JohnAL wrote: ↑Thu Apr 13, 2017 6:16 pm
There have been some excellent threads dealing with masters of the 1940s, 50s, 60s and other decades. Messrs Jesson-Dibley, Cherniavsky, Daunt, Page, Rider and Malins and Miss Todd come to mind. Apart from pleasing those who knew these masters, a potentially useful stock of relevant knowledge has been amassed. Such knowledge about others is almost certainly going to vanish in the next few years. All these larger than life, or particularly interesting, persons only comprise a small proportion of teachers at CH in those days. So why not run threads on some, or all, of the less flamboyant masters? There must still be Old Blues extant who knew them and can contribute amusing, informative and useful nuggets about them. Whether each one of the hundred or so teachers deserves his/her own thread is unlikely. But to set the ball rolling here are some names and notes. The wise editors can decide if some of these names (and others to be added by enthusiastic readers) are amassing enough comments to set up a thread devoted to that person. Errors can also be corrected by knowledgeable readers.
Noel Sergent, the senior hall warden for many years in the 40s and 50s. Nickname Man Sam, or Sam. Allegedly of dual UK, French nationality and had played soccer for France. Slightly deaf and only taught French to junior forms. Married. Oxford graduate.
William Armistead, Sen maths master, author of textbooks, married to a former Infirmary nurse. Lived in a house in the Avenue. Had two sons who were OBs and in MidA. Cambridge graduate
Morton Peto, sen Housemaster of MaB. Married to Olive. Cambridge graduate.
Olive Peto, taught English, Cambridge graduate.
George Deakin, OB, Engineer and head of Engineering Dept, which was disbanded when he left CH. Married and lived in a house in the Avenue. Had a long string of degrees/qualifications.
Eric Littlefield, replacement hall warden for Sergent and succeeded him as senior hall warden. Squadron Leader in WW2, in intelligence and taught German. Keen cricketer and coached 1st XI. Bachelor. In his will he left funds for the school cricket teams to use for new cricketing experiences. Long time sen housemaster Ba A. Oxford graduate. Nickname Pongo.
Colin Healey, ran in 1936 Olympics, taught classics, sen housemaster of PeA. Strict disciplinarian, Left CH for headship of Royal Grammar School, Melbourne, Australia. Cambridge graduate.
Russell Grice, taught physics, Cambridge graduate, keen on philosophy, did not last long at CH, since too fond of boys. Bachelor. Cambridge graduate.
Rhona Hurst, taught very junior forms only, a replacement during WW2, who remained till her retirement. Widow of a scholar.
Charles AC Hann, distinguished cleric and chaplain. Left CH to become Principal of Ripon Theological College. Nickname CAC. Oxford graduate.
David Chaundy, taught physics, Oxford degree in maths, jun housemaster of BaA. Keen on electronics. Bachelor. Keen dancer, taught Morris dancing and led Grecians’ Ballroom Dancing lessons. Left CH for Malvern College.
Ian Sutherland, capable cricketer, Cambridge graduate, left CH to teach at Harrow. Bachelor.
Gordon van Praagh, played double bass in school orchestra, keen Gilbert & Sullivan performer/director. Head of Chemistry & Science at CH. Text book author. Left CH for distinguished career in science education (theory and practice?) overseas, especially in Malaysia. Keen photographer. Bachelor. Cambridge MA & PHD.
Paul Beaven, chemistry master. One eyed as a result of an explosion, Major in WW2 and responsible for rifle range & coached shooting. Sen Housemaster Pe A. Married the widow of his brother, who died in WW2.
There are plenty more masters. Others can mention their names and hopefully add something about them too.