Master Anecdotes -
1970s
Willimot,
Tett, Groome, G.J. Coles,
Saul, Jarrold, Martin, Evans, Stormonth,
G.T. Taylor, C.C. Taylor, Lawrence, Belsham, Serriere,
Sage, Draper, Wydall, Gregson, Skelton, S. Taylor,
Bruzac, McClean, Sanders, Watkiss,
Baber, D. Smith, Stannard, Meech, Fey,
M. F. WILLIMOTT (1968-1979)
Subject: Mathematics
Nicknames: 'Basil', 'Lurch'
Mr Willmott - I think his name may have been Willimott actually, if we are speaking of the same maths teacher - his nickname was 'Basil' due to his passing resemblance to John Cleese. He drove a sports car and was quite a quiet man with a fiery temper when aroused. He suffered greatly from having his nickname shouted loudly - a la Sybil - whenever he was just out of sight but still within earshot. (Ray Liddard)
Mention of the loft above the hall reminds me of the time someone took a large reel of computer paper tape up there during assembly or some other gathering and pulled the middle out and poked it through one of the gratings in the ceiling, resulting in curly paper cascade into the hall. I can't remember whether I was actually involved or not, or whether I would have just liked to have been. (Chris Boivin)
I can't remember if Willimot was called Mong or not. What I
do remember is that I took Applied Maths with him, and had absolutely no idea
what he was talking about. So I stopped
going to his lessons and spent more time at the back of the stage. As Vince will attest we spent a lot of time
as "Stage Crew". It was certainly a viable alternative to lessons.
We spent one memorable lunch time (and most of the first period) in
the loft above the hall - but that's another story which either I'll get around
to or Vince will provide more details later.
Anyway (I remember we used to say,
that's an LP), Jake called me to his office to explain why I wasn't attending
Applied Maths - I told him he had agreed to me dropping my fourth A level,
and that was the end of that. I supposed it was too late by then to pick it
back up. Whatever I saw it as a small
victory. (Alan Edmonds)
Sir, Sir, what's a thousanth of a watt called sir? Pause Thwack!!! (-?-)
Of whether it was Willimot or Woodhurst
who was called Mong, I can't remember either, but
I am biased towards Woodhurst. Either way, it was a bit cruel, I suppose.
think I was unfortunate enought
to have Willimot for Pure AND applied maths during
my last years at the Lib. I had exactly the same reason for not attending
his lessons as Alan, although to be fair, we didn't spend as much time on
the stage as we did at Olive's Caff, did we Alan?
I certainly remember the lunchtime in the loft, and had been meaning to tell
for some time, but the details are a little hazy. Perhaps Alan and I need to collaborate on this
one first. (Vince Leatt)
Poor old Willimot. Firstly, I only ever remember him as "Lurch", and I'm pretty sure he got dubbed that as soon as he arrived (you only had to look at the sunken eyes and expressionless gaze to see why). However, I have to step in here and say a good word about him. I also took Applied Maths with Lurch (approx 69-71), and because all our childish jokes went over his head, making him an easy target, we ended up having a blast in his class.
He would start talking about "a uniform rod", and some idiot would yell out "Evenin' All". Ten minutes later he would turn around at the blackboard, and say "hey, I just got that joke", which of course, was accompanied by much laughter. We actually looked forward to and enjoyed his classes, and somehow this translated into quite a few of us doing very well in our exams. As far as I'm concerned he taught me well. And I have to add, as did both Jake and Spook. (Les Farrow)
I think (although the memory goes with age...) the teacher you refer to was
M. F. Willimott who was tall and also nicknamed
"Lurch" because of his looks - he was well over 6 tall with a very
"flat" face. Having said that I had him as a Maths
teacher around 1970 so there must have been 2 teachers who had that nickname.
I recall he had a broad Norfolk Accent and travelled in from the
Willimott. I really felt sorry for him because his classes pulled him apart in lessons and I don't think he lasted very long. I rarely had him as a teacher, but you could see what was going on sometimes when queuing up for a Physics lesson with P Evans next door. I think (although the memory goes with age...) the teacher you refer to was M. F. Willimott who was tall and also nicknamed "Lurch" because of his looks (Chris Fribbins)
Ah yes...Mike Willimot, Teacher of Mathematics
aka "Lurch" (and later "Basil"). Though
nobody would admit it at the time I'm sure many of us felt for him. When he
arrived at the school (around 68/69?) it was as if he had modelled his teaching
style, dress sense and general approach on John Alderton's
character Mr Hedges of Fenn Street School in the
TV show Please Sir. There are so many stories maybe we should open a file
in his honour. Among my favourite recollections are: 1) The day he arrived
at school in his "new" car - a
Bronze Ford Escort (thus following the lead set by his fellow mathematician,
the trend-setting Geno Washington as it was exactly
the same model and colour). Pupils watched agog as he "kangarood"
across the playground towards the car park.2) Still on the subject of driving,
sometime later he somehow managed to back his car into another whilst manoeuvring
in the school car park - sadly I cannot remember the identity of the unfortunate
victim. 3) The memorable occasion during a 4th year maths lesson in room 2
when I managed to sneak behind him while he was seated at his desk and tape
a large red "L" (for learner) sign on the back of his jacket.
A good old wheeze I know, but it worked a treat as this was the lesson
just before morning break. when the bell rang Lurch headed off for his cuppa complete
with his "L" plate on his back. It was only when he got back to
the staff room and (I hear) had been supping his tea for several minutes amidst
the sniggers from some of his fellow staff members that it was finally removed
by an unsporting colleague. Finally, for a number of years after leaving school
I played football for the Old Libs in the same team
as RLS teachers Dave McClean and Colin Brennan.
After the Saturday afternoon match it was customary to reflect on the outcome
over a pint or twenty in the upstairs Bar at the Gidea
Park Hockey Club near Gallows Corner which often remained open way into the
small hours. News of this regular gathering had clearly spread to the school
staffroom and numerous "Guest" appearances ensued, including (to
everyone's surprise) a visitation from Mike Willimot
one wintry Saturday night which had all the hallmarks of being a desperate
attempt to be seen and accepted as "one of the boys". Although Lurch
proceeded to consume an enormous quantity of a rather strong brew his capacity
was clearly way short of the rest of the die-hards and eventually at around
Mr. Willimott: "His nickname was 'Basil' due to his passing resemblance to John Cleese. He drove a sports car and was quite a quiet man with a fiery temper when aroused. He suffered greatly from having his nickname shouted loudly - a la Sybil - whenever he was just out of sight but still within earshot. [Ray Liddard]"
The nickname "Basil" must have come during the early 70's - when
Willimott started at RLS, Monty Python was still in full swing
and
NEIL A. TETT (1968-1975)
Subject:
English
Nickname: - ‘Tetty’, ‘Voice-on-a-stick’
See also RLS Old Boys’ Informal CVs
I know I had Sir Neil for English, I know we joked about his name phonetically meaning head in French, but darned if I can put a face to the name. This is driving me nuts. Can Hon. Sir Neil, or someone by other means, help me put a face to the name, please? (Cliff Jones)
From MR. Tett's cv, he seems like an all round good egg to me. What a nice chap to have as a teacher. And yet, all we've heard from you post mid-60s lot is how badly treated you were, what with restrictive dress codes, limits on length of hair, sadistic masters, the food was too greasy and you only had Watneys' Red Barrel etc. etc. (Derek Humphrey)
I remember Neil Tett very well as it was his task to try and steer me through A level English. Trouble was, he was a nice guy and hardly much older than my class. Consequently it was no problem to slip away from the boring bits [eg. Chaucer] and improve my volleyball skills. Hence my departure from RLS minus English A level. Yes, discipline is what we need! (Roger Jacobson)
It was a mystery to him, to me, and to most people that knew me, that I took 3 attempts to get English O level. However that is what happened, absolutely no reflection on him I am sure. At least he had the faith (or patience?) to continue to help me through the resit process. Good memories of English lessons with him. If you are still an honorary member and reading this, greetings to you. (Tim Knights)
Brian A. GROOME - Deputy Head (1970-1978)
Subject: CDT
Nicknames 'Bagroome', 'Bullet Head'
, 'Dicky' , ‘Rick Doom Groome’
Dear old Mr. Groome. I remember the name 'BAGROOOOME' being a favourite. One term I compiled a count of the number of times he uttered the word 'sensible'. One point for 'sense' and two for 'sensible manner'. We got to the last day of term on 99 and a half. Final lessons - nothing, final assembly - nothing. But as he came to dismiss us from our room, he came out with a sensible manner to send a number of us into paroxysms of delight. He was easy to take the mickey out of with his Bullet Head (another nickname), but I always found him fair. (Ian Puxley)
… you knew where you stood with him, he wouldn't stand for any nonsense but treated you fairly - he was also a very good geography teacher, albeit one prone to interject the adjective "sensible" in any conversation or lecture. [MJ]
I seem to recall incurring the wrath of Mr. Groome after an incident in the cloakrooms one lunchtime, but I don't remember what for. And I'm sure I had to front up to Jake on more than one occasion, cos I remember having been called to his office, but maybe that was when I had to tell him I was leaving to go to NZ. (David Kelsey)
G. J. COLES (1969-1988)
Subject: History
Nickname - 'Piggy'
"Piggy" Coles was, indeed, a very good teacher, able to inspire respect, enthusiasm and fear in the one sentence, but always there with a merry quip to keep you interested (I am sure my friend Dave Barbone will have countless happy tales of Piggy Coles to recount). My particular memory of him was the sanguine comment at the end of someone's rather poorly executed History homework - "If ignorance is bliss, you must be bloody delirious!"; a comment whih went around the class like wildfire, and certainly encouraged some of us to look to our laurels!! [TW]
... huge side-burns [AT]
I remember Coles of History's delight in informing us of the sexual preferences of various German leaders during WW2. Something llike 'Goering liked the ladies, Himmler the young boys, and Goebbels didn't mind either.' At the time this info was better received than the plans of Operation Barbarossa!! Geoff Coles also gave much time to after school football. I think he may have been 2nd XI manager. [NT]
E. R. SAUL (1972)
Subject: Mathematics
Nickname -
Saul's classes, there is truly a million different stories
to tell about this sad little man's teaching career at RLS. Ian is quite
accurate in his initial description of Saul. He wore the same clothes every
day and carried a shabby brown briefcase with him wherever he went. This
extended to down the aisles between the desks as he was teaching.
Nobody took the slightest notice of what he ever said. He dished out "pages"
as his punishment which people were prepared for and had already written
/ photocopied ready to hand in when set. One day, he amusingly changed the
page to be copied from page 11 to another he had chosen thus catching out
those well prepared. He thought it was hilarious. However, rather than learning
from the experience and continually changing the page, he then stuck with
the new one! During the conker season I well remember one lesson when nearly
everybody in the class aimed a conker at poor old Saul at the same time.
they literally rained down on him.
Another time, a group were playing cards near the door with Dave Jackson
naively playing with his back to the door. Jake walked past and noticed
that nobody was paying any attention to saul
and he stormed in, nearly knocking
Other teachers invariably walked past Saul's lessons, usually in room 3,
making a point of looking in. They were never scared of coming in to deal
with those paying no attention and it didn't seem to embaress
Saul at all.
It was always a mystery to me that he survived two terms before leaving.Living so near the school was also a mistake as he
would leave with the pupils and walk down the road being taunted all the
way home. Ian may remember a certain doll being put through his postbox.
Saul, I believe, went to
I never served at the RLS with Mr Saul, but I felt sad and
uncomfortable reading the recent correspondence. By the 1970's I was working
for the LEA rather than the RLS. Salaries were going down and the quality
of applicant to teach in some subjects, including Maths, was in free fall
at terminal velocity. We are still, today, suffering from the knock on effects
of the appalling lack of support for education at that time.
I visited/inspected primary schools and found teachers teaching "wrong"
maths - some did not even have O level. At secondary level it was worse
- and the choice was to make an appointment in which one had no confidence
or to accept that some would not be taught maths (and other subjects) for
a significant time (one could reallocate time table time and redress the
balance later).
I took the view that it was better to learn something else than be taught
maths very badly, and indeed inflict poor teaching on succeeding cohorts.
Needless to say I was over ruled by those who could not face the politicians
and parents questions... The responsibility for the recruitment of those
who were poor teachers was usually either a "mistake" - and those
happen everywhere - or the failure of Heads of Mathematics Depts,
Head Teachers, Advisors and Administrators to face up to reality. The responsibility
for the low salaries, the root cause of the problem rests firmly on the
shoulders of the politicians. It must surely have been hell to be a taunted
teacher. (Bill Broderick)
P.C. JARROLD (1973-1975)
Subject: Mathematics
Nickname -
I remember finding out in a 1974 applied
mathematics lesson that physics teachers lie to you. It was in a lesson
from one Mr. Jarrold (a northerner whose Christian name I don't recall).
During a period dedicated to statics [1] he asked the class what they he'd
been taught about the mechanism for heat conduction in metals. He revealed,
when we answered, that we would find a different story if we studied the
matter at university.
I suppose I was rather incredulous at this revelation. However, it indeed
turned out to be true as I finally realised three years later from the study
of solid-state theory as part of my Electronics degree. Anyway, there is
a story that did the rounds at about this time, about an earlier temporary
absence of this Mr. Jarrold from the RLS teaching staff (in about 1972 or
3). I cannot really believe it to be true, so I won't relate it here (yet).
However, does anyone remember the man and any related stories?
[1] The maths of forces, weightless rods, frictionless pulleys, weightless
strings etc.
[2] Or frictionless "pollys" as he seemed to pronounce it, much
to the amusement of the class, whose imaginations ran riot about the role
of the Teflon parrot in appled mathematics. (John Phillips)
G. W. MARTIN (1971-19??)
Subject: Latin, Russian
Nickname -
Golden Jubilee Dinner. I remember G W Martin Esq. MA all right. He made an exceptionally muddled speech at the Golden Jubilee Dinner, caused by deciding that he did not have enough time to cover all his notes and leaving out the middle bit. (Ged Martin)
The front cover and interior of the Dinner Card for the
School's Golden Jubilee Dinner on
R. J. EVANS (1966-1975)
Subject: Physics
Nickname 'Honey Monster', 'Bob'
Whilst on the subject of lovely teachers. Does anyone remember the lovely Mr
Evans Chemistry teacher during the 70's)?
Myself and Richard Lee certainly do! During a Chemistry lesson we found ourselves
spectacularly in his bad books too...Our ultimate crime 'talking during a
lesson!'
We were hit so hard across the head, you could hear the chime in the next
room!! I have never ever been hit so hard. Quite something, as I trained in
Karate for fifteen years. Achieving 3rd Dan and being hit on many occasions!!(Gary
Webb 1974-1978)
There was a physics teacher by the name of Evans whilst I was a pupil but,
not having the foggiest what physics was all about, I dropped the subject
as soon as was humanly possible. This chap was Welsh (surprise, surprise)
and, due to lack of neck and a squat appearance, was known as 'Honey Monster'.
(Ray Liddard)
Andy Evans. Assisted in piling all the furniture in Dell's room upside-down
in the choir gallery AND owning up (6 more) (Ian Macauley)
R.A. STORMONTH (1976-1980 plus)
Subject: English
Nickname –
A few memories of Miss (Rachael) Stormonth.
English Teacher at RLS from 1978-after 1980. Most
memorable for allegedly crashing nearside of school minibus into back gate
(by woodwork workshop; someone definitely caused the damage). Also crashed
own car into Dell's car in staff car park (allegedly) and forcibly parked
own Mini under back of articulated lorry near Drill r'bout
(again allegedly- no one hurt). Regularly took group of us to play squash
at club in
G.T.
Subject: Mathematics
Nickname – ‘Tommy’
Resided in room 22 and my first form tutor. He had nearly as much of a problem with the new regime as JPC. The first thing he said to us (and I mean the first thing) was "I don't want you boys. I want the form I had last year...Lovely bunch of lads they were boys." (2S). Incidentally, we were dubbed the worst first year ever. We carried this through and became the worst second year, worst third year etc… subsequent intakes were also the "worst first year/second year etc.! My brother, Paul, joined the school in September 1979. His eldest son starts at RLS next week. Imagine seeing the next generation of your family in a brand spanking new RLS uniform!! Has anyone else had similar experience? (Mark Francis)
Bless him! (Marcel Humphrey)
C.
C. TAYLOR (1971-1982)
Subject: English
Nickname -
Mr. C.C.Taylor, an English teacher whom I remember with great affection. He was a real old gent, who spoke the Queen's English perfectly and seemed to have a genuine love for both teaching and his subject. He was often absent through illness, during the latter years of my time at the school, and sadly was often ridiculed for his old fashioned and gentle ways by the increasingly barbarian adolescents that he had to teach. I do not recall whether or not he was still on the staff when I left but I think not. (Ray Liddard)
Subject: Geography/Geology
Nickname – ‘Dougal’,
‘Long-haired
It's
nice to trace back the evolution of 'Long-Haired'
As
a Geographer on the 76 and 77 Field Trips to Weymouth and Ingleton and
I can bear witness to Ian's comments on the inspired teaching methods
of Mr Lawrence. The whole of the Geography set was dead jealous
of the Geologists boozing it up as we sat cooped
up in the local college/village hall of an evening listening to Messrs
Pender & Groome debating the theory of why
Interesting
thing about
"a photo of the 1989-1992 'A'-level Geology class with Mr. 'Dougal'
MARY E. BELSHAM (1975-2000)
Subject: History
Nickname -
Taught/teaches history, and takes it to an extreme length by dressing as a 19th Century school mistress - always.... on second thoughts, this may be more a fashion disaster than devotion to the subject.... She used to have her daughter in lessons with her. At one Summer fair she was seen by me and Russell (Stearman) with her mother and daughter, and they all looked like exactly the same person but at different stages of life. And no sign of any male Belshams, ever. Spooky.... [AT]
I'm not sure when female teachers started arriving in the RLS, but I think Mary Elizabeth Belsham (History) was the first one in the 70s. And she's still there (not being on a 12 month contract, you see). [AT]
I spoke to Mary Belsham's brother tonight and he
tells me that she is about to move on from the Lib after 25 years. Apparently
she has a new job at a school in
Mme SERRIERE (pre1975-post1975)
Subject: French
Nickname -
French teacher by the name of Madame Serriere who was similarly rumoured to have bared all in a gentlemen's magazine. She was rather attractive (when compared to Dan Guy, Del Reynolds and JPC) but I very much doubt she would have been considered as 'glamour material'. Nevertheless, the story was told and duly became legendary without anyone actually producing evidence of the act. Was Madame Serriere (probably with an acute over the final e which my keyboard cannot deal with) really a teacher-cum-teaser or merely a model for a potentially slanderous pre-teen/teenage fantasy which became a truth in itself? Certainly, the story continued to abound until the day I left school. Certainly, many of those who professed to have seen the pictures did not become pupils until long after Madame S's departure. Certainly, the only person who said he had a copy (Dean Maynard) never, ever exhibited it. Certainly, this is because the pictures did not exist except in the minds of those who lusted after that poor, exotic french girl - so far from home and so alone!!! [RL]
V. SAGE (1970s)
Subject: English
Nickname –
Vic Sage was a superb English teacher, a touch avant-garde in his ties and ways, put on Waiting for Godot as a school play. (John Bald)
D. Graham DRAPER (1970-1973)
Subject: Geography
Nickname - 'Drip','Drippy'
Drippy indeed but a very nice bloke for all that. Pea shooters were a shortlived craze during my time but it lasted long enough for us to perfect the optimum tools and ammunition, ie a 2 ft length of 1/4" copper tubing firing plasticine pellets with incredible accuracy and velocity, inducing a sharp pain on impact. So sharp in fact that Draper did not associate it with any form of missile as he was hit twice in quick succession in the back of the neck as he left the room as class ended. What made it so funny was that theonly sign confirming two direct hits was a couple of sudden twitches in the style of Harry Redknapp. (Andy Ellis)
M.E. WYDALL (1970-1972)
Subject: Geology
Nickname 'The Alien''
… who used to ride in on a motorcycle, first a Triumph 500, then a Honda CB350, as I recall). [SS] Keith eventually gave up teaching Geology in 1970 to join me on the team designing Computer Managed Learning Systems. [WRB]
C. GREGSON (late
1973-1974)
Subject: ? (Associate Headmaster)
Nickname:
JPC recruited a second deputy head - Mr Gregson, I think, to advise on the transition. Gregson was notable for saying "Good Morning Boys" at the start of assemble on Friday Mornings - an unheard concept at the time. (Michael Jamieson)
B. SKELTON (1972 -1975)
Subject: English
Loud northern type, from
Ms. S. A. H. TAYLOR (1972)
Subject: French
Nickname: 'Sonya'
As the RLS lurched towards comprehensive status in 73/74 the intake of female staff improved - apart from language & lab assistants there were no female staff from 1970-72 until "Sonja" Taylor arrived to teach French. (Michael Jamieson)
Did an exchange with some old bag from France (we suffered that term) (?)
ANNE BRUZAC (1973ish)
Subject: French assistant
Nickname -
I remember the French assistant (aargh, still makes me knee tremble), who by all accounts was a popular member of the staff room. Didn't she later pose for Penthouse or similar magazine? Anyone got a copy (just for the library, of course). (Colin Newlyn)
Pin up quality French assistant in about 1973 (Murielle??). Blond and bronzed - even let us smoke in her tutorials (she was not well acquainted with the rules) (Andy Ellis)
Pin up quality French assistant in about 1973: That's Anne Bruzac. But she was brunette, not blonde. She was
devastatingly gorgeous and went on to a showbiz career as one of (Benny) Hill's
Angels and was definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, a Penthouse centrefold.
I used to have the magazine, and "the lucky boys at the
Just as Teds existed in young boys' minds, might not the existence of the elusive centrefold featuring Anne Bruzac have done likewise? I remember, as a first year (1975), a french French teacher by the name of Madame Serriere who was similarly rumoured to have bared all in a gentlemen's magazine. She was rather attractive (when compared to Dan Guy, Del Reynolds and JPC) but I very much doubt she would have been considered as 'glamour material'. Nevertheless, the story was told and duly became legendary without anyone actually producing evidence of the act. Was Madame Serriere (probably with an acute over the final e which my keyboard cannot deal with) really a teacher-cum-teaser or merely a model for a potentially slanderous pre-teen/teenage fantasy which became a truth in itself? Certainly, the story continued to abound until the day I left school. Certainly, many of those who professed to have seen the pictures did not become pupils until long after Madame S's departure. Certainly, the only person who said he had a copy (Dean Maynard) never, ever exhibited it. Certainly, this is because the pictures did not exist except in the minds of those who lusted after that poor, exotic french girl - so far from home and so alone!!! I simply wonder whether my generation invented their own version of the Anne Bruzac story? Were either of them true or just urban myths? I always thought she looked like Velma out of Scooby Doo, personally. (Ray Liddard)
When I was in the 3rd year we had a female French teacher who was no fun at
all. We were all pleased when she went off on an exchange until we met the old
bag they sent over from
She's aged of course, and not the Anne that you once knew,
In that golden crown some silver hairs show through.
But the voice, that has not changed, soft like tranquil sea,
Our gift from
Did she teach you how to speak like Frenchmen do?
Pursed lips, that draw out sounds as words push through,
With a sultry pout, did she turn her head and look into your eyes?
A "Flit" type look, that leads surely to the undoing of fly's.
Did she turn quickly at the front of form, dress a'swirling?
And did a glimpse of naughty black, send neck hairs curling?
Did you spent her class a'dreaming of forbidden loves,
And go to bed like Ray, with boxing gloves?
Did you know when
All those promises written, if you only knew, in sand.
Of course, there was some flesh to show, as
But lucky you! graduated to an Angel a la Benny Hill.
Do you remember all the panting lads at Old Hare Hall?
Peter, Stephen, Ray and Vince, et al,
Who with closed eyes would wait, and naughty thoughts quelled,
Only by the ring of Bert Peade's dinner bell.
Where now sweet Anne? Is it you at Groundslow
Grange?
Beware of Andy, who on his bicycle will range
Staffordshire, to find the truth and report back what he saw,
Have we found you Anne at last, at Tittensor?
But almost thirty years have passed my dear,
And those young boys, shiny eyes and voices clear,
Are now grown up, but yet a few will not forget,
They still seek your picture in the netherworld of internet. (Mike Merry)
....and a nude centrefold who taught French. Actually the naked french assistant stuff was interesting as I still have a copy of Miss Anne Bruzac and her Gallic offerings. (Simon Tobin)
(Naughty lads can still view the 'Cream Cheese' Anne Bruzac on Mayfair Ladies at www.creamcheese.org.uk)
D. McCLEAN (1971-1974)
Subject: History
Nickname -
has been mentioned a number of times on this
message board. History and form tutor. I think post 1970 - brain cells not
working well today. Irish. Long hair
and frequenter of the Squirrels. (Jody Chatterjee)
M.L. SANDERS (1968-1970)
Subject: History
Nickname – ‘Harry’
As a contemporary of Michael Louis (Mick) Sanders, he of barrel chest and bandy legs, I am fascinated to learn how he acquired the name "Harry". This issue was raised at the recent re-union - and someone did explain, I think it was to do with a comic or TV character of the time, not sure which one. I remember MLS as one of the good guys as far as RLS teachers were concerned. He didn't allow any misconduct, and made the subject interesting. (Tim Knights)
L. WATKISS (ca. 1969-72)
Subject: Classics;
Latin
Nickname -
He was a nice bloke, and apart from anything else, scrapped the ancient reference books, and brought in "Brevitas" which I think used English in a more up to date style, thus making Latin a little clearer. I still have the Shortbread Eating Primer as issued to me in 1968, and discarded when Dr. Watkiss took over. It was a "New Impression - 1948" of a "new edition" with a preface dated 1931. It has a brown paper cover, which was required of course in those days. As to whether he taught anything else, didn't David Payne and one or two others do Greek as their option, perhaps that was Dr W's sideline? (Tim Knights)
'The St Albans Chronicle, Volume I 1376-1394 The Chronica Maiora of Thomas Walsingham' sounds like a hefty work and when it is
published in February 2003 it will come at a hefty price - $195! (and it's only Volume I - covering 18 years of the late 14th
Century - phew!) It is edited by (among others) 'LESLIE WATKISS, former Head of
Classics,
Leslie Watkiss, and I guess his status as Head of Classics at RLS came about on the retirement of John Morley. Leslie Watkiss was also mentioned at the Halloween Huddle because Hon Mem Jacobson M recalled him taking part in "The Pardoner's Tale" which was one of Michael Brewer's musical offerings at RLS. - His term of office was fairly short 1969-72.
Yes it was, but he made quite a big impact, as recorded in the archives, though so far I seem to be the only person to have mentioned him. He rescued us from the fog created by the TTB regime, and in fact I thought of Latin (and French) when I was reading the recent message about sadly departed RLSOB Ralph Bennett. (Tim Knights)
A.J. BABER (ca. 1964-1965)
Subject: French
Nickname -
On the subject of French, I had Mr. Baber. Although I might agree with only speaking French in a French class, it was not a pleasant experience (for me, anyway) as a timid 11-year old who had never heard a word of French before. I started my first lesson late, so everyone was sitting down already. He said "Viens-ici" - I thought he said "Vincent", wondering how he knew my name, and things went rapidly downhill from there. He used the well-known principle of "If they don't understand, say it louder" which didn't work for me. I don't think that particular teaching method can be used from day one, but a lot of the boys had basic French lessons in primary school, so got on well with it. Despite this, I managed to scrape a C in the O levels with an E in the oral. Obviously, I was not good enough at picking up the west-country accent. (Vince Leatt)
D.
C. SMITH (1978-post1993 )
Subject: Mathematics
Nickname -
Ginger bloke - never understood what he was talking about! [DC]
Yes, David Smith! I had him for maths in my first two years. I thought he looked like Michael Caine when Michael Caine had a beard. He was usually known as Bamber, because of his resemblance to Bamber Gasgoine of University Challenge (BP - Before Paxman). I think this is a name given to him in the 70s that just stuck, because Bamber Gasgoine was not on TV during our time. Mr Smith's main catchphrase was "Don't insult my intelligence!" [AT]
Peter STANNARD (before 1988
- after 1999)
Subject: Chemistry, Computer Science.
Nickname- "The Meat"
...probably the only teacher I could actually say that I really hated!!! [DC]
He taught me chemistry in my last two years, but has been off work since October '99 due to health problems. I don't know if he'll return. I can't say I actually hated him, but I know what you mean. When '90s RLS pupils get together, Stannard is one of the names that comes up most often. I might write a Stannard essay for the library - there's too much to say about him in one email. [AT]
On the first day of the OFSTED inspection in October 1996 I was having chemistry with Stannard, when Dave Carter walked past the window with an inspector. Stannard asked if we thought it was Mr Carter escorting the inspector off the premises or the inspector escorting Mr Carter off the premises. Stannard was like that. He knew that Dave was dodgy and was very open about it. [AT]
Mr Stannard, who although he was hated by a lot of kids, was only treated this way because of his no nonsense approach. If you kept on the level with him, he treated you very well. (Ben Levy)
David P. MEECH (1978-mid-1990s)
Subject: Physical Education
Nicknames - Ferret', 'Dave'
If it wasn't for Mr Meech and Mr Quinlan, I would never have thought about kicking a football at Wembley, never mind actually doing it. (Ben Levy)
Currently middle-aged but tall and in good
shape. Usually clad in skin tight cycling garb. When I did an early
morning paper round in 1995, he and PE-rival Mr Quinlan pounding the circuits
of
Ms SUSAN FEY (1976)
Subject:
Nickname -
Susan Fey. "She taught years
ago in Havering at ...