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Gloucester King's School SocietyMay 2005 From The ChairmanMany of you will remember with fondness the annual Rugby Match versus the School which was traditionally held on the third weekend in November. The match was one of the highlights of the season for the current 1st XV, who not only got to play in front of the whole school but also had the opportunity to compete against recent leavers. My first recollections of an 'Old Boys' match was when I was in the 1st Form and a certain Keith Page, then Head of P.E, paraded the 1st XV (much to their embarrassment) in front of the whole school after lunch, in order that we knew who to cheer for! Not only was the fixture a big one for the 1st XV but it also provided the basis for the Society's main annual reunion. Unfortunately, owing to changes brought in by the RFU regarding school pupils playing against adults, the annual fixture had to be dropped. Perhaps another example of an over protective society! I am pleased to announce, however, that the rules have relaxed and it is now possible for us to add the annual rugby match versus the School back on the calendar. The GKSS Team will be playing a School Invitation XV made up of current School 1st XV players and guests. This will become an annual fixture and I would urge all members to give this event their support in order that it may grow over the coming years. This year's fixture will take place on Saturday 17th September on Archdeacon Meadow with kick off at 12.00 midday. There will be a pay bar in the pavilion and a pig roast after the game. The day promises to be an excellent opportunity to meet up with old friends and I look forward to seeing you. On behalf of the Society I recently attended the inaugural meeting of the King's Foundation. The Foundation has been set up to raise funds for major projects within the School. Tim Woolford, a former pupil of the School, is leading the day-to-day running of the King's Foundation and plans are well advanced for a number of high profile fund raising events. Members will be kept in touch with all events and progress and The Foundation will have its own magazine, 'The Foundationer.' Whilst writing I was saddened to hear of the sudden death of John Hunt. John was a contemporary of mine at King's during the early 1980s and was very much involved in School life being in both the Air Training Corps and the Sailing Club. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. I would remind you of the annual cricket match versus the School which will take place on Archdeacon Meadow on Saturday 2nd July and also the Society Annual General Meeting which is taking place on Saturday 8th October. A full calendar of events is enclosed; should you have any questions, please contact the School Development Office. Kurt Wyman Carol ServicesThis year's Carol Services were once again well attended by G.K.S.S. members. More than fifty, including former staff, gathered each evening for drinks and seasonal refreshments in the convivial atmosphere of Little Cloister House. It was particularly pleasing to see a large crowd from the leavers of 1999. Older members tended to congregrate in the School Museum, where many trips down memory lane could be heard. The choir's musical programme was, as always, an ambitious one. It included Gardner's jolly arrangement of 'The Holly and the Ivy' and Rubbra's gentle 'Virgin's Cradle Song'. The congregational carols began with the traditional 'Once in Royal David's City' and provided an opportunity for everyone to get involved in the services. Prizewinners, 2004G.K.S.S. is proud to fund the Industry and Achievement Prizes awarded to each year group in the school at the annual Speech Day held in the Cathedral in July. For information, the names of those pupils receiving G.K.S.S. prizes last summer are recorded below:
The society hopes to be able to increase the value of the prizes awarded to keep pace with the rising price of books and to extend the number of awards made. If any members would like to make a contribution to the prize fund, please send a cheque payable to "The King's School" to the Development Office at the school. The aim is for each prize to carry the value of £20. Famous 'Old Boy' Discovered
Those interested in the history of the school will know that King's - then known as the College School - educated a number of the most famous men in 18th century England. Three that are particularly well documented are: George Whitfield, the Methodist evangelist; Robert Raikes, one of the founders of the Sunday School Movement; and John Moore, Archbishop of Canterbury. Within the last few months another 'old boy' who made his mark on the 18th century has come to light. We now know a great deal about John Henry Williams, thanks to the research of Dr. Colin Haydon at University College, Winchester, who has been responsible for his entry in the new online edition of the Dictionary of National Biography. Williams' entry to the College School is recorded in the School Admissions Register begun by headmaster Maurice Wheeler as having entered the school in June 1755 at the age of eight: "Johannes Henricus Williams Annor:8 - Johannis Williams de Civit:Gloc:Arm:filius". He went on to study at Pembroke College, Oxford, where he took an LLB and was ordained. From 1778 to 1829 he was vicar of St. Peter's Church at Wellesbourne, near Stratford-on-Avon in south Warwickshire. There is a picture of him still hanging in the vestry of that church; it shows a man with a high brow, dark, searching eyes, a long nose and short chin. Initially he lived a peaceful and remarkable life at Wellesbourne. As a parson he was dedicated to his parish, describing his mission "to promote the general cause of virtue and religion and to increase the number of real Christians and good men". What propelled him on to the national scene was his opposition to Britain's war against Revolutionary France after 1793. He believed that war was wrong, except as a means of self-defence, and almost alone among the Anglican clergy of his day, he refused to use his pulpit to "promote the thirst of bloodshed" in his sermons. "The most horrid and unnatural state of man"; that is how Williams described the state of war. Not surprisingly, he was a controversial figure and had his opponents. He was accused of publishing seditious libel and for a time was held in solitary confinement. In 1798 his critics even had a medal struck showing him in a cart with a noose above his head. John Henry Williams died of natural causes at the age of eighty two at Leamington Spa in 1829. His anti-war sermons had by then largely been forgotten, but he deserves our respect as an unusual figure who stood against the convention of his age in defence of what he regarded as Christian principles. Reunion Supper for Leavers of 1991-5The latest in our series of reunions was held at school in October - for those who left King's between the years 1991 and 1995. It was a well-attended event with an especially large turn-out from the leavers of 1991. There were a good number of current and former staff in attendance too, including several who had not been back to King's for some years. The evening began with drinks in the Palace Library. Members of the Sixth Form then showed guests around all parts of the school, including Little Cloister House, Dulverton and recently refurbished Paddock House. The evening was rounded off with a buffet meal in the Dining Hall, where there was an exhibition of photographs from the '80s and '90s. News and good wishes were read out from those unable to attend. Most appreciated of all was a nostalgic letter from Lynton Malpas, who lives in Mauritius. View Photos of the EventHockey Matches, GKSS v The School
The Old Boys' side, captained by John Barker, played an excellent match against an extremely strong school 1st XI. The eventual score was 5 - 1 to the school with John Barker scoring the only goal for the Old Boys. Apart from its fast pace, the match was notable because during it John Barker saw his record of 29 goals in a single season (2004) being eclipsed by Oliver Clayton who brought his season's total to 31 - and he is currently only in the Fifth Form!
Can you Help?
With the magnificent horse chestnut trees on the Paddock, now sadly reduced in number, conkers have always featured in the life of the school. The trees were even mentioned by the First World War poet, Ivor Gurney, in his 'To the Day Boys and the Choristers' when he referred to the school's "great chestnut". Can anyone identify the happy conker players in the photograph below?
The mystery photograph with the steam engine in the background featured in the last newsletter provoked considerable interest. Thanks to all those who telephoned with snippets of information. Unfortunately, the name of the exhausted competitor has eluded you all so far, but the person bending over him was Mike Farmer. The incident cannot have been a serious one, as several people pointed out, because most of the spectators were continuing to look at the race, probably a relay. The photograph was taken in 1960. Those standing behind are said to include: (in the back row) Mike Scott, Peter Sanderson, Mike Colebrook, Gordon W.E.G. Taylor, J.H.V. Williams, Dorrington, S.A.G. Abdulhusein (Head of School), David Holland; and (in the front row) Douglas Clapham, Peter Woolmer and Richard Payne. News of Former StaffRev Roy Lambert Mainly 'working' at the Harnhill Centre for Christian Healing near Cirencester. Was chaplain of Lima Cathedral Peru for six months. Has four married children and ten grandchildren. Keith Wilmot Is Head of Classics at King Edward VI Grammar School for Boys, Stratford-on-Avon. Has been televised teaching Latin for Michael Wood's recent series on 'Shakespeare' and Lord Bragg's on 'The Adventure of English'. Contact Information RequiredWe have had mail returned from the following people. If you have any information on their current whereabouts please let us know, or ask them to contact us. M. Neal '97 & C.J. Whitfield '84 Please contact the Development Office with any information. Forthcoming EventsGloucester Cricket Festival, June 10th - 13th 2005Former Pupils' Corporate Hospitality (Boundary Edge Marquee) Come and enjoy some of the finest hospitality in the wonderful setting of Archdeacon Meadow, as Gloucestershire County Cricket Club take on Warwickshire in a four-day match. This is a great opportunity to watch first-class sporting action at your school. Hospitality in the Headmasters' Marquee at the festival provides a great opportunity to entertain customers, prospective clients, staff of families and friends in style. The cost of hospitality for former pupils at this year's festival is £60 per person. The full hospitality package for each day includes:
With all this on offer why not come and join us for a first-class day's entertainment, in the wonderful setting of Archdeacon Meadow? For further information and to reserve your place please contact Marilyn Wheeler on 01452 337337 or email m.wheeler@thekingsschool.co.uk 1st XI - v- G.K.S.S. Cricket MatchSaturday 2nd July at Archdeacon Meadow from 1.30 p.m. with tea in the Pavilion. G.K.S.S. Annual General MeetingSaturday 8th October in Little Cloister House. There will be a light lunch at 12.30 and the meeting will start at 1.15 p.m. Please make a note of the date now as reminders will not be posted this year. Let Emma Watkins know if you would like to attend, by emailing e.watkins@thekingsschool.co.uk or calling 01452 337337. This is also the date of the school Open Morning which will we held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Former pupils who would like to look around the school as part of Open Morning should ask in the Chapter House for a guide. Remembrance ServiceFriday 11th November 3 p.m. in the Cathedral Nave followed by tea. Rugby Set to ReturnThe latest change to the rules governing rugby fixtures should enable the return (with modifications) of the annual Old Boys v the School rugby fixture. Those aged 17 and over are now allowed to play against adults. As the school is unlikely to have a 1st XV composed entirely of over 17s, it is proposed that G.K.S.S. should field a team against a special Headmaster's Invitation side, which will include as many as possible of the current 1st XV. Any former pupils who wish to be involved should contact Andy Phillips, Head of P.E. and Games. The date for the fixture is Saturday 17th September 2005 with a kick off at 12 noon. The venue is Archdeacon Meadow. Members of the society and their families will be very welcome as spectators. There will be refreshments laid on, probably a pig roast and bar. Please put the date in your diary now. On this occasion there will also be a chance to see the Sports Captains' Boards recently erected in the pavilion, covering rugby, cricket, hockey and girls' hockey. The pavilion also houses a large collection of team photographs. News of Former PupilsWe are grateful to the following members who have contacted the school with personal information since the publication of the last newsletter James Bond '92 Currently working for Interbrew UK as a National Account Manager. Has two children and lives with his partner Becky. James Carter '97 Has now gained his Ph.D in Sports Sciences. Jessica Chamberlayne '91 Currently undertaking a PGCE in Modern Languages at the University of Gloucestershire. She previously studied French with German at Leeds and then lived in the U.S.A. Neil Ellis '66 Graduated with a degree in Biochemistry from Bedford College, University of London in 1972. Now living in the U.S.A. Greg Fisher '81 Followed a career in computing after graduating from Humberside College. Worked for 17 years for National Grid Transco, most recently as an IT Project Manager. Took voluntary severance in January 05 to spend more time with family, and undertake a property development project. Living with his partner and has four children Mark Gwynne '88 and brothers Jason and Simon bumped into David Griffiths on a visit to Paris in the Stade Francais in February. Mark is a primary teacher in Newport. David Henson '99 Currently serving as a Police Officer with Devon and Cornwall Constabulary. Chris Henson '99 Corporate Account Manager with an IT Training Company based in Slough. Jonathan Hoskin '72 Now High School Prinicipal in Western Australia Lawrence Jee '87 visited the school website and wrote to express condolences on the death of Jack Farley. "I found it completely enjoyable to be with him as my maths teacher. He had a great sense of humour and knew how to motivate the student to build up a keen interest of mathematics." Russ Jewell '95 2.1 Masters in Biology/Bio Medical Engineering. Married in 2003 Rob Jewell '96 2.1 in Psychology and Sports Science from the University of Surrey. Currently working with an Italian Premiership Rugby Club. Married in 2003. Lucy Leigh '01 Started a course at Central School for Theatre and Acting in Sept 04 James Lin '90 Returned to King's to look around his former boarding house, Wardle, in March. He brought news of contemporaries in Hong Kong. Barry Patel '72 After having graduated from Glasgow University Medical School in 1979 he practised Family Medicine in San Diego, California until 1992, when he became a hotelier. Is currently President/CEO of Pinnacle Hotels USA, a company that he co-founded. Richard Payne '60 Was Chairman of the Stroud & Swindon Business Society, 1996 - 2002. For the last three years he has been non-executive director, but has now retired. He remains Deputy Lieutenant for Gloucestershire. Kieran Perry '93 Visited the school recently; he is account manager at Caithness Glass. Richard Webb '98 Graduated from Cardiff University with a 1st Class Masters Degree in Electronic Engineering. Is now working with TRL Technology. Lawrence Wong '88 Has been working as a doctor in Ontario, Canada. He is to begin a fellowship in Clinical Cardiology in Vancouver in July. James Yarwood '84 Still serving in the Royal Air Force Police and has a son and a daughter. Degree Results from the leavers of '00Claire Baber 2.1 in Hospitality Management, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff. Currently working in the Operations Department of the Mike Burton Group in sports travel and events hospitality Joanne Bailey 2.2 in Geography, University of Southampton Eleanor Dew 1st in History of Art, Edinburgh University. Currently studying for MA in 17th and 18th Century interior decoration at London University Susannah Edwards 2.1 in Real Estate and Leisure Management, University of West England, Bristol. Currently studying for a MSC in Rural Estate Management. Richard Gwilt 2.1 in History, University of York Rebecca Heal 2.1 in Sociology, Cardiff University. Currently studying for a Masters in Real Estate Management Rhidian Hollands 2.2 in English with Education, University of Cambridge. Currently doing a PGCE Jeremy Lacey 2.1 in Business and French, Oxford Brookes Adam Langston 1st in Media and Applied Music at Royal Academy of Music, where he gained the Vice-Principal's Award. Is now working free-lance in London as a recording engineer and music editor. Stephen Procter 1st in Philosophy, UCL. MA in Renaissance and Romantic Literature. 6 month internship at a poetry publisher in Manchester prior to a PhD in English at Liverpool University. Annabel Rands 2.1 in Classics, Durham Leafy Robinson 2.1 in Linguistics, Newcastle. Currently working for Tempus Publishing House Degree Results from the leavers of '01Oliver Bevan 2.1 in Business/Management, Oxford Brookes. Entry into Sandhurst Military Academy May 05 Richard Crowley 2.1 in Classics, Bristol University Russ Jewell 2.1 Masters in Biology/Bio Medical Engineering Sarah Pace 1st in English, King's College London Jo Phillips 2.1 in Music, Cardiff University. Other Former Pupil NewsSome of the leavers of 1998 recently held an informal reunion and sent in details of recent news: Click here to read the News ArticleObituaries on Members of StaffThe school community was saddened to hear of the recent death of Mr. Jack Farley, who taught at King's for thirty-eight years (1951-1989) and made an enormous impression on many year groups as they passed through the school. A significant number of former pupils joined with Jack's colleagues, family and associates in the Cathedral for his memorial service immediately after his funeral. The Headmaster read one of the lessons and the School Choir sang the anthem. The address, based on notes written by Jack himself, was delivered by Canon Neil Heavisides. As a tribute to the huge contribution Jack made to the King's School, re-printed below is the article summarising his career written by his colleague, Henry Beaumont, in the school magazine of 1989 on the occasion of Jack's retirement from teaching. Jack Farley, B.Sc., Cert.Ed., F.R.P.S., E.F.I.A.P. 
Jack joined the staff in 1951 at a turning point in the life of King's School. Dean Costley White had appointed Tom Brown as Headmaster, charged with pulling the school round in two years to satisfy His Majesty's Inspectorate that it was an efficient secondary school. Jack was appointed as Head of Science. The newly-appointed young staff were allocated rooms by Tom Brown in King's School House, where all were looked after by Denzil Young, the Second Master, and Mrs. Cunningham, Mr. Brown's formidable housekeeper and her yet more formidable bulldog. The communal ward-room atmosphere was not at all congenial to Jack, who awaited eagerly his daily letter from Marion, whom he had met on teaching practice at Sidcup School, and in his second year at Easter he was married at Eastington and moved out to No. 18 College Green. In the early years Jack played his part on the games field. He opened the bowling for the staff team, when his accurate and steady medium pace was treated with respect by the school XI. He played hockey too, where his stick control was notable. Jack had a good bass voice and enjoyed singing in the St. Cecilia Singers under Donald Hunt and in the Gloucester chorus at the Three Choirs Festival under Dr. Sumsion. Jack always kept his priorities clearly before him. He was appointed as Head of Science, but his mission in the classroom was mathematics. He was single-minded in his teaching and scrupulously meticulous in his time-keeping and marking. Consequently, classroom discipline was never a problem for him and his pupils could always concentrate on the task in hand. Jack always demanded the utmost of his pupils; he was ever a traditionalist in his teaching methods and as regards educational theory generally, and was not afraid to speak his mind on the subject whenever and wherever he felt there was need. With Jack in charge the progress of mathematics in the King's School was sure and certain. He liked to relate how at the end of his first year of teaching there was one pass in each of the major subjects, mathematics included, whereas now the upper sets regularly achieve high grades at all levels. Jack was known by his pupils for the thoroughness of his teaching and those not so talented, both in the Sixth Form and below, knew that if they played their part conscientiously the best would he brought out of them; nor was there ever lack of demand for places in pure and applied mathematics sets in the Sixth Form. As the school grew and prospered Jack continued to play a leading role. He took over Wheeler House from Denzil Young and here his earlier sporting talents were a help to him, but I think that it was the winning of the Academic Cup by which he set most store, with the Inter-House Music perhaps a close second. He took great pride in the nurture of his senior boys and the training of his prefects and gave them great responsibility in the running of the house; they reaped their reward at the excellent parties which Marion and Jack regularly put on for them at their home in Alexandra Road. His most recent appointment as Director of Studies was an appropriate tribute to his talents in seeing that the timetable and school administration generally were properly run in the best interests of the pupils. The teaching of mathematics was Jack's overriding priority in the classroom, but outside it photography has increasingly taken first place in his interests. He always loved precision and with careful study of the technical press he has always provided himself with the best cameras and equipment which he could from time to time afford. In the school it was to Mr. Farley that all looked, for the humble team photograph or prints for the school prospectus or the Friends of Gloucester Cathedral Christmas card. He held high office in the Gloucester Camera Club for many years and won many prizes, both locally and nationally. * * * * * We are grateful to Dr. John Norrington Davies (Director of Physical Education, 1951-57) for sending news of the passing of his contemporary Douglas Pett, who taught at King's from 1954 to 1958. Douglas Ellory Pett, B.A., B.D., Ph. D. The Revd. Dr. Douglas Ellory Pett died on the 18th February 2005 whilst taking his customary daily walk. He was cremated at the Penmount Crematorium, Truro, and a memorial service was held in the Parish Church of St Michael, Penkevil, on March 15th 2005. Douglas Pett was Sacrist at Gloucester Cathedral from 1954 to 1958. He was School Chaplain and taught English at the King's School, also taking an active role in athletics (field events). He was a highly intelligent individual who set himself the highest standards over a wide range of interests, both intellectual and practical. Whilst at Gloucester, he built himself a 3-D camera, which worked. He was also an accomplished pianist, possessing a grand piano with authentic Bluthner hammers recently fitted. His doctoral thesis was based on an examination of the sermons of Cardinal John Henry Newman. As Vicar of Gulval, Penzance, from 1961 to 1966 he first became interested in gardening through the necessity of caring for a garden one acre in extent. The main thrust of his ministry was as resident Chaplain at St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London, from 1966 to 1983. In retirement he developed further his interest in horticulture and garden history. This led to the publication of a series of books on the gardens of Cornwall. His interest was more than theoretical; he developed an outstanding, small garden at his home in Tresillian, Nr. Truro, which was featured on TV West. A frequent visitor to the Isles of Scilly, his researches on horticulture and flower growing there were awarded the biennial prize for research in 2004 by the Royal Institute of Cornwall. From this research two studies were to be published - Horticulture on the Isles of Scilly, a documentary history and bibliography and The Narcissus Trade, 1870 - 1950, both dedicated to the late Fred Shepherd VMH, a former president of the Cornwall Garden Society. Recent Additions to the School ArchiveSporting Memories of 1959
Featured below is the school 1st XI side of 1959 with Pat David. They are: (back row, left to right) Mike Farmer, Dave Courtney, R.G. Rymer, A.C. Mackie and W.E.G. Taylor; (middle row) S.A.G. Abdulhusein, P.F. Raven, Robin Pottinger, M.R. Whitehead and Richard Payne; (seated on grass at front) John Meggy and John Morgan. The side was captained by Pottinger and had its ups and downs. Six matches were won, five lost and five drawn. The mainstays of the batting were Raven and Abdulhusein, both considered dangerous batsmen. Opening bowlers, Payne and Rymer, complemented each other and did great damage on occasions. The weakest aspect of the team was its fielding, which deprived the side of some victories it deserved. Highlights of the season on record were: Courtney's 68 against Churchdown, "one of the best knocks seen on the Paddock"; Abdulhusein's crack on the head at Wycliffe while fielding short leg to a slow bowler; Rymer being run out by inches in the last over against the Old Boys, giving them the match; and Raven's dashing 59 which paved the way to victory over the Crypt. Cross country prompts crystal-clear memories not only of tired legs and soggy feet but also of a sense of thrill in the minds of many old boys. In 1959 a course of nearly five miles was run from the Lodge of Highnam Court to the Dog Inn at Over.
Do you have any photographs or other memorabilia of interest to the school museum? Items from the 1970s and 1980s would be especially welcome. Please contact David Evans at the school on 01452 337337 or e-mail d.evans@thekingsschool.co.uk Sporting Memories of 1987-8Robin Paul e-mailed into school a large collection of photographs featuring Paddock House and sporting occasions at the end of the 1980s. The rugby photograph below was taken during the 1st XV's match against the Old Boys on the Paddock in 1987, a 10-4 victory for the school. Saturday morning matches of this kind were a great occasion for the whole school. The full team list was: Will Seward (captain), Julian Smith (vice-captain), Mark Williams, Chris Johnson, Sean Gammons, Ben Moxon, Mark Gwynne, Bayo Alamutu, Rob Games, Martin Draper, Kingsley Gardner, Adam Asher, Graham Lifely, Tony Rimmer and Robin Paul. 
The second photograph shows Robin Paul being challenged by Mr. David Griffiths during the 1st XI hockey match against the staff in 1988. The result was a 2-2 draw. Other staff involved in the action on the photograph were: Nick Marment, Jonathan Hadfield, Keith Wilmot and Karen Andrew (now Mrs. Marment). The school side was captained by Huw Brooker. 
Please printoff and return to: Please consider how you may wish to be involved in the society in the next few months. Tick any of the following to indicate your intentions or use the space at the bottom of this sheet to provide personal news for inclusion in the next newsletter: < > I intend to be present at the G.K.S.S. v the School cricket fixture on 2nd July at Archdeacon Meadow, followed by tea. < > I wish to attend the launch of the new format G.K.S.S. rugby v the Headmaster's Invitation XV at Archdeacon Meadow on 17th September - kick off at 12 noon, followed by pig roast in the pavilion. < > I wish to attend the School Remembrance Service in the Cathedral at 3 p.m. on Friday 11th November. < > I intend to be present for the Society's A.G.M. on 8th October at 1.15 p.m. in Little Cloister House. < > I would like to order a Society Tie, price £11.95, and enclose a cheque for this amount payable to "The King's School". < > I would like to contribute to the school prize fund and enclose a cheque payable to "The King's School". < > I would be interested in obtaining details about how to advertise my business or company in future editions of this newsletter - a service we are considering partly to help with printing costs and partly to help the business needs of members. Note we have a circulation in excess of 1,500. < > I would be willing to consider joining the G.K.S.S. Committee, which meets on average once a term to review and plan the society's programme of events. Name: ................................................ Year of leaving King's: ................ Contact Telephone Number / email address ................................................................. |
Sunday 20th March this year was a bright spring afternoon and a significant crowd of former pupils - recent leavers and their families - gathered to witness a thrilling hockey showdown between the G.K.S.S. and the school. The venue was the magnificent all-weather surface at Plock Court.
The Old Girls' fielded a good side, captained by Corinne Bury, and only narrowly lost 2 - 1 to a school side that included staff and youthful players of seemingly boundless energy. The girls' game was particularly enjoyed by the spectators as it was so close. G.K.S.S. President, Mark Hammond, seemed torn in two, cheering for the Old Girls, but also encouraging his two daughters who were in the school side.
The ability of G.K.S.S. to field strong teams is unfortunately hampered by the increasing tendency for leavers to take gap years between school and university. Some of the best players were on the other side of the world.
The society would like to express thanks to the school's games staff - Andy Phillips, Lee Robson and Jackie Fenn - for their commitment in ensuring that the fixture against the school could take place.
In this regular slot in the newsletter a photograph from the school archives is featured asking for your help in identifying pupil names. This one shows a group of Junior School boys, possibly in the early 1960s, enjoying a game of 'conkers' at the foot of the staircase in Little Cloister House.
Suggestions please to David Evans. Email: 
Richard Payne visited the school museum to donate several sporting mementoes from the years 1958 - 1960.
Competitors travelled to Highnam by bus; spectators left on foot fifteen minutes earlier. The running was varied with the Highnam estate section offering comparatively easy going along an asphalt drive, but this was followed by muddy lanes to the west of Highnam Farm and then a slippery descent through Pinetum Woods, which could be treacherous if carpeted with decaying leaves. The photograph below shows the winners of the race: 1st - John Hawkins (School), centre, in a time of 37 minutes 38 seconds; 2nd - Mike Warner (Wheeler), left; and 3rd - Richard Payne (Serlo), right.