now of course, as we reached the end of the day, we seemed to already know the answers.
Lastly we meandered back down the cloisters to the Court Room for dinner where we enjoyed an excellent meal. Here we were joined by several late comers whilst we also bade farewell to those who had long journeys to make. We were also joined by four Maine A Grecians, the House Master and the Clerk. Peter Farnfield and Mark Hammond read (or recited in the case of Mark) Grace and Howard led us in the Housey toast.
Last impressions? Well this was the first reunion that specifically included junior house members as it encompassed those boys who had pioneered the new system introduced in 1966 by Clarence Seaman. It was thus unusual in that for most of us many of the friends made in those early years at school were often lost as new friends were made in our senior houses. Today that didn't matter and as one of those pioneers it was of no consequence when talking with our older brethren for whom this was their only house. The day had a wonderful rhythm, allowing us time enough to ponder and question, without ever being rushed (too much). Everyone said that they really enjoyed themselves and as the organiser I would like to believe them. I certainly did.
Footnote: This reunion is trailblazing another first - that of the virtual reunion. Everyone that we could get hold of was encouraged to provide a resume of life since CH, as long or as short as they wanted it to be; with or without contact details. Those who couldn't come had theirs put up on boards but over the next few weeks I will be collating all those that I have received and mailing them out to all the contributors, perhaps publishing them on-line here too. In that way everyone can keep up with old friends, make contact if they wish to and perhaps get as much enjoyment out this virtual reunion as those did of the real one.
Peter Farnfield