Concordia - Clapham Old Xaverian Archive

Concordia Autumn 2016 - Number 10

COXA off to Normandy in May

Clapham on Tour [again] - this was our 3rd excursion

to the WWI / WWII Battlefield sites; this time …….

Normandy following success in Ypres and The

Somme….here WILL be a “4th one” in Summer 2017.

The 30 COXA Normandy Tourists ...Spring 2016

Ranville Cemetery, where we visited our old school chum Peter Higginson - died aged 22 in 1944

Snapshots of COXA in Normandy May 2016

The Chairman’s Report - Autumn

CONCORDIA Contributions please…..

For God’s Sake……. We went to a Grammar School … one of the best... if you

take the measure that Clapham College shut down 30 years ago, yet

“clusters” of Xaverians [if that’s the correct term] … or a “BLOAT” [I know

that’s Hippopotamuses]…... Possibly a CLAN [hyenas] … I do prefer

“PANDEMONIUM” [parrots] Yes, A Pandemonium of Xaverians. I like that!

Where was I … Oh Yes…. 30 years on… Pandemoniums of Xaverians still

gather to exchange stories, reminisce, drink pints and scratch their heads

trying to work out why they still meet up with lads we knew at Primary

School. Well it’s because we do!..... But do we put these meetings/stories on

paper/email, share photographs, the answer in 99% of cases is “NO!”….

PLEASE send me ANYTHING…By POST, EMAIL, TEXT. Or HAND it to me at the MASS or the

LUNCH - I promise to print anything [unabridged]! [my details overleaf].

At a recent Committee meeting, the Sports Section heads (see elsewhere) report a healthy position in Cricket's and Football's sporting and financial outlooks. Matt Benedict, Chris McLoughlin and Mike Garvey should be rightly proud of their work, and that of their management teams and secretaries. Also part of the Section: Aiden's Golf Day (yes it is "Aiden's Golf Day"!), was another great success. See inside.

This edition's message from the Chairman:- please try to log on to the website twice a month. Some things get organised without much notice (race days, Mayfield visits, Norbury events, etc.), and you may notice that there is a football or cricket match near you.

...or just turn up once a year at the Oval - guess what? - that works too!

All the best, David

Chairman's Report

Welcome to another Concordia, reliably put together by Scotty, driven in the background by the rest of your Committee, all of whom contribute, or manage the contributions.

I'm (sort of) hopeful, writing this on a scorching late-September day that this issue arrives on a more seasonal day, but the long, late summer was very welcome nevertheless.

Not much for me to report, since the last issue, (various events, such as Jake's Place, Caen and the D-Day Beaches Visit will be mentioned elsewhere), but lots for us to look forward to. The Archbishop will say Mass on our Annual Remembrance Sunday; it will be "a lavish affair", so please come if you can make it. Standing room only will be a certainty, but some of us relative youngsters will make sure there's a seat for everyone who needs one.

THE EDITOR has moved!

I’ve moved …. as my 65th approaches

and , yes, people still call me Scotty,

I decided to leave South London at

last and move … SOUTH… well, who

would move NORTH…… [they're dif-

ferent]. I still believe my wife thinks I

moved for COXA reasons, [to be

nearer MAYFIELD, to live in EAST

GRINSTEAD where Clapham was

evacuated to in WWII; in the Weald,

so loved by Cecil and Brother

Christopher…. ] .. NOT TRUE!

No, I moved to a new home and to move away from the hustle and bustle … no not to the beautiful 14th

Century timber-framed homes above, but

a new home in this development .

The strange thing is that I still commute

back to London every 5 minutes for

friends/events/my mechanic/dentist and

docs … you can’t register with local

surgeries.. books are full! So long , story

short, my NEW DETAILS are……….

TEXT ME on 0750 800 1217 ...

Send LETTERS—ARTICLES—PHOTOS—NEWS CLIPS to D. Macdonald [Don or Scotty]…

29 GREENHURST DRIVE, BLUEBELL GATE, EAST GRINSTEAD, WEST SUSSEX RH19 3NE… or

EMAIL ME at [email protected] [I’LL BE WAITING]

Anything vaguely Xaverian… news of you today / family / events / retirements / grandchildren….PHOTOS

always good– hobbies-anything [60th Anniversaries] stories of Clapham - sporting heroics or disasters]

As, I hopefully “go to PRESS” in early October there are THREE MAJOR COXA EVENTS on the horizon.

THE ASSOCIATION AGM at NORBURY [Oct]

THE REMEMBRANCE MASS - celebrated by ARCHBISHOP PETER SMITH in the College Chapel [Nov]

THE CHAIRMAN’S LUNCH … at the OVAL [where else] … JANUARY 2017

MOST of you will make ONE of these EVENTS… MANY will attempt to get to ALL THREE…...

CHECK your DIARIES… please make the effort to ATTEND

if you do… PLEASE BRING ME SOMETHING FOR PERSONALIA .. OR WRITE THAT STORY….. Scotty

“THE OLD XAVs”. The Old Xaverians Football Club is one of Australia's most successful sporting clubs.

Founded in 1923 by alumni of Melbourne's Xavier College, and affiliated with the Victorian Amateur Foot-ball Association since inception, the Old Xavs are today a progressive, professional organisation and one of

Australia's largest clubs.

The club maintains a close relationship with the Xavier College, which remains the major source of recruits to the Old Xavs.

The 1990s were a golden era for the Old Xavs, winning a VAFA record of six A Section premierships in six years as well as numerous flags in the Reserve, Club XVIII and Under 19 Sections. That success has come from the efforts of many over the years - from committee, players and coaches, generous sponsors and supporters, who have contributed to the illustrious history of Australia's finest amateur football club.

NB Mayfield Old Boys...[that “Xaverian” again………] ………………………………. PTO for more

Worldwide Bavarians

My knowledge of the Xaverian Order [and Xaverians] is based on my schooling at Clapham [sounds like horse training] and my years of sport, drinking and friendship through the Clapham Old Xaverians [“Spellcheck” keeps wanting me to call ourselves Clapham old Bavarians [maybe a little more research required there… who knows!]. I am aware that the Xaverian Brothers or Congregation of St. Francis Xavier (CFX) were a religious institute founded by Theodore James Ryken in Bruges, Belgium in 1839 and named after Saint Francis Xavier. The institute dedicated itself to Roman Catholic education in Belgium, England and the United States. Over the past decades the order has focussed more on it’s missions in Africa and the great work done in places such as Clapham, Mayfield, Brighton, Manchester and other English schools have gradually faded into Xaverian history. SFX still carries the Xaverian “banner” and the various “Xaverian Old Boys” still gather to remember the “good ole days” and to celebrate on-going functions. There are many other Xaverian Institutes and a quick “Google” brought a few to the fore. I know little of Manchester, am aware through recent events in 2015 and 2016 of Mayfield Old Boys [come on add that “X”]. At school I knew Peter Bonetti Chelsea and England] was a pupil at Xaverian Brighton [-but nothing else]; and then there was Brother Peter and Christopher who eventually travelled North to Manchester to teach. Possibly “others” out there [familiar theme here] could inform me of any “links” they knew/know of with the other Xaverian Colleges. Richard Hawkins Mayfield Old Boy has recently asked for his best wishes to be passed on to John Rhea (who is a COXA Old Boy). Any more such friendships/acquaintances would be happily added to future Concordias.

As a “taster” I have added a couple of examples of the global Xaverian family……….

The Delhi Old Xaverian's Association (DOXA) formerly Xavier’s Old Boys Association Delhi (XOBAD), is the Alumni Association of St. Xavier's School Delhi. The Association presently has over 8,500 members, spanning across all batches that have passed out of the school since 1960. Nearly two hundred students

from St. Xavier's School, Delhi, have been joining the DOXA's ranks each year. The members of DOXA form the cream of society in all five continents. Recently DOXA has established Chapters in US, UK, Canada, Middle East, Australia & New Zealand. Today, the family of Delhi Old Xaverian's Association (DOXA) is one of the largest alumni groups in India and abroad. DOXA membership makes it easier to keep in touch with your school, school-time friends, teachers & Jesuits. It also enables you to participate in all the activities of DOXA including the Annual Dinner, Treasure Hunt Car Rally, Annual General Body Meeting, Seminars, Conferences in India and abroad.

DOXA plans to launch services and programs in the field of social service and also enhance networking etc. Plans are also underway to establish DOXA local chapters in different parts of the country. In its endeavour to do better, DOXA is constantly looking for new ideas and inspiration. We, therefore, call

on you to join the DOXA fraternity. Becoming a member of the Association is easy, provided one has been a student of St. Xavier's School, Delhi for a period of 6 years or has passed class XII and, more importantly, has the vision and will, not only to excel in one's personal life and profession but also to make a positive contribution to it.

DOXA The Delhi Old Xaverians Association

“We are not alone” … there are a multitude of schools and universities named after St. Francis Xavier.

The world-wide lists have dozens of notable educational institutions named after St. Francis Xavier. I shall review these in the next Concordia. Many of these schools are run by the Jesuit order, while some are run by the Xaverian Brothers and various dioceses, …...we are definitely not alone-Football/Cricket tours?

Cecil - in a

“Life is Good” pose!

I met up with Dave Stanners recently and I thought Dave's story re Eddie might sit quite well in Concordia. Mick Power From: Jill Stanners RE: Veterans Lunch Mike, well done to all for the get together much enjoyed and a brill venue just round from the Pentagon and The Cut of old days. I hope you clocked COX's hammering of Meads' twos I thought they were excellent, powerful and never out of control. They must make sure of nailing any bunnies and clinch promotion. Now to Eddie, well after his days of playing in the upper regions of your club: I was reffing Tiffs' IV against COX's in the mid- to late eighties when there was suddenly a roar like a rutting stag,

Private Lee O’Callaghan 1st Battalion Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment based at Tidworth. RIP 09.08.2004. Lee was originally from Bermondsey and had been a student at SFX College, Clapham. He decided to join the Army and was posted to Iraq. He was aged 20 years old, when he was killed whilst on duty, shot in the chest by a Shia militiaman when he in Basra., on the 9th August 2004. Lee, like many Bermondsey Boys, was an ardent Millwall F.C. supporter. After his death many Millwall fans campaigned to get Private Lee’s name included in the new street names at the “Elephant Park Development”. “O’Callaghan Way” was chosen alongside three other historic street names [including Charlie Chaplin and Michael Caine] which will feature around the Elephant.

Ex-SFX student remembered in his

Home Borough—Southwark

'OYIIIIIIIIIIIY REF!!!!'. I looked up and there ten yards away was Eddie, red faced and pointing at me. So I

whistled up and walked slowly over to him and whispered in his ear, 'What's up?' and he whispered back in

my ear, 'There were two off-sides'. I whispered back,' Only two. Now they all think you've had a bollocking

so we'll get on with it with an indirect free-kick'., which we did. Then about ten years ago I was in your bar

after watching a game at Norbury and I heard a whisper in my lug-hole, 'I remember the two off-sides' and

there was Eddie holding his hand out! Last year I was on to the F.A. about reffing and I told them this story.

They replied thanking me for sharing the secrets of my reffing days. All the best DS

Dear Members,

It is now over eighteen months since we last issued "Concordia" and I gather that some of you had imag-

ined that we had closed down for the duration. That is not so, however, and it has always been our intention

to keep going as much as possible. We are perhaps somewhat deserving of your censure for having left you

without news for so long, but I feel that the anxious times of 1940 and the disturbance of our London

nights which followed, did make any preoccupation with Association affairs seem something of an anti-

climax and it has since taken us a little time to get into our stride again. The following, I feel, should show

that I have not been altogether neglectful of my duty in the meantime.

The morning after the first heavy bombing of London, I, together with some thousands of other auxiliary

firemen, was sent to the Docks to relieve those who had been working there all through that difficult night.

I am not going to pretend that I experienced any spectacular adventures there, but whilst parading the

deck of a sadly ruined merchant ship I chanced upon our old friend Freddie Plummer. Freddie went home

five shillings short, and the Association was one sub. better off.

However, we have now made a fresh and encouraging start, and the result is very pleasing. I was doubtful,

at one time, whether you really were interested to hear about other Old Xaverians, but it seems that I was

wrong.. Many of the letters I have received show a real desire for news of others and they, themselves,

have often been extremely interesting. As a result we have gathered some first-class information, and I

think that this copy.of "Concordia" should prove acceptable to all. There must still be many Old Boys of

whom we have not heard, and some of our facts are probably out of date already, but, nevertheless, we

have a very good list and it is up to --you to see that it is kept up to date and amplified for our next issue. I

would like to suggest that you write to me from time to time, giving all the news you have, as that is

undoubtedly the best way of spurring us to further efforts.

The next two pages are taken from the 1941 War-Time Concordia… a fabulous publication.

Evacuation - The College in Exile.

Under this heading in the last issue of the magazine we gave an account of our exodus from Clapham in

September, 1939, of our meanderings in rural Sussex, of our temporary quarters at the County School, East

Grinstead, and of Authority's final decree that here was "our abiding City." Thus benignly blessed and set

on their course by the Ministry of Health, the London County Council and the East Sussex Education

Committee, the staff and the boys soon settled down, and the College, though perforce sharing the premises

of the local Secondary School, has now for over two years pursued the usual curriculum and retains its

separate identity, spirit and traditions. 'A word of praise is clue to the Headmaster and staff of the County

School for the readiness with which they accommodated themselves to our needs. Our position here is a

fortunate one for many reasons. In the first place the boys have excellent facilities for attending Mass and

the Sacraments and maintain contact with their homes - two precious advantages which have not fallen to

the lot of many evacuated schools. There is a large Catholic Church in the town and the College has

provided a large, number of Altar Servers and a boys' choir. We are only 30 miles from London, and there

is a good service of Green Line Coaches well patronised by boys and parents. It becomes incontrovertibly

clear that we have made a success of this wartime expedient of evacuation principally because these

important bonds of religion and family life have happily been preserved.

Secondly, we have full-time school by mutual "give-and take" in the classrooms - a working arrangement

which provides facilities for all our subjects and compels both headmaster to sit down to preparing their

time-tables like experts at the chess-board. There are two classrooms for our entire use, and the sixth form,

as old, "works" in the library ; and so we have continued; without interruption and in the peace and quiet of

the countryside, the usual Clapham.; curriculum and pursued our way through the Higher and General

School Examinations with highly satisfactory results. The problem of recruitment of new boys to fill the

gap made by those who leave on passing their Higher and General caused great anxiety to many schools in

the reception areas but it has happily been solved by the co-operation of the L.C.C., and last September 33

were added to our roll. In addition, about ten local Catholic boys and private Catholic evacuees have been

admitted and several more will join next term. There are, therefore, in the main school, more pupils now

than when we started in November, 1939. This reflects credit on the Brothers and masters who have

faithfully carried out their duties in difficult conditions, on the large number of boys who have preferred

the college in exile to the "soft option" of the emergency schools, on those parents who have so self-

sacrificingly put their children's education and comparative safety above other considerations, and finally

on those patriotic people of East Grinstead who have had the boys billeted with them for the last two years.

The difficulty of billeting has been greatly eased by the opening of a Hostel—a large country house,

designed by Sir Edwin Luytens, and artistically furnished, with the picturesque name of Barton St. Mary,

where about 30 boys are accommodated under the supervision of a Brother and a qualified Matron.

We are in one of the most pleasant parts of a pleasant county and can appreciate the beauty of the country-

side around us, being grateful also for having been spared the horrors of air attack (for the Nazi shows an

utter disinterestedness in the works of Nature and considers our neighbourhood merely an occasional

"dumping ground" when in difficulties); but, if freed from the fetters of necessity, how many would haste

back to the old haunts - and home? "The town-dweller will have none of your countryside except as a week

-end diversion, for noise and smell are meat and drink to him and the stream of traffic is his life-blood. The

pall of solitude which the countryman calls rest, would hang heavily on his restless spirit."

News from the College. The Headmaster, staff and boys have heard with sorrow of the deaths of some of

the Old Boys on Active Service, and send their sympathy to the parents and relatives of these young men

I make no apologies for reproducing the last 2 sides from the 1941 War Time Concordia . It is a great

read … and good for us to relive etc. as we approach Remembrance Sunday, gives an excellent insight

into the College at that time - Scotty

Francis Gordon Currie Clapham College 1928 to 1944 [RIP 1944] Aged 16

I suppose for myself, personally, this article “completes the circle”. Francis Currie, a 16 year-old schoolboy,

killed by a bomb in World War II was the start of my re-association with the Association. I was working in

Eastbourne and commuting back to London, so I popped into Mayfield to pay my respects to Francis and

the Brothers something I have done on and off over the past 50 years ever since Cecil Pocock [then my

British Constitution teacher at Clapham] took me to a Summer Camp in the grounds of Mayfield College,

Sussex.

The state of the graveyard was a real disgrace and I felt undervalued those laid to rest in the graveyard.

The Old Boys took up the task of restoring this forgotten piece of South London and Sussex land. The

Committee sent down a gardening team… and then followed visits Mayfield and negotiations with the

Xaverian Brothers in the USA. Finance was made available for a gardener, and our Chairman bought the

Chapel [later re-erecting the Mayfield Picnic.].

The COXA Committee is a reflection and “throw-back” to those gentlemen in the 1930s who felt there was

more to Clapham College than an educational establishment, and over 80 years later the Association is

“alive, kicking” and thriving! They came up trumps four years ago and continue to back and remember

those ex-pupils of the College, the “chums” who moved across to join us from St Gerard's, the SFX Students

and more recently those sportsmen who allow our sports clubs to survive, [not forgetting their families

who have joined us in a multitude of social events over the years]. The Committee goes about it’s work

quietly, [well except for David and Brendan … and more recently … myself] they back almost every idea

that comes to Committee and add time, effort, their organisational skills, experience and finance

management so that we as a group can reap the benefits, AND it’s all just because we have an affinity with

some teachers, a building and a patch of land at Clapham South. From that grew genuine friendships which

have lasted 80 years in some cases!

One couldn't just keep giving “ideas” to the Committee, without being opted on… so Concordia Editor and

Membership Sec. followed. Concordia and the Mayfield graves work led to the tracing of the World War I

Roll of Honour and additions to the WWII Roll and the fabulous 100th Anniversary Mass on Remembrance

Day. Following this came the visits to the Ypres and The Somme and the recent “COXA invasion of

Normandy” ably led by Mick and Bina McLoughlin.

So I’ve decide to add a little detail to the Francis Currie story from research in the local area…. This is an

extract from the local press in 1943, reporting Francis’s death….

Currie Francis Gordon aged 16 - 10/07/1943 — East Grinstead, Urban District. Son of Capt. G. V. Currie, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, and Sibyl M. Currie, Of 7 Beeches Fields, Ashurst Wood, West Sussex Died At Queen Victoria Cottage Hospital.7.30am: Following the Air Raid - All fires in East Grinstead under control. Francis Died of his injuries the following day.

On Friday 9th July 1943, ten German Aircraft crossed the Sussex coast at Hastings heading for London. One of the aircraft detached itself from the group and headed for East Grinstead. That afternoon, 184 people where watching a film starring Hopalong Cassidy at the Whitehall Cinema on London Road. The film was interrupted by an air raid warning at approximately 5.05pm, but as there had been many false alarms not many people took notice and they carried on watching the film. The aircraft circled over East Grinstead 2 or 3 times before dropping a bomb in the town at approximately 5.10pm. The aircraft then circled the town once again, lowered, and opened fire. The roof of Whitehall Cinema exploded as a bomb struck. The roof split in two and the entire structure caved in. Adults and children died instantly in their seats. Bombs also fell in the high street destroying many shops, one being A & C Bridgeland, an Ironmongers. Unfortunately 500 gallons of paraffin was stored in the basement, and this exploded. The blast swept through the parade of shops, destroying Bridgeland's and Rice Bros next door and causing the rear of the Sainsbury's branch to collapse. As a result of the raid, 108 people where killed and 235 people were seriously injured. It was the largest loss of life in any air raid in Sussex

Francis Currie… continued

The following week, the local press printed a fuller article on the Air Raid.

With photographs of the bombed Whitehall Cinema.

The top photograph shows the devastated High Street

in East Grinstead, with the Fire Brigade still

pumping water into the huge crater which was the

site of the Whitehall Theatre. The damage extended

the length of the High Street, with fires raging for

many hours as many o the older buildings were old

timber-framed structures.

Whitehall Cinema Bombing - from the North end of the High Street—looking South.

This photo-

graph was

taken the

day after

the raid. It

is from the

opposite

direction

from the two

previous

photos. The

fires were

still

smouldering

over 24

hours after

the bombs

fell.

Again the entrance and box

-office of the Whitehall

Theatre. Where a few hours

earlier hundreds of

families and school

children had been queuing

to see the latest episode

of the “cowboy” favourite

“Hopalong Cassidy” [below]

I forget the name of his

two side-kicks!

A plaque from the local cemetery in recalling the two air raids on East

Grinstead in WWII- the second was by a “Flying Bomb”.

Official Timeline of the East Grinstead Air Raid - from East Grinstead Public Library 4.00: Children leave East Grinstead Secondary School. Some of the children go to the Whitehall Cinema. 5.00: Ten German bombers approach Sussex coast. R.A.F. send up 16 fighters to intercept them. 5.05: Air Raid Sirens sounded in East Grinstead. Air Raid warnings flashed on the screen of the Whitehall Cinema. Tom Peters, Air Raid Warden, leaves Norton House in London Road to inspect shelters. 5.10: One of the German bombers becomes separated from the other nine planes. Flies at low level over Coleman's Hatch. 5.14: German bomber machine-guns a train just outside East Grinstead. 5.16: German bomber at 100 feet over East Grinstead. 5.17: German plane drops: (1) 500k bomb on Whitehall Cinema: blast damages Sainsbury Grocery Store; (2) 50k bomb on Bridgland's Ironmongers; (3) 50k bomb on Rice Brothers; (4) 500k by the side of Methodist Church; (5) 50k bomb on Brooker Brothers; (6) 500k bomb on Tooths Stationers; (7) 50k bomb at the back of National Provincial Bank 5.18: German plane machine-guns people in Queen's Road, Railway Approach and London Road. 5.19: Fire Brigade informed of fires at Brooker Brothers and Bridglands. A.R.P. and local people arrive at the cinema to help rescue the people inside. 5.25: First ambulances arrive and start taking injured and dead to Queen Victoria Hospital. 5.30: Canadian troops arrive to help those inside the Whitehall Cinema. 12 ambulances arrive from Forest Row. 5.48: 'All Clear' sounds. Raging fires at Brooker Brothers, Pauline's Gowns, Bridglands, Rice Brothers, Hobson Wright, Cruttenden and Stage Stores. Fire Brigade draws water from Moat Pond. 6.15: Forster's Garage in London Road taken over as a temporary mortuary. 7.10: Last of the live casualties brought out of the Whitehall Cinema. Another Excerpt from the Somerset Heritage Centre [worth a visit sometime!] In 1944 John A Keen was evacuated from East Grinstead in West Sussex, where he was studying at Clapham College, and sent to live at St Andrew's Vicarage in Rowbarton until the end of the war. He records his daily routine at Rowbarton between 7 Nov 1944 and 19 Dec 1944, including his schooling at Albermarle Road School, Taunton. Also contains sketches and notes; newspaper cutting concerning Mr Edward Smith, altar server and master of ceremonies at St George's, Taunton, who was presented with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice; an entry made on 30 Aug 2003 concerning a time capsule containing the names of all the residents of the Vicarage which was buried in the vicarage garden. Diary kept by John Aloysius Keen (b. 2 Jul 1930), an evacuee staying at St An-drew's Vicarage, Rowbarton, in 1944. He was the son of John James Keen, a Labour Councillor for the Metropolitan Borough of Southwark who later became Mayor of Southwark in 1952. Also includes correspondence received by John Keen whilst he was staying at St Andrew's Vicarage and typed recollections of JA Keen. Photocopy of hand-written recollections of John Keen during his time as an evacuee at Taunton St Andrew vicarage, 1944-1945. In-cludes mention of some local residents, the forces stationed in the area, a return trip to London for Christmas and a time capsule buried at the vicarage. ……………………………………………………...And another piece of research information West Sussex 1939 - 1945 ON THE HOME FRONT - DAILY LIFE www.westsussexpast.org.uk © West Sussex County

Remembering wartime at East Grinstead County Grammar School From East Grinstead County Grammar School

1928-1970, The School in War Time - by a Pupil, by Gwen Broad We returned late for the September term of 1939

because of the disorganisation of evacuation, and found a number of new members in our form who were staying

with friends and relatives in unofficial evacuation from London. They brought quite a new element, and we envied

them their freedom from parental supervision although they often had irksome conditions to live in. One

remembers the overcrowded conditions in school with so many classrooms used by Clapham College, our evacuee

school, and the unfamiliar sight of Xaverian Brethren in staff room and corridors. I was intrigued once when I was

having a study period at the back of a Chemistry lab to hear the originality and ingenuity of homework excuses

from Clapham boys. "My lady was using the sewing machine on the other end of the table, Brother., so I couldn't

write properly". Soon boys, and girls too, who had recently left school, returned to visit us looking very impressive

in smart uniforms; and it was a great excitement when any member of staff came back so accoutred.

Unfortunately, it was not long, either, before we began to have news of casualties among them.

Boys and Girls [INVITATION] You and your partners are invited to my 60th birthday bash on Saturday 17th September to be held at the illustrious Hare and Hounds Spa and Country Club, Godstone 8pm until late lock in!!

Great if you could all be there because it will not be boring and will be packed with incidents!! All Old Boys will be welcome RSVP Mick McLoughlin

Well, Mick did have his do… I couldn't find the venue on my Sat Nav… but heard Mick’s dulcet tones as I was driving past! .. True.. Ed

The Chair, Tom McL, Brendan, Colin, Mick O’Flynn, Jim Thornton and a multitude of “other halves”, friends and family attended… Good Luck Mick

60

yrs.

Mick McLoughlin is now 60

Normandy Diary - May 2016

COXA’s Third Foreign excursion to Europe [pre-Britex]; this time

to visit our classmates in Normandy.

On Thursday 5th May 2016, a “mixed bag” of Clapham Xaverians, wives, partners and friends crossed the

Channel for a four day excursion to Normandy to enjoy a typical Xaverian vacation and more importantly to

pay our respects to “fallen” comrades from World War II.

“The Intrepid Band of Brothers [and sisters] that WERE Normandy 2016”

David & Lynn Leathem, Sharon Manwell, Richard & Rene, Lawrence & Sarah, Mick O’Flynn & Ashya, Micky

Burke & Bernie, Vic & Marilyn, John [Colin’s friend], Colin Garvey, Tony Griffin, Brendan & Anna Williams,

Mick & Dot Power, Eddie O’Brien, Aiden Coletta, Harry Mellor, Bena & Michael McLoughlin [our leaders &

tour guides] and Scotty - 27 Tourists Not forgetting Paul [I’m just putting this into reverse] – our driver.

Day 1 – May 5th [Purley 6.45am] – meet and greet…. Lots of coffees…and renewing of old acquaintances……

We reached Eurotunnel by 8am; time for a spot of breakfast and we were off to the continent…. A leisurely

drive down to Hornfleur for lunch – an absolutely beautiful French port, with its centuries-old buildings,

cobbled streets and horse-drawn carriages and quaint fish restaurant, a real treat! Problem was, it was the

feast of the Ascension and the streets were packed as it was a public holiday… We tourists eventually

squeezed into eating houses and, after a few glasses of plonk, the crowds seemed to fade! At this point – a

recount – our numbers were down by one… Dave [our illustrious Chairman] had not travelled down with us

but had been in Paris the day before [on business] and travelled down to join up with us at lunch – there’s

precision for you …...mind you it was ….pre Britex!

We were pulling out of Hornfleur when we noticed Vic Roszkowski and Marilyn sauntering down the

quayside, almost two short that time… we really had to get better at the “head-count” malarkey.

We travelled through the afternoon crossing Brittany and arriving at Ranville in Normandy where we

stopped to pay our respects to Clapham Old Boy Peter Higginson who had died on 27th June 1944 in

Normandy. Peter was at the College from 1932 to 1938 and was at school at the same time as his brother

Harold. He was a Lieutenant in the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry and attached to the Commandos… he

was only 22 years old.

Peter’s brother Harold survived WW2 and

went onto University and became COXA

cricket Captain… fate dealt them differing

hands. Both brothers were in Walsingham

House and lived in Narbourne Road SW4

[opposite the “Fish Pond” at Clapham

Common, a five minute walk to school]

[Houses now selling at £1.8 million –

according to Zoopla]. I also downloaded a

photo from Narbourne Road… these were

[and are] brilliant 4/5 bedroom family

homes.

We found Peter’s grave at Ranville Cemetery and prior to that, Mick and Bena

McLoughlin filled in with he detail of how important the “battles” were around

Ranville, the third largest Military Cemetery in Normandy, it’s often called the

“airborne cemetery” as most of the troops buried there were dropped by air.

Mick McLoughlin points out some interesting detail at Ranville

At Peter’s grave, we attempted to piece together his life from the “odd”

College record and from the information we could find on the

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Register. Peter was a young

man who joined Clapham College in the early 1930s with no idea of

where his education would take him, when he left in 1938, he’d have not

planned to enlist, be promoted as an Officer and be attached to the

Commandos. His special skills were obviously quickly recognised and he

parachuted as part of a special unit into Normandy. Where he was killed

in action.

Day 2 - Friday 6th May

Up early breakfast buffet surprisingly good numbers of Old Xaverians ….made it to breakfast. Good

banter and then Mick leads us onto the coach for a day touring,; we managed to almost leave without

Brendan & missus … quick call “I’m still in bed, quipped Brendan, no mention of sleep! Apparently his

room’s blackout blinds were brilliant!!!! We eventually took the

whole party on the whole tour of the Landing Beaches - a truly

brilliant day. We also visited the United States War cemetery at

Coleville - a stunning place. Finally we visited Point-du-Hoc, where

the US Rangers scaled the cliffs to the gun emplacements [was this

John Wayne?]…..Harry Mellor [at 87 years old took it all in his stride]

whilst some of us younger ones waned! We went to our Italian

restaurant [this time with a dozen Xaverians in tow]. Great day, great

night, great company].

Day 3 - Saturday 7th May - Breakfast with friends … late start,

Brendan up first [four alarms] ! The coach was very late - where were

the McLoughlins?… we were late… Brendan in the ascendancy… the

coach [with Mick & Bina, arrives late..they’d parked the coach in the

Market Square, and by the time they awoke the market stalls were

being erected all around our coach! …. You couldn't write this stuff!

Another packed day, Merville Battery [the Dirty Dozen],

Arramonches, lovely lunch - Mulberries on the beach. A great night

at the Italian restaurant [18 this time—and our coach driver - treated

by the Chairman - what a gent!

Day 4 – Last Day - Sunday 8th May

Morning…. Scotty “splits” the Party……..”All Bar One get to Bayeux”

End Day 1

Early evening 26 COXA tourists stopped chatting and reminiscing for the first time in 12 hours to be allocated

their rooms in a lovely Ibis Hotel in the Centre of Caen. We were on the “Quai Amiral Hamelin” beside the Orne

River. The “ibis Styles Caen Hotel” was a top rate hotel [budget] in a great location near “La Gare”… which was

to play a bigger role in this expedition on Day 4.

The “tourists then broke up into groups and

four or five and walked down the canals to “hit”

the many varied restaurants of Caen Town

Centre… a brilliant first day friends, fun, food

and fascinating conversations [well some!].

Pre-Brexit Passports Control for

EU Passports seems a little drastic

Normandy 2016… continued

Why did the party split -29 to the

Bayeux Tapestry & ONE to

Lisieux ? This story really is too

long to tell, but Scotty promised

to visit the grave of Gerald

O’Leary, who crashed near

Lisieux and who’s family came

along to the last Remembrance

Service at the College to see

Gerald on our Roll of Honour.

Scotty [I], booked an 8.30 train [5 stops...two changes of train] to Lisieux - opposite direction to Bayeux -

with a promise to get back to Bayeux by noon to pick up the coach for the return journey home, message

that if late, coach was to leave without him...Lisieux was no real problem, but no cabs to St Desir

Cemetery .. So the CWGC said graveyard was 3 Kms from the station… so with two hours to my return

train I set off walking [uphill]… no signpost.. No directions but I walked and walked … was attacked by a

dog, blisters on feet - got the grave at 11am - an eight and a half mile walk [nice sunny day too!]. The

graveyard was beautiful and I found Gerald’s grave together with those of the crew of his crashed

aircraft. I didn't take my usual COXA postcard, so I left one of my COXA ties wrapped around Gerald’s

gravestone I’m sure he would have appreciated it! I couldn't walk back in time - so hitch-hiked back -

thanks “Reginold” [more of a hijack really]……. Caught my train and met the others at 11.55 - sorted! I’d

say “no sweat” - but that would have been a lie - I sweated loads! ……………………………….Scotty

These are just a fraction of the hundreds of

photographs of Normandy - see the COXA

Website for more. They hopefully give a

flavour of the trip , the weather, the

fantastic sites Mick & Bina took us to… if

only a few of you out there enjoy these

“snippets” make sure YOUR NAME is there

for the NEXT ONE! [in 2017]!

Photographic Diary of COXA in Normandy 2016

Chairman Dave—on tour

FROM “OUR LEADER” Mick McLoughlin - We visited over eighteen different sites and places .. ...I

dare anyone to list them all!! I also made sure that as with every Normandy trip, we, the Pilgrims, stood on

all five landing beaches ! I promised I would list material that would add to the understanding process

FILMS / TV……..The Longest Day 1962 …...Leslie Philips was in it as well!

Band of Brothers …….unmissable 10 episodes

World at War episode….. ( thanks to Colin and Richard for this one !)

Ike…. Count down to D-Day…. Tom Sellack a bit crap but worth a look

[ALSO - True Grit, The Alamo, The Guns of Navarone, Dud where’s my Car, Ben Hur and Rawhide - Ed]

BOOKS…..D-Day Antony Beevor ……. brilliant!

D-Day Stephen Ambrose

Pegasus Bridge Stephen Ambrose … my bestest book ever!!!

Overlord The Battle for Normandy Max Hastings

D-Day Max Hastings

(what did you do in the War Dad? … Wally Parr ]Scotty’s “sniper” mate)

Back off to Caen next week to open a market stall with my new mates… [putting some “bones” to that story

imagine a 50 foot long coach being parked across a dozen market stall “pitches” in East Street Market…just

prior to the market opening ...and you get a flavour of the abuse Mick absorbed (in French)]

Mick & Bina McLoughlin

Subject: Re: Normandy

Will you be selling Watches or Sunglasses Mick ? We had the best time & learnt so much , you're right Mick

along with the sunshine it was uplifting to be amongst friends , go to pay our respects. I "commandeered "

some sand to take to our Dads tree in South London Crem . Poor Sam is a bit all over the place , same as his

nomadic life . Some of his ashes are sprinkled on Hanky Park, the Etihad stadium centre circle ( previously

on Maine Rd ) & also in the White Garden at South London Crem . I can feel him smiling on us today ,

thanking us for making the journey . I was somewhat disappointed not to find a picture of him in the

museum , however the incident with Scotty Sharon David & my phone was truly a “Dads Army” moment .

I'm worn out today after our four day tour . It was uplifting & unforgettable .

Thank you all so much . Look forward to Berlin [maybe in 2017].

Love Lynn [Leathem] xx

“Snippets” from the Normandy Tour Party

Boys and girls, The first thing I wanted to do today was to thank Mick, Bina, and all our party for four fan-

tastic days in Normandy.

The following thoughts come to mind - I spent years teaching about D Day, but I never had the feel for it

until I walked on the 5 beaches, and Pegasus Bridge etc. Mick and Bina ( and Scotty) provided the right

mixture of historical information and good humour .Normandy looked fantastic in the sunshine.

Hotel, restaurants excellent…...COXA friendship and spirit - brilliant, as ever.

It was History and Remembrance, not militaristic or triumphalist.

Thanks to all, Colin Garvey

———————————————————————————————————————

Mick , Bina, Scotty and All,

There is very little to add other than to say that the trip was a stunning success in every respect that Colin

has already outlined. In reflecting on the trip today, we looked up an old friend Higginson, and by stark

contrast, the enemy too. In our own way we remembered all those who died, whoever they were.

There were many highpoints: Pegasus Bridge, Pointe du Hoc, Coleville Cemetery and museum, Bayeux, St

Mere Eglise . Honfleur was brilliant - shame it was so busy. I can’t think of one disappointment on the

trip.

Star of the tour – Harry Mellor. I’m sure that he was knackered most evenings but if I ever get to 87 years

old I’ll remember Harry’s effort, commitment and determination to contribute to trip, (quickly followed

by Scotty and his mad dash to and from the cemetery in Lisieux to visit Gerald O’Leary)

Congratulation everyone!

I’ll send my pics to Scotty for the website. Cheers, Eddie [O’Brien]

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Subject: Re: Normandy

For all Xaverians who has seen and digested “The Longest Day”. please see if you can recognise some of

the “Hollywood Greats” who made the film such a Box Office hit. Mick McLoughlin made constant

reference to this epic during the trip and we all promised to go home and watch it on our return.. Colin

Garvey [our Historical guru] was the first to confirm “in print” his recollection of the illustrious cast”:-

Colin wrote….”I have checked the film, ' The Longest Day' and can confirm that the cast was as follows” -

King George VI Bernard Breslaw

Queen Elizabeth. Barbara Windsor

President Roosevelt Phil Silvers.

Winston Churchill Charlie Drake.

General Eisenhower Woody Allen

General Montgomery Norman Wisdom.

Erwin Rommel. Frank Beckenbauer

Lord Tedder. Biggles

Bomber Harris. Professor Richard Harris

Adolf Hitler. Charlie Hawtrey

Goering. Eric Pickles

Goebbels. Freddie Frinton …………………………………….Anyone notice anyone else? Colin

PS-Oh - and General de Gaulle was played by Arsene Wenger. Mad Frankie Fraser was played by John Norton.

Mike O'Flynn wrote…. I still maintain Barbara Streisand played a French prostitute.

Wally Parr: was played by Charlie Drake

and Mick McLoughlin: was Bernie Winters When’s and Where’s the next one to Mick?

Photo shoot of Clapham South, Balham and Wandsworth - study these carefully

If only a

handful of

Xaverians

looking at

these

pictures get

the same

feelings as

me their

inclusion is

worthwhile!

The John Nash Photo Collection - circa 1955

The two scenes were taken from the roof of Hollywood House in 1955, a few days after the end of term- - and the end of our stay at Clapham. I was up there with Peter Barry, and we were slightly drunk. Fortunately we didn't fall off. Peter (deceased I believe) went into the army, and I went on to Queen Mary College.

The prize day is probably the one in 1955, with Lord Packenham handing

out the prizes. That's your truly receiving my prize, followed in line

by John Coffey, (unknown), Nicholas Occleppo, and ? O'Neill. John Nash 2016

John Nash, enjoying his retirement in the USA has sent these photos to me -

the “illegal” ones from the roof of Hollywood are unique.

“The Paddock” from the roof of Hollywod

Ascension Church Malwood Road

More of John Nash’s unique photographs

View across to the old Science labs

and playground - now the site of the

main SFX College Building

Bill Blight - “nuff said”!

The two people leaning on the hurdles are yours truly and a guy we called Arch, or Archie, though I don't think that was his real name. We were both in the upper sixth at the time. It was probably Spring 1955.

The man standing outside Hollywood is Mr. William (Bill) Blight mathematics teacher par excellence. He terrorized the younger students, but he was my idol in the sixth form. He taught me more maths than I learned in college doing an engineering degree.

He scared me to death—Scotty

The Ascension Church today - it is in the back-

ground of the picture on the previous page

Main teaching block - still

intact today but is Offices

and the R.E. Dept. Those awful outdoor

toilets and washroom

The sheds near

the Tuck Shop

The Headteacher’s

Assembly Drain-cover

Two games, a wedding and a potential funeral….. To celebrate the nuptials of our beloved Captain, Matt organised a cricket tour to the beautiful county of Devon. None of us knew what to expect but we enthusiastically signed up to a tour of the English Riviera to celebrate a friend’s wedding with the opportunity for some cricket too…. after all what the sound of willow on leather is arguably as evocative as an English Summer as Pimms and booze fuelled street brawl-ing Matt had kindly lined up 3 games with local teams and we were all keen to test our metal against some new opposition. Two games The first game was a tad un orthodox, due to a mix up the host team had booked to play against TWO teams! Perhaps news of the Clapham tardiness had made it to Devon so they booked a backup team just in case we couldn’t field a team in time. Nevertheless, Agent Benedict did a sterling job a negotiating a 3 way match up involving each team bowling eight overs with 8 balls an over. This sounded like a fun proposition and Clapham boys took to with their usual enthusiasm….Clapham made a steady start and were making progress….then it was time for Ramps who lived up to the reputation of his name sake and swung his cobra (his bat) with a venomous ferocity not seen since in many a long year…..he scored a rapid fire 69 runs of 25 balls…including 28 of one over…. to put Clapham in strong position….. He handed the baton over to our bowlers who were able to make short work of a mildly inebriated op-position….so Clapham started the tour with a stonking win….we drank with the opposition, one of whom confessed that they didn’t think we looked all that good when we rocked up to play… Now this is where the story gets a bit strange….maybe it was mist rolling off Dartmoor or maybe the local brew but the first night out in Torquay ended up with the team being a man short…..our demon bowler Steve had not made it home, we only knew that he’d run off into the night. This didn’t cause any concern since Steve being from of the IoW is prone to “episodes”…..we thought he was feeling home sick and could hear the Sirens of the IoW calling across the water….The next morning the Clapham boys gathered as is their way….which is leisurely…however there was still no news of Steve…with an opposition waiting to play we felt we had to go and hope for the best…afterall what could possibly have gone wrong, surely Steve was fine? Game Two….what a view….such a picturesque location with a Church steeple over looking a rather lop sided pitch. This time the game was more orthodox…40 overs…Clapham batted first….and we managed to bat the full 45 overs too…the highlights were 59 from Matt and a jug avoiding 93 from Ollie… We also had the 3 day trippers who travelled down just for the same….Triple A – Azmi, Arbab and Abdullah….all contributed to the manner and spirit in which played on that afternoon…then Triple A drove all the way back to London…what commitment! Over to the opposition, who started solidly and kept up their run rate….Captain Macca decided to change since we still had no Steve.....rather surprisingly I was asked to step and have a bowl…and even more surprisingly, especially for me I managed to keep the ball on the pitch and on the off step most of the time…I’m not sure whether it was the slope, I heard one of the opposition batsmen tell his partner “he’s using the slope, be careful” to which I countered “I’m just trying not to bowl down the leg side or the fact that the opposition had a bar, somehow I managed to take the last 2 wickets and am on a hat trick. A Wedding A wonderful ceremony full of warmth and a bit of mirth and a cloudless day in a jaw droppingly beautiful setting. We were all honoured to witness the marriage of Macca and Mon. The Polish party games were fun and got the crowd going…as well as the free bar…Cue lots of dancing and laughing…..then a sinking realisation that we’re not in Clapham and there isn’t a night bus home….this was most keenly felt by Ollie whose panicked cries still haunt Ramps…We even had Sher Khan present who tore up the down floor late into the night alongside his erstwhile team mates…more sorrowful tale of misfortune, bad luck and sadness you will not hear…,it was like and odyssey…however we were happy to have him back in the fold….although that haunted look he had might stay with him a while…Once again congratulations to Mac and Mon. A wonderful and beautiful couple

COXA CRICKET SECTION—THE SUMMER of 2016

Game 3 News travels fast in Devon….who needs the internet hey….our opposition for the 3rd game pulled out…we reckoned they’d heard all about and didn’t fancy their chances…a nickname was coined as a result…the Clapham Caesars

…a potential funeral You’re probably wondering what happened to Steve right?....No ok, well I’ll update you anyway. After our successful second victory we caught up with a sheepish looking Steve who told us about his night…a more sorrowful tale of misfortune, bad luck and sadness you will not hear…,it was like an odyssey…however we were happy to have him back in the fold….although that haunted look he had might stay with him a while… Once again congratulations to Mac and Mon. A wonderful and beautiful couple.

The Clapham Caesars came, saw and conquered….bring on the next tour! Raja Iqbal

COXA CRICKET TOUR TO DEVON CONTINUED…….

COXA ON TOUR

“Proper” Cricket

Tour Photos

The Clapham Old Xaverians’ Association Annual General Meeting At the Norbury Clubhouse, County Road

Thursday 20th October 2016 at 8:00 p.m.

Apologies for Absence

Minutes of last A G M held October 2015

Matters Arising

Chairman’s Report

Treasurer’s Report

Election of Officers President

Vice Presidents

Chairman

Vice Chairman

Secretary

Treasurer

400 Club

Membership

Editor

Social Secretary

Auditor

Webmaster

Any other Business

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

This AGM will be followed by the AGM of the COXA Sports and Social Club

———————————————————————————————————————————————————--

Clapham Old Xaverians’ Association Sports and Social Club - Annual General Meeting

Apologies for Absence

Minutes of A G M held October 2015

Matters Arising

Chairman’s Report

Treasurer’s Report

Election of Officers Chairman Vice Chairman

Secretary Treasurer

Clubhouse Manager Bar Manager

Membership Sec Social Secretary

Auditor Football Club Sec

Football Club Treasurer Football Club Captain Cricket Club Sec Cricket Club Treasurer Cricket Club Captain

Any other Business

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Clapham Old Xaverians’ Assoc. Held on Thursday 15 October 2015 at 8:00 p.m.

Attendance: C. Garvey, J. Benedict, F. Barretta, B. Morris, E. O’Brien, M. Power, E. Hayter, B. Williams, D. Leathem, B. Sanders, Scotty Macdonald.

Apologies: M. Benedict, A. DeCoursey, M. O’Sullivan.

Minutes and Matters arising: The minutes were agreed as a true record.. See Election of officers below.

Chairman’s Report: D. Leathem reported that that last 12 months were even better than the previous year for the Asso-ciation. He referred to the continued high standard of ‘Concordia’, and how the Association continues to fulfil it aims of social, sporting and religious activities. Among the new activities saw the recent Vice Presidents lunch at the clubhouse organised by Frank Barretta. The chairman also referred to the reunion of the 1968 intake organised by Jan Luba. Our successes and the Association are becoming stronger. We are in a better position from where we were three years ago. C. Garvey added that we have had some great chairman in the past but under the current chairman recent successes of the Centenary Mass, trip to the Somme, decoration of the chapel and Chairman’s lunch have never been surpassed. Colin congratulated David Leathem and his committee on a great year.

Treasurers’ report: Auditor Brendan Williams spoke on the accounts that had been submitted to him for audit. All entries through the bank account were accurate. He reported that COXA didn’t have a bad year. Expenditure on the Chairman’s Lunch appeared to increase by £5,000. Mayfield account needs to be audited a figures not presented. £2,300 spend of the Centenary Mass, £1,000 spend on the Somme trip. Subscriptions income was £3,400. Due to Scotty Macdonald’s hard work. E. O’Brien asked Brendan if he was happy with the level of scrutiny in terms of payments made by the treasurer. He indicated that he would speak to Mick O’Sullivan on the matter. D. Leathem suggested that a protocol should be in place.

Election of Officers

Brother Philip Revell, the last British Xaverian brother, was in England and had attended the Mayfield College old boys’ reunion. E. O’Brien will write to Brother Philip to ask him to become our new president.

President: vacant

Vice Presidents: A. Amura, Mrs S. Flannery, C. Garvey, E. Hayter, H. Mellor, J. McGuire, Anthony Morrish, E. O’Brien, C. Pocock, M. Powell, M. Power, B. Sanders, E. Tope, A. Webber and B. Williams. It was proposed by E. Hayter and sec-onded by C. Garvey that Alec Morrish should be added to the list of vice presidents. It was also proposed by M. Power and Seconded by E. Hayter that Scotty Macdonald should also be added to the list of vice presidents.

A vote as taken of all current vice presidents and two new vice presidents were elected enbloc - nem con.

Post Officer Proposed Seconded

Chairman David Leathem C. Garvey S. Macdonald

Vice Chairman Colin Garvey D. Leathem E. O’Brien

Secretary Eddie O’Brien D. Leathem B. Sanders

Treasurer Mick O’Sullivan F. Barretta D. Leathem

400 Club Secretary Colin Garvey E. O’Brien B. Williams

Membership Sec Scotty Macdonald D. Leathem M. Power

Ass. Editor Scotty Macdonald C. Garvey D. Leathem

Social Secretary David Leathem C. Garvey S. Macdonald

Web Master Frank Barretta M. Power E. Hayter

Auditor Brendan Williams D. Leathem C. Garvey

A.O.B.: F. Barretta stated that profit from the recent VP lunch should be credited to the Sports and Social club.

S. Macdonald that the attendance of Cecil Pocock to the mass would be impossible due to his medical condition.

S. Macdonald wanted to see the Association maintain it newly established links with Mayfield College old boys.

E. O’Brien stated that an annual account of expenditure should be reported to Brother Peter Campbell in USA.

S. Macdonald reported a Normandy trip with Mick McLoughlin is in the planning for some time next year.

Annual General Meeting of the Clapham Old Xaverians’ Association Sports and Social Club

Held on Thursday 15 October 2015 at 8:00 p.m.

In attendance: C. Garvey, J. Benedict, F. Barretta, B, Morris, E. O’Brien, M. Power, D. Leathem and B. Williams, Scotty.

Apologies: M. Benedict, A. DeCoursey, M. O’Sullivan.

Minutes and Matters arising: The minutes were agreed as a true record. There were no matters arising.

Chairman’s Report: David Leathem reported how delighted he was in the turn around of events in the Sports and Social Club. He felt that the sporting sections were on its last legs but he was wrong! The Club is now thriving and running well. He commended Brendan Williams ‘ insistence the football section must not crumble and we are all very grateful. We must have high hopes for the future.

Treasurer’s Report: B. Williams reported the S&SC’s account shows a deficit of £11,500. There are a number of reasons for this figure. The accounts do not reflect the true financial position form 2014/15. There were football monies paid in, after the end of last season. Probably in the region of £4,000.

There is a large debt still outstanding from last year’s 3rd XI captain. This debt needs to be addressed one way or another. A letter needs to be composed and set to last year’s 3rd XI captain, especially as this individual appears to be still playing for the club. S. Macdonald asked if C. McLoughlin should deal with this matter Last year saw exceptional expenditure not included in the accounts and this level of expenditure isn’t sustainable. Controls need to be put in place – Discretionary and non Discretionary. Monies should be paid with a sense of running within our means. Cash is very low. Both the Association and the Sports and Social Club need to manage cash flow. All transactions are accurate as reported but the treasurer must exercise fiscal constraint. Concern was raise at the low level of bungalow rent. The practice of just netting the rent is no longer appropriate. All payment need to be grossed so that we know exactly what all the relevant deductions are. How much is the deduction for Sky and BT? Greater clarity is required. The Bar made a profit of £2,500. For the current fiscal year financial restraint needs to be exercised and the issue of last year’s 3rd XI match fees resolved.

Clubhouse: J. Benedict reported that clubhouse facilities met all current legislation. There were no outstanding issues. The bungalow requires a fire alarm and monoxide detector.

Election of Officers:

See COXA AGM

Post Officer Proposed Seconded

Clubhouse Mgr Joe Benedict D. Leathem F. Barretta

Bar Manager Mick Power J. Benedict C. Garvey

Election of Football Section officers were adopted the footballer’s EGM. Cricket Section officers

will be advised pending their own AGM.

Any other Business: C. Garvey reported that the Vets are having problems in fielding a side. Next match is in Beckenham. 67 year old John Garvey, from Canada, is playing in the match. Football Tour to the West Country will be scheduled for mid term in February. A vote of thanks for the sterling work of Chris McLoughlin in the football section was proposed by David Leathem and seconded by E. O’Brien. Unanimously supported.

The Meeting closed at 9:40 p.m.

Concordia has gone to the printer a week later that we wanted to…. There has been little

time to inform the Membership of the AGM in good time… but please if you can make an

effort to get to Norbury on Thursday 20th October from 8pm onwards, your attendance

would be most appreciated.

COXA & COXASS AGMs

Thursday 20th October

Norbury Clubhouse

8pm sharp

The Somme 2016 - 100th Anniversary

On July 1st 2016 the start of the Battle of the Somme was again commemorated, not as a glorious or

victorious day for the Armies of Britain and the Commonwealth, but out of respect for the hundreds of

thousands who gave their lives for a few miles of marshland around the River Somme in North Eastern

France. What was supposed to be an offensive “push” along a 15 mile Front became one of the bloodiest

and most tragic battles of all time. This was evident from “Day One” when over half of the 120,000

troops involved on the assault became casualties.

From that first day in July and the formal trench warfare which evolved until mid-November 1916 , when

a halt to the fighting too place around the Somme. Britain and it’s Commonwealth had suffered almost

420,000 casualties, 125,000 of them dead. The French to the south had lost more than 200,000. In places

the line had been pushed forward 11 to 13 km; elsewhere it had not moved at all, from it’s initial

objective at the start of the offensive.

To reflect the sheer futility of the Battle of the Somme, in terms of gaining territory from “the enemy”, a

few months later, in the spring of 1917, the Germans made a strategic withdrawal to the heavily fortified

Hindenburg Line giving up an area more than ten times greater than that hard won by the Allies the

previous summer, an area that had cost the Germans an estimated 600,000 men to defend.

So, why in a publication, so often filled with photos of social and sporting events, with anecdotes of

halcyon days, are you getting a History Lesson on a 100-year-old Battle? Well, as you know, we are a

Catholic Association, something your Committee and Members are very proud of . Boys from Clapham,

College Catholic Grammar School, rushed to “join up” and fight for the freedom of this Land, which we

often take too much for granted. 120 gave their lives in the Two Great Wars, the majority in WWI.

Dozens of lads fought at the Somme, some gave their lives, others became casualties, quickly forgotten.

At the Somme we remember EIGHT XAVERIANS who never had the chance to become “Old Boys” and

enjoy the friendship, the social events sporting activities, alcohol, good food and great fun, which all of

us have enjoyed . Their family life was often as a “son” rather than “husband, or father”, as the age

range, which tends to cluster in the 19 to 23 groups, testify. The

Thiepval Memorial, Two years ago a group of Xaverians visited the Somme and paid our respects

to Old Xaverians who died there. At the Thiepval Memorial, the largest memorial built by the Common-

wealth War Graves Commission, more than 72,000 men who died in the Somme sector up to 23 March

1918, more than 90% of them from the 1916 Battle, are commemorated. This is a memorial to the war

dead who did not have a marked grave. The battlefield itself was dotted with hundreds of tiny cemeter-

ies where men had been hastily buried by their comrades where they fell. But the nature of much of the

1916 battle – constant attacks and counter-attacks, little or no forward movement – left thousands

dead in No Man’s Land. Their bodies could not be recovered while the fighting continued and the cease-

less pounding of artillery meant many were lost for good. The names of the thousands of dead from the

Battle whose bodies were not recovered or identified, were inscribed on memorials to the missing,

COXA’s “Magnificent Seven” at Thiepval

Those Clapham Old Xaverians commemorated all over the world for their sacrifices for us, as also

remembered each year at our Remembrance Day Service in the Chapel. In the past few years there has

been a resurgence of interest in this event, with the anniversaries of the two World Wars, and our

numbers have swelled to congregations of over a hundred, with voices that would make “Gobo” Smith

proud, as we sang loudly [and with a degree of harmony] in a way that our teachers of old would never

have imagined. Those of us who remember a couple of dozen freezing “souls” huddled in a cold Chapel

are astounded as to where we are today.

We are hoping that Remembrance Sunday 2016 [11pm - 13th November ] in the College Chapel will be

another fitting - please make a “three line whip” note in your

diary. [HOPEFULLY Archbishop Peter Smith has!]

Memorable images of COXA at Thiepval - 2016

COXA at the Somme - a year ago

Remembrance Sunday - and The Somme … & The Archbishop…...continued

We are of course talking Clapham College and Clapham Old Xaverians…. So nothing is 100% neat, tidy

and concise. We happily nickname our seven fallen school chums at the Somme “The Magnificent

Seven”.. But then came along the O’Leary family from Ireland last year, a visit to the Holy Ghost Balham,

the “discovery” of the WWI memorial plaque at the back of the church… further research .. another

dozen, previously “uncatalogued” Xaverians from WWI and another name at Thiepval - namely Walter

Sydney John Stevens.

Walter lived at number 7 Clapham Mansions [the building to the right at the front of the College [no days

“bunking off” for him!]. He was born on 13th June 1885 and joined Clapham College as a 16-year-old in

1901. He joined the “Loyal” North Lancashire Regiment, 11th Battalion, and was promoted to an Officer

[2nd Lieutenant]. Walter was “Killed in Action” on 7th July 1916, on that tragic first week at the battle for

the Somme. He too is commemorated at Thiepval, as he was another of the unrecovered fallen from

those first few weeks on the Somme [as were all the COXA Lads]. I doubt whether they knew this, but

four of our Thiepval eight were at the College together, at the same time, who could have imagined how

their futures would pan out, how their lives would have been remembered, for what - and where! So as

recognition of Walter finally joining his classmates from Clapham, and being honoured by this

Association, I visited his grave this summer, said a prayer and left a memento from the Xaverians -

[whether Walter would have appreciated the COXA “bow-tie” we shall never know….] but it is all that I

had with me on my family holiday to Italy… just why I had it, is another totally different tale! Hopefully as

a Clapham Old Xaverian, Walter would have seen the “funny side”- RIP Walter ………………………….Scotty

Archbishop Peter Smith was born in Battersea on 21st October 1943. He completed his secondary education at Clapham College and gained his degree (LLB) from Exeter University in 1966. He studied for the priesthood at St John's Seminary, Wonersh, and was ordained Priest on 5th July 1972. He was appointed as Bishop of East Anglia in 1995 and Archbishop of Cardiff in 2001. On 30th April 2010, the Holy Father announced that he would succeed Archbishop Kevin McDonald as the tenth Archbishop of Southwark. Archbishop Peter is Vice-President of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales. Since 1998, he has been Chairman of the Department of Christian Responsibility and Citizenship. His previous responsibilities have been as Chairman of the Catholic Truth Society (1993 - 2007) and Chairman of the Central Religious Advisory Committee (CRAC) of the BBC and ITC (2001 - 2004).He was appointed Sub-Prelate and Chaplain of the Order of St John of Jerusalem in 2002. He has been awarded Honorary Fellowships at St Edmund's College Cambridge (1997), the University of Wales, Lampeter (2004) & Cardiff University (2006).

A packed Chapel again please to welcome ”our”

Archbishop [Peter] on Sunday 13th November …….

Peter was at Clapham from 1955 to 1961 - he got a prize for

“Best Effort” in the 3rd Year & the English Prize in his 5th Year

in 1960 …. bet those two are ferreted away in a safe place!

Map of some of

the 50-plus WW1

Cemeteries

around Albert on

the Somme.

Soldiers crossing

a flooded

shell-hole.

The huge Thiepval

Memorial, resting

place of COXA’s

“Magnificent 7”.

1916 - 2016

The hundredth anniversary of

the Battle of the Somme [July 1st 1916]………………………..

The Remembrance Service will take place in the

College Chapel as usual at 11 o’clock on

Sunday 13th November. Arrive early - we are

expecting a larger congregation than usual, as

Archbishop Peter Smith [Clapham Old Xaverian]

will be celebrating the Mass. The Requiem Mass

will be specifically for the War Dead, but will in

this special year, focus on the Somme; and of

course we will remember recently departed Old

Xaverians.

Remembrance Mass - Sunday 13th November 2016

Mayfield Revisited - COXA Picnic [now buffet] Sept 2016

Losing 1-7 v Thorntonians with nine men on a cold January day at Rose Hill makes one feel is it all that

being a Xaverian? However, when the Chairman invites you to a buffet in the old Chapel at Mayfield,

now converted into a beautiful home, one is so, so ,glad that your parents decided on Clapham College!

The old College building at

Mayfield was converted

into eight luxury apart-

ments, with views over the

Weald. Long ago it changed

from a boarding school, to

private school and now to

housing. The classrooms

and dormitories are now

beautiful homes within a

historic “mantle”.

Three years ago Wilson

Homes had sold all the

apartments and the new

housing to the north of the

site. But they were having

difficulties selling the

converted Chapel. Who

would buy a two-bed

ex-chapel with a Xaverian

interior? Step up COXA

Chairman [nee Mad Boy]

David Leathem, and a piece

of Xaverian history is “back

in the fold”…… It’s great!

Mayfield looking south from the Chapel towards the old cricket field.

The cricket pavilion was demolished and replaced by the white building,

it’s used as a gym. The original Mayfield picnic took place in the distance

we parked our cars in front of trees [and waited for the HORSE!].

Mayfield Revisited - continued

Colin in the Brothers’

Cemetery, Dunstan,

Ambrose... et al!

David [and family] provided a fabulous spread for a small

band of Xaverians [Benedict's, Bren Williams & , Scotty &

Colin Garvey] and friends . A visit to the graves and walk

around the grounds:as well as a wonderful company in the

old Chapel, was a lovely reminder of the “good ole days” of

the Mayfield Picnic. Thanks Chairman - until the next one!

Personalia - Old Boys Jottings

I was in the Nightingale last week for a reunion of blokes connected by school and footie. Anyone with connections

to St Anselms , St Boniface and Salesians may remember Des O’Flynn , Paul Higgins and Maurice Blade.

Also there was Declan Squizzoni who was at Clapham from about 1976.Mind you he told me he wasn’t there long

because Cecil expelled him when he was 14 !!! Cecil also told him that he would make nothing of his life , so Declan

was happy to show me a waistline the product of fine food and ale and tell me also about the two houses he owns

and a smart car !!! Maybe Cecil’s comments inspired him to succeed . …… Piggy McGowan

———————————————————————————————————————————————————

Here is a list of the most recent COXA 400 Club Win-ners! ...Don't forget there is a £1000 Jackpot drawn the Chairman's Lunch - January 2017.

PREVIOUS WINNERS

July 2016 Mick O'Sullivan £100 June 2016 Alex MacPherson £100 May 2016 Frank Ryan £100 April 2016 Pete Keenan £100 Mar 2016 Paul West £100 Febr 2016 Philip Schwenk £100 Jan 2016 David Leathem £1000

For many years the 400 Club has been an important fund raising activity for the Association and we are now looking to increase the membership.

There are eleven monthly prizes of £100.00 and an annual prize, drawn at The Chairman’s Lunch in Janu-ary of £1000.00. Now that’s got to be worth a punt.

If you haven’t already done so, please sign up and join the 400 Club, firstly to help the Association and secondly to give yourself a chance of winning some money. It might be the case that you already have a monthly ticket taken out in nineteen hundred and frozen to death, well how about taking out another!

Each monthly ticket cost as little as £1 (£12 per year minimum entry), so consider perhaps £2, £3 or £5 per month (it’s only the price of a pint!). A number of current members do have multiple entries.

So, please download the ‘400 Club Standing Order’ document below (returning it to your Bank once com-pleted) or alternatively why not set up an electronic monthly transfer to: Clapham Old Xaverians Associa-tion, Santander, Account Number. 83056903, Sort Code. 090155

PLEASE NOTE: Whichever method you choose for payment, please email Colin Garvey with the confirma-

tion details of your entry: '[email protected]' – Don’t Forget. COLIN GARVEY

No not Edgar Davids..... Last seasons 1st XI COXA right back, Jason Kearns, has moved to Dubai and signed for a local team that Edgar Davids— the old Dutch International plays for

COXA FOOTBALL SECTION [new season - 2016]

THE CLUB CAPTAIN speaks…..Hi guys

Thanks for all of you that attended our pre-season inter-club friendlies. It was good to see each XI with

decent turnouts, and a vast majority of you sticking around for beers and Pizza in the club house. There

was also a few that stuck round to watch the 1st XI game.

A lot of positive performances on the day in the inter-club games, but a few notable performances...

James Harris was the stand out player for the 2s in the middle, with Jacob Brown putting in a decent shift

for the 4s. The 1st XI who had a number of players missing, showing some rustiness getting beaten 1-6

against Old Suttonians 1st XI of the Premier Division.

This week sees the 3rd XI with a pre-season friendly at the club, so if you're not involved in the game, feel

free to drop down and watch them in action.

Your captains will be in touch regarding the ongoing pre-season fixtures, before the league kicks off in

September. If you fancy training at the club on Saturday, speak with your captains. We deliberately didn't

schedule anything due to the bank holiday weekend, but if the numbers are there, there's nothing stop-

ping a training session going ahead at the club before the 3s game. Remember: Captains will be collecting

your annuals over the coming weeks, so please ensure you turn up with your subs money and your

annuals. …..Cheers guys Macca

September 2016 - the footie new season has started, almost the full sweep of wins Evening chaps. It was almost the full sweep of wins across the Club today, with the 4XI and the 1st XI absolutely drubbing their opponents. The 1st XI won 7-1 as did the 4th XI. The 2nd XI won 4-2, the vets Won 3-2. The 3rd XI unfortunately couldn't make it a clean sweep, losing 1-0 to Old Suttonians. Old Sutts have become somewhat of a thorn in our side of late, we can't seem to beat them! In other news, I'd like to extend my congratulations on behalf of the club to 1st XI skipper Reece Davis on the birth of his 2nd child. His better half gave birth to a little Boy - Theo, on Friday. What is even more impressive, is that Reece still turned out to play for the 1XI on Saturday! Congrats Reece, and well done in clearly owning the trousers in your relationship! Please see attached this Saturdays' fixture list and below a match report from the in form 4th XI. The dazzling new kit obviously working wonders on its debut!.........................Cheers guys Macca

Pen Pictures of COXA 1st XI

Matthew Benedict aka Matty B…...Position – Side lines/ At the bar

Bio – Many people’s favourite for the Manager of the Year award, with his guidance in almost securing a

second placed finished, despite a number of injuries. Superb man-management skills. Has a history of breed-

ing youth in to the squad. Loves oddly named beers, lagers and ales. Confesses his love to the

squad every Sat night at curfew time – 22:00. Owner of the quote of the season, “Why’s he called

Lox?” Strengths – Dry January, super subs, slipping off on a night out to meet his curfew time,

sweet talking. Areas of improvement – Attire.

Mike Williams aka Flappy MGee…..Position – Keeper…...Fantasy Points – 76

Bio – A superb addition to the squad, potentially the signing of the season. Brave and

surprisingly agile for such a big lump. Kicks like your Nan. Commands his box. Brilliant

commentary and insult throwing throughout games. Made an unforgettable save v Tenisonians

clawing ball from behind him from a point blank header. Played with broken ribs. Windows are

cleaner than his sheets. Strengths – Facebook , love affair [Blackman], shot stopping, agility, cleaning

windows. Areas of improvement – Drying kit, kicking.

Jason Kearins aka The Kearn aka Kearn Dog aka The Rage Position – RB Fantasy Points – 77

Bio – Fully committed defender who simply loves the game. Consistent performer who has

been a rock at the back. Best looking player in the league. Chipped in with a few cheeky goals

and assists. Coped well with a shift in positions despite a few tears. Fans call him the Irish

Cafu. Has never made a mistake. Plays with a gum shield. Extremely limited flexibility. Knee

scratching is a major issue. Swears every header. Versatile as he can also play CB and CM. Claims to be scared

of nothing, yet is absolutely petrified of moose’s. Will be sorely missed next season as he transfers to Pretty

Boy FC in the Dubai Premier League. Strengths – Ariel dominance, intimidating the opposition, teeth, good

looks, shower exfoliator. Areas of improvement – None! He’s simply perfect in every way!

Oliver Blackman aka Ollie Position – Centre Forward Back Fantasy Points – 102

Bio – A highly talented defender who plays with ultimate commitment. A massive player for the

1s and a leader on the pitch. Has everything to his game. Current world record holder for the

longest hoof. Scored a remarkable 7 goals. Enjoyed a number of moose votes. Loves a yellow

and your sister. Was a CF in his previous life. Selected to play in the league rep side. Famously

scored from his own half at Norbury last season. Rumoured to have once taken a corner and

headed it in himself. Strengths – Heading ability, clearing his lines, back chat, 2 footed, goal threat, free kicks,

penalties, calves, love affair with Flappy, goal kicks.

Areas of improvement – more tinder date reports, positioning, car.

Harry Wakeford aka H aka H Widdy Position – CB Fantasy Points – 46

Bio – A late addition to the squad after Reece finally managed to prize him away from

Walton Heath. Ultra-consistent, does the basics well, strong in the air. A ball playing CB.

Scored 2 in his first 2 games. Recently played through the pain of a torn rectus femoris.

Covers ground surprisingly well with his Bambi style gallop and strides. His car is almost as impressive as

his tape collection. Strengths – Paying his £20 subs (loves a yellow), calmness, positioning, tackling, pro-

viding the team with tape. Areas of improvement – speed (in and out of his German whip), bookings.

Football 1st XI Pen Pictures 2016 - continued

Chris McLoughlin aka Macca Position – RB Fantasy Points – 9

Bio – Club captain. A true clubman who has been missed most of the season. Has taken a

premature semi- retirement. Put in some solid displays during the first few games of the

season. Fully committed and loves a challenge. Always gets stuck-in and added some

valuable experience to the team. His Iniesta-esk assist from last season still lives on in the

memory of many. Strengths – Emails, organisation, tackling, making cute kids that look just

like him. Areas of improvement – Hair growth.

Reece Davis aka Marv Position – LB Fantasy Points – 68

Bio – Captain. Quick and agile with a magical left foot. Poppadum feet (boke

both of his feet this season). Has a great relationship with lactic acid and cramp.

Strengths – deliveries, pings, versatility, washing the kit, scouting, loan deals and pulling power in

the transfer market Areas of improvement – Right foot, endurance, shite twiglet legs

Ian Holland aka The Irish One aka P Dog Position– CM Fantasy Points – 87

Bio – Midfield maestro. Not as pleasing on the eye as some of his midfield partners but is

always efficient, effective and energetic. A great engine in the middle of the park. Has been

a stand out performer for most of the season. Consistent and reliable, which is even more

impressive given that the only time he talks is to question the ref’s decision on the foul he’s

just conceded. Most fouls in the league. Adapted well playing with 8 different CM partners.

Suffers from sun burn in 6 degrees of sunshine. Contributed with some important goals and 6 assists. Votes

Kearnsy ‘Moose’ every week for bants. Strengths – report writing, picking up man of the match votes, break-

ing up play, ball retention, interceptions. Areas of improvement – communication, conceding fouls, skin tone.

Joseph Baines aka JJ Position – Winger Fantasy Points – 76

Bio – Creative, tricky and direct. Always a threat with 2 good feet. Given many full

backs nightmares this season. Scored 2 crucial winners away v Glyn and Reigate.

Enjoyed a decent debut season. Sets himself high standards and will be expecting to

improve on his tally of 4 goals and 4 assists. Best warmer upper in the squad.

Suffers from Ihavetogooutonafridayitus. Strengths – Loyalty to Ray, beating players,

goal threat, performing after a boozy night. Areas of improvement – Waiting for Ray

The football section is alive and kicking and a million miles from where they were a year ago.

Information flow, and an active committee has breathed life into the Football Club: the

banter and togetherness is clear... Success is coming and the pen-pictures are a throw-back

to a bygone eras [ten pen-pics to follow in the next Concordia, ran out of space] Editor.

Hi Scotty, I e-mailed this to someone ages ago but I don't know if it was ever passed on to you. I was at Clapham College from Sept 1966 to 1973 and I guess because we heard the register every day it stuck in my brain. Ashenden, Christopher Brady, Paul Bravo, Guissepe Burke, Pat Carrol, Nicky

Casimar Bounevialle DFC

Curran,Noel

Curtis Dean, Michael

Dobing, John Fletcher, Patrick Flood, Aidan Hirsch Hollyer, Paul Howick, Les Jones, Trevor Kennedy, Anthony McCabe, Adrian McColgan McDermot Maloney, Patrick O'Brien, Michael O'Connor, Eugene O'Dea, Michael O'Sullivan [Rajah] Smallcombe, John Williams, John Some of the spellings might be wrong and I can't remember all the first names but hope it's useful. Regards, Aidan Flood

SORRY ABOUT THE FORMAT OF THE LIST—I COULDN’T EDID PROPERLY

Subject: Clapham College Alumni on Wikipedia -Patrick McDermott RIP June 2016

- I found this recent letter from Patrick to Eddie [in the vaults]

Dear Eddie

The other day, having inserted the entry for Sir Michael Wilshaw some while ago into the Notable

Alumni, I noticed that the 'Sir' had been omitted. I tried (somewhat clumsily) to re-insert it but

the Webmaster has again removed it. Not sure why. Indeed we have Old Xaverians, who in my opinion,

are worthy alumni. From memory there are decorated solders from both WW1 and WW2 and others for

inclusion. I'll copy Scotty Macdonald, our archivist, into this email. Between us we can supply a further

list. I started at Clapham College in 1953 and ended up in the diplomatic service- Berlin etc. After my

retirement retired I became Finance Director / Bursar of Ampleforth Catholic College, Yorkshire.

Patrick McDermott’s final letter to the Association…. ………………………...Scotty

MORE PERSONALIA—CONTINUED ……………….

For anybody interested ….. I bumped into John Boyd from my Year at Clapham [1963] in West Wickham

High Street recently, he was buying sandals and I was buying some stamps from the Post Office and

some budgie food. How those “hell raising days” of the 1970s have left us far, far behind……… Scotty

Personalia used to be filled full of rubbish like my John Boyd encounter -

if it’s COXA-related please sent it in!

Don’t understand why this was in the “London

Gazette” - it is a Public Notice from H.M. Land

Registry in September 1970 - it lists Clapham

College and the Ground in County Lane

Norbury. The application is from a group of

four Catholic clergy. Why, what for why 1970?

Lots of questions … answers out there? I never need an excuse to put in a photo of Eamonn, he

was so photogenic - pity about Mick & Eddie though! The “excuse” was Danielle Taggart, Ea-

monn’s daughter who was hit by a 4ft pane

of glass, which fell from a window in a flat

being renovated in Battersea.

Danielle Taggart, 25, was hit by a 4ft pane of glass in Wandsworth, London- She had gone into a shop to charge her phone when it fell 20ft from window 15 people came to aid and she was taken to hospital for blood transfusion - Miss Taggart thanked them, including off-duty nurse who stemmed bleeding Miss Taggart, now recovering at her parents' home in Croy-don, kept falling unconscious as doctors removed shards of glass from her head in A&E. She said that doctors and nurses kept asking her if she had been in a car or bike accident. Miss Taggart was off work for two weeks and is now consid-ering taking legal action against the owners of the property from which the window fell. She is still 'shaky' after the transfusion, and is having to sleep every three hours, but said it could have been much worse if the glass had fallen on someone elderly and frail. The Health and Safety Executive is investigating last Thursday's accident, and the windows have since been covered with netting and scaffolding.

This article was in the Daily Mail….

Personalia- Continued………………………………...

Eddie was in touch to inform the Association that Peter died on the morning of 15th September, at St Helier Hospital.( He was 96 years old) Peter attended Clapham from 1931 to 1936.

Scotty I just wanted to let those who couldn't make it know that the Class of '54 had a great turnout on June 8th at the Falcon. Fifteen of us were there including special guest star Joe Gmaj, who I hadn't seen since circa 1964! I'm pleased to say that the Falcon's kitchen was once again functioning, fuelling a lively but never acrimonious discussion on the merits of Remaining or Leaving. At least we don't have to go through that again.....or do we? Those present: Terry Cain, Rich Clark, Tony Cleather, Lorcan Farrelly, Col Garvey, Tony Gilford, Joe Gmaj, David Harrison, Peter Keenan, Alec Morrish, Mike Piesse, John Quirk, Phil Roderick-Jones, Ben Schwenk and myself.

Letter - Ted Corrigan to Cecil Saturday, 11 June 2016

Dear Cecil

I think your Birthday is sometime in June, so I am writing to wish you a happy birthday.

Hopefully you will remember me Ted (Edward) Corrigan, School Cricket Captain and student of British Constitution in the Lower Sixth – came in about September 1960 and left in 1967 and you used to pick me up in your A40 from Wimbledon and take me to cricket at Norbury, in those days we used to have striped blazers for cricket. I also have fond memories of two trips to the Houses of Parliament courtesy of an MP who was an old boy Nick Scott, I think and our lessons on the lawn in front of Hollywood during the summer months. I am of course greatly indebted to you for taking me to the pub at the top of Balham Hill, for a quarter of a pint and giving me a taste for beer that lasted up to now. I still remember Brother Dunstan growing his tobacco in the green houses and the cricket practice in the nets behind the school – other teachers that come to mind during my are Bill Kidd – Chemistry, Brother Christopher – Geography, Brother Ambrose – Latin, Bill Blight – Maths, Fat Nat – Physics, Mr Cummings – Geography, Brother Peter – Headmaster, Brian Saunders / Brother Hugh – French, Bill Gibb – English, Tom Marshall – PT, Mr Begley – English and Italian, and a Maths Teacher with a big bushy beard who always opened the window, Eric Tope – Maths.I also seem to remember a camping trip to Mayfield and unauthorised visit(s) to the pub in the village during night time hoursI am now in partial retirement and have three children and four grand-children but am eternally grateful for the wide education and experiences given to me at Clapham College, the final event I remember was the Brothers leaving the college and a dinner which was held in The Connaught rooms I think and I was pounced upon by Brother Peter to make a speech with about 30 minutes’ notice explaining how the brothers had changed during my period at school (allowing discos for example)! With fond memories and best wishes…..Ted

Peter Raymond Kelleher 1920-2016

Frank Shields RIP

More sad news - even though a Salesian Frank had a real affection for COXA

He was a Salesian who worked at St Thomas's as a Sociology teacher..later moving to SFX..he was a goalkeeper for their 5th XI—knew Scotty’s brother “Tough S..t” - and was a really cheerful character he’ll be sorely missed.

Letter [and cash] from Frank

Hixson [Canterbury] [1963]

Eddie and Scotty attended

Peter’s Funeral Mass in Sutton

on the 5th October. Concordia

was “going to press” on the day

after the funeral so there will

be a fuller account of Peter’s

life in the next Edition.

+++May he Rest in Peace+++

There are some tears being shed for Peter Bonthrone. He was a kind and charming bloke who was much loved by me, my wife Sophie and our 4 boys who saw him as their Palace "uncle". Pete lived in my road and we first met many years ago in the County Arms on Trinity Road. We were the only Palace fans in the area and had a common bond from the start. We formed a quiz team called the "Selhurst Parkers" which always did very well thanks to his amazing knowledge and memory. A few years ago we moved to The Roundhouse near Clapham Junction in search of better beer and must have spent many hundreds of Monday nights together. Pete was the most dedicated Palace fan ever. He was born and brought up in Streatham in the 1930's but his introduction to CPFC was delayed by the Second World War. His first game was in 1946. Once he had done his National Service in the 1950's he had a proud record of never having missed a home game ever until ill health stopped him from attending at the start of this season. Pete never missed away games either. I think his record was pretty much 100% home and away from the 1960's to 2015. Nobody can beat that and they probably never will. He went on overseas tours with Hoover, Chris Plummer, Sue and Neil and he often went to friend-lies and youth games. Many is the time that I drove him down to Tooting to watch the Under 21's, stop-ping for a swift pint on the way home. As it became difficult for him to stand, we used to sneak him in to the Directors Box at many away games, especially up North. I remember a night game at Sunderland where it was just me, Steve, Phil and our mate Dean in their boardroom and getting him back to Gatwick on the plane with the players. Pete was an unassuming guy who never wanted any fuss. When he became ill I used to take him programmes but he said not to bother as he had a whole room-full of them already! RIP Pete, we will miss you terribly. Steve, Sophie, Ben, Sam, Jack and Ollie. xxx

Patrick McDermott RIP - June 2016 - unfortunately Patrick

passed away in June, following the after effects of meningitis.

Colin has been in touch with John [Patrick’s brother, who lives

in France and who was in Colin’s class at the College]. He

confirmed that Patrick had passed away. Patrick was on our

Concordia mailing list and had exchanged emails over the

years about his time at Clapham. He was very keen to update

the “Alumni Section” on Clapham College on Wikipedia. He

was concerned that a large number of “notable” Xaverians

were “missing” from the list. He spend a great deal of time

going through the complex process of adding names of COXs

who had made outstanding contributions to Art, Science and

Sports and others who had been honoured for their services to

the country. Unfortunately Wikipedia has changed it’s policy

and unless the was a section/article on the individual

“elsewhere” in the Encyclopaedia their names were removed.

Patrick was upset by this and campaigned to have the names

reinstated. Our COXA Records have Patrick at the College in

the 1960s, he was in the “As” and Canterbury - [a footballer

for the Old Boys] and going onto Imperial College. He went

onto do very well in the Civil Service, before becoming the

Bursar at Ampleforth Catholic College in the North West.

Some really sad news has just reached

our ears, our dear mate Pete sadly

passed away earlier today. I'm sure a

good number of you will recognise him

from the Main Stand and away games -

he was a regular for many decades. He

regularly read the BBS but only posted

once AFAIK as michaelcaineontour.

Pete was a massive fan, saw his first

game in 1946 and a veteran of so many

pre-season tours including the last 3 in

the US, where we got to know him well.

There's so many pictures in the gallery

of him enjoying these trips.

Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be

letting me add the one at the moment.

A good mate to all who knew him,

including Steve Browett, with whom he

was part of a pretty formidable quiz

team in Wandsworth.

Clapham Old Xaverians - recently deceased - gone, but not forgotten

Peter Bonthrone 1936 to 2016

[Peter was at Clapham College in the late 1940s]

1898 Fokker, Alphonse

19.07.1882

10, Rue Molitor, Paris

1899who the Chapel,is on

the College Roll of Hon-

our in

Clapham College Boarders in World War I

Private Paul Artise Boillat

If anyone actually reads the reams and reams of Concordias I’ve dedicated to WWI and WWII they would

have seen that Clapham stopped taking borders between the Wars, there was not enough income to be

made from the small numbers given the costs. In a “piece” on WWI I managed to trace almost 50% of the

Clapham Boys who could have joined the Armed Forces, and did. Of these few hundred young men 70

died in action [that I know of] - almost a fifth of those I traced. At the time I found that possibly 350 of

the hundreds that went though Clapham, who were of “conscription age”, were boarders, mainly from

Europe…...although there were some wealthy Britons and South Americans. I had dismissed their

contribution to the War Effort, as most returned to the countries of their birth when War broke out. Yet

in recent months I have “unearthed”… [wrong word probably] a group of a dozen, mainly French, Dutch

and Belgians, who returned home to their motherlands and took up arms against the Common Enemy -

Germany. Many of these ex-Clapham boarders come from influential and wealthy families and entered

the War as officers. The records I have are of no great detail, but I found a little information on Alphonse

Fockeu [a Frenchman] he was born on 19th July 1892 and was a boarder at Clapham College at the age of

SEVEN YEARS OLD. Alphonse was born and spent his early years in the family home in the Rue Molotor,

Paris. The building still stands [below], about 1 km from the Eifel Tower, [on the banks of the River Seine].

How did he ever end up in Clapham

[aged seven]? His home is now the

ESPC Academy, part of the

Sorbonne. Alphonse was at the

College in 1899, the year after it

opened. “Alf” fought in the French

Army and was “killed by the enemy”

on 17th August 1917 [in Ypres,

Flanders]; and was laid to rest there

[in the company of many of his

Clapham College friends].

He was only 25 years old.

Another great day! Good golf, fine weather and time well spent with friends.

Congratulations to Paul Smith on winning the 'Stan Miller Memorial Trophy' at this years COXA Golf Day and well done to John Flynn who won the 'Eamonn Taggart - Nearest The Pin Trophy'

I was delighted that with all the support I received a donation in the name of Clapham Old Xaverians, of £300, was donated to the charity CMN (Congenital Melanocytic Naevus) at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Kind regards Aidan [Coletta]

COXA Golf Day 24 June 2016 Surrey Downs Golf Course

Final scores (G = Guest) Points 38 Paul Smith, Phil Littlechild (G) 37 Andy McDonald 36 Mark Roszkowski, John Flynn, Ron Goodwin (G) Garry Rainger (G) 35 Jim McQueeney 34 Lawrence Mullane, Peter Keenan, John Kateley (G) 33 Phil Roderick Jones 32 Tom Judge, Frank Hixson, Mick Duffy 31 David Leathem, Derek Rowland (G) Colin Bygraves (G) Alan Howe (G) 30 Spencer McGuire, Thomas Proxa 29 Bob McGill (G) 27 Tom Duffy 26 Frank Barretta 23 Mick Powell 22 David Rowles, John McGuire 20 David Hackshaw 16 Chris Smith, Mike Burke 8 Brian Unthank 7 Jan Van Delden

COXA and GOLF - an intoxicating mix

Another COXA Golf Event took place in September ….A fun team game of golf ?

Five tees were booked at Surrey Downs Golf Course on Friday 16th September 2016 for a game of

Greensomes. The details were I : First tee 12:30pm then 10 minute intervals up to and including

1:10pm (Sunset is 7:12pm) Room for up to 20 players (10 teams of 2) - Cost payable on the day of £25 - which

includes a selection of sandwiches/chips at the 19th hole. Greensomes is played over 18 holes and is for 2-person teams, played 2-vs.-2 within a group of four golfers. In Greensomes, both golfers on a team tee off, one drive is selected and the other ball is picked up. Players then play alternate shots until the selected ball is holed. The team handicap is decided by taking 40% of the combined total handicap of the two players.The side with the highest stapleford points will win a small prize. AIDEN….. [I have NO IDEA! - Scotty]

Snapshots of a wonderful day in Jake [John] Richin’s Garden; June 2016

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COXA GOLF DAY - SUMMER 2016