WELCOME to the THORNE GRAMMAR SCHOOL Website, including Imported Blogs from the old Multiply Site, and the Complete Image Archive (see "View Gallery" below the thumbnails on this page).
WELCOME to the THORNE GRAMMAR SCHOOL Website, including Imported Blogs from the old Multiply Site, and the Complete Image Archive (see "View Gallery" below the thumbnails on this page).
Does this count??? If not you will have to erase it.
ReplyDeleteOliver Basil Marston weighed in at 6lbs 8am 21st January....our third great grandson.
Is he the Great grandson of Bas and Pat Marsden, Bas played Rugby for OTRuFC in 1950. Bill Anderson
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Pat, I think it counts, it does say births. It couldn't have been put on here at a better time.
ReplyDeleteOliver is Basil's great grandson, Unfortunately Basil hasn't lived to see this addition to the family or to watch one of our grandsons play for Yorkshire. He would have been so proud.
ReplyDeletePat,
ReplyDeleteMy congratulations to all who contributed their genes, no matter how many years ago. But I want to add that on this site there is no need to apologise for all those grammatical lapses. An "edit" option appears in the top right hand corner of any comment (message) that you have posted, which only you can see. It allows you to amend your message post facto, be the error a comma instead of a full stop, an apostrophe where none is required, a lower case h instead of an upper case H at the beginning of a sentence, or a t where there should be an r. But only you can correct your message. The edit facility is specially provided to allow retired child beaters to save face.
K
He might not be here, but I can see his chest bulging. One of the true characters of the Old Boys.
ReplyDeleteKeith, thankyou yet again for sharing your expertise. I will do better next time,now. I have just told my daughter ,the new grandma, that having grandchildren is your reward for not having murdered your own children !! Beating is OK.
ReplyDeleteAnother retired child beater who frequently needs to save face.
Pat, as a retired child beater who is inclined to make mistakes when typing, I have found the editing option very useful. I don't think I have posted anything yet without using the facility, as you will see if you look at any of my messages. Sometimes it is a day later before I correct, and it shows by saying it's been edited. Very useful.
ReplyDeleteThe other option is of course to delete the message..........which I appear to have done, because I can only find one message that I have posted!!!
ReplyDeleteI've edited my contribution. It worked much to my surprise. Do I get a merit?
ReplyDeleteThankyou for those kind comments but Basil didn't only play in 1950.
He and several other returning servicemen founded the OTRUFC after the war. The opening of a club house on Church St in 1955(??) was a big milestone for the club.
When I visited the new club I searched in vain amonst the display on the walls for the framed newspaper cutting from the Doncaster Gazette which depicted the leading lights of the club in caricature. Someone must have rescued it when the old club closed. If any one knows its whereabouts it would be a great addition to our archives.
I am sorry to report that Ernie Lawrence has died at the age of 75. Ernie had been in a nursing home very close to his own home in Thorne for the past few months. He played for many years for the Old Thornensians and was renowned as a hooker in the glory days of the team.
ReplyDeleteHis funeral service takes place on Thursday 29th January in St Nicholas Church, Thorne at 11.30 am. to be followed by committal at Rose Hill Crematorium, Doncaster at 12.40pm.
Ernie my classmate rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to his family.
Shirley
Ernie, known affectionally to his classmates, for whatever reason, as "Whammy". Toward the end of a particular history lesson, "Whammy", anticipated the eagerly awaited bell by inadvertantly breaking wind. Without losing a beat, our revered professor of history / rugby referee replied - " I'll blow for half-time, if necessary, Lawrence". History lesson and class dissolves in laughter.
ReplyDeleteHappy days and happy memories ------------ geoff.
Altho it is 60 yrs since any contact, my condolences to Whammies family. My mother was a Lawrence and he was my cousin. I would guess "Whammy" is a derivative of William, which was one of his forenames.
ReplyDeleteBe Happy Allan
I am in a bit of a muddle there. The Whammy I remember was a couple of years older than me (77). His family kept the corner shop at the entry to Foster Road. He and Robin Lawrence (no relation) both played flankers for the 1st XV, which I always thought nicely balanced the team sheet.
ReplyDeleteBe Happy Allan
News from the Red Dragon (abt time). At the back end of last week I went out to lunch with Joanne (my ex running partner who quit to have a baby). We meet regularly to have a goss. She had also been requested to meet "the girls" on the same day, but had had to give them a miss cos of her commitment with me. We are getting along fine when "The Girls" bowl into the same pub as us. So they came over and joined us. It would have made yr hair curl the plotting that was going on. First question was to determine if yr feller was up in Scotland this coming Saturday. Scotland is THE social match of the season and starts on Wednesday or thereabouts. A Celtic clash you see. !00% yes - so let the planning begin. He thinks he is having a ball with a match, hot pie, loads of heavy and strippers back at the hotel. If you knew what he was missing - but I'll tell you these girls are in for one big headache on this Sunday morning. My lips are sealed unfortunately, but it was educational. Never met a sisterhood like it. It'll be a bit before I can report back. I am seeing her next for Cian's christening on St. Davids Day. (Dress code is wear a daffodil or a miners helmet or whatever is in keeping with the tradition.)
ReplyDeleteBe happy Allan
Geoff,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your resounding account of events in an age long past
When all the world was young, lad, and all the trees were green.
And every goose a swan,lad, and every lass a queen'.
To Allan.
I am not so sure about your explanation of 'Whammey' I have been talking to my friend Jack Autherson who is running close behind me in the Age Stakes. He is on O.T - he is on the 1940-41 !st XV photograph.
When I mentioned the name Lawrence he he said 'Whammey'. He was before Ernie's time. Apparently it was used of one branch of the Lawrence family, why he did not know.
Bill Lawrence, Ernie's elder brother, was known as Whammy.
ReplyDeleteThat was what happened. You knew your peer group, and the years above you. The ones below you were unrecognisable and with out a name.
ReplyDeleteBe happy Allan
I don't know if it is this new site, but something seems to have knocked the humour out of people. Where's all the fun and banter got to. I could throw in a joke or two for you - but that would mean my resignation!! - instead I will treat you to a bit of Txt ping pong I had with my daughter only this morning. You are getting it word for word - or unabridged if you like;-
ReplyDeleteEm "R U free on Tues evenin? If so be very excited? Will ring U later. XXX"
Al "Yes. But landline's U/S. Use yr Mobby. Dad xx"
Em "Can U guess wot we are gonna do on Tues? U will NEVER guess! He he XXX2
Al "I haven't a clue. But I am intrigued. Come on. Coff up with the info. Dad XX"
Em "Patience is a virtue. XX"
Al "Come on. The suspense is killing."
Em "U will love me! It is the greatest! I will give you a clue? Initials. A.H., P.M., S.C."
Al "Next time I see U remind me to kill U."
Em "Come on."
Al "Still got no idea."
Em "Doh! Further clue. Not K.B."
Al "N who the hell is K.B. N if U R In work today n somebody dies I am reporting U to the G.M.C.4 neglect of duty. Father"
(The notation Father indicates trouble ahead.)
Em "Actually I am avin my hair done and could ring you anytime! But lovin knowin somethin U wanna no. So another clue! Mmmmmm"
Em "XXX"
Al "Hope it goes ginger with split ends. N U can stuff yr xxx u know where."
Em "Will ring U as soon as I am finished! B prepared! X"
Al "I am."
Ring, ring......."Think S.C." Phone goes dead.
(Then she finally gives in.)
Ring, ring.........."Do you have to be told." "Fraid so yes." "I've got tickets for BRITAINS GOT TALENT. Alex is in work so you and me can go together. On at the New in Cardiff."
Yes, she subscribes to one of these web pages who give away tickets for TV recordings of shows and after some long time (Big Brother, X Factor etc been and gone) she'd got lucky. So a night out ahead watching local talent audition, watching how Simon Cowell & Amanda Holden perform (forgotten the name of the other judge), and generally how to put together a Tv prog. And the delight of being with my daughter, plus singing for my supper by finding somewhere afterwards to nosh up.
Be Happy Allan (I do love her really)
Today is Feb 2nd and I would like you all to pause and reflect upon the death of that young boy genius - Buddy Holly - whose aeroplane crashed 50 yrs ago today, when leaving Lake Iowa for the next gig. "The Day that Music Died." Just a young kid of 22 who had already achieved world fame. And still as famous now, all these years on.
ReplyDeleteBe Happy Allan
I SEEM TO THINK WE CALLED OUR CLASS FRIEND ERNIE . I LIKED HIM AS HE DIDN'T TEASE US AS SOME LADS DID. I HOPED TO HAVE CHANCE TO SPEAK TO AFTER THE SERVICE (HE SANG IN THE CHOIRFOLLOWING THE 2005 REUNION BUT HE WAS ANXOUS TO GET HOME FOR DINNNER.
ReplyDeleteI HAD NEWSFROM KEN AUSTIIN. HE HAD BEEN SADDENED BY THE DEATH OF COLIN "CHARLIE" LACEY. THEY HAD BEEN CLOSE FRIENDS SINCE TINY BOYS.
anne clark 1944 to 1952
I remember Colin Lacey. He was taking part in a inter-House Rugy match when he failed to get up after a ruck . The referee, -Snowy White an ex Gunner Major - went over to him,got hold of his leg and said 'My god, its broken', and poor Lacey was whisked off to the DRI.
ReplyDeleteJim
Sad to hear about classmate Colin. I remember him as a gentle soul, always helpful, especially in our Art lessons when inspiration was sometimes lacking.
ReplyDelete~~~~~~~~~~~~ geoff. [44-51].
I told you a bit back I was going with Em to "Britain's got Talent". Well last night was the night. We had had heavy snow all day so there was a bit of uncertainty abt even getting there. Em was on duty at 07.00 the following day so we didn't want to be relying on the uncertainties of public transport. So we went down by car. Brilliant. Everybody scared off, so no prob parking up. Only a little queue so we disappeared into a very nice restaurant and fortified ourselves with cajun chicken and cray fish tails, ciabatta bread and olive oil and all the trimmings etc. Quite a long queue when we got back but all young and bomb happy. Then the heavy mob moved in. If you didn't comply with their request to bring yr email invitation - oiked out and "back of the queue." So we stood and we stood - got colder and colder. Bentleys arrived and disgorged Celebs but still we waited. Then we were in. All warm and cosy and ready. Antondec got us warmed up and Simon, Piers and Amanda got involved. You should see Amanda Holden - so skinny its unbelievable. But the programme was out of this world. It was fantastic. It was fascinating. The good ones were really really good, and the dumbos - well history was made. Wait and see it - cos the prog is as famous for its dumbos as for the real talent. Plus we had the usual prob of the decency/indecency of a bloke wearing swimming trunks a size too small. Amanda was quite concerned his "mother might be watching." But for entertainment value it was unrivalled. I'd do it again any day.
ReplyDeleteBe Happy Allan
And on the entertainment front - here's a tip. I went to see piccy "Slumdog Millionaire" last Sat. This was something else too. I totally recommend. It's lined up for a million Oscars or Globes. (Keith will know. He's got showbiz connections.) Very strange story line and very heavy drum and base ying tong Indian music. But an absolute must see. So put it in yr diary folks. Thinking now of a look at the Nixon/Frost one. Michael Sheen is in that. You know. Local boy makes good - went to school with Em. She was in the Chorus belting out "Food, Glorious Food" while he was up the front doing Oliver!!
ReplyDeleteBe Happy Allan
And just a little story from last night. You will all be aware the International season is almost upon us. This male nurse on Em's Ward lives right up in the Rhondda, and was virtually snowed in. But he struggled, shanked it, thumbed it, and finally got into work, albeit a bit late. So she interviewed him. He explained he only had one day of holiday left, and he also had managed to get hold of gold dust - a ticket - so he just had to make it. (If you are snowed in you stop home, but lose a day of holiday.) So she congratulated him on his efforts, with the rider he should make a good nurse. Excellent powers of decision making while under pressure!!
ReplyDeleteBe Happy Allan
At the 2003 reunion Colin and Kenneth told me they'd taken a diversion en route, to drive past my house...I'm thinking..Where? Leeds, Lake district? How can they know where I live, I've had no contact with anyone in this room for the last fifty years, course not. They'd taken a trip down memory lane to Stainforth and a pleasant youthful association. It was good to see them.
ReplyDeleteShirl .
Ron (Carr)
ReplyDeleteI can't let the events in your country go unmentioned - we are reading the reports and our hearts go out to you and your compatriots. How far away are you from these tragedies. Do we have other members north east of Melbourne?
Keith
We have six members on this site who live in Australia..........Rachel, Ron, Matt, June, Les and Dario. I second your sentiment Keith, and we will be thinking of you all. The news is pretty grim and terrifying to watch.
ReplyDeleteWe were good pals, we four, weren't we Shirley? We'd arrange to meet at the long wooden seat opposite Christ Church. We then spent a considerable time squeezed into a booth (in 'FOX'S' I think) listening to pop music, to be used by Mr Austin in his local cinema during the intervals. There were a main film, a 'B' film, ' THE NEWS' and probablycartoon too. Real VALUE for money!! Happy Days.
ReplyDeleteanne clark 1944 to 1952
Anne, thought for today....
ReplyDelete'Girl put your records on.....
You go ahead and let your hair down....' Corrinne Bailey Rae.
Shirl.
About the extreme weather in Oz, I live in SE Qld,
ReplyDeleteThe floods are 800kms north of me....5 people have died,one a 5year old taken by a crocodile near his home, 60% of N. Queensland is flooded, they have no electricity or clean water and food is in short supply in many places.
The fires are about 1000kms from me. These horrendous bush fires have wiped out complete communities (many were ski villages in the winter.),1800 homes destroyed,. and the death toll is 183 and rising. Police and rescue workers are searching the ruins and burnt out cars for bodies. There are 6 fires still to be controlled.
Here in SE Qld it is normal summer weather, it has been 36C most days,some nights it has remained >25C,also we have had torrential rain at times. We do not complain about the rain 'cos we have been in drought for most of the past 10years... We do complain about the humidity but that is only when I am away from the airconditioner!!!..
June
I met Sheila, Ernie's wife this morning, and I told her a few members had remembered Ernie with affection and fond memories. She was touched, and asked me to say thank you on her behalf. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIf you are on "Threaded", this message will be in the appropriate place, beneath Geoff's message on January 25th.
We are back in UK in five weeks - if you can do something about the weather. We spend winter at home in Mexico and summer at home in southern England. We visit Thorne area occasionally but rarely meet anyone who spent time with me at school but it was a long time ago, 1947-50 and classmates are scattered around the world.
ReplyDeleteJune - bush fires are not unknown in oz but I agree this year has been terrible hasn't it - and some is self inflicted, what on earth possesses the arsonists.
Fire and flood in Oz, snowstorms in England, and unrelenting cold here in Ontario. January had half the month with temperatures below -15. Only on a couple of days did the temperature sneak up above,barely, zero. February was just the same until a sudden thaw brought a couple of days that were the hottest ever for those dates-about 12 degrees. Snow that had accumulated in the cold weather half melted to exhume hundreds of dog ends, wrappers, dog droppings and all manner of filth. The pleasures of downtown life in a big city. Thank goodness we then had another climate record-one of rainfall for the day. It pretty much washed away all the garbage. Now it's back to cold nights again and cold sunny days. Haven't seen the first snow drop yet but I'm sure underground stirrings are going on and it won't be long.
ReplyDeleteOn February 24th I will be away from all the cold enjoying the warm sea breezes through the coconut palms in Tobago. Hope this crazy climate has nothing special waiting down there.
Mick..
Michael,
ReplyDeleteWhy not come to England - beautiful sunny day here in Winchester - 50 farenheit (10 centigrade). Heavy downpours a week ago removed the last traces of the white stuff. The garden is awash with snowdrops, primroses are flowering and the Japanese quince just bursting into bloom. And we will be mowing the grass in a small number of weeks. Reminder - get the mower serviced before the rush starts!
K
Sounds like the start of a lovely long English Spring in Winchester Keith.
ReplyDeleteWe had a fresh fall of snow yesterday. Not a lot but there's a strong possibility of more. Winters are brutally long here,Spring and Autumn brief, but the long hot summers make it worthwhile. Three more months to the boat going in the water
Also I leave for Tobago on Monday so that will be a nice break. Fresh pineapples, mango, and little sweet bananas called 'silks'. Beer for less than a dollar. Fresh coconut water and fish at the market early on Saturday morning. Sandy beaches, good fishing, sunshine and pan music. My t shirts and shorts are already packed. I'm taking Sinclairs 'Oil' and '1421' to read. Fishing tackle is all sorted. I have a new reel. iPod loaded. You might guess I am looking forward to the holiday.
Mick..
Have a lovely holiday Mick.
ReplyDeleteSpring appears to have arrived here as well. We've had three lovely days, and today looks like being the same. Although I have snowdrops and primroses, my garden looks a mess. I was in Italy for most of October, when I should have done some clearing up, then the weather turned, I was ill and the garden results are bad. My intentions are good, and although the spirit is willing the flesh is weak. Hopefully I should soon have lots of miniature daffodils and tulips which will cover a lot of ground, and then, with a bit of manual help, things should improve,
Take care Mick, and lots of good fishing, and anything else to make an enjoyable holiday.
Eileen
Been back from Tobago for a week.Totally relaxing holiday. I thought the drivers in Tobago somewhat madcap only to return to Toronto and get into a severe rear-ender. Marly was driving us home after a bit of Saturday shopping. We were waiting to turn into our road when another car just barreled right into the back of us. Seat belts reduced our damages to headaches and stiff necks but the car is gone for at least 2 weeks for repairs. The other driver got a ticket for careless driving,loss of 4 demerit points and a 280 dollar fine. We had our Saturday ruined but were lucky in that it could have been so much worse.
ReplyDeleteNow it is Wednesday morning, Marly has gone to New York on business for the day. Yours truly is all packed and ready for a few days of ice fishing up on Manitoulin Island-about a 6 hour drive north of here. We will be fishing for pickerel at sunset and for perch during the day.
Mick..
1 lake trout-4lbs 8 ozs
ReplyDelete2 pickerel-3lbs 8 ozs and 4 lbs
The perch were very small and it wasn't 'til the last day we found some that were keepers-about 2 dozen
To put the above into a time frame 5 of us spent close to a total of 100 hours fishing - slightly over 1 oz of fish per hour and half that after cleaning.
Mick..
G'day from Tanunda,
ReplyDeleteMick, By Cod sir - is that a line you are spinning there or what? If any of the commercial fishermen out there saw your figures they'll tell us that they are selling us their fish cheaply!
Tootle Pip
When I was living in St.Kilda I was partial to a fish I hadn't had in England. It was called flake, firm and white with a good taste. Much, much, later I found out it was shark!
ReplyDeleteG'day again from Tanunda,
ReplyDeleteWe have lived here in South Australia since Aug 1968 and I have never taken to eating bought 'fish and chips' meals here. I thought I would 'give it a go' in the early days even though I knew the "fish" was called flake and what it actually was but I didn't like it. I don't mind our buying deep sea perch (although that is a little sweet) for cooking at home but as for the rest of 'em - NO! Give me North Sea Cod anytime. As you know from the BLOGS my wife and I are venturing over to the UK in Aug this year for a 100 day holiday and I would like to think that I could grab myself cod and chips in the proper way - ie final wrapped in the local newspaper and with lashings of salt and malt vinegar. My friend Jim up in Edinburgh tells me that I would likely get Haddock rather than Cod - that's OK. Of course, if available I would have a tub of mushy peas drowned in vinegar!
Yummee and Tootle Pip
G'day again for the second time in five minutes from Tanunda,
ReplyDeleteAnother favourite of mine (nearly related to fish) that I haven't had in yonks is Dandelion and Burdock! The relationship to fish was that we used to buy it from Booth's Fish Shop in Dunscroft - best fish, best chips, certainly the best mushy peas and best Dandelion and Burdock for miles around!
This time a "I'm starving at the thought" - Tootle Pip
We don't get fish and chips wrapped in the local newspaper any more Ron. They are wrapped in white paper, or in a polystyrene tray. They are still good though, although I don't have them very often.
ReplyDeleteWhen my son comes home from Italy, that's what we normally have the first night he's here. There is a choice of fish, but the most popular is still cod or haddock, although cod is now the dearer fish.
G'day Eileen,
ReplyDeleteThanks for that.
I now look forward to a walking meal of fish and chips - finger licking good!
Tootle Pip
Dandelion and Burdock, in its day the Chateau Margaux of the south Yorkshire coalfields. We had it with Sunday dinner as a special treat. A johnny-come-lately was Tizer which I think appeared late 40's. Definitely a second growth.
ReplyDeleteWe used to go to my Granddad's for Christmas, my favourite Auntie also lived there. We used to go to a shop in Creswell, and get some Tizer to go with our Christmas dinner.....no wine with meals in the thirties/ early forties. We had Dandelion and Burdock at home, and it was my favourite.
ReplyDeleteFish and chips are still best eaten outside, out of paper. I did it last year sitting beside the canal at Skipton, where there are seats, and the seats were filled with people doing the same. It beat going inside any day. Although I must say the Magpie at Whitby takes some beating, and there are always big queues to get into there.
My mouth is watering!
Eileen
Hi Ronisock - I know a snapshot visit cannot compare with your 40 yr residence. But even so I was visiting an old friend of mine in Brisbane and he took us out for fish and chips one evening just north of the city. All sorts of different fish were available - raw and neatly laid out and he chose. A 50 yd walk back to our picnic area and ate while we watched the huge red red sun sink down into the Pacific thro the palm trees. Background music of the surf lapping the beach. With bread and wine and all that sort of stuff we had a fab and very tasty evening.
ReplyDeleteBe happy Allan
It is strange how tastes vary round the U.K. I agree with Eileen that Thorne goes for Cod and Haddock. When I was living in the West Riding it was Haddock only. Cod was for the cat!! Then in London skate was high up. I remember a Jewish chippy just off Petticoat Lane. A comic he was. Ask for skate. "My life, for skate you have to vait." And eel of course. Tubby Isaacs on the corner of Petticoat Lane & Gardners Corner going hell for leather all night. Guess it is just depends on what yr local water has available.
ReplyDeleteBe happy Allan
G'day Allan from Tanunda,
ReplyDeleteRe your trip to Brisbane - I am still trying to work it out - the sun sinking into the Pacific? Are you sure you weren't having a Queensland breckie and watching the sun rise?
But then they do funny things up in Queensland - they bend the bananas in an opposite direction!
Tootle Pip
Ron
Ron,it's all in the bananas -or the curvature of the coast. I don't always agree with Allan but I know there are places that are supposed to look East but you see the sun sinking into the sea.Whitby is like that. I first saw it when I was nine years old and I was certainly sober most of the time then.
ReplyDeleteRon ~~~~~~~ have no idea what you looked like when a stripling of 9, but you are certainly the top banana among the old sea-dogs of Whitby.
ReplyDeletekeep well, warm and sober ~~~~~~ most of the time ~~~~~~ geoff.
I have to go with Ron on this one. Unless Allan was north of Brisbane and 30 miles out to sea, maybe having his fish and chips out on the Great Barrier Reef, then the sun could be sinking in the Pacific.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mick - I was beginning to think of mirror tricks and things!
ReplyDeleteTootle Pip
G'day from Tanunda,
ReplyDeleteIt's all gone quite on the BLOG! My excuse is that we have just had the Barossa Valley Vintage Festival (10 days) - a glorious event every two years and it's good to be in the thick of things. It finished on 19 April and now we are experiencing some badly needed rain - 25 mm yesterday. Oh by the way I have another excuse - I managed to fracture my humerus (and that is NOT funny!)
Tootle Pip
Definitely not funny Ron, I did the same in the year 2000! I hope it will soon be better.
ReplyDeleteMemories of Thorne continue to evoke
ReplyDeleteRed Dragon holds his own at number one
Video Tape scans at number two
No Thread Thread up for discussion
Misplaced blog knocked off by Constable
No reprise for the Postmodernists
New Threads denied access
Humour makes breakthrough
You daft bat Swales. Moon it was lad. The Moon. Breathtaking too. A huge Moon rising thro the palms as the surf thrummed on the beach.
ReplyDeleteButr we did have a morning trip not long after Dawn, another day, to partake of Cinnamon toast and the morning sun. Family gatherings here and thereknocking up eggs and bacon on council barbies @ 07.30 hrs. Happy memories.
G'day from Tanunda,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the revision Allan. I was just about to buy a ticket to Cuckoo Land to check it all out. Not that I want to get away from The Barossa as we are enjoying some decent rain at last. We had another 15 mm yesterday so we are extra happy chappies again.
Tootle Pip
You mentioned the Barrossa valley,Ron,which got me thinking:One of my sons works for a local wine importer who has the monopoly in Scandinavbia of several Aussie vineyards,Rockbare for example and Henry's Drive at Padthaway who do some phenomenal wines.Do you know any thing about them?
ReplyDeleteG'day from Tanunda,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry Peter but I know nothing about the two wineries you have mentioned. Padthaway is getting towards the South East of SA and is a great wine growing region and 'on the way' towards, and not too far from, Coonawarra which is probably more known to the UK than Padthaway. Coonawarra is perhaps the 3rd best wine growing district in Australia (for reds) - Barossa Valley at No 1, McLaren Vale No 2 - all my opinion of course.
Tootle Pip
Ron
Eileen. Are you in the book of world records? A fractured humerus in 2000 and still not better..I hope it will be better soon as well. You know I didn't notice it at all when you were in Toronto a couple of years ago.
ReplyDeleteSilly Billy Mick..
You are correct in your assumption that my fractured humerus is not yet better Silly Billy Mick,(according to my reply to Ron). The post you are referring to does give that idea. It's a bit like one of the sentences you are required to correct in an English Lang. test for 12 year olds.........I must do better.
ReplyDeleteNice to hear from you Mick.
A clear case of misunderstanding.
ReplyDeleteThe Sonic Rodent Repellent came with 2 screws and recommended erection 3 feet above ground. I fixed it to the garden gate.
A neighbour said "But they don't come through the gate, do they....?
Shirl.
They will come through anything,even the eye of a needle. My experience of sonic repellents is that they are about as effective as putting up a notice.
ReplyDeleteNotices vary of course,in Canada they say KEEP OUT, in England,you have all the elegance of TRESPASSERS WILL BE PROSECUTED. in Sardinia I saw a sign that takes first prize for subtlety: Chi entra qui mi fa honore, chi non entra, mi fa piacere.
On the grassy verge beside the road in Tobago was a sign that read No Tethering. Tied to the sign was a grazing cow.
ReplyDeleteIn my local park there's a sign that requests No Graffiti and it is oversprayed with a black tag.
Many years ago, in Sweden, I found a great fishing spot by a sign that read Fiske Fjorbudet.
As the 'What's My Line' panellist expostulated when the contestant revealed his occupation as driver of a Television Licence Detector van;
ReplyDelete'But,it could be anywhere! Behind a vase on the mantlepiece or hidden in a drawer... !'
A shorter sign would be "meow"! For the blind ones - get the real thing!
ReplyDeleteTootle Pip
It has come to my notice that Reg Clayton and his wife Rita née Hayley have recently celebrated their Diamond wedding anniversary. I would like to say congratulations to them both, and wish them a happy anniversary.
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS TO REG AND RITA.
And CONGRATS from Allan. Last time I saw Rita was down on the Farm @ Tudworth, on training nights, 60 years ago. And about the same time I would play Sat morning with Reg referee, nip home and get a dry towel, Reg would buy me a pint in the White Hart, and then up and away with the Old T's. Time flies.
ReplyDeleteBe happy Allan
Many of you will remember Andy Yeoman who taught at TGS for many years, and also as an Old Thornensian.
ReplyDeleteSadly, I heard yesterday that he has died. He was a well liked and respected teacher. Andy and Dorothy, who also taught at the school, moved south some time ago to be near their son.
We send our sympathy to Dorothy and her family. Andy will be sadly missed, but remembered with affection.
I had no real idea where to put this, so this is the nearest I could find. Bert's memory lives on. His old club (Gateshead Camera Club) are being given a presentation later on this month by one of the Club Officers - "The Best of Bert". I don't really know what he achieved in this hobby. I know for a fact he had A.R.P.S. (known jocularly in the trade as "A Red Piece Somewhere" - reference to a colour piccie being improved if you introduced the colour red), but I think he went higher than that.
ReplyDeleteAllan
Can't comrete with Pat for ggchildren,but as per 17.01.10 we have 10 grandchildren from Mark(10),down througu August,Alfred,Leah,Lukas,Liva,Alex,Marcus,Leonora and Ursula...and still counting.
ReplyDeleteMany congratulations Peter. What lovely names.
ReplyDeleteIt is with much sadness that I have to report the death of George Heptinstall, a lifelong school friend of mine and former teacher at T.G.S: He had not been well for a while but the news came so unexpectedly. The funeral will take place at Macclesfield Crematorium on Tuesday, 25th May at 12.00 noon.
ReplyDeleteAido.
Very sad to hear of George's death. Though he was a year above me at school I got to know him in the 6th form when we were both working delivering post at Christmas around the streets of Moorends. He impressed me then by his self confidencw and erudition....and he was always very courteous and helpful.
ReplyDeleteGeoff Nunns.
Likewise saddened to hear of George's death, who I remember as a solid all-rounder. He was one of that immortal team of athletes who lifted a cross-country championship at the annual ATC camp in Scotland, in the summer of 1950. I have this photo on the wall at this moment.
He was one of the "three wise men" who occupied the rear classroom seats in JEST's 5th. form latin class. If the rest of us failed to know something or other, then these could always be relied on for the correct answer.
He provided a true and sonorous lower voice part in the dynamic antics of Marco and Guiseppe in the school production of "The Gondoliers", and stood as a Liberal Candidate in the mock election of around 1950. Am not sure what was in his manifesto, but he did think it would be a good idea to go around the world just talking to people. His was a reasonable case, and George was duly elected MP for the school.
Golden Days.
George Heptinstal kind and gentle classmate rest in peace
ReplyDeleteShirley Wheatley
I have just heard the news of the death of Peter Robinson (TGS 1945-1953). He died in August last year, in Australia to which he emigrated with wife Lillian (née Griffiths TGS 1946-53). Peter had a successful career in the RAF as a navigator and squadron leader, serving in many parts of Europe. On retirement from the RAF at age 55 he and Lillian moved to Queensland, Australia where he farmed for ten years before retiring to Vicentia, NSW. Peter was a member of this site, and he and Lillian joined us at the 2005 reunion. They are both featured in this photograph from school days:
ReplyDeletehttp://thornegrammarschool.multiply.com/photos/album/20/Classes_Groups_-_1896_to_1960#photo=42
Many members will wish to be associated with these belated condolences to Lilly and their family.
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I'm sorry to hear the news Keith. I didn't know Peter or Lillian, but I extend my sympathy to Lillian and their family.
ReplyDeleteI have just received news of the death of Tony (A.D.) Smith, (TGS 1943-51). Tony was a regular contributor to this site until last year. Following a very serious operation in January of this year he was in poor health for six months, and finally succumbed on 18th August. He is survived by his wife Barbara (née Harrison) who was at TGS from 1946-1954. Our condolences to Barbara
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear this news. Tony was well respected. He lived at Relay Corner, where his father worked in the radio shop and his mother was a mid wife in Thorne,
ReplyDeleteCondolences to Barbara and family.
I have just received the sad news that John Hoyle has passed away. John struggled with near blindness for many years, but he tried to keep in touch with his friends from school. He attended our reunion last year, with his charming young daughter Sarah. We expected to see him at the reunion on Saturday, this time with his son Jonathan.
ReplyDeleteJohn attended TGS from 1943 - 1950. He was also a member of this site.
John features on many photos on site, including The Mikado, sports photos and also in the TGS ATC athletics teams.
I send my condolences to Jonathan and Sarah at this sad time.
A great star as Reginald Bunthorne in Patience '48, but even more memorable as KoKo (the Lord High Executioner - "I've got a little list") in the Mikado '49. But he is also remembered as an outstanding Gymnast. He did not allow his blindness to limit his interests, particularly his musical activities. I'm very pleased to have known him.
ReplyDeleteTerrible news. I got on well with John at school and spent some considerable time with him at last year's Reunion. Topped up his school sport's photo collection with some he hadn't got. Really looked forward to seeing him again. A sad loss.
ReplyDeleteAllan
It must have been sudden. John left a message on my phone only last Tuesday. He sounded strong and wanted me to know that his son Jonathan was coming with him instead of Sarah.
ReplyDeleteHe then phoned me later that evening and said he would let Jonathan have his name card, and he didn't mind being Sarah for the afternoon. I have made another card for Jonathan and it's here waiting for him. John was looking forward to meeting everyone, he was going into the cemetery to take some flowers, and he was going to call on Ken Maleham before the meet. He sounded full of life, and laughed a lot during our conversation.
John's sister Dinah has phoned me to tell me about John. It was very kind of her, and she wanted to be sure I knew. Dinah was married to David Prior who also attended TGS. She says that Jonathan went round to see his Dad, and found him. too late for him to be helped.
ReplyDeleteDinah also would like to be remembered to old TGS friends. She would love to have attended the reunion, but is not well enough after a series of small strokes.
I have recently come across former TGS students - John Giles Waines and Donald Fox, who were, like me, from Branton. I also discovered that Bernard Holdridge (former Archdeacon of Doncaster, who officiated at the opening of Trinity Academy) retired here to Guildford - I recognised him as he walked down the High Street! Maybe some of you remember them, older than me (I was 60 two weeks ago!) but perhaps not so old as some of you!
ReplyDeleteWondering how the reunion went on Saturday? Looking forward to seeing some photos - any chance they will be posted on site?
Hello Rowena.
ReplyDeleteThere have been some comments on the reunion thread, and hopefully there will be more as the wanderers return home from Yorkshire. I hope we will have some photos as well, but it's early days yet.
Don Fox and I were good friends during our time 1953 - 60, For many years Don lectured in Genetics at Aberdeen University before becoming CEO of Southampton University Science Park, I believe he retired last year.
ReplyDeleteRowena,
ReplyDeleteDid you attend the little school in Cantley before going on to Thorne? I believe that was where Giles Waines
went and also Strogger Street who has added some colour to TGS and to this site in the past. My Dad taught at that little school, about 1950, after being promoted from Armthorpe Senior Boys and before moving on to Rossington Junior Boys. As for Giles we were in the same 5th.form Biology class with Minny Martin. One of our homework assignments was to draw a number of vertebrae which were handed to the front for collection. Giles work was beautiful and as Minny didn't collect it immediately it stood on our bench top for a while. Just long enough for Norm Naylor, a good artist, to draw a number of small tarzan-like figures swinging from the various bones sticking out from the spine and then tuck it into the middle of the pile. You can let Giles know who did it-just in case he is still wondering :)
I have just finished reading the Kydd naval series of novels and in the very first one the teenage Tom Kydd is living in Guildford,working as a perruquier (or something similar) before the press gang get him. The shop is on the High Street, near the clock. Probably quite close to where you saw the Archdeacon. Small world in time and space.
Very sorry to hear that Johnny Hoyle is no longer with us .....I enjoyed his company at Jim's birthday party and at the last reunion. He was still the handsome, interesting guy he always was in spite of his eyesight problems.
ReplyDeletePS David Prior went to Ampleforth not TGS but managed tp play for the Old Thornensians !!
John's funeral is on Monday at 11 am at Streetly. Jonathan says he knows people can't get to it, but he's sure we will be with him in spirit.
ReplyDeleteI've had a message from Nick Hemingway telling me his father, Tom Hemingway has passed away, and Nick wishes to share this sad news with members of this site
ReplyDelete.
Nick says many members asked how he was at our recent reunion, so he thought he should let them know. He doesn't know the funeral arrangements at this stage, and will give further details as he learns them.
Tom features in many of the photos displayed on this site, and he is also seen at the 2003 and2005 reunions with his wife, who passed away a short time ago.
Our condolences to Nick and family, and Shirley at this sad time.
Condolences from me to Tom's immediate family and Shirley. He lived just round the corner from me in the 40's and I knew the family well. Shirl and me were only chatting abt Tom at the recent Reunion.
ReplyDeleteCondolences from me to Tom's immediate family and Shirley. He lived just round the corner from me in the 40's and I knew the family well. Shirl and me were only chatting abt Tom at the recent Reunion.
ReplyDeleteCondolences from me to Tom's immediate family and Shirley. He lived just round the corner from me in the 40's and I knew the family well. Shirl and me were only chatting abt Tom at the recent Reunion.
ReplyDeleteCondolences from me to Tom's immediate family and Shirley. He lived just round the corner from me in the 40's and I knew the family well. Shirl and me were only chatting abt Tom at the recent Reunion.
ReplyDeleteThe funeral arrangements for Tom Hemingway are as follows:
ReplyDeleteWednesday November 17th
12:30 at Hatfield Church
1:30 at Thorne Cemetery
Just in case you missed this, because I made the mistake of using the Red Dragon thread first. Anne Snape's (was Clark) family contacted me tonight to let me know that Anne's Care Home had just let them know she had had a Coronary and passed away. As further info comes thro I will post it on this thread.
ReplyDeleteAllan
On the day of the Reunion, with Allan I visited Anne at the Care Home and enjoyed John's company that evening.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to you and the family on the death of my school friend Anne.
Anne with whom I shared a carefree youth of walking boots and rucksacks, silk stockings and high heels, the popular sweet natured girl with the beautiful eyes.
Shirley
Thank you Allan. So sorry to hear. Condolences to you and John and those who were close to Anne. We lived a short distance apart on Doncaster Road, Armthorpe, in the 1940's
ReplyDeleteMick..
My condolences to Anne's family. Thank you for letting us know Allan. You will have lots of happy memories of the travelling you did together before she became too ill in the last couple of years.
ReplyDeleteEileen
May I add my condolences to Anne's family. So sorry to hear this sad news. I was delighted several years ago to renew my friendship with Anne after a gap of many years( the 6th form ,in fact) Her charm was undiminished and she bravely coped with her illness with a wicked sense of humour.
ReplyDeleteThe formalities to do with Anne are now completed and the family have been able to go ahead with funeral arrangements.
ReplyDeleteThey are as follows:-
Friday 8 April
12.20 @ Rose Hill Crematorium, Cantley, DONCASTER DN4 6NE
Easy to find, plus a good selection of hotels nearby if you are travelling. The Campanile is nearest and is lo cost too. Loads of info on line abt The Crem and Hotels.
She had requested a Humanist Funeral and this is being arranged. So turn up in "happy clothes" and be prepared to "celebrate her life" as compared to "mourning her death".
Allan
I feel a bit of explanation is owed. My name keeps cropping up. Why? Our close acquaintances know, but several of you might be unaware that Anne and me were an item (livin' ower t'brush if you like). There were other bits and pieces, but it was mainly Multiply that got us together. Then it was complicated by both of us being heavily into our own areas, so we made the positive move of living apart but getting together as much as poss. Her place, mine, weekends away, U.K. hols, the excitement of O'seas hols. A fantastic few years together. She was heavy going convincing her "Queen" were the greatest band ever. And she was required to be out of bed and glued to Telly watching the Marathon and my Paula, with me phoning every 20 mins to check on her!!
ReplyDeleteThat's enough explanation, but I have found a quotation which I am going to share. "Surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad & focus on the good. Care for the people who treat you right, & pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is part of life, getting back up is living." That was her.
Allan
I would like to add my appreciation of Anne, whose happy face and demure smile I remember well from schooldays. She was a great help in organising the second reunion that we ran from the TGS website (at the Green Tree - May 2003). At that time she was already a proficient computer user and web surfer, and the first such person from the Doncaster area, that I knew personally, to surface on the TGS site.
ReplyDeleteShe had already been diagnosed as a victim of Parkinson's Disease but entered into the reunion project with great enthusiasm, making personal contacts and expanding our name and address list for postal invitations from an initial fifty to more than two hundred (it eventually expanded to 400). She had an amazing number of TGS contacts, from schooldays and from her continued association with the school through her first husband, Ron Asquith. And I found her advice on local matters and sensitivities invaluable.
In subsequent years she called on us here in Winchester with Allan, before her health and mobility problems prevented travel. I was pleased to be able to visit her the day after the last reunion (Trinity Academy - October 2010), to report on the event and and give her a copy of the Programme/Name list, which she was unable to read, but from which she wanted to know all the details - asking about several of her TGS contemporaries. She was still smiling when I left.
Anne lives on. She died as she lived - thinking of others. One of her wishes was to have her brain removed for Parkinson's research. Her family were able to comply with this request.
ReplyDeleteDonors are few and far between for this terrible, disabling, degenerative disease. Which is why I have publicised this private act.
Allan
I've thought long and hard, and finally decided to go ahead and tell you abt Anne's funeral.
ReplyDeleteMeeting to celebrate her life was so fitting. I got the first thing right by Em being round here on time and we flew up the M-way and arrived with a good half hour to spare. No prob. Time to relax and compose yrself. Then up rolls Pat & Geoff Nunns who volunteered we were in the wrong place, but follow them and we would be O.K. (I know, it begs the question why were they there in the first place. Must ask them.) Then with the sun beaming down, so a huge huge crowd appeared. Everybody in cheerful clothing. As we went into the building, so we were greeted by canned music, "We'll meet again, don't know where.......". The place was heaving. Full up and standing room full up. The Humanist Minister handled things tastefully, and was soon reviewing Anne's life. Neil (her youngest) had brought his guitar and gave a beautiful rendering of one of her favourites, "Starry starry night" by Don McLean. ( I've got a print on my Kitchen wall.) Anne was quite a poet, and a friend had brought along one with a moving and comical description of her daily fight agst "Parky". A review of her professional career revealed how she worked for many years as a teacher in the Deaf School. Raising a family and studying to get the necessary Diploma. Not the easiest of jobs. The students were all boarders, so 7 day care was part of the job. In many cases deafness is associated with learning difficulties. And as you might guess, some parents were using the place as a dumping ground for unwanted kids. A job for a person with a big heart. Her family did her well. I knew what she wanted and, separately, the family arranged just that. Then it was time to go with Gracie Fields singing, "Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye."
One last selfless act. No flowers, donations to Parkinsons. And the plate was piled high with banknotes.
No apologies guys. I felt you should know..................................................Allan
Thank you for that Allan. I am out of the country as you know. otherwise I would have been there. I tried to do my bit by helping Neil with the poem. He rang me a few times during that week.I knew I had it, and was thinking about posting it on here when I come home. Neil was so pleased I had it, because Anne's poet friend didn't know where her copy was. I emailed it to Neil, copying it exactly as Anne had written it, so I felt better about not being there. I think my brother and sister in law were going to be there. but I haven't spoken to them since I came to Italy.
ReplyDeleteBut you have given a lovely description for us. Thank you.
Allan it's fitting that feelings and thoughts of a deep loss can be expressed in this way, a funeral celebrates life and it's release from it. In the depths of grief humour is a balm.
ReplyDelete.
ReplyDelete"Anne was quite a poet". She was also very interested in art - did art in the 6th form under Sam Butcher and at Teacher Training College. "Starry, Starry Night" was therefore a very appropriate choice. There have been many attempts to match the lyrics with examples of Van Gogh's work, but I think this is the best I've seen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfVtJj05fH0&feature=related
Don't forget to switch on your loudspeakers to get the full effect.
Thks everybody for your support. I just didn't know what to do for the best. Took advice and was told to go for it, so I did.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately time was the enemy for the ceremony, and I am aware that certain areas didn't get a look in. She had several of her art works framed and hung in her flat. Similarly her community work with Market Garden didn't get a mention. That was a shame with reps from Holland flying in, but all I could do was chat to them afterwards. (Market Garden was a town in Holland liberated by U.K. parachutists in WW2.) To express their gratitude, they contacted Doncaster after the war and set up bienniel exchange visits with each other, including outings and Celebration meals etc. Anne was on the Committee and went over to Holland many times and ultimately involved me in their visits over here. A real good social crowd. Plus one of the Doncaster crowd being a Squadron Leader (with handlebar moustache etc) and a Pontypool boy. I am not quite sure whether it was Van Gogh or Don McLean came first with her. I remember being among the arty Pont Aven crowd with her, and trying to buy a Van Hogh print from an art shop. As usual, the lady (femme) couldn't understand French, so Anne and me sang "Starry Starry Night" to her. Waste of time. But the Dutch taught us to say "Hoff". Eileen, I think you should go ahead and post her Parky poem. A touch of Spike Milligan abt it. Also no time to mention the quality of the Care Staff at Charles Court Home. 2 yrs since she left there and 4 Care Workers turned up. A lovely chat abt the old days. Anne was their focus where they would always go for a bit of a skive and a giggle. 8 a.m. a Care Worker would arrive to bath Anne, leaving me in her Lounge. Within minutes another 3 would sneak in. Heaven knows what they got up to, but the screams and girlie laughs spoke volumes.
You are right. A real day of celebration and a replay of fond memories with all the folk.
Allan
Dear all, the sad news of the death of Jimmy Morris (62 to 69 at TGS ) HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME TODAY. COULD ANY ONE WHO REMEMBERS JIMMY SEND ME ANY INFORMATION THEY COULD SHARE ABOUT JIMMY AT TGS - especially his sporting prowess. I knew Jimmt from our days at TGS and any info, stories etc would be very welcome.
ReplyDeletethx
Barry Marks
That looks a bit strange - "bathing Anne". Anne had a well appointed "Wet Room" with a shower etc, but due to her mobility probs had to have a staff member present, just in case. The other three were just there for the laugh (whatever that was).
ReplyDeleteAllan
Jim Lawson is 96 today!
ReplyDeleteMany Happy Returns, James!
Many Happy Returns James. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI already thought Mr. Lawson was, shall we say, 'getting on a bit' when I was in his classes during the 50's. You think that way when you are a teenager. Looking at it from a more 'mature' perspective today all I can say is Happy Birthday James. Now I am in the same middle aged group as you.
ReplyDeleteMick Horner.
Happy Birthday Mr. Lawson.
ReplyDeleteJim - that is absolutely fantastic. Wish I was up in Thorne to get you in a drink. Hope you've had a great day and a great celebration. And many more of them.....Allan
ReplyDeleteBest wishes from one nearer 90 than 80. On my 87th birthday recently I thought of you,Jim,and I hope to be not too far behind you in intelligence and spirit when I approach your present age,if ever I do.
ReplyDeleteIn Scadinavia the birthday song is "Ja ma han leva uti hundrade ar" (Yes,may he live to a hundred) but in recent years it has been amended to May he live to TWO hundred, in honour of the increasing number of centenarians. May you too leva i Tva hundrede ar!
We are sad to announce that Eddie Cooper died in August. Eddie was at TGS from 1947 to 1952. He attended the 2005 reunion, and we met him again last year at the 2010 reunion. Eddie wasn't well when he came then, and was in a wheelchair, but he always had someone talking to him, and he seemed to enjoy meeting his old friends.
ReplyDeletePerhaps someone will remember him from school and can say a few words here.
May I express my appreciation to all those TGS alumni who,either by by mail or the internet,marked my 96th. birthday with with colourful cards, emails and good wishes. I have another target in mind but the bowling is becoming increasingly hostile but to quote a Yorkshire cricketer who,when faced with a very large total,
ReplyDeletesaid to his partner as they walked out to the wicket "We'll tek 'em ones ,lad".
JAL
Sorry about the BUT duo.
ReplyDeleteJAL
I'm sorry too that Ron Hollingworth suffered. He took me to a Teams Party once, he was such good company. My condolences to his family.
ReplyDeleteShirley
.
Sad news about Ron. He was a good friend, and a fine gymnast, as indeed was his sister Joyce. He was also a keen and talented soccer player. We were friends at school - he was part of our close circle of friends which included Alan (Dusty) Earnshaw, who I am sure also remembers Ron well. We were all a bit competitive in Sam Butcher's art class - Ron was very good at art. Dusty, of course, went on to become a professional artist. My thoughts are with Dorothy and his family at this time.
ReplyDeleteDo any Alumni use the new professional "LinkedIn"??
ReplyDeleteI'm using it to stay in touch with both colleagues and coworkers throughout my career.
It may be too new for many - but if you want to have a look at it my profile (including reference to TGS) is http://uk.linkedin.com/in/willbedford
Enjoy
Cheers
Will
I heard the sad news on Wednesday that Rita Clayton, formerly Haley, had passed away. She was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in the summer of last year and she was nursed at the home she has shared with Reg for many years.
ReplyDeleteRita was at TGS from 1935 to 42, with Reg, and they celebrated their Diamond wedding anniversary in July 2009. Rita was a well known and respected teacher in the Thorne area, and after their retirement, they spent a few months each year in New Zealand with their son and family. Rita was involved with the last reunion at Trinity when Reg acted as treasurer. I had a few cups of tea with her when I had reason to call for the latest names. She was always a friendly lively person; and very pleasant company.
We send our condolences to Reg and family at this sad time. She will be truly missed..
Rita and her siblings were part of our happy childhood in Stainforth - an acquaintance gleefully renewed at a variety of reunions over the years. My family sends warm thoughts and condolences to sister Muriel, husband Reg and family
ReplyDeleteShirley.
May I add my condolences to Reg and his family. I remember Rita as a teacher at Green Top,where my brother got into trouble for throwing a chair towards her.
ReplyDeleteI taught with Rita when she came to work at South Common, and knowing her, I bet she dealt with your brother appropriately. These are the kind of memories you never forget.
ReplyDeleteRita taught my younger son too, and he enjoyed being in her class. He was seven at the time.
I would have liked to extend my sympathy to my old classmate of 1935,but as far as I know Reg is not on this website.
ReplyDeleteNot many of us left now, Reg, I suppose.
Perhaps if Eileen meets him she will kindly express my condolences.
I will do that Ron.
ReplyDeleteRita was always the one who went on her lap top, and I don't think Reg went on at all, But Rita always said she could never get into Multiply. I once went to help her, but she always had problems. I don't think she's alone in that though.
Gerry Waller and Jack Autherson are still about and they were your era, but no, not many left.
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ReplyDeleteAgain, just back last night from abroad, so late responding to this sad news.
I would like to add a few words of appreciation for Rita's help in mounting both the 2005 and the 2010 reunions. She was a member of the organising committee for both those events; full of sensible, down to earth advice delivered in a supportive manner, and very knowledgeable about local matters and sensitivities. I recall probably my last conversation with Rita when I expressed my concern that we should find a younger team to take over the organisation of these events from the current set of octogenarians. Rita said very prophetically "there won't be another reunion".
Motor neurone disease can be very distressing for both the patient and those close to them. My sympathies to Reg and his family. Are there any plans for a memorial service?
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ReplyDeleteI am saddened to report the death last month in Glasgow of Pat Hayward (née Sanderson) (TGS 1945 to 1952), wife of Brian Hayward, (TGS 1951 to 1952). Pat had an outstanding academic career at TGS, as the Actas and Speech day programmes for that period make clear. Our condolences go to Brian, to his family, and to Pat's brother Keith Sanderson (TGS 1947 to 1955).
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Pat Sanderson kind quiet unassuming classmate may she rest in peace. My condolences to her family.
ReplyDelete.
I would like to post an achievement - not by an ex T.G.S. but a close rellie. I spent a day or two with Mary Earnshaw recently. She was just winding down on a 6 months visit to the U.K. and looking at seeing out the Olympics and then going home to New Zealand. Her grandson is into biking and she has followed him round to India, China etc in the National team for C'Wealth, World Games over the years. And now he was up in London as travelling reserve for the N.Z. Olympic squad. Posh bike - tailor made All Black biking clothing. The full monty. And she was so so proud of him. And knowledgeable. We were watching the Tour de France on TV and she knew the game inside out. The boy was also christened Simpson, which, if you remember, was the surname of one of Britain's greatest riders (Tommy Simpson) from umpteen decades ago.
ReplyDeleteAllan,
ReplyDeleteWelcome back - I understand you have been doing a bit of globe trotting yourself. Tell us about it.
K
Thnxs for that welcome Keith. I have enough to fill a book, so will have to think it through first. But just an addendum to Tommy Simpson - a Thorne boy, Vic Sutton, was on the G.B. team with him & did Tour de France etc. I don't think he was ex T.G.S., but his cousins Margaret and Marjorie Broughton went. Somewhere round 1960, or a bit later, at a guess.
ReplyDeleteType "Vic Sutton cyclist" into Google and a few bits and pieces crop up. 3 young lads throwing their bikes into the back of a clapped out Campervan and going to France for fame and fortune as racing cyclists sometime in the 50's, with one of them (Hewson) writing a book abt it.
ReplyDeleteI keep a regular tel contact with Jean & Dave Gretton. Dave has been having a hard time with major heart probs. In and out of hosp etc. When I let them know I was flying over they insisted I visit. Week - fortnight - as long as you like. Jean is having a hard time enough, without having visitors, so I settled for a week. A big detour to get home, but I did. Pretty warm in Houston. We could just get brekkie on the patio & then it was 90+ & rising. Get back in to the Air Con, and leave things for the gekkos and humming birds. Dave is not very well at all. But we got out and about & had fun. Just took it steady. Houston is 50 miles across, but well blessed with restaurants, museums, art galleries etc and backs onto the Gulf of Mexico - Galveston, Bay City, Louisianna etc. Drink yr coffee under swaying palms. Got a bit of a surprise when I went to Church with them and found it was a female Vicar - Patricia. Next surprise was when the service ended and she removed surplis, tie on sky blue vest with built in dog collar, and revealed attractive top and cut off jeans. Jet black hair, olive skin. And hey ho, 6 of us out to dinner. Over Dinner she asked if I had tried Margarittas? No. Did I eat Mexican? Yes. Being born and brought up in Mexico she was now on a mission. So 2 days later we were all back into a Mexican restaurant and this very attractive young lady was trying to get me ratted. Her husband just smiling benignly. All I will own up to is that I found Tequilla is pretty lethal. During Communion the bread had been offered with the statement "Bread of Heaven". They were only vaguely aware of the Welsh battle hymn of that name. So, I remember singing it for them. A most enjoyable hol, barring seeing Dave in such bad health. Finished now folks - you can get back to yr one liners. Been places - Yes. Met people - a massive YES. Going back - YES YES YES.
ReplyDelete