Having had the distinction of obtaining Exhibitions at both Cambridge and Oxford Universities, Ken completed his degree and a Diploma in Education at Downing College Cambridge in July 1939 before taking up a position as Head of Chemistry at Beal Grammar School for Boys, Ilford, just prior to the school's evacuation to Ipswich at the outbreak of war on 3rd September.
Although teaching was a reserved occupation Ken managed to wangle a release to join the Royal Signals and, after basic training, was sent to Officer Cadet Training Unit in Prestatyn, North Wales, before joining the Divisional HQ Signals Unit of 3rd (Guards) Division based around Bristol. In early 1943 he was posted to Nigeria, where a new formation, 81st (West African) Division, was being raised from volunteers in the then colonies of The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Gold Coast and Nigeria for service in the Far East against the advancing Japanese. The Division spent two long periods in the Kaladan Valley of Burma supplied purely by air drop, and as a Coding Officer for the Divisional HQ Signals Ken was Mentioned in Despatches for devising an effective system for the ordering of standardised payloads containing the necessary supplies for the entire division. By the end of the conflict in August 1945 he was second in command of the Divisional HQ Signals with the rank of Major.
Ken returned to IIford and his previous job in early 1946, and played football for Thurrock Athletic and cricket for both lIford and, occasionally, Essex 2nd XI. In 1950 he applied successfully to Woodbridge to teach Chemistry as Head of Science, a position he took up in January 1951. The following year he was appointed as Second Master, a role he held until his retirement in 1981.
During that time he also served as Acting Headmaster for virtually the entire academic year (but without giving up his teaching commitments) during the illnesses of two Headmasters, was the Honorary Auditor for the Scout Troop, President of the Scientific Society and of the Photographic Club, and was responsible for the initial formation of the school golf team. His own golf was of modest standard apart from putting, at which he excelled. An above-average cricketer, a superb gully fielder and a reliable opening bat, he played regularly for Campsea Ashe and for the Gentlemen of Suffolk, and for matches on the School cricket pitch alone had a batting average in excess of 50. This did not however prevent him from accompanying school teams for rugby, hockey and of course cricket to all parts of East Anglia or from imparting suitable pithy but constructive comments to his team charges.
Apart from teaching and sport, Ken and his late wife Vera were the long-standing makeup artistes for a succession of school productions. Vera was also involved in the checking - by hand - of the teaching timetable for the entire new school year drawn up and devised by Ken in a frantic two-week session immediately following the end of each summer term. The use of computer programming, spreadsheets and the like was of course totally unknown at that stage. Ken also acted as an Examiner for the Cambridge Examination Board, marking '0' Level papers from overseas applicants, and after being appointed as one of their two Team Leaders for Physics was involved in the setting of examination papers. In 1971 and again in 1973 he was asked by the Board to join a team going to India to assist in the formation and training of a similar Board by the Indian education authorities.
In his last few years of teaching Ken was instrumental in providing what he called citizenship classes to the Sixth Form, covering everything from Income Tax and National Insurance to Mortgages and Pension Provision, plus much in between. With the admission of girls in 1974 this extended to the production in the school labs of soaps, hand creams, makeup and perfumes, to the amazement and delight of all concerned, and to add to the infamous 'treacle tin experiment' with which he was always associated (for the uninitiated this involved the filling of a treacle tin with laboratory gas and its subsequent ignition whilst resting on a tripod stand - the resulting explosion of the unstable gas/air mixture was notorious in causing panic in adjoining classrooms as well as ruining the decoration of the Chemistry lab ceiling!)
Following retirement in 1981 Ken continued to play golf, to act as a Steward at the Woodbridge Museum, as a server and sidesman at St Mary's Church, and discovered a new passion for the architecture and heraldry of Suffolk churches, giving talks on the subject illustrated with his own slides to clubs and societies far and wide. He also volunteered to assist with the cataloguing and indexing of local newspapers for the Ipswich Museum. Until Vera's death in 2004, after 64 years of marriage, they continued to travel on the Continent, often combining their trip with some more genealogical research into the Swiss origins of the Charrot family tree. They also delighted in seeing more of their two grand-daughters and in attending many of the OW functions and sporting meetings. In 2005 Ken, accompanied by his son Geoffrey, joined eight other former wartime colleagues in re-visiting Burma and the Kaladan Valley, a trip that he found both memorable and poignant in equal measure. He also paid his first visit to the USA to meet other Charrot relatives.
In 2007 Ken was finally persuaded that, at the age of 91, it would be better if he moved into sheltered accommodation in the Seckford Almshouses in Woodbridge, where he spent over three happy years enjoying exemplary care. However a succession of falls and other problems during 2011, followed by hospitalisation, led to the reluctant conclusion in November 2011 that he required full-time nursing care. A suitable home was located in Felixstowe, but sadly his condition deteriorated very rapidly: he died peacefully on 14 January.
For details of the funeral arrangements please see The Daily Telegraph and the local press.
Geoff Charrot (01394 382 433)
COLIN WARDEN'S MEMORIAL SERVICE
COLIN WARDEN died peacefully in the St Elizabeth Hospice at about a quarter to five on Monday afternoon, 25 June 2007. Colin was diagnosed with renal cancer in September 2006, and died aged 47.
The Headmaster writes:
Colin was educated at Dulwich College, the University of Hull (where he met his wife Liz) and then taught at Bideford College in Devon. He came to Woodbridge in 1986 as a teacher of Geography, and held variously positions as a School House tutor, Housemaster of Tallents House, co-leader of the Duke Edinburgh Award scheme, Director of International Initiatives and since 1997 Housemaster of Burwell. He coached games throughout his career.
Colin was a much loved and respected schoolmaster, whose personal care for those he taught, and those for whom he was Housemaster, were characteristic of his commitment to his profession, and his loyalty to the School. He gave time and his approach was always quiet, calm, and reassuring.
Liz, Graeme, and Frances want to pass on their thanks for the support of all in the school community during the last nine months. In her bereavement Liz has said that she would much value any anecdotes and memories that staff, present or former pupils have about Colin. Her address is 6 Haughgate Close, Woodbridge, IP12 1LQ.
The OW President writes:
A service of celebration was held for Colin in the School Chapel at 12.30pm on Monday 9 July 2007, with a public address outside. The chapel was packed and many chairs were lined up outside to accommodate all those who wished to join the celebration of Colin’s life.
The service, ably led by Ian Wilson, included an excellent address by Headmaster Stephen Cole in which he eloquently described Colin’s career and character and how he cared so much for the pupils he taught as well as his family.
This was followed by a violin performance of Elgar’s Chanson de Matin by Sam Parker with piano accompaniment from John Penny. Sam played beautifully and the music complemented the occasion perfectly.
There was a reading from Lord of the Rings by Jim Roebuck which was followed by a wonderfully witty and descriptive account by Jacky Gill of her memories of Colin and the wonderful times they all had enjoyed on the various field trips etc that he had organised over many years.
Colin’s children, Frances and Graeme, made recorded contributions with Fran singing Ave Maria with Catherine Bensley and Graeme reading from The Amber Spy Glass by Philip Pullman.
This really was a celebration of just how much Colin had achieved in a life which was cruelly cut short at the very young age of 47 and showed just how much he was loved and respected by pupils and colleagues alike.
MIKE LUBBOCK GETS TOP NATIONAL SPORTING AWARD
SUFFOLK rugby legend Mike Lubbock is in line for a top national sporting award for his remarkable achievements within the local community.
Mike with 2005 President of RFU Leroy Angel at WRC A younger Mike passing the ball in the nick of time!!
Mike, who retired from the position of president at Woodbridge Rugby Club this year at the age of 74, has been put forward for recognition from the Torch Trophy Trust. He said: “I was led to believe that I had to list my achievements in rugby for the club website, little did I know this was all going towards my nomination. “The next thing I know I get a call from a close friend warning me of the whole thing, just in case I received details of the nomination through the post.”
The Trust is a nationwide charitable organisation, whose main aim is to encourage voluntary work in sport and other related outdoor activities within local communities.
It awards the 'unsung heroes' of sports who give their time to ensure that sports can flourish at grassroots level.
The trust, of which Sir Bobby Charlton is president, also gives bursaries to volunteers to enable them to assist their club, organisation or community to develop their chosen sport. Mike’s rugby career took off in 1950, when he captained Norfolk Schools, as well as also captaining Eastern Counties schools and Norwich.
During this period he also represented the RAF, before going on to Loughborough College in 1952. He was made captain in 1955.
He then began a career as a teacher, becoming head of games at Kibworth Grammar School, and around this time played for Stoneygate, before being selected to play for the Leicester Tigers. He played at 1st XV level for the Tigers for five years, and also represented the Barbarians at international level.
In 1961, he arrived at Woodbridge School, as head of games and master in charge of rugby. During his early years at Woodbridge, Mike played for Ipswich, as well as captaining Suffolk in the County Championship.
He soon became a key figure on the regional rugby scene, and it wasn't long before he found himself on the Eastern Counties Suffolk Schools Committee. He also spent time as a selector for Eastern Counties and London Schools.
Mike was a founder member of Woodbridge Rugby Club in 1969, and became President in 1982, a position he would remain in for 24 years.
He said: “A few of us were sat around in the bar at Ipswich, talking about what to do next, as we were nearing the end of our playing careers. Somebody mentioned starting up a club out at Woodbridge, and it was simply a case of us getting on with it, and people just turning up.”
He was also President, and coach for both Suffolk and Suffolk Schools' rugby. Mike has organised coaching courses for schools in the region for many years.
The Award ceremony will take place on November 29, at the Army and Navy club in Pall Mall, London, and will be hosted by the Countess of Wessex. Finally, here is a picture of Mike duly receiving his award from Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
ADAM LUBBOCK APPOINTED HOUSEMASTER AT SCHOOL HOUSE
Adam and Cara Lubbock have been appointed as House Master and Mistress of School House starting in January after David and Joan Walker return to South Africa. David and Joan will be linking up with ex Woodbridge School teacher Sean Carlisle at Uplands School.
Adam will also continue in his role as Head of Boys' Games and Cara will be leaving her post within Fred Olsen Cruise Lines. We are sure that 2 year old Olivia will be a live-wire in the house. Soon after Adam's appoinment he sent a text to OW Tim Waddington (a boarder in School House throughout the 1980's) seeking his inside knowledge of life as a crafty boarder! Hopefully with a blend of family tradition and inside knowledge Adam & Cara will flourish in their new role.
An aerial view of School House
JONNO VISITS WOODBRIDGE SCHOOL
Adam and Jonno
On Friday 6th October Woodbridge School was graced with presence of an England World Cup Winning Captain. After battling the A14 traffic Martin Johnson arrived at School under his own steam ready to coach the School 1st XV and under 16's. Aidan Grier (currently yr 11) who has been playing in the 1st XV as a second row was the catalyst behind Martin's visit. Through family connections somehow the mighty Mr Johnson agreed to visit the school and give Aidan and his friends a coaching session to remember.
The new 'coach' watching every move Jonno demos a new move
The buzz around the school was terrific. Players lapped up every word from the World Cup Captain. He spent time on the lineout and taught a new lineout move that he used at Leicester and England. The players were also put though some warm-up drills used by England in the 2003 World Cup Finals in Australia.
After a morning of coaching Aidan, sister Molly Grier, Mr and Mrs Grier and coach Adam Lubbock went out for lunch with Martin at the Seckford Hall Hotel. The coverage of the day was immense with both the East Anglian, Evening Star, SGR FM, Radio Suffolk, Anglia News and BBC East covering the story.
WEBSITE UPDATE
Certainly the most important news
is that President Ken Bailey is working like a Trojan to update
the website and add more and more material. We are looking
to put in new pages - School House, Queens and Tallents Houses,
the CCF, Drama, Sport and then we can add the information
as we come to it. Our object with 'Memories' is simply
to recall the experiences of your childhood, bring back forgotten
episodes and maybe encourage you to contact each other again.
Remember - 'Bringing Old Woodbridgians together' is our motto.
Then I think I'd like an old staff page too - you can send
in your comments - and if like at Friends Reunited
they are printable, we'll print them. So keep visiting
the site and that will encourage us to keep working on it.
Ken has added a counter to the website
so that we can monitor the number of hits. We believe
that as we start to update and add extra material then more
and more OWs will visit us on a regular basis. There's
a world of entertainment in seeing what the general public
are searching for when they come over to us!
MEMORIES OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
It's a fascinating catalogue of mischief and mayhem at Woodbridge School from 1900 to 2000. Why did Hewitt lose his head? Who were the 'swoopers'? What head shouted 'BRICKS' and why? What was special about the boys' urinal next to the science lab? What school trip ended up at 'The Folies Bergere?' Who annoyed Mike Lubbock by playing the Ukele and went on to pop stardom? What was the six-inch rule and why did the secret service destroy Gareth Hopkins' briefcase?
You see, you don't know the answers to these questions do you? Send TWO QUID - yes, that's all, and I will wing you a special, hot off the press booklet, by return. Cheques made payable to The Old Woodbridgians.
CCF MEMORIES
Yes, in 2008
we will be celebrating 100 years of the CCF and so we're putting
together a major publication to mark that centenary.
It will be memories but more than that - the significance of
the CCF in war and peace. How it influenced young people;
that kind of thing. Have you got a memory or a contribution
to make. Email the eds and let us know. With
many thanks in anticipation.
THE OWs AT WORK
The Jeff Leslie Room is now really up and running.
It is used as a waiting room for guests and as an interview
room. All I know is that there's always someone in it!
Pictures abound on the walls and there are shelves for magazines
and collections of team photos etc. You can find blue books
on the mantlepiece. Sink into comfortable sofas to read
all this stuff and bring back memories of school. I
would be shocked if you could not find a picture of yourself
somewhere in the room. Sign the visitors book.
The room remembers maths teaching legend Jeff Leslie who died
just a year into his retirement.
Another job completed 2004 and paid for by the OWs
is a major refurbishment of the School War Memorial
- the names repainted and the stonework cleaned and repaired.
We've been working on a study of all the OWs who fell in the
two wars and have made up a file of information about each
one. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission website
supplies details of where each OW is buried. I thank
sixth formers Sarah Piper, Molly Grier and Ben Head for the
fantastic work they have done.
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