REUNION 2006

Held at the Coach and Horses, Kew Green at noon on 27th April, 2006

Attendees (65):  Mike Ayres, Rosemary Ball (Caple), Mike Barrett, Christine Blyth (Fontaine), David Blomfield (guest), Caroline Blomfield (guest), Alan Bonfield, Barbara Bonfield (guest), Mick Buckley, John Campion, Sue Campion (guest), Will Campion, Hilary Campion (guest), Brian Caswell (guest), Reg (Bob) Cator, John Cator, Sheila Cator (guest), John Ceeney, Maurice Chainey, Joyce Chainey (guest), Reg Claiden, Joyce Claiden (guest), David Colley, John Cozens, John Diani, Gerry Fitch, Eric Foote, Audrey Jones (Fisher), Ken Gard, Josie Gard (guest), Peter Kimnell, Jean Grainger (Smith), Paula Grainger (Sage), Tony Hodgson (guest), Norma Hales (Rowe), Irene Horwill (Bradshaw), Valerie Horwill, Keith Lambert, Sally Lovell (Morgan), John Maunder,  Peter Middleton, Douglas Miles, Gwen Miles (guest), Bill (RA) Ron Needs, Ruth Needs (guest), Hugh Ockenden, Yvonne Ockenden (guest),Patrick O'Leary (guest), Betty Peak (O'Leary), David Richardson, Peter Rosier, Pam Rosier (guest), Fred Taylor, Maurice Taylor, Robert Taylor, Patricia Thomas, Ken Waterer, Rosemary Waterer (guest), Margaret Waterer (Samson), Sam Samson (guest), Alan Wicks, Peter Wicks, David Williams, Anne Williams (guest), Maureen Williams (Maunder)

 David Richardson hosted Reunion 2006 in a very suitable private Lounge and excellent facilities were provided by the Coach and Horses.  David was ably assisted by Betty Peak (O'Leary).  An exhibition area with 80 photographs and various memorabilia  assisted the explorations into yesteryear.

Ex-pupils and their guests came from far and wide to enjoy the opportunity to meet old acquaintances.  We were also able to welcome Tony Hodgson, son of Mrs Lucy Hodgson. 

 The event will be repeated in the Autumn of 2007.

You can see photographs in the Picture Gallery

REUNION 2008

Held at the Coach and Horses, Kew Green at noon on 9th April, 2008

Attendees (47): Sylvia Amner (Hyde) (guest), Doreen Ashton (Whybrow), Rosemary Ball (Caple), Mike Barrett, Christine Blyth (Fontaine), Mick Buckley, Brian Caswell (guest), Christine Caswell (Guest), Reg (Bob) Cator, John Cator, Ted Cronk, Ann Cronk (guest), Bobby Edwins, Mrs Mary Edwins (Guest), Gerry Fitch,  Phillip Gibbs, Michael Goodchild, Peter Kimnell,  Tony Hodgson (guest), Norma Hales (Rowe), Peter Lee, Janet Lee (guest), Douglas Miles, George Mordue, Marjorie Mordue (Guest), Jean Morgan (Williams), Joan Morsman (Woodhams), Patrick O'Leary (guest), Keith Owen, Doreen Owen (Guest), Betty Peak (O'Leary), David Richardson, Pat Rosier (Layzell Ward), Jimmy Russell, Hetty Russell (guest), Fred Taylor, Jeanette Taylor (Coldridge),  Maurice Taylor, Robert Taylor, Patricia Thomas, Robin Whybrow (Guest), Alan Wicks,  Peter Wicks, Arthur Williams,  David Williams, Anne Williams (guest), John Woodhams (guest)

David Richardson hosted Reunion 2008 .  The following is his speech of welcome............

 "Good afternoon, everybody and welcome to King’s School Reunion 2008 with a special welcome to our guests.

 The fact that so many have come today tells us, I think, that the School gave us a grounding that has stood us in good stead. 

Before I start I want to introduce Betty O’Leary, once upon a time Betty Peak who was at King’s School with her sister Linda who unfortunately can’t be with us today.  Others who are unable to be with us to include Brian Abigail, Tony Scarlett, Peter Middleton, Hugh Ockendon and Ian Pusey, who by the way is now a Church Minister.

But……… back to Betty who is my PA for today and I thank her for great assistance.

King’s School came into being in 1824 with the encouragement of King George the Fourth and the foundation stone for the building as we remember it was laid in 1887 as the population of Kew increased

The building was essentially the village school and was a landmark in Kew until it was demolished in 1970 when Queen’s School moved to Cumberland Road where it flourishes today.

Today’s gathering of pupils arrived during the pre-war years, some during it and others afterwards as King’s School became Queens School on the accession of Queen Elizabeth.  Most will remember the School not only for the education it provided but for the staircases. 

These were never easy times and we certainly knew all about rationing.  During the War, pupils had arrived from the East End of London and had arrived at Kew Pier by barge

Others will remember the School for the teachers and some for unscheduled dips in the pond and for sliding on the ice during the winters which were generally unlike anything we have today.

Like others I remember the air raid shelters on the little green and the odour peculiar to these dug-out buildings that some still recall with distaste even after all these years.

The privilege of ringing the hand bell that summoned the children to School was a high prize and is recalled in the Memories page of the website which has plenty of information and reminiscence.  You can find a copy of the Website on the table with other interesting detail of which I can always use more…….and especially photographs

Today’s message is simple and straightforward………….. relax and enjoy yourselves, it’s good to talk and we’ve got plenty to talk about."

You can see photographs in the Picture Gallery

Messages from overseas

John Charman (Hong Kong)................................18th April, 2008

Thank you for all the hard work and passion you’ve put into designing and building the Kings School website. It is really very much appreciated. I’m sorry I couldn’t make the last reunion; regretfully I have colon cancer and am now undergoing chemo. The prognosis is good and I’m feeling positive that I will beat this nasty. I hope to make the next reunion in 18 months.

 Incidentally when I retired from Rothschilds and decided to start my own wealth management business I named it after Haverfield Gardens where I was living while attending Kings School. Please take a look at Haverfield’s website www.haverfieldpartnership.com if you have a chance, this outlines Haverfield’s services.

Patricia Marion Yewen (Donovan) from Australia..............................18th April, 2008   

David - Congratulations on the successful reunion 2008 - I do sincerely hope to get to the next one.  Please pass on my regards to the following:  Pat Thomas, John Cozens, Alan and Peter Wicks, David Williams and Maureen Williams.  Regards to you all from Marion YEWEN and the YEWEN families

REUNION 2009

Held at the Coach and Horses, Kew Green at noon on 7th October, 2009

 Attendees (41):  Mike Barrett, Christine Blythe (Fontaine), Joe Borez (guest), Mick Buckley, Brian Caswell, Christine Caswell (guest), Bob Cator, John Cator, John Charman, John Cozens, Ken Dyckes, Judith Dyckes, Bob Edwins, Josie Gard (guest), Ken Gard,  Mike Goodchild, Maureen Goodchild (guest), Elizabeth Holmes (guest), Milly Horne (Mogford), Peter Kimnell, Ron Mogford (guest), Iris Owen (Morgan), Colin Morgan (guest), Joan Morsman (Woodhams), John Woodhams (guest), Keith Owen, Doreen Owen (guest), Betty Peak (O'Leary), David Richardson, Cynthia Romero (guest), Pat Rosier (Layzell Ward), Jeanette Taylor (Couldridge), Bob Taylor, Pat Thomas, Ros Tovell, Ann Quinton (guest), Sam Quinton, Colin Heaviside (guest), Vicky Quinton (Heaviside), David Williams, Anne Williams (guest)

 David Richardson hosted the Reunion, ably assisted, as ever, by Betty Peak (O'Leary) who took the photographs.  Valuable assistance in setting-up came from the management and staff of the Coach and Horses.

David welcomed the guests and passed on the greetings and good wishes of those who were unable to attend.

In addition to David's archive of photos and memorabilia, Pat Thomas ('Kew Through My Camera Lens') and Mike Barrett (One Hundred Years of Scouting in Kew 1909-2009) were able to display and sell these publications.  Pat also had copies of the 2009 publication 'Kew at war' by the Richmond Local History Society which proved to be very popular.

Photos of the Reunion can now be seen in the Picture Album. 

REUNION 2011

Held at the Coach and Horses, Kew Green at noon on 11th May, 2011

 Attendees (34):  John Abbett, Mike Barrett, Anita Bennett (Jarrett), Christine Blythe (Fontaine), Mick Buckley, Brian Caswell, Liz Charman (Vaughan), Jan Deykin (School Governor), Bob Edwins, Christine Evans (Mason), Gaye Gates-Sumner (Ambler-Smith), Gerry Godbold (guest), Mike Goodchild, Maureen Goodchild (guest), Jennifer Hales (Rowe), Tony Hodgson (guest), Shirley Leonard (guest), Kathleen Mason, Joan Morsman (Woodhams), John Woodhams (guest), Betty Peak (O'Leary), David Richardson, Val Robinson (Phillips), Madelaine Smith, Helen Stearn, Margaret Stearn, Pat Thomas, Sonia Wheeler (Bennett), guest, Alan Wicks, Arthur Williams, David Williams, Anne Williams (guest), Ann Wymer, Paul Wymer

David Richardson and Betty Peak (O'Leary) hosted the Reunion,

David welcomed the guests and introduced Jan Deykin (School Governor and parent) who gave details of the School's celebration of our 200 year milestone.

Photos of the Reunion can now be seen in the Picture Album

REUNION 2012

Held at the Coach and Horses, Kew Green noon on 17th October, 2012

Attendees (28):  Mike Barrett, David Blomfield (guest), Mick Buckley, Marjorie Carroll (Curry), Brian Caswell, Bob Cator, John Cator, Tessa Cleveland (guest), Bob Edwins, David Edwins, Christine Evans (Mason), Gaye Gates-Sumner (Ambler-Smith), Mike Goodchild, Maureen Goodchild (guest), Tony Hodgson (guest), John Maynard, Charlie McCarthy (guest), Betty Peak (O'Leary), David Richardson, Madeline Smith, Bob Taylor, Fred Taylor, Jeanette Taylor (Couldridge), Pat Thomas, Alan Wicks, Peter Wicks, Anne Williams (guest), David Williams

David Richardson and Betty Peak (O'Leary) hosted the Reunion,

David welcomed the assembly and told that Patricia Layzell-Ward (who was unable to be with us at the last moment) was writing a history of King's School.  David would advise when this became available.

Photos of the Reunion can now be seen in the Picture Album. 

REUNION 2014

Held at the Greyhound pub,  Kew Green at noon on 14th May, 2014

 Attendees (30):  Mike Barrett, Katie Bentham (Queen's School Headteacher), David Blomfield, Mick Buckley, Shirley Buckley, Stephen Cain, Brian Caswell, Bob Cator, John Cator, John Cozens, Peter Cozens,  Bob Edwins, David Edwins, Marjorie Edwins, Mary Edwins, Yvonne Edwins (Sutcliffe), Tony Hodgson (guest), Hazel Knight (O'Malley), Heather Knight (Tattum), John Maynard, Gail McLellan, Keith Owen, David Richardson, Pat Rosier (Layzell Ward), Bob Taylor, Jeanette Taylor (Couldridge), Pat Thomas, Ken Waterer, Rosemary Waterer, Arthur Williams

David Richardson and Gail McLellan hosted the Reunion at a new venue (the Coach and Horses can no longer provide for our Reunions having converted the accommodation to a Restaurant).

The view over the little Green evoked memories of Air Raid shelters for some and the large Green, the Kew Boys Annual of years gone by.

David welcomed ex King's School pupils and their guests who included the Queen's School Headteacher, Katie Bentham who told of the School's plans for radical building changes.  Patricia Layzell Ward has published her history of King's School which was on sale at £5, all revenues to the School.  David Blomfield has also produced his account of 300 years of St. Anne's Church which was also on sale at £10, all revenues to the Church.

Jennifer, the Manager of the Greyhound and her staff took orders for food and drink in the upstairs Dining Room and the venue proved to be very satisfactory for our gathering.

Photos of the Reunion can now be seen in the Picture Album. 

An e-mail from Pat Rosier (Layzell Ward) to David Richardson:

It was a good meeting on a beautiful day. The sale of copies of The School by the Pond at the meeting raised £90. A cheque was sent to Katie Bentham requesting that this be spent on books for the school library. She handed the task of selecting the books to the School Council. The representatives have sent letters describing how they consulted their Years for suggestions and then went to the Kew Bookshop to purchase them. The rest of the stock has been sent to Queen's to be sold at the school fete asking that the proceeds to be spent on more books.

Your work on the website started an interesting voyage of discovery. The School's records, as you know, have been preserved and make fascinating reading. Have suggested that the School Council might consider bringing the history forward since the new building is underway. Could be an interesting project.

REUNION 2015

Held at the Greyhound pub,  Kew Green at noon on 21st October, 2015

 Attendees (23):  Philippa Back, Mike Barrett, Katie Bentham (Queen's School Headteacher), Brian Caswell, Bob Cator, John Cator, John Cozens, Eva Croucher (guest), Marian Drew (Mollett), Christine Evans (Mason), Mike Goodchild, Jennifer Hales (Rowe), Tony Hodgson (guest), John Maynard, Jane Morris (Cook), Joan Morsman (Woodhams), David Richardson, Madeline Smith,  Bob Taylor, Jeanette Taylor (Couldridge), Mary Taylor (Campbell), Alan Wicks, Arthur Williams

David Richardson hosted the Reunion at last year's very acceptable venue and provided much memorabilia which was carefully examined.  Playground photos were scrutinised and were later copied by David for Jane Morris (Cook) who had not seen them before.

David welcomed ex King's School pupils and their guests who included the Queen's School Headteacher, Katie Bentham who told of the School's progress with radical building changes. 

Marian Drew (Mollett) told the Reunion of her ongoing research into former pupils whose names appear on the Kew War Memorial and was able to add to her archive in talks with other ex-pupils.

The view over the little Green encouraged many memories and considerable conversation.

Elena, the Manager of the Greyhound and her staff took good care of the assembly providing food and drink in the upstairs Dining Room.

No photos were taken on this occasion.