Firstly, the messages of those who could not be
with us were relayed and we remembered those
who had passed away since we last met.
OBs sending their best wishes…
Alan (Spadger) Smith, Peter Essam, John & Sue
Ward, Dylan Davies, Bob & Alan Verrills, Martin
Dennis, Moreen Sore, Bill Pizey (thoughts and
prayers were requested for Bill who was in the
process of undergoing a number of medical
examinations), Martin Hughes, Martin Richardson
and Neil Pheasant.
120
2 Chris#
Newsletter of
Old Boys & Friends of 70
th
London BB Company
REFLECTIONS
From the feedback received, the 2012 Reunion will
be remembered as a particularly enjoyable one.
Just over 40 OBs, wives, partners and friends from
far and wide were present, including a number of
ex. GLB/GB members.
The conversational ‘buzz’ of friends meeting and
catching up was a joy to hear and it was
particularly pleasing that ex. Officers Jack Mayhew,
Brian Flint, Peter Ellis and Jim Ballard were able to
be present.
The Church had been sifting through an area where
much 70th material had been stored. There were
many copies of photographs and small mementoes
to view and take away and the overflowing tables
provided a focal point with many “have you seen
this” exchanges…. What material remained at the
end of the day was secured in a dry storage area.
After an hour and a half, the initial ‘buzz’ had
subsided somewhat (but not much :) and we moved
to the small hall for a slightly more orderly
gathering...
Edition
8
October 2012
A
Panoramic
V
iew of the Gathering
A Real Buzz… Dave Richardson
reports on the 2012 Reunion
Continued overleaf……………..
REFLECTIONS
Page
2
Those Present
at the Reunion
:
Ron Sale Harvey Dunford Jack Fishpool Terry Blumire
Pat Neil Malcolm Smith Kath Ellis [Ward] Alan Bilyard
Maureen Neil [Slight] Margaret Rowbotham Brian Flint Geb Rance
Dave Richardson Maureen Martin [Smith] Clive Flint Sheila Clark [Crane]
Keith Holbrook Michael Ellis Peter Ellis Gordon Macpherson
Bettie Holbrook Margaret Nightingale Brian Munro Pam O’Brien[Crane]
Les Wright Jim Ballard Gladys Ballard Peter Clark
Audrey Saunderson [Snow] Wendy Ballard Avis Rance [Clark] Daphne Knights
Stephen Ballard Jack Mayhew Jenny Machell [Daniels] Elsie Bartlett
Roy Norris Dennis Loader Alan Rance Maggie Welsh [Andrews]
A Real Buzz
…
c
ontinued
…
T
he
OBs who have sadly passed away since 2010…
Harry Sporle and Barry Rowbotham [see page 6].
It was good to have Margaret, Ba
rry’s sister, with us
and condolences were expressed to her and through
her to Barry’s widow Jacquie.
A ‘business’ session then took place at which the
following points were covered…
• Dave thanked the Committee M
embers for their
work with special thanks to Alan for continuing
to produce ‘Reflections’ to such a high
standard. The current committee (Dave, Alan,
Keith Holbrook and John Ward) has now been in
place for the past three years and Dave invited
anyone interested in joining us to get in touch.
He also suggested that we write to Chris Buss
thanking him for arranging the printing of
‘Reflections’ at no cost to us. This was agreed.
• Dave said that the website ‘hosting’ cost was
currently around £50 pa and sought views on
whether this was something we wished to
support. Around a third of those present
indicated that they visited the web site and
after discussion it was agreed that we should
fund ‘hosting’ for the next two years and
review this arrangement at the next Reunion.
• Initial views were sought on whether we should
consider holding the next Reunion in 2014 away
from the Longley Rd halls. It is clear that
sensitivity continues to surround the manner in
which the Company ceased to exist in 2010 and
such a move might encourage more of the
‘younger’ Old Boys to attend. During discussion
it was pointed out that, once again, the Church
and Janet and Elsa have been very supportive.
• Regarding finances, Dave reported that the
70th OBs account balance currently stands at
£164. After making deductions for this year’s
website ‘hosting’ (£46), donation to the Church
(£50) and a contribution to the cost of cakes
(£20), we will be left with a balance of £48.
Based on 'broad-brush' estimating and assuming
that we will continue to get ‘Reflections’
printed by Chris, we will, over the next two
years, be required to spend £100 for the
website ‘hosting’ and £100 for mailing
'Reflections’. To satisfy the expected shortfall
and to meet Reunion expenses, donations were
requested*…
The more formal part of proceedings finished with
the rousing singing of some ‘old faithful’ Hymns
associated with Bible Class and Camp and the
assembly then returned to the middle hall for tea,
cakes and more ‘buzz’…
*The collection on the day and other
contributions amounted to £244 making o
ur
account balance £292.
Many Thanks!
Should you have any
queries/comments/suggestions on Dave’s
report …please get in touch.
REFLECTIONS
Reunion Snaps…….
REFLECTIONS
Page 3
Band Competitions -
Dave Golder remembers….
REFLECTIONS
from the 7
th
GB came along as well and when we entered
gave a big cheer which helped morale enormously.
We did our best – watched the other bands – and finally
the judges delivered their verdict – we usually were in
the first two or three out of 9 or 10 bands competing,
sometimes we won (one year we won both Staff and
Bugle), other times not doing so well but the tension
excitement exhilaration or disappointment were all
emotions tested at this competition.
When we did win, we went on the next round which was
held at Flanders Barracks in Flodden Road Stockwell but
despite all of our best efforts, including Dave Cherry, we
never progressed to the next round.
I have always enjoyed playing in marching bands so
much that when I had the chance, I joined the Corps of
Drums of the Honourable Artillery Company. I played a
side drum with them for some 13 years
Dave Golder
Some of my most vivid memories emanate from the
annual band competition held by The London District of
The Boys’ Brigade, the first round of which was held at
Battalion level in March/April every year at the Rosa
Basset School.
When I joined the company, the only thing I really
wanted to do was become a member of the drum and
bugle band of the Company. However there was a wait,
one year for a bugle, two for a drum.
So a bugle it was. I could play a little already because my
father ran a bugle band for a St John’s Cadet unit in
Mitcham, so was able to practice a little on one of their
instruments.
Peter Knights was band officer, who looked after
percussion, and Brian Flint looked after the bugles. Band
practices were held at Franciscan Road School.
In September each year, London District handed down a
test march for bands to play, once at the halt and once
on the march. For several years I remember that Peter
and Brian were joined by a Mr Want who was able to
interpret the March for us, and at the same time tried to
teach us the rudiments of music – not with a lot of
success in my case. Another wasted opportunity! Test
pieces included “British Boys” and “New London”
The first round, at Battalion level, not only did we
compete to enter the second round, but there was the
Battalion Drum Major’s Staff to be won by the winning
band and a silver ( Chrome ? ) bugle for the buglers who
had to play 4 or 5 nominated calls from the BB Handbook.
Minimum numbers were required, I think 9 buglers, 3 side
drummers and I bass drummer for the first round but the
second round required 12, 4 and 1.
Support for the 70
th
was tremendous, not only from
wives, girl friends and various others but also the girls
Page 4
70
th
London Band & Bugle Team
Battalion Competition Honours:
Band: 1950; 1953; 1955; 1956; 1959;
1961; 1964
Bugle Team: 1954; 1961; 1965; 1986
70
th
London BB Band
Battalion Winners 1956
(
with
Mr Want)
REFLECTIONS
The most recent
‘mini’ reunion took
place last April at the now familiar
venue, the Victory Inn, Staplefield. Mid
Sussex
Those present from left to right:
Jack Fishpool
Ron Sale
Brian Munro
Ray Hill, guest [Ron Sale’s brother in
law]
Bob Verrills
Keith Holbrook
Alan Bilyard
Dave Richardson
Alan Verrills
John Ward
Brian Yard
Martin Richardson
Martin Dennis
Another ‘mini’ reunion is
planned for Monday 29th
October at the Dukes Head,
Wallington from noon.
More details from Dave.
Website Photo Gallery launched…
Our website now has a photo Gallery and we plan to eventually provide an album for each decade of the 70th’s
existence. Currently albums are available covering the 1930s & earlier, the 1940s and the 1950s, all created from
images provided by Chris Buss. Later decades are promised by Chris and additional images will hopefully follow as
more material becomes available. There is also an album of pictures from the recent Reunion taken by Alan Bilyard
and Alan Rance. Visit
www.70thlondonoldboys.org.uk
and select ‘
Gallery
’
In looking at the images loaded thus far, you will see that some dates are not known and occasions not clear… Any
suggestions re. these omissions will be welcomed as will suggestions for ‘captions’.
This new facility provides unlimited space, so please send images (in any format), or photos to be scanned and
returned, to either Alan or myself. We know there is a treasure trove of photos out there…. over to you…
Dave
ps... When proofing this edition for Alan and reading Dave Golder’s piece, I was reminded that in the ‘Audio’
section of the website, among the Bugle Calls and Marches, is a recording of the OBs Band playing ‘British Boys’.
Page
5
Mini Reunion at Mid Sussex
Such Sadness as Three OB’s Depart
REFLECTIONS
Page 6
Barry John Rowbotham
[
1942 to 2012
]
Barry joined the 70
th
in 1954, and lived in Bruce Road.
After leaving Wimbledon County School, Barry worked for the
Gravesend Council for 29 years. He also acted as the Council’s
Twinning Officer. A citation from his Chairman said “Barry was a
true champion of town twinning. His wealth of knowledge and
depth of commitment over three decades was second to none. He
is truly irreplaceable”
Barry was also a trustee of the Kenward Charity
[a leading provider of residential drug and alcohol recovery
services] where a colleague remarked on the quality of his
character, his cheerfulness and his dedication to serve the
interests of others.
Barry also found time to qualify and serve as a magistrate from
1999 onwards. A fellow magistrate said of Barry: “… a true
gentleman and friend to us all on the Bench who will be greatly
missed.”
Our thoughts are with his wife Jacquie and family
‘Harry’ Frederick Sporle [1929 to 2012]
Harry joined the 70
th
in 1941 and lived in Gorringe Park Avenue. His working
life was spent with the Post Office where he worked as a Clerical Officer.
We unfortunately have lost touch with most OB’s who were contempories of
Harry. Peter and Daphne Knights were in touch with Harry in the latter part
of Harry’s life, and Daphne certainly remembers him as ‘a nice gentleman’.
In later life he moved to St Albans and towards the end of his life sadly
suffered with Parkinson’s disease.
Brian Flint
At the time of going to press we hear of the sad news that Brian died on August 25th after a
short illness. Brian joined the Company in 1943 and was an Officer from 1956-60.
Our condolence go out his wife Jenny and family.
A full piece on Brian will appear in the next edition.
Apparently
,
over the life of the last
seven
editions of
Reflections
,
I have gained a
reputation for pressurising OB’s to put pen to paper, encouraging them to tell us about
their time in the company and beyond. It is therefore perhaps timely
that I should at last do
my bit. I do this with the often cited reluctance of previous scribes, that no one will be
particularly interested. But here goes!
Born in 1943, I lived in Boscome Road for the first 18 years of my life, most of that time
with ‘big brothers’ Brian and Gerald [Geb].
I joined the Lifeboys when I was 9 and remember the kindly figure of the Leader, Ivy Clark,
my future mother in law!
Like so many of my contemporaries in the 70th at the time,
it was ‘a full on life’ with
activities at the Sunday School Halls and Church most days/evenings. These were romantic
times too and again quite like some other BB boys, I met my wife to be, Avis Clark.
I went to the Wimbledon County School and left in 1961 to go to Manchester University to
read Civil Engineering. I graduated in1964. In the same year Avis and I decided to get
Alan’s Story….
REFLECTIONS
Page 7
married
, the marriage taking place
at the now demolished
Baptist
C
hurch on the corner of Bickersteth Road.
My early career years were based in Epsom with consulting engineers Atkins and Partners.
It was here that I was ‘articled’ to undergo training to become a chartered engineer. To further my career, I decided in 1965 to
take a MSc course in Water Resources Technology at Birmingham University. This meant Avis and I moving to the Midlands for a
year.
Returning to Atkins for a while in 1966, it was not long before I was transferred to their Swansea office, with wonderful access
to the beautiful Gower Peninsular. More significantly it was in this part of Wales that our two daughters, Alison and Elaine were
born.
In 1974 I took a post with the Water Supply Training Board [WSITB], based at one of their training centres at Goring on Thames.
We brought a house at nearby Wallingford, where we still live. Over the following years, the WSITB evolved into a number of
larger organizations, firstly the National Water Council Training Division and then Water Training International. These
organizations were responsible for providing and promoting training in the water industry. As such they provided skills
development for managers, engineers, scientists and front line operators. We were also engaged in the training and
development of overseas personnel and I was lucky to have short postings to Sierra Leone and Mauritius.
In my time with these organizations I specialized in the marketing and development departments, my other bent as well as
engineering and training.
I took ‘early retirement’ in 1996 after 23 years with the company. I was only 53 at the time and certainly was not yet ready for
full retirement.
I was then fortunate to secure the post of Regional Manager with the Southern Tourist Board, based in my home town of
Wallingford. The job was perfect for me with the key task of promoting tourism in the counties of Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire
and Berkshire. This meant getting to know the famous tourism ‘hot spots’ in the region
like Windsor Castle, Blenheim Palace and
Legoland. At the other end of the tourism spectrum were a host of small attractions and the numerous B & B’s/hotels.
Five years into this job I decided that it was time to wind down a tad and reluctantly resigned my post.
However I was still not yet quite ready for a complete retirement and was again lucky to be offered the part-time post of
Secretary to the Passenger Boat Association. This was a trade organization representing the many passenger boats operating on
the River Thames. In the 5 years I spent with this organization I was able to increase the membership to cover the many other
passenger boat operators throughout the UK.
In 2008 I finally decided to ‘call it a day’ and entered the ranks of the fully retired.
I have always loved the more active sports and until fairly recently kept up my running. Completing the London Marathon
in 1986
will be one of my life-long golden memories. I still love to cycle, walk and swim to satisfy my need for exercise. I have also
taken up golf, however currently playing not particularly well.
I try to keep my keyboard skills up to date and find it very satisfying ‘tinkling the ivories’ from time to time.
Avis and I will be celebrating our Golden Wedding Anniversary in a couple of year’s time! Our 4 grandchildren wonderfully mop
up any spare time that we might have. Compiling Reflections twice a year also helps keep me fully occupied!
I believe that I have been very lucky in life with the opportunities given and taken.
Throughout this time there in no doubt that my time in the Boys’ Brigade, with its emphasis on Discipline, Honesty, and Self
Respect has been a crucial guiding influence.
Alan Rance
POST SCRIPT
POST SCRIPTPOST SCRIPT
POST SCRIPT
: We welcome all comments and suggestions on
Reflections
Please contact either Alan Rance:
alan.rance@virginmedia.com
01491 839164 or
Dave Richardson:
davri22@gmail.com:
01323 483066
www.70thlondonoldboys.org.uk
REFLECTION
S
Page 8
Camp late1940’s with the 3
rd
Mid Surre
y
‘Our Boy's’ left to right: Alan ‘Spadger’
Smith; Bernard Shaw; Ken Hill; Edgar
Scammell; Owen Clark
Guard of Honour for the Mitcham May
Queen 1957
Picture supplied by Peter Essam: Camp
1955.
Does anyone remember who owned these
‘beauties’?
From the Archives
