This page was started at the end of 2005 in memory of some of our members and associates who have sadly passed away.....

The support and encouragement that they gave to ROSA and Reedham during their life was much appreciated and will long be remembered.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and friends.

MARGARET RIGLER (nee FAIRBAIRN)

Derrick Smith received a letter on 27th September 2011 from Val Tibbenham, the grandaughter of L. C Fairbairn, who was the Reedham head from 1938 to 1952 informing him that her mother, Margaret Rigler (nee Fairbairn) had died on 15th September. Her health had been poor for the last few years. 

Margaret was born in 1939 and many old scholars of that era will have memories of seeing her as as a young child during the war period and perhaps in the infants and juniors later.  She visited the Reedham museum with Val last year and was pleasantly reminded by all the memorabilia of her childhood at Reedham and of her father of whom she was always very proud.

VICTOR JOHN WALTERS (1915 - 2008) 

When Vic had his second heart attack two years ago at the age of 91, the family at first thought he had reached the end of the road, but then only hours later, those who had hurried over to the hospital, found him propped up in bed ready to joke with them! Vic over the next few months slowly resumed his old ways, little jobs in the garden, helping in the house, driving Joan down to the shops, even the exercise class. That was the sort of man he was!

His early life was not easy. Born in Tottenham in 1915 during WW1, the youngest of five children, his father away in the war. When only 18 months old, his father was killed, his mother was unwell, and increasingly unable to cope with all the children. As a result, when he was six he was placed with the ‘Home for Fatherless Children’, which later became Reedham School. There he remained until he was sixteen. The school provided a sound upbringing and Vic, like others, retained happy memories of his time there, continuing to attend annual reunions until only 2 or 3 years ago, becoming eventually the oldest old boy. Their school badge is featured on the service sheet.

His first jobs were in Smithfield and Covent Garden Markets, but later he joined the De-Havilland Aircraft Co. He also joined the Territorial Army (The Westminster Dragoons), where he learnt to drive, but finished his time with them before the outbreak of WW2. Called up for the war, he opted for the Royal Navy, and with his experience with De-Havilland, went into the Fleet Air Arm. They in time later sent him over to the States where planes were being built and aircrews trained, which entailed 2 trips in the Queen Mary, turned troop-ship. Hardly a luxury cruise, I guess. But before he went he met a young lady in the ATS (which later became Women’s Royal Army Corps), called Joan - and the rest (as they say) is history!

They met over the next year or two, and made plans to marry ‘when it’s all over’ as people said. The date was fixed for August 45, after the war was over in Europe, with VE day. The banns were called in All Saints Fulham, but with four days to go the groom was still somewhere unknown on the High Seas, a circumstance common in war time. But with 2 days to spare, and after a phone call, he duly appeared. Another 4 days and the war finally ended in the east, and VJ Day was announced while they were on honeymoon. It could almost have been Vic and Joan day!

Housing was an even greater problem then than now, and they had to wait 5 years before they had a home of their own. During that time their daughter Susan was born, and in 1950, they moved from Fulham to Banstead, an area that seemed very different from Fulham where they were living. It seemed to them as right out “in the sticks”. They have lived in the same home ever since.

Vic returned after demob to De Havilland, but later there were a number of jobs, finally working for Croydon Council, where he ultimately became Staff Welfare Officer. It was during these years that tragedy struck their family, as Susan was taken seriously ill when she was 20, already with plans for the future, and died within days. She has remained in both their hearts ever since, Vic calling her their little guardian angel watching over them.

Since his retirement, Vic and Joan seemed to do most things together, a couple made for each other as they appeared to others: sharing the same interests, dancing every week for 39 years, attending the exercise class, and so making a fleeting appearance on the BBC TV news when the class featured on a news programme a few years ago. They also had their favourite places they liked to visit, Richmond Park, the seaside at Eastbourne, even up on the Downs where you can see for miles. Vic was also on the Service Committee of the Royal British Legion for 12 years.

Vic was a popular figure, always good company. He could make people laugh with a lovely sense of humour, play the fool too. You only had to see him with a little child. ‘Gentle and kind’ is the way many have described him - he never complained and spoke ill of no one. Now he has gone from us - but our lives are all the better for having known him. He was a good man - and goodness is a quality that lasts, for it comes from God. It is of course natural that one should grieve, most of all those nearest to him. But there is always the support of family and friends, and most of all those all-important memories. All our lives, though, are forever enriched from having known him.

Rev Ray Norgate gave this address on 10^th November 2008 at the Service of Thanksgiving.

Donations if desired in memory of Vic to Age Concern, Banstead or The Reedham Trust.

Dear George. Thank you for your letter. I’m enclosing a copy of the ‘Life of Vic’, which was read by the Minister at Vic’s funeral. You may find something in it that could go in the Rosabeam. There is not a lot that I can add, except, that for a while he worked for J D Link at Smithfield Market where Walter Bass also worked for a time.

I received over 80 letters and cards after Vic died. Everyone said the same thing about him - a kind, caring and gentle man and full of fun.

Best wishes,

Joan Walters

GEORGE HENRY JONES (1934 - 2009)

George Henry Jones was born at Bromborough Pool in the Wirral on 30^th May 1934 and moved to Chester in the early part of the war years. George attended the Chester Cathedral Choir School where his early musical interest were first formed, but sadly on the loss of his father in 1945, the family moved to Burgess Hill. George was then enrolled at the then Reedham Orphanage. At 13 he passed the exams to go to Redhill Technical College, eventually leaving Reedham School to travel by train on a daily basis from Burgess Hill to Redhill, but always remained a loyal supporter of the school having made a number of friends, of which he remained good friends with, for the rest of his life.

On leaving Redhill Technical College, George then did an engineering apprentice prior to National Service in RAF, mainly in Germany where he first learnt to play the trumpet and his love of Traditional Jazz. He also trained and learnt to fly Tiger Moths but alas didn't make the grade. On leaving the RAF he was a founder member of the Delta Jazzmen and also played with many other jazz groups over many years.

In 1955 George purchased his first car, a 1929 Austin 7 Top Hat Saloon, which he owned for over 50 years, and had started to rebuild the car in his retirement, but in the meantime purchased a 1928 Austin 7 Chummy with which he attended a great number of rallies and events including the Austin Motor Company centenary celebrations held at Longbridge, the London to Brighton Austin Seven Run and of course visited Reedham for the ROSA Reunion.

George was also involved from an early age with the Burgess Hill Scout Group and eventually became a Scout Leader teaching canoeing. He was also involved in sailing catamarans off Shoreham Beach and was a member of the Sussex Motor Yacht Club. George had many other interests over the years, including water colour painting, jewellery making, and was an avid collector of model buses and model trains, being a member of various model railway clubs, being especially interested in Hornby Dublo. His interest in railways goes back to his days at Reedham, where many happy hours were spent in the cellar just off the main hall.

He was a member of several musical societies including the Elgar Society. Various Austin Seven and 750 Motor Clubs. He was involved with the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society for very many years having joined the Loco Department and trained as a fireman, retiring on reaching 70, and then became very much more involved with restoration work in the carriage and wagon shop. In following his love of railways, he spent much time travelling with friends around Europe, Ireland and the UK in the pursuit of interesting rail and tramways.

And finally, was a lifelong supporter of ROSA, and attended many a function organised by the Old Scholars’ Association.

George will be sadly missed by his wife Shirley, whom he married in March 1959, two sons and four grandchildren, and his wider family, and the very many friends he made over a very active life.

J Edgar Jones (1946/54)

 MICHAEL JOHN PLUMBRIDGE (1931 - 2008)

Michael John Plumbridge was born in 1931 in Worthing Sussex, affectionately known by him as “Sussex by the Sea”. His mother was left alone with 3 children aged under 6, Dad being the eldest. He never knew his father.

At the age of 7 he was sent Reedham School in Purley as a boarder. During the Second World War he spent time watching the Battle of Britain wage overhead, collecting shrapnel and huddling in air raid shelters as the German bombers made their way to London. The bombers followed the railway lines that ran next to the school and often used the school as target practice much to the horror of the teachers. Dad described how the Headmaster looked after each of the children as if they were his own. This is something that had a long-lasting affect on him. Dad often recounted that life during wartime was a glorious time. A ‘war footing’ meant that nobody bore a grudge and that society was united under a common goal. I often use this analogy as a prompt to tackle the global warming crisis.

He was relocated to Nottingham for the remainder of the war and returned with a scholarship to Purley Grammar. At Purley, Dad ran cross-country with the Olympic great Gordon Pirie, the first man to break the four-minute mile and not win a medal. Dad always came second only to Pirie in the cross-country championships, which was always a source of pride for our family.

He spent his school holidays at the Borthwick Estate - Fox Hills as Granny Plum was working as the Nanny to the Borthwick children. The Borthwicks are wonderful people and Sir John became Dad’s mentor. Sir John loaned Dad a large sum of money interest free, for tertiary education with the proviso that the loan be repaid in 10 years time. Exactly 10 years later the agreement was honoured. Dad often spoke of this concept of ‘Nobles Oblige’, essentially an undertaking by the upper class to assist the less fortunate for the betterment of the whole society.

Dad’s military service was spent in the Libyan Desert as a tank commander for the Royal Tank regiment. With Sir John’s assistance Dad was given a commission as 2^nd Lieutenant, rather than as accounting role in the pay corp. In 1957 the Suez Crisis broke out and Dad spent many nights defending various strategic locations in Bengazi, including a number of oil refineries. He nearly lost his life to friendly fire as machine guns went off nearby and a hail of bullets came within inches of him. In later life hearty catch-cry of “I was in the Army” was proffered whenever he was faced with prospect of discomfort or insurmountable challenge.

Immediately after his military service Dad set sail for Australia to begin work as a Chartered Accountant with Thomas Borthwick and Sons. The boat across was far from boring, as Olivia’s recent research has revealed (tucked behind other photos) that Dad had a relationship with one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. Arriving in Melbourne, Dad was a little “non-plussed”, staying the night at the Royal Artillery Hotel and seriously considered getting back on the boat. It isn’t easy for an Englishman in Australia, even these days. He nevertheless was the first Chartered Accountant to ever practice in Australia and spent 35 years working for Borthwicks, which saw him living around Australia, London & New York and regularly visiting Costa Rica and Guatemala.

Borthwicks is legend in rural Australia. They were regarded as highly ethical business (something that the corporate world is still coming to terms with today). They are ingrained in the history of the pastoral industry, pioneering chilled meat export around the world. The movement of livestock by sea is still contentious issue and it great to see Borthwicks created a solution to this close to 50 years ago. I am always proud to mention to anybody in the meat business, from Vlado in Melbourne to an auctioneer in Mackay that my Father was a Borthwick Man. Those that knew Borthwicks always respond with a nostalgic smile, remembering how it used to be when payment was prompt and a handshake was a mans word.

As a newcomer to Australia, Dad sought friendship through sport and sporting clubs. He played rugby for the Harlequins and cricket with St. Kilda.  In the UK he played for Banstead and often spent his holidays on cricket tour, which saw him returned sunburnt and with an aching liver after a fortnight of cricket and drinking beer (often concurrently).

He lived for a long time in Elwood not far from here, which is also where Olivia and I call home. His granddaughters Jasmine and Mattise attend the school next door so we can safely say this is his home. He is to be cremated with ashes spread on the hallowed ground of the Harlequin Rugby club and at off the reef at our family beachhouse in Blairgowrie.  He loved the concept of a property handed down over seven generations and relished every minute of his time down there.

This was the half of his life before Olivia and I came along.

Unfortunately my wife Sacha has had to return to Dubai but she was by his side when he died. She understood him, knowing simply by looking into his eyes and reading his face, when he was afraid and when he was comfortable. They really loved each other and where often found consumed in the crossword or in deep discussion on business strategy. Dad always professed that everyone needed to have their own business once in their life. This gave Sacha the courage to go out on her own.

In my wife’s absence I know what it is to find comfort and solace in one’s children. There is no greater love, and I now realize how life would have felt for Dad over the last 35 years.

He was famous for eccentricity and a matter of fact sense of humour. Favourite sayings included “every beer is drinkable” and “no two pieces of wood are the same”. The later he would recount anytime he came close to anything wooden. My favourite being “Reconnaissance is seldom wasted” which I use regularly in my day to day life. He would always advocate improvisation, my favourite being the use of car keys to spread cheese when on a day trip to France.

When it came to supporting his children Dad was faultless. He would attend virtually every sporting event we were involved in, which often saw him driving constantly around the state for hours each weekend. Even after school when I was playing in a band, Dad always came to the gigs. You could always rely on him to be there, it was extraordinary!

He was ‘Green’ decades before it was fashionable. Described fondly as a “hippie trapped in an accountant’s body”, Dad set about the major building job of his life - THE SHED. The shed took approximately 25 years to complete, although seven of those years were spent abroad. It was made wholly of recycled materials, with the tonne-heavy timber columns (salvaged from an abattoir) hoisted into place on by him using a block and tackle and a nearby gum tree. The Kookaburras mocked his primitive ways but not an ounce of carbon was released on the project, excluding material transport.

Dad was loved by all our friends and has made some long lasting friendships. He was always at our parties and weekends away and always fun to have around. At my surprise 30^th birthday, themed drag, Dad turned up as a convincing old lady, complete with wig, handbag and cane.

When it came to giving presents, he was the consummate professional. He would create elaborate subterfuge before the present would miraculously materialize. He got a lot a fun out of giving.

Dad was the true gentleman. He would always stand up when a Lady entered the room. When accompanying a Lady he would walk kerbside, which is an old tradition to protect against muck flying up from the road. This often left Olivia wrong-footed as he would duck and weave his way along the footpath between Olivia and the kerb.

Dad had a sympathetic heart particularly towards the tortured souls suffering from depression. In his brief time unemployed he volunteered at Larundel Psychiatric Clinic and this is why we have chosen for donation to the Beyond Blue charity in lieu of flowers. When one of my close friends suffered an episode, Dad was quickly on the case giving advice on the best way forward. These two became great friends despite the 40-year age difference. The irony is it was mental illness that got Dad in the end.

Dad always impressed upon us that we must “stand up and be counted” and “strive to be the best at whatever you do”. These were great motivators and I attribute much of this philosophy in getting me to where I am today.

Dad used to talk to anyone and everyone. He would often strike up conversation with the girls at the supermarket check out and anyone else that needed a break from the mundane. This was Dad’s gift to the world. Olivia and I often found this a little embarrassing but now we both find ourselves doing this as a matter of course.

Following his own advice, Dad started a book business, which took him up and down the Eastcoast of Australia. Unfortunately the business failed miserably and we lost everything including our home, and were thrown into substantial debt. Instead of declaring bankruptcy, Dad focused on finding work to pay off the debt. He was 60 years old at this time and it wasn’t going to be easy. His longtime friend and fellow Borthwick Man, John Palfreyman, pulled in a few favours and soon Dad was back in work, this time in Bordertown, South Australia. Dad and John’s friendship spans decades and it typifies the mateship this country holds so sacred. Needless to say Dad paid it all off much to the surprise of the corporate firms who would have written it off as bad debt in previous year’s accounts. The debt exceeded $200,000, which was a lot of money in the early 90’s. His professional pride and code of ethics would not have had it any other way. This act alone defines my Father and I tell this story frequently. He was being true to himself and his enduring legacy. He understood the need for courage in the face of controversy. I am certain that his mentor Sir John Borthwick instilled this value in him. Perhaps a little more of this kind of behaviour and the world wouldn’t be in its current financial predicament.

Dad’s final moments were with his family. His granddaughter Mila sang him a few songs, which gave him comfort in his final moments. The innocent sound of a little girl singing could be heard through the halls of Emerald Glades. They loved him there, he was their favourite.

After he had died, we were surprised to find another deceased body lying in the hallway. I believe that because Dad had held onto life until we were all together, he had created something profoundly beautiful at Emerald Glades, and that Alan, who was in a critical condition, felt that it was his time to go as well. Who knows how these things work but there is comfort to know that Dad wasn’t alone even when he had died. This whole episode has been a boon for the funeral industry.

Over the last few days I have managed to forget a sick old man, and remember a funny, kind, wildly eccentric youthful man. Dad defied his age in every way.

Many years ago at the Harlequin Clubhouse David Brea put his hand on my shoulder and said, “You are your father’s son”. This is the best thing that anybody has ever said to me.

Dad’s memory will be of a great man that led a life of kindness, selflessness and love.

He was a one in a million.

Matthew Plumbridge

1958 was a year of great significance for the Harlequin Club in Melbourne, as that year now 50 years ago, was when Michael Plumbridge joined the Club. It was our 1^st practice of the year, the first Saturday in March that Mike, or Plum, as he was often later referred to, first made an appearance. What he made of us that day will remain a mystery, but it seems a very laid back training run at Middle Park, probably not more that a little over an hour, without anything strenuous being attempted and then moving on to the pub where we spent considerably longer than we had at training was a very characteristic and appropriate introduction the Club, one totally in keeping with Mike’s philosophy of what rugby was all about.

How Mike came to join Quins I do not know, but as a recent arrival from the UK it was a case of a perfect match, as at that time the Club was made up predominantly of members who had at some stage of their lives lived in the UK, some of whom, like Mike, were new to Australia. Mike lost no time in making friends within the club and became a very popular and important member within a short time, and over several years shared digs with a number of other Quins

As a player Mike was a much needed acquisition to the 1^st XV at that time - he was a back - in fact a winger and they were in short supply which was hardly surprising as the ball very seldom got to them in those days. Mike was at that time a speedy but not an elusive player whose main attribute was his defence. I think the number of tackles he would have missed throughout his long career to be minimal. He was a very fair player and I cannot recall him in any grade being involved in any play that might be considered unfair or illegal. His enthusiasm for the game was immense and I recall that during one season his work took him to the country, I think it was Portland (Victoria) and he would drive most of Friday night in his black Humber with the enormously long bonnet to be able to play on Saturday, party on Saturday night and then drive back on Sunday. Despite his enthusiasm for the game Mike seemed to have particular disdain for team appearance. In those days players purchased their own jerseys, shorts etc and were responsible for their laundry and repair. Nevertheless on many occasions it was a matter of some puzzlement as to how the jersey was kept together seeing it had been torn the previous week, and no obvious repair effected. It’s believed sticking plaster and tape were often used and it was a particular bonus if it had been washed. The story goes although not verified - that at the end of one season Mike’s gear went in his bag in the boot of the car and used next season without having seen the light of day, it was also reported grass was seen growing in the boot at one stage.

Many of you will have read Mark Baxter’s e-mail setting out some detail of Mike’s service to the Club. Apart from being a member of the 1962 Premiership team Mike played in the successful 7’s team of that year which many consider the catalyst for our success in the Finals. Mike also played in the 1958 1^st grade grand final, which I am sure will be no surprise to remind you; we lost, but had a great party drowning our sorrows later. You will also have read or recall him being a member and at some stage Captain of the 2^nd XV and I am sure some of you will have fond and amusing recollections of those times. I think in the same vein about the 4^th XV when Mike was Captain, where despite our advancing years it was almost mandatory not to train, We enjoyed a game on the Saturday with others of a similar vintage and although we played to win most importantly we played to enjoy ourselves and Mike kept it that way - despite the team containing somewhat different and conflicting personalities. In this respect great diplomacy and tact was required of him at times.

Mikes sporting interests were not confined to Rugby. He was a very keen and able cricketer playing for St Kilda in the MCC Club XI Competition. This was a competition in which a number of retired 1^st class and Grade cricketers liked to spend their Saturday afternoons playing with a mix of “others” and promising juniors. Mike more than held his own in this company primarily as a batman, but also as a useful medium pace bowler. Of course Mike was the driving force behind Harlequin cricket for many years, and the matches he arranged were a great way to keep some of the members of the Club in contact during the summer months.

Ron Bolton’s Album of Club History for 1974 puts Mike’s efforts in charge of Cricket for such a long time in context as it displays 5 separate photographs of Mike, one as President, one as Convener, one as Selector, one as Manager, one as Captain and one as “Complete Cricketer,” together with words to the effect “the autocratic reign of MJP has ended, he has been deposed.” It only took about 12 years. Mike’s enthusiasm for the Club led to him becoming involved in its administration when he was elected to the Committee in 1960 and he remained in this position, until his election as Honorary Secretary in1963, an office he held until 1969. During much of this time he was also a delegate to the VRU (Victorian Rugby Union) further increasing his workload. That he was able perform these duties over a lengthy period while holding down a responsible and demanding job at Borthwicks, the company he worked for is an indication of his dedication and devotion to the Club. One aspect of Mike’s work for the Club, which is probably little known, is in relation to the ground at Lyndhurst just off the Frankston Dandenong Road. While Mike was Secretary, I think it was 1965 - the Club purchased 8.5 acres of land with the intention of it being the Club’s home ground, which ultimately occurred after a lot of hard work by various members. Mike was one of 3 members who made the initial inspection of the land and decided to recommend its purchase to members, and one of three Trustees appointed to hold the land for the Club when this recommendation was accepted. Although the ground was later sold the proceeds from the sale of the ground were instrumental in the Club having sufficient funds to contemplate the building of the present Clubhouse at Ashwood.

In recognition of Mike’s outstanding contribution and commitment to the Club, in 1968 he was elected a Life Member, an honour richly and deservedly earned. Forty years later, and over the nearly 80 years of the Club’s existence, there are very few members of the Club who have contributed so much to it as he did. In 1983 he became President and served in this office until 1987, a crucial period in the Club’s development, as it was the time during which the erection of the Clubhouse at Ashwood was planned and then became a reality. Under his leadership in conjunction with the development of the Clubhouse, the Club continued to grow numerically and prosper financially, perform well on the playing field and maintain its position as a leader, if not the leading Club in the Competition.

Mike was perhaps one if not the most enthusiastic supporters Quins have ever had when standing on the touchline, if standing is the right word. He did not like to be confined to a particular space and would wander up and down the touchline supporting whichever of the Quin teams happened to be playing. The call “Tally Ho Quins” or “Bombs Away” was a rallying call for all Quins teams. One was never left in any doubt as to whether Mike was at a game or who he was supporting and his support was always good-natured and humorous. His vocal support was well known not just to members of Quins but also to the members other Clubs within the VRU. Apart from being a respected member of Quins he was well known, liked and respected by the vast majority of the VRU community.

There have always been members of Quins whose particular nature and personality have made them stand out from other members as “different” or “characters”, or “eccentric” using those terms in a positive way. Mike was one of those special members - one who enjoyed both the respect and affection of other members at all times, The Club was always the richer for his presence and is indebted to him for his service to it.

Mike did not enjoy the easiest of lives, but from my perspective as his Solicitor for a number of years, he bore his difficulties stoically and without complaint. He liked to express his opinions, and did so forcibly leaving you in no doubt where he stood, or what should happen, but did so in a manner was never aggressive or confrontationist. He was at all times a gentleman in the true sense of the word. He was loyal friend and a person whose word could be completely depended upon, but the most important attribute and endearing quality that I observed in Mike was his love for and dedication to his 2 children Olivia and Matthew.

John Penwill

DERICK JOHNSON (at Reedham 1944/53)

Dear ROSA Committee. I am writing to inform you that my father, Derick Johnson, passed away on 31 October 2008. He enjoyed catching up with the news from the school in years and has a fine collection of memorabilia relating to school. I’d appreciated it if you would place an announcement in the next edition to inform his old friends and associates.

Many thanks.

Katherine Johnson

BRIAN BATCHELOR (at Reedham 1945/56)

This email was received by the Trust office on 3rd Sept 2008.

Hi my name is Susan Batchelor and my uncle Brian Batchelor was an ex-pupil of Reedham School, however he has recently departed (31st Aug 2008). I'm not sure if this is the right section to contact but he was in receipt of the Rosabeam newsletter, which we would no longer need to have sent to his address. If possible though we would like to have him mentioned in the next issue under the recently departed section for those who he may have known whilst he attended and we would appreciate it greatly if we were sent a copy as we have also got a copy with my father’s name mentioned (Alan Batchelor) from a couple of years ago. I'm unsure of the dates he attended. If someone could let me know whether this is the right email to contact or not, I would be very grateful. Best regards, Susan Batchelor

Hi George. Thank you for everything. I have attached a picture of my uncle with my dad from when they were at school so maybe you could publish that alongside it? Thank you again for organising a copy of Rosabeam to be sent out to me, I really appreciate it! 

Susan Batchelor

KEN TUCK (at Reedham 1929/38)

It is with regret that I pen these lines to you to advise that my husband, Ken Tuck, has passed away.

Ken was at Reedham from 1927 (I think) to approx 1938. He joined the British Navy and spent most years north. When the ship came to Australia, peace was declared while he was here so he took his discharge here, but never returned to England.

So many times he spoke of his stay at Reedham. He was No 35. He also had an elder brother, Arthur Tuck who was a pupil at the same time, and was unfortunately killed in the war.

Ken did well in Australia. He went into Hospital Administration and became the CEO of one of Sydney’s largest hospitals for well over 20 years. He was well liked and an excellent CEO. I was always very proud of him.

He would have been 86 last September. Ken never had one day’s illness until he was 81, then had a stroke (to everyone’s disbelief) and gradually deteriorated. I nursed him for the 5 years at home; he could not a thing for himself (shower, dress, toilet etc). He also got dementia. It has been a very sad time for me. He was a perfect gentleman in every way and admired by all. We had no family so his parting has been a great loss to me.

He always looked forward to “Rosabeam”. As soon as it arrived he would sit down and read it cover to cover advising me of different happenings. Over the many years with Ken I have heard so much about Reedham that I feel I know all about it myself. I have read (twice) “The Home on the Hill”, which was sent to him some years ago. Ken was devastated when he learnt of the closure of Reedham in 1980. Such a magnificent building. Thank you for reading this.

Yours sincerely.

Vicki Tuck

Arthur Tuck was among the 21 Old Scholars who made the supreme sacrifice during the Second World War. A further 39 Old Scholars gave their lives for their country in the Great War of 1914 - 1918. Their names are all remembered on the memorial tablets that were housed in the Chapel; photographs of which are now in the Museum. The WW2 tablet is also reproduced in the ROSA publication - WW2 Revisited.

ANTHONY BARNES (at Reedham 1943/53)

News was received from David Moore (1945/53) of the sad passing of Anthony Barnes.

 MARIANNE THORNE

News was received that Marianne Thorne from The Friends of Royal Wanstead School, who was also an Associate ROSA member, died on the 5^th September 2008 after a long illness.

MISS NANCY SHEARS (1907 - 2009)

It is with great sadness that we report the sad passing of Miss Nancy Shears on 3rd September; just short of her 102nd birthday.  Miss Shears taught many generations of Reedham children and was a highly regarded and fondly remembered teacher.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Miss Shears at this sad time.

Her funeral took place on Thursday 24th September at 11.00am.

Her family have requested that any donations are made to The Reedham Trust.

WALTER BASS (1913 - 2007)

We regret to have to advise that Walter Bass passed away Monday 1st October 2007 at the age of 94. Walter was someone who was loved by both his immediate family and his extended Reedham family and he will be sadly missed by us all.

His funeral will be held at Vinters Park Crematorium, Bearsted Road, Maidstone, ME14 5LG Kent (M20 - Junction 7) on Monday 15th October, at 2.45 pm.

The funeral cortege will leave from 26 Tom Joyce Close (Tel: 01634 245818) at 2.00pm. You are invited to join us there, or at Vinters Park and then at the Newnham Court Inn, Bearsted Road, Maidstone ME14 5LH, which is virtually opposite, (take the entrance to Garden Centre) after the service for refreshments.

You may be aware that Reedham, the school he attended was very dear to him. Therefore should you wish to pay tribute to his memory a donation, rather than a floral tribute, sent to The Reedham Trust, The Lodge, 23 Old Lodge Lane, Purley, Surrey CR8 4DJ (Tel: 020 8660 1461), would be much appreciated.

TONY MILLER (1935-2007)

It is with great sadness that I write to inform you that our Chairman of eleven years, Tony Miller, passed away peacefully at home on Friday 27 April.

Tony had courageously fought a long battle with ill-health over the last seven years, although few people were aware of this, so determined was he to carry on life as normal.

Tony will be deeply missed by all those who know him – by his family, friends and the whole Reedham family.  Our thoughts are with Tony’s family at this very difficult time.

The family plan to hold a Service of Thanksgiving for Tony’s life and details of this will be circulated as soon as they are known.

I will of course be writing a more detailed account of Tony’s long association with Reedham over many years in the days that follow.

JEAN WATKINS

Trust Secretary

TED LOCKWOOD

Sadly I have to inform you that Ted Lockwood passed away late on Sunday night 20th November 2005. Ted was a great supporter and servant of ROSA. He was a Committee member for many years and we'll also be forever grateful that he had the foresight to record his cine footage of Reedham, which formed a large part of the very popular Reedham video.

The funeral is being held on Friday in Lichfield, north of Birmingham.

ROSA will be represented by Walter Bass, Ted's long time friend for approx 83 years.