BY OLD SALIANS FOR OLD SALIANS

FEBRUARY 2009 NEWS

WHERE ARE THEY NOW I get frequent requests from members seeking to locate old schoolmates and in most cases it is possible to help. In future issues I will be asking you readers if you can help. Does anyone have news about Stuart Titterington who started SGS in 1950? Roy Partington would like to contact him. Please email me with any information so that I can pass it on.

RHUBARB, RHUBARB

Contribution from Nick Edmundson Turning the clock back fifty years is a thought-provoking journey back down memory lane. At the time

I lived in Bowdon. I walked to school in the company of Hugh Beggs, a young lad who was destined to

lead the school as Head Boy. In those days we shared an interest in church music. We would meet by

the Dome church in Bowdon and walk to the bottom of The Downs to catch the 47 / 48 bus to the top

of The Avenue. By comparison with modern youth we were tame. We certainly took the view that rules

were there to be bent or even broken, but, we were never as flagrant in our actions as modern youth.

Collecting friends and Class-mates as we walked, we would saunter along the length of the Avenue.

Often, we would find ourselves being overtaken by ‘Knocker’ – PLN, our beloved Headmaster. He was

famous for walking with a purposeful determined step. In all my years at SBGS, come rain or shine, I

never saw him sport any kind of headgear.

Leaving coats in either of the cloakrooms, we would gather in our registration groups outside our form

room and wait for our form-master. I particularly remember Gordon Kinder, a tyrant, but a fair

martinet. He instituted a registration that involved numbers rather than names. Ardern, Arnold, Atkins

became 1 – 2 – 3 etc. I remember being No 6 of 36.

Chiefy Kinder had at his disposal a fiendish punishment for those who over-stepped his routine. He

would line his victim’s nose against the blackboard and create a thick chalk circle some two inches

above that height. His victim was required to rub the chalk away using only his nose. Any evidence

that the tongue had been used would result in a larger chalk circle being created. The laughter and

mirth from the body of the class had more to do with relief at not being singled out for punishment,

rather than any sympathy for the poor unfortunate at the front of the class.

Looking back over the decades I have to mention Ernie Wilcox. He helped me understand the

complexities of Maths. He had a way of explaining procedures that was lacking in other Maths

teachers. In later years, when I was involved in helping and encouraging those who had been expelled

from school, I used the same approach that he had used with me. His kindness and catchphrase – Eee

yer Mary-Anne – proved an inspiration to me.

In contrast, those who attempted to teach me History left me totally baffled. Taking dictation of reams

of dry historical facts did nothing whatever for me. It is only now in my mid-sixties that I am beginning

to take an interest in, and even enjoy, History. My lack of interest might have had much to do with a

size 11 gym-shoe! Week after week I was bent over in order to be given an upright character. It did not

work ! !

Morning assemblies could be memorable. Many were the mornings when 4th and 5th year boys would

use the time taken to sing the morning hymn to copy work from friends. Sitting on the floor in the body

of the hall was the perfect screen, hidden by a sea of legs. Time enough to copy work and pass it off as

your own.

In those days we had David Parker as a pupil pianist. He caused a stir when he drove himself to school

in a Bond Minicar.

Mention must be made of the Air Raid shelters. They were perfect for clandestine assignations! If a

trifle niffy !

Also, in passing, up by the Wood / Metal work rooms, there used to be an kitchen garden where

Rhubarb grew in abundance. On one memorable occasion, half of a class about to have a French lesson

chose to arrive complete with sticks of Rhubarb which were stuck in the desk inkwells, in order to hide

from Sir. The pandemonium was superb. The classroom was immediately above PLN’s study. The

member of staff concerned was gone a few weeks later, at the end of term.

What really sticks out in my memory ?

Butter Beans by the ton – with all the flavour boiled out. Cabbage likewise. Solid sponge pudding and

lumpy custard.

Lining up against the wall, where a black band developed as blazers were rubbed against its length.

Whilst it is true to say that my schooldays were not particularly happy ones, - they certainly influenced

the rest of my life

-Play up De Massey

– Nick Edmundson (Class of 58)

Editors Comments I used to live at the bottom of the Downs, turn right and then

first left into John Street. Where the house in which I was born stood now proudly

stands Sainsbury’s Fruit and Veg. Section. Maybe the teachers at SGS got it right

when they called me a bit of a cabbage!

A REAL ACHIEVEMENT

Contribution from Peter Crawford Following Navigation Road Primary School I somehow finished up in Class 1Y under Ernie Wilcock at SGS in September 1952. I shouldn’t have been there at all really as my Dad wanted me to play football at Altrincham GS and definitely not rugby at SGS! He had been a budding footballer, a dazzling left winger in his youth but a crippling injury had cut short his dreams of becoming a professional. I was supposed to be the professional that he had wanted me to be so the first stage after passing the Scholarship was to get me into Altrincham GS. The first plan mis-fired as for some strange reason, although living in Timperley I was sent to Sale. My parents and I were expecting Altrincham (my sister did 3 years earlier) but it never happened, despite my dad’s strongest efforts when writing to the Director of Education in Chester, Dr. Kellett. He would not budge! As it happened, it wouldn’t have mattered anyway because I was never any good as a player, whether football or rugby. I enjoyed playing both games but was far better as a spectator, preferring to watch those brilliant young lads at Old Trafford, who became “The Busby Babes”. I recall it was Jack Dunbar, a fellow classmate, who first introduced me to the magnificent Manchester United Youth Team and I have been a supporter ever since, although these days I am much happier watching Nantwich Town FC, my local club, as a season ticket holder. I was born on 14th October 1940, the same day as Cliff Richards and Christopher Timothy. I am no longer a singer, an actor, wealthy, met Billy Graham, own a vineyard in Portugal or a home in Barbados or spend years pretending to be a Yorkshire vet or latterly as a doctor. However, there is something I have done which I am aware, as far as I know, that they have not achieved and that is to reach a total of 100 blood donations with the National Blood Service.. If they have then forgive me. But to quote the phrase “amazing” became a donor was something I never wanted to do and it certainly wasn’t contacting them had my remotest thought. To be frank, I was volunteered !!

Peter, front right, at the Platinum award ceremony

On leaving SGS, drifting through 1Y,2Y, 3Y and 4Y and managed only two detentions, I became an audit clerk with a firm of Chartered Accountants in Manchester, which, was my dad’s idea, but a bit barmy as I was never very bright at Maths. I was always interested in English, History and Geography, never Maths. One of my colleagues at the office was a young qualified accountant, who played cricket and refereed at football. He told me that he was a blood donor and constantly encouraged be to become a donor. “Never”, I said, “Never in a million years”. He kept badgering me but it was always the decision. I just didn’t fancy it and it would never happen. Then, after a particular blood donor session that he had attended, he said to me on a Monday morning, “Guess what? I’ve volunteered for you. I have filled in one of those cards who I can give as a friend who has agreed to volunteer”. I can remember clearly saying to him,”Well, you have wasted your time. I won’t be going even if they send for me. I don’t know why you bothered. I won’t be going.

A few months went by…until one day, the card arrived on my doormat. My initial reaction was the same as before, I would not be going. The more my colleague encouraged me the more I was determined not to have anything whatsoever to be part of it. Then, amazingly, on the day of the session I had a change of mind and decided to go along, just to see what it was all about. It was on a Sunday afternoon at Stamford Hall, Altrincham at 2.30pm. I finally got up enough confidence to go through the door then, on arriving, and seeing one of the pretty nurses, this donating business suddenly seemed much easier and better.. I was full of macho and determination, but she asked me something I had not anticipated. “Have you brought your parent or guardian’s permission?” I WAS STUNNED. I was only19 and, at that time in 1959, if you wee under 21 you had to provide a permission letter. No I had never thought of that so, being declined, only served me doubly determined to go the next time, about three months later and at last, the first donation was on Sunday, 28th February 1960. I enjoyed it, I felt a million dollars. The rest is history, I was awarded a bronze medal after 10 donations on June 28th 1964, silver for 25 on 6th July 1972, Gold after 50 on 31st December 1984, Emerald for 75 on 26th November 1997 and diamond on 14th January 2007 for 100 donations.

Peter with his good lady wife at the Old Trafford platinum awards

My presentation Award of a Royal Doulton Crystal Decanter plus a medal and certificate was held at Lancashire Cricket Club, Old Trafford on 16th March 2007. It was a brilliant day, along with several other donors who had reached 75 or 100 donations. (see photo with my wife, who I must say she consumed a sight more wine than I did). In fact, that was the only odd thing about the day. It was my day yet she was drinking all the wine !! Now I have reached 107 donations, the latest one on Saturday, 20th December at The Civic Hall, Nantwich I must say that achieving awards and totals is all very well but the most important thing is saving lives and the NBS, who are constantly needing blood every hour, every day. Around 1200 donors a day are needed to maintain an adequate supply of blood for the North West. And I am so pleased to have become a donor and particularly that my blood type O Negative is universl, only 7% of us, who can be used for anyone at anytime, whether it be a baby, a cancer patient or an accident casualty. I just feel privileged that in some way I can be of help to someone in need and will continue as long as possible. Am I now so glad to have been ”volunteered” by my colleague, back in 1959. It’s just about the best thing I have ever done. Peter Crawford (Class of 52)

CLASS OF 47 REUNION DINNER Styal Golf Club in Cheshire was the venue for the November Annual Dinner of the Class of 47. The event ,well organised by Graham Howe, was attended by 21 ex pupils and partners. The food was excellent and the wine flowed freely.

Barratt, Gibson,Howe, Casey and Atkins. A fine body of men Many a tale of days gone by was related and as usual much exaggerated by the passage of time

Atkins, Huffman and Jordan with ladies

The next get together is at Marsh Farm Hotel in Wiltshire during March. Keith Sibbald (Class of 47)

OLD SKOOL ANTHEMZ

Uplifting, setting a challenge, creating a team spirit and identity. All these are the motivating drive behind a good school song and the reasons why S.G.S. had to have one. So why did Mr. G.G Unwin and Mr. L.Hughes-Jones have to write one I ask? I was in the third year, I think, when we were called into the Hall to listen to and practice the results of the long hours of composition that Mr U and Mr H-J had expended. As always we did our best but we working with material not in the same league as “Jerusalem” or for that matter “Water can’t quench the Fire of Love” which was rushing up the hit parade at that time. Consider this and tell me why I should feel motivated. “Today let us sing with praise of those who came before And trust that we may in our days add honours more.”

Well of course I did look up to our State Scholars who had achieved the outstanding success of places at either Oxford or Cambridge and the names trip off my tongue to this very day.

1948 J.G.Wilson 1950 E.C.Midwinter 1951 A.Newton 1951 G.V.Owen 1951 D.Saunders 1951 S.E.Stonehewer All names boldly engraved on the Honours Board at the back of the Hall and all pointed out to be the aims and aspirations of all who passed through the School portals. So how motivated did I feel, how high was I uplifted and was I up to the challenge? Readers will be well aware that Merit Half and I were not two things that were associated with each other and that the highest accolade that I merited in homework marks was “Much better but still a long way to go” and I was in the Upper stream! No I felt much like Leeds United must feel today as they ply their trade in what is the third division in old money. The next two lines caused even more confusion to a pubescent youth. “Gay hope is ours by fancy fed and thoughts of good intent. The tears forgotten once they’re shed. The sunshine of content” Try as hard as I could the first phrase always came out of my brain as “Gay hope is ours by Nancy Fred.” And we all know what his intentions are/were and there was no good intentions in it for me I hasten to say. I could imagine shedding plenty of tears and not being very contented. And then we moved into the “Non Nobis” bit. I didn’t do Latin at School and to this day I have no idea of what it means nor for that matter “Salus et Felicitas” Nobody ever told me. But we all sung the song with great gusto and it did give us an identity. Why else would I remember it some 59 years later? Keith Sibbald (Class of 47)

A message from Geoff Stone (Herr Stein)

“I was overwhelmed by the large number of cards and generous letters that I received from Old Salians, and particularly the “Class of 47”, as well as the valedictory Newsletter. I felt both elated and humbled by the tributes. I would have preferred to respond to each individually, but that was rather beyond this nonagenarian’s ability, so I should like to thank you all through this Newsletter. As I regularly remark, the liking was mutual; you were an interesting and rewarding lot of people to teach and I am grateful for your continuing friendship. May you all become nonagenarians in your turn!” Good wishes Geoffrey

A Pedant Unearthed The January “Herr Stein Newsletter” brought much comment and talk about School Days long past. Memories brought people back together who had not met for many a year and several interesting stories came out. Here is one from Peter Crawford (Class of 52) When I read that Geoff Stone is living in Nantwich, as I am, and learned of his email address, I was prompted to contact him, not only because he had been a Master at SGS but because of the unusual circumstances and a strange quirk of fate which had arisen……this is the letter I wrote. Hello Geoff, My name is Peter Crawford, at SGS 1952-57, and I have been corresponding emails back and to between Britain and Canada in an effort to track you down. I have been writing to Bernie Abbott near Toronto and Keith Sibbald and finally I have your email address. I learned that you live “5 miles east of Nantwich” and when I saw the words “stonecobbs” in your email address, it all became clear to me. Bells rang loudly !!! I realised that the “Cobbs” refers to Cobbs Lane in Hough, about three miles from Nantwich and I suddenly remembered your name associated with something nothing to do with SGS and that you lived just a couple of houses from Cllr. Keith Cafferty, the Nantwich Town Council Chairman and his wife Barbara….friends of ours. You may remember on 18th July 2006 you gave a talk entitled “A Pedantic and Proud of it” to the Weaver Probus Club in Nantwich at the Royal Oak, Worleston. I am the Speaker’s Secretary of that Probus Club. I spoke to you on the phone, arranged your talk and met you at the Royal Oak on the occasion when you spoke to our members. I know it was an enjoyable occasion and I recalled that many of our members agreed with your thoughts on being “a pedantic”. It’s amazing that I didn’t know or associate that you were a master at SGS when we met up at the Probus Club and we didn’t cross our ways at all during my five years at school. Strange, but true. After school I lived in Manchester for ten years and then moved to Bristol until I retired and came back to Cheshire…and Nantwich…in 2001. It’s good to have met up with you, albeit that I didn’t realise at the time, otherwise SGS. would have been very much on the agenda and conversation. It’s good to have tracked you down and a pleasure to have met you at the Cub…and quite a surprise that you are living only three miles away. Peter Crawford (Class of 52) Post script Geoff has been in touch with Peter and has agreed to make a return visit to Probus on 18th August this year and his subject, very appropriately will be “A Schoolboy in Nazi Germany” That will be very interesting for the majority of Probus members who will have their own memories of WW11.

Editors Comments

Now here is one for you all to consider. Bernie Abbott, now resident in Canada, poses the following question. Can you provide the first name and nickname for the following masters who taught at SGS in the 1950’s? R.Brown S.D.Carter J.Porter H.P.Cresswell L.J.Moore T.F.Shawcross Dawson Baskett Aldcroft

You can email me with your suggestions on keithsibbald@hotmail.co.uk or by phone 01924498654 or if you feel like it by mail to 20, St. Mary’s Walk, Mirfield, West Yorkshire, WF14 0QB. Bernie seems very keen to know the answers…maybe he has got a bet riding on the replies. I knew Mr. Aldcroft as “baldy” but the rest defeat me. Perhaps Mr. Cresswell was known as “saucy.” What do you think? Come on now please put your thinking caps on. A review of your comments will be in the next issue. As usual I am on the lookout for contributions to future editions of the Newsletter. This month Peter Crawford has come up trumps with two pieces. My thanks to him and Nick Edmundson for their efforts Many of you will have interesting things to pass on to other Salians so come on start writing.

Keith Sibbald (Editor)