ORIGINAL MESSAGE

NAME: Nick Dean   

DATE: 11 June 2014

CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71

Great to see this picture from The Tempest. This was the last play produced at the school by Colin Carter, who left at the end of the summer term, 1965. I played one of the sprites lined up in the front row: not sure which one, but hopefully not the one shying away from the camera! I still have the programme [see cover & cast list], which confirms that there were indeed eight sprites and that Mick Marks played Ariel. Miranda was played by A H Bullett (possibly a brother of J R Bullett, who used to own my signed copy of John Wakelin's Roots of an Diplomacy - the subject of an earlier enquiry on this site). I used to have a photo of just the eight sprites but it disappeared after I went away to university. Willy Biggs, about whom some of us have written previously, evidently provided original settings for Ariel's songs.

Many thanks for the confirmation or correction of most of those school play dates, Nick.

1st REPLY

NAME: Andrew Hersom

DATE: 16 June 2014

CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1960 - 1968

I must have missed the The Tempest. I recall that there were three Bullett brothers, Michael, Julian and Andrew.

There are a number of mentions of the various Bullett brothers on this site - use the internal search engine (top of page) to find them. Only one of them (Michael) has ever contributed - just once, back in 2008.

2nd REPLY

NAME: James (Jas) Cowen    Then & Now

DATE: 19 June 2014

CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63

In regard to Michael Bullett I did sit next to him at one of the 40 Club dinners (the one before last). I listened to his career in accountancy experiences and heard how unlike me he is treasurer for various organisations near where he lives Tonbridge way. These occasions do provide opportunities to catch up with ex-pupils who left over 40 years ago but it is sad that Michael, like others, has only contributed once to this site. I hope some may add more posts. We will I expect enjoy the contents.

Another opportunity to talk with some is provided this Saturday on Founders Day (21st June). I hope to be there along with my wife and brother John (ex-QE also). Whether I can persuade my wife to watch some of the cricket, provided not rained off, is another matter!

I am glad that Nick has got the date of the production of The Tempest right and even posted a copy of the programme. I was going to query the original date with you, Vic, as I did not recall the production in my school years 1956-63 and was surprised there were no senior pupils in it of my years. I doubt if I have any copies of programmes in my stores but will send copies if I find any. Hasn't the school got an archive of all old programmes? I am amazed if such records weren't kept. Maybe having got the full cast list some more identity to the cast photo could also be given by some.

3rd REPLY

NAME: Nick Dean   

DATE: 21 June 2014

CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71

I hope others can help with identification of The Tempest cast: most were several years senior to me and I didn't really know them as such and, in any case, we all look like refugees from the Addams Family. That said, the tall man third left in the middle row is almost certainly Andrew Spence, who was school captain in my first year; and the one to right of 'Miranda' is Lane (Prospero), whose younger brother was one of the spirits (sic). I referred in my original message to "sprites" and indeed I'm fairly sure that's what I thought we were at the time. However, both the programme and Shakespeare's own dramatis personae are clear as to "spirit" - I doubt even the former senior geography master would care to argue that the book's wrong.

4th REPLY

NAME: Brian Seal

DATE: 22 June 2014

CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 57-63

Just back from Founders Day 2014 [see reply 2] - my first return to the school for 51 years. Although there are many new buildings, the original 'E' looks very much the same. The current headmaster - Neil Enwright - seemed so young. The antithesis of Ernie Jenkins!!! OE's were afforded a splendid buffet and the day seemed a great success. Thanks to all concerned!

5th REPLY

NAME: Nick Dean   

DATE: 23 June 2014

CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71

I agree [4th reply] that Enright looks frighteningly young, though it's perhaps easy to overlook that Jenkins was only 31 when he was chosen for the job. As regards school plays, the original subject of this thread, I have found (in response to the webmaster's request in the museum) a photo of Billy Budd, which was performed in the mid '60s. This is taken from the 400th anniversary booklet (1973) and, being part of a montage, overlaps with an aerial view of the school! I think the uniformed man with a hat is Charlie Farrer, brother of David, who was probably still teaching at the school at the time. Second right is my contemporary, Henk Milne, sporting the artificial sideburns which I seem to recall he wore around the school during the day for as long as he could get away with it.

6th REPLY

NAME: Paul Buckland

DATE: 24 June 2014

CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 1962 - 1969

Nick! thank you for the photo of the school production of Billy Budd. Am I correct in thinking that this was not the main school play of the year but an additional 'entertainment' put on at some other time? Memory plays strange tricks but I seem to remember that this was produced by Roger Evans, and I can still hear his pronouncing the name Billy Budd 48 or so years on. However it may be that he merely referred to it in an English lesson. Is it Anthony Nakhimoff who is crouching third from right next to Henk Milne? Sorry, my reply poses more questions than it answers.

7th REPLY

NAME: Nick Dean   

DATE: 25 June 2014

CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71

Paul - I don't know about questions: you seem much better informed about this production that I am! And I assume that the picture is of Billy Budd: there was no caption with it! Certainly there were occasional one-offs: I've mentioned elsewhere Willy Biggs' production c1965 of Harrison Birtwhistle's Mark of the Goat, quite a brave thing to have put on at the time. I'm sure you're right about Tony Nakhimoff, whom I did know a bit because I was assistant librarian next but one after him (Robert Leak was his immediate successor) and, like me, he worked out his gap year at East Barnet Library (as I was frequently reminded by everyone from the deputy borough librarian downwards - I think he actually became a librarian; I simply married one). I'm fairly certain also that the person on the far left, only about 30% in the picture, is Dave Jervis. The main thing I remember about Roger Evans, who taught English and reminded me a bit of the actor Dennis Price, was that he sometimes arrived late for work, including one occasion when he apparently fell asleep on the tube and woke up travelling southbound from High Barnet.

8th REPLY

NAME: James (Jas) Cowen    Then & Now

DATE: 29 June 2014

CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63

Having appeared in theatrical productions often since my school days and having in the process auditioned for parts I am in ignorance of how the casts of plays were got together. I do not remember any general requests for pupils to come along to auditions if they wanted to do some acting and whilst not having any ambitions to take part in plays myself thought maybe it was a case of some sort of in-crowd being asked, volunteered or even compelled to take a part. The same question arises as to boys who became library assistants. Many seemed to be Underne House boys and I had and have a suspicion that the second master John Pearce may have had something to do with it. I certainly believe he had a lot to do with my friend Tim Fawdry becoming the School Secretary and responsible for the Hobbies Exhibitions. Perhaps Nick Dean having been involved in both spheres might spill the beans or at least shed some light in these matters.

Clearly, for both school plays and games sides you had to be chosen by someone or maybe more than one, to take part in them. Just as with school plays I was never chosen for any school teams apart from chess, athletics and being a captain of cross-country, though I did also compete for Harrisons in rugger, as they needed to call on everyone possible to make up the side. I know that in the past current students have logged on to this site and if there are any who think they are a bit of a failure for not being chosen for anything do not worry and certainly don't become too depressed about it, for in after times there will be many opportunities to be chosen and to take part in things. Perhaps some OEs too need such encouragement. There are of course activities also outside school even if discouraged to be involved. I played in the Barnet table tennis league for several years whilst at school and I still enjoy playing at our local Peter Pan club.

9th REPLY

NAME: James (Jas) Cowen    Then & Now

DATE: 29 June 2014

CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63


In regard to Brian's reply 4, I enjoyed going to Founders Day and believe it was a success. My wife Ayleen and brother John (OE 58-62) came too and we watched the cricket on the splendid pitch at the rear (a very extended old 3rd field) from the start of the OE innings until going off to tea at the Stapylton Field fete. The cups of tea were just as I like them and the cakes and ice creams much enjoyed. The OE buffet had some delightful combinations of grub including chicken with marmalade, which I haven't had together prior to this. There were a little fewer OES at the buffet than the last two years but I enjoyed chatting with several OES not talked to before. As regards the buildings my brother John was involved in many projects as a builder since his school days and talked a lot about building structural changes of the school as well as comments upon roofs and changes in houses along Queens Road. He also chatted with Neil Kobish (ex Latin master).

In regard to the fete on Stapylton Field I was interested to see various masters volunteered or were volunteered to appear in the stocks for wet sponges to be thrown at them including the assistant head Mr Ryan, to his children's delight. I note that the Headmaster avoided the humiliation but doubt equally whether previous Headmasters, especially EHJ would have been involved either. On the field there was a lady in a very pretty dress with a lady companion who caught my eye. She asked if I was an OE and introduced herself as Theresa Villiers, who is the local Tory MP and cabinet minister. She won't get my vote as I am living in the Devizes constituency in Wiltshire. My Tory MP is Mrs Perry. Apparently Theresa missed last year's fete but said she was glad to come this year. The lady is certainly different to the Tory MP of my school years, i.e Reginald Maudling.

10th REPLY

NAME: Nick Dean   

DATE: 30 June 2014

CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71

Jas's query [reply 8] about how people got onto the library committee, or were chosen for other things, reminded me a little of Gussie Fink-Nottle's claims about how Bertie Wooster managed to land the scripture prize. I'm not sure that, after all this time, I can shed much light on such matters. I think (though I stand to be corrected) that both my predecessors as assistant librarian were Underne, although I was Harrisons, as was my (entirely suitable) successor. So nothing conclusive there. There used to be a deputy assistant librarian, who was usually in the L6 and would be thus ready to take over in his final year. I was sounded out initially for that post by the then assistant, although he was not acting on his own initiative. I know, for example, that John Finnett told my parents that he had pushed for my appointment; so, presumably there was some common room discussion.

As assistant, I provided, following informal consultation with various people (including other senior boys and some masters), a list of possible new appointments to the committee, but this was not definitive and I don't recall how final decisions were made. Much of this seemed about to change when Paul Moakler, an English master whose hairstyle was similar to Derek Nimmo's in Oh Brother, took over as librarian when John Pearce retired. He seemed to dislike the idea of boys exercising authority and likened the library committee to a tea party (a reference to the sumptuous tea for the committee that JP had generously provided each term).

11th REPLY

NAME: James (Jas) Cowen    Then & Now

DATE: 07 July 2014

CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63


Ah yes, Nick, I too enjoy the references in PGW's books to Bertie Wooster's landing the scripture prize, his one claim to distinction besides having Jeeves as his butler, despite slurs made against him and his character by others. The frequent allusions to Biblical events in relation to his and other's conduct are well made. I also enjoy Rumpole of the Bailey's use of poetry throughout John Mortimer's stories (The Oxford Book of Poetry Quiller-Couch version of course). I am glad my one school prize for being top of the form one year was on an objective rather than subjective basis, though of course there may have been a little subjective judgement in relation to English essays and poetry reading as well as geography marking commented on elsewhere on the site [see the Sam Collection].

12th REPLY

NAME: Nigel Wood  

DATE: 08 July 2014

CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1957-64

Interesting that Jas queries the selection process for the school play [reply 8]. For two or three years I'd have given my back teeth (what remained of them after my dentist's enthusiastic drilling) to be in a school play. It never occurred to me simply to ask. In fact I was, one year, given the rôle of understudy to Marfa, a female agent in Romanoff and Juliet, Ustinov's very funny cold war spoof on Romeo and Juliet. The scenery, presumably built and painted by teams under Eric Crofts and Huw Purchas was superb. There were, of course, balconies. Marfa was played - with great aplomb - by David Lowen. It's just as well he was never ill, because I would have been a disaster. It's true I had learnt some of the lines ("I shall be forced to report unfavourably on the state of this embassy when I return. Your secret service man is in tears; no man who is in the habit of clouding his vision with tears can be consistently vigilant!") but I wouldn't have had the first clue about how to deport myself, or position myself on stage, and my eastern European accent would have been of the Dick van Dyke school.

13th REPLY

NAME: Nick Dean   

DATE: 25 October 2014

CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71

May be worth recording here [see reply 9] that Sydney Chapman, who was Barnet's MP after Reggie Maudling and before the present Northern Ireland Secretary, died earlier this month. My wife and I knew him a bit, mainly through her parents - an engaging man with an actual profession (architect), who dropped in our wedding reception 30 years ago bearing a House of Commons whisky glass in a nicely embossed case. Gyles Brandreth's recently published diaries of his time as an MP in the 1990s liken SC's appearance to the actor Arthur Howard (Jimmy Edwards' sidekick in Whacko!) and attribute to fellow MP Jeremy Hanley (brother of Jenny, son of Jimmy H and Dinah Sheridan) the PC nickname, Sydney Personperson (GB: "well, it seemed funny 20 minutes ago"). The slipway across Hadley Green, linking the A1000 to Monken Hadley, formerly without a name, has in recent times been known, a bit too grandly perhaps, as Sir Sydney Chapman Way. I have only twice written to my MP - once to SC to deplore the then state of the Albert Memorial (now restored) and it was clear from his reply that he had already been active on the subject, given his background.

14th REPLY

NAME: James (Jas) Cowen    Then & Now

DATE: 01 November 2014

CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63


In my reply 9 of 29th June I mentioned talking with Theresa Villiers. She did talk at some length about Sir Sidney Chapman and how helpful he had been in mentoring her for her MP position. I should like to have talked further about Northern Ireland but maybe there will be an opportunity on a later occasion even though I am not a constituent and voter in Barnet. Actually I have not seen Theresa on political programmes such as Question Time nor do I recall Sir Sidney Chapman. I do watch the BBC Parliament Channel sometimes and am intrigued how many Conservative MPs are or as in Sir Sydney's case were knights of the realm. The MP for North Hampshire, including Andover, is Sir George Young, who is seen nearly everywhere in local press photos and on the Parliament Channel. Our ex MP for Devizes, including Ludgershall, was known as Michael Ancram. Both Sir George and Michael apparently inherited baronetcies. Why was Sir Sydney a sir?

15th REPLY

NAME: Nick Dean   

DATE: 02 November 2014

CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71

According to the version I heard at the time from more than one source, the circumstances of Chapman's knighthood were a little unusual in that, as a Government whip in John Major's time, one of his tasks had been to provide the monarch with a daily summary of proceedings in the House of Commons. SC evidently performed what others might have regarded as a time consuming chore with distinction and panache. As result, when the time came for him to stand down, a farewell audience was arranged. SC assumed this was to be a simple courtesy call, but, when he was ushered into the Presence, the Queen announced her intention to invest him with an unexpected knighthood. I suppose the point is that this was not one of those political honours which were perceived as merely coming up with the rations - and indeed SC would scarcely have qualified though longevity alone.

16th REPLY

NAME: Nick Dean   

DATE: 05 November 2014

CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71

While we're still on the subject of Barnet's MPs, I recall that Maudling came to the school for a Q&A session during the 1966 election campaign. I had to get special permission to attend because this was restricted to the senior school. I can remember three things from that occasion: (1) I asked a carefully prepared question from the back of the hall, but have no idea what it was about; (2) as he mounted the stage, M received a storming ovation, which, even in those pre-Poulson days, surprised me a little and was probably matched in my time only by that given to Sam C0cks as he entered the hall prior to his retirement; (3) M spoke strongly in favour of capital punishment, which had recently been suspended. This was also a surprise (and disappointment), given what I thought I understood - at the impressionable age of 13¼ - about his socially liberal credentials. His view would doubtless have been reinforced by the murder of three policemen a few months later, the subject of recent news reports because of the proposed release of one of the perpetrators.

17th REPLY

NAME: Nick Dean   

DATE: 09 November 2014

CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71

Rather belatedly The Times has published (6/11) quite a long obituary of Sydney Chapman [see replies 13-15] which highlights in particular his having been the instigator, when he was MP for Birmingham Handsworth, of 'Plant a Tree in '73'. Civil servants at the newly formed Department of the Environment were apparently aghast at the Heath Government's support for this project, feelings which were exacerbated when it transpired that not only had the official appointed to oversee it been a prefect at Rugby when Chapman had been at the school, but that, as C freely confessed, he had once thrown a stink bomb at him. Sadly there is no explicit corroboration of the knighthood story [reply 15], although the Queen did apparently tell John Major that C (whose official title as a whip was Vice-Chamberlain of HM Household) was the best letter writer she had encountered (not clear if this related to all-comers or just those who had kept her abreast of Parliamentary proceedings since 1952). Regarding the tree campaign the Times remarks, probably with justification, that few parliamentarians have left such a mark on the British landscape.

18th REPLY

NAME: Nigel Wood  

DATE: 10 November 2014

CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1957-64

I remember seeing a "Plant a tree in '73" poster to which someone had added, "Buy a saw in '74".

19th REPLY

NAME: James (Jas) Cowen    Then & Now

DATE: 18 November 2014

CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63


Reggie Maudling, like many Tory MPs such as my own Devizes constituency MP Clare Perry and before that Michael Ancram and the North Hants (including Andover) MP Sir George Young, was very friendly to speak to as well as having a distinguished career pre Poulson. I used to go to the Young Conservative meetings at Allum Lane Community Centre (still there) as much to socialise with others, including girls, than any political ambitions such as to appear at conferences like William Hague used to. Reggie however was one of the great political figureheads of the time for us. Another activity at the Community Centre was playing and improving my table tennis abilities with Borehamwood Table Tennis Club. The present MP for Chipping Barnet, Theresa Villiers, has a distinguished upper class genealogical history. She would not be out of place on the TV celebrity Who Do You Think You Are? In the meantime Food Banks still exist and are spreading.

20th REPLY

NAME: Vic Coughtrey   Then & Now

DATE: 18 November 2014

CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1954-59

The discussion about MPs [replies 13 onwards] on this thread has got me musing on the fact that, of all the many places where I've lived, only two were in Tory constituencies. The first, obviously, was Barnet (later called Chipping Barnet), in Maudling's time. Even that was Labour from 1945-1950. There was only one General Election in which I was eligible to vote whilst living in that constituency - that of 1964, which of course brought in (just about) the first Wilson Government. The only other constituency that was Tory-held while I was living in it was Brighton Pavilion (William Teeling, then Julian Amery). There was one General Election (1970) and one by-election (1969) while I was there. It's amazing to me that having gone Labour long after my time there, the place is now Green!

These days I live in Blaenau Gwent - one of the safest Labour seats in Britain (apart form the extraordinary blip of five years with an independent MP due to Labour trying to impose a female candidate). Tory candidates lose their deposits here. This is, of course, the old stomping ground of Aneurin Bevan and Michael Foot, the constituency being called Ebbw Vale in those days. It's notable that here, people tend not to find swear words offensive, except one - 'Thatcher'. Even in typing the word I find it hard to fight off an instinctive feeling that it's going to be blocked by the family filter in Jas's library computers. This was, after all, a coalmining constituency. How do I vote these days? Mind your own business!