Teams for Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th August 2016

LAST WEEK'S RESULTS

LAST WEEK'S RESULTS

Simon Bath 07538 672942

From Evan De Silva

I have some complementary tickets courtesy of Surrey CCC for the Surrey v Glamorgan RL50 game next Monday 1st August 2016 starting at 2pm at the Kia Oval.
If you are able to attend the full match then please let me know and I will reserve a ticket for you; if you are only able to attend after work then I'll bear you in mind and see what the demand is.
If you are able to attend the full match then please let me know and I will reserve a ticket for you; if you are only able to attend after work then I'll bear you in mind and see what the demand is.
This offer is only currently open to fully paid up members of the cricket club and their wives/partners
If we have any left over then we can consider giving them to others outside the club.

Web - http://oldwimbledonians.play-cricket.com/
Email - deputychairman@oldwimbledonians.cc

Many of you will know Simon only for his direction of our College Musicals and Christmas performances in recent years. This however is only a small piece of Mr Potter’s connection with the school. He joined Wimbledon College in 1972 and became Head of English in 1981. He retired from teaching at the College in 2009, having inspired generations of pupils. Since then he has continued to support pupils by returning to run revision classes for A Level and GCSE classes. Throughout his career at the College he has been an inspiration to generations of boys both within the classroom where, while being a History graduate, his love for and deep knowledge of English Literature, was passed on to the boys.

He is also responsible for creating a Wimbledon College Anthology of Poetry and has written a book that is a personal reflection on his time at the College. He is currently collaborating in a project to update a history of the College in time for its 125th anniversary in 2017.

Outside of the classroom his enthusiasm focused on annual dramatic productions, where again boys were encouraged and inspired by his relentless enthusiasm for all aspects of theatre. Mr Potter has directed our school productions for over 40 years and since retirement returns each year to work with current teachers on our productions. There have been a wide variety of highly professional and successful performances which include Les Miserables, West Side Story, HM Pinafore, Oliver, Dr Faustus, Julius Caesar, Sweeney Todd and a number of productions that he has written or adapted especially for the school.

In his retirement he maintains strong links with former College staff and pupils through his involvement with the Old Wimbledonian Association.

The Old Wimbledonian's Annual 8 A Side Tournament

This event is taking place on Sunday 28th August.

This is always a great day of fun social cricket. The Bar will be open from 10am.

Bob will be providing breakfast, lunch and a barbeque after the games, so you can purchase grub throughout this day of cricketing excellence

Please check with your team captain if you wish to be part of a team already entered for this tournament.

If not, you're most welcome to enter your own team, which can be a squad of more than 8 and consist of club members, friends, work colleagues or even ringers!

The team entry fee is £100. £50 deposit, and the rest can be collected on the day.
There are team slots still available. If you would like to enter a team, please reply stating how many you would like to enter and names ect.

The club's bank details are: Bank: Lloyds Account name: OWCC Sort code: 30-92-32 Account number: 00799877

When making your payment, please reference it clearly "(TEAM NAME) 8 aside".

Entry into the tournament is on a first paid, first play basis

Please let me know if would like to field a team. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask. 

Kind Regards,
Trevor Evans
Old Wimbledonians CC Website Administrator

Web - http://oldwimbledonians.play-cricket.com/
Email - heavensrev@hotmail.com

Replicating the site on Facebook is proving to be a success, with over 700 visits this week. Interestingly the most popular Facebook post this week was the news of AFC Wimbledon's imminent appearance in the Wembley playoff (424 views.) The second most popular was our link to the Guardian article about Pat Roberts achievements at Celtic (341)

Penetration of more African counties, the Middle East and Greenland plus The Falklands and we'll pretty much cover the globe.

An example of the value of this is that the Reunion team organising the 1966 leavers 50th Anniversary bash who have managed to track down ovr 50 of the 90+ members of the year and have commitments from 45 to attend including some who will make significant journeys from Australia, Papua New Guinea, Canada, 3 or 4 from USA, 2 or 3 from France and one from Spain.

You can find detailed stats here

I'm sending this month's update as Tony Palmer is sulking in Spain, because he hasn't had enough replies to the Invitations sent last month! Please do dig out the Form and send back your Preferences for The Day. If you didn't get an Invitation, either it's in your junk mail or your firewall is blocking Tony Palmer , because that's where it was sent from. Either way please fix. To date 45 have indicated they'll be there, but we still need to know how many want the Tour/Mass/Lunch/BBQ so we can be ready for you.

Lots to report this month, mainly to give you more detail on what will happen on The Day. In Agenda order:

ARRIVAL AT THE COLLEGE
We expect around 30 to take the Tour/hear Mass. Please make your way to the Entrance Lobby, which can be approached from the front entrance gate (almost opposite Donhead) by 11 am. Look out for Graham Turner and Harry Groenen who will be your Guides on the Tour. Mass in the Chapel at 12 am.

PARKING AT THE COLLEGE
Those in cars can enter through the entrance at the top of the Parish Hall car park and drive up alongside the school field and park in the playground in front of them.

GETTING FROM COLLEGE TO CLUBHOUSE
Could those who have cars at the College please volunteer transportation to the Clubhouse to anybody who has been dropped off by taxi or friends, etc.

PARKING AT THE CLUBHOUSE
The official address of the OWA is 143 Coombe Lane, London SW20 0QX. Where there are approximately 60 parking places (certainly enough for us). Walk 150 yards round the cricket field to the Clubhouse. This is actually at the end of Somerset Avenue, and has around 20 parking places immediately outside, but we can assume most of these will be taken up by the myriad staff who will have been labouring since the early hours, preparing comestibles for our delight. This map link may be useful:

IN THE CLUBHOUSE
When you reach the Clubhouse, look again for the ubiquitous Harry Groenen, who will relieve Lunchers of £15 for the privilege and hand out a Name Tag. The bar opens at 1pm. and for those wearing a Name Tag, there might be a welcoming drink provided by our hosts, the OWA. We are going to be encouraging membership of OW's (or association with OW's if your home location makes visits a little tricky) during the day, and we very much appreciate their indulging us on this occasion.

LUNCH MENU
There will be a sumptuous buffet, featuring salmon, ham, beef, assorted cold veggies, sundries and trimmings.
Desserts and cheeses will follow. but the first course will be served to us seated en masse: Pâté de Poisson du saison (or a few soups if you're antifish) so that Graham Turner, as Chairman of the Old Wimbledonians' Association can say a few words of welcome. (There won't be any other speeches as we'd like you to enjoy the day to the full.)

WIVES/PARTNERS/SIGNIFICANT OTHERS
Quite a few of those invited have already indicated that their stamina or other commitments won't allow them to stay late in the day. We are conscious that many of you will have travelled long distances to the Wimbledon area with family and friends, so we thought it would be a nice gesture to invite them to join us after we've staggered from the Luncheon Table. Probably about 5 pm would be good. If by chance there is a budding DJ around, she/he would be most welcome to organise the background "sounds of the sixties" at any time during the day.

BBQ TIME
It's quite likely we will be joined around that time by illustrious Old Wimbledonians who have nothing better to do on a hot Friday evening in July and are sufficiently intrigued by the appearance of regular advertising of our Bash on their website, to roll up for a beer and Barbie and to see what's going on. So we will have to play the BBQ start time by ear - not too late, for those who have not lunched with us, and not too early, so that those who have lunched have time to recover. The BBQ will certainly be available at 7 pm for the latter.

That's it for now. Happy to answer any questions.

Well done to Tony Palmer for bringing all of us together and thanks to all of you for coming. We are still hopeful that we will find a few more year mates. Just this week, for example, we have established contact with Peter Stow, who is hoping to attend from his base in Austin, Texas and Robert Hecquet who lives in Surrey. Les Fortuna (see left) was a recent "find" and we hope he will make the trip across the pond from his house near Clearwater, Florida. We have had acceptances from '66ers as distant as Australia, Papua New Guinea, Canada, 3 or 4 from USA, 2 or 3 from France and one from Spain (Me!)
Please return your preference forms to Tony Palmer as soon as possible. I hate to think of him crying into his paella!

Nominations are requested for most 2016/17 committee posts

President Chairman Hon. Secretary Hon. Treasurer Hon. Fixture Secretary Club Captain 1 st XV Captain 1 st XV Vice-Captain A Team Captain A Team Vice-Captain Hon. Team Secretary Hon. Press Officer Hon. Committee Member (Registration)

Air Commodore John Langer – Daily Telegraph Obituary

Air Commodore John Langer, who has died aged 90, was a Cold War fighter pilot who later chaired an international committee responsible for establishing the training organisation for the Tornado combat aircraft.

In 1975 Langer began a four-year period as the Director of RAF Flying Training in the MoD, and was appointed chairman of a tri-national committee responsible for setting up the necessary facilities for the training of RAF, German Air Force, German Navy and Italian Air Force Tornado pilots and navigators. Together with his German and Italian co-chairmen he was also charged with devising the flying and ground syllabuses.

RAF Cottesmore in Rutland was chosen as the home for the Tri-National Tornado Training Establishment (TTTE), established in 1979 and manned by flying instructors from each of the participating air arms, with base support being provided by the RAF.

The programme was launched on time and under budget, owing largely to the diplomacy, patience and effectiveness of Langer and his committee.

The son of a master builder, John Francis Langer was born on June 25 1925 in Lambeth, south London, and educated at Wimbledon College, where he excelled on the games field.

Claiming to have been born in 1924, he began his RAF service in 1942 and trained as a pilot in America under a US/UK bi-lateral arrangement. On return to Britain he discovered that there was a surplus of pilots, so he volunteered to become a glider pilot and in January 1945 joined No 670 Squadron in India, one of six joint RAF/Glider Pilot Regiment squadrons preparing for the assaults in Burma. Before he could see action, the war with Japan ended.

He converted to the Spitfire and Tempest fighters and joined No 33 Squadron in Germany, where, among other tasks, he patrolled the British air corridors into Berlin. In July 1949 the squadron moved to Singapore, where Langer flew 60 operations during Operation Firedog against communist terrorists during the Malayan Emergency.

On one occasion the engine of his Tempest failed at 15,000 ft and he was just able to reach an airfield and make a wheels-up landing on the grass. When congratulated, he replied: “It was a piece of cake – I used to be a glider pilot.” On return to Britain he became a flying instructor and enjoyed two years teaching with the Cambridge University Air Squadron. This was followed by a return to Singapore as the training officer of the Auxiliary Air Squadron, when he met a young Lee Kuan Yew, the future prime minister.

After retiring from the RAF in 1979, Langer became the aviation security adviser to the British government
Back in Britain, he resumed his career as a fighter pilot and in June 1957 took command of No 43 Squadron, the “Fighting Cocks”, at RAF Leuchars in Fife. His two years in command included taking the squadron to Cyprus during a period of growing tension in the Middle East following the assassination of King Faisal of Iraq. His aircraft remained at a high state of readiness for almost three months before tension relaxed and the squadron returned to Scotland. He was awarded the AFC.

After a spell in the MoD, Langer found himself back in Singapore. Lee Kuan Yew had asked the MoD to send someone to help in training his embryonic air arm and introducing modern jets, and when he heard that Langer was one of four candidates, handed him the job and with it, the rank of brigadier.

After retiring from the RAF in 1979, Langer became the aviation security adviser to the British government. He ran courses for senior management of the police, British airlines and airports as well as those directly involved in passenger and baggage screening. He served for eight years before becoming a consultant for a further seven.

In 1979 he became Vice Chairman (Air) of the TAVR Association for Greater London and was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant in 1983 and then the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Hillingdon. He retired in 1993 to live in the Cotswolds, where he became a volunteer guide at Kelmscott Manor, the country house of William Morris.

In 1951 he married Doreen Hodges, known as Jane, an actress. She died in 2011 and he is survived by their two sons and a daughter.

2's vs NO GAME SCHEDULED

3's vs Molesey Strollers AWAY

Strollers vs FC Falcon HOME

Sat vs Rygas AWAY

2's vs Shirley Wanderers WON

3's vs Leatherhead All Stars WON

Strollers vs NO GAME SCHEDULED

Sat vs Rygas Postponed

2's vs AFC Ewell AWAY CUP

3's vs Dundonald FC AWAY

Strollers vs Ropley HOME

Sat vs TFT South West HOME CUP

Joe Bell try is scant consolation for 5-62 Richmond thrashing

Joe's recent debut for the senior 1st XV with proud dad Matt

2's vs NO GAME SCHEDULED

3's vs NO GAME SCHEDULED

Strollers vs NO GAME SCHEDULED

Sat vs NO GAME SCHEDULED

2's vs AFC Cannons LOSTCUP

3's vs No Game Scheduled

Strollers vs FC Spartans DREW

Sat vs 4-1 WON

See you in July if not before.

Tony Palmer

There will be a Requiem Mass for George at

The Sacred Heart, Edge Hill
at 10:00am
on Wednesday, 6th April

to be followed by cremation at the Putney Vale, Crematorium at 12 noon.

There will be a reception afterwards at the OW clubhouse to which all are warmly invited to join the family in celebrating George’s life.

We are expecting a large attendance (as of tonight the Facebook page entry has been viewed by nearly 800 people) so it would greatly aid the organization of the catering if you would let Liz Scott know if you if you will be attending the reception.

RP Sevens - Wimbledon College 15-7 Ysgol Gyfun Glantaf

National Junior Champions
T
Tournament Results here

The March 2016 draw prize took place at the clubhouse The first prizw winnner, Emma Brosch plucking John Dowds' inning ticket from the hat.

The winners were:-

Joe Bell was the first product of the Warriors to make an appearance for the first XV.

Even more remarkable is the fact that he is the third generation of Bell to represent the OWRFC 1st XV.

Grandfather, Eddie made his first appearance 60 years ago in March 1956 against St. Georges Hospital whilst still at the College. He was at school on Saturday morning when the call came through from the OWs. We did that in those days. The OWs won 12-3 and Eddie, like Joe, scored a try, worth 3 points then.

Father Matt made his debut 30 years later in 1966 and so neatly a further 30 years have elapsed when finally a unique treble was achieved

Lost Sheaf Returns to the Flock.

In the course of intensive research to track down members of the 1959-66 fold, Henry Ruffell found evidence of the whereabouts of John Sheaf. This article from the Hampton Hill website was invaluable and will also give you some idea of John's whereabouts, background and expertise.

Here you will find an example of John's scholarship, and here a list of some of his publications.

It took a while to make contact with John but now we look forward to renewing acquaintance with him on 22nd July this year.

You can see a list of those we have made contact with so far but we are still a long way short of a full house. If any of you are aware of the whereabouts of any of our missing bretheren the please provide us with any clues and we will do our best to track them down.
Find out more about the reunion here.

2016 Working Parties.

This year's working party dates are:
First party: Friday 19 August to Saturday 27 August
Second party: Saturday 27 August to Saturday 3 September

I'm delighted to say that Fr. Peter Griffiths will be joining us this year as our chaplain. Welcome back, Father! If you have not done so already, please let me know if you are intending to join one of the parties. In the case of the first party, could you also tell me if you are planning to travel independently, or would like to be included in the group travel arrangements (probably train).

Non-working party

As in previous years, there is also the opportunity to accompany the first party in a non-working capacity, with accommodation provided in a conveniently situated hotel. Please get in touch if you are interested in this option.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Wimbledon College Lourdes Hospitalité will take place on Friday 18 March 2016 at 7.15 p.m. In the Sacred Heart Parish Lounge.
There will be the opportunity for us to come together beforehand for the 6.30 Mass at the Sacred Heart. As usual, please bring some snack food to share and the bar will be open, thanks to the Sacred Heart Social Club.

Please let me know by email if you're attending by Monday 14 March.

Two posts are up for election this year: that of ordinary committee member, currently held by Maureen Gordon, and the post of Secretary, held by myself. Please could you let me know if you have any nominations for election, preferably before the meeting itself. I shall send out the agenda nearer the date.

Newsletter

This has been delayed, I'm afraid, as I've been gallivanting about on my travels! I will issue it soon.

Very best wishes - please keep in touch.
Peter

Get involved

If you are interested in getting involved with the Hospitalité or would just like to know more you can contact P:eter by clicking on his name here. Peter Chamberlain

You can find more information, including the minutes of the 2015 AGM on the Hospitalité page here.

More Information

I have contacted Peter to obtain some pictures of previous pilgrimages. If anyone else out there has pictures or stories of this noble activity please send them to me here so that I can publish them here.

Next Sinnott Society meeting. 23rd March 2016

Venue: The Hall at Wimbledon College. SW19 4NS.

Jonathan Taylor, one of the world’s leading sports lawyers, has agreed to speak to us. A partner in a large law firm Jonathan was at Wimbledon College from 81-86 and subsequently qualified in both the UK and the USA. He works at the forefront of current commercial and regulatory issues, nationally and internationally.

More about Jonathan (pictured right) can be read here

John Simonds has sent me his latest letter to Sinnott Society Members which you can download here,

If you are interested in joining please contact John by clicking here.

2's vs Jolly Gardeners AWAY

3's vs Leatherhead AWAY

Strollers Sandrock Vets CUP HOME

Sat vs Kew Park Rangers HOME

3's vs GAME POSTPONED

Sat vs Darkside CUP WON

1's vs Old Kingstunians WON

2's vs Jolly Gardeners LOST

Also attached to the update was a copy of The School Song download a PDF version here

Hopefully you can identify yourself, but, what are the chances of being able to identify the whole school, pupils and staff? I am currently constructing a spread sheet which will help you to fill in the names. I have pencilled in about 40 so far.

You can download two versions of the picture a 100% version and another 50% of the original.

You can also download a reasonably current version (updated weekly) of of the project spreadsheet.

Please add names of those you can identify and email it to the News Editor.

Sat vs Darkside AWAY CUP

1's vs Old Kingstunians HOME

2's vs Jolly Gardeners HOME

Strollers vs tbc

3's vs Leatherhead Ath WON

Sat vs NO GAME SCHEDULED

1's vs Tolworth Ath WON

2's vs NO GAME SCHEDULED

Sorry for the absense of news, reports etc. over the last several days. No valid excuse except pressure of work. Below are a number of pieces to help you catch up. HGR

Here’s the update on progress in the last month with arrangements for our Reunion next July. Not that much to report through the haze of seasonal celebration:

NAMES
The Latest List of those in our year we have found can be viewed here: 38 email addresses, so again some progress, but again not enough. We’re not half way yet, so do please search those memory banks and electronic little black books for email addresses. Or even postal addresses. Even better, convert addresses to phone numbers and we will follow up. Is this something you could help us with?

We are finding quiet a few in foreign parts, especially North America: Michael Marshall in Washington DC, Robin Kuhl in New York State, Lawrence Trickey in Ontario Canada, and Les Fortuna in Florida. I’ve suggested a charter flight.

BROTHERS
More seriously, if you want to invite a brother who attended the College, please just do so but tell me his address so we can inform and cater accordingly. On that note I’m sure you will be pleased to know we will be joined on the day by Nick O’Connor, Charlie’s brother, coming from Australia and incidentally eclipsing Peter Mildner’s long-distance travel plans.

FORMAL INVITES
We’ll send out the formal invites in April, (so we have as much time as possible to find our classmates), enclosing a form on which you can indicate which of our spectacular Agenda Items you wish to opt out of – if any.

We are now in 2016. The 50th anniversary of England’s World Cup triumph, Hovercraft, Centre Point, the height of Beatles and Swinging Sixties. And it’s also our anniversary. See you in July if not before.

All the best for now
Tony Palmer

PS. Stop Press: Friends Reunited announced yesterday that they’re closing down their website. I doubt this will take long. Maybe time for one last sweep for friends you’d like to see in July

On behalf of the PCA Masters Day Committee, Johnno Gordon and the OWA Senior Cricket Section would like to invite members along to the PCA Masters presentation on Jan 28th at the OWA clubhouse.

The aim of the evening is to sell sponsorship packages and tables for the Event Lunch.

To this end they have put in place an incentive for any members who bring along someone who either buys a table for the day or who sponsors the event. The incentive is £50 loaded onto your OWA Membership Loyalty Card free of charge.

The event will start at 8pm on Thursday Jan 28th with wine and nibbles available, alongside our normal bar service.

A presentation from both the PCA and Johnno himself will outline what the PCA Masters are all about, sponsorship opportunities and how the day will run.

The OWA would very much welcome business owners from inside the club to get involved and sponsor the day.

For more information click here, or email Johnno Gordon direct.

This is an excellent opportunity for everyone to hear first hand what the PCA Masters Day is all about, and the impact it could have on the OWA Development Fund.  Your questions and feedback during the evening will be very much appreciated.

St Michael's Catholic Church, The Marld, Ashtead KT21 1RS, on Friday 22nd January at 10.00am.

The December 2015 draw prize took place at the clubhouse The first prizw winnner, Mick Getgood would like to thank Sally Osling for plucking his ticket from the hat.

The winners were:-

For earlier news items go to the News Archive

New Activities