Chris and Doug hope you and your families all had a wonderful Covid Free Christmas and we would like to wish you all everything you wish for yourselves throughout 2023 ... stay safe, stay cool, stay well and keep smiling ...

 

My personal appologies for the late posting of this sad event.

John Ashurst played an important role in the lives of so many students at the College, both male and female, many of whom possibly would not be where they are today, but for John's influence.

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It is with deep regret that we advise the passing of John Ashurst, former headmaster of Eggars Grammar School, Alton (1958-63), Peter Symonds’ School, Winchester (1963-71) and Hymers College, Hull (1971-83).

John died peacefully on 13th October 2022 aged 99. The funeral was held at St Giles Church, Ashtead, Surrey.

John was Headmaster from April 1963 to August 1971 when Peter Symonds’ was still a grammar school for boys. John’s legacy of improved teaching standards leading to enhanced A and O Level grades and a far higher number of students progressing to university, is one which Peter Symonds’ College is proud to have continued.

Image: John Ashurst at PSC for the official opening of the Ashurst building in 2007.

 

 Hi all ! ... I have had a request from RIC CHEADLE (School House 1962-68) asking if there is anyone who can put him in touch with his best man, KEVIN FROST (Wyke Lodge), as Ric has lost touch over the years and would like Kevin to be at his 50th. Wedding Anniversary ... please e-mail me with any contact details and I will pass them on to Ric ... Thank you ... Doug Clews

 I received today an e-mail from Nigel Parkes (1976 -1979) reading as below: 

(The attached photo appears in the photos section under OTC, JTC, CCF)

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Hello,

You might be interested in the attached photo of the CCF RAF section summer camp at RAF St Athan 1977. I was in the section from 1976 until about 1979.

St Athan had a collection of historic aircraft at the time. Three of us managed to get assigned to the 'museum’ (thus avoiding square bashing etc) and spent the week polishing the inside of various aircraft canopies - which of course involved sitting in the cockpit! Watched over by a kindly old hand of a sergeant who served us chicory coffee, I guess he was glad of the company as no one visited the museum. 

We acquired a sheet of self adhesive orange day-glo plastic and made Penguin stickers (copied from the chocolate bar) in honour of Flt Lt (Pengy) Fletcher - these stickers turned up everywhere.