25 December 2007

Christmas!

It's Christmas day 2007..... a happy and peaceful Christmas to all Old Symondians!
Any special recollections of Christmas - time at Peter Symonds? I was a boarder in school house where good will was spread a little thinly, but surely someone will have a happy tale to tell?

Christmas!

It's Christmas day 2007..... a happy and peaceful Christmas to all Old Symondians!
Any special recollections of Christmas - time at Peter Symonds? I was a boarder in school house where good will was spread a little thinly, but surely someone will have a happy tale to tell?

28 November 2007

Prefects


Apologies for any errors and/or omissions - please advise if you can correct or add any names

Prefects


Apologies for any errors and/or omissions - please advise if you can correct or add any names

20 November 2007

John Ashurst at opening of Ashurst Building

And Steve White was there too ...

Hampshire Chronicle News

19 November 2007

http://www.thisishampshire.net/news/hampshirechroniclenews/display.var.1843396.0.ashurst_centre_opened.php

Ashurst Centre opened

Report by Kit Neilson


THE still-abundant hair is white and the figure a little stooped, but the eyes are as sharp as ever and the voice, honed by robust northern vowels, remains crisp and authoritative.

John Ashurst, rising 85, was making a rare return to Winchester for the commissioning of the new Ashurst Learning Resource Centre at Peter Symonds College, where he made such an indelible mark a generation ago during its twilight years as a grammar school. He was only at the helm for eight years, but his contribution was every bit as significant as those of his longer-serving predecessors, Telford Varley and "Doc" Freeman.

He blew in, like a force of nature, at the start of the 1963 summer term, galvanising a school that had perhaps grown a little too comfortable under the urbane stewardship of John Shields. Dissident elements were identified and neutralised. Uniform was prescribed, long hair proscribed.

And it was not just the boys, your correspondent included, who sat up: the new man also concentrated the minds of the staff and those he considered not up to the task did not last long.

The "Swinging Sixties" notwithstanding, he turned Peter Symonds into an academic hothouse. Exam grades soared and university entrance went off the graph, reigniting the process of educational excellence that has continued to the present day.

But he was a dinosaur - and proud of it. Co-education and sixth-form colleges were not for him and in 1971, job done, he moved to the less egalitarian environs of East Riding to head the independent Hymer's College, Hull, where he saw out his career before retiring to nearby Beverley.

The college's current principal, Neil Hopkins, paying his own tribute, said John Ashurst represented "a whole section" of the proud history of Peter Symonds and so it was especially fitting that the new wing should bear his name.

"In fact, there is a wonderful tradition here, which I warmly commend, of naming buildings after heads, There've only been six since the school proper opened in 1897, so it's been possible to keep up fairly well. And the governors seem to realise they have to keep us a long time. They can't afford enough buildings to be able to sack us too often!"

*This latest building combines the concept of independent learning with a range of resources that support and reflect the curriculum. As well as being a library with 16,000 books (including Harry Potter - in Spanish), 900 DVDs, journals and newspapers, it offers internet and online resources.

Students have access to 200 computers linked to the college network in three IT classrooms and two suites. There are also two seminar rooms and a silent study room, as well as individual study areas, staffroom, staff work areas and an audio-visual room. A team of 10 qualified and specialist staff provide a university-style service and students are encouraged to utilise the resources to their maximum capabilities. The ground floor houses seven teaching rooms, a staffroom and a careers library, with professional advisers and library assistants.

Mr Hopkins revealed that the new centre had cost 짙4.2m and been funded from various sources, including a 10 per cent grant from the Learning and Skills Council and 짙300,000 from the Mercers' Guild. "Peter Symonds was a member of this company in the 16th century, so we are especially grateful. Without the Mercers' help, our campus would be far less attractive than it is."

Another funding factor, he added, had been prepayment of boarding fees by the Falklands Islands Government. "In fact, we must be the only college in the land whose building project was to some extent dependent on the squid harvest in the South Atlantic."

He said the scheme had been delivered on time and within budget. "And even more importantly, we actually like it."

Guests, among them former maths master, Steve White, 90 next birthday, were given guided tours before the building was officially opened by the Master Mercer, Frederick Hohler, who said the success of Peter Symonds down the years had been due to key individuals, among them John Ashurst, whose leadership and drive had been crucial. "Now Neil has built on those foundations to produce this outstanding college. To send 47 students to Oxbridge last year was a remarkable achievement, both for Winchester and nationally."

Fittingly, the last word went to Mr Ashurst, who said he was "spellbound" by the building and the great honour of lending his name to it. He added: "When I left, there wasn't a computer to be seen. And I was particularly struck by the recreation area, where students can chat, read magazines and relax. They didn't relax in my day."

12:59pm Monday 19th November 2007

John Ashurst at opening of Ashurst Building

And Steve White was there too ...

Hampshire Chronicle News

19 November 2007

http://www.thisishampshire.net/news/hampshirechroniclenews/display.var.1843396.0.ashurst_centre_opened.php

Ashurst Centre opened

Report by Kit Neilson


THE still-abundant hair is white and the figure a little stooped, but the eyes are as sharp as ever and the voice, honed by robust northern vowels, remains crisp and authoritative.

John Ashurst, rising 85, was making a rare return to Winchester for the commissioning of the new Ashurst Learning Resource Centre at Peter Symonds College, where he made such an indelible mark a generation ago during its twilight years as a grammar school. He was only at the helm for eight years, but his contribution was every bit as significant as those of his longer-serving predecessors, Telford Varley and "Doc" Freeman.

He blew in, like a force of nature, at the start of the 1963 summer term, galvanising a school that had perhaps grown a little too comfortable under the urbane stewardship of John Shields. Dissident elements were identified and neutralised. Uniform was prescribed, long hair proscribed.

And it was not just the boys, your correspondent included, who sat up: the new man also concentrated the minds of the staff and those he considered not up to the task did not last long.

The "Swinging Sixties" notwithstanding, he turned Peter Symonds into an academic hothouse. Exam grades soared and university entrance went off the graph, reigniting the process of educational excellence that has continued to the present day.

But he was a dinosaur - and proud of it. Co-education and sixth-form colleges were not for him and in 1971, job done, he moved to the less egalitarian environs of East Riding to head the independent Hymer's College, Hull, where he saw out his career before retiring to nearby Beverley.

The college's current principal, Neil Hopkins, paying his own tribute, said John Ashurst represented "a whole section" of the proud history of Peter Symonds and so it was especially fitting that the new wing should bear his name.

"In fact, there is a wonderful tradition here, which I warmly commend, of naming buildings after heads, There've only been six since the school proper opened in 1897, so it's been possible to keep up fairly well. And the governors seem to realise they have to keep us a long time. They can't afford enough buildings to be able to sack us too often!"

*This latest building combines the concept of independent learning with a range of resources that support and reflect the curriculum. As well as being a library with 16,000 books (including Harry Potter - in Spanish), 900 DVDs, journals and newspapers, it offers internet and online resources.

Students have access to 200 computers linked to the college network in three IT classrooms and two suites. There are also two seminar rooms and a silent study room, as well as individual study areas, staffroom, staff work areas and an audio-visual room. A team of 10 qualified and specialist staff provide a university-style service and students are encouraged to utilise the resources to their maximum capabilities. The ground floor houses seven teaching rooms, a staffroom and a careers library, with professional advisers and library assistants.

Mr Hopkins revealed that the new centre had cost 짙4.2m and been funded from various sources, including a 10 per cent grant from the Learning and Skills Council and 짙300,000 from the Mercers' Guild. "Peter Symonds was a member of this company in the 16th century, so we are especially grateful. Without the Mercers' help, our campus would be far less attractive than it is."

Another funding factor, he added, had been prepayment of boarding fees by the Falklands Islands Government. "In fact, we must be the only college in the land whose building project was to some extent dependent on the squid harvest in the South Atlantic."

He said the scheme had been delivered on time and within budget. "And even more importantly, we actually like it."

Guests, among them former maths master, Steve White, 90 next birthday, were given guided tours before the building was officially opened by the Master Mercer, Frederick Hohler, who said the success of Peter Symonds down the years had been due to key individuals, among them John Ashurst, whose leadership and drive had been crucial. "Now Neil has built on those foundations to produce this outstanding college. To send 47 students to Oxbridge last year was a remarkable achievement, both for Winchester and nationally."

Fittingly, the last word went to Mr Ashurst, who said he was "spellbound" by the building and the great honour of lending his name to it. He added: "When I left, there wasn't a computer to be seen. And I was particularly struck by the recreation area, where students can chat, read magazines and relax. They didn't relax in my day."

12:59pm Monday 19th November 2007

19 November 2007

WELCOME

A Welcome to 'Silhillian' who has just joined us ...
It is hoped that you are able to 'catch up' with some memories as well as ex School chums from your time at Peter Symond's ...
If you have any interesting memories or photos, and are happy to share them we would be delighted to receive them on the site ...
Look forward to hearing more from you ...
Take care ...
Doug Clews (Joint Manager)
 

WELCOME

A Welcome to 'Silhillian' who has just joined us ...
It is hoped that you are able to 'catch up' with some memories as well as ex School chums from your time at Peter Symond's ...
If you have any interesting memories or photos, and are happy to share them we would be delighted to receive them on the site ...
Look forward to hearing more from you ...
Take care ...
Doug Clews (Joint Manager)
 

13 November 2007

Publications by ex-staff

I have a copy of "Walking in Hampshire" 2nd series, from 1950's by G.G. (Tom) Pierce illustrated by Jack Northeast and also a copy of "With an Artist in Winchester" dated 1961 by Jack Northeast.
Although neither has pictures of the school, there are plenty of local views drawn by Jack, if anyone is interested I would be happy to post some of them on the site - presume no copyright problems with doing this??
Rog.

Publications by ex-staff

I have a copy of "Walking in Hampshire" 2nd series, from 1950's by G.G. (Tom) Pierce illustrated by Jack Northeast and also a copy of "With an Artist in Winchester" dated 1961 by Jack Northeast.
Although neither has pictures of the school, there are plenty of local views drawn by Jack, if anyone is interested I would be happy to post some of them on the site - presume no copyright problems with doing this??
Rog.

07 November 2007

Pictures of the school

I  found the following site which has some recent shots of the school, including the new Ashurst building.  The college web site still states that the building will open in September 2007!
 
 
It looks like the Ashurst building is where the woodwork shop used to be, also no sign of Boarder's Bogs!  The annexe classrooms that I was always told, circa 1966, were temporary are still present though!
 
Tim

Pictures of the school

I  found the following site which has some recent shots of the school, including the new Ashurst building.  The college web site still states that the building will open in September 2007!
 
 
It looks like the Ashurst building is where the woodwork shop used to be, also no sign of Boarder's Bogs!  The annexe classrooms that I was always told, circa 1966, were temporary are still present though!
 
Tim

13 October 2007

Posting new pages


- such as the obit of Doc that I've just posted.

Posting new pages like this seems to be a manager's privilege. I hope as many members as possible will send stuff to us to have it put up (I bet my fellow managers will be pleased to have me volunteer them like this).

Jim, you mentioned somewhere the problem of having stray HTML code appearing in the text. I found I had to make a plaintext version of my file (one of the options in Save As in MS Word), copy and paste that in when creating the Web page, and then make headings bold and italic and so on by hand.

What I couldn't work out how to do was to nest the three pages I've added underneath the Obituaries heading in the navigation panel at the left.

Posting new pages


- such as the obit of Doc that I've just posted.

Posting new pages like this seems to be a manager's privilege. I hope as many members as possible will send stuff to us to have it put up (I bet my fellow managers will be pleased to have me volunteer them like this).

Jim, you mentioned somewhere the problem of having stray HTML code appearing in the text. I found I had to make a plaintext version of my file (one of the options in Save As in MS Word), copy and paste that in when creating the Web page, and then make headings bold and italic and so on by hand.

What I couldn't work out how to do was to nest the three pages I've added underneath the Obituaries heading in the navigation panel at the left.

Doc's obit & memorial service - Hants Chronicle reports

I've just posted these two items - the obit had to be split over two pages.

I was astonished when I read the report of the memorial service at Winchester Cathedral. I'd forgotten being there - among three members of the Cooper family listed as attending. (I haven't reproduced the full list in my transcript - it's too long. Anyone who wants to know if any particular person is in that list should contact me through this site.)

According to the report, one member of Doc's family who was there was Mr W C Cavill. Presumably he was an in-law - does anyone know who he was?

Doc's obit & memorial service - Hants Chronicle reports

I've just posted these two items - the obit had to be split over two pages.

I was astonished when I read the report of the memorial service at Winchester Cathedral. I'd forgotten being there - among three members of the Cooper family listed as attending. (I haven't reproduced the full list in my transcript - it's too long. Anyone who wants to know if any particular person is in that list should contact me through this site.)

According to the report, one member of Doc's family who was there was Mr W C Cavill. Presumably he was an in-law - does anyone know who he was?

12 August 2007

Far too many years of Symonds...

....although very few of them mine!
I'm actually a very recent "old symondian" - I attended Symonds' as a sixth former from 1990-1992.  However, I have a fair history with the place and have heard talk of Symonds' throughout my life.
My grandfather (Raymond Cox) taught there for a long time (will have to ask my father about dates, but I think he retired in 1967 or 1968), both my father and uncle went to Symonds' as boys - Tim Cox is my dad (he would have been there in the early 60s) and Mike Cox my uncle (he would have been there earlier - in the late 50s I guess).  And my mother currently teaches A level chemisty at Symonds', and has done for the last 20+ years but is due to retire next year.
I think the thing I found most amazing is that Colin Harris taught me A level maths (Although he retired at the end of my lower 6th - apparently not due to me!!) and he had also taught both my father and uncle! 
I would love to hear stories about my grandfather and what he was like as a teacher (I loved the story in another thread about him being a crackshot with a blackboard eraser!!)  He died when I was quite young and I only have quite dim and distant memories of him.

Far too many years of Symonds...

....although very few of them mine!
I'm actually a very recent "old symondian" - I attended Symonds' as a sixth former from 1990-1992.  However, I have a fair history with the place and have heard talk of Symonds' throughout my life.
My grandfather (Raymond Cox) taught there for a long time (will have to ask my father about dates, but I think he retired in 1967 or 1968), both my father and uncle went to Symonds' as boys - Tim Cox is my dad (he would have been there in the early 60s) and Mike Cox my uncle (he would have been there earlier - in the late 50s I guess).  And my mother currently teaches A level chemisty at Symonds', and has done for the last 20+ years but is due to retire next year.
I think the thing I found most amazing is that Colin Harris taught me A level maths (Although he retired at the end of my lower 6th - apparently not due to me!!) and he had also taught both my father and uncle! 
I would love to hear stories about my grandfather and what he was like as a teacher (I loved the story in another thread about him being a crackshot with a blackboard eraser!!)  He died when I was quite young and I only have quite dim and distant memories of him.

10 August 2007

Air cadets at Hullavington

I have added some photographs of a group at the RAF base at Hullavington in about 1949 I think, starting here. I can only remember a few names but all the faces. Please fill in the gaps. Sorry for any mistakes.
jim

Air cadets at Hullavington

I have added some photographs of a group at the RAF base at Hullavington in about 1949 I think, starting here. I can only remember a few names but all the faces. Please fill in the gaps. Sorry for any mistakes.
jim

04 August 2007

Rebuilding the site; photos

Apologies to those who have already received this message. I intended to send it to all listers but hit the wrong button. Put it down to a senior moment!
HELP !!!
 
Regular viewers of our site will be aware that we had a 'glitch' some while back, which, we understand, was caused by MSN and we have been waiting patiently in the hope that it would be fixed by them ... alas, it hasn't and doesn't look as though it ever will be ...
 
Nett result is, that we lost all of the photos that members kindly posted, along with some text ...
 
The text has been restored (David Webb's and Peter Smith's Memoirs), but the photos have not, as they cannot be recovered ...
 
We ask, NO, rather PLEAD, that those of you who have previously posted photos, would you kindly RE-POST them and if any newer members have photos, PLEASE post them now ...
 
PLEASE let's get the site back to what it truly was ... a 'Nostalgia' site ... that can only be achieved with YOUR help ...
 
THANKYOU !!!
 
Keep smiling
 
Doug from WOZ

Rebuilding the site; photos

Apologies to those who have already received this message. I intended to send it to all listers but hit the wrong button. Put it down to a senior moment!
HELP !!!
 
Regular viewers of our site will be aware that we had a 'glitch' some while back, which, we understand, was caused by MSN and we have been waiting patiently in the hope that it would be fixed by them ... alas, it hasn't and doesn't look as though it ever will be ...
 
Nett result is, that we lost all of the photos that members kindly posted, along with some text ...
 
The text has been restored (David Webb's and Peter Smith's Memoirs), but the photos have not, as they cannot be recovered ...
 
We ask, NO, rather PLEAD, that those of you who have previously posted photos, would you kindly RE-POST them and if any newer members have photos, PLEASE post them now ...
 
PLEASE let's get the site back to what it truly was ... a 'Nostalgia' site ... that can only be achieved with YOUR help ...
 
THANKYOU !!!
 
Keep smiling
 
Doug from WOZ

03 August 2007

The etiquette of message posting

I have drafted a short note on the question of what one should consider when posting messages and it can be viewed here.
regards,
jim, list manager.

The etiquette of message posting

I have drafted a short note on the question of what one should consider when posting messages and it can be viewed here.
regards,
jim, list manager.

Peter Smith's memories, 1945-1952

I have reinstated Peter's article. The original disappeared along with the photographs during the recent problems caused mainly by MSN I believe.
You can get to them here.
regards,
jim

Peter Smith's memories, 1945-1952

I have reinstated Peter's article. The original disappeared along with the photographs during the recent problems caused mainly by MSN I believe.
You can get to them here.
regards,
jim

02 August 2007

13th October 2007 Winchester Dinner at the Guildhall

Any old Symondians who would like to attend the above 400th Anniversary event please contact Mike Conlan from the Old Symondians Society on 01793 849050 or email him at casamelara@aol.com.
 
So far we have over 100 attendees and I would like to keep the numbers going up.  Menu choices must be back by the 21st of September.
 
Please note I am away from the 4th to 28th August but I will reply immediately to any responses.
 
Thank you
 

13th October 2007 Winchester Dinner at the Guildhall

Any old Symondians who would like to attend the above 400th Anniversary event please contact Mike Conlan from the Old Symondians Society on 01793 849050 or email him at casamelara@aol.com.
 
So far we have over 100 attendees and I would like to keep the numbers going up.  Menu choices must be back by the 21st of September.
 
Please note I am away from the 4th to 28th August but I will reply immediately to any responses.
 
Thank you
 

29 July 2007

"Ollie" Postgate.

I've just joined the forum, so going through adding my two-pennyworth!
A past post mentions Noggin.
I remember Noggin - or Ollie - OO Postgate. He taught us English in the room above the headmaster's study, directly next to my very first form room in P/S. Recall asking him if he was OO of BBC fame, and he claimed he was his brother. I remember wasting many hours attempting to think of 4 christian names so 2 brothers could have initials OO!
Recently Desert Island Discs featured OO - (the BBC one,) and he referred only to his brother John - also that he was busy doing animations in the late '60 s , so even now have not resolved the question. Perhaps someone will enlighten me?
Anyway, I fondly remember a gentle and kind teacher who delighted in reading us stories! A Gentleman.
"Rog."

"Ollie" Postgate.

I've just joined the forum, so going through adding my two-pennyworth!
A past post mentions Noggin.
I remember Noggin - or Ollie - OO Postgate. He taught us English in the room above the headmaster's study, directly next to my very first form room in P/S. Recall asking him if he was OO of BBC fame, and he claimed he was his brother. I remember wasting many hours attempting to think of 4 christian names so 2 brothers could have initials OO!
Recently Desert Island Discs featured OO - (the BBC one,) and he referred only to his brother John - also that he was busy doing animations in the late '60 s , so even now have not resolved the question. Perhaps someone will enlighten me?
Anyway, I fondly remember a gentle and kind teacher who delighted in reading us stories! A Gentleman.
"Rog."

28 June 2007

message from Steve Hankin, new member

Hi Jim

I was at school from 1961 to 1966 and I was one of those folk who met the Duke, I was doing a D of E First Aid demo outside the Outer field pavilion. Somewhere, my mother has a photo of the event that I will try and retrieve.


Regards,

Steve

message from Steve Hankin, new member

Hi Jim

I was at school from 1961 to 1966 and I was one of those folk who met the Duke, I was doing a D of E First Aid demo outside the Outer field pavilion. Somewhere, my mother has a photo of the event that I will try and retrieve.


Regards,

Steve

21 June 2007

More Latin translation please

I have been asked to get a translation for the following. If you can help please let me know
 
With regard to Latin translation, I recall that about the time I started at Peter Symonds in 1945 a letter was published in the Hampshire Chronicle which, rumour had it, originated from a PSSW schoolboy. The writer said that he had discovered in his garden a metal vessel with an inscription, which he thought was in Latin and he was asking if anyone could translate it. The inscription read "ITI SAPIS SPOTAN DATI NONE". I do not think it got a response!
 
regards,
 
jim 

More Latin translation please

I have been asked to get a translation for the following. If you can help please let me know
 
With regard to Latin translation, I recall that about the time I started at Peter Symonds in 1945 a letter was published in the Hampshire Chronicle which, rumour had it, originated from a PSSW schoolboy. The writer said that he had discovered in his garden a metal vessel with an inscription, which he thought was in Latin and he was asking if anyone could translate it. The inscription read "ITI SAPIS SPOTAN DATI NONE". I do not think it got a response!
 
regards,
 
jim 

Friends, Romans, Old Symondians...

Hi Everyone. I subscribe to this Nostalgia Corner, but so far - to my shame - haven't contributed. I have lots to say about my time at Symonds between 70 and 77, though this will have to wait until I can find a few spare hours....

In the meantime, I need to have a few words translated into Latin for a job I'm doing ... I was one of those lucky/unlucky lads who were sidelined into 3C, and therefore didn't persue Latin (with Noggin - hoorah!) after the second year. Noggin christened me 'Scriba' - the scribe, as my surname is Knibbs, and it remained my nickname for the rest of my time at school.

I digress... the phrases I need translating into Latin are 'my country home' and 'country living', to appear on a property brochure I'm producing for a client. (My brother and I work together as graphic designers in the West Country).

I'd be really grateful if one of you who ended up in 3A or 3B could help me with this, which hopefully shouldn't be too testing for an Old Symondian...

Thanks very much; lots of stories later, I promise...
Cheers,
Jeremy Knibbs

Friends, Romans, Old Symondians...

Hi Everyone. I subscribe to this Nostalgia Corner, but so far - to my shame - haven't contributed. I have lots to say about my time at Symonds between 70 and 77, though this will have to wait until I can find a few spare hours....

In the meantime, I need to have a few words translated into Latin for a job I'm doing ... I was one of those lucky/unlucky lads who were sidelined into 3C, and therefore didn't persue Latin (with Noggin - hoorah!) after the second year. Noggin christened me 'Scriba' - the scribe, as my surname is Knibbs, and it remained my nickname for the rest of my time at school.

I digress... the phrases I need translating into Latin are 'my country home' and 'country living', to appear on a property brochure I'm producing for a client. (My brother and I work together as graphic designers in the West Country).

I'd be really grateful if one of you who ended up in 3A or 3B could help me with this, which hopefully shouldn't be too testing for an Old Symondian...

Thanks very much; lots of stories later, I promise...
Cheers,
Jeremy Knibbs

19 June 2007

Tony Brenton

Hi All,
Since no-one else has noted it in these pages,  may I mention that Anthony Brenton, who left PSSW and Wyke Lodge in 1968, was knighted (KCMG) in the Queen's birthday honours list. Congratulations to him. It must be a challenging post at any time, but right now who would want to be HM ambassador in Moscow?
 
Tony Ottridge

Tony Brenton

Hi All,
Since no-one else has noted it in these pages,  may I mention that Anthony Brenton, who left PSSW and Wyke Lodge in 1968, was knighted (KCMG) in the Queen's birthday honours list. Congratulations to him. It must be a challenging post at any time, but right now who would want to be HM ambassador in Moscow?
 
Tony Ottridge

27 May 2007

400th anniversary dinner 13 October 2007

I'm forwarding the message below from Chris Haines. He addressed it specifically to the "1955-62 cohort" (it's a broad church - I'm '55-'63 personally ) - but I think it might be of interest to everyone out there who's thinking of attending 400th annivesary events.
 
Chris attached a booking form from the Old Symondians' Society (Mike Conlan), not reproduced here.
 
* If you're a 55-62 person, contact Chris Haines (details below) - he (and the rest of us) would like to hear about you anyway.
 
* If you're anyone at all who's intererested in 400th anniversary events and doesn't belong to OSS, contact Mike Conlan, email:  casamelara  "att"  aol.com
 
Best,
 
Chris (Cooper)
 
>>>
[From Chris Haines]
 
PSS 1955-62 cohort: 400th anniversary dinner 13 October 2007
 
Dear Friends,
 
You had advance notice of the 400th Anniversary Dinner, organised by the Old Symondians Society, to be held on 13 October 2007 in the Guildhall in Winchester. I do hope that you will make arrangements to attend this special occasion at which we hope to have 20-40 of the 1955-1962 cohort present.
 
If you are a member of OSS, then you will already have a copy of the attached form to book your place. Do send in the 짙10 deposit necessary to Mike Conlan and make sure that you note 1955-1962 cohort in the 'would like to sit by' space on the form.
 
If you are not a member of OSS, do not worry...Mike Conlan assures me that all are welcome, but just to make sure I have already sent in a deposits for 10 spaces...if, as a non-member of OSS, you would like to be included in these 10, then let me know as soon as possible ... the first 9 responses get the places...we can sort out payment details later.
 
Our two previous reunions at the farmers Club were most enjoyable affairs and I am sure that the October Dinner will another memorable occasion, especially if we can get a good turnout from our own cohort.
 
I look forward to hearing from you.
 
Very best wishes
 
Chris
 
Chris Haines
15 The Glade
West Wickham BR4 9LH
020 8777 6498

 

400th anniversary dinner 13 October 2007

I'm forwarding the message below from Chris Haines. He addressed it specifically to the "1955-62 cohort" (it's a broad church - I'm '55-'63 personally ) - but I think it might be of interest to everyone out there who's thinking of attending 400th annivesary events.
 
Chris attached a booking form from the Old Symondians' Society (Mike Conlan), not reproduced here.
 
* If you're a 55-62 person, contact Chris Haines (details below) - he (and the rest of us) would like to hear about you anyway.
 
* If you're anyone at all who's intererested in 400th anniversary events and doesn't belong to OSS, contact Mike Conlan, email:  casamelara  "att"  aol.com
 
Best,
 
Chris (Cooper)
 
>>>
[From Chris Haines]
 
PSS 1955-62 cohort: 400th anniversary dinner 13 October 2007
 
Dear Friends,
 
You had advance notice of the 400th Anniversary Dinner, organised by the Old Symondians Society, to be held on 13 October 2007 in the Guildhall in Winchester. I do hope that you will make arrangements to attend this special occasion at which we hope to have 20-40 of the 1955-1962 cohort present.
 
If you are a member of OSS, then you will already have a copy of the attached form to book your place. Do send in the 짙10 deposit necessary to Mike Conlan and make sure that you note 1955-1962 cohort in the 'would like to sit by' space on the form.
 
If you are not a member of OSS, do not worry...Mike Conlan assures me that all are welcome, but just to make sure I have already sent in a deposits for 10 spaces...if, as a non-member of OSS, you would like to be included in these 10, then let me know as soon as possible ... the first 9 responses get the places...we can sort out payment details later.
 
Our two previous reunions at the farmers Club were most enjoyable affairs and I am sure that the October Dinner will another memorable occasion, especially if we can get a good turnout from our own cohort.
 
I look forward to hearing from you.
 
Very best wishes
 
Chris
 
Chris Haines
15 The Glade
West Wickham BR4 9LH
020 8777 6498

 

26 May 2007

Welcome to kew760

I thought I had posted a 'Welcome' message to kew760, but obviously I did something wrong ... put it down to 'Having a Senior's Moment' !!!
 
Anyway, the message was received by kew760 and I guess that is the main thing ...
 
kew760 turns out to be a Karen Stafford, joining on behalf of her Father who is Les Waterman ...
Les was at School from 1943 - 1947 and was an evacuee from Portsmouth ...
He was a member of the Cricket Team and remembers Captain Cox, Day, 'Sly' and Ralph Fielder ... he also remembers matches against Churchers College Petersfield, King Edwards and Taunton ... he was awarded his White Cap ...
Les was in the Air Corps and although like a lot of us from that era, his memory is not as good as it was, but he does have memories of various boys, Masters and of course, 'Doc' ...
 
Les is not, unfortunately on the internet, but his Daughter is attempting to gather memories etc., on his behalf and she would be very grateful to hear from anyone who has anything they are able contribute ...
 
Doug Clews

Welcome to kew760

I thought I had posted a 'Welcome' message to kew760, but obviously I did something wrong ... put it down to 'Having a Senior's Moment' !!!
 
Anyway, the message was received by kew760 and I guess that is the main thing ...
 
kew760 turns out to be a Karen Stafford, joining on behalf of her Father who is Les Waterman ...
Les was at School from 1943 - 1947 and was an evacuee from Portsmouth ...
He was a member of the Cricket Team and remembers Captain Cox, Day, 'Sly' and Ralph Fielder ... he also remembers matches against Churchers College Petersfield, King Edwards and Taunton ... he was awarded his White Cap ...
Les was in the Air Corps and although like a lot of us from that era, his memory is not as good as it was, but he does have memories of various boys, Masters and of course, 'Doc' ...
 
Les is not, unfortunately on the internet, but his Daughter is attempting to gather memories etc., on his behalf and she would be very grateful to hear from anyone who has anything they are able contribute ...
 
Doug Clews

08 May 2007

How's sixth form at Peter Symonds?

 Dear all symonians,
 
I am a prospective student and would like to know much much more about Sixth Form, both Lower and Upper Sixth at Peter Symonds.
-how do you find extra-cirricular activities at school?
-how's the facility, food, teaching?
-are teachers willing to help and caring?
-do students get a good prospect after graduation?
-is it very hard to get accepted at Peter Symonds?
-how's boarding at Peter Symonds?
-will it be hard to find accommodation that is not too expensive close to the school? or is boarding more preferable?
sorry to bombard you all with so many questions...
 
love,
phyLLis* =)

How's sixth form at Peter Symonds?

 Dear all symonians,
 
I am a prospective student and would like to know much much more about Sixth Form, both Lower and Upper Sixth at Peter Symonds.
-how do you find extra-cirricular activities at school?
-how's the facility, food, teaching?
-are teachers willing to help and caring?
-do students get a good prospect after graduation?
-is it very hard to get accepted at Peter Symonds?
-how's boarding at Peter Symonds?
-will it be hard to find accommodation that is not too expensive close to the school? or is boarding more preferable?
sorry to bombard you all with so many questions...
 
love,
phyLLis* =)

06 May 2007

Hello everyone

I left Peter Symonds' (sorry about the apostrophe!!)...in 1947.  I was in the Lower Sixth Form at that time.  In 1950 I emigrated to Australia, and  I have been here since. I remember Doctor Freeman and of course Mr Jones very well,,,,,and also the Greek master at the time.    I have  made desultory enquiries over the years as to any one who was at school with me, but to no avail as yet.   I was in the Air Cadets at school.     If anyone recalls anything, I would be very pleased to hear from them.     Roy C.S. Crosswell

Hello everyone

I left Peter Symonds' (sorry about the apostrophe!!)...in 1947.  I was in the Lower Sixth Form at that time.  In 1950 I emigrated to Australia, and  I have been here since. I remember Doctor Freeman and of course Mr Jones very well,,,,,and also the Greek master at the time.    I have  made desultory enquiries over the years as to any one who was at school with me, but to no avail as yet.   I was in the Air Cadets at school.     If anyone recalls anything, I would be very pleased to hear from them.     Roy C.S. Crosswell

01 May 2007

About John Freeman

Yes, it seems we can still post. So we have no excuse for not continuing to natter away.
 
So I'd like to put out an appeal for any information that anyone might have regarding a grandson of Doc Freeman's: this is John Freeman, son of Doc's son Bill. (Bill is still alive, but not very open to being approached, apparently). John was born about 1949. I know nothing of his present whereabouts.
 
I got this scanty information from Tim  Renton, son of Doc's daughter Joyce. I'd appreciate any leads that might help me to contact John - or indeed, any other surviving descendant of Doc.
 
Thanks
 
Chris

About John Freeman

Yes, it seems we can still post. So we have no excuse for not continuing to natter away.
 
So I'd like to put out an appeal for any information that anyone might have regarding a grandson of Doc Freeman's: this is John Freeman, son of Doc's son Bill. (Bill is still alive, but not very open to being approached, apparently). John was born about 1949. I know nothing of his present whereabouts.
 
I got this scanty information from Tim  Renton, son of Doc's daughter Joyce. I'd appreciate any leads that might help me to contact John - or indeed, any other surviving descendant of Doc.
 
Thanks
 
Chris

Just testing ...

... to see if we can post at the moment.

Just testing ...

... to see if we can post at the moment.

13 January 2007

photos

As new member of this web site I was puzzled at my inability to download photos. I have contacted MSN Groups Technical Support - here is their reply, possibly not very satisfactory but they are aware.

"Neill, we have received reports from other customers regarding this. The server that hosts your MSN Group is currently undergoing maintenance or experiencing technical difficulties. Our product team is aware of this issue and is working diligently to fix this. Resolving this issue is a top priority. However, we cannot commit to a specific timeframe as to when a solution will be released. We appreciate your patience."

I would like to see the photos as well. I have only one photo taken of me at school, a group shot when I was in the CCF. I will send it to Jim and Mike when I have a moment or two.

Kind regards to all.


photos

As new member of this web site I was puzzled at my inability to download photos. I have contacted MSN Groups Technical Support - here is their reply, possibly not very satisfactory but they are aware.

"Neill, we have received reports from other customers regarding this. The server that hosts your MSN Group is currently undergoing maintenance or experiencing technical difficulties. Our product team is aware of this issue and is working diligently to fix this. Resolving this issue is a top priority. However, we cannot commit to a specific timeframe as to when a solution will be released. We appreciate your patience."

I would like to see the photos as well. I have only one photo taken of me at school, a group shot when I was in the CCF. I will send it to Jim and Mike when I have a moment or two.

Kind regards to all.


11 January 2007

and a warm welcome to Gil Rice

here is correspondence I have had with our latest new member, Gil!
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2007 5:34 PM
Subject: peter symonds nostalgia corner

hi Wchair!
I am pleased to welcome you to the club. I hope you can join in. How about telling us something about yourself and when you were at the school?
best regards,
Jim wishart, joint manager
 
Hi Jim,
 
I have joined the group and have had a confirmation from MSN Groups, however when I access the group and click on General photos none are displayed which is a shame as I was at the school during the period that Dr. Freeman was headmaster and also EOJones was my Latin master so it would have been particularly nice to be able to see them. [I am hoping that these will be retrieved soon, jim]
 
I have changed my profile in the group so that it's more up to date so  my new nickname is Pud - Gil.  Pud was my nickname at school and for a few years after.  Currently I am known as Gil.
 
I attended the school when it was a grammar school and was there from 1949 to 1954.  I left to join the  RAF in boy service.  I served in the RAF until 1966 and in 'civvy' street joined ICL as an engineer.  My wife and I moved to Dorset in 1985 where I had a job with Plessey as a Principal Technical Lecturer on Data Comms and Traffic Control Systems.
 
I had to take early retirement through having a form of Motor Neurone Disease.  It started in 1991 and I left work in 1995.  I know have main interests in water colour painting and Home Computing.  The disease has led me to talents I didn't realise I had.  I belong to our local branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association and since joining have set up and maintain their website at www.mndedorsetandnforest.org.uk so I'm always busy doing something.
 
Strangely enough I remember very few of  my school friends that were in my class/classes as I progressed there so I'm not too bothered about establishing contact with school friends unless anybody remembers me  then they could email me but at 68 I doubt any  would remember me either.
 
It was purely by accident that I found the 'nostalgia group' but I'm glad that I did and I hope that I can find a way to get the photos displayed.
 
Best regards and hope to hear from you again.
 
Gil Rice
 

and a warm welcome to Gil Rice

here is correspondence I have had with our latest new member, Gil!
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2007 5:34 PM
Subject: peter symonds nostalgia corner

hi Wchair!
I am pleased to welcome you to the club. I hope you can join in. How about telling us something about yourself and when you were at the school?
best regards,
Jim wishart, joint manager
 
Hi Jim,
 
I have joined the group and have had a confirmation from MSN Groups, however when I access the group and click on General photos none are displayed which is a shame as I was at the school during the period that Dr. Freeman was headmaster and also EOJones was my Latin master so it would have been particularly nice to be able to see them. [I am hoping that these will be retrieved soon, jim]
 
I have changed my profile in the group so that it's more up to date so  my new nickname is Pud - Gil.  Pud was my nickname at school and for a few years after.  Currently I am known as Gil.
 
I attended the school when it was a grammar school and was there from 1949 to 1954.  I left to join the  RAF in boy service.  I served in the RAF until 1966 and in 'civvy' street joined ICL as an engineer.  My wife and I moved to Dorset in 1985 where I had a job with Plessey as a Principal Technical Lecturer on Data Comms and Traffic Control Systems.
 
I had to take early retirement through having a form of Motor Neurone Disease.  It started in 1991 and I left work in 1995.  I know have main interests in water colour painting and Home Computing.  The disease has led me to talents I didn't realise I had.  I belong to our local branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association and since joining have set up and maintain their website at www.mndedorsetandnforest.org.uk so I'm always busy doing something.
 
Strangely enough I remember very few of  my school friends that were in my class/classes as I progressed there so I'm not too bothered about establishing contact with school friends unless anybody remembers me  then they could email me but at 68 I doubt any  would remember me either.
 
It was purely by accident that I found the 'nostalgia group' but I'm glad that I did and I hope that I can find a way to get the photos displayed.
 
Best regards and hope to hear from you again.
 
Gil Rice
 

A warm welcome to Neill Leary

Here is Neill's welcoming email and his reply,
 
---- Original Message -----
From: James Wishart
To: neill.leary1@btinternet.com
Cc: Doug Clews
Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2007 12:09 PM
Subject: Peter Symonds nostalgia corner
hi Neill,
I'm pleased to welcome you to the club and I hope you enjoy it here. Please feel free to introduce yourself to the members and let us know when you were at the school and any doings you did!
regards,
jim wishart
list manager.
Dear Jim

Thanks for your welcome to the Peter Symonds Nostalgia Corner. Here are few paragraphs to fill in some of my background.
 
I went to PS in September 1945 - the first 'intake' after the end of WW2. My primary school had been St Bartholomews Hyde (now pulled down and expensive houses built in its place) where I was one of the brighter children. To my dismay I found that all of my class were bright children from their primary schools and it took me a couple of years to settle in properly - it was teachers like Tom Pearce who really helped me to get started. Thankfully I managed to get a clutch of respectable grades in the Oxford School Certificate, stayed on until I was almost sixteen when I was encouraged to seek fame and fortune in the great wide world - family finances (or lack thereof) might have had something to do with it!!! Incidentally I think that Doug Clews and I were class mates at some stage.

I joined the RAF for National Service in 1952, became a navigator, rose to the giddy heights of Squadron Leader, got bored with office jobs, resigned, joined the Civil Aviation Authority where I became the manager of their aeronautical charts section, retired, became the part-time Membership Secretary of the Royal Institute of Navigation (of which I am a Fellow) and retired at the end of 2005. I do voluntary work at Southwark Cathedral, 'just potter' and enjoy myself not doing very much at all.

My contemporaries (apart from Doug) were Dennis Hewlett (who was seriously bright and went to Brasenose College), David Smith who was the manager of a jewellers shop in the High Street, Mike(?) Gilson (also seriously bright and went to Oxford but I do not know which college) and Derek Stone who left when his family went to live in Slough. I would very much like to be in touch with any of them.

PS people who I have met down the years include Bill Sandford ( a senior personage in the Royal Institute of Navigation), Paddy Hines who became one of the 'high-ups' in the RAF, John Hardwick who was an RAF Group Captain, Michael May (also in the RAF as an Education Officer, and I was told that he died many years ago.) I also bumped into Bob Weeks (his elder brother had lost a leg in a childhood accident on Fawley Down) - were at a pre-retirement seminar and found ourselves sitting next to each other!

I am not a great person for reunions and that kind of thing but having found your web site it is really good to be in touch.  Please pass on my regards to Doug if he remembers me.

Kind Regards - Neill
 
PS I have just seen Mike Conlan's email to me in which he mentions Paddy Hines and John Hardwick.




A warm welcome to Neill Leary

Here is Neill's welcoming email and his reply,
 
---- Original Message -----
From: James Wishart
To: neill.leary1@btinternet.com
Cc: Doug Clews
Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2007 12:09 PM
Subject: Peter Symonds nostalgia corner
hi Neill,
I'm pleased to welcome you to the club and I hope you enjoy it here. Please feel free to introduce yourself to the members and let us know when you were at the school and any doings you did!
regards,
jim wishart
list manager.
Dear Jim

Thanks for your welcome to the Peter Symonds Nostalgia Corner. Here are few paragraphs to fill in some of my background.
 
I went to PS in September 1945 - the first 'intake' after the end of WW2. My primary school had been St Bartholomews Hyde (now pulled down and expensive houses built in its place) where I was one of the brighter children. To my dismay I found that all of my class were bright children from their primary schools and it took me a couple of years to settle in properly - it was teachers like Tom Pearce who really helped me to get started. Thankfully I managed to get a clutch of respectable grades in the Oxford School Certificate, stayed on until I was almost sixteen when I was encouraged to seek fame and fortune in the great wide world - family finances (or lack thereof) might have had something to do with it!!! Incidentally I think that Doug Clews and I were class mates at some stage.

I joined the RAF for National Service in 1952, became a navigator, rose to the giddy heights of Squadron Leader, got bored with office jobs, resigned, joined the Civil Aviation Authority where I became the manager of their aeronautical charts section, retired, became the part-time Membership Secretary of the Royal Institute of Navigation (of which I am a Fellow) and retired at the end of 2005. I do voluntary work at Southwark Cathedral, 'just potter' and enjoy myself not doing very much at all.

My contemporaries (apart from Doug) were Dennis Hewlett (who was seriously bright and went to Brasenose College), David Smith who was the manager of a jewellers shop in the High Street, Mike(?) Gilson (also seriously bright and went to Oxford but I do not know which college) and Derek Stone who left when his family went to live in Slough. I would very much like to be in touch with any of them.

PS people who I have met down the years include Bill Sandford ( a senior personage in the Royal Institute of Navigation), Paddy Hines who became one of the 'high-ups' in the RAF, John Hardwick who was an RAF Group Captain, Michael May (also in the RAF as an Education Officer, and I was told that he died many years ago.) I also bumped into Bob Weeks (his elder brother had lost a leg in a childhood accident on Fawley Down) - were at a pre-retirement seminar and found ourselves sitting next to each other!

I am not a great person for reunions and that kind of thing but having found your web site it is really good to be in touch.  Please pass on my regards to Doug if he remembers me.

Kind Regards - Neill
 
PS I have just seen Mike Conlan's email to me in which he mentions Paddy Hines and John Hardwick.




09 January 2007

400th anniversary of our founder

Just in case Mike's email didn't get to everyone, here it is--
 
From: Mike Conlan  (Original Message) Sent: 09/01/2007 11:35
2007 is the 400th anniversary of our founder and the Old Symondians Society, in combination with Peter Symonds College, are holding events throughout the year.
The two main events, both being held at the Winchester Guild Hall, are on the 23rd of June and the 13th of October.
If you are interested in attending or joining the Society then please contact me or visit our website.
Kind regards
Mike Conlan  Tel: 01793 849050
casamelara@aol.com
www.oldsymondianssociety.co.uk
 
We are having trouble on the web site in that quite a few of the pages are not showing up. We hope that things get sorted out. If not we will have to start again with the Eulogys Obituaries and histories provided by various members over the years,
regards,
jim wishart

400th anniversary of our founder

Just in case Mike's email didn't get to everyone, here it is--
 
From: Mike Conlan  (Original Message) Sent: 09/01/2007 11:35
2007 is the 400th anniversary of our founder and the Old Symondians Society, in combination with Peter Symonds College, are holding events throughout the year.
The two main events, both being held at the Winchester Guild Hall, are on the 23rd of June and the 13th of October.
If you are interested in attending or joining the Society then please contact me or visit our website.
Kind regards
Mike Conlan  Tel: 01793 849050
casamelara@aol.com
www.oldsymondianssociety.co.uk
 
We are having trouble on the web site in that quite a few of the pages are not showing up. We hope that things get sorted out. If not we will have to start again with the Eulogys Obituaries and histories provided by various members over the years,
regards,
jim wishart

Peter Symonds 400th Anniversary in 2007

2007 is the 400th anniversary of our founder and the Old Symondians Society, in combination with Peter Symonds College, are holding events throughout the year.
The two main events, both being held at the Winchester Guild Hall, are on the 23rd of June and the 13th of October.
If you are interested in attending or joining the Society then please contact me or visit our website.
Kind regards
Mike Conlan  Tel: 01793 849050
casamelara@aol.com
www.oldsymondianssociety.co.uk

Peter Symonds 400th Anniversary in 2007

2007 is the 400th anniversary of our founder and the Old Symondians Society, in combination with Peter Symonds College, are holding events throughout the year.
The two main events, both being held at the Winchester Guild Hall, are on the 23rd of June and the 13th of October.
If you are interested in attending or joining the Society then please contact me or visit our website.
Kind regards
Mike Conlan  Tel: 01793 849050
casamelara@aol.com
www.oldsymondianssociety.co.uk

06 January 2007

Re: Jim


Note: forwarded message attached.
 
p.s.
 
When I sent this the first time, it FAILED ...
 
The reason is, the automatically generated return address is incorrect, in as much that the .(dot) has been missed out in the address between msn and com ...
 
I have copied and pasted below so that you can see ...
 
petersymondswinchesterunofficialnostalgiacorner@ groups.msncom
 
(Life wasn't meant to be easy !!!)

Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.yahoo.com

Re: Jim


Note: forwarded message attached.
 
p.s.
 
When I sent this the first time, it FAILED ...
 
The reason is, the automatically generated return address is incorrect, in as much that the .(dot) has been missed out in the address between msn and com ...
 
I have copied and pasted below so that you can see ...
 
petersymondswinchesterunofficialnostalgiacorner@ groups.msncom
 
(Life wasn't meant to be easy !!!)

Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.yahoo.com

05 January 2007

Jim

I recommend that you send another CONTACT form and include the following:
 
My group has problems that are not occuring in other groups.
All of my custom pages are now blank.
When I go to my photo albums all photos are marked with " Posted by (name of member) on (date) but no picture shows up.
I would appreciate you visiting my group and checking it out.
 
I understand that other groups are having difficulties at this time, but they are NOT the same type of problems.
 
Your attention to this matter would be appreciated.
 
Let me know what happens.

Jim

I recommend that you send another CONTACT form and include the following:
 
My group has problems that are not occuring in other groups.
All of my custom pages are now blank.
When I go to my photo albums all photos are marked with " Posted by (name of member) on (date) but no picture shows up.
I would appreciate you visiting my group and checking it out.
 
I understand that other groups are having difficulties at this time, but they are NOT the same type of problems.
 
Your attention to this matter would be appreciated.
 
Let me know what happens.