R.L.S. BOYS - KNOWN or UNIDENTIFIED

DAVE MEHMED I remember Dave Mehmed and his brother Steve as they used to live near to us in Chaucer Rd before moving on. Nice family. My mum used him as an example of how nice RLS uniform was. I remember him as one of the first hippies wearing small green glasses. Small world eh? (Derek Marston)

SIMON RIDLEY Ad 'Si' (Simon) Ridley: Don't know about him being punished for distributing Communist  literature, although it sounds like exactly the sort of thing JPC would have done if he had caught him! However, as Steve Byrne suggested, I can confirm that Simon was last heard of living just south of Leicester and working as either a solicitor or accountant (sorry, I can't remember which !) on behalf of the "weird sect" which he joined some years ago. The man with first-hand knowledge of this is indeed Keith Daultrey, who was the source of my information and who, incidentally, is still in touch with Dave Mehmed as well. (John Bailey)

TYRELL BURGESS Tim Knights asked: "...the Tyrell Burgess you sometimes mention, wasn't he something to do with NELP in days gone by? Provost, or some similar role as figure-head or guiding light?" Ian mac replied: "The very same, Tim. "Guiding Light" - he'd like that! He then took on some top-notch position in the Stratford QMC area, and more recently is working somewhere near Spitalfields. I'm late corresponding with HM Michael Ward, so I can check with him what Tyrrell's up to and report back. (This is H3G2's godfather, Gents). We met up when we both lived in the East Croydon (posh end) area. I think he may still live there." (Derek Marston)

TOM SPENCER Malcolm Paul's euology of TS:- "Retrospectively I put my academic renaissance at the Lib down to one guy, Tom Spencer, a fellow pupil not a teacher. If he ever joins the group I must thank him. He zoomed through the 6th and off to Cambridge and always said he was going to do a Doctorate on the geology of Pacific Islands and I hope he did. I got sucked along in his wake picking up his enthusiasm for obscure readings on population modelling and plate tectonics. It was only mildly competitive, it was just a shared enthusiasm for knowledge. We both took the 's' level paper and he went to Cambridge...". Following this lead I would suggest that http://www.geog.cam.ac.uk/people/spencer/ points at our man.  Tom clearly was and is a hoopy frood who really knows where his towel is (even if he did have to settle for the Carribean rather than the Pacific for the PhD - all cry 'shame!').  I have emailed the address on the web page and await events (probably he's off examining another coral reef somewhere). (Pete Isaac)

FRANK POOLEY: mentioned by Graham. He was in my class...and went to Queen Mary College, London, as I did. Very nice quiet guy. He organised a boat trip on the Norfolk Broads (please… no naff remarks!). 2 sailing boats with another couple of blokes... the boats were "Gay Lady" class... you'd never get away with it now! The main thing I remember is dating girls at college...and they found I went to school with Frank... and said, "Oh... wow!!" or the fifties equivalent. He obviously made an impression!! I used to wonder what his secret was!! Then we met up with these four girls on the Broads... and found they were at... yes… QMC! I've still got the photos! (Colin Calvert)

SCOTTY MACGREGOR, JOHN AINGER: Unfortunately, as we all know now, once you give someone an inch they take a yard and this was the case with Scotty, he was an expert at weeding out any weakness and exploiting it.

I've mentioned before his relationship with John Ainger with whom McGregor and myself travelled each day from Chadwell Heath on the train to Gidea Park. John was a shining example of what RLS strived to be. Athlete, scholar, supporter of all the extra curricular activities etc., while Scotty was entirely the opposite. Strangely enough their relationship was very cordial and we three would spend the 10 minutes or so each morning in a very civilized discussion about school and other matters. (Mike Merry)

TONY FISHER I remember Tony Fisher (66-71). His greatest moment, though, came during his History mock `O`Level. In answer to the question concerning the events surrounding and causing the 1^st World War: he didn’t allow his total lack of knowledge to stop him, and wrote an inaccurate (but entertaining) tale of a Victorian-style assassin lurking in the shadows, with a waxed moustache, furling his cape around him, doing his dastardly deed and finally leaping onto his horse from a bell-tower to make his escape.

I’m not sure, but I think he never took the History `O` level. If memory serves, it was published in `Son of Skrap`, or some such school mag...anyone still have a copy? (Tony Harrison)

TOM SPENCER Retrospectively I put my academic renaissance at the Lib down to one guy, Tom Spencer, a fellow pupil not a teacher. If he ever joins the group I must thank him. He zoomed through the 6th and off to Cambridge and always said he was going to do a Doctorate on the geology of Pacific Islands and I hope he did. I got sucked along in his wake picking up his enthusiasm for obscure readings on population modelling and plate tectonics. It was only mildly competitive, it was just a shared enthusiasm for knowledge. We both took the ‘s' level paper and he went to Cambridge, I had an UCCA reference from Coles that said I had "gone through school with a chip on my shoulder" and had little prospects for `A' levels in fact I got them all and the s level, so up yours Coles.

I encountered him at a Wedding or Christening in Brentwood about 12 years ago, completely out of the blue, it was just like seeing him coming down the corridor at school a very cold chill down the spine. I wanted to tell him where he gave me the `chip' and that I still had it focussed on him. But Ian Johnson (64 or 63?) and I hid behind the pews instead. (Malcolm Paul)

DAVE BUTLER I remember Dave Butler being a fantastic swimmer, I believe he used to enter the freestyle races and win using breast stroke. I had the opportunity to see him in the swimming heats in 1969 when I noticed that if you were entered in a race, you were given time off to enter the heat for that race. I then went and entered in every single race, (and came last in every heat - I am a crap swimmer) but I got a complete day by the pool. Strange nobody realised what I was up to, and sent me back to class. I seem to remember that I was getting ironic support towards the last races, as the other lads who had been there all day (ie good swimmers) started to appreciate my pathetic attempts at completing races - I even tried cheating, using the crawl in the butterfly, but was still left in everyone else’s wake. (Rick Tolbart )

DAVE BUTLER Graham Alexander Lee asked..............Doug Newlyn or Colin Crampton may be able to shed some light on the career of D.B. as we all shared the Prefects Room at one time. I remember Dave was a champion swimmer. He was particularly good at the breast-stroke. Perhaps Vince could benefit from his expertise.
I cannot recall his skill in the Prefects room. The activities I remember there were, juggling china cups (I'll get the hang of it one day), turning round on the radiator without falling off, and, for the intellectuals, smashing up the furniture. No time for checking caps and catching smokers. (Doug Newlyn) DAVE BUTLER: The School's Annual Awards Evening will take place this forthcoming Thursday, 18th October. I note that the Guest of Honour is to be 'Mr. David Butler, Principal of Epping Forest College'. We know that *a* David Butler was at RLS 1962-69 and was H**d B*y. Could this be the same person? " (Andy Lee)

 If it is him, this could be an important breakthrough. Dave Butler and I entered RLS together in 1962 from Rush Green Junior School. He was indeed Head Boy but more importantly he was H.B. at the time of the ' Bucket of P ' incident AND I believe perpetrator of the 'mass debate' incident. So Adrian ( Hello Adrian, how are you :O), we haven't had a chat in ages) in the best interests of historical accuracy, please ask the Councillor to determine the I.D. of D.B. Doug Newlyn or Colin Crampton may be able to shed some light on the career of D.B. as we all shared the Prefects Room at one time. (GAL)

There was, in fact, yet another David Butler at RLS from, I think, 1954 to c. 1961.  His exploits were many and hilarious, like the chair suspended in the well of the spiral staircase, apparently unsupported but actually hanging on a near invisible cord. His chicken impressions in crowded tube trains were also notable, as were many many more japes and antics. Whether the said gentleman is he, however, I know not. (Bob Tucker)

The Dave Butler who gave the speech at the RLS Awards Evening 2001 was the ex-Head Boy one. (Adrian Thompson)

HOBBS & BARD: I certainly do remember Hobbs and Bard.  The pair of them were sciving off one lunchtime on their bikes - probably going to Brent and Collins for new cheese-cutters - when a parked motorist opened his door and the pointed tip of the door caught Hobbs in the cheek, leaving a small hole.  Apologies were offered and all agreed to forget the incident.  When Rog Hobbs returned to school he amazed us all by demonstrating that he could blow smoke out of the small hole in his cheek.
I met him many years later in Southend very late at night when we were both somewhat the worse for drink.  We were walking home separately and started talking.  I'm not sure how we recognized one another but he started to get fairly aggressive, remembering old fights that we had been involved in, and I gradually realized that he wanted to punch me out.  Although we were on a main road it was about 2 am and there was nobody around.  I'm not sure how it ended but I seem to remember a police car pulling up to find out what was going on and, after that, he seemed to lose interest.  I never saw him again. (Russ Martin)

ALAN JOURNET:  I remember you (Alan Journet) now as being at the school but don't actually remember talking to you - unless you were one of the guys that I tried to get to join my gambling ring. I think that the idea I had was a sort of numbers racket based on the hymns that we sang. I probably got the idea from reading 'Tomboy', a cheap Corgi paperback which was definitely require dreading for any up and coming young thug. I think that it centered on a teenage gang living in Brooklyn which seemed incredibly exotic at the time - although, now that my son lives there, much of its glamor has faded for me. Or possibly you were on the trip to Leverkusen as part of the German/English exchange - a great idea that taught me several obscene phrases in German that I practised until I was able to curse without a trace of an English accent. Regards (Russ Martin)

HOWARD CARTER/GRAHAM BOND: Howard Carter and I formed a Jazz Club listening to and talking about records and then heard Graham Bond formed a band, with, among others, Michael Chapman on trumpet or cornet. It was Trad jazz which was very popular then. Earlier Graham Bond was demonstrating a mean left hand on the piano with blues and boogie. I think he realised that saxophone was a more upfront instrument than the piano, hence his switch although obviously he kept playing the organ (Do you remember the lever on the one in the school hall?). They used to play at lunchtimes in the old shelters on the field. Howard did do textile designing. He is married to Joan (Nee McFetrick) who was quite a leading textile designer for Heals in the 60s. His great friend later, after he moved to Loughborough to teach was Brian Organ, a portrait painter of national status (did the Queen amongst others). I have not seen Howard for some years. I called on him once in his cottage in Leicestershire to find two vintage motorcycles in the sitting room - he restores them.
One summer holiday day he, Graham Bond and I were bored so we decided to cycle from Romford to Heathow and back to plane spot. There was slightly less traffic in central London then so it was not too bad but we were not used to it and it took us days to recover. We didn't see that many planes either. On another occasion Mike (MJ) Elliott and I cycled to North Weald to collect numbers on Gloucester Meteors based there (Boring!). We had our notebooks confiscated by RAF police - clearly in those days of Christine Keeler spying was a serious business. (Roy Wooley)

BRIAN KING; Bill Groves mentions Graham Bond playing at B.D. King's 'election' canvassing at RLS. I knew Brian King - he came round to my home and taught me a couple of numbers on the guitar - one by Elton Hayes, 'The Table and the Chair'  - a VERY tame song - based on a nonsense poem of Edward Lear and long chalk from Elton John, I can tell you!). Brian was also selected for playing the female lead (Portia?) in 'A Merchant of Venice' in 1953, it was, I think. However, the parts apparently could not all be filled and they went for ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ instead, I understand.

PAUL BAKER I'd forgotten about Paul Baker. Now there was a boy with a fine command of Anglo-Saxon words. And he used all of them - profusely, incessantly and inventively. (Steve East)

MALCOLM SMITH Graham wrote: "Malc Smith was, I believe, opening fast bowler for the XI so sport may have been the reason in his case. He has crossed my mind on numerous occasions over the years as I was told that his career prospects were blighted by an incident outside school. It was a case of ' there but for the Grace of God go I ' so I wonder what happened to him." As one of his successors at Gidea Park Motors I can only say that: ' there but for the Grace of God go I ' (Roger Harlow)

RON PALLAS: ref: His connection with the Duke of Buckingham's brother should betaken cum grano salis. Buckingham's family name was Villiers. Does that make Ron a Buckingham Pallas?? I remember Ron well... he was in my class … very studious sort of lad... good at football. (Colin Calvert)

TREV. HOCKLEY TREV. HULETT Ad: "names to conjure with.....Trev Hockley and Trev Hulett":
Given Trev Hulett's build and demeanour I wouldn't be surprised to hear he became a leading light in the security industry. When we were coming up through the school we always worked on the basis that, if we saw Trev approaching, the best course of action was to £*^! off at speed in the opposite direction. Having said which, speaking personally, when I got to6th form I found him to be a reasonable bloke. As always, hearsay and legend was far more frightening that the reality - that's how schools work, innit? (John Bailey)

The '51 class had some incredible characters, also, its was just the "right" year to arrive at the school. The war had been over for only 6 years and most of us who entered that year were born on the year the war really got going. There were some outstanding sportsmen in the group, Johnny Anderson, (Football) Tubby Seddon, Ray Barker, (cricket), Gordon Owen, Brian Theobald and Eric Robinson (Athletics). Some eccentric characters like Don Heath and Terry Scholfield) A fellow Norman who was always smiling and who, despite going on to the "L" forms, was not one of those scholarly types (Ian davidson) Pete Oval, Alan Nunn and Trevor Jones, all contributors to house activities. Clifford Pugh who was about 4ft 2ins and looked around 10 yeas old and Derick Huggins who was about 6ft and looked to be about 30! Mick Riley whose DA was the evry of any would be Ted. Johnny O'Connell a cyclist of note and a companion of mine every morning at the non-believers gathering. The dandy's Brian Abbott, and Keith Brett who never seemed to get dirty, even on pitch IV when it rained! Then there were McGregor, Delmonte and Moley Morris budding Ted's all. It was just one of those groups that enjoyed the school and supported it wholeheartedly. I understand there are more than 50 of us will meet on Sept 1st at the Ship, out of a class of just over 100. Those statistics seem to indicate that this class was definitely something special. (Mike Merry)

LLEWELLYN was the highest NCO in the CCF. It was a passion with him and he always talked about going in the Army when he left school. I spoke with him at the 2000 reunion, still the same to look at, very red face, tall and with curly hair combed straight back. He said that his parents had objected to the Army and he became a Geologist. (Mike Merry)

B.S. SMITH I remember B.S.Smith.... lived at Upminster Bridge... the only person I knew at that time who lived in a FLAT!.. kids of my age then were so conventional that this always intrigued me... we often cycled to school together. Tallish lad, with a pale lean face... good at public speaking... I don’t remember the election... apart from the horse having "Vote Liberal" painted on it in white..... but it figures. 
Also remember Roger Phillips well at cricket. He took over opening the bowling after I left RLS... very keen and used to practise a lot. Quite a slight build for a quick bowler but nice flexible action. If I remember aright, he is standing behind me in the 1954 cricket photo?? (Colin Calvert)

Bill Groves mentions Graham Bond playing at B.D. King's 'election' canvassing at RLS. I knew Brian King - he came round to my home and taught me a couple of numbers on the guitar - one by Elton Hayes, 'The Table and the Chair'  - a VERY tame song - based on a nonsense poem of Edward Lear and long chalk from Elton John, I can tell you!). Brian also played the female lead (Portia?) in 'A Merchant of Venice' in 1953, it was, I think. I was also a classmate of O'Brien - you can see a god shot of him on me ole RLS webpage when we visited the Shell tanker "Velutina" at Canvey Island with Dinger Bell. (Robert Priddy)

ROGER PHILLIPS: Significant that we should all remember his hard practice but to an impressionable first or second year this was real dedication and awesome skill. I'm quite sure that he was never putting on a show for our benefit but he always had a small audience (at a respectful distance) and there were always gasps of admiration at the speed of his bowling and whenever he hit the single stump. If he uprooted it, there were cheers.
He would just continue, quite unimpressed! John Groom once asked if he could wicket keep for some of the deliveries. Roger just shrugged and said, "If you're stupid enough", then carried on practising as if John wasn't there. I don't recall John sticking it for long!

'BUNNY' WARREN & scouting: Through Ken Catton I have found an RLS alumni (1943-46) I knew well - our scout leader J.B. Warren (or 'Bunny Warren' as he still signs himself). He ran the 12th Romfords with John Morley when I was in it - and during Morley's call-up during the war. He was also known to the 7th Romfords, he took a patrol of theirs along to our summer camp in Denbigh (in 1950). In1953 he went over to lead the 1st Harold Hill Group, which he did for 42 years! He retired from the Scout Assoc. 7 years ago, but he is still active in a support role. He has a v. good memory, too. (Robert Priddy)

Malcolm Cooper (1963 - 70), went to Salford Uni 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)

DGM was talking about Conservative candidates. In the early '50's Spike Iverson was the chosen lad for the blue party. He was in the sixth and always came to school dressed in a suit (usually a light wheat color) with waistcoat and spotted bow tie. He adopted a style which called for him to look down from great heights on the rest of the school (except for his one-time alliance with McGregor to get elected) and was not the most popular person at that time at RLS. I wonder whatever became of him? (Mike Merry)

To 'Bill' Burgess: An abiding memory of you hinges around 'Games'. I seem to remember that you were permanently excused for some medical reason (I trust that it has not troubled you unduly in later life).

Yet on one occasion we (you, I, Dave Workman, Tony Worboys, probably others) were having a sly puff on a ciggie behind the groundsmans' hut and were almost caught by George as he walked along South Drive.

We all made a rapid escape by dashing across the football pitch ... and you were twice as fast as the rest of us! (Andy Lee)

JOE LEVY I was very friendly with Joe Levy too. We were both caned numerous times for smoking, skiving etc. I was also friends with John Coleman (left after O levels in 64) I never had any contact with him afterwards. What about "Barrel" Ives? Another smoker, skiver etc. (John MaCarthy)

Jeff is interested in 'famous' Old Boys.  He reports that he is regular contact with Steve Jones (66-73), who is currently Purchasing Director at Land Rover.  I managed to get an Email through to Jeff Randall 1966-1973 (Business Editor at the BBC) and let him know about the group. (Chris Fribbins)

NORMAN BAKER  Gentlemen: Imagine, an ex-RLS boy with a file at MI5!!! (From the Daily Telegraph on-line edition, Tuesday Oct 2 01) MP wins landmark test case over secrecy of MI5 files By Philip Johnston, Home Affairs Editor (Filed: 02/10/2001) The decision - the first by the new national security appeals division of the Data Protection Tribunal - followed an attempt by Norman Baker, Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, to discover whether MI5 held a file on him and, if so, what was in it.

He received an anonymous letter last year from someone claiming to be an MI5 officer and calling himself The Mechanic. The informant said a file was held on Mr Baker's activities in the late 1980s when he campaigned against a proposed road scheme in East Sussex. MI5 had apparently gathered intelligence from the local Police special branch, which had a source in a local protest group.

When Mr Baker asked to see the file, Jack Straw, then Home Secretary, issued a certificate exempting MI5 under the Data Protection Act from having to reveal whether or not they held the information.

Mr Baker successfully argued that this was "unreasonable" and the certificate was quashed yesterday by the tribunal. It said the exemption was "wider than is necessary to protect national security". (end)   (Mike Merry)

I think the Labour MP's name was Ron, but his surname wasn't Laver, although it did begin with an L. Unfortunately I cant remember his name, but it might come into my head in the wee hours of the morning upon which I'll shout 'Eureka' and email it to you. I do recall that the Tory who contested the seat was called Jon, without the h, but I cant recall his surname either. (Tom Little)

How about Ron Latham then? (John Hawkins)  Arthur Latham, perhaps? Ex MP. Until recently on the local council. (Vince)

RON CARTER Might I enquire further about Ron Carter. Many years ago, back in the mid/late fifties, I played football for the Old Libs. One of the regulars was a fellow by the name of Ron Carter. He was a keen cricket player also. Ron lived in Chadwell Heath at the time and we would travel to games together. I wonder if this could be the same fellow. Ron had a sort of horsey face and hair parted on the left. Straight hair that after the part hung usually over his right eye. About 5 10 tall, not slim but not fat, rather heavier than your usual person at 18 or 19. I wonder if Neil could let me know about this? Mike Merry    

Mike. Not entirely sure but I believe we are talking about the same person as I know that he'd had quite a keen involvement in Old Libs football.  Unfortunately, he had a heart attack in the changing room after a game of cricket for the Old Libs (we were playing at Dagnam Park Drive, by Neave School, in those days) and died pretty much instantly.  That was in c.1983/84 and I think Ron was around 42 (ish) at the time.  He left a wife, who I think was a bit younger than Ron, and young daughter. (Neil Fraser)

Richard Hall asked: "...and where was Greg from? He was in the same Spanish class as me. and by the way Ash Howe contacted me yesterday - ring any bells Greg?" 1R for me and I can still say Huy un gato en el jardin what a great laugh the 'language lab' was. Yup Ash Howe certainly rings a bell. I can't work out whether it was Geoff Randall or Ash Howe who had the long curly hair that was so long it would go inside his collar and thereby look short. Whoever it was nearly got prevented from taking A levels because of it but was saved by the intervention of the Governors? (Greg Cooper)

Concerning Ian Paisley: I was at the Liberty 1955 - 62 so was obviously there for part of the time that you were but I don't recognise any name in your list unless, could Ian Paisley be Ian Pawley?  I met up with him in West London '73-76.  Of course most of your list would be beneath the notice of a fifth year, but you may remember the little Romford market place prank I referred to in an earlier post ... (DGM)

IAN PAWLEY It was Ian *Pawley*; but (now I remember) one of the teachers (Mr (Wally!) Walters - English teacher - Room 10!) mis-read his name from the (handwritten) register as 'Paisley' during the first week at school and so he was 'Paisley' to the rest of his colleagues for the rest of his school career <g>. Forty years later (i.e. yesterday) I typed 'Ian Paisley' without even thinking (Andy)

CRACKNELL Ad. question: "Was Ken Cracknell, by any chance, related to Tom Cracknell in my year? (now a judge I believe)". Ken was Tom's elder brother. He must have left before we started as I have no recollection of both Cracknells being in school together.I often wonder if there is a connection between the RLS Cracknells and the be-medalled oarsman? Tom's was/is correctly Malcolm Thomas Cracknell, sometimes (rarely!) referred to as "Empty" but more usually to staff and pupils alike as Tom. You're correct, also, about his current status/occupation. Don't get caught law-breaking within the jurisdiction of Hull Crown Court or you're likely to come up in front of Yer Honour Tom! A Google search is quite revealing! There is some tale about Judge Cracknell failing to turn up to preside over a rape trial because it clashed with a Headingley Test Match...but I don't know either the truth or the details! (David Maltby)

The more diligent Hon Members may have noticed that the list of names presented by Les does not concur with those in the 1970-71 Blue Book. Missing are Mike Allen, Kevin Johnson, Paul Spragg and Mick Wakeling, who were all 1963 intake and were thus "3rd year 6th" when the 70-71 term started. I guess that by the time this picture was taken they had all re-sat whichever A Levels they didn't get the first time around , and had therefore left the school. They were then replaced as pr*f*cts by Messrs Chandler, Pullum and A.N. Other(s) who I can't be bothered to look up right now. (John Bailey)

ALAN WEDDELL Frank was an 'Ammers fan, captained the school football team for the first couple of years (67-68) before Alan Weddell blossomed into the year's/Liberty's greatest all-round sportsman and took over the role.

Frank was distinguishable not only for his shock of blond hair but also for a livid scar which ran from under his neck and across part of his chest, the result of pulling an iron of its board as a child. He positively oozed charm and what little contact we had with females while I was in his company I could see that he was adored by the opposite sex.

As for Alan - can anyone suggest a greater Libertian all-rounder? He captained the football and cricket teams, represented Essex at athletics (several different disciplines as I remember) and badminton, was the county singles champion at the latter (as well as doubles with his younger brother Ian, I think). He also made the England football schoolboy squad. (Chris Stratford)

Yes, Alan was one of those that 'made you sick'. He was just great at all ball games and athletics. I remember being drafted in for the Romans on the House Athletics and taking him on in the 400 metres. I ran my heart out and I might have actually made him sweat - for about a second - but then I was never much of an athlete/footballer/cricketer anyway - but I used to enjoy the football on the playground - with tennis ball (I was usually one of the last to be 'picked') - my Mum got a bit annoyed when I managed to dismantle a pair of Curtess shoes within 24 hours (they were pretty cheap and crap). (Chris Stratford)

PAUL CANTLE Can anyone remember the name of a younger boy (1st year in perhaps 1972) who was a bit of a nutter... The name Cantle (or similar) springs to mind. Often found climbing out of first-floor windows etc... (Trevor Sharples)

He could well have been Paul Cantle. I had the misfortune of being in the same form as this unfortunate, violent, psychotic wretch. He joined the Lib in 1973 and if memory serves me, he was expelled in late 1974-75. He was prone to fits, often during assembly, and took great delight in disrupting every lesson he attended. His behaviour was unpredictable and violent, both to himself and others. One of his hobbies was baiting older boys until they beat him; he considered this to be highly amusing. He even assaulted Jake! Masters had a very hard time dealing with Cantle. A few even resorting to disturbingly violent means to control him. I have to admit that his classmates, myself included, also had occasion to use similar methods of control. It was a case of self preservation. There are many stories and myths to be told of his antics, and though they may appear to be funny now, he was a very sick boy who had no business being at the school in the first place. The only person I remember, who had any real control over him was Mrs Rowe in a remedial reading class. It was not a sad day for us when he was removed. (Paul Branch)

GROSVENOR There was a similarly disturbed pupil during my time at School ... name of  'Grosvenor'. Among his other 'tricks' he would hurl those 1/3 pint bottles of milk (full!) that we used to get through the window of the cloakroom just next to the main entrance at the rest of us ho were taunting him from the playground. His behaviour was very volatile - he would be almost 'normal' for a while then he'd suddenly burst into action. The buzz went round ... "Grosvenor's at it again!" I can't remember what became of him. (Andy Lee)

GRAHAM LEIGH was a member of the 66-73 intake. Lived in Wingletye Lane, Hornchurch. A good mate of Richard Landen's and Stuart McCreddie's. Don't know what became of him but he had leanings towards the world of drama and was pivotal to Normans winning the House Drama, was it four years on the trot? Was one of the trendier dressers and paid a great deal of attention to his hair and looks. When I can unearth it I will post a pic of him, Richard, Stuart, Geoff Kemp and others from the Ingleton 73 Field Trip. Generally a member of the Possibles rather than the Probables at football and had a somewhat manic running style, arms and legs going in all directions. He had a great sense of humour, always seemed to be laughing, and when - at football - he was unable to tackle someone would often resort to shoving them over and then running away with a grin not dissimilar to that of Harpo Marx. I shared many a drink with Graham at the Squirrel's, and would love to share more if anyone does know where he is now. (Chris Stratford)

Graham was indeed one of my brother's mates, I don’t know what happened to Graham (and neither does Richard) but obviously I do know about my brother. Richard teaches at Hornchurch technical College (built on the site of the old Dury Falls school) and has been there since it's inception. He lives in Forest Gate with his partner and their two 'toddler' daughters - Graham was one of the trendier dressers and paid a great deal of attention to his hair and looks. Something from which I benefitted greatly. Graham always had very good quality 'cutting edge' clothes, and with out a little brother of his own I was the chief recipient when he grew out of them. I particularly remember a pair of 'Wrangler' jeans that were the envy of my peers, since I inherited them after they were suitably faded and worn, something that took a couple of years hard work normally... The other identifying characteristic of Graham that I particularly remember was his love of BRUT aftershave, which led my normally reticent father to comment "I say, that chap's wearing perfume" (Trevor Landen)

Of the group, I think Barber was the most perverse. he did things in the classroom which I could not recount in this forum. (Cliff Jones)

STEVE JELLISS was a good mate of mine for a few years. By way of link he joined the same YMCA crowd as me. We also went off for our first independent holiday away at about 15 to Newquay (with John Tester). He lived at Noak Hill right at the end of the 174 route. (Andy Ellis)

I even remember Barber's act. You're talking about the Spanish lesson aren't you? I didn't take Spanish but news travelled fast. I think his blazer pocket bore the brunt. A belated welcome from me to Colin Crampton. Sorry Colin, t' was I who 'outed' you as a Pr*f*ct. What have you been up to in the last 30 years? Do you remember a guy called Mick(?) Truelove. (GAL) Steve Jelliss was a good mate of mine for a few years. By way of link he joined the same YMCA crowd as me. We also went off for our first independent holiday away at about 15 to Newquay (with John Tester). He lived at Noak Hill right at the end of the 174 route. (Andy Ellis)

JEFF RANDALL I managed to get an Email through to Jeff Randall 1966-1973 (Business Editor at the BBC) and let him know about the group. I sent him a bit of the 1966/67 photo, with him on - but I had to scan mine in because the Web site appears to be out at the moment. (Chris Fribbins)

DAVE WORKMAN Don't forget that I worked at weekends in a petrol station with Dave Workman (Newth prize for maths). We did that to afford to drive motor bikes to school (which Jake forbade, so we hid them down the lane at the school entrance). I therefore owe all my career success to rubbing shoulders with a prize winning sums man! Hope that you can sign him up. The last time I was in touch Dave he was working in the computer game. He must therefore have access to the internet.
By the way, I heard about the group from my cousin, Alan Simpson. He would have been at the school from around 1967 or so. He is now a solicitor in Rayleigh Essex and claims to have played on the same football team (Gidea Park Rangers) as Glen Roeder. Alan is currently the more successful of the two! (John 'Mac' McCarthy)

STAN HALL Chris Stratford asked for "any reminiscences about Stan Hall":- Yes, years 1938-43. I would know Stan probably best of anyone in the Group, because he lived at 23, Belgrave Avenue. I lived at No.18. Another neighbour to go to RLS was Geoff Bown, 1942-47, at No.22.
Stan was particularly keen on football and obviously good enough to hold a place in the first team, usually as I recall playing in defence. In his younger days he would often be out in the road kicking a tennis ball and practising passing movements against the kerbstones. Given a minimum 1 other player, the side entrance between the houses became the goal. Difficult now to imagine the roadway being used as a football pitch; in wartime there was so little traffic! His other interest was the 7th. Romford scouts - introduced me for a few sessions but I found it too scary to continue - especially trying to master the reef knot.
I remember that, in Stan's last year at RLS, the headmaster called him up to the front at assembly to be congratulated for his special contribution in encouraging the younger boys in sport, especially football. An act typical of Gussy, but not I gather the sort of thing one would expect from his successors.
"was the father of a good mate of mine at junior school and also ran 3rd Collier Row cubs' football team, of which I was a member." (by whom?)

It's good news that Stan (Hall) had a son; I always thought how much he would have enjoyed a younger brother! One last thought: Stan Hall was at the 1999 Reunion; I had a quick word and he remembered recruiting me for the OB's football team (5th. eleven I believe) and a few months after I suffered a broken leg playing for them - seems he's felt a quite unnecessary tinge of guilt ever since. (John Jennings)

... many thanks for the reminiscences about Stan Hall. He nurtured my love of football, both playing and watching, and also led me towards the Liberty. I well remember playing for 3rd Collier Row cubs one Saturday morning in my final year at junior school on the 'third' pitch at the Liberty, the one on its own on the Upper Brentwood side of the car path. When our match was over, Stan (Mr Hall, as I knew him) took us over to watch the school match which was going on pitch one. I was captivated by a player I later identified as Kevin Belsham who seemed like an absolute god to me - strong in the tackle, good in the air, commanding in everything he did.
And that blue and gold shirt! I was simply desperate to wear that one day - a more realistic ambition, as it transpired, than wearing the red and white of my beloved Manchester United (I'm a Mancunian by birth)!
I hoped then that I would do well enough in the 11-plus exam to gain a place at the Liberty and Stan always encouraged me in both that aim and my ambition to play football for the Liberty. I don't know who was more disappointed when his son Steven didn't make it through to the Liberty; him, me or his dad.
It's only having been press-ganged into running a junior football team for a year (I was "sacked" for the joint crime of not shouting at the kids enough and not being biased enough towards the side on the occasions I had to referee games) that I realise how much time and effort Stan put into running that cubs team and I'm sure I never gave him the thanks and gratitude he deserved. (Chris Stratford)

 KEN SAXBY Your impressive work at Tideway is well known in educational circles. I am still teaching, at King Edward VI College, Stourbridge; a sixth form college. I retire next year; I have had to wait until then as they won't let me out until I am 60! (Bill Groves)