How do you set about summarising fifty-odd years of life? I have had a bit of practice, starting with the notorious 6th form magazine which included attempts to write one-line plot descriptions of several great works of literature. Then, in one of my books I attempted to sum up 1,700 years of theological dispute in a paragraph, so what the …
Michael Gallafent (CHSB 1943-1951)
Mike Gallafent entered the Royal Air Force on leaving the School and trained as a pilot, joining No.16 Squadron in June 1953, flying De Havilland Vampire and Venom fighters based at Celle in Germany. On completion of that tour, he was posted to Pembrey in South Wales as an instructor for fighter conversion. This was followed by a ground tour …
Ralph Lane ( CHSB 1959-1967)
Not having been in tune with the sporty ethos of the school, and not having had a “career” worthy of such a grand title, I wonder if I have had a life at all in the CHSB sense. Life is a philosophical journey. Some guys seem to manage theirs side-by-side with career and family, but for me, the philosophical journey …
Jim Tomkins (CHSB 1957-1964)
Called by Mr Murch ‘Canada” throughout the first and second form it is not surprising that I returned here. After completing my degree at the University of Sussex as the first Cicestrian to gain entry there I returned to Ontario for graduate work and began my career in education. My 43 years in the classroom were spent mostly in and …
Michael James Bootle (CHSB 1958-1964)
March 2021 Update: Dear Richard, A response a bit late in the day… Having had months when there were no cases in Mauritius in the community, we are now confined again following a fresh outbreak of the virus. However, there have been cases detected in quarantine centres. Anyone arriving in the country on the few flights that have been running …
Richard John Netherclift (CHSB 1960-1968)
At School from 1960 – 1968 (I enjoyed it so much I stayed for a 3rd year 6th). I enjoyed my time – good mates (in touch with some still) – but not necessarily getting six of the best from KD for smoking in the bogs. No university but retired at 55!
George Stedman (CHSFB 1953-1961)
On Monday, after the OCs Management Committee Meeting in Chichester, I visited my old pal George Stedman in Arundel where he has lived most, if not all, of his life. I last saw him when he lived near the railway station and that would have been in 1961 when we left the School. He has been married to Jenny for …
Andrew Cook (Lancastrian School 1961-1967)
I joined the Lancastrian junior (1st year) school) in Orchard Street in 1961 from Singleton Primary School and was placed in the Ac stream as I had passed the 11 Plus but chose not to go on to Chi High or Midhurst Grammar. From the second year onwards I was based in the Kingsham Road campus with, I think, Mr …
Martin Everard (School 1954-1959) bis
Whilst continuing to be a Beanstalk Volunteer Reading Helper for a fifth year, I am also managing vacation and business short rental of some apartments in Kensington. Other less recent activities as an experienced broadcast radio and television professional include: Granted an Ofcom UK Television broadcast licence and launched The Business Channel in November 2006. Having negotiated the sale of …
Martin Everard (School 1954-1959)
Without any clear future career ambition, I left School in 1959. With a desire to fly, I applied to BEA and BOAC for a job. Because I had won the School English Reading Prize and, at my mother’s insistence, I also wrote to the BBC. My mother firmly believed that I would make an excellent radio announcer. The latter came …