FRANK H. MASON

Frank attended K.C. from 1916 to 1919.  As a schoolboy he is remembered for his wit and gaiety and his readiness to enjoy a practical joke whether at others’ or his own expense, reacting with great bursts of laughter.  This spirit was reflected in his games where friends recall his deceptively innocent-looking bowling at cricket and his cunning lobs at tennis.  He became the Tulse Hill Hockey XI goalkeeper from 1919 and continued playing for the club until 1947.  He was proud to be a member of the first Old Canterburian XI at Folkestone in 1936.

Changing role to hockey umpire, he qualified as a member of the S.C.H.V.A. and an international umpire, becoming secretary and a valued committee member of the Umpires’ Association.

He served the Old Canterburian Club most loyally after leaving school, rarely missing a reunion dinner, acting as President as well as serving on the committee until 1965.

After his death in 1966 his name was commemorated by Douglas White with the forming of the annual Frank Mason Hockey Tournament.  Initially only locally based, this tournament has expanded significantly with schools from the eastern half of Kent now keen to participate in the event.