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Attended Harlow College 1950 - 1956 as a boarder. (Nelson
House).
My initial impression was the remarkable resemblance to Colditz,
high on a hill, sinister bleak and eerie. A most imposing
landmark perched on the edge of a tiny rural village.
Still have a vivid recollection of a bulldozer, as if abandoned,
positioned for two weeks at the east end of Edinburgh Way,
the first indication that a new town was to be built. Only
a year later, standing there with others in our scout uniform
waiting in appalling weather to salute the Duke of Edinburgh
as he whizzed past on route to his inaugural address.
Suffered the indignity of the cane in the early years on
numerous occasions and the slipper from gung-ho Prefects,
but they were very happy days, school report reads, "Slow
in grasping the ropes", thought to be slanderous at the
time.
Thoroughly enjoyed all the sports, in particular badminton,
played almost daily, relished the competitive spirit of Norris,
Woolley and Jefferies.
It was at the tender age of 12 years I was introduced to
the razzamatazz world of commerce (wheeling and dealing),
selling apples in the tectum at inflated prices, buying used
comics at 2d and passing on at 3p, climbing onto the school
valley roof to retrieve tennis balls, then auction of f with
the odd gazumping.
Remembering Ralph Uglow (Bubs to his closest friends) who
acquired a methylated spirit mini oven and primus stove, taking
orders at playtime for tea, soup, or something on toast all
prepared in the air raid shelter. A paraffin hurricane lamp
was the only source of light, a shared fag created the desired
atmosphere, blazers were readily impregnated by the amalgam
of f umes - it was great! He became a master chef and later
owned a hotel in the U.S.A.
I have cherished memories of daring exploits with Robert
Reeves (Reevo), after lights out, creeping down to the basement
eating cold baked beans on nicked "Bricks" from
the kitchen, returning to the dorm was an adrenalin rush.
Having left Harlow with modest academic results, went to
Oaklands Institute for horticulture 1956 -1957. Again a wonderful
time, being the youngest student it was my transition into
the adult world.
Enjoyed much travelling, got married somewhat late in life.
Entered family business growing carnations, marketing to the
wholesale fraternity and indirect exports for the Navy and
British Embassies world - wide. After being a M.D. for 25
years, voluntarily sold in 1986. Having taken a well - deserved
year off, was employed by Tesco plc. for 15 years.
Am now happily retired, seven day weekends are to be recommended,
made more pleasurable by having my son and daughter at home
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