Neil Davidson KC'72-'79
I am an accountant working now for Dell Computer Corp. in Bracknell, Berkshire. I live with my wife, Gina, in nearby Reading. I keep in touch, sporadically with Guy Pocock and even more sporadically with Nick Land, Chris Biggs and Richard Huggins. The last three starting at VH with me in 1969! I also bumped into Simon Vangucci about seven years ago when I worked for ICL. I was sad to read the news about Apple, he taught me English and I well remember his 'pocket dictionary', a book nearly as big as himself. My email address is neil@netdesk.demon.co.uk if anyone who was in my year would like to drop me a line.Frank Minter KC'28-'35
Frank Minter (KC 1928 to 1935) died on 13th November 1999. He was President of the Old Canterburian Club from 1970 to 1972 and was associated for many years with the club's participation at the Folkestone Hockey Festival. 1999 Annual Remembrance Service The annual Remembrance Service of the Old Canterburians weekend was extended by including three short tributes to Adrian Slater who died in August by Peter Sayer (1949-59) Bernard Lancaster (Staff 1951-52) and Paul Cox (1948-54) Club President. After the service Bernard Lancaster who, had started his teaching career at Kent College, was able to meet again some of his first pupils!Derek Bailey KC'67-'74
I am now working as Head of P.E. at a large mixed school (1200 pupils) in Hong Kong. Married to Mairi, with three boys, Daniel (15), David(8) and Michael(6). Still playing hockey (vets now) once a week! I was also very sad to hear the news of APLS Slater's passing. He was a fine man, even if he did pull the hair next to my ears a few times! Wow, that did hurt!I would love to hear from anyone who was at school during my time. Please email me at derekbailey@hotmail.com
Leslie Bircumshaw (1927-1999)
Old Canterburians will be saddened to hear of the death on the 29th of October of Leslie Bircumshaw (1927-1999). Leslie will be remembered for his faultless teaching of German, his meticulous cricket coaching, and his greatest pride and joy, helping to revive the ailing cross-country club in the 1970s. He was running conversation classes in German up to June of this year and will be sadly missed. His funeral was at Barham crematorium on Tuesday 9 November.
Eirene Papavassiliou KC'87-'88I was a boarder at Kent College for the sixth form in 1987 and in 1988 (I passed the A levels in June 1989, but don't quote me on the date - I will pleasantly deny it was so long ago!) After leaving Kent College, I earned my Bsc Economics from the London School of Economics and then earned a joint MBA/MBI (I for information systems) at the Rotterdam School of Management / University of Chicago Business School. Since then, I have been a consultant for an information technology consulting company called Myers-Holum International. We assist clients with financial packages from Computer Associates - Interbiz Financial Solutions. Our headquarters are in New York, but I have been based, 'supposedly', out of London for the past four years. However, I travel constantly and have rarely been in the UK for more that one weekend every two months.
Alistair Cranmer KC'80-'84
I will see to a little update on the Biography in a while. In fact, rather a lot has happened since commissioning into the Fleet Air Arm, some interesting Military jobs, then (2x) Bosnian Actions, and an abrupt end to my active military career with my placement on the Navy Retired List (Medical Discharge (eyesight)), followed by a little emigration, second career and a rather enjoyable wedding two months ago to my long-suffering (given the away-time in Bosnia) Dutch girlfriend.Andy Cameron KC'75-'82
Further to my prior posting, I have moved on from Arthur Andersen and am joining IBM. Still keen to meet other OCs though I will not be in London so much.Ian Davidson KC'65-'71
I Left KC after the 1st year Sixth in 1971? I returned a few times in the early years and enjoyed seeing Chris and Helen Wright Head of Milton House. When I left I went to one of the local schools it was the Technical School but I believe it changed its name. From School I went on to Art Colleges various ending up at St Martins doing an M.A equivalent. Unfortunately as the course was not ratified by my granting authority Kent I couldn't afford to complete the course. I subsequently left and joined a Music Retailing and franchising Company where I eventually become the MD running a franchise operation of 156 outlets and 26 owned stores. Lately I joined the Parent publishing company as the Sales Director. My family and I live in Suffolk with 2 boys 17 and 14. I have sporadically kept in touch with Clive Gill (he went into film production) Trevor Proudfoot, Richard Wright and see Kevin Gearys name and face on the BBC sports news. Now having visited the KC Web site I have been in touch with Andy Eastwood a contemporary of mine who also went into Music but lives in Australia.I was sad to read of Apples death he could really tweak those short hairs by your ear when you weren't paying attention. I recall him as a good man.
Tony Day KC'55-'61
Tony suggests an over 50s Hockey Match - anybody interested? Please email duncan.cooper@occ-online.org.uk
Vicky Browne KC'83-'90
This is Vicky Browne mailing you from Singapore. I was at KC from 83 to 90. Since leaving, I have graduated in French from RHBNC London, got my PGCE from Cambridge, spent four years working as a French and Latin teacher in Hong Kong, and met my fiance, John Walsh, there! We are getting married in July 2000 in County Galway, and have just moved to Singapore. My two sisters, Katy and Philly, were also at KC, from 85 to 92 and 91 to 99 respectively (hope I've got that right!). Katy has been working in Canterbury as a primary teacher for just over a year now, after getting her degree in European Studies from Southampton and her PGCE from Cambridge. Philly was Head Girl of KC last year, and is taking a year out before she goes to Oxford University in 2000 to study geography. Hello to all our old friends from KC!Steve Woodhams KC'72-'80
I don't see many from my "era" in here - perhaps this might prompt a few messages. Me? Father of three, I.T. Project Manger for Novartis Pharmaceuticals, living in Farnborough. Would you believe just taken up Rugby again - madness! So where are you, chaps, and what are you up to?
Andy Eastwood KC'62-'71
I was at VH and KC from about '62-'71. I remember so much and have no doubt chosen to forget a lot. I would love to hear from anyone of my generation; I live in Australia. I'm still a musician...at the time I was at KC it was an uphill struggle to do anything other than play clarinet in the orchestra. Maybe the best thing I learnt was not to let anyone else give me boundaries. Needless to say, I was hopeless at cricket and even worse at hockey. I was sad to hear of APL Slater's passing..I remember he was a gentle man with a true scholar's dedication..he taught me to respect, love and laugh at our language whilst Brian Jones, my other english teacher had a romantic's view of the same subject. I also remember Mrs van der Bijl the school sister, Arty White who I used to think of as Toulouse Lautrec, the smiling Alan Charlesworth and the rest is filled with blurs that I would love to clarify with anyone. Andy Eastwood, Peregian Beach, Queensland, Austrailia. Email: andy@nbcnet.com.auRichard Brown KC'61-'66
The Old Canterburian Club-newsletter. Many thanks for your issue 48. it was he first thing that i had received from your the O C's and I had begun to wonder if I was going to receive anything at all! As an old boy who has not visited the school for some 30+ years I found it most interesting and heart-warming to see the range of activities and get a feel of a modern mixed environment with in a broad range of activities for the pupils when there is an unhealthy preoccupation with league tables within the nation. I would seriously consider the long trek from chester where I live to Canterbury for the November Reunion if I was able to make advanced contact with certain key friends. Do you have a database/listing of former pupils who would have commenced their education at K C in 1961 (Geoffrey Connolly's year). if they are a bit thin on the ground have you considered using some of the specific search engines on the internet to find these lost sheep? Many thanks for the hard work that goes into assisting with the running of the OC's as you will see from my e-mail address old school nicknames do come in handy years after they were formulated! separately, given the benefits of e-mail communication have the school thought of using the skills and experience of former pupils like myself for distance mentoring/advice in specific trades/ profession through or in conjunction with the careers department. It would provide a database of experience that is often lacking in an educational environment. I look forward to hearing from you. Email: Dickles2649@aol.com
Truro School Reunion - Summer 2000
Truro School are planning on having a Reunion next year for all those KC pupils evacuated there during the war. If anybody is interested then please email me, duncan.cooper@occ-online.org.uk The suggested dates are the 30th June to the 2nd July 2000. Costs based on two nights hotel accommodation would be approximately £100 per person. A suggested itinerary may include a visit to the old dormitory accommodation, a tour of Truro School, a formal dinner on the Saturday evening, a Service of Thanksgiving in the School Chapel and a light Buffet Lunch before departure on the Sunday; plus a possible boat trip on the River Fal on Saturday morning.
Julius Gwyer KC'85-'89
Since leaving KC I completed my Undergraduate and Masters degrees at London and Glasgow Universities, and have been working at the World Bank, Washington DC for the last 5 years.
Francis Anderson KC'77-'84
My latest news is that I am moving to New York to be Media Director of TBWA/ Chiat / Day. (It's an advertising agency.)
Michael Atkins KC'87-'94
I completed my BEng in Computer Systems Engineering at Warwick University in 1998. I am now working as a Software Engineer for Marconi Communications in Coventry.
Mark Steadman KC'75-'82
Is a new father to triplets Samuel, Joshua and Matilda born 14 September 1999.
Susan McPherson KC'88-'95
Susan is working at Tavistock and Portman NHS trust starting a part-time Masters in Health Psychology at UCL.
Adrian P.L. Slater (Apple) 1914 - 1999
I have received the sad news that Apple passed away on Saturday 28th August. Apple taught at KC from 1951 to his retirement in 1979. He read Classics and English at St.Edmund Hall, Oxford and received his teacher's diploma from King's College London. Joined the colonial education service in 1939 and became an Education Officer in Lagos, Nigeria during the 2nd world war. He taught English in schools at Preston and Leicester from 1946 to 1951 and was an Honorary Life member and long standing Vice President of the Old Canterburian Club.
The funeral details are as follows: Funeral Service at St. Peter's Methodist Church, Canterbury at 2.45 p.m. on Monday 6th September. Donations to Rising Sun Women's Refuge: PO Box 123 Canterbury CT1 1DS or The Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture: Star House, 104-8 Grafton Road, London NW5 4BD. No flowers.
From Robert (Bob) Richards, KC'56-'61
I wonder if any OCC knows the whereabouts of Geoff Thompson whom I last heard of in Australia. He was a contemporay of mine @ K.C.??? I am Head of Modern Languages at St. Michaels University School, a private school in Victoria where I teach French. We have been here for the last 21 years... Bob's email is: rrichard@smus.bc.ca
From James Bush KC'38-'41 - our 'Reasonably switched on 74yo in Malaysia!'
Rotary.Lions and Apex are all enthusiatically supported in Malaysia. The same can be said for Freemasonry. There is a Truro School Lodge. I first become aware of the fact during the war at the time that KC was evacuated to Cornwall. Incidently that was where the senior boys became aware of the delights of co education. We had girls from Stoke Dameral school join us for some classes. It was as a member of the Truro Air Training Corps I eventually joined the RAF. All so long ago many of the details are forgotten.
Nicola Turner (ne Griffin) KC'77-'84
Currently in my 2nd year at Christ Church, Canterbury studying for
a BA(hons) in Primary Teaching. I have a son, Samuel, who is nearly 6 and in Year 1 at
Vernon Holme. Still involved with horses - I've managed to qualify for three national
championships this year including the Horse of the Year Show at Wembley in September.
Somehow making the effort to contact OCC is much easier via the Web than by post or
phone!!
Regards to all
I got married in August 97. My wife and I had our first baby in July 99 and we have called him Kamran.
Eric Ho KC'87-'91
I left Kent College when I was in Lower 6 form because I had to come to Canada. I went to U. of Toronto for 4 years and I am now working at an internet company (www.name.com) in downtown Toronto. Life here is not bad, except it gets much much colder in winter time. I had always wanted to contact my former friends at KC, but just don't know how. If any of you happen to remember me, sent me an e-mail (eric@name.net) or if you have ICQ, my # is 13748399.
Wendy Dron KC'85-'92
After a total of 5 years at universities in Norwich, Strasbourg, Heidelberg and then back in Canterbury, I've come away with a good degree and a postgraduate diploma in translation, and I'm working as Senior Staff Translator for a large City translation firm, loving every minute of it! I've done better than anyone at KC ever thought I would, and I'm proud of that!Peter (Colin) Gatehouse KC&VH'49-'59
I have recently been asked to write my biography in a single page; I doubt if I can do it, and I doubt if there's space enough here. Suffice it - almost - to say that in my dotage I now harbor mawkish nostalgia about VH and KC, and I would be happy to hear of/from those of my era. As for the balance of the 'almost', went to Bristol University, went to Canada, went to Boeing in Seattle, returned to Hatfield, realized it was a mistake, went to Cranfield, got divorced, came to Long Beach, got a good wife, been here ever since, got cats and a nice old car, just about retired, life has been kind even though I'm an evil swine (so they tell me). What more should I say? I offer my good wishes to all. Contact Peter at g8house@earthlink.net
Keith Rawlings KC'52-'59
I have often felt guilty about my non-attendance of Old Boy gatherings and, whenever I meet up with an Old Boy, we resolve to go to the "next dinner". Then nothing happens! What would be of interest would be a Dinner specifically for people in my year. For what it is worth, I started the Burlington Insurance Group in Folkestone in 1969 and built it up to a Company employing 100 people and making a PBT of about £1,000,000 by 1991. I then sold it to what are now the Aon Group and Advizas plc and, after 3 years or so, joined the Canterbury firm of Independent Financial Advisers- AFPS Ltd - as Chairman, and the Ashford firm of Insurance Brokers - Bishops plc - as Deputy Chairman. I have also been a non-executive Director of the Kent and Canterbury NHS Trust and Deputy Chairman of the Canterbury College for Further Education. I remain grateful for the education that I received from KC and the "poke in the eye" that I received in the last year that stiffened my resolve to succeed. Let's keep in touch.
Liz Chubb KC'76-'83
I am working as a Head of Geography in a grammar school in Buckinghamshire and am also principal examiner for A Level Geography. I am in contact with several people from 5A in my year - Kate Stephenson, Susie Wright and Jenny Steele. Kent College and the Astro Turf Pitch
Received July 1999:
Justin Harlow (KC '77 to '84) Married to Helen - daughter Ruby (1997) and another child on the way! Working at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in Data Management based in Sandwich.Barry Packington was at Kent College from 1957 (Vernon Holme)
through 1968. Went to Liverpool University and read Spanish and French, and after some
post-graduate work, taught Spanish in Jamaica for three years, followed by six years in
Nassau, Bahamas. I left teaching in 1984, and after working for a construction company for
five years, and then, since 1989, controller of a department store.
I recently made contact again with John Bishton, who has retired from teaching at King's
Bruton, where he went after leaving KC in 1968.
My brother Stuart (approx '55 to '65) is now living in Australia and can be reached at Stuart_Packington@compuserve.com I am
still in touch with Phil Hallsworth pgjt@hallsworth26.freephone.co.uk,
though not many others from my era.Would love to hear from any contemporaries - was
interested to read of Colin Groom's success with cricket pads - he came into the 1st XI
team in my final year when he was in Form V - bowled leg breaks, as I remember and in an
unlikely match bowled a strong Guildford house side out almost single-handedly for Smith's
in a house match!
Best regards
BPackington@kellysbahamas.com or packington@batelnet.bs
James Golding played for a Kent Recreational XI against the full Hampshire side in the Nat West Trophy competition. He scored 47 and won Man of The Match award.
John E Cruttenden. (KC '49 to '57)
1957-63 At Saunders-Roe doing an engineering
apprenticeship, working on hovercraft etc. Living on the Isle of Wight.
1959-62 At Imperial College doing maths degree.
1963 Moved to Chandlers-Ford
1963-92 At IBM, based mainly at the development lab at Hursely (south of Winchester).
Career covered large software development and hardware product management. Lots of
International travel!
1992 Escaped the rat-race.
1992-date I now spend every available moment (weather allowing) gliding. I own part shares
in two gliders based at Lasham. 607 is a 17.6m LS6c single seater and 907 is a 25m ASH25e
two seater. Best flight to date 750km in a time of 6:30 hours. Are there any other glider
pilots out there? I often see David McCarthy ex KC but do not know his dates, he also
flies from Lasham. How about a KC task-week?
Best wishes, John E Cruttenden.
Colin Groom, who was at KC during the sixties, has been assisting the South African cricket team keep ahead of their rivals by designing a new-style, lightweight plastic moulded pad. The Kentish Gazette reported that Test captain Hansie Cronje launched the new invention by wearing the pads during the World Cup. Colin Groom now lives in South Africa and says that the pads will be tested by the whole national squad and then launched commercially. Colin is quoted as saying "The pads are fully moulded plastic, unlike the current design, which tends to be wadded out with any old material. They actually go further around the leg, and the straps do not interfere with running. They are much lighter and much easier to move in. Hansie Cronje actually said that they aided his foot movement at the crease."
Received June 1999:
Andy Cameron (KC '75 - '82)
Now working in London for Arthur Andersen as an IT
consultant, would welcome contact with others in London to meet up work number is 0171 489
6357.
Andrew Steadman (KC '77 - '84)
Married 5 Years Ago, Gained an MBA 4 years ago and
have been living in Singapore for 2 years.
Have just bumped into Howard Vaughan (KC 74-81) in a pub at lunch time. Small world!!
Received November 1998:
Hugh Weeks (KC '46 - '49)
R.S.B. Weeks (KC '46 - '52) (Seymore) married Miss
Patricia Thompson at St Margaret's Church in Buxted Park on April 18th 1998. "A truly
great family occasion."
Peter Allan (KC '50 - '54)
Is still in touch with Roger Hodgkison, Katy
Hodgkison, Richard (Dick) Holniss and James Allan.
Duncan Castle (KC '77 - '84) is now working for Coca-Cola and travelling the world!
Giles Hadman (KC '77 - '84) is now a father.
Francis Anderson (KC '77 - '84) recently married Tammy and is living in St Johns Wood.
Brian Abbott (KC '48 - '53) is in contact with Graham Hughes and Geoff Hanson who were at KC at the same time.
Rachel Roberts (KC '82 - '89) is currently studying for her PGCE at Homerton College, Cambridge.
Elise Roberts (KC '76 - '83) married Howard Jones in 1989 and daughter Melissa arrived in November 1997.
Frank Johnson (KC '20 - '25) is now in residential care.
Ian Burgess (VH&KC '73 - '84) now lives in Farnham, Surrey
Iain McIntosh (KC '74 -'81) is now Finance Director, KBC Advanced Technologies plc.