Recollections of an Old (but young at heart) Oswestrian, circa 1952 - EPISODE 9, STOKER, JOHN TILLEY AND SPEECH DAY 1957

'Stoker' Lewis had a fundamental dislike of Speech Day and parents in equal measure. He regarded the former as a disruption to his routine as Housemaster to the boarders, and a distraction from the true business of schooling, and his low opinion of parents manifested itself in his oft timed description of them as half-baked!

Early morning preparations for Speech Day 1957

                  

A semi-serious tirade from this trusted, irascible lieutenant, reflecting his view that parents were partially here for a 'jolly' on company expenses, convinced the wily Headmaster, Mr Williamson, to keep Stoker out of the limelight as much as possible on Speech Day. Ever mindful of the PR value of this event he was anxious that there should be no discordant notes on this important occasion and tasked Dai Lewis with organising the boys.

'Stoker' Lewis amongst the boys

At the time a very reliable source told me that the Headmaster, known affectionately by all as 'Woof', had a plan to furlough the old sea dog for a few well-earned shots of Bells whisky in the Welsh Harp, but changed his mind. The very last thing he needed was a well-oiled Dai Lewis performing an impromptu hornpipe whilst singing his favourite sea shanty in front of the Speech Day great and good.

By contrast the extrovert and more gregarious John F 'Purdy' Tilley, generous benefactor to the school and darling of the parents, was in his element on such occasions.

No shrinking violet, John Tilley spread good humor and bonhomie wherever he went. With a smile as big and wide as Blackpool promenade he stole the show with his polished panache, leaving in his wake a trail of contented parents, happily reassured that their hard-earned cash was being well spent.

Little wonder the 'Old Man' wanted Tilley on the front line, he was the perfect foil for 'Stoker' and worth his weight in gold. He could do no wrong in most parents' eyes and, whereas our adult family members thought he was the best thing since sliced bread, we all wanted him on toast.

The photographs in this blog were taken during the visit of HRH the Duchess of Kent on the 550th anniversary of the foundation of Oswestry School.

John 'Curly' Robbie receiving The Gibbs Cup

John 'Curly' Robbie, who received The Gibbs Cup (awarded annually to the best all rounder), was Head Boy and represented the school both at football and cricket. He was a few years older than me and I remember playing football alongside him; he was also a demon left-hand spin bowler!

From left to right: (back) G Lester, H Higginbottam, P Manford, R Foster, C Todman, J Edmonds, J Parslew
(front) D Pickup, P Ashworth, M Charles, J B Jones, J Robbie

The photographs of this grand occasion include many contemporaries and will be of much interest to my peers. I think I can pick out my brother Bernard, seated far right just above the boy on the front row, but I am nowhere to be seen (perhaps I had nipped out for a swift pint in The Welsh Harp, half hoping to meet Stoker!).

The magnificent Horse Chestnut trees lining the edge of the quadrangle provided a wonderful backdrop for this annual date in the school calendar and during the time I was there I do not recall rain spoiling the event. The boys due to receive a prize were sat conveniently either side of a central passageway leading to the prizegiving podium, and my brother and I were recipients on this occasion.