JRGS Alumni Society - Latest News and Recollections
JRGS Alumni Society

Latest News/Activities/Recollections

 JRGS Alumni Society

   

 Rosemary Crabb reports the sad death of her brother David Martin (JRGS 1954-61) ...

David MartinThere’s a lovely photo on The Mill website of my late brother, David Martin (pictured left), taken on a field trip in 1960/1961.

   Since The Mill seems to be well supported by former JRGS pupils, it may be of interest to some of David’s old school friends to know that, sadly, he passed away earlier this year aged 67, leaving behind three daughters and two granddaughters.

Rosemary Crabb, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire. November 2011.

Cliff Cummins (JRGS 1956-62) adds:  I remember Dave Martin very well. He was a couple of years older than me, but very kind and friendly, and I have never forgotten that. I believe he was involved in the ACF.
   I have never seen him since leaving school and am so sorry to hear of his untimely passing.
   I offer my best wishes to Dave's sisters and family.

Rosemary Crabb replies: I’m 10 years younger than David but I remember some of his friends from school, the army cadets and the Olive Tree (where he worked in the evenings in his late teens) – Tom Shaw, Ian MacDonald, Duncan Smith, Ralph May, etc. All knocking on now - aren’t we all - but they remain teenagers in my mind’s eye.
   I don’t immediately recall Cliff but I may well have met him as a child – there always seemed to be a stream of David’s friends around – many more than the names I remember.
   And I have to say that Ruskin Alumni have a very good website.

Ian Macdonald (JRGS 1958-65) adds:  I remember David Martin, who lived near us at Compton Road, Addiscombe. I also know Rosemary and Liz, David's other sister (and a local JP until she retired last year).
   I also knew David from the Army Cadet Force - his dad "Pop" Martin was the shooting-team coach.

Tom Shaw  (JRGS 1957-61) adds:  I am sad to hear of Dave's death. (Yes, to us he was Dave, as opposed to David.) I lost touch with him some time after leaving school but remember him for his great personality and cutting sense of humour. He was a bloody good shot too!
   Duncan Smith was over from New Zealand and I believe he visited him in the summer. My condolences to all.

     

 A venerated schoolteacher - Charles  E. Smith - celebrates a landmark birthday ...
Flying Officer Charles Smith Charles E Smith - March 2005

Flying Officer RAFVR,
Charles E. Smith

Charles Edward Smith,
March 2005, aged 92

Today, 16th November, former schoolmaster Charles Edward Smith is enjoying his 99th birthday.
   All of us who knew him during his illustrious days at Tamworth Road and Upper Shirley Road will want to wish Charles the very, very best on this special day, and to pass fondest regards to him and his wife Elisabeth.
   CES served at JRGS for a remarkable 36 years, from 1942 to 1978, teaching mathematics & physical education.
   A full profile can be found here, in he writes: "I consider that it was a real privilege to have had the opportunity of teaching at John Ruskin, and I cherish my memories of that rewarding and happy time."
   The self-styled mixture of Attila the Hun, Genghis Khan and/or The Ogre at the Top of the Beanstalk finally transitioned into full retirement as recently as 1992.

From JRCS/JRGS/JRHS Alumni throughout the world.

Jonathan Sindall (JRGS 1956-60) adds: From many of us, I’m sure, thanks for sending Mr. "Smuts" Smith a birthday card.
   I was at JRGS for four years (’56 - '60, I think) and my maths classes were taken by "Smuts" and Mr. Derek Peasey. I have good memories of them both.

Geoff van Beek/Downer (JRGS 1962-69) adds: Happy Birthday Mr. Smith. A man of your mathematical stature deserves to progress to the more difficult triple digits!

Peter Oxlade (JRGS 1940-44) adds: I visited Charles Smith on the day after his 99th, leaving the actual day free for his family. I found him to be in a very weak and frail condition and although he was obviously pleased to see me it did take time for him to take it all in. The conversation was mostly one-way, of course, and he slipped from an awake mode to one where he dozed off at frequent intervals.
   I went though a whole list of masters and boys that we had previously had many enjoyable times talking of old times etc. When I got to Mel Lambert's name he looked a bit puzzled and then said "Computer!" Well, Charles did make the connection, albeit not Mel's time at Ruskin.
   He evidently was most impressed with the card from The Alumni, as were his family.
   I was going to see Charles this week but, on talking to Elisabeth this morning, she advised me that one of the ground-floor rooms in their house has now been converted to a bedroom for Charles and the hospital bed delivered by the NHS is the incorrect model and has to be changed - so the release from hospital is now in some doubt. I further understand from Elisabeth that the live-in nurse, who has been such a good thing for them, is due to leave this weekend and it is hoped that another nurse can be found to look after both the Smiths as soon as possible.
   Elizabeth has suffered two strokes this year and, although I am sure she will be delighted to have Charles back home, the strain will be very difficult for her to deal with certainly if a another nurse cannot be found.
   Elisabeth has particularly asked me to thank you all for your kind emails and apologized that she had not been able time-wise to use the PC.

     

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