Bob Sillett's horror/ghost stories....

[jtaylor]

All the talk about dormitory antics reminded me of Bob Sillett's horror stories he used to tell in Leigh Hunt B the first term each year, after lights out?

One of them was about a parrot that was fed people to eat....can't remember the rest.

Anyone else remember these, and could recount them here??

J

[J.R.]

Well after my time I'm afraid, JT !!

Prep B dorm was a 'ghost-story' in itself.

[Jolyon]

Grimshaw used to do that from time to time as well. But none of the them stay in the mind sadly

[englishangel]

Euterpe was 2 years ahead of me and told dirty jokes my first night, I don't remember any ghost stories, but then I am more of a joke person.

[Reuben]

In 1982-84 Roger Martin read vampire stories to the juniors, quite possibly Bram Stoker's original. I still have a blanket in a cupboard somewhere which has knots in the tassels that were tied, one per night, while "Dodger" paced the pitch-black dormitory, reading from his book by torchlight. It was my favourite part of the day.

Bob Sillett would have terrified the life out of me at age 10! He turned out to be a nice fellow though - I used to have a very quick drink with him on Lord Mayors Days while the band were loading up the coaches. Never could bring myself to call him anything other than "Sir" though... old habits die hard. I wonder how retirement's treating him?

[Mrs C.]

In 1982-84 Roger Martin read vampire stories to the juniors, quite possibly Bram Stoker's original. I still have a blanket in a cupboard somewhere which has knots in the tassels that were tied, one per night, while "Dodger" paced the pitch-black dormitory, reading from his book by torchlight. It was my favourite part of the day.

Bob Sillett would have terrified the life out of me at age 10! He turned out to be a nice fellow though - I used to have a very quick drink with him on Lord Mayors Days while the band were loading up the coaches. Never could bring myself to call him anything other than "Sir" though... old habits die hard. I wonder how retirement's treating him?

When last seen by me at CH a few months ago - he`s thoroughly enjoying himself! Busier than ever.

[J.R.]

What were Bob Sillet's dates at CH ?

The name rings a bell from my days at Horsham.

Was he teaching there in the early 60's ?

[Mid A 15]

What were Bob Sillet's dates at CH ?

The name rings a bell from my days at Horsham.

Was he teaching there in the early 60's ?

He was certainly there in '65 when I started.

[Vonny]

What were Bob Sillet's dates at CH ?

Robert David Taylor Sillett
About Bob Sillett
In September 1963, Bob Sillett was appointed to the staff of Christ's Hospital by the then Headmaster, George Seaman. Gordon van Praagh was instrumental in this appointment since he was keen to find a suitable replacement for Bill Kirby, who was retiring after many years' service to the school. Bob's specific remit was to teach science to the lower sets, which he has done for the last 38 years.

He married Denise in the summer of 1965 and in the following years they had three children, Tanya, Kate and Joe. The girls both completed their 6th form education at Christ's Hospital and Joe was the first non-Foundationer to have his father as Housemaster when he joined Leigh Hunt B in 1983.

Among the many roles Bob enjoyed were fourteen years as Housemaster. He was Chairman of the Games committee, rugby coach, referee and cricket coach. In subsequent years he became Third Master, Second Master and Deputy Head.

Other responsibilities included being Master in charge of Pageantry, President of the Band and he was a member of the Sports Centre building committee.

In July of this year (2002) Bob and Denise moved to their new home in Billingshurst, not a million miles from Christ's Hospital. Bob, Denise and their three children are now Governors. This will mean a continued link with the school for all members of the family as they present the child of their choice and support them during their time at Christ's Hospital.

[Vonny]

"Bob's specific remit was to teach science to the lower sets, which he has done for the last 38 years."

I was taught by him

His daughter Kate was on my year and also in BaB.

[Reuben]

I was taught by him too! Two years of Biology up to O-level. I wasnt terribly hardworking back then, so only just managed to scrape through that one...

I also remember his daughter Tanya was heartstoppingly beautiful. For some reason Tanya Sillett and Sidonia Porteous were, for at least a term or two preceding the merger, the only two girls amongst hundreds of boys. I never dared speak a word to either of them, but I've often wondered if they ever forgave their dads for their time alone among so many boys...

[John Knight]

In 1982-84 Roger Martin read vampire stories to the juniors, quite possibly Bram Stoker's original. I still have a blanket in a cupboard somewhere which has knots in the tassels that were tied, one per night, while "Dodger" paced the pitch-black dormitory, reading from his book by torchlight. It was my favourite part of the day.

I was at school with Roger Martin and at that time we were read 'after lights out stories' by one of the House Monitors who sat in the middle of the dormitory with a torch reading books like "The Rain of Death". (I think the stories were only read on Saturday nights)
I am so pleased to hear that Roger Martin carried on the practice when he returned to CH.

[Vonny]

For some reason Tanya Sillett and Sidonia Porteous were, for at least a term or two preceding the merger, the only two girls amongst hundreds of boys.

I remember that. Tanya was helping us all out on our first day with uniforms etc. I think she was only there for a year more after the girls joined.

[wurzel]

He had another daughter called Kate and son Joe who is the founder of wormwood who do the cricket bats.

I ended up at CH becuse of Mrs Sillett who was deputy head at my primary school in Slinfold (near Billingshurst where they now live)

[jtaylor]

I think you mean Woodworm - http://www.woodworm.tv/