WHO AND WHERE?

(I suggest using the ‘find in page’ function here for whoever you seek)

Of my fellow students I remember: Mickey Cole who seemed to be absent for a lot of the time.

Delmonte although not as George - we had an altercation and stood punching each other's upper arms for some time during a lunch break - what over, I know not.

Pugh - a little fellow who was a bit of a whizz at boxing. Well, I was put against him in the annual neanderthal practices but wherever I struck, he was gone and I just disturbed the air. Terry Schofield - he sucked his thumb.

Graham Haverson - Haversack. He is listed on the 'Friendsreunited' site but not here. I wonder why?

David Courtney, lived in the posh area, something Park I believe. In English he offered "Your intoxicating generosity is only superseded by your self-verbosity" but I don't remember why. He also introduced me to the songs of Max Millar. We went to his home in the lunch period and played records. (Fred Denny)

I am trying to track down old school friends, and see that only 2 of them are members (Peter Roden & Paul Branch). If anyone knows the whereabouts, contact details or email addresses of the following could they please let me know:-

Peter Roden, Andy Jones, Nick Turner, Dave Stevens, Stu Fraser, Steve Allum, Paul Branch, all from 1973 intake and school friends of mine in 6th form. (Chris Edwards 73-80 Roman)

Andy, I know Alan Styles was in my intake at the RLS. Are there any more of that year that Alan knows about who are on the Net? I’m sure Stan Heard rings a bell too, he could have been in my form at the RLS when I went back after evacuation. News Please. (Dennis (Goofy) Goffin)

Dennis, I wonder if you would have known my late father, Harold John Knights?  He was known to family and friends as John, and I think he joined RLS in 1937.  I don't remember him telling me much about his RLS days, except that I think John Morley was his scoutmaster and was still at the school when I went.  Also when as new boys we had the chance to choose a House if we could prove ancestral connections, he made sure I followed in his Norman footsteps. Other members of the family have said that he made his mark at RLS as a swimmer and life saver.

His older brother, my Uncle David, was there about 6 years ahead of him.  He is still around, but not online, and takes what can be best described as no more than a "polite interest" in RLS and RLSOB news from me. (Tim Knights)

 I can tell you that Andy Copp is living just outside Chelmsford with his wife and young son. He works as an accountant in Colchester. I see him

regularly so if you want to make contact please let me know. (Dave Norgate)

Did anyone see Jeff Randall doing his stuff on Breakfast with Frost this morning? First time I'd seem him on the box and instantly recognised him. (Derek Marston)

I've seen Jeff on the box 3 or 4 times now after it was pointed out to me last year who he was. And I STILL wouldn't recognise him if somebody hadn't pointed out it was the same Jeff that I sang Motown with in Latin. (ashley howe)

When I say instantly recognisable, I mean that the last time I saw him was about twenty years ago and he was on his dad's lingerie stall on Romford market outside St.Edward's Church. What I was doing there I cannot say, but apart from looking a lot greyer (don't we all) he has not changed very much from then. He definitely wasn't singing at the time, just shouting in costermonger style. So from Romford market to the BBC - life can't be bad eh?  (Derek Marston)

I have (with Ash Howe and Rog Burrows' help) located one John (Pud) Overstall and have written to him. I am hoping that when he picks himself up from the floor, he will also try to join our merry band ( I did do a bit of a sales job on him and hope I didn't put him off). I am also following up a couple of leads on Steve Turner and Pete Friedman. So who knows, we may be able to give those 65er's a run for their money! (Derek Marston) John Moody, probably one of the quietest H**d B*ys RLS ever had. Where is he now ??  I hear that some of my fellow '63ers on FriendsReunited are still in touch with John, but I haven't (yet) managed to get an answer as to where he is.   However, if John Moody was the only other "grad" of Langton's school to go on to RLS, then where did Rob ('65er) and Bernie ('67er) Pates "graduate" from ?  I ask this mainly because I recall they actually lived in Westland Avenue. (John Bailey)

hmm...  you are jogging brain cells.  I remember a Bernie (surname unknown) from the year below me - excellent footballer, playing for the 4th year at Langtons when he was a third year.  I guess this is the same guy? (Pete Isaac)

"Bill" Grosvenor (a pupil in the same years as me) may be known to a few: he distinguished himself by having (at that time) a seemingly ungovernable temper, which soon caught the imagination of those who seek entertainment by teasing others.  Bill's response on one occasion was to

hurl empty milk bottles at his tormentors.  All were summoned to George's room and given six. (Prof. Peter G. Underwood) See also under the thread ‘Bullies’

The hurling happened on several occasions as I recall ... usually from the windows of the cloakroom - across the playground ... and the milk bottles
were not always empty.  (What a mess!). He ("Grosvenor", not "Peter") was a very strange person. I wonder how modern psychology might classify "a seemingly ungovernable temper"? (Andy. Lee)

Roger Ellis (1955-62?) studied geology at Hull. Roger was at least one (maybe two) years in advance of me, so 54-61 might be good.

He was my patrol leader (Peewit patrol) in the 1st Squirrel's Heath scouts and, as of the 2000 reunion, had changed Very Little!  Worn well is, I suppose, le mot juste! It was Roger who blew the whistle on the 1955 Teds - whose existence was being hotly denied in some quarters at the time! (DGM)

Martin Jacobson wrote:- "On a more delicate note: can anybody remember who got me the job in the first place? This was pre- Hackshall & Bryden. If the person isn't a member of this group, I might be persuaded to reveal the reason why he gave up the job; if he IS a member, perhaps he'd like to slip me some dosh so I DONT reveal the reason! Hint for fellow 63-ers - if memory serves, he had a copy of the unexpurgated Fanny Hill, which he was kind enough to lend me, and which led me to develop strong wrists, and weak eyesight!

Well, my memory is not always reliable for the events of 30+ years ago - Roger Harlow is your main man for that - but I do vaguely recall a certain Cedric George Hemmings possessing a copy of said tome, and I also recall having read it at some juncture.   What he would have had had to do with an Ironmonger in Goodmayes does rather escape me, though. If is was he, then you're safe - he is not a member yet, although he is on FR.

The other prime candidate among the '63ers would be Paul Baker of course, but no-one has heard from him since 1967.

And while I'm at it Martin, I'm sure Hon Mems will have appreciated your bra-removing tips and that they will find their way into the "Practical Hints" section of the library. (John Bailey)

Does anybody know the whereabouts of Jim Hardy of the 52 intake?   He and I grew up together in Sheila Road, Collier Row during the 40's and 50's. I last heard from him whilst we were in the RAF circa 1960.    He still had the same home address in Collier Row up until 1963...

Does anybody remember the two exchange students from Sacramento, Ca, both over 6ft, who spent a year with the 51 intake at RLS. One was called "Doc" and he spent many weeks in hospital after an accident, in which he tripped over a stone, or something, in the park...

They were probably with us around 1954/55 (Robert Stevens)

- It was definitely J R O'Connell; and I shall never forget 'Rodney Devon Dokken', the 9 feet tall, 14 year old American, from San Diego, California - as he informed the policeman who caught a crowd of us letting of fireworks along the alley to Gidea Park station after speech day - George was not amused! (Fred Ranson)

Isn't the "J.R. O'Connor" listed under 1st Year a misprint for "J.R. O'Connell"?  And, while I'm about it, may I urge those of you who are not already registered to e-mail me and ask to be included in the Old Libertians' E-Mail Directory.  Send me your name, e-mail address, and years at school and you will receive the corresponding details of everyone else who has registered. J. Alan Smith)

Andy posted an inquiry regarding Brian Simms. Brian was from the '51 input and was scheduled to attend the Sept 1st reunion. He did not arrive. Johnny Morris I believe, has information placing Brian in the Phillippines. (Mike Merry)

I won't even begin to ask how Coles came to be at the same wedding/christening as yourself.  However, there was certainly an Ian Johnson in my year (63) who wore glasses and played the piano and the guitar. Same bloke??

If we are talking about the same Johnson, Ian was one of the first of my year to register on Friendsreunited, but despite three attempts to contact him I have never been graced with a reply.  I don't suppose you're in touch with him at all?? (John Bailey) Trying to arrange a meet of '49ers at the next school reunion, on Sat. 6th July 2002. Are you interested? Where are Messrs Mercer and Norton? (Barry Kraushaar)

 I don't remember Roger Hewlett mentioning an older brother. But this doesn't mean he didn't have one. As far as I recall, Roger is Roger J Hewlett. He would have been in the school from 1959 to 1964 (I don't think he went into 6th form). When I left
uni I played Old Boys football for a year or so, before I came to live in Ireland. Roger was a prominent of the Old Boys First XI around 1969-70. I think he was working in the City in some sort of investment firm.
Isn't it amazing what you can remember from all those years ago when you put your mind to it? My wife says that drink kills brain cells. It is nice to know that there's still a few left to be poisoned. I'll start working on that straight away. (John Mac McCarthy)

Tony Wiltshire ‘Tony’ Sibthorpe: I know you may find this hard to believe but I have just learnt that my father went to the same school as me and I would really like to talk with anyone who remembers him. He was born in 1925 so I suppose he would have attended 1936 to 43. His name was Anthony Waldo Sibthorp but everyone called him Tony. His brother George Alan (Known as Alan) was also at the school and is represented on the memorial window. If anyone has any information, memories or school photos my mother would love to see them. Thanks in advance (Colin Sibthorpe)

I had a cousin at the school probably 1938/43. This was Nobby (Anthony) Clark. He is the uncle of Jared Peppal and Richard Hooper who were at the school in the 70's/80's. He went into the Navy from RLS in 43. He was also active in the Old Boys (football and cricket) after the war.
Colin didn't mention if his father was alive. If he is he might remember Nobby. As for pictures, I recall all the 1st XI's on the wall of the spiral staircase. My cousin was occasionally pointed out to me in these pictures by masters who remembered him. If Colin's father was active in athletics of any kind he might have been there. However, alas, those pictures seem to have all vanished. (Mike Merry)

Sorry no - my father is no longer alive - it was at his funeral this week that I discovered he went to the Liberty !!! I know he joined the RAF for the later part of the war and was gun crew in Aden immediately after the war but that is all he ever told me ...  (Colin Sibthorpe)

Malcolm Cooper (1963 - 70), went to Salford Univ. then emigrated to Canada (who wouldn't after having been to Salford, I hear you cry) never to return to these shores. My mother still keeps on touch with his (Christmas cards only these days) as we attended Eastcourt school in Goodmayes together before passing for the RLS.
Rob Odling (1965 (13+) - 68), joined the army as a squaddie, after that lost touch.
Mick Fulcher (1965 (13+) - 68), lost contact.
Keith Joels (1963 - 70), lost contact.
"Ted" Edwards 1960 - 67, joined BT, lost contact. (Chris Broadbridge)

I sense an air of longing in Graham's posting #6630. Graham, it's great that your children are doing well. You must be really proud that they have inherited their parents' love of writing, music, art and the other beautiful things that make this world worth living in. I did not know you well at school but I remember enough ( and have heard many times from P.M.) to know that you were not without talent. Age is no longer against those who wish to learn - in fact, as Mike Merry and I will testify - it can be a positive advantage. We all reach stages of learning at different times in our life. Do what you want to do. Carpe Diem (Is that right?) (Ray Liddard)

Anyone know what happened to Ken Cope? (Peter Robinson)

I am hot on the Google trail of another colleague from RLS, Trevor Bolton - the only other guitar player at RLS in 1953... presently apparently at the Anglia Business School, Chelmsford, senior lecturer -latin american history, spanish history, translator & interpreter. (RP

I think Trevor Bolton used to operate the bun and ice cream shop at lunch time. I know nothing about his guitar playing. (Tom Little)

TT asked if anyone remembered Goofy Watson.

The question is whether Brian Watson and this 'Goofy' Watson are one and the same. Since Brian Watson was 47 intake and in the Latin class with me (as was Peter Benson too), it seems they can't be the same (unless he switched from Latin to German halfway through his school years). (Robert Priddy)

Simon (Tobin), You are not gonna believe this but only last week a certain Jeff Stock (whom I'm sure you remember) sent me an e-mail with reference to yourself and your Soccer Coaching in the States (its still football over here!!) It appears that either he or Ron Madigan had somehow or other searched the net and found both you and Brian Ward who is also a US resident. As you can probably gather I am still in touch with a few "old boys" fairly regularly. Back in Feb I had the dubious honour of being Stocks best man and the weekend before we spent at the home of Graham Richards in Wiltshire, old boys present at the weekend you will know were Tony Smyth (now playing football in the same Vets team as Colin Beeney) Jeff Stock (of course) Paul Chadderton, Ron Madigan (another US resident who flew in special for the occasion) and myself, as well as a neighbour of yours from round the corner in Heath Drive, John Whitfield.! Strange but true. Also at the wedding Stock had managed to get Julian "Bill" Green and Mark Ferneyhough. (Mark Boenke)

There was (I am nearly sure) a Tobin in the 1956 (?) intake. Can Peter Cowling or Rod Stacey confirm? I think his name was Paul. Any relation? (DGM)

There was an A.L. Tobin in the 1957 intake. (JAS)

Ad Tobin: I now have a clear picture of him in Air Force Blue. Although I STILL can't recall his name, a silly little detail like his small and exquisitely-formed beret is firmly fixed in my mind! (DGM)

Did any other member take part in the School coach trip to see the new Coventry Cathedral? This must have been around 1962-4, since Jasper Coles was one of the participants.(John Hawkins)

Is governor D A Sharp of 1970/71 vintage the same D# (music teacher) of whom we have discussed in the past? Ref blue book (David Silverside)

Never heard what happened to Stuart Raven-Hill (Roger Harlow)

Stuart Raven-Hill ? Other names to conjure with in the same context........Trev Hockley and Trevor Hewlitt (GAL)

Aubrey Pope: Wasn't Pope the communist who showed us boring slides of his trip to East Germany and reputedly shared vodka with like minded pupils? (Russ Martin)

Yes on the first count - can't vouch for the second. Aubrey made it to one of the reunions I recall. Unlike most of us he seemed to have lost a few pounds with age. (Bill Broderick)

...the 7th Romford boy scouts. What ever happened to it? (Eddie Pond)

For that matter, what about the 12'th Romford Scouts? Anyone know it? Anyone know of the master Monty Faithful, biology, who taught Rolfe and Ridd at RLS sometime between 1947-55? He later went to be head of biology at Georg Heriot's School in Scotland. He is on the list of masters, but very thin info. on him there. (Robert Priddy )

I am sorry to have to post the news of the sudden death of my friend, Howard (Harry) Carter, (RLS 1949-56) from a heart attack on 5th March. Only recently we were talking of him in these columns - his musical and artistic achievements. His sister tells me that his recent artistic forays have been into woodcarving. He leaves a widow and a son. He would have been around 63. Howard's wife, Joan is at 48 Maplewell Road, Woodhouse Eaves, Loughborough, Leics, LE12 8QZ with her son Jonathan.(Roy Wooley)

Colin Sibthorp wrote: "John Bailey - the name does not strike a bell with me - I joined in '65 at age 13 so you must have been in the same year as me (and Ridley, Andrew Williams, Poulson ..et al......) !!!!
Colin, you probably remember me as Biffo rather than under my real name – I remember you being surgically attached to the school computer! I could recount countless stories about various individuals, but I'd like a while longer to get my memories organised if I may. (John Bailey)

(Reply to Adrian Thompson querie) My nephews are Gavin and Kevin Bailey. So far as I can remember Gavin was at the school from 1988 to 1993, and Kevin from 1990 to 1995. I could be a year out with these dates, though. (John Bailey)

I am still in contact with Steve Byrne, Roger Cressall, Rob Davies, Malcolm Harrison & Steve East from our year. I am sure some of these names ring a bell. (Roger Harlow)

Among my memories as a BP, among the 1957 intake was G.K. 'Bogbrush' Howell-Jones. (JAS)

Colin Calvert) sent me D. Pettit's phone number: 0208-579-0420 But as I live abroad and also didn't really know him much, I did not try it. Perhaps Roy would, - or anyone who knew him? (Robert Priddy)

En passant, if other correspondents are not bored by now and signed off - has anybody any knowledge of what happened to Arthur Searle, Colin Brazier,Barry Kraushaar, Trog Jefferies ( so called because he was ahead of his time and well into ecology)? Mike Elliott has just retired from IBM and Graham Robinson (Jacko) lives in Cheshire having retired from researching alternative forms of battery. I also have an address for Peter Tilbrook who has retired from Director of Conservation (or something like that) for the Scottish Highlands and Islands. He is in various pictures in the library, notably football 1st XI and the Geography Field Trip to Yorkshire, as well as the Pr*f*cts picture I have just sent to Hon Librarian. am in annual touch with Mike Elliott (in 1st XI photo on file), Graham Robinson, Howard Carter ( yes his family included the Howard Carter who discovered Tutenkhamun) (Roy Wooley)

It runs in my mind that Desmond Sergeant (my vintage) has a doctorate in music. Not sure what, where or how achieved. His home is in (at least the address I have from the last reunion at which we met) Leatherhead, Surrey. Telephone (if still good) 04865-4380. Actual address is "East Horsley on High Park Avenue". In British fashion the house does not have a number but a name - "Marchwood" (Geoffrey Styles)

Roy, I have vague memories of a contemporary of yours called Harry Carter.Is he the same person as Howard Carter? (J.A. Smith)

Yes. Howard used the name Harry at school. (Roy Wooley)

A private correspondent with connections to the School has written to me wondering "... whether the [UK] TV Peter Marshall is the same as [Old Libertian] Peter Marshall! So far as I knew he was a cricketer, not a political person." (Andy)

The RLS Peter Marshall that I know is the Head of Sixth form at St Martins School in Brentwood. AND my wife sat next to him in Primary school - Squirrels Heath - Salisbury Road - and she would have moved to secondary school in 1955/6. (Bill Broderick)

The RLS Peter Marshall that I knew was in the 1955 intake and a contemporary of Tom Cracknell. (JAS)

"The" Peter Marshall, 1955 intake, contemporary of Tom Cracknell, blond haired, supremely self-confident and cricketing legend was very definitely a pupil at Salisbury Road Primary school where he was already a batting prodigy. He arrived at RLS with the nickname "Mug" or "Mugs" by which he was generally known certainly until the fifth form. This was a tribute to his cricketing talents as it was a corruption of "Mahmoud Mohammed", 1950's batting sensation of the Pakistan test team whose style, application and run-scoring ability Peter apparently mirrored. Also a very competent centre-half for the junior football teams but did not enjoy the same growth spurt as most so he gave way to taller players in the fifth and sixth years. I note >from the library that he finally made the First XI in 1962/3. (David Maltby)

I was a 7th Romford Scout - whatever happened to the troop? Does it still exist, somehow I doubt it. Did any of you go on the Summer Camps? (Michael Jamieson)

For some years now I have been seriously researching my family history. ThePonds in the C15/16 centuries were from Margaretting, Fryerning, Ingatestone and Stock.in the C17 and C18 they were around Upminster Common, later Ardleigh Green and Leyton. I would like to hear from anyone with the names I have or contacts, please. POND/NORRIS/SOAMES/BASTWICK/SAWELL(SAUL)/LORD/HAWKINS/POWTER/YOUNG/ELLIS/BRITTAIN/ISBELL/GILLSON (Eddie Pond)

Keith (Muir). How weird is it to hear from somebody that you thought had moved away years ago. You may remember my nickname of 'Hairbear' that was coined by Carl Dench I think. I still see some of the old guys on a regular basis. Jonathan Kennerley, John Burrows, Geoff Bagwell and Adrian Pope. Keep in touch

I do remember Keith Muir. I also remember that his brother had a band called Trachea.(Windpipe!) I think that we shared some classes but any more than that I'm not sure. Perhaps Keith remembers me (or not)?

In 1959/60 we had a French Canadian in the year. I have been thru the 60/61 alumni but I didn't recognise his name. Perhaps he didn't go into IVA? Does anybody remember his name? (Andy)

Many people wrote longingly about Ken Saxby, Norman, and Ainger.. So where are they?(RP)

Does anyone remember the 'Tuck Shop Trio' - Messrs. Pettit, Woolaston (probably spelt wrong) and Brennan? They were in the Sixth (upper or lower - I can't recall) when I joined the school in 1975 so must have been in the 68 or 69 intake. (Ray Liddard)

I was speaking to my brother in UK earlier today. He reminded me that we had another relative that attended RLS. His name is Richard Hooper and I guess he was there around 1994/5. Richard is a cousin of Jared Pepall, their mothers were sisters. I do have an address for him but have not seen him for about three years. I honestly had no idea he was at the school! Small world isn't it? Does anyone remember him? (Mike Merry)

Robert P. mentioned Colin Carrington. I recall him as a fair haired boy, excellent athlete who did indeed go into the army. I wonder what happened to him? (MJM)

By the way, Ray, Corbets Tey School - what were you doing there recently? (Graham Hart)

... which History teacher was it who - while explaining the wedge-shaped marks pressed into clay by some ancient civilisation to me and my classmates c. 1960 - declared, in his broad accent, "This rartin's called koon-i-farm rartin'." (Andy)

Hon. Members Jamieson, Harvey, Tobin and Puxley are of identical vintage as the writer, and Hon. Members Wiggins, Barbone, Newlyn and Williams(!Williams! see above) are of "the year above us" (how many 'Williams' could there be in "the year above us"?) (Andy)

If John Harvey is reading this, does he still own a leather belt with the presumptuous lettering on it:"I am the Boss". Did it come true? Is he in some way related to John Harvey Jones of that ilk? (Ian Puxley)

'K. Parker, Serbo Croat' the Ken Parker who was at School , 1950-53, and went to Selwyn College, Cambridge? The December 1955 Magazine refers to him as studying Serbo-Croat. He graduated in 1956. (J. Alan Smith)

The Douggie Memorial Show is on Sunday November 19 at the Soho Theatre Dean Street at 7.30 tho’ I doubt if much will happen before eight. Admission is free but there will be souvenir programmes to buy and there will be a collection for Denville Hall (the actors' Old Folks Home). (Ian Davidson)

Geoffrey Styles has very interesting past and he may know some of my old friends. In particular is Ron Metson. I am still trying to trace him. He lived in Shenfield Essex until at least the late 60's. (Brian Coan)

Re Brian Coan: I keep in touch with Robert (Bob) Metson but cannot recall Ron Metson. He is already in our directory. When I was a young lad my mother shopped at Metson's Meat Market on North Street, Romford (close to Church Lane). I recall they had son named Donald and a little daughter (name not remembered). During the blitz and for a few years afterwards, we used Public Shelter Number 4 on North Street across from their shop. It was in the reinforced basement of a shopping block that is still there. (Geoffrey Styles)--I'm afraid the Ron Metson is not the same person. (Brian Coan)

Where are they now? Bill Preston was a short freckle faced boy in my class who was allowed to leave early every day to appear on the West End stage in the original production of the musical Oliver, as one of the urchins.

...though I've asked before, does anyone remember the shapely chemistry assistant - Phillipa Dines?? - and the Pitts twins who seemed to accompany her everywhere? (Steve Snelgrove)

Show Business: Another show biz personality of my year was Paul (?) Wade, a drummer in a local band, who was also a pirate radio DJ evenings/weekends on one of the Thames forts - Radio City or Radio Essex? He was also a good cartoonist. Where? (John Hawkins)

I wonder where Frances Austin, Andy Kwak, Barry Newman, James Norris and his brother David are. (Brian Coan)

Steve wrote about distractions in Alan Guy's lessons which triggered in me the memory of one Grady (Christian name forgotten) who was always able to derail Ernie Pilling's English lessons into a discussion on the existence of God, Allah or any other "Prime Mover" as he called them. Gordon Whitcomb will remember. Where the hell are you, Gordon? (David G. Maltby)?

Colin Brown. When I was held back a year, he was the only boy I already knew in that class and we struck up a real friendship. Anyone know where he is? The Hare I knew (called Ken as far as I recall) was a 1948-1953/4 pupil. I recall that he was a good swimmer too! Where is he? And Geoffrey Norris, who lived near the school grounds?? (Robert P)

Does anyone have any info as to his whereabouts, or the current location of such learned luminaries as: Bill "Scourge" Bowman - Dave "Willy" Williams - The Wagstaff Twins - James "Barny" Barnard? (David Gregory)

Where are they now?
1. Bill Preston was a short freckle faced boy in my class who was allowed to leave early every day to appear on the West End stage in the original production of the musical Oliver, as one of the urchins.
2. A young English teacher Hughes spent a couple of years at the school in the mid-60s. He would leave early every day to appear on Rediffusion ITV from their London studios. It was odd to see one’s teacher later in the day on TV in another roll. He was an inter-program link announcer. He would give sports results updates, discuss coming programs, etc. He saw this as away into the production side of TV. (John Hawkins)

Tom Saunders brother Bill: For those in contact with Tom Saunders, I was in the same class with his one year younger brother Bill and would like to know what he has got up to these past 30 years. I use to bug him every day to give me half his lunch and he always did which is quite surprising since he was twice my size and definitely needed it more than me. (Cliff Jones)

 By the way - has anyone heard of Brian Laker who was at the school between 1962 and 1966? (Tony Wiltshire)

Tom Saunders - he has just joined my employer (Royal Bank of Scotland Group, formerly known as NatWest)  as an IT Project Director.  I would not necessarily be the right person to try to persuade him to join this forum - he wouldn't know me from Adam, I make a point of never speaking to senior managers unless it is unavoidable.  However, Chris Fribbins is your man, he also works in the same building and has already re-introduced himself to Tom.   So maybe if you asked Chris nicely.......(John Bailey)

I had lunch with him (Tom Saunders) on Friday and discussed old times. I dropped enough hints about this list and I will try to get him to look over the 1966 photo to see if he can fill some of the gaps.  He could indeed hold the record on canes.  He told me that he finally got expelled and went off to Dagenham Tech and was nearly expelled from there as well.  If we fast forward a few
years, he moved into Gidea Park and became the Chair of the local Rotary and was very close to becoming a governor at the RLS (while Jake was still there!). Unfortunately he moved elsewhere at about that time so it was not practical for him to take it up.  He did say that he had visited the school since leaving and had got a frosty reception from Jake. Let us say the relationship between him and me at the school was not the best. I think I was probably number 1 target for his bullying. He was apologetic on Friday and wondered how I had got on after leaving RLS.
I have mentioned before that it is interesting that so many of the 'bad boys' or 'could have done much better' in my year (I think I was mostly the latter) went on to long careers in IT after leaving school and have been managers, consultants etc.

I haven't heard any more from Jeff Randall (only on Radio 4 on Friday). I expect he is very busy at the moment with business news in Radio and TV.  He did ask if there was a list of 'famous' RLS oldboys (probably 'more-famous' is a better description). (Chris Fribbins)

Pity about Rob Mackay leaving within 24 hrs of joining.  He was in the year above me and was H**d B*y and I'm sure would have had a few memories to add to the group.  He's been one of the few names I've recognised since joining about 1½ months ago and watching from the sidelines. Pity also about Ben Levy's departure - he seemed willing to give reminiscences about teachers and events.  Perhaps myself and others of the later years should contribute more. (Gary Higginson) John Polgreen 52/59 is alive and well, living in Oxon, has been declared an honorary 5L member for next years 52 intake reunion, but to my knowledge is not wired. Address by request. (Phil Kingham)

…you left out Kevin Leverett. Also Rob Stewart joined us about a year later, and The Great Paul Stone later still (about 4P time). Oh, and "Combes" has one "o".

Chris.. I still regularly see Paul Weaver, Si Westley, Steve Hunting and Gordon Humphrey., and from time to time Graham Combes. Also we're still in touch with Kev Francis, who works in Oz. (Cliff Lambeth)

Finally, 1P ('68) nicknames - I was "Limbo" (to teachers as well as classmates), Keith Belcher was "Charlie", Kev Francis "Knuck"; Combes was "Coojie" .Leverett "Kev The Lev" Dave Thomas was "Loopy", Andy Trowse was "Yidna" (basically his name spelt backwards). Ian Wilson was "Frank". (Cliff Lambeth)

I recall, in the first year (1955) that Pete Briggs lived in Palmers Green and Pete Ackers' parents kept a pub in the City of London. (Bob Tucker)

Amongst RLSOldBoys the other "Old Lambertians" are David Barbone and the esteemed David Maltby (whose mother was a teacher there during my time, but possibly not during yours.)

Widening the net to include non-members, the only other one I can recall is Paul Harrison of the 1964-71 year group, i.e. one of Les Farrow's many missing contemporaries.  As you say, it wasn't the most prolific feeder for RLS although it did produce a good few of Daisy's Darlings if I recall.

If you were at Edwin Lambert (which I had noticed but had not got around to posting about) then whereabouts did you live in those days? I used to live in Longfield Avenue (off Clydesdale Road) at the time.

N.B. if you are putting up a new post directed at a specific person (rather than replying to an existing thread) then you really ought to put an F.A.O. in  the subject field - I nearly deleted this without reading it because I couldn't see that it contained anything that I might be able to help with (John Bailey)

 I knew Alan Bird.  He was in the Young Conservatives in Romford.  He was in the Fifth Form in 1959-60 (A&YB) which would put him in the 1955 intake but I cannot find an earlier reference to him. (JAS)

Can anyone remember the name of a younger boy (1st year in perhaps 1972) who was a bit of a nutter - these days he would be diagnosed as severe attention deficit disorder - Jake made an announcement about him in Assembly instructing the school to ignore him - fat chance!! (Ian Kill)

Bob Hillis (nice bloke excellent at posterior noises!) P Hrachovec (best fighter and general tormentor) or his mate Richard Knott. (Richard Marsh)

If this is Dave Collins of the 1965 intake, I remember him well. We were both members of the same para-military organisation (scouts) and got on with him very well. I left RLS in 71, before he became a BP and also left the scouts at the same time, so we lost touch. (Richard Hall)

"Does anyone recall D Collins who was the head boy and obviously the ringleader of the B.P.s in 1972?" I remember him as the senior boy in the CCF. He may have had the rank of Sergeant Major. He was one of those larger than life characters. Once he fell out of a tree in High Trees, landed on his head and just got up and carried on as if nothing had happened.

I bumped into him one evening outside the school. He looked most odd as he was carrying a SCUBA set on his back. Fortunately he was wearing shoes on his feet and not flippers. He explained that he had just collected the air tanks after having them refilled. I believe he joined the Army and then transferred to the Royal Marines. (Ian Petitt)

Came across Ian McCormick (66-71) on a couple of occasions, but for an extended spell at NatWest. He re-introduced me to Richard Hall (66-71 - who he ?). Ian had contact with Steve Southgate and Tom Saunders (both 66-). Through this group met up with John Bailey, who had been working about 50 yards away from me for ages. Tom Saunders has now joined Royal Bank of Scotland Group. (Chris Fribbins) I am still in contact with Nigel Hall and Robert Lavender. Nigel has a large list of quotes from Mr (Geno) Washington (Maths) if anyone is interested. (Chris Pomfrett)