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Notable Alumni
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Hi Guys.
Sorry I've been a bit quiet lately, but things are afoot.
First
of all congrats on the poem Bill, I've never been much of a one for
letters myself, but can appreciate the work of anyone blessed with that
talent. In spite of all Taff Griffiths best efforts to teach me English
at school I still could not speak it correctly and any comprehension of
grammar was completely beyond me.
Anyhow, back at the ranch, I have
resigned as Chair of the Vintage transport and engine club as from the
end of December, but have not escaped completely as I am still assistant
show manager. The new Chairman, Martyn Slater, recons that he's been
handed the sword of Damoclese.
On the work front, the company is
closing as from Monday next, the 31st Jan but I shall be staying on for a
bit to help clear out the workshop, deal with all the customer records
etc. The good will of the business is being taken over by Wessex
Hydraulics at Trowbridge. I hope not to retire completely but do a bit
just to keep my hand in and earn a few shillings to be able to spend a
little time indulging in some of the things I really would like to do.
Still, we shall see.
Have fun all.
Sticky.
Jan. 28, 2011
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Hello John,
Thanks for the compliments, I took
English with Harry "spuder" Webb. Adverbs, nouns, present and past
tense, possession etc. never went onboard then, but some of it must
have got "jammed in at the back" of my brain somehow. I shall always be
grateful for his attempts to teach me these thngs about our native
tongue.
On the work front, I am sure you will learn to adapt (as I
did) to a different approach to life. Luckily I know you have many
hobbies. Wihtout such things I would be at a loss myself, how to fill my
time in winter is now easy with the advent of my new writing skills.
I
thought Martin was also very skilled at what he does for the "Vintage
Steam Rally. I am glad that you are still involved with both it and the
magazine. I`ll look forward to possibly attending the next show, maybe
not as a volunteer, but we`ll see what the sunshine does to my outlook.
Regards to you and all other "poets".
Jan. 29, 2011
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YerFrancis
and oi allus thought he were "Spider"
Webb, but you'm the one with th' letters and alle. I d' wonder what a
"spuder" is/was. Do taities come into it? Or tis is summatt more
naughtie like.
I remember that Spi(u)drr Webb used to pursue us
on the rugby field with a little whippy stick with which he urged us
onwards....to think some people have to pay someone a lot for such a
"service" nowadays..the wonders of free state education...how fortunate
we were!!
Good luck with the "retirement", Stickey always a more
mixed bag once the joy of freedom wears off. But you seem to have it
covered. I always think that retirement works better if it's regarded as
an opportunity to move towards something rather than a hated job to be escaped from.
Incidentally
I very much liked the self congratters, that we havn't done too badly
all thynngges considered. Need all the plaudits we can get.
Blessynnggess alle and thatte
Wylltte
Just had me 5th colonoscopy...enough said! But if anyone wants the details I will open a new thread with graphic details!
Jan. 29, 2011
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Hello Chris,
Harry Webb .. english teacher
extraordinaire. Only "u" and "i" know the difference, being so
close together here on this keyboard of life.
I like the thread possibility, the one about the "graphics" that is. Hope all is well in the world with you.
I
have the Macular degeneration getting worse now, it won`t be long
before I have to give up typing these little "cute numbers", the letters
will will have to go as well soon. Still, press on eh?. Regards.
Jan. 30, 2011
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Hi Bill and all
Funny thing memory. I remember Harry Webb as 'Major' and can never
recall calling him 'Spider'. Don't know where the nickname Major came
from. Was it Major Webb that first swam the English Channel or was Harry
really a Major? Somebody out there may know.
Also I can never remember Major Webb giving a detention although
his class was the only one that had perfect order and discipline,
strange isn't it?
Cheers
Steve
Jan. 30, 2011
(Edited Jan. 30, 2011)
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It was Captain Webb who was the first man to swim
the English Channel Steve, I don't know where the 'Major' came
from, I've always wondered why for our generation his nickname wasn't
Cliff, for obvious reasons, the Major and Spider must have been from
before us.
Bill, you're just 'bad'enough, you don't want to be like Michael Jackson, you all white as you is !!
Kitchens nearly finished Rich, just tiling and tittivating to do.
Enjoy your retirement Sticky, now you'll have time to do all the things you always wanted, like taking the wife shopping, haha.
Regard to Parroty Chris.
Stu
Jan. 30, 2011
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Hi Steve and all.
Yes I agree, we always knew Harry
Webb as Major, didn't realise that he was known as spider also until I
came across this web site. I always assumed that the nickname was, as
you say created as a result of his namesake swimming the channel.
However he could indeed have been a Major as far as I know, like you, I
never got to the bottom of it!
Your comments on discipline and
attentiveness are very interesting and so true. Major Webb was our form
master when we were in the fifth. Don't know if you agree but I feel
that Dickie Harbor had exactly the same talent if that is what it was.
Thanks
for your good wishes and advice, guys. I'm sure I shall be able to cope
with part retirement extremely well. Lots to do!!!!
Have Fun.
Sticky.
Jan. 30, 2011
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Evening All,
Just had a fine bottle of red and a meal
of pheasant & duck after an excellent collecting day at Stoneleigh
in Warwickshire. Only slightly down on funds as scribblings mainly paid
for the outgoings. When you walk out for the last time go straight to a
crazy hobby Sticky. In 13 years I have never been bored in retirement,
in fact I have so many things I want to do I cannot envisage 'work'.
Last week was typical. Antique show on Sunday and 6 days writing one
chapter of a book, with a single visit to Corsham to post office to send
off some of the same written a few years back. Groceries delivered free
by Tescos on Tuesday (voucher). Daughter interrupted me by visiting one
day, and each afternoon a country walk has cleared the head. Other
moments spent on electronic mail to other mad collectors from New
Zealand to USA to UK! Also two mad locals called in to drink my beer and
talk about our mutual hobby as well. Even read a novel as well. Sounds
boring? Not to me. No pressure and no darned committee meetings!
It
was 'Major' Webb in my time. He was my English master in the 'X' Form
until 'O' Level. I have envelopes from him with the 'Major' on them and
will copy later. I, like Francis, recall those hours on clause analysis
and similar matters. Although strict he also taught RE and we had a
great time listening to his Middle East war stories when supposedly
'doing' the 'Old Testament'. He sent me off in rugby one day when I
tackled ? Green too high for his liking. When I was headmaster at
Hullavington he lived in the the village so I visited him at home.
Sorry about the eye and other problems chaps. I did think that a
thread with 'Notable Alimentari' could be started if someone wants more
details!! Night all.
Jan. 30, 2011
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Yup! Major it was. He was high up in the Dickens Society as I remember.
I
agree about his disciplined classes but fear wasn't part of it as it
was with Dickie Harbour and especially Killer Keating! But even he had a
kind heart (Unlike Bevvers Lloyd who appeared to HATE us all).
I
remember having hiccups in a Killer class and tried to suppress them,
when a huge hiccup escaped at a silent moment, I feared that mine end
had arrived.
He very very slowly walked towards me whilst
everybody held their collective breath. He put his hand in his
pocket and produced a half crown which he held in front of mine eyes,
saying "if you can do that again I'll give you this". I tried without
success to hiccup. And thus was I cured. I believe this one act may one
day lead to Killers Canonisation. Mind you I have tried this tactic with
my family and it has cost me dear!
It was Captain Webb from Dawley who swam the channel. He committed suicide and was never a Major.
Sorry to hear about the MD, Bill. What a bugger to have to contend with.
Someone has said that getting older is like being punished for a sin you wern't aware you had committed. I agree.
Blesssynnges as always andd from Lyttle Parrotty
Jan. 31, 2011
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I agree Chris. Dicky was the one who petrified me. His
physics lab was spotless compared with Sammy's chemi one. However I
think Killer had a 'soft spot' sometimes. Did anyone get the white
chalk-spot treatment? White dot on roller blackboard. Nose on dot.
Roller raised so on tiptoes. Left with legs quivering after a while.
There was a lad called ? Baker in 1X who got that several times from
Killer for speaking out of turn.
Joe Cannon really got me one
day in assembly at Weymouth House. I was ridiculing some of the lines of
a hymn in a silly voice with Roger Lawrence and he overheard. I got his
knuckle behind my ear, stood back to you lot on the dais and a
detention! Roger kept quiet!!
I have just posted the envelope (note pun!!) in the piccies to show Major Webb's title on an address.
Also
David Aitchison & an unknown 6th Former at the Speke memorial just
outside Rudloe. Sorry about this one I need to scan it to reduce
white-out. Major took them there to commemorate the anniversary of
Speke's death.
And the label on the Major's envelope with these
items in. Probably 'O' Level Geography around 1965. Enough to make ones
heart sink when that was opened, even though I now have a Degree in
Geography!!
Jan. 31, 2011
(Edited Feb. 1, 2011)
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