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< Thread 119 Thread 120 (29 replies so far) Thread 121 >
< Thread 119 Thread 120 (29 replies so far) Thread 121 >
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ORIGINAL MESSAGE
NAME: Vic Coughtrey
Then & NowDATE: 15 March 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1954-59
Someone has already pointed out on this site that the unimportant is at least as important as the important (but he, as a man evidently lucky enough to lack a philosophy degree, was able to step nimbly over the mantrap of paradox and into the realm of intelligibility). Well, in order to further the cause of essential triviality, I would like to set a little challenge. I can't recall anything having been said so far on this site about those daft adolescent catch-phrases, employed by QE boys ad nauseam (in the 1950s, anyway). They can be strongly evocative. Until recently, I could remember several but the only publishable one that comes to mind at the moment is "Oh, is the most !" (or just "Oh, is !"). It was initially intended to express contempt for some assertion you thought silly or to imply that someone was lying, but at the height of its popularity (can't remember exactly when that was) it had become the obligatory response to any statement whatsoever by a fellow-pupil. If I remember rightly, only one catch-phrase would be current at any one time, each lasting no longer than a term. No doubt the source of some was The Goon Show. How many can you remember? (Naturally, I'll only publish those suitable for such an august organ - you're welcome to send me others privately). Subject to the same constraint, current students are welcome to inform us of the present-day favourite.
NAME: Nick Dean 
.JPG "Nick Dean gallery")
DATE: 16 March 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71
At some point in the mid '60s, Peter Cook & Dudley Moore did a spoof of the various Gerry Anderson puppet series entitled Super-Thunder-Sting-Car. This was widely imitated, with boys pretending to be on strings and repeating from the sketch two memorably deadpan utterances, "excellent !" or "this is terrible !" The day after transmission, there was a diving competition that a number of us watched by the pool and we registered our reaction to each performance accordingly. A few years later, after a celebrated edition of Monty Python - and before any of us had dreamed of having computers - the word 'spam' was, for a time, frequently added to menus displayed outside the refectory.
DATE: 16 March 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71
At some point in the mid '60s, Peter Cook & Dudley Moore did a spoof of the various Gerry Anderson puppet series entitled Super-Thunder-Sting-Car. This was widely imitated, with boys pretending to be on strings and repeating from the sketch two memorably deadpan utterances, "excellent !" or "this is terrible !" The day after transmission, there was a diving competition that a number of us watched by the pool and we registered our reaction to each performance accordingly. A few years later, after a celebrated edition of Monty Python - and before any of us had dreamed of having computers - the word 'spam' was, for a time, frequently added to menus displayed outside the refectory.
NAME: Martyn Day 
Then & Now
DATE: 18 March 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Inmate 1956-63
I remember a variant of the "Oh, is the most" putdown which was a firm favourite on the 303 bus shuttling from Welham Green and Brookmans Park to Barnet. Usually wheeled out when someone started dribbling on about how wonderful / talented / entertaining some recent record release or spotty star was - and well larded with irony - the expression "Oh, even the greatest!" led to the collapse of many a stout party. I still use it today.
Then & NowDATE: 18 March 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Inmate 1956-63
I remember a variant of the "Oh, is the most" putdown which was a firm favourite on the 303 bus shuttling from Welham Green and Brookmans Park to Barnet. Usually wheeled out when someone started dribbling on about how wonderful / talented / entertaining some recent record release or spotty star was - and well larded with irony - the expression "Oh, even the greatest!" led to the collapse of many a stout party. I still use it today.
NAME: Adam Lines 
Then & Now
DATE: 18 March 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1957-64
The catch phrases that immediately come to mind as being in vogue at QE (and generally) during my time there are mostly derogatory such as "berk" (from Berkeley Hunt?), "twit" (from nitwit?) and "prat" (from ???). Abbreviations for punishments which were all too often in my vocabulary included "I got 50", "he gave me an A" or I got 6"). "Keeping cave" and "going to the bog" were also prevalent. My issue still look at me mournfully when I resort to such expressions today.
NOTE FROM VIC: 'Berk' is indeed Cockney rhyming slang. 'Twit' is of Middle English origin and its earlier meaning appears to have been something like 'one who has been told off '. 'Prat' has been around for even longer and its meaning has shifted quite a bit over the centuries. By Chaucer's time it seems to have meant a prankster or crafty type. All part of the service!
Then & NowDATE: 18 March 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1957-64
The catch phrases that immediately come to mind as being in vogue at QE (and generally) during my time there are mostly derogatory such as "berk" (from Berkeley Hunt?), "twit" (from nitwit?) and "prat" (from ???). Abbreviations for punishments which were all too often in my vocabulary included "I got 50", "he gave me an A" or I got 6"). "Keeping cave" and "going to the bog" were also prevalent. My issue still look at me mournfully when I resort to such expressions today.
NOTE FROM VIC: 'Berk' is indeed Cockney rhyming slang. 'Twit' is of Middle English origin and its earlier meaning appears to have been something like 'one who has been told off '. 'Prat' has been around for even longer and its meaning has shifted quite a bit over the centuries. By Chaucer's time it seems to have meant a prankster or crafty type. All part of the service!
NAME: Nigel Palmer .JPG "Nigel Palmer")
DATE: 19 March 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1954-1962
I think we were using a species of 'back slang' [original message & reply 2], which has always been prevalent in public schools, where the user says sarcastically the opposite of what is meant. 'Most' means 'least' and vice versa. 'Lack of...' means 'excess of' and again vice versa. 'Best' and 'Worst' were also popular. I remember 'even' (said sarcastically) was popular e.g. "Palmer is even any good at chess" ..... i.e. Palmer has never won a game.
DATE: 19 March 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1954-1962
I think we were using a species of 'back slang' [original message & reply 2], which has always been prevalent in public schools, where the user says sarcastically the opposite of what is meant. 'Most' means 'least' and vice versa. 'Lack of...' means 'excess of' and again vice versa. 'Best' and 'Worst' were also popular. I remember 'even' (said sarcastically) was popular e.g. "Palmer is even any good at chess" ..... i.e. Palmer has never won a game.
NAME: Nigel Wood .jpg "Nigel Wood")
DATE: 20 March 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 1957-64
You've started something here, Vic. This could run and run. A small contribution: I remember that for a few weeks it was the done thing to offer each other either "a punch up the bracket" or "a punch up the 'ooter". Both popularised, I think, by Hancock.
DATE: 20 March 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 1957-64
You've started something here, Vic. This could run and run. A small contribution: I remember that for a few weeks it was the done thing to offer each other either "a punch up the bracket" or "a punch up the 'ooter". Both popularised, I think, by Hancock.
NAME: Nick Dean
DATE: 22 March 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71
Among the many magisterial utterances recorded on this site or otherwise remembered, a few in my time might be regarded as genuine catchphrases - ie used by others and spoken imitatively: "put it away" / "the book's wrong" (C0cks); "quite ridiculous" (Eric S); "it's self-explanatwy" (sic - Wren); "quiet, please!" (Mrs Bullas, catering supervisor). A couple had less widespread currency: "Happy Harrisons!" (Bernie P); "settle down!" (Finnett).
There were also single words or phrases almost invaribaly spoken in the manner of certain masters: "super!" (Bernie slapping his thigh and foreshadowing by some years David Harris-Jones in Reginald Perrin); "volleyball" (Wren); "b****r off !" / Amen !" (Tiger Timson); "Ensor" (Oxford historian cited by Alfie with 3 syllables - "ay-en-sore"); "good morning" (Second Master Rhoderi Jones, sotto voce in assembly - a bit like "good moaning" in "'Allo, 'Allo !"); "go !" (C0cks). For some reason "oi, oi" came to be attributed to Ken Carter - not sure why. Sam often said "go" as something like "guh". Having completed absentees for the first time in 4?A, he made this garbled utterance and, being none the wiser, we just sat there. He then shouted rather angrily, "When I say guh, you guh !" I suppose that Eric's "I have been at this school since 1928 ..." became a bit of a catchphrase, but one peculiar to him. His grace, "for food and friendship ..." and JP's slightly alarming "God is a spirit ..." in assembly also became familiar imitative fodder.
And as a footnote, on Countdown today (21/3), 'blokier' was diallowed because it was not in the OED and Jon Culshaw declared (you've guessed it) "the book's wrong !" (He actually said 'dictionary', but why spoil a good story?)
DATE: 22 March 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71
Among the many magisterial utterances recorded on this site or otherwise remembered, a few in my time might be regarded as genuine catchphrases - ie used by others and spoken imitatively: "put it away" / "the book's wrong" (C0cks); "quite ridiculous" (Eric S); "it's self-explanatwy" (sic - Wren); "quiet, please!" (Mrs Bullas, catering supervisor). A couple had less widespread currency: "Happy Harrisons!" (Bernie P); "settle down!" (Finnett).
There were also single words or phrases almost invaribaly spoken in the manner of certain masters: "super!" (Bernie slapping his thigh and foreshadowing by some years David Harris-Jones in Reginald Perrin); "volleyball" (Wren); "b****r off !" / Amen !" (Tiger Timson); "Ensor" (Oxford historian cited by Alfie with 3 syllables - "ay-en-sore"); "good morning" (Second Master Rhoderi Jones, sotto voce in assembly - a bit like "good moaning" in "'Allo, 'Allo !"); "go !" (C0cks). For some reason "oi, oi" came to be attributed to Ken Carter - not sure why. Sam often said "go" as something like "guh". Having completed absentees for the first time in 4?A, he made this garbled utterance and, being none the wiser, we just sat there. He then shouted rather angrily, "When I say guh, you guh !" I suppose that Eric's "I have been at this school since 1928 ..." became a bit of a catchphrase, but one peculiar to him. His grace, "for food and friendship ..." and JP's slightly alarming "God is a spirit ..." in assembly also became familiar imitative fodder.
And as a footnote, on Countdown today (21/3), 'blokier' was diallowed because it was not in the OED and Jon Culshaw declared (you've guessed it) "the book's wrong !" (He actually said 'dictionary', but why spoil a good story?)
NAME: Adam Lines Then & Now
DATE: 25 March 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1957-64
....and of course spoken at us every school day in the Refectory: Benedictus, Benedicat per Jesum Christum Dominum Nostrum, Amen. We, however, used to whisper the alternative version in honour of Ma Bullas's culinary fare: "For what we are about to receive may the Lord provide a suitable antidote".
Then & NowDATE: 25 March 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1957-64
....and of course spoken at us every school day in the Refectory: Benedictus, Benedicat per Jesum Christum Dominum Nostrum, Amen. We, however, used to whisper the alternative version in honour of Ma Bullas's culinary fare: "For what we are about to receive may the Lord provide a suitable antidote".
NAME: Gerry Hunt
DATE: 02 April 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1954-61
... and of course "God help us crunch as we munch our lunch" !
DATE: 02 April 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1954-61
... and of course "God help us crunch as we munch our lunch" !
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen 
.jpg "James Cowen gallery")
Then & Now
DATE: 05 April 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
I was interested to see the reference to words being used as the opposite of what was meant. I do not recall the practice in our form when at school but my wife and I often say to one another "Wicked, babe", meaning something is absolutely terrific. This is following one of the participants in one TV programme of recent times. It would seem it is not just a practice of grammar school pupils following after public schools but a practice adopted by the youth of today. Whilst this is all very sweet what I deplore is the adoption of perfectly good words for another purpose altogether hence making it difficult to use the original without having to make an explanation. The use of the word 'gay' for those inclined to homosexuality is a case in point. By the way when was this particular adoption started and who by?
NOTE FROM VIC: I've often sounded off about the desirability of restoring 'gay' to it's earlier meaning - but which earlier meaning? Have a look at this Wikipedia entry
Then & NowDATE: 05 April 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
I was interested to see the reference to words being used as the opposite of what was meant. I do not recall the practice in our form when at school but my wife and I often say to one another "Wicked, babe", meaning something is absolutely terrific. This is following one of the participants in one TV programme of recent times. It would seem it is not just a practice of grammar school pupils following after public schools but a practice adopted by the youth of today. Whilst this is all very sweet what I deplore is the adoption of perfectly good words for another purpose altogether hence making it difficult to use the original without having to make an explanation. The use of the word 'gay' for those inclined to homosexuality is a case in point. By the way when was this particular adoption started and who by?
NOTE FROM VIC: I've often sounded off about the desirability of restoring 'gay' to it's earlier meaning - but which earlier meaning? Have a look at this Wikipedia entry
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 10 April 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
I have read the Wikipedia entries you refer to, Vic, and certainly learnt a lot. I do think the original use of the word 'gay' is pretty clear and I am heartened that this use of the word is still used such as Gaiety theatre but this still has to be explained as to its real meaning. I, like you, hope that a new word is brought in, as I understand the reasons against the terms 'homosexual' and 'queer'. I was interested to see the new use of the word to refer to lame or rubbish and this is new to me. I also deplore that usurping of the word. Are there similar changes of meaning for other words readers deplore?
I hope I am not being hypocritical by deploring the more modern uses of 'gay' while still saying "wicked, babe" to my wife. I do not think there is the same confusion with the original meaning of 'wicked'. It is more likely one would have to explain the contrary use of the word. Actually I was reading in the Daily Mail this week that a girl whose parents' home was wrecked recently due to Facebook postings when they were away and a house invasion occurred, was not truly repentant and tweeted that the party was still "wikid". Maybe that's the answer. 'Wikid' should be the spelling for the new use. It certainly sounds as if it should be spelt like that the way it is pronounced. In terms of modern useage I also enjoyed one of the prospective brides on Don't tell the bride who kept saying "shut up" when any new surprising revelation was made.
Then & NowDATE: 10 April 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
I have read the Wikipedia entries you refer to, Vic, and certainly learnt a lot. I do think the original use of the word 'gay' is pretty clear and I am heartened that this use of the word is still used such as Gaiety theatre but this still has to be explained as to its real meaning. I, like you, hope that a new word is brought in, as I understand the reasons against the terms 'homosexual' and 'queer'. I was interested to see the new use of the word to refer to lame or rubbish and this is new to me. I also deplore that usurping of the word. Are there similar changes of meaning for other words readers deplore?
I hope I am not being hypocritical by deploring the more modern uses of 'gay' while still saying "wicked, babe" to my wife. I do not think there is the same confusion with the original meaning of 'wicked'. It is more likely one would have to explain the contrary use of the word. Actually I was reading in the Daily Mail this week that a girl whose parents' home was wrecked recently due to Facebook postings when they were away and a house invasion occurred, was not truly repentant and tweeted that the party was still "wikid". Maybe that's the answer. 'Wikid' should be the spelling for the new use. It certainly sounds as if it should be spelt like that the way it is pronounced. In terms of modern useage I also enjoyed one of the prospective brides on Don't tell the bride who kept saying "shut up" when any new surprising revelation was made.
NAME: Nick Dean
DATE: 03 July 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71
Recently I stumbled on a linguistic article in Wikipedia about the 'Oxford -er' (soccer, rugger, Aggers, etc) and noticed the following sentence: "As late as 1972 the retired headmaster of a Hertfordshire grammar school recalled 'the footer' (by which he meant rugby) having had a poor season in 1953-4". Cut to the footnote and we see a reference to Ernest H Jenkins, author of Elizabethan Headmaster 1930- 61. This caused me to wonder if there were any localised uses of the '-er' at QE, but I couldn't think of any. 'Jenkers' ('Edders'?!) would sound far too chummy (though I recall an article by E Harris in - probably - the 1980s who referred to him as 'Jenks', impying the sort of intimacy that Margaret Thatcher used to employ when she referred to Churchill as 'Winston').
DATE: 03 July 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71
Recently I stumbled on a linguistic article in Wikipedia about the 'Oxford -er' (soccer, rugger, Aggers, etc) and noticed the following sentence: "As late as 1972 the retired headmaster of a Hertfordshire grammar school recalled 'the footer' (by which he meant rugby) having had a poor season in 1953-4". Cut to the footnote and we see a reference to Ernest H Jenkins, author of Elizabethan Headmaster 1930- 61. This caused me to wonder if there were any localised uses of the '-er' at QE, but I couldn't think of any. 'Jenkers' ('Edders'?!) would sound far too chummy (though I recall an article by E Harris in - probably - the 1980s who referred to him as 'Jenks', impying the sort of intimacy that Margaret Thatcher used to employ when she referred to Churchill as 'Winston').
NAME: Alan Pyle 
DATE: 04 June 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1948-1953
Bonk. I was dismayed when The Sun used the word and popularised its more current meaning. In my day it referred to leg cramps from vigorous cycling exercise. (Wikipedia confirms this - see its article Hitting the Wall.) We fans of the Tour carried bags for our carbohydrates when cycling and called them bonk bags. On the Tour then they were musette bags.
DATE: 04 June 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1948-1953
Bonk. I was dismayed when The Sun used the word and popularised its more current meaning. In my day it referred to leg cramps from vigorous cycling exercise. (Wikipedia confirms this - see its article Hitting the Wall.) We fans of the Tour carried bags for our carbohydrates when cycling and called them bonk bags. On the Tour then they were musette bags.
NAME: Vic Coughtrey Then & Now
DATE: 04 June 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1954-1959
By my time at QE 'bonk' was used to mean something different from either leg cramping or The Sun meaning, but the use I'm referring to to may well have been exclusive to the school. One or two of you from my era may remember what it was.
Then & NowDATE: 04 June 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1954-1959
By my time at QE 'bonk' was used to mean something different from either leg cramping or The Sun meaning, but the use I'm referring to to may well have been exclusive to the school. One or two of you from my era may remember what it was.
NAME: Alan Pyle
DATE: 04 June 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1948-1953
Yes, I recall that meaning too at school and perhaps that is how it eventually led Sunwards.
DATE: 04 June 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1948-1953
Yes, I recall that meaning too at school and perhaps that is how it eventually led Sunwards.
NAME: Paul Buckland
DATE: 06 July 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 1962 - 1969
I seem to remember that the slang noun 'bonk' was preceded by the preposition 'on' at QEs in the smutty minds of mid 60s teenagers, much as it's modern equivalent is followed by the same preposition. Was this usage of the word exclusive to QEs, as I do not recall having heard it outside the sacred portals? Or maybe my memory is fading !!!
DATE: 06 July 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 1962 - 1969
I seem to remember that the slang noun 'bonk' was preceded by the preposition 'on' at QEs in the smutty minds of mid 60s teenagers, much as it's modern equivalent is followed by the same preposition. Was this usage of the word exclusive to QEs, as I do not recall having heard it outside the sacred portals? Or maybe my memory is fading !!!
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 06 July 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
I have never heard about bonk training in respect of cycling before. Maybe this is because I was a mere leisure cyclist rather than a racing cyclist fan, though I do now enjoy watching races like the Tour de France on TV. I am reminded, though, of what Bernie Pinnock used to say on more than one occasion: "When you get conkers, you get bonkers." I do not know whether he meant it to have any meaning but just liked the rhyming of the words in a bonkers sort of way, just as you could say "When you get brewers, you get screwers." What is more interesting perhaps is I do not recall anyone saying "Sir, what do you mean by that expression?" I suppose if I imagined it to have any real meaning it is that in autumn you get people going a little crazy after the lovely summer days and not any sexual connotation. Maybe some asked privately whatever he was talking about or did all think he was just a little bit bonkers in some things he uttered.
Then & NowDATE: 06 July 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
I have never heard about bonk training in respect of cycling before. Maybe this is because I was a mere leisure cyclist rather than a racing cyclist fan, though I do now enjoy watching races like the Tour de France on TV. I am reminded, though, of what Bernie Pinnock used to say on more than one occasion: "When you get conkers, you get bonkers." I do not know whether he meant it to have any meaning but just liked the rhyming of the words in a bonkers sort of way, just as you could say "When you get brewers, you get screwers." What is more interesting perhaps is I do not recall anyone saying "Sir, what do you mean by that expression?" I suppose if I imagined it to have any real meaning it is that in autumn you get people going a little crazy after the lovely summer days and not any sexual connotation. Maybe some asked privately whatever he was talking about or did all think he was just a little bit bonkers in some things he uttered.
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 06 July 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
What a picture you conjure up, Nick, in regard to EHJ being called Jenks or, Heaven forfend, Jenkers, certainly not when spoken to face to face. He was always, as far as I know, 'Headmaster', even to his old adversary in musical performances, Sam C0cks; however he might have been called behind his back by some other names. Was it possible that behind the scenes he would watch the 1st or 2nd XI trying to beat the opposition and if Sam was nearby and not umpiring they would refer to one another as Sam and Jenkers just like Johnners and Aggers on the radio. I fear it to be but a fiction but it does conjure up some enjoyable thoughts. I am afraid I did not see much behind the scenes at school except when returning on a visit to sit on the Harrisons lunch table amongst other things and was invited in to the staff room by Bernie Pinnock. I always wondered what conversation went on there and, for one day, got an earful.
Then & NowDATE: 06 July 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
What a picture you conjure up, Nick, in regard to EHJ being called Jenks or, Heaven forfend, Jenkers, certainly not when spoken to face to face. He was always, as far as I know, 'Headmaster', even to his old adversary in musical performances, Sam C0cks; however he might have been called behind his back by some other names. Was it possible that behind the scenes he would watch the 1st or 2nd XI trying to beat the opposition and if Sam was nearby and not umpiring they would refer to one another as Sam and Jenkers just like Johnners and Aggers on the radio. I fear it to be but a fiction but it does conjure up some enjoyable thoughts. I am afraid I did not see much behind the scenes at school except when returning on a visit to sit on the Harrisons lunch table amongst other things and was invited in to the staff room by Bernie Pinnock. I always wondered what conversation went on there and, for one day, got an earful.
NAME: Nick Dean
DATE: 08 July 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71
Jas - I had had a similar lunchtime experience in the early '70s, having been invited back to adjudicate, with TBE, a house debating final. After eating at the Harrisons' table with Bernie, G L Smith, who was chairing the debate, asked me up to the common room for coffee - my first time too - and I recall being genuinely touched by his courtesy and atttentiveness. If you'll forgive a further elitist memory, masters used to knock at the door of the prefects' common room (on the first floor, opposite Room P), but, in my experience, only Poker was ever let in. Once, when still a commoner, I was there by invitation; JP was admitted and proceeded to inspect on the wall, and without comment, a full page advertisement from The Times featuring a fully naked Vivien Neves supposedly promoting (I think) Fisons. I recall that Tiger used to burst in without knocking, a practice countered in my time by locking the door from the inside.
DATE: 08 July 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71
Jas - I had had a similar lunchtime experience in the early '70s, having been invited back to adjudicate, with TBE, a house debating final. After eating at the Harrisons' table with Bernie, G L Smith, who was chairing the debate, asked me up to the common room for coffee - my first time too - and I recall being genuinely touched by his courtesy and atttentiveness. If you'll forgive a further elitist memory, masters used to knock at the door of the prefects' common room (on the first floor, opposite Room P), but, in my experience, only Poker was ever let in. Once, when still a commoner, I was there by invitation; JP was admitted and proceeded to inspect on the wall, and without comment, a full page advertisement from The Times featuring a fully naked Vivien Neves supposedly promoting (I think) Fisons. I recall that Tiger used to burst in without knocking, a practice countered in my time by locking the door from the inside.
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 09 July 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
On reflection, when I said in reply 16 that Bernie Pinnock was perhaps a little bit bonkers I was not being critical in an adverse way. I think it was good that some of the masters did have such interesting personalities and sometimes came out with these odd expressions. I did regard the dear housemaster of mine with affection. He used to call me Piltdown or Caveman due to the walk of mine (with Winky Wingfield it was the same) but I never called him Bernie or Bonkers. Whilst down here in Wiltshire I saw a Yellow Book garden was open near Reading with the proprietor being a Mr B Pinnock. Alas it was not the same man but I entered one of the photos of my daughter in the garden among others for the Ludgershall Photo Competition and won 1st prize along with a big shield to go with it. This is something to remember BP for along with the fact he let me off for that A-report received from Mr Cosford (mentioned elsewhere.)
Then & NowDATE: 09 July 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
On reflection, when I said in reply 16 that Bernie Pinnock was perhaps a little bit bonkers I was not being critical in an adverse way. I think it was good that some of the masters did have such interesting personalities and sometimes came out with these odd expressions. I did regard the dear housemaster of mine with affection. He used to call me Piltdown or Caveman due to the walk of mine (with Winky Wingfield it was the same) but I never called him Bernie or Bonkers. Whilst down here in Wiltshire I saw a Yellow Book garden was open near Reading with the proprietor being a Mr B Pinnock. Alas it was not the same man but I entered one of the photos of my daughter in the garden among others for the Ludgershall Photo Competition and won 1st prize along with a big shield to go with it. This is something to remember BP for along with the fact he let me off for that A-report received from Mr Cosford (mentioned elsewhere.)
NAME: Nigel Wood
DATE: 13 July 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 1957-64
Richard Turner [biology field trip, immediately to our right of the adult] once told me that his mother was friends with a district nurse(?) who remembered Bernard Pinnock as a baby in a basket on his mother's kitchen table. Brings home the shortness of human life - even though Bernard Pinnock lived into his eighties. I can't remember many of his catch-phrases, though 'ginger jom-joms (geometry) books' has stuck. He relished German words and, for several months gave us hausarbeit rather than homework, and in sixth form teaching his enthusiasm for Joachimstahl's theorem derived - quite rightly - more from its name than its content. By contrast, the Revered Kay anglicised it to a no-nonsense, if somewhat sneeze-like, Joe aKIMstall. To conclude this exceptionally rambling offering I'd like to recommend to James (re Reply 19) the Yellow Book (National Gardens Scheme) garden at Ashampstead, a few miles to the West of Reading. We were there a fortnight ago.
DATE: 13 July 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 1957-64
Richard Turner [biology field trip, immediately to our right of the adult] once told me that his mother was friends with a district nurse(?) who remembered Bernard Pinnock as a baby in a basket on his mother's kitchen table. Brings home the shortness of human life - even though Bernard Pinnock lived into his eighties. I can't remember many of his catch-phrases, though 'ginger jom-joms (geometry) books' has stuck. He relished German words and, for several months gave us hausarbeit rather than homework, and in sixth form teaching his enthusiasm for Joachimstahl's theorem derived - quite rightly - more from its name than its content. By contrast, the Revered Kay anglicised it to a no-nonsense, if somewhat sneeze-like, Joe aKIMstall. To conclude this exceptionally rambling offering I'd like to recommend to James (re Reply 19) the Yellow Book (National Gardens Scheme) garden at Ashampstead, a few miles to the West of Reading. We were there a fortnight ago.
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