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ORIGINAL MESSAGE
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen
.jpg "James Cowen gallery")
Then & NowDATE: 09 October 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
I enjoyed reading through the copies of the Elizabethan put on site. Thanks very much. However those photos of Sam C0cks's and EHJ's old houses really won't do and punishment should be meted out. As caning is now banned you will either have to do, both of you, eight sheets of lines or report for detention along with both your classes on Saturday three weeks hence at 2p.m. Whatever next? Will the website keeper be asking "What sort of a person lives in a house like this?"
NAME: Vic Coughtrey 
Then & Now
DATE: 09 October 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 54-59
Please sir, it's not fair - you haven't spelled out exactly what the crime is. Those images are from Google Earth, on which images of everyone's dwelling (including yours) can be viewed by anyone in the world. In fact, there's an invitation on Google Earth for webmasters to link the images to their websites. It would take me only a few minutes on the Web to find out your address, when you bought your house, how much you paid for it and what it's estimated to be worth now. I could then look at it on Google Earth before deciding whether to make you an offer for it ! To torture the Bard, 'tis the excellent exposure of the age.
Then & NowDATE: 09 October 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 54-59
Please sir, it's not fair - you haven't spelled out exactly what the crime is. Those images are from Google Earth, on which images of everyone's dwelling (including yours) can be viewed by anyone in the world. In fact, there's an invitation on Google Earth for webmasters to link the images to their websites. It would take me only a few minutes on the Web to find out your address, when you bought your house, how much you paid for it and what it's estimated to be worth now. I could then look at it on Google Earth before deciding whether to make you an offer for it ! To torture the Bard, 'tis the excellent exposure of the age.
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 10 October 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
The points you make, Vic, do have some validity but when have life and school punishments been entirely fair? Of course I am not being very serious on the subject but there are concerns as to what Google Earth and other computer programs provide in relation to abuse of privacy. Privacy is not the same as it was without these computer programs, as witnessed by the fact I do not answer my phone due to salesmen's and other junk calls. My friends and family have to leave a message on answerphone. Maybe we should question disclosing too much of old masters lives outside school in addition to the voluminous amounts of their behaviour in school. (Discuss). If we went through the keyhole to look at current masters houses without permission would we not be accused of too much invasion of privacy? Or is the outside fair game? In respect of EHJ and Sam C0cks maybe it should be said "We have enough already." After all we are not writing full biographies I think.
Moving on from jossing about those photos on to the Elizabethan copies I note that reading the Dec 66 pages at my library that it is not a complete issue as it records only a proportion of the magazine, albeit the larger part. It records a bit of school societies and none of OE news. What there is I find interesting including lack of interest in the official Jazz Society. Were there unofficial groups at that time, considering the amount written on threads elsewhere to such activity? In this and the subsequent April 67 edition reference is made to the involvement of Mr Finnett and Mr Fairburn in various societies, as per other threads. I note also lack of activity for the Geographical Society, which I mentioned elsewhere. At least it was still in existence, as also were the Transport Society and Records Society for which I was Secretary. Any chance of other editions being put on such as 1961-1963 or a recent edition?
Then & NowDATE: 10 October 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
The points you make, Vic, do have some validity but when have life and school punishments been entirely fair? Of course I am not being very serious on the subject but there are concerns as to what Google Earth and other computer programs provide in relation to abuse of privacy. Privacy is not the same as it was without these computer programs, as witnessed by the fact I do not answer my phone due to salesmen's and other junk calls. My friends and family have to leave a message on answerphone. Maybe we should question disclosing too much of old masters lives outside school in addition to the voluminous amounts of their behaviour in school. (Discuss). If we went through the keyhole to look at current masters houses without permission would we not be accused of too much invasion of privacy? Or is the outside fair game? In respect of EHJ and Sam C0cks maybe it should be said "We have enough already." After all we are not writing full biographies I think.
Moving on from jossing about those photos on to the Elizabethan copies I note that reading the Dec 66 pages at my library that it is not a complete issue as it records only a proportion of the magazine, albeit the larger part. It records a bit of school societies and none of OE news. What there is I find interesting including lack of interest in the official Jazz Society. Were there unofficial groups at that time, considering the amount written on threads elsewhere to such activity? In this and the subsequent April 67 edition reference is made to the involvement of Mr Finnett and Mr Fairburn in various societies, as per other threads. I note also lack of activity for the Geographical Society, which I mentioned elsewhere. At least it was still in existence, as also were the Transport Society and Records Society for which I was Secretary. Any chance of other editions being put on such as 1961-1963 or a recent edition?
NAME: Nigel Wood .jpg "Nigel Wood")
DATE: 14 October 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 1957-64
It was I who submitted the picture of (or Google Earth link to) the house in which Ralph C0cks was born. I did consider whether or not it was right to do so and judged it to be perfectly proper. Here's why... (1) No living person would be harmed or intruded upon. (2) A picture of a birthplace would be considered a plus point for any biography. What Jas doesn't know is that I located the house during some biographical research that I've started to do on Ralph C0cks. (3) I've found that knowing a little more about his life before QE (even though I haven't come across anything startling) has given me more respect for him as a human being. This is surely wholly positive. (4) The picture by itself is at least as likely to make viewers think better of the man than think worse of him, though probably neither.
DATE: 14 October 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 1957-64
It was I who submitted the picture of (or Google Earth link to) the house in which Ralph C0cks was born. I did consider whether or not it was right to do so and judged it to be perfectly proper. Here's why... (1) No living person would be harmed or intruded upon. (2) A picture of a birthplace would be considered a plus point for any biography. What Jas doesn't know is that I located the house during some biographical research that I've started to do on Ralph C0cks. (3) I've found that knowing a little more about his life before QE (even though I haven't come across anything startling) has given me more respect for him as a human being. This is surely wholly positive. (4) The picture by itself is at least as likely to make viewers think better of the man than think worse of him, though probably neither.
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 30 October 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
A good response, Nigel, but am also glad you considered the question whether it is right to show houses of where old teachers were born. I also consider it right I should question the inclusion and solicit others' views as well as raising the question of the loss of privacy these days with the advancement in computer methods and surveys such as Google Earth. I for one am one of those who remembers Ralph C0cks and his unique ways with affection rather than the scorn one correspondent expressed concerning failed O Level results and his teaching generally.
Then & NowDATE: 30 October 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
A good response, Nigel, but am also glad you considered the question whether it is right to show houses of where old teachers were born. I also consider it right I should question the inclusion and solicit others' views as well as raising the question of the loss of privacy these days with the advancement in computer methods and surveys such as Google Earth. I for one am one of those who remembers Ralph C0cks and his unique ways with affection rather than the scorn one correspondent expressed concerning failed O Level results and his teaching generally.
NAME: Stephen Giles 
DATE: 04 November 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
I beg to differ James - "Ralph C0cks and his unique ways with affection" - that may have been the case, but my memory goes no further than his teaching methods, which even by '60s standards were quite frankly appalling! But nobody complained in those days with that Oxbridge mafia in power!!
DATE: 04 November 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
I beg to differ James - "Ralph C0cks and his unique ways with affection" - that may have been the case, but my memory goes no further than his teaching methods, which even by '60s standards were quite frankly appalling! But nobody complained in those days with that Oxbridge mafia in power!!
NAME: Nigel Wood
DATE: 07 November 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 1957-64
Jas bemoans "the loss of privacy these days" [reply 4], but I'm not sure that the issue is clearcut. For example, my Old Elizabethans list of members from 1966 gives addresses of masters past and present, as well as of old boys. The wider public could use the phone book to find addresses - even those of some celebrities. It was quite rare in those days for someone to be ex-directory (though, of course, not everyone could afford a telephone at home). And is the targeting of individuals for promotions by supermarkets, banks etc, based on records of spending patterns, so very different from the local corner-shop owner who knew your taste for dark chocolate and pointed out her special offer? I seem to be digressing...
DATE: 07 November 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 1957-64
Jas bemoans "the loss of privacy these days" [reply 4], but I'm not sure that the issue is clearcut. For example, my Old Elizabethans list of members from 1966 gives addresses of masters past and present, as well as of old boys. The wider public could use the phone book to find addresses - even those of some celebrities. It was quite rare in those days for someone to be ex-directory (though, of course, not everyone could afford a telephone at home). And is the targeting of individuals for promotions by supermarkets, banks etc, based on records of spending patterns, so very different from the local corner-shop owner who knew your taste for dark chocolate and pointed out her special offer? I seem to be digressing...
NAME: Ian Sadler 
DATE: 07 November 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1951-58
I agree with Stephen [reply 5] over RMCs teaching methods. Reading the text book to the class whilst marking another classes homework at the same time was probably unique but hardly inspiring teaching. I got a good O-level mark (80%) in Geography due to my efforts not his. Mind you we were the class taking O-level in November (which Tiger Timpson told me years later were easier as they were intended as resits for those who had failed in June). The only RMC lesson which I found vaguely interesting was the once-a-term map-reading exercise where he would expect you to follow his verbal directions of a route and he would pause from time to time to ask a question to see if you were following - frequently "are we going uphill or downhill?" (Yes - there were ways of finding your actual marks! There were no grades in those days. You either passed or failed).
DATE: 07 November 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1951-58
I agree with Stephen [reply 5] over RMCs teaching methods. Reading the text book to the class whilst marking another classes homework at the same time was probably unique but hardly inspiring teaching. I got a good O-level mark (80%) in Geography due to my efforts not his. Mind you we were the class taking O-level in November (which Tiger Timpson told me years later were easier as they were intended as resits for those who had failed in June). The only RMC lesson which I found vaguely interesting was the once-a-term map-reading exercise where he would expect you to follow his verbal directions of a route and he would pause from time to time to ask a question to see if you were following - frequently "are we going uphill or downhill?" (Yes - there were ways of finding your actual marks! There were no grades in those days. You either passed or failed).
NAME: Vic Coughtrey (Webmaster) Then & Now
DATE: 07 November 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 54-59
Newer visitors to this site please note that there's a lot more about RM C0cks in Thread 128, which is restricted to him.
Then & NowDATE: 07 November 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 54-59
Newer visitors to this site please note that there's a lot more about RM C0cks in Thread 128, which is restricted to him.
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 07 November 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
You are right of course, Stephen [reply 5], about the preponderance of Oxbridge masters in our day. It was generally Oxford for the arts and Cambridge for the scientists and students followed the same path generally. Whether they could really be described as the mafia is another matter and debateable. I was surprised after all this to see from Frosty's biological log in the Elizabethan that he was a Cambridge man and I and others did buck the trend and as an arts side person went to Cambridge. I remember Mr Siegler, a Languages man also went to Cambridge to Magdalen College and after like me went in to Accountancy. I wonder what the position is today with another ex-Oxford man at the helm. Of course there were always letters from the Oxford and Cambridge Correspondents but I was interested to see in the copies of The Elizabethan on site that Leeds Uni had enough students up to have a letter from their Correspondent. Progress indeed!
As regards Sam C0cks' teaching methods, as well as the apalling standards of teaching generally in the 60s, these have been commented elsewhere on the site, though it will be interesting to hear still others' views. I expect the standards are better today but perhaps others of today's generation can comment in this. Come on readers, if any, let's be having you, as Delia Smith has said. Incidentally even with Sam's teaching methods I found a lot of good in them but perhaps am biased as I got good marks in homework unlike some others and passed GCE O Level OK, though some of the time also had Rastus Dilley. This is unlike in English Lang O Level, which I failed twice as also that strange Use of English exam. The unique idiosyncracies of masters still gives pleasure recalling them.
Then & NowDATE: 07 November 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
You are right of course, Stephen [reply 5], about the preponderance of Oxbridge masters in our day. It was generally Oxford for the arts and Cambridge for the scientists and students followed the same path generally. Whether they could really be described as the mafia is another matter and debateable. I was surprised after all this to see from Frosty's biological log in the Elizabethan that he was a Cambridge man and I and others did buck the trend and as an arts side person went to Cambridge. I remember Mr Siegler, a Languages man also went to Cambridge to Magdalen College and after like me went in to Accountancy. I wonder what the position is today with another ex-Oxford man at the helm. Of course there were always letters from the Oxford and Cambridge Correspondents but I was interested to see in the copies of The Elizabethan on site that Leeds Uni had enough students up to have a letter from their Correspondent. Progress indeed!
As regards Sam C0cks' teaching methods, as well as the apalling standards of teaching generally in the 60s, these have been commented elsewhere on the site, though it will be interesting to hear still others' views. I expect the standards are better today but perhaps others of today's generation can comment in this. Come on readers, if any, let's be having you, as Delia Smith has said. Incidentally even with Sam's teaching methods I found a lot of good in them but perhaps am biased as I got good marks in homework unlike some others and passed GCE O Level OK, though some of the time also had Rastus Dilley. This is unlike in English Lang O Level, which I failed twice as also that strange Use of English exam. The unique idiosyncracies of masters still gives pleasure recalling them.
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 20 November 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
In relation to pupils going to Oxbridge [see replies 5, 9] I was interested to see in the Wikipedia entries for QEs that in 2008 a record number of 37 pupils obtained a place. It does not record the results for other years. I know that back in my years (56-63) there was usually about 9 or 10 to both places. I still look when I receive my Sidney Sussex year book who has gone up as a first year undergraduate there. There is often one. For this year it is Sidharth Samant for Engineering. My wife's old school also has one going up, as of course they now admit girls as well.
Then & NowDATE: 20 November 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
In relation to pupils going to Oxbridge [see replies 5, 9] I was interested to see in the Wikipedia entries for QEs that in 2008 a record number of 37 pupils obtained a place. It does not record the results for other years. I know that back in my years (56-63) there was usually about 9 or 10 to both places. I still look when I receive my Sidney Sussex year book who has gone up as a first year undergraduate there. There is often one. For this year it is Sidharth Samant for Engineering. My wife's old school also has one going up, as of course they now admit girls as well.
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 10 December 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
For you Google Earth fans (I am talking to you, Vic and Nigel) I recently tried to visit John D Wakelin's (Bop's) house at Elsworthy near Cambridge. Unfortunately the village was flooded almost throughout and my wife and I called out Britannia Rescue to rescue us after driving through streams. Looking at Google phone help he apparently lives there with his son Richard and his Indian wife. A few years ago he wrote a series of books, which were bought for me for my birthday. I recall visiting him many years ago when his children Richard and Anne were little and very playful.
Then & NowDATE: 10 December 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
For you Google Earth fans (I am talking to you, Vic and Nigel) I recently tried to visit John D Wakelin's (Bop's) house at Elsworthy near Cambridge. Unfortunately the village was flooded almost throughout and my wife and I called out Britannia Rescue to rescue us after driving through streams. Looking at Google phone help he apparently lives there with his son Richard and his Indian wife. A few years ago he wrote a series of books, which were bought for me for my birthday. I recall visiting him many years ago when his children Richard and Anne were little and very playful.
NAME: Adam Lines 
Then & Now
DATE: 13 December 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Inmate 57-64
Flooded out of our house at Hemingford Abbots in 1992 our insurers underwrote the cost of temporary accommodation whilst we were dried out. They found us a house on a hill overlooking the village of Elsworth and knocking on the door for we were greeted by none other than John Wakelin who astonishingly remembered me (or at least my name) from QE 30 years earlier. A gentle man suffering from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis necessitating a stair lift and a quiet way of life that clearly suited him. I hope he is still with us.
Then & NowDATE: 13 December 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Inmate 57-64
Flooded out of our house at Hemingford Abbots in 1992 our insurers underwrote the cost of temporary accommodation whilst we were dried out. They found us a house on a hill overlooking the village of Elsworth and knocking on the door for we were greeted by none other than John Wakelin who astonishingly remembered me (or at least my name) from QE 30 years earlier. A gentle man suffering from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis necessitating a stair lift and a quiet way of life that clearly suited him. I hope he is still with us.
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 15 December 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
You are right, Adam, of course about the village name - Elsworth not Elsworthy. It seems that you live a lot nearer him than I. Bop was certainly alive last Christmas when he sent me a Christmas card and I keep hoping that on one of our Cambridge visits we will meet up but no joy so far. As I said from the latest electoral register he is listed as living in the same house he moved to years ago and his son Richard plus Indian wife Shinder are also listed there. I await to see if a christmas card with news comes this year. Years ago Bop was the Records Society President when I was Secretary as well as teaching me history for A Level.
In mentioning the Records Society I remember what fun we had every Wednesday afternoon cycling off to various destinations to study church architecture and enjoy their statues and brass rubbings as well as Roman remains at Verulanium and country houses paintings and other possessions. I recall at both St Albans and Hatfield House Bop treated us to tea and cakes. We had to draw lots as to which order we chose the cream cakes on offer. I recall after visiting Waltham Abbey we had a good row down the Lee Valley river at Broxbourne. My wife and I went in a rowing boat with my youngest son and daughter-in-law down the same stretch of river this Summer and enjoyed again looking at the gardens as we rowed by. A pursuit to be recommended to others, provided you can find the out of the way boathouse car park! I still enjoy visiting churches and old country houses with my wife.
I do not know if Bop still suffers from ME as I have not yet researched the subject as to whether people who have ME do sometimes recover from this condition. The 1992 you refer to, Adam, is of course 20 years ago. I know that when he retired from being headmaster of that school in Huntingdon (Hinchinbrook School) he helped run a holiday camp in Maldon, Essex and has recently written several books, which as I say I have got copies. Where exactly in my house they are I am not so certain. He also stood as a Liberal parliamentary candidate for one constituency many years ago. In any cards or letters sent to me he does not complain of the condition as affecting him. I have visited him and his wife Jennifer in his old house at Brampton several times but have only seen them once at the new home in Elsworth. I have written elsewhere on the site about the days in Hadley Wood playing Diplomacy.
Then & NowDATE: 15 December 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
You are right, Adam, of course about the village name - Elsworth not Elsworthy. It seems that you live a lot nearer him than I. Bop was certainly alive last Christmas when he sent me a Christmas card and I keep hoping that on one of our Cambridge visits we will meet up but no joy so far. As I said from the latest electoral register he is listed as living in the same house he moved to years ago and his son Richard plus Indian wife Shinder are also listed there. I await to see if a christmas card with news comes this year. Years ago Bop was the Records Society President when I was Secretary as well as teaching me history for A Level.
In mentioning the Records Society I remember what fun we had every Wednesday afternoon cycling off to various destinations to study church architecture and enjoy their statues and brass rubbings as well as Roman remains at Verulanium and country houses paintings and other possessions. I recall at both St Albans and Hatfield House Bop treated us to tea and cakes. We had to draw lots as to which order we chose the cream cakes on offer. I recall after visiting Waltham Abbey we had a good row down the Lee Valley river at Broxbourne. My wife and I went in a rowing boat with my youngest son and daughter-in-law down the same stretch of river this Summer and enjoyed again looking at the gardens as we rowed by. A pursuit to be recommended to others, provided you can find the out of the way boathouse car park! I still enjoy visiting churches and old country houses with my wife.
I do not know if Bop still suffers from ME as I have not yet researched the subject as to whether people who have ME do sometimes recover from this condition. The 1992 you refer to, Adam, is of course 20 years ago. I know that when he retired from being headmaster of that school in Huntingdon (Hinchinbrook School) he helped run a holiday camp in Maldon, Essex and has recently written several books, which as I say I have got copies. Where exactly in my house they are I am not so certain. He also stood as a Liberal parliamentary candidate for one constituency many years ago. In any cards or letters sent to me he does not complain of the condition as affecting him. I have visited him and his wife Jennifer in his old house at Brampton several times but have only seen them once at the new home in Elsworth. I have written elsewhere on the site about the days in Hadley Wood playing Diplomacy.
NAME: Nigel Wood
DATE: 16 December 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 1957-64
I'm sorry to hear about BOP's ME. It must be exceedingly frustrating. I was taught history for a year by Mr Wakelyn in a third or fourth form. I could tell he was a very good teacher, but was too immature to appreciate the fascination of history. I do remember that we had two textbooks, a blue one and a red one. One was called England and Europe, and the other, Europe and England ! I recall an exercise he set us when he wasn't available to teach us. By using the index of England and Europe, and following up leads, we had to try and find the names and dates of all the prime ministers in a certain period of time. It turned out to be an interesting - and educational - exercise. [PS I now think History to be an utterly wonderful subject].
DATE: 16 December 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 1957-64
I'm sorry to hear about BOP's ME. It must be exceedingly frustrating. I was taught history for a year by Mr Wakelyn in a third or fourth form. I could tell he was a very good teacher, but was too immature to appreciate the fascination of history. I do remember that we had two textbooks, a blue one and a red one. One was called England and Europe, and the other, Europe and England ! I recall an exercise he set us when he wasn't available to teach us. By using the index of England and Europe, and following up leads, we had to try and find the names and dates of all the prime ministers in a certain period of time. It turned out to be an interesting - and educational - exercise. [PS I now think History to be an utterly wonderful subject].
NAME: Nick Dean 
.JPG "Nick Dean gallery")
DATE: 16 December 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71
Regarding the continuing exchanges about Sam C0cks [up to reply 9], I agree that he had an amiable side, but too often this was overshadowed by his teaching methods and tendency to excessive anger. However, on the positive side, my best personal memory of him was in about the 3rd or 4th form when he was supervising a game of cricket and I was keeping wicket. A batsman attempted a shot to fine leg, but miscued and hit the ball directly at where my box would have been had I been wearing one. It then lodged itself between my lower right thigh and the top of my pad. C0cks came bounding over (I suppose he could bound) in a massive fit of glee: "Uh! Well done! Well caught!" - and to the hapless batsman: "You're out!" Then to me, almost as an afterthought: "Are you alright?" (Yes, I was actually).
DATE: 16 December 2012
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71
Regarding the continuing exchanges about Sam C0cks [up to reply 9], I agree that he had an amiable side, but too often this was overshadowed by his teaching methods and tendency to excessive anger. However, on the positive side, my best personal memory of him was in about the 3rd or 4th form when he was supervising a game of cricket and I was keeping wicket. A batsman attempted a shot to fine leg, but miscued and hit the ball directly at where my box would have been had I been wearing one. It then lodged itself between my lower right thigh and the top of my pad. C0cks came bounding over (I suppose he could bound) in a massive fit of glee: "Uh! Well done! Well caught!" - and to the hapless batsman: "You're out!" Then to me, almost as an afterthought: "Are you alright?" (Yes, I was actually).
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 03 January 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
I am ashamed, Nigel, I seem to have missed seeing your reply 6, until now. The subject of privacy has to a degree extended from a little friendly banter albeit with an element of seriousness to a bit of a wider debate. I would like to talk further of the wider issues of privacy and indeed of what the parliamentary legislation actually says about such matters as the Data Protection Act and others such as Health and Safety (can we see an Idiot's Guide to them like the Dummy Guide to Computers?) but fear Vic might blow the whistle against them, as their being non- school related. However concerning the specific point of whether OEs may see the addresses and contact of other OES I have found the OE Association does try to be very helpful in trying to get OEs to keep in contact with others, although of course many have not joined the Association. Graham Barnes of the 200 club refered me to other OES in this region, even though not knowing them at school.
Then & NowDATE: 03 January 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
I am ashamed, Nigel, I seem to have missed seeing your reply 6, until now. The subject of privacy has to a degree extended from a little friendly banter albeit with an element of seriousness to a bit of a wider debate. I would like to talk further of the wider issues of privacy and indeed of what the parliamentary legislation actually says about such matters as the Data Protection Act and others such as Health and Safety (can we see an Idiot's Guide to them like the Dummy Guide to Computers?) but fear Vic might blow the whistle against them, as their being non- school related. However concerning the specific point of whether OEs may see the addresses and contact of other OES I have found the OE Association does try to be very helpful in trying to get OEs to keep in contact with others, although of course many have not joined the Association. Graham Barnes of the 200 club refered me to other OES in this region, even though not knowing them at school.
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 03 January 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
We have received a Christmas / New Year card from John Wakelin (Bop) [replies 11-14] this year but with no news enclosed. Unlike some people my wife and I like to hear news in Christmas cards and do enjoy those round robin letters that are lampooned so much recently in the press and the radio, especially the amusing ones. But I digress. I suppose Bop must now be in his eighties but possibly he may still enjoy visits from OEs, although preferably with advance notice I expect. I know when he lived at Brampton other OEs did visit. Once when we were there Chris Layton (Have I got the name right?) came also. Any news from any about other old masters still alive? When at Founders' Day I noticed Ken Carter was still on the OEs list and I have seen an internet posting about Ron Cosford being an artist now.
Then & NowDATE: 03 January 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
We have received a Christmas / New Year card from John Wakelin (Bop) [replies 11-14] this year but with no news enclosed. Unlike some people my wife and I like to hear news in Christmas cards and do enjoy those round robin letters that are lampooned so much recently in the press and the radio, especially the amusing ones. But I digress. I suppose Bop must now be in his eighties but possibly he may still enjoy visits from OEs, although preferably with advance notice I expect. I know when he lived at Brampton other OEs did visit. Once when we were there Chris Layton (Have I got the name right?) came also. Any news from any about other old masters still alive? When at Founders' Day I noticed Ken Carter was still on the OEs list and I have seen an internet posting about Ron Cosford being an artist now.
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 23 January 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
I am glad, Nigel, you now think history to be an utterly wonderful subject [reply 14]. I always loved history and continue to enjoy reading so much about past historical periods as well as current news, a lot of time spent with newspapers and on Yahoo. I have however surprised myself by becoming interested in scientific developments, perhaps due to being shamed by knowing so few answers on University Challenge, though fairly OK on the Arts side where I do beat some of the contestants. One programme I have found particularly good is The Life Scientific with Jim Al-Khalilli interviewing prominent scientists in various scientific fields. It is on Radio 4 on Tuesdays (9a.m to 9.30p.m.). I would recommend this to anyone who does not yet follow the programme.
Then & NowDATE: 23 January 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
I am glad, Nigel, you now think history to be an utterly wonderful subject [reply 14]. I always loved history and continue to enjoy reading so much about past historical periods as well as current news, a lot of time spent with newspapers and on Yahoo. I have however surprised myself by becoming interested in scientific developments, perhaps due to being shamed by knowing so few answers on University Challenge, though fairly OK on the Arts side where I do beat some of the contestants. One programme I have found particularly good is The Life Scientific with Jim Al-Khalilli interviewing prominent scientists in various scientific fields. It is on Radio 4 on Tuesdays (9a.m to 9.30p.m.). I would recommend this to anyone who does not yet follow the programme.
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 11 April 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
I have heard a few weeks ago from John Wakelin (Bop) [replies 11-14,17] who told me that he has just had another book published. The title is Education Purpose and Control. He asked me to mention it in any OE context I was involved in and hence this plug. You all know what authors are like in regard to sellihg more copies! It is priced at £11.95 + £2.70 p & p and cheques payable to Anima Publishing may be sent to ASK House, Northgate Avenue, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP32 6BB or else it could presumably acquired via bookshops. It is maybe a little specialist in subject matter but some may be very interested in this subject. By the way I note from EHJ's book Elizabethan Headmaster, where he lists masters and their ages, that JW is now about 84 years old but still able to write books and get them published.
Then & NowDATE: 11 April 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
I have heard a few weeks ago from John Wakelin (Bop) [replies 11-14,17] who told me that he has just had another book published. The title is Education Purpose and Control. He asked me to mention it in any OE context I was involved in and hence this plug. You all know what authors are like in regard to sellihg more copies! It is priced at £11.95 + £2.70 p & p and cheques payable to Anima Publishing may be sent to ASK House, Northgate Avenue, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP32 6BB or else it could presumably acquired via bookshops. It is maybe a little specialist in subject matter but some may be very interested in this subject. By the way I note from EHJ's book Elizabethan Headmaster, where he lists masters and their ages, that JW is now about 84 years old but still able to write books and get them published.
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 24 November 2014
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
A week ago I visited with my wife John (Bop) Wakelin at his home in Elsworth, Cambridgeshire, which is in fact nearer Huntingdon than Cambridge. He is now 85 years old, a year older than when I last posted about him (above). Ideally it would be good if he could post the latest info himself but I think that is very unlikely. As far as I can see he does not use a computer much if at all. He is still an author of books. He is currently working on one to do with his views on social security today to follow the recent one on his views on education today. Apparently he writes it in longhand and dictates it for typing in to an audio machine. I asked him if there had been any contact with any other OEs and he said not for some considerable time. As I have said before on this site, we do exchange Christmas cards and sometimes a letter in between. He did say that Chris Brand had been in touch over the years and he had also visited Chris when he was professor at Edinburgh.
During our visit to Bop's house we talked of many things but it did not feel right to stay beyond 3 hours, especially considering he does still suffer from ME, though in a mild way compared with years ago and is of course quite old now as well as having had a hip operation like me, after a fall at his place in Malden, Essex. There he still helps to control with his brother the caravan and chalet site which was originally his father's business. He stays there from March to October and so may only be visited at Elsworth at other times. Recently his wife Jennifer has died and some may remember her from games of Diplomacy played at their then home in Hadley Wood. His son Richard now lives in Suffolk with his wife and family. His daughter Ann lives in Western Australia with her husband and family. Naturally we swapped tales of children and grandchildren but that no doubt is of limited interest to others. John also has three lodgers at the Elsworth house, which helps with the bills.
Bop says he has had little contact with QEs since leaving there in 1965 but he did enjoy our reminiscing together the old Records Society visits we both took part in. There is more contact with the school he became Headmaster of i.e. Hinchinbrook Comprehensive (the old Huntingdon Grammar School). Next year that school has a 450 year anniversary from its founding in 1565 and he expects to be involved. When he went to the school there were 400 year celebrations, which he helped organize. The school history is distinguished with Lord Sandwich, Samuel Pepys and Oliver Cromwell connections and there is a book published with the school's history he tells me.
Then & NowDATE: 24 November 2014
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 56-63
A week ago I visited with my wife John (Bop) Wakelin at his home in Elsworth, Cambridgeshire, which is in fact nearer Huntingdon than Cambridge. He is now 85 years old, a year older than when I last posted about him (above). Ideally it would be good if he could post the latest info himself but I think that is very unlikely. As far as I can see he does not use a computer much if at all. He is still an author of books. He is currently working on one to do with his views on social security today to follow the recent one on his views on education today. Apparently he writes it in longhand and dictates it for typing in to an audio machine. I asked him if there had been any contact with any other OEs and he said not for some considerable time. As I have said before on this site, we do exchange Christmas cards and sometimes a letter in between. He did say that Chris Brand had been in touch over the years and he had also visited Chris when he was professor at Edinburgh.
During our visit to Bop's house we talked of many things but it did not feel right to stay beyond 3 hours, especially considering he does still suffer from ME, though in a mild way compared with years ago and is of course quite old now as well as having had a hip operation like me, after a fall at his place in Malden, Essex. There he still helps to control with his brother the caravan and chalet site which was originally his father's business. He stays there from March to October and so may only be visited at Elsworth at other times. Recently his wife Jennifer has died and some may remember her from games of Diplomacy played at their then home in Hadley Wood. His son Richard now lives in Suffolk with his wife and family. His daughter Ann lives in Western Australia with her husband and family. Naturally we swapped tales of children and grandchildren but that no doubt is of limited interest to others. John also has three lodgers at the Elsworth house, which helps with the bills.
Bop says he has had little contact with QEs since leaving there in 1965 but he did enjoy our reminiscing together the old Records Society visits we both took part in. There is more contact with the school he became Headmaster of i.e. Hinchinbrook Comprehensive (the old Huntingdon Grammar School). Next year that school has a 450 year anniversary from its founding in 1565 and he expects to be involved. When he went to the school there were 400 year celebrations, which he helped organize. The school history is distinguished with Lord Sandwich, Samuel Pepys and Oliver Cromwell connections and there is a book published with the school's history he tells me.
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