Robin ( Mouse ) Dawson 1950 -1957 died aged 63 in September 2003. After taking Maths and Physics "A" levels he joined the Atomic Research Station at Harwell. He spent his entire working career of 35 years at various laboratories on the site finishing up a a Senior Scientific Officer. He then retired to Wareham in Dorset with his wife Sarah (ex Holton Park G.S ) to indulge in his passion of sailing, owning a sea going boat. His children and grandchildren were frequent visitors. Unfortunately he suffered badly from osteo-arthritis and had to have various joints replaced which contributed to the septicemia which was his cause of death.
Geoffrey Arthur Chaplin was born in Headcorn, Kent, on 10th April 1917, the son of Arthur William Chaplin, a local grocer, and his teacher wife May. Arthur was something of a Winston Churchill look-a-like who “may not run to large cigars but has the same flare for getting things done". Geoff attended Judd School in Tonbridge from 1927 - 1935, being Head Boy in his final year. In 1937 he graduated BSc in Chemistry and Pure and Applied Maths from Goldsmith's College, London, and the following year gained a University Teaching Diploma. He held several supply teaching posts in the south-east of England until he commenced military service in January 1940. He was perhaps fortunate that he was not required to go much further than Brighton in the course of his contribution to the war effort. Most of his service was with REME, working on the development of coastal radar equipment. Other talents came to the fore and it may come as a surprise to some to learn that on one posting he "effectively represented his Corps at sprinting and other sports". He made time in 1942 to marry Amy Ruth Kingsford, a young Kentish woman who had also studied at Goldsmith's College. They settled in Folkestone and were actively involved in the nearby Cheriton Baptist Church, particularly with the Youth Fellowship, some of whom may be present today!
After the War Geoff took up a permanent post as science master at Dover Road.School in Folkestone, teaching science and mathematics there from 1946 until 1952. He then moved, with Ruth and their two children Elizabeth and Tony, to a post as Senior Master at Arthur Mellows Village College in Glinton near Peterborough. Three years later he moved once more to take up the headship of the Secondary Modern School at Thame (known locally as the "bottom school" to distinguish it from John Hampden School, the "top school"). Some readers who knew Geoff at this time will recall what occupied most of his summer school holiday: the timetable. Armed with a mass of coloured drawing pins, each colour representing a different member of staff, he would stand for hours in front of a large chart, rearranging the pins until satisfied that everyone was teaching who, where and when they should. In 1960 he presided over the transfer of activity to the new Wenman School, later to become Lord Williams's Lower School, where he remained until his retirement in 1977. An article in the Daily Mirror in 1965 by no less than John Pilger described Geoff as "genial and fairly bursting with ideas", whilst a Ministry of Education HMI Report said that he "gives serious thought to every aspect of (school) life and spares no pains to solve problems which may arise".
From their earliest days in Thame, Geoff and Ruth were deeply involved in the life and work of the local Baptist Church, Geoff being a member, deacon and organist for much of this time. As organist he displayed a great ability for improvisation, together with a remarkable gift for selecting a final voluntary to match a key theme from the preceding sermon. Many recall very happy memories of choir practices in the Park Street vestry.
His musical talents were not restricted to the Church, and he was variously involved over the years as accompanist, conductor, choir member, and bass-baritone soloist in a wide range of choirs and musical events. When the school put on a production of Britten's Noyes Fludde, in which he sang the eponymous title role, he actually grew a rather splendid beard. The nation was even once treated to a fleeting glimpse of his hands at the piano, filmed in the course of a BBC documentary about a local District Nurse. He loved the piano, and as time permitted, would sit at home and play and sing his favourite pieces, sometimes to practice, sometimes purely for pleasure.
There used to be a plate on the wall of his old 'den' at Croft Close that read: "When all else fails, ask Grampa". An admirable sentiment for sure, humanly speaking, but with Geoff there was often no need even to ask. He firmly believed that practical concern and care for others was the real expression of his Christian faith, with the teaching of Matthew 25 vv 31- 46 his pattern, and he was always ready to help family, friend, colleague or stranger alike.
This attitude and approach to life was evident from his youth and continued into his senior years. In his late teens he was one of the principal organisers of a series of summer camps held for deprived boys from the East. End of London. Once described as "fund-raiser extraordinaire", he was for many years one of the main leaders of the local Christian Aid activities in Thame. After his retirement he played a leading role in establishing and developing Thame's Citizen's Advice Bureau, later meeting the Princess Royal at the opening ceremony of new premises. When eventually he withdrew from public activity, he continued to be a tremendous support to family and friends. Nothing was too much trouble, nowhere too far to go.
He remained proud of his roots, and until the last few years enjoyed regular visits to his home county. He was a keen follower of Kent cricket and relished particularly several trips to Lords in the 'early seventies to witness Kent's triumphs in one-day competition finals. Other interests and pleasures, as time permitted, included crossword puzzles and stamp collecting, the Goon Show, and Friday night fish and chips, a regular ritual for many years.
With hindsight, the first signs of Geoff’s Alzheimer's Disease became evident some eleven or twelve years ago, but with loving support from Ruth he managed at home for quite a while. Until he was unable to venture out alone, he continued to make a regular Saturday trek to the butchers to purchase a weekly supply of his beloved sausages. However, as the disease took its toll, it became necessary for him to move to the Ker Maria Nursing Home at Princes Risborough where he lived and was tenderly nursed for nearly four years before his peaceful death early on the morning of 10th December 2002.
There were occasions when he was not at all helpful. Invariably, if asked what he would like for Christmas or a birthday he would reply without hesitation: "A sausage roll"! Nonetheless he will be long remembered with great love and affection by family, friends, colleagues and, 1 hope at least most pupils, for his remarkable kindness, good humour and ready wit.
John Nelson a former headmaster has recently died. Jon Nelson became Headmaster of Lord William’s Grammar School in 1957. He was a Cambridge Graduate in History and the Housemaster of the boarding house at Exeter School (where his successor at Thame Geoff Goodall later became Headmaster!) Jon Nelson arrived at Thame at a significant time in the schools development. The Quarter centenary was two years off and a general inspection was impending. He brought the “Wind of Change” from the North - he was a Cumbrian! He will be remembered most for his administrative flair and ability, for his powers of organisation, and for carefully weighed thought and meticulous attention to detail. He had a logical and analytical mind and was only happy when everything was “teed-up” - a favourite term he frequently used. He was a great believer in work. This he stressed at every opportunity. He was responsible for countless changes and innovations, which he introduced subtly and gradually. Form orders were replaced by grades and setting was done by ability. The Fifth Form was divided into “Arts and Science”, “General Studies” and “Use of English” were new subjects for the sixth form.
Anomalies were tackled, the first year at school being called the Second Form, the Remove Form was removed and period times were standardised at forty minutes. Records were kept, sifted, sorted and consigned to the archives. I personally benefitted from his support of my subject, Geography, with a positive response to my request to take groups on field trips in this country and abroad. He did not, however, confine his attention solely to the academic side of the school. If the facilities had existed he would have developed the practical subjects.
No mean carpenter and mechanic himself, he left a permanent memorial in the robust arches he constructed for the stage scenery and in the concrete paths leading to the upper field. Two characteristic images of him were in his shirt-sleeves coaxing some ancient domestic appliance into action and him striding round the buildings with his long measuring stick. He introduced regular half-term holidays.
To keep pace with the growth in numbers, an extra House-New was added and the House competition was greatly broadened in scope and systematised. The cane and caps for sixth formers were abolished! Having served as a major in the Royal Armoured Corps in World War 2, he gave the CCF his blessing.
The “Tamensian was given a new look. It was his suggestion that the hard tennis courts should be built to commemorate the Quatercentenary. He campaigned for an OT life membership subscription.
The culmination of six years of effort was the opening of the new buildings – the Gym, Library and Assembly Hall. Previously Speech day was held variously at the Thame Cinema (now the Pied Pedaller), on the Headmaster’s lawn, if fine, and once at the Wenman School (now the Lower School).
As a man, Jon Nelson was shy and may have given the impression of aloofness; his North Country manner sometimes misunderstood by us rural Oxonians.
He had a dry wit and was convivial on social occasions. He was fair, just and widely respected for his integrity. He worked for the community, was a member of the Parochial Church Council and a Churchwarden. He began parents meetings and liaised with the staff of the Primary Schools. He became a Town Councillor and was judged an excellent committee man. In fact he laid the foundations of the modern school, with the welding of parents, pupils and former members into a team.
After the bachelor establishment of the previous nine years the Boarding House echoed to the sound of what the then Chairman of Governors called “the boisterous Nelson Children”. Family solidarity was a key feature of the Nelsons. The Boarding House regime became less spartan with bedside lockers and colourful décor in the dormitories.
Breakfast was made a quarter of an hour later and compulsory seven o’clock swims were discontinued! Phyl Nelson, his Wife, was a great support and ran the domestic side with equal efficiency and care.
In 1964 Jon Nelson was appointed to Headship of Hutton Grammer School near Preston where he remained until his retirement when he returned to his native Lake District and then, in order to be nearer his family, he and Phyl moved South, first to Brockenhurst, then Ringwood and finally to Bristol where I had the pleasure of staying with them some three years ago. R.F.M (with assistance from G.G. N.S.G and N.S.L).
B H J Bevan was educated at Monmouth School and took his B.A. in Classics at the University of Wales. He began his quarter of a century at LWS in May 1935 from All Hallows School. The Forces claimed him between 1941 and 1946, when he served initially with the Royal Signals in the North African campaign and then with the RAEC in Germany. He was Senior Classics Master but was not merely a teacher; Mr. Bevan had all the attributes of a scholar and a passionate belief in the value of his subject. Everybody realised the work he did for the dayboy Houses, first Harris and then Hampden. Succeeding Mr. Guest as Housemaster in 1957. He worked quietly and energetically in this role and brought his House within an ace of winning the House Shield one year. As business manager of the play, he lightened the load of the producer. As a member of tile Committee he played a vital part in the Quatercentenary celebrations, taking on the onerous burden of Fete organiser with outstanding success in two consecutive years. Through his efforts, a very comprehensive exhibition of the history of the School was staged, adding dignity and interest to the proceedings. In the special production for 1959, "The Lion and the Unicorn," he took the part of Lord Burleigh, the Queen's faithful counsellor. As editor of the "Tamensian" Mr. Bevan performed a great service to the School in bringing out year after year a magazine, which upheld the standards of the School. Mr. Bevan came into constant contact with the Old Boys. He was the School’s liaison officer with them. The O.T.A. gave him the signal but well - deserved privilege of honorary membership of the Association.
Hugh Mullens was the fourth child of William Mullens, a banker of the City of London, and his wife Florence; he was educated at Dean Close School, Cheltenham and Keble College, Oxford, where he was a scholar and took a First Class Honours Degree in Classics. Like most of his family, he was devoted to the teaching profession and began his career at Scarborough College before moving to King Williarn's College, Isle of Man as Classical Master and Housemaster.
During the war, he was commissioned in the Hampshire Regiment and spent his time in chemical warfare, stationed on Salisbury Plain, returning to King William's when hostilities ended. Mr. Mullens came to Thame with clear ideas of what he wanted to achieve in a small country Grammar School. The 1944 Butler Act had changed the status of the School giving more authority to the Local Education Committee with whom the Headmaster had frequent and often frustrating battles to engage. His own views were expressed in his annual Speech Day reports. The building of a strong Sixth Form was the first objective and continued the appeal of his predecessor in several Speech Day reports for more boys to stay for those vital Sixth Form years. Science was not forgotten and Mr. Mullens pressed hard for new laboratories, which were eventually built and opened in 1956 by Colonel Boyle, Chairman of the Governors, and named the “Boyle".
Herbert L Nicolle (1929 - 36). Herbert died suddenly on 2 June 2001 aged 82 years. After wartime service in the Royal Signals, he trained as an electrical engineer and specialised in flight simulators and radio aerial design. A dedicated OT, he served on the Committee and was President in 1973/74 and 1999/00. A keen sailor and steam train enthusiast, he also took up bookbinding and recently collated the Reminiscences of Lord Williams's School. Herbert was a deeply religious and kind person whose generosity was shown by his two substantial bequests to the new Cricket Pavilion and the John Hampton Memorial Fund. We all will miss his genial personality and dry humour, and our condolences go to his wife - Olive - and the family. (Derrick Hester).
Walter Lawrence “Laurie” Dodd. He passed away at 60 years of age on November 6th 2000. He had a heart attack. He had retired early due to ill health, but managed to enjoy his retirement. Our daughter Teresa was also a pupil at Lord Williams’s and has two daughters of her own, Zoë and Rachel. We spent 42 happy years together. (Margaret A Dodd. March 2002).
Clifford Mines (1942-1946) who used to live at Chilton, died at his home in Amersham in January. He was 72 years old. He worked in the traffic department for Bucks County Council in Walton Street until it was transferred to Swansea. (Robert Cadle of Chilton)
Richard Albury Bennett, was a boarder at Lord Bill's from 1933 to 1942. He died on 3 July at Balgowan in Kwa Zulu Natal where he had been living since 1989. After leaving school, he served briefly in the Irish Guards then transferred to No 1 Commando and finished the war with a commission in the Oxford and Bucks. He was a student at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, from 1947 until 1952 when he became a member of staff there until he retired in 1989. In 1948, he contracted polio and was virtually paraplegic for the rest of his life. This did not inhibit his activities however and he drove a modified Volvo everywhere. He leaves a flourishing estate agency in Gloucestershire. He was a staunch supporter of the Conservative Party until he emigrated. He leaves a widow, Nora, and a son Charles and daughter Charlotte and six grandchildren.
Rowland W. Hill (1924-1930). Rowland died at the age of 89 on 6th March 2002, in the John Radcliffe Hospital, after a short illness. Born and bred in Chinnor where his mother was the Postmistress for many years, Rowland attended Lord Williams’s as a dayboy for two years before becoming a boarder in 1926. Rowland always had very fond memories of his schooldays – as he said in a short autobiography which he compiled in later years:“At Grammar School.... my thirst for knowledge covering a very wide field was encouraged, and for this I have been grateful all through my life.” On leaving school, Rowland went into teaching training at the College of St. Mark and St. John in Chelsea and in 1933 took up his first teaching post at the C. of E. Boys’ School in Faringdon, where he was to spend the rest of his long life.
Rowland’s teaching career was soon to be interrupted by war service, which took him to India as an RAF photographer, to return to England with his coveted “Burma Star” in 1945. Promotion to Deputy Head at the newly-designated Faringdon Secondary Modern School soon followed, a role which Rowland was due to
fulfil for the remainder of his 40-year long teaching career. Throughout this time, Rowland kept a very active interest in the Old Tamensians’ Association and was for
many years a committee member and secretary of the John Hampden War Memorial Scholarship Fund. In recognition of these services, Rowland was appointed first Life Vice-President of the Association, an honour of which he was always extremely proud. A man of great energy and courage – (Rowland spent the last 10 years of his life confined to a wheel-chair after a double amputation) – he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
John Elton (Jack) Died on July 27th 2002 in St Giles’ Hospice, Lichfield aged 80. The funeral was held on August 5th at Tamworth Baptist chapel. He was interred at Kings Bromley.
Geoffrey Wild (1934-39). Lived in Watlington, and died in August 2002, in his 81st year.He played in the First XV in 1938 & 39.
© 2003, Old Tamensians Association. Keeping you in touch with Lord Williams School