1930 - 1939
Ronald Naylor (1931)
The idea of how to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of my birthday arose several months ago. Discussions with close family resulted in arrangements and issue of invitations to a party on the day, 15th January, in the local village hall, for neighbours and friends with drinks and lite bites; and a lunch party on the following Saturday for family and relations.
Christmas intervened, but also the annual dinner (on the 9th) of the Uphampton Society, a loose association of most residents of the hamlet where I live. It culminated in virtually an advance birthday party with a present and a cake. The need to speak in response at all three events in the space of ten days was daunting, particularly as I was determined not to be repetitive, so it was essential to develop different themes suitable for each occasion.
I am very pleased to report that the three gatherings were successful and enjoyed by all. The companionship and pleasure that I derived from them will remain in my memory forever. (30/1/14)
Maurice Hambling Evans (1939)
After 93 years I have pulled up my Birmingham roots and settled in Yeovil, Somerset to be looked after by my daughter in her house.
There were four Evanses in our family who went to the School. With our middle name Hambling we were Herbert John, Rupert, Maurice and Anthony. John and Rupert’s names are on the School’s honours board (the signwriter’s mistake of ‘P’ instead of ‘R’ for Rupert I do not think has been put right). Unfortunately, I am the only one left.
A feature of our year (1939) was the number of moves we took part in. Firstly we started in New Street's Gothic Pile designed by Barry. The architect, Barry, was also responsible for the Houses of Parliament. After three years or so, we were moved to temporary buildings on the Bristol Road opposite the school playing fields. These temporary buildings were to have accommodated us until the new school on Edgbaston Park Road was ready. But, after we were sorted out and settled in, the wooden temporary buildings were razed to the ground by fire so a second move was needed. The University stepped in with the offer of their Great Hall until the burnt out building could be rebuilt. By Herculean effort the new temporary premises were finished (with more fire-proofing) not long after school would normally have started. Once settled in again life carried on as normal.
I have since had contact with the School through my son’s attendance, Jeremy R Evans (1974). (22/9/15)
Philip Woods (1939)
In November 2014 I was somewhat surprised to receive a letter from the Russian Embassy stating that President Putin had signed a decree awarding the Ushakov Medal to the British Veterans of the Artic convoys.
The Russian Admiral Ushakov (1745-1817) never lost a battle or a single ship and was proclaimed patron saint of the Russian Navy.
The award ceremony took place at County Hall, Worcester for convenience and the medal was presented to me by Alexander Kramarenko, Minister-Counsellor at the Russian Embassy.
It was a memorable and enjoyable occasion and the two guests I was allowed to take were my wife Gillian and my son Ian, also an Old Edwardian. Some two years ago I was awarded the Arctic Star Medal by the Ministry of Defence on behalf of the British Government. (17/4/15)
