Recollections of an Old (but young at heart) Oswestrian, circa 1952 - EPISODE 31, THE DAY A PRINCESS CAME TO TOWN (Part 2)

Duncan Felton, 'Fattie' to all of us, was the senior Master and Mr Williamson's right hand man, and he, along with Dai Lewis (Stoker) and John Tilley (Purdy), had specific roles to play as the drama unfolded following the prompt arrival at 12.45pm on the Headmaster's drive, of Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, a popular member of the Royal Family.

Mr and Mrs D W G Felton, and others, being presented to HRH

On stepping from her car in front of the Headmaster's house, numerous dignitaries and pupils were presented to Her Royal Highness, and after greeting Mr Williamson, his wife and daughter Ann inside the building, the party made its way to The Memorial Hall where lunch would be held.

Lunch seating plan

Mr Felton, who would later hold the position of Headmaster for a short period, chatted amiably to the great and good in the hall whilst the Head went about his duties as host to the Duchess.

Meanwhile, 'Stoker' was marshalling his troops on the quadrangle and the sombre look on his face became more serene as the afternoon proceeded without incident, and he gradually warmed to the occasion.

Stoker, relaxed and in total control

John Tilley's area of operation was centered in the food tent where, having handed out a few of his purdy cakes, he proceeded to charm the parents with customary aplomb and bonhomie as he moved easily amongst the throng. With a beaming smile, he was Mr Williamson's secret weapon, and the darling of the parents who thought he was wonderful. Indeed, at the end of his allotted span he became a great benefactor to the school, which had formed such a large part of his life.

For the parents and boys gathered together on the playground the main event of the afternoon began with the presentation of prizes, and I am sure my contemporaries will recognise some of the named prize winners.

Prize winners

Winner of the Gibbs Cup - John Robbie

Nigel Birch told me recently that his prize was a book by Edgar Allen Poe entitled The Confessions of an Opium Taker. Maybe that gave him the inspiration to start trampling on his Vida Nova grapes at some ungodly hour of the morning in his vineyards down on the Algarve. Apparently, he is still actively engaged in this at the ripe young age of 78, and although his feet are killing him and his knees are shot, his taste buds are in fine fettle!

Nigel Birch (centre)

Nigel and Sir Cliff at his vineyard

Nigel and wife Lesley relaxing (no doubt with his
feet in a bowl of soothing bath salts)

John Robbie, Head Boy, who had entertained the Duchess at lunch, was awarded the prestigious Gibbs Cup (above). This prize was open to everyone regardless of age or position, and was given to the boy considered to be the best well-rounded character in the school.

Immediately following the prize giving, Her Royal Highness gave a brief address, and some of the words she spoke are as appropriate today, if not more so than they were back in 1957, and I quote,

"The world today presents a different challenge, but the qualities needed to meet that challenge remain unaltered. If it be true, as some have said, that we live in a time of crisis, then courage and resolution, loyalty and resourcefulness, are now more needed than ever before."

I would like to add to that by saying, simply, that a sense of humour is a wonderful thing, and none more needed than when in times of crisis.