THE STERNIAN

NCITp UNTTN

1965

THE OLD STERNIANS ASSOCIATION LORD WANDSWORTH COLLEGE

THE OLD STERNIANS ASSOCIATION

PAST PRESIDENTS

1957 Sir William Gavin, KT., C. B. E., M. A. 1958 RobertJ. Stopford, Esq., C.M.G., M.A. 1959 RobertJ. Stopford, Esq., C.M.G., M.A. 1960 RobertJ. Stopford, Esq., C.M.G., M.A. 1961 RobertJ. Stopford, Esq., C.M.G., M.A. 1962 The Honorable Carol Fellowes, T. D. 1.963 The Honorable Carol Fellowes, T. D. 1964 The Honorable Carol Fellowes, T. D.

PAST CHAIRMEN

1957 A. E. Cartwright. 1958 W. N. Valentine. 1959 W. N. Valentine. 1960 W. N. Valentine. 1961 S. E. Petrie. 1962 A. L. Webb. 1963 A. L. Webb. 1964 F.H.C. Podger

PAST VICE-PRESIDENTS

R. J. Stopford, Esq., C.M.G., M.A.: R. S. Bacon, Esq., M.A., B.Sc.; George Warner; Col. W. L. Julyan.; C.H. James, Esq., M.A.; F.D. Goodliffe, Esq., M.A.

C.R. Irvine, Esq., J.Y.Orr, Esq.

THE STERNIAN

Being the Magazine of THE OLD STERNIANS ASSOCIATION

LIST OF OFFICERS

President

Humphrey Prideaux

Vice Chairman

H.S. Gardner (1963) A. J. Marvai (1963) W. L. Fryer (1964) 0. Tweedie-Stodart (1964) Mr. Ward (1965) Mr. Merriman (1965)

Chairman

N. C. Taylor, The Hornet's Nest, Northill, Little Baddow Vice Presidents

P. J. Jones, Bridget's Experimental Husbandry Farm Ministry of Agriculture, Winchester

Treasurer

L. H. Cline 18 Larkspur Road, Whickham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Treasurer of the Trust Fund

R. B. Brewster, 19 Quay Street, Woodbridge, Suffolk Trustees of the Trust Fund

R. J. Stopford, C.M.G., M. A.; F.H.C. Podger, M. A., C.I.S., A.C.W.A.; G.Smith; N. Valentine

General Secretary

R. H. Burlingham, 22 Meadow Close, Ruislip, Middlesex

Registrar

I. Harvey, 21 Crossman Avenue, Winterbourne, Bristol

Reunion and Sports Secretary

T. R. Fawdry, 13 Burford Close, Ickenham, Middlesex

Editor

H. Thatcher, 62-89 King Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire Telephone : 25381-2

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Gosden Association

B. J. Organ, 42 Lynton Road, Hucciecote, Gloucestershire

Official Stockists

Graham B. Fussell Fussell's Sports Limited, 65 High Street, Newport, Mon.

Regional Secretaries

Western: W. H. Williams, 28 Stonegailows, Taunton, Somerset

London: B. Reeve, 74 Claverlain Street, London, S. W. 1.

Southern: M. Mihichamp, 115 Winchester Road, Basingstoke

Eastern: N. Valentine, Lane Farm, Hessett, Bury St. Edmunds.

Northern: C. P. N. Taylor, 21 Toftwood Avenue, Rainhil, Prescot

Midland: K. Wood, 18 Rosefield Crescent, Tewkesbury, Glos.

Overseas: P. Lake, The Rookery, Langley Road, Chipperfield.

Sports Secretaries

Rugby: R. Little, Hill Farm, Sutton Scotney, Winchester, Hants.

Cricket: R. Giles, 67 Corsham Road, Penhil, Swindon, Wilts.

Cross-Country: F. D. Chappell, Meon View Farm, Old Street, Stubbington

Hockey: D. E. Minnikin, Trinity College, Oxford

Auditor

To be announced Honorary Members

Col. W. L. Julyan; George Warner, Esq. ; A. Watson, Esq.; Sir William Gavin; R. J. Stopford, Esq.; C. H. James, Esq.; R.S. Bacon, Esq.; F. D. Goociliffe, Esq.; C. R. Irvine, Esq.; J. Y. Orr, Esq.; The Hon. Carol Fellowes; Mr. Henderson;

Mr. Brown

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Associate Members

Old Gosden Girls' Association P. A. Nott, Esq., Lor-i Wandsworth College Michael Berry, Esq. Bembridge School, I. 0. W.

PRESIDENTS LETTER

Dear Sternians,

I am most grateful to you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your President. I look forward greatly to all that it will involve and particularly to the chance of getting to know as many of you as possible. Although am still a newcomer l have seen enough already to appreciate the special quality of the College and the spirit which exists among its members, past and present; and I am very proud to be associated with it.

I am sure that all Old Sternians will be glad to hear that the Appeal Fund has now reached the £10,000 mark. This is most encouraging, and the Trustees are deeply grateful to all those old boys who have generously contributed to the Fund. There is still much to be done, and it has been decided therefore to keep the Fund open for the time being. It is not too late therefore for any Old Sternians to contribute who have been unable yet to do so.

The work on the extensions goes steadily forward, and visitors on Founder's Day were able to see encouraging s igns of progress.

There is much discussion nowadays about the future of the educational system in general, and the next few years may well bring changes in some directions as indeed there must be change in the evolution of any healthy structure; but there can be no doubt about the bright future ahead of our College based on its fine traditions and progressive outlook.

With my very best wishes to you all.

Yours sincerely,

HUMPHREY PRIDEAUX

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CHAIRMANS LETTER

Dear Sternians

As is customary, other members of the Committee will be giving reports on the events of the past year and on the affairs of the Association in some detail. I shall only attempt to summarise. The year 1964 was on the whole an encouraging one. Subscription income was more than half as much again as in 1963, reflecting a marked increase in paid-up members, and we turned a deficit of £142 into a surplus of £42. So that crisis in the affairs of the Association is past, and we owe a great deal to Len Cline, our Treasurer (metaphorically, I meant), for this improvement.

There have, however, been disappointments. There were the cancellations of Reunions in the Eastern and Midland Regions, for lack of support, and the organ-isation of the large and scattered Northern Region continues to be a problem. 'The Sternian' was not published until 1965, by which time much of its impact must have ben lost. Little progress has been made with the projected History of the School, although work has continued on it. But we have the pleasure of recording that the Old Boys beat the School in all three encounters on the sports fields. So it has been a mixed year.

One feature of the past year that must be immediately obvious to all, who visit the School, is the tremendously important project for the expansion of the School. This is an exciting time in the history of the School, when we see happening around us the inauguration of a new stage of development, comparable, I suppose, with that witnessed by our senior members who remember the building of the original Hall and classrooms. We are fortunate in being present at this event, a fine school being made finer. Five or ten years from now, we shall find ourselves saying "1 remember the time when there was only an orchard where the house-block stands now, when the whole school had to make do with a half-sized Hall and dining-hall... and so on. I hope too that we

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shall be able to say, at least to ourselves, "1 helped a little bit to create the new buildings" - because this is our opportunity, now. I hope that all who are here at this Reunion will make sure that they share in the project before the day is over, and that all who are not present now will do so before the year is over. Our contributions do matter - monetarily, because the School is having to take the bold step of drawing on its capital, which is not limitless, and (more importantly, in my view) because we would have reason to be proud if several hundred of the Old Boys of the School showed their support, and have equal reason to be sorry and ashamed if we could muster only a hundred or so out of 1, 300 or 1,400 Old Boys. Let me tell you of the present position. Up to the middle of June 111 Old Boys had sent in contributions to the Appeal Fund, while there were 291 other contributors (present parents, past parents, staff, friends, etc). The total sum contributed or promised under Deeds of Covenant was by mid-June £9, 927, towards the target of £35, 000. The Trustees have not commented on the response in general, or the part played in it by the Old Boys, but I will venture to do so, as a member of the Appeal Committee and as an Old Sternian. I am grateful to all who have sent donations or entered into Deeds of Covenant, but I am disappointed that they have been so few. I would have thought that there were more who wanted to show their appreciation of all that they owe the School by doing something for the School now - the opportunity is unique. Let me quote the closing words of Sir William Gavin's Foreword to the Appeal: "1 suspect that there will be some who can manage only a small or perhaps what they may consider a trifling donation. Please do not hesitate on this account: every donation helps and any response at all will be appreciated as evidence of your support and interest".

You will, I am sure, be interested to know what has been done so far with the money received into the Appeal Fund. £1, 000 has been handed to the Trustees for the new Library (which is being built in the old 'Crystal Palace' building, between the Offices and the Dining Hall block); it will be used for shelving and for books, inside which will be book-plates acknowledging the gift from the Appeal Fund. A further £1,000 has been handed over for

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equipment for the new Hall, which will include the stage lighting, the special Hall lighting, a new cinema projector and a trophy case.

We are a young School, and a growing one. We have not yet produced a Prime Minister or (perhaps more improbably) an Archbishop of Canterbury or York. But I am sure we have among our numbers some with the agricultural or industrial or professional equivalent of a Field Marshal's baton in their knapsacks. Not that these distinctions are necessarily the mark of a good school. It is, I think, more to the point to enquire whether we would want to send our sons to Lord Wandsworth College if we could. Some already have. I hope I shall. Some, to a limited extent, may be assisted in this by the School, but the School obviously cannot be expected to provide more than some assistance for relatively few places. This in itself is reason enough for the existence of the Charity Fund, and I hope it will not be long before the Fund is large enough to provide the first Old Sternians Scholarship. You will see, from Roy Brewster's report, that progress is slow so far. So don't forget this long-term objective of the Association, even though the emphasis at this time may be on the Appeal Fund for the new buildings.

I have said enough, and more than enough, about Funds and Appeals, and not enough about the Old Sternians Association itself. Most of what needs to be said will be said by others, but there is one point that I should like to make. Sometimes in the course of Committee meetixfgs I have the feeling that those who have been entrusted with the running of the Association are a bit isolated from the body of membership whom they represent. I do not mean that the Regional Secretaries and others fail to give due attention to the views of other Old Sternians, but that things are left too much to the Committee. Please do what you can to make contact with other Old Boys, and to keep in touch with neighbouring ones - apart from the pleasures of friendship, there is always the possibility that you will be able to be helpful, or will yourself need help some time, whether it be advice, or help in settling into a new neighbourhood, or any of the other services that a friend may perform. And keep the Committee up to scratch, at

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the AGM and at the other times!

It is easy for me to instruct you to badger the Committee, since I have reached the time for retirement from the Chair. I am tempted to ride hobby-horses which have been kept stabled while the Committee's eye was upon me, but I am disappointed to find that there are few of them. I will mention just one: my hope that some day there will be a respectable and enduring School Song, to replace the doggerel that is produced for the shambles that goes by the name of the Christmas Tea - an occasion whose awfulness increases (I believe) year by year. But then, I suppose this is only a reaction of age, which also increases (strange to say!) year by year.

Finally, I want to use this opportunity to express thanks. To the Trustees, on behalf of the Association, for the very real interest they take in our affairs, and for their encouragement to success. To the School, which

includes the Trustees, the Headmaster and the Staff, for its constant hospitality to all Old Boys who visit Long Sutton, with or without notice. To the Headmaster, for much more than I could hope to describe here. To our retiring President forhis services inthe pastthree years, and to our Vice-Presidents. My personal thanks are due to the Committee, not only for running the Association but also for the very good spirit that prevails at our meetings, even at the end of five taxing hours. And, in culmination, I want to join the Committee's thanks with mine, to all the Old Sternians who do not simply support the Association but are the Association. Thank you all.

F.H.C. PODGER

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HEADMASTER LETTER

Dear Editor,

Thank you for once again inviting me to let you know about the activities at Long Sutton during the past session. Academically we have made sound progress, and the normal quota of boys will be going up to Universities, Colleges of Technology and to Agricultural Colleges.

Francis Dunn, (son of an Old Sternian) goes up to Churchill College, Cambridge to read Modern Languages.

At Christmas Mr. James and Mr. Howarth produced "Richard Ill". There is just a faint hope that the production in December, 1965 will be in the new Hall. At Easter, Mr. Taylor, arranged a concert which included girls from Clare Park School, Crondall. In the general opinion, the quality of the singing was improved by our visitors.

Both the rugby and cricket teams had quite good seasons, but we are at present in a transition period, with many young boys in each team. There is every promise of good teams in the next two seasons.

Our G.C.E. results for 1964 have been as follows: 41 boys between them obtained 59 Advanced level passes, 2 of Grade A standard, 10 of Grade B, 10 of Grade C, 15 of Grade D and 22 of Grade E. Also during the session 367 10' level passes were obtained. Of these 16 were of Grade I, 14 of Grade II and 105 of Grade III. The remainder were in Grades IV, V and VI.

Of the boys who left in July 1964, 13 went to University, 21 to Technical College, 2 to Sandhurst, 2 to Banking, 1 to Accountancy, 15 to Industry and Commerce, 11 to Agriculture, 1 to the Army as a boy entrant and I to the Police Cadets.

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Staff changes include the going of Mr. Morgan to Ewell Grammar School, Mr. Stoyle to a Reading school and Mr. Strudwick to a preparatory school in Cheshire. In their places we are welcoming Mr. Davies from Elizabeth College, Guernsey, Mr. Ingall from Bristol University. Mr. Tindall is joining us from Cambridge and Mr. Harris from St. Luke's College, Exeter.

The expansion programme is going well and we hope to have one new House under Mr. Ward ready to be occupied by 60 boys in September. By the same time we hope that the converted Dining Hall will be functioning and also a new block of classrooms by the Hall and two laboratories beside the existing block.

A great deal of work has been done so far and much remains still to do. By Christmas 1965, however, we expect to have the programme completed and we shall then begin to consolidate and shape the new set-up on the lines on which the Old Sternians have helped to establish.

I should like, if I may, to express my thanks to the Old Sternians for the interest they have shown in the plans for the future of the school. This lively interest is an excellent augury for the future.

Yours sincerely,

A. HENDERSON

Headmaster

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THE GENERAL SECRETARY'S REPORT

Activities of the Association 1964 - 1965

Activity in the Regions

The London Region

At the Reunion in March at the Carisbrooke Hall, John Gates retired from the office of Regional Secretary after completing his seventh year. The Region is very mindful of the splendid work done by John over these years, and as a token of esteem, he was presented with some sweets for his wife, and for himself, a stainless steel tray. The tray has since been inscribed. The new Secretary for the Region is Brian Reeve. Brian will Raise with the Southern Region in order to try and increase our attendance at the Reunion in March next year. It is also hoped to arrange a pub Reunion in October or November.

Over the past twelve months, Reunions have been held in some of the Regions, with the exception of the Northern. Unfortunately, Reunions planned for the Eastern and Midland Regions were cancelled.

The Western Region

The Reunion on 24th October at Arno's Court County Club constituted a change of venue. Another novel feature of this Reunion was that ladies were welcomed. It appears from the disappointing attendance of Sternians (31 out of a total of 51), that the change of venue appealed only to the ladies. That night the clocks went back, but the prospect of another hour in bed still did not encourage a higher attendance.

The Northern Region

Robin Alty has apologised that he was unable to instigate a Reunion within his Region and has asked the Committee to find someone to take over the position as Regional Secretary. Cecil Taylor (674), has agreed to step in from September.

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Reunions over the coming year will be held as follows

London - 13th March 1966 Midland - 19th March 1966

Mixed 1st November Southern - 15th October 1965 Western - 29th or 30th October 1965 Midland - 6th November 1965 Northern - To be fixed Eastern - 2nd or 9th October 1965

The Committee met twice during the past year, (in December and May), and discussions have included the following topics :- -

The The School Building Appeal

The most recent details of which have been given by the Chairman in his Report.

Non-paying Old Boys

A paper on this subject had been prepared by Hugh Podger for the consideration of the Committee. It stated that we should aim at recruiting one third of Old Boys to the Association (at present this would represent about 400). However, since certain members cease to be so later, we should aim at a high percentage of initial recruitment. A long discussion took place as to the desirability of Issuing Annual Membership Cards, without any definite conclusion being reached. It was suggested that the issuing of emblems should be restricted to paid-up members. In applying for emblems, members could use the current sub receipt form.

Alter further discussion of Membership Cards at the May Meeting, the idea was rejected, and similarly, the idea of providing badges stating name and number (to be worn at Reunions) was also rejected.

Recruitment

David Webber gave a talk to school leavers, as arranged. Hugh visited the school at the end of June to talk to summer leavers. He emphasised the importance

of becoming paid-up members, pointing out that this was a necessary qualification to be eligible to represent the Sternians in Sports Fixtures against the School, or to vote at meetings.

The present Housemasters will be pleased to help us in familiarising leavers with the aims and objects of the Association, as would the Housemasters of the new houses. Housemasters of the Senior Houses would be asked to put up a notice board displaying Sternian news and information. Also information sheets and circulars would be sent to them.

The Committee was in favour of the idea of recruiting Old Boys straight from school and letting them come to the reunion immediately after leaving. This meant that the Association has a responsibility to prevent the recurrence of certain incidents which had caused the school to view the idea with displeasure.

The Sternian Magazine

In general, the new format of the Sternian was Lpproved, and especially the inclusion of photographs was welcomed. However, there was some criticism of the type-face used and Ray Thatcher could arrange for this to be made bolder. The issue was late in publication, and to avoid this happening again Ray was anxious to have in all contributions by 26th July at the latest.

Meals for Old Boys

The catering staff have been put to considerable inconvenience by the arrival of large numbers of Old Boys descending upon the school, especially at Christmas time expecting meals to be provided. The Chairman had offered a contribution on behalf of the Association to defray the cost of such meals, but the School had declined the offer.

Car Badges

Bob Hunt has been looking into the possibility of obtaining Car Badges for Sternians. Two samples were shown to the Meeting, and it was agreed that we should adopt the brass badge. The probable cost will be 15/-each.

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Life Membership

Noel Taylor told the Meeting that the Committee had discussed the question of Life Membership, and recommended that this should be introduced. This gave rise to the liveliest discussion of any subject on the Agenda, and by very prolonged and devious means, resulting in proposal and counter-proposal, the following proposal was adopted

Life Membership shall be available. The sum shall be twenty times the current annual subscription for members over 21. Alternatively, the Life Membership Subscription may be paid over a period of three years. In this case, the sum shall be three instalments, each of seven times the annual subscription.

Central Registry

The Association has bought an Addressing Machine. This will greatly facilitate the despatch of correspondence to Sternians, especially as the Association is expanding. Many hundreds of names and addresses have had to be indexed, and it has been the lot of Ian Harvey to cope with all this. The AGM expressed its gratitude to Ian for his hard work.

The History of the School

Arthur Webb reported that the task of compiling material for the Book on the History of the School was continuing apace. He had been fruitful in finding out the details of the Foundation, and the early development of the School, but personal recollections from past pupils were conspicuously, few in number, despite requests to Old Boys.

The Annual Reunion

The Reunion Secretary, Bill Livingstone, was unable to be present at the Reunion, owing to the fact that his sister chose to be married on Saturday, 17th July! At short notice, David Webber stepped in to see that the

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weekend went smoothly. All of us who were there have good reason to thank David for attending to our needs, frequently interrupting his own meals to do so.

The Retiring Chairman

Ron Burlingham echoed the feeling of the Association in recognition of the untiring efforts of Hugh Podger in his capacity as Chairman of the Association over the last two years. His energy and efficiency is well known, and the Committee in particular knows that his businesslike and authoritative conduct of meetings has enabled much positive progress to be made. It is hoped that he will soon take up a Life Membership of the Association, so that the Sternians will be assured of his support for many years to comet

O.S.A. REUNION JULY 1965

Because of the extensions and alterations being made to the main dining hail and kitchens the Reunion this year was held in Junior House. In view of the limited kitchen facilities many feared for the Annual Dinner. These fears turned out to be unfounded when Mrs. Steward and her staff, to whom all thanks are due, turned out a spread to equal any of its predecessors.

The memories of anyone who was a resident at Junior House include the game of Puddex. The weekend had hardly started when someone suggested that enough people were around to make up two teams. This was duly done and a spirited game ensued, much to the chagrin of some members whose eye was better than their wind.

Some 50 people attended the Annual Dinner in the Junior House dining room. Mr. C. H. James spoke of the past year in the School and proposed a toast to the Association. He also told a most notable cricketing story which has since been voted by this writer as the "Best After-Dinner Story I have heard" M. K. A. (Mike) Smith

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replied to the toast and expressed the Association's interest in the expension that the School was presently undergoing. He also expressed his personal interest in the new buildings in his capacity as "architect's labourer". Wine and beer were available at the Dinner for the first time, as a very successful experiment. It is hoped that a more plentiful supply will be made available next year.

No reunion would be complete without an extension at the "Shoes". An uncounted (for obvious reasons) number of members took up residence in that noble establishment and it is thought that although the attendance at the Reunion was about half its normal number, the amount of beer consumed was only slightly down.

On Sunday morning Mr. R. E. Ward, the pros-pective housemaster of one of the new houses, conducted a tour round the most complete house. This is to be occupied as from the Autumn Term of 1965.

This tour and the ever-increasing length of the AGM precluded any visit to the "Shoes" before another of Mrs. Steward's splendid meals. This lack of stimulant may explain the small enthusiasm displayed for the traditional cricket match. Not to be thwarted the more energetic spirits led by Peter Lilley with spanner in hand "borrowed" 0. T. -S. 's go-kart for the afternoon and at his suggestion set up a course on the sports field. Twelve members then took part in a competition to find Jim Clark's successor. Alter two timed laps for each driver Peter Lilley and Peter Lake were tied with lap times of 36. 6 seconds. Peter Lake was the eventual winner in a two-lap run-off. He generously donated his winnings to the Charity Fund.

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H2A1ZVH

lt"H Aqwss

-

Extension to Laboratories

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Members attending the Reunion were :-

24 W. T. Betts 563 R. Brewster 34 A. L. Webb 565 F.H.C. Podger 53 G. M. Johnson 588 L. H. Cline 59 R. J. Jones 608 R. Hunt 61 E. Broomfield 630 R. H. Burlingham

101 A. J. Bradley 642 I. Harvey 107 W. E. Davis 786 D. Evans 149 S. W. Gaught 840 M. Beckley 157 N. Valentine 922 M.K.A. Smith 171 E.G. Light 960 R. Little 189 W. J. Organ 987 B. J. Reeve 255 J. Coe A40 G.R.E. Pope 282 W. Williams A41 M. L. Sims 331 R. W. Bryant A4'7 D. Webber 368 P. Lake A77 S. J. Webb 369 P. Lilley A82 R. Harwood 398 J. Perry A84 P. Higban 399 N. Taylor A107 T.R. Fawdry 455 J. Gates A138 P. Simpson 482 N. Humphrey A195 D. Wagstaff

A307 G. Crook

TREASURER'S NOTES

As I forecasted at the 1964 Annual Reunion income from subscriptions for 1964 showed an increase over the previous year and had risen by almost £90. More note-worthy was the increase in subscribers from 197 to 253. However, this means that approximately only one Old Boy out of five who has attended Lord Wandsworth College subscribes to the Association and there is much scope for increased membership.

General expenses (printing, stationery, postage, and travelling) were £143 for 1964 against £201 for 1963, while the cost of 'The Sternian' magazine was £11.10. Od.

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less due to a smaller number of copies being printed. To assist Regional Secretaries and to maintain a central record of information relating to Old Boys the Committee has purchased an addressing machine and ancillary equipment and the cost of these will be written off over a period of ten years. The total expenditure charged in the 1964 accounts was £232 and thus there was a surplus of income over expenditure of £42 for 1964 compared with the deficit of £142 for 1963.

The balance of the Association's General Fund at 31stDecember 1964 was £275 which is still lower than our reserve at 30th June 1961. Although the result for 1964 is an improvement on the previous year it will take a long time at our present level of activity for the reserves of the Association to reach a satisfactory level. If each Old Sternian contacts at least one other Old Boy and persuades him to join the Association our financial position would be greatly improved.

The principle of having life members of the Association was discussed at the 1965 Annual Reunion and it was decided that this was desirable and that the sub-scription should be £20 or £21 payable in three annual amounts of £7. The introduction of life membership will enable the Association's funds to be built up more quickly during the next few years when it is hoped that we shall achieve our aim of providing a Scholarship from the Charity Fund.

Subscriptions

The annual subscription is ONE POUND (1) per annum for all members over the age of 21 and TEN SHILLINGS (10/-) per annum up to the age of 21, all* such subscriptions being due on the 1st January.

Subscriptions should be paid to Regional Secretaries and by using the Bankers Order method of payment, Old Boys are helping the Association and are relieved of the uncertainity of whether or not they have paid their subscriptions.

LEONARD CLINE

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THE NEW BUILDINGS

As those who were at Long Sutton for the Annual Reunion will know, work on the new buildings has been proceeding apace, and is very close to schedule, despite poor weather in the early stages. The timetable provided for the first of the Houses to be completed by 31st July, and indeed it was necessary to extend this date by only a week. The secondHouse is due to be completedbefore the end of the year, and it is expected that all work will be finished by 31st December.

Apart from the two Houses, each of which is designed to accommodate 75 boys (including 25 in study-bedrooms in each House), the programme of building and alterations comprises

Hall - to seat 400-500, with two cloakrooms that are tobe used also as changing-rooms for visiting teams, 'green room', stage dressing-rooms and music room.

Classrooms - in a block adjoining the Hall, which will include a language laboratory.

Laboratories - two large laboratories, with two ancillary rooms, in a block extending to the South from the existing laboratory block.

Dining Hall Block - removal of the library, with dining accommodation in its place, partly filling in the existing well in the centre of the building, and the addition of a prefabricated building at the rear of the kitchen to provide additional space for food preparation etc.

Library - conversion of the front of the 'Crystal Palace' building, with central doors, to provide space for up to 14, 000 books (some three or four times the previous facilities).

Handicrafts Block - extension of the 'Power House' building - to provide metal and wood workshops.

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General Works - provision of a new car-park behind the transport yard, conversion of part of the office block to house an oil-fired boiler for heating the hail and new classrooms, conversion of the School House heating to oil-firing, extension to the sewage plant, new paths and roadways, adaptation of the laundry building into an art room.

It Is hardly to be wondered at that the sum of money required for the extensions is large, some £350,000, which has to be met almost entirely out of the capital of the Foundation. An approximate breakdown of the total cost is as follows (the figures do not include all the equipment): Hall and classrooms £75, 000; Houses £165,000; Laboratories £17,500; alterations (Dining Hall, Library, etc.) E40,000; Sewage £10,000; External Works (roads etc.) £20, 000.

Your attention is drawn to the Chairman's Letter earlier in this magazine, where reference is made to the New Buildings Appeal. It is hoped that all of the Old Boys of the School will contribute to the Appeal before the end of this year, when work will be completed, although the Appeal will probably remain open a little longer, for late contributors. This Fund has now reached the £10,000 mark.

One problem is the question of giving names to the two new Houses. The general idea is to find names that will go well with School House and Sutton House, will be distinctive and capable of standing the test of time, have some local associations, and will not be the names of any person. One possibility was to name the Houses after fields on the School's estate, but these names (Saulgrove etc.) have already been appropriated to other buildings in Long Sutton, or are borne by the games houses. One house will be called "Hazelvere' (after the field in front of the Houses), but what about the other? There is very little time to come to a decision, but if anyone has a suggestion, please send it to Hugh Podger (Grange Close, Grange Road, Horsell, Woking, Surrey) without delay. The suggestions will then be passed on, if not too late. No prizes are offered!

F.H.C. PODGER

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ROUND THE REGIONS

London Region

This year saw the retirement of John Gates as Regional Secretary. John was Secretary for eight years, and I should like to take this opportunity of expressing our thanks to him for his sterling service and untiring enthusiasm during this time.

The eighth Annual Reunion was held at the Carisbrooke Hall on Saturday, 13th March. This was our second year here and thanks to a superb meal at a reasonable price and the excellent bar facilities I feel that this will be our home for many years to come.

After the usual last minute worry regarding numbers some seventy-four members and guests arrived on Saturday evening to enjoy a four course meal.

The Chairman Hugh Podger kept a watchful eye on the proceedings. The toast to the School was given by Brian Stafford and Mr Orr replied for the School.

We were pleased to welcome among our guests Mr. and Mrs. Henderson and Miss Emery. Also several ladies of the Gosden House Association who continue to support the function.

The formal proceedings were concluded with a presentation to John Gates of a serving tray and chocolates for his wife. The tray has since been suitably inscribed.

Following the dinner the gathering broke up into informal groups and we enjoyed the comforts of Carisbrooke Hall until 11.00 p.m.

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Mr. and Mrs. Henderson Miss Emery Mr. Irvine Mr. Orr Mrs. E. Robson Mrs. B. Sharp Mrs. J.H. Dawson G. E. Barnes M. Beckley W. J. Betts H. G. Birkett M. J. Birkett A. J. Bradley N. J. Brittain Mrs. Brittain E. W. Broomfield Mrs. Broomfield L. A. Brown H. Burlingham C. Butler N. G. Clarke G.J.R. Coleman T. G. Curry W.A.B. Dance T.R. Fawdry R. Fulk J. Gates J. F. Gibson P. N. Gillibrand Mrs. Gillibrand J. Haicrow Miss Anna Langton Col. E.H. Hancock

S. G. Humphrey Mrs. Humphrey H. Jennings P. Lake P. Lilley R. Little D. R. Lydford B. Madelin B. Mason Mrs. Mason J. McHardy B. Norsworthy Mrs. Norsworthy K. J. Norsworthy Mrs. Norsworjthy J. S. Pennington Mrs. Pennington A.R.T. Perry F.H.C. Podger R. Pope B. J. Reeve D. S. Roberts P. Smith Mrs. Smith R. Stabbins B. L. Stafford M. D. Stafford N. Taylor R. Thatcher D. W. Wagstaff A. L. Webb Mrs. Webb S. J. Webb

Next year's dinner will again be held at the Carisbrooke Hall on Saturday, 12th March. Further it is hoped to hold an informal 'pub gathering' in October or November but further details will be circulated nearer the date.

BRIAN REEVE

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Midland Region

This year has been one of mixed blessings for the Midland Region.

Once again we arranged for the use of a private room at the Queens Hotel, Birmingham for our Annual Dinner, but unfortunately the cost had increased over last year. This increase, though slight, was enough to deter virtually everyone, and the Dinner had to be cancelled. We are finding it very difficult to arrange dinners in the centre of Birmingham at prices which everyone can afford, so we are always grateful for suggestions for suggestions for other centres where they could be held.

The Dinner this year will be held on Saturday, 6th November 1965; the venue has not yet been finally fixed.

In March we were once again very fortunate to be able to use the R. N. R. Mess in Birmingham (our thanks due to Bob Hunt) for our stag meeting. Among the Midland Region Old Sternians present were

Peter Allen Peter Anderson (now living in Coventry) David Brown Henry Dixon Malcolm Edwards Peter Hawkins Bob Hunt Ivor Jenkins John Merriman Mike Richards Mike Smith Bill Turner Keith Wood

A buffet meal was provided (with the help of a couple of wives) for a small charge which helped to make the evening a success. The beer and stories of Long Sutton flowed freely, and some colour slides were shown of 'schooldays at L. W. C. in the past' - not too distant thought

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As we said at the beginning of this report the past year was a mixed one, so let us see if we can make the coming year one to remember in the Midlands.

JCL. WOOD Southern Region

Activities have quietened down this year, although there is still plenty of enthusiasm amongst our members. The normal March newsletter was discontinued because it virtually contained the same news as The Sternian; both going to members, although the newsletter went to non-members as well but with no avail.

Our annual regional reunion was held on Friday, 16th October, 1964 at the Awdry Restaurant in Winchester. Thirty-one persons attended a dinner; instead of the usual buffet and we were pleased to have Mr. Stopford and the Headmaster amongst all our guests. Hugh Podger proposed the toast which was responded by Charles Hallows (Staff). I asked for nominations for the position of Regional Secretary but as none were forthcoming I was duly elected Regional Secretary for a further period of two years. It was a very pleasant evening. Time went quickly and many acquaintances were renewed. The following were present :-

24 W. J. Betts 331 R. W. Bryant 926 J. R. Collyer

A307 G. 1. Crook 903 J. N. Dyson

A. L. Emery W. L. Fryer

149 S. W. Gaught A. Goodliffe

Al 80 W.R.H. Green C. Hallows

642 I. Harvey A. Henderson

59 P. J. Jones Mrs. Jones

A77

53 G. M. Johnson 960 R. Little

E.S.K. Major A88 M. E. Millichamp

A402 J. R. Mitham J. Y. Orr

565 F.H.C. Podger A349 J.D. Roe

P. J. Seelig O.T. Stodart R. J. Stopford

121 R. C. Trigwell Mrs. Trig-well

34 A. L. Webb Mrs. Webb

S. J. Webb

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The next reunion will be held on Friday, 15th October 1965, again at the Awdry Restaurant and it will be a dinner. We hope to see you all there. The cost of the tickets will probably remain at 15/6d. each.

MICHAEL MILLICHAMP North Region

Another lean year; I am permanently resident in London now and have been unable to organise anything in the North.

There is however a ray of hope for anxious revellers. Cecil Taylor has sportingly offered to replace me as Secretary, and I fancy a Reunion will be on the cards sometime before Christmas. Vincit Perseverantia.

ROBIN ALTY

Overseas Section

This year I have been able to get out amongst my "constituents" - they did not elect me - I was thrust upon them Unfortunately I was only fortunate enough to meet Reg Peacock in Nairobi, and then only too briefly My stay in East Africa did not allow enough time to seek out Dr. Douglas Fraser in Nairobi, nor Chris Skinner in Kampala where he is teaching at Kololo School.

It was good to meet my best correspondent Frank Coe, who is home on holiday and attended this year's Reunion at Long Sutton. He will be able to take back news to the increased band of Old Sternians in Australia.

David Barker (597) has recently taken up a post as a Veterinary Surgeon in charge of Beef Husbandry Research in Perth, Western Australia. I believe John Smith (from Sevenoaks) also departed for Australia during 1964, but unfortunately I have no real news of his arrival there.

Graham Hartree met Bill Williams last October at an Agricultural Show where Graham was Vice President and Chief Steward. Bill had driven 150 miles each way for this meeting, and although Graham's duties cared for a lot of his time, needless to say some was spare (over

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several glasses of ale) for swapping reminiscences. This year Graham attended the 50th Anniversary of Anzac Day, as an ex-8th Army man he joined 12,000 other servicemen in a March through Adelaide.

Still in Australasia, I have news from Michael Fountaine in New Zealand: he is at present at Massey University - I wonder if he will meet Michael Thomas who was / is also studying there?

Robin Farbrother in Assam sends news of the birth of a daughter - Jane Elizabeth, born 7th October 1964 - Congratulations Robin!

From America comes news from Derek Lowe who has now joined the advanced research and development division of A. V. C. 0 after a year's Sabbatical leave. He is now engaged in research on re-entry vehicles and other space problems.

Tony Scott was home on leave from America recently with his wife. Tony, who is at the George Washington University, continues to play cricket regularly and his Club were most excited when they entertained the Yorkshire County Team during their tour of the U. S. A.

Ian Madelin is in Cyprus with the R. A. F. and I have also received a letter from Dr. David Revill who is in Kampala, Uganda.

Owing to the demands of my work I am afraid I have been forced to neglect my correspondence somewhat to all parts of the world, and I hope the various members of the Overseas Region will forgive my lapses. Particularly, I feel I have neglected Roy Foster who is not really one of my "members", but as a Radio Officer with the Blue Star Line he has done much on my behalf to keep contactwith Sternians all over the world. Nowl have temporarily (I hope) lost contact with Roy. I hope he will forgive the lapse.

It is a sobering thought that truly the "sun never sets" on the Old Sternians.

PETER LAKE

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ROBIN LITTLE THE OLD STERNIANS CHARITY FUND

Report for the 1965 Reunion and "The Sternian"

1. The Fund now comprises:- Reunion

1965 1964

Cash and Debtors 151 161 Investments, at cost 393 188

£544 £349

2. The number of Deeds in favour of the Fund is : 26 20

3. For 1965/1966 (withlncome Tax at 8/3d. in the £) the gross Income from the above Deeds is £119

4. The Income for the last Financial year is :- 31.12.64. 31.12. 63

Deeds (Gross) 80 54 Donations 82 51 Interest and Dividends (Gross) 13 3

175 108 Deduct: Stamp Duty 2

Net Income £175 £108

5. It will be observed that only six Deeds have been made in favour of the Fund during the last year and that progress is very slow. At the present time I would not like to estimate when we will have sufficient investments toprovide enoughlncome sothat we cangive a scholarship to the son of an Old Boy.

As the Building Appeal Fund is still in existence it is apparent that the Charity Fund is taking second place. The Building Fund will, one day, close and the Committee have agreed that a special effort to raise the Income for the Charity Fund should be made when the Building Fund is out of the way.

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As I have said before no Deed or Donation is too small and any amount would be welcome. If you require any more information please let me know or alternatively contact your Area Secretary who now holds a supply of Deed of Covenant forms.

R. BREWSTER NOTES & NEWS

David Barker (597) : Joined the 'Brain Drain' and doing research into beef husbandry for the Australian Govern-ment and based at Perth.

G. B. Bayliss (544) : Draughtsman. B. A. C. Filton. Vice-Chairman Saitford Regatta - in spare time is busy modernising 80-year old house which is likely to take him five years. He also finds time to make (and drink) various wines.

R.W. Bracher (359) Director of Morlands Sheepskin Tanners, Coat and Footwear Manufacturers, Glastonbury. Director Somersetshire Building Society.

P. G. Bracher 831) :18 Assistant Manager at Cambrian United Dairies Bottling Depot, Marshfield, Near Cardiff.

R. Burdge (632) : Farms 170 acres at Enmore, Near Bridgwater, Somerset. Has two boys. Takes bed and breakfast guests.

Tony Beresford (A224) : Working in the Westminster Bank Limited in Bournemouth.

Stan Davies (274) : Still completely involved with local and national activities.

N. J. Durnford (A325) : Is a student Public Health Inspector working for Local Authority at present attending block release course at Bristol Technical College.

John Gibson : Lecturer in Inorganic Chemistry at Imperial College London.

Alan Goodlifie : Production engineer with British Aircraft Corporation at Filton.

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Roger Green (A180) : Working at Harold Longsters in Southampton. Completed a course at Pershore Institute obtaining his N. C. H.

I. Harvey (642) : Is Work Study Officer at Robinsons of Bristol.

G. Hawker (818) : Herdsman - but is on the look-out for an easier way of life Has a two-year old son who should by now have a brother or sister.

B. D. Howells (461) : Senior Geography Master at Chippenham High School for Boys.

J. W. Johnson (A398) : Helping his father run a car-hire service and agricultural contracting business at St. Martin, Cornwall.

J. W. Lawrence (770) : Is working with the same Company as Gerald Smith (543).

R. G. T. Lucas (371) Is shop foreman in a major transport maintenance and repair depot of the Unigate organisation at Westbury, Wiltshire.

Michael Millichamp (A88) : Still working at Barclays Bank Limited, but now in Reading. Sharing a flat in Basingstoke. Old Boys always welcome.

Richard Mitham (A402) Working on his father's farm in Basingstoke.

M. G. Palmer (A311) Working on his father's farm near Martock, Somerset. Planning a working holiday in America in 1966.

Pat Partridge (A239) : Working in Barclays Bank Limited at Alton. Plays rugger for Basingstoke.

Jesse Pope Ordained 6th March 1965 at St. John's, Roanoke, Virginia.

John Roe (A349) : Only heard of when throwing wild parties. Drives an Austin 10 and a Vanden Plas alternatively.

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Reverend G. Smith (742) Marrying August 1966 - due to take R. A. F. Chaplaincy in July 1966 (if there is an R.A.F. then).

G. V. Smith (543) : Mill Manager at R. Townsend & Co. Limited, Stroud.

W. H. Williams (282) : Education Department, Somerset County Council at Taunton.

It is with regret that during the last year we learnt of the deaths of the following Old Sternians.

Graham George Blake (668) : September 1944 to July 1949. Sergeant R. A. F. Killed in aircraft crash near Oxford 6th July 1965. Aged 31 years, leaves wife and four children.

George Harold Kitcher (333) May 1935 to July 1940. Date of birth 21. 9.1922.

John Vivian Reder (A435) : September 1960 to July 1963. Date of birth 1.2.1947.

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